All-Iowa X-Boat Regatta comes to Clear Lake

Young sailors recently had a chance to learn from one of the best, then test their skills in races, as Clear Lake hosted an All-Iowa X Boat Regatta Monday and Tuesday, June 27-28.

Thirty-four youngsters, ages 16-years and younger, took part in the event based at the Clear Lake Yacht Club.

Kids from both Clear Lake and Okoboji were instructed by sailing champion Andy Burdick and local businessman Charlie MacNider. Burdick, from Wisconsin, is a Melges 24 World Champion crew member, a multiple time national champion and president of Melges Performance Sailboats.

CLYC Sailing School President Chris Long said the X Boat regatta was created by those in Clear Lake and Okoboji in preparation for larger regattas held later this summer.  Eleven boats from Okoboji and six from Clear Lake took part in the races.

“The kids are getting a lot of great coaching,” said Long.  “This is primarily a teaching event, with the fun of competing and training thrown in.”

Long noted the event is also a good way to get kids on the water and give sailing a try.

“You don’t have to own a boat to learn beginning to racing class sailing.  The Clear Lake Yacht Club Sailing School is open to anyone with an interest.  We hope it will become a fun, life-long recreation for many.”

  Clear Lake will host the Inland Lake Yachting Association Opti Championships  July 31 to Aug. 2.