2025-26 Commodore Regatta/Winter Series Results and Award Dinner

NYRA concluded its 2026 Commodore's Regatta and annual awards dinner on Saturday, February 21, at the newly opened FairfieldHarbor clubhouse in Fairfield Harbor.

The event took place in the Loon room which featured stylish decorations arranged by NYRA member Jenny (230457) and catering by The Posh Palate Catering Company, our favorite local caterer.

The days racing on the Neuse presented difficult winter conditions, including variable winds and chilly rain. Despite the challenges, 12 boats competed across the Spinnaker, Non-Spinnaker, and Navigator fleets. Boat of the Year award was on they line this race with a score sheet tied  at 15 between Badfish (Ed Doughty) and Patriot (Jonathon Brown)

At the evening awards dinner, featured custom artwork commissioned for the regatta by NYRA's board director, Blake Sohn. Winners received framed prints of the pieces, and the original artworks were auctioned among attendees, with all proceeds directed to NYRA.org to support the organization's activities.

The Standout Performers

Commodore Regatta winners included:

• Spinnaker Division: Badfish, skippered by Ed Doughty

• Non-Spinnaker Division: Mystic Blue, skippered by Al Lang

• Navigator Division: Dulcinea, skippered by Kevin Scott and Gary Scott

The dinner also recognized standout performances from the 2025-26 NYRA Winter Series, a seven-regatta series, and special annual awards:

• Winter Series

  • Spinnaker: Blue Note / Mark Brennesholtz-Mark Hittner 

  • Navigator: Vertical Wing/ Paul Mills

• Boat of the Year

  • Spinnaker: Badfish / Ed Doughty

  • Non-Spinnaker: Dutch Wind / Ed Thompson

  • Navigator: Dutch Wind / Ed Thompson

• Crew of the Year: Jim Hickman

• Sportsman of the Year: Clare Lynn Brock

NYRA extended congratulations to all award recipients and expressed particular appreciation to its volunteers, including Joan Wilson for her coordination of the Regatta Series, and to President Stephanie Davies for her ongoing leadership.

NYRA encourages members to renew their annual dues (JOIN HERE). Captains are asked to remind crew members to submit the $25 annual fee, which helps sustain the club's sailing events and facilities on the Neuse River.