Last Call for Summer Sailstice

The days are getting longer, and slowly sailing is returning to some semblance of normalcy in the Bay Area. Summer will officially start this Saturday, June 20, and with it, on the longest day of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere, we will celebrate the Summer Sailstice.

When the world sheltered in place due to COVID-19, Summer Sailstice was the only event to unwaveringly remain on the sailing calendar. Many questioned why it would not be canceled, but it turns out a pandemic is perfect for Summer Sailstice.

The reason is simple and lies in the ethos that created Sailstice 20 years ago. Summer Sailstice is a day for all sailors to celebrate the escape, freedom, chaos and joy of sailing together, while we’re separated by both distance and unique sailing passions.

It quickly became apparent that parties, raft-ups, open houses and other events that bring large groups of people together would not be possible. That didn’t seem like a good enough reason to throw in the towel for the 20th anniversary of Summer Sailstice. At that time, it seemed likely that Sailstice might consist of Zoom calls or watching sailing videos from home, but we were sure that one way or another, we could still celebrate sailing ‘together’.

The events map has exploded in recent weeks, with restrictions easing in many parts of the world. This year brings no exception to the diverse ways people are sailing and celebrating sailing, perhaps even more so than in years past.

The Alaska Sailing Club in Wasilla, Alaska, which will see the longest day of sailing, is planning informal racing to comply with local regulations. In New Zealand, the Whangarei Marina is hosting a Winter Sailstice party. Neenah-Nodaway Yacht Club, one of the oldest yacht clubs in the country, is hosting a day of Nautical Scrabble on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. The Annapolis Viper Fleet brings racing back to the Chesapeake on Sailstice. For those who can’t get out on the water, Second Life sailors have planned the largest virtual sailing event ever. They have even added a Novice race for those, like me, who have never sailed in the virtual world. Here on San Francisco Bay, the Yacht Racing Association is hosting a Photo Treasure Hunt.

There is no wrong way to celebrate this weekend. If you haven’t put in your plans yet, there is still time. Don’t miss this opportunity to help make the 20th anniversary of Summer Sailstice the most memorable to date. There is a great list of prizes for anyone who participates, including a chance to win a week-long charter on the Chesapeake from Dream Yacht Charter. All you have to do is sign up, and celebrate sailing this weekend.

Will you be celebrating Summer Sailstice? Let us know how in the comments.