The X-boat regatta was at risk of being cancelled, like so many events, due to the CoVid 19 pandemic. But 2020 could be the last summer for some students to compete in the youth category. The last races are important milestones in their sailing education. Those kids deserved their last shot at a championship regatta.
The ILYA, partnering with the Pewaukee Yacht Club, found a way to make it happen. With a few tweaks in the tradition to keep it safe, Lake Pewaukee hosted the special event.
Organizers took every precaution to host the race on Lake Pewaukee from July 27 – August 1. People signed up from Minnetonka and Oshkosh, to Geneva, Nagawicka, and North Lake.
Teams had to forego some traditions. There was no physical award ceremony, no gathering for food and drink, no social events. However, they were replaced with new ways to compete, celebrate, and share the event.
Opening ceremonies were held on Zoom. Teams brought their own chairs and their own food supplies. Best of all, neighbors pitched in and stepped up.
As many as 15 Pewaukee Lake residents offered the use of their private homes and docks. Each team was assigned a dock. The homeowners provided washrooms and hand-washing stations.
DEL Flags was proud to make team flags and yacht club burgees to mark the dock stations around the lake. DEL also made ILYA championship flags, with the team names, for each X-boat.
DEL Flags is pleased to be the exclusive supplier of gear for the Pewaukee Lakes Sailing School. Find us at https://pyc.yachtclubwear.com
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