Local Flying Dutchman fleet to host national championship regatta

By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

This July, Willow Bank Yacht Club (WBYC) in Cazenovia will host the 2019 Flying Dutchman National Championship — an annual regatta that will draw sailors from Maine to California.

The “Cuspidor” regatta, which will be held July 19 to 21, is open to all members of the national Flying Dutchman (FD) class.

The competition will feature eight FDs, including WBYC’s three-boat fleet.

According to WBYC FD Fleet Captain Thomas Lewis, Cazenovia is home to the last remaining FD fleet on the east coast.

Lewis began racing FDs in 1970.

“I chose the FD because it is an absolutely beautiful boat,” Lewis said. “It’s a two person boat so you have company while sailing. Also, it’s a fast boat.”

When Lewis began racing, there were FD fleets across the country.

“Unfortunately, when the FD class was dropped from the Olympics, they lost popularity,” Lewis said.

While the Dutch boat lost favor in the U.S., it still remains popular in Germany.

The regatta will conclude with an award ceremony Sunday afternoon.

“We are absolutely delighted to host the 2019 Flying Dutchman National Championships,” said WBYC Commodore Susan Light. “One of the fastest racing dinghies in the world, the FD has long been a part of the Willow Bank sailing community. This regatta is a great opportunity to showcase Willow Bank Yacht Club and Cazenovia to racers from all over the country. Let’s hope for good winds.”

WBYC is a private, member-focused club with sailing and social activities. In addition to its FD fleet, the club also races 420s, Finns, Lasers, Lightenings, Optimists and Sunfish. Club races are held on Sundays throughout the summer.

To learn more about WBYC and its racing fleets, visit willowbankyc.com.