On a bright early August afternoon, the Bronx River became a racecourse for a new generation of sailors.
Rocking the Boat’s inaugural Hunts Point Youth Regatta brought formal competitive sailing to the Bronx River for the first time ever. In all, 28 high school Rocking the Boat sailors competed in 10 races over four hours in a fleet of six Club 420s and four RS Quests. Conditions were ideal: the sun was shining, and the wind held at six to eight knots from the southwest.
Under the skilled guidance of Harry Precourt Director of Sailing Alec Basilion, Program Managers Sara Almo and Mackensie Wall, and longtime volunteer Jeffrey Mevorach, proud parents and thrilled sponsors followed the action from spectator boats. Alicia Martorella-Poole from Cedar Point Yacht Club stepped in as Principal Race Officer.
The day continued back at Rocking the Boat’s boatyard with food from Great Performances, drinks from Union Beer Distributors, and an awards presentation celebrating every participant.
Dawn Riley, a Hall of Fame sailor and team captain of the first all-women’s team in the America’s Cup, was a special guest. She drove one of the spectator boats and reflected, “The enthusiasm and energy of the day was empowering for everyone—the sailors, of course, but also the sponsors and volunteers who took some time out from their day jobs to soak in the joy.”
“It was an honor to be part of the inaugural Hunts Point Regatta,” added Akbar Rivzi, representing Spring Bank, the first sponsor to sign on. “Rocking the Boat’s dedication to empowering local youth through mentorship, teamwork, and hands-on experiences is creating lasting change in our community. We are proud to support an organization that is helping young people chart a course toward brighter futures.”
The participants rolled with the shifting breeze and repeatedly repositioned their marks yet impressively adhered to the professional format throughout. In race settings, competitors do not always cheer each other on, but Rocking the Boat’s sailors did—with tremendous gusto. One team finished last in every race they entered but never gave up, ending the day with two of the biggest smiles and the “Best Sportsmanship” award.
Carlos, who spent his entire high school career in the Sailing program, summed up the day this way: “This is my last year and last time racing with RTB, and so I didn’t think of the Regatta as competitive, as much as it was the last opportunity to spend time with my sailing family.”
And perhaps no one captured the spirit of the day better than one of our own sailors, Kevin, who put it simply: "It doesn't matter if you lose once. Always give it your all because you never know what might happen."
Rocking the Boat extends tremendous thanks to its sailors and their families, staff, volunteers, and generous sponsors nearly all from the South Bronx business community who contributed a total of nearly $40,000.
Their support helped make the day not only a competition, but a celebration of young people, community, and the Bronx River. See the full photo album here.
