Larchmont Junior Race Week 2025: Sailing, Summer Fun, and a Tradition That Keeps Growing
feature image photographed by Rafael Posvar
written by Erin Wojdaszka
From July 14th through 17th, Larchmont Yacht Club once again opened its doors and docks to hundreds of junior sailors for the 99th Annual Junior Race Week—a beloved summer tradition that brings together competition, friendship, and plenty of fun. This race week is a fun way to bring together a competitive feel, but also good vibes with many clubs along the long island sound both in CT and NY. Larchmont had participation from junior sailing programs of all different sizes.
Junior Race Week wouldn’t happen without the incredible volunteers, coaches, and staff who make it all run smoothly. From organizing courses to setting marks, serving dinner, and hosting events, the Larchmont sailing community came together to pull off another successful week for future sailing stars.
Junior Race Week didn’t deliver perfect conditions, but it definitely brought plenty of action and some solid sailing. Monday started off light, and while the breeze wasn’t exactly cooperating, the Race Committee managed to squeeze in one race per class before the wind gave up entirely. Tuesday showed a little more promise. ILCAs were able to complete another full race, and the committee really hustled to try and get more racing in. Unfortunately, the breeze kept tapering off, forcing a few starts to be abandoned just as things were getting going.
By Wednesday, though, things finally started to click. The day began with a light but steady breeze, and the Race Committee got th e sailors out for a harbor start. They set up a classic Windward/Leeward course, complete with an offset mark at the top and a leeward gate—making for some strategic sailing and a bit of extra excitement. Both the start and finish lines served as obstructions on the downwind, to allow for different classes to start.
The first ILCA race kicked off in a light breeze, with some sailors favoring the committee boat and others favoring the pin. The strong current made things challenging, especially when it came to rounding the windward and offset marks—angles were tough, and timing was everything. It was a true test of patience, finesse, and quick thinking on the water.
All in all, despite the light breeze,, Race Week proved that with persistence and teamwork, you can still come away with solid racing.
And while Thursday wasn’t part of the main event, all eyes were on the younger sailors, as Opti Day arrived to give the next generation their time to shine.
Larchmont Yacht Club knows that regatta fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. While sailors brought their A-game on the racecourse, they also helped create a warm, welcoming community throughout the week. After each day of sailing, racers were greeted with frozen treats, followed by dinners just for them:
- Monday: Classic pizza night
- Tuesday: A delicious dinner in the Jr. Clubhouse, followed by the always-anticipated Junior Dance in the Pandemonium
- Wednesday: Local favorite, Walter’s Hot Dogs
- Thursday: Ice pops and hot dogs for the Opti sailors
photo taken by Rafael Posvar
The Junior Dance was truly a highlight—with 420, Feva, and ILCA sailors gathering to celebrate the regatta in style. Dressed to impress (yes, ties and collared shirts were required!) The sailors danced, laughed, and connected with friends from across the Sound.
With Opti Day closing out the week and the 100th anniversary right around the corner, there’s a lot to look forward to. Until then, you can check out the full list of participating clubs here: Race Week Results & Info
photo taken by Rafael Posvar
The following is a list of the clubs that had five or more boats registered, and there were many more with at least one boat registered, totaling 203 sailors: American, Black Rock, Cedar Point,Centerport, Douglaston, Huguenot, Indian Harbor, Larchmont Shore, Larchmont Yacht, Milford, Noroton, Northport, Norwalk, Pequot, Riverside, Sea Cliff, and Stamford.
photo taken by Rafael Posvar
