Mark your calendars, sailors, because Summer Sailstice is coming up on June 22, 2024. And if you don’t have plans yet, we hope today’s blog post will change that. Keep reading for an overview of 10 epic sailing celebrations that you won't want to miss.
What Is Summer Sailstice?
Summer Sailstice is the annual celebration of sailing and was founded in 2001 by John Arndt. It aims to share and celebrate a global love of the sport, so most events are free to all participants. Since 2001, the event has grown from 200 to nearly 5,000 boats, with about 19,000 estimated participants annually. So, what is summer sailstice? Simply the perfect way to celebrate the longest day of the year!
When Is Summer Sailstice?
Since its inception, the annual Summer Sailstice has been held on the weekend nearest the summer solstice. This year, that date is Saturday, June 22, 2024.
Why Celebrate Sailing?
Summer Sailstice unites sailors worldwide to share and celebrate their passion for sailing. As many of you know, sailing has expanded the horizons of humankind, connected continents, and enriched the lives of boaters worldwide. And by celebrating Summer Sailstice 2024, we help sailors connect with one another, introduce the beauty of sailing to the non-sailing world, and encourage people to protect the waters on which they sail.
10 Sailing Events During Summer Sailstice
Need help figuring out how to spend Summer Sailstice? Check out these ten exciting sailing events happening this year:
1. Green Bay Sail & Paddle
Green Bay Sail & Paddle is celebrating Summer Sailstice bright and early with ‘Intro to Sailing’ and ‘Intro to Kayaking’ classes on Saturday, June 22nd, from 9 a.m. to noon. Then, sailboat and kayak rentals will be available from 1 pm to 4 pm. And finally, they’ll end their evening with a Couple’s Night Sailing event at 5:30 pm.
2. 22nd Annual PNW Summer Sailstice Jeanneau Rendezvous
Gear up for a fun-filled weekend with the folks at Cap Sante Marina! They're hosting an all-weekend rendezvous from Friday, June 21st to Sunday, June 23rd. The exciting festivities include a dock party, educational seminars, prize drawings, and more.
3. CBTSC Summer Sailstice 2024
The Chesapeake Bay Tartan Sailing Club is hosting an exciting sailing event departing from Harness Creek off the South River in Maryland on Saturday, June 22nd, at 3 p.m. And after a day of boating on the longest day of the year, join the raftup for drinks, delicious food and good company.
Read Next: 10 Safety Tips for Swimming Around Boats
4. World's Highest Summer Sailstice at Lake Dillon
This summer, for the first time on Colorado's Lake Dillon, The Dillon Marina, the Town of Dillon, and the Dillon Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program are thrilled to host a Sailistice event in collaboration with the international community on June 22nd at 2 p.m.
Participants can look forward to a welcoming meet and greet, the opportunity to sail alongside fellow community members, and a one-of-a-kind bay concert event. All proceeds from this celebratory event will support the DYC Junior Sailing Program.
5. CreekFleet Summer Sailstice Regatta
The CreekFleet Summer Sailstice Regatta takes place on Sunday, June 23, at 10 a.m., and the event is open to anyone with a daysailer less than 20 feet long.
Basically, they aim to get three boat races in before lunch and at least three after lunch. So, come prepared and pack a picnic meal to enjoy in between races. And the best part? There’s no charge to attend other than the Metropark entrance fee!
6. San Francisco Sailstice Sail on Brigantine Matthew Turner
Cruise Summer Sailstice 2024 in style by boarding a classic tall ship sailboat! On Saturday, June 22nd, at 2 p.m. you and your whole family can sail on the Matthew Turner, a 132’ wooden brigantine built in California!
Plus, students of all ages may benefit from her one-of-a-kind teaching platform, which offers seamanship, Marie Science, nautical history, and team-building courses.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Enroll in a Sailing Course
7. 11th Annual Cherokee Lake, Tennessee Summer Sailstice Pursuit Race
This annual event on Saturday, June 22nd, is the final day of their Spring Series, marking the beginning of summer cruising. You can find all the necessary info on the Cherokee Lake Sailing Club’s Facebook Page.
8. Gulf Coast Cruising with Murray Yacht Sales
Join Murray Yacht Sales for another epic Summer Sailstice 2024 on Lake Pontchartrain! This year is even sweeter, as it marks their 50th year serving the Gulf Coast boating community. Come celebrate and share your mutual passion for sailing on Saturday, June 22nd, at 12 p.m.
Read Next: Beginner Sailing Tips
9. SailTime/Sailing School Courses: ASA 101-114/Sailing Charters in Newport Beach, CA
Set sail with Newport Beach Sailing School! Learn the basics (or everything you need to know!) at their introductory course on Saturday, June 22nd, at noon. Plus, join SailTime Newport Beach to continue your sailing adventures year-round.
10. Summer Sailstice in Second Life 2024
Last but not least, Summer Sailstice in Second Life invites everyone to join “the greatest sailing experience in the metaverse” on Saturday, June 22nd. The event features yacht clubs, marinas, races, boat displays, and cruises. Plus – they’re promising the world’s largest boat exposition!
To find more Summer Sailstice events, check out the Summer Sailstice events map.
