August 1 – 7, 2025Vol. 27, No. 8

Rome Yacht Club Regatta Returns

by Kay Overfield

Every August, Northbay Lane residents set up lawn chairs along the shore to watch 10 to 15 sailboats cruise across the bay. Many different styles of boats and sails, all beautiful as they gracefully skim across the cove. And there’s always a bit of excitement as the children spy the black sail with skull and crossbones.

For many years, the beach here held one of the clues. As one of the sailors came ashore to get that clue, our five-year old neighbor squirted him with a water gun. The victim immediately grabbed his chest and fell down on the dock crying, "Ya got me."

All the boats have to collect about seven clues before heading to Crooked Island for a cookout and presentation of awards. Lots of fun traditions.

My granddaughter Erica, now 24 years old, was a young girl when she wrote this poem about the regata. It inspired my husband and me to join the regata a couple of times, once winning a prize — a cute little paddle for coming in last. Great fun.

The evening before the regatta, all are invited to attend the Commodore’s Ball. No need to wear a fancy gown. Attendees mostly wear shorts, tank tops and flip-flops. Always plenty to eat and drink. Pizza, snacks, beer, wine and soda. And lots of laughs. A wonderful tradition.

This year’s regatta took place on Saturday, August 2.

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