This past weekend, the Wilmington River gleamed with possibility as the 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Regatta, hosted by the Geechee Sailing Club, brought a beloved tradition to life once again. With sails snapping in a steadily building breeze, 19 skippers took to the water in a spirited celebration of seamanship, resilience, and community—only one had to sit out due to a missing crew, a testament to the dedication of all who showed up.
Saturday’s races played out like a well-paced symphony—each course slightly shorter, each leg charged with the quiet thrill only a sailor knows. And when the final sail was lowered and boats docked, the energy carried into the evening at Molly McGuire’s on Wilmington Island. Under soft lighting and the warm glow of shared stories, skippers, crews, spouses, sponsors, and Geechee members gathered for a night that felt like a scene from a coastal novel—laughter, slideshows of the day’s best moments, and the simple joy of a community well met. The wine and beer flowed, the buffet was plentiful, trophies were awarded, and yes—there was cake.
Sunday brought another surprise. Though light winds had been forecast, nature had other plans. After a brief delay, the river offered up a near-perfect breeze. Boats beat their way downriver, then hoisted their spinnakers to soar back toward the finish line—graceful and determined.
A highlight of this year’s regatta was the presentation of the Sportsmanship Award, given to a skipper who embodied the true heart of sailing. After clipping the starting pin, he took his penalty turn without hesitation, then struggled with an over-sheeted sail that left him temporarily stuck in irons. But he didn’t give up. With steady hands and unwavering grit, he made his way back into the race—earning not just respect, but a well-deserved place in the story of this regatta.
Like many races, this weekend was a gathering of passion, perseverance, and people who love the wind, the water, and each other. If you’ve never experienced the magic of the St. Patrick’s Regatta, perhaps next year it’s your time to hoist the sails.
