On Saturday, April 13, we’ll hold our annual Tall Cactus Regatta at Lake Pleasant, so round up your fleet and get registered! This uniquely named regatta is still cause for celebration for AYC sailors 37 years after its inception.
The day will begin with an optional Skipper’s Meeting at 11:30 am at Spinnaker Point, followed by the warning signal at 1:00 pm. This will be a long-distance race; you can view the course map here.
Registration closes Thursday, April 11, so sign up now! Here’s a link to the racing page, which includes the combined Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions, Course Chart, and the sign-up button. Entry is just 15 bucks.
After-Race “Spring Fling Social” with Food and live music: The race competitors/crew and ALL AYC members are invited to a catered party at a member’s house close by. Reach out to your skipper and request they RSVP all crew and guests for the after-race party!
Awards will follow!
A Bit of Tall Cactus History
In 1987, Tall Cactus founders Charley Fife and Mike Ewens envisioned a fun, competitive race that any boat could participate in; welcoming both racers and cruisers and creating the opportunity to learn from each other. Originally held over two days at Lake Roosevelt, the event included a Sat & Sun 25-mile long-distance race, dinghy races between AYC and Tucson Sailing Club, and a Volleyball competition between the two clubs. They partied, sailed, rafted up, and shared a meal during the on-shore cookout. Charley once shared, ” At maybe the first event, they went through 200 lbs of ice, two kegs of beer, and 150 steaks.”
Cover photo: Onne van der Wal