Swartswood Sailing Club Hosts Upcoming Sailboat Regatta

One 'leg' of a four race series for the Sunfish Championship of North Jersey will take place May 15th and launch from Hendershot's Cove, Swartswood State Park. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Swartswood Sailing Club will host the event that draws over thirty sailors to the starting line in brisk spring breezes.

The sailors are competing during the year in a series of races at four different North Jersey lakes, including Highland Lake, Green Pond, Spruce Run Reservoir and Swartswood Lake. Two of the four events are in the spring and the final two are dates in the fall. This scheduling usually results in strong seasonal winds that add excitement to the competition as the Sunfish skippers hike out while seeking to bring their boats to a plane for maximum speed.

The Championship Series is sponsored by SANJL (Sailing Association of North Jersey Lakes) and is open to everyone and draws all ages, from young teens to senior citizens. Membership is not required to participate and each event has a $15 entry fee to cover awards and light refreshments.

As a spectator event, all four races of the Regatta racing may be viewed on Saturday, May 15th from points on the shore or, by being out on the lake in a boat of your choice between 11am and 3pm. State Park Superintendant Blanca Chevrestt reminds all boaters that only electric motors are permitted and life jackets are required on board.

Sunfish sailors interested in participating can register on site at Hendershot's Cove at 9am Saturday, May 15th. Public parking is available on site for boats, trailers and vehicles.

Host Club, SYC, welcomes new members, both Social and Racing, as they enter their 51st year of sailing on Swartswood Lake. Sailboats participate in Mixed Fleet Races and Sunfish Fleet Races from May to October. Visit the club homepage for more info, or call Commodore Lydia Bessler at (917) 698 5132.