Welcome to the 20th Sail Oswego Regatta!

In the spring of 1987 sailors across the US were cheering on Dennis Connor as he regained the America's Cup from the upstart Aussies. Back in Oswego, Wednesday evening PHRF was in its infancy and we held club meetings under the awning at the Eastside Marina. There were some very cold Launch and Haulout Meetings held during the early years! And the City of Oswego was just beginning to recognize the value of its waterfront.

Against this backdrop, a group of OYC members met in my living room and to plan a regatta. We had convinced Apple Computer to provide sponsorship, now all we had to do was figure out how to host a regatta. How little we knew back then.

1988 was an exciting year in Oswego. The community began to value its waterfront with plans to further develop Wright's Landing and the riverfront. While a group of civic minded leaders started Harborfest, OYC found a new home in the basement of the McCrobie Building, and the first Sail Oswego was held.

Remember the Superintendent's Challenge? The stairs? The time the Committee Boat swamped and almost sunk? The stairs? The unisex bathroom with the sign? The stairs? The Fireworks? The stairs? Much has changed since the first Sail Oswego.

In 2005 OYC moved to the International Marina. A year later we installed 200 feet of deep water docks. And we reduced the stairs to the club to only one flight.

Twenty years ago we set out to host one of the best regattas on Lake Ontario. Because of the tremendous suppport we have recieved from sailors across the lake, from Toronto to Rochester to Kingston to Henderson to Sodus, we have been able to host a fun competititive regatta for almost 20 years.

To all the sailors that have supported our regatta over the years, a heartful thank you. Without your support our vision would not have been attained.

To our loyal sponsors, especially LaBatt's, thank you for your support. Labatt's and their local distributor Eagle Beverage have been supporters for 20 years, title sponsor for 17 years. While the competitors provide the action, Labatt's and our other sponsors provide the fun. Remember, dance with the one that brought you.

To those who have yet to compete at Sail Oswego, what's stopping you? Sail is one of the largest most competitive regattas on eastern Lake Ontario. And did we mention the city wide party and front row seat for the fireworks?

Welcome to the 20th Sail Oswego LaBatts Blue Regatta. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Dave Lochner
Chair
20th Sail Oswego