Photos Link: https://judybonanno.smugmug.com/Sailing/LASER/2026-St-Pat-s-Day-Raritan-regatt/St-Pat-s-Day-Regatta

2026 St Patrick’s Day RC Laser Regatta Location: Raritan Yacht Club, Perth Amboy, NJ Host Club: Raritan YC RC Laser Fleet #375 # of Entries: 22 Winds: 5-15kts Races completed: 18
A beautiful morning set the scene as 22 skippers assembled on the RYC main dock for the race briefing from RC Laser Class Secretary Frank Scalisi. With 18 races planned, sailors were eager to get underway at the opening regatta of the Liberty RC Laser League.
  Under the direction of PRO Judy Bonanno, the first two groups made their way to the start area, with the fleet unanimously selecting the B rig. The breeze held steady through the morning, briefly pushing into C rig range, while a strong current added to the challenge — producing exciting racing and the occasional rescue from the chase boat.
  A well-timed lunch break brought competitors up to the RYC clubhouse, where everyone had the chance to reconnect and socialize. St. Patrick’s Day–inspired corned beef sandwiches and potato leek soup set the stage for the afternoon ahead.
  Returning to the water for the second half, the current had eased and the breeze held steady until the final two races, when thoughts turned to the A rig — though only a few skippers chose to switch.
  With racing wrapped up, skippers made their way back to the clubhouse for the prize giving and some well-deserved refreshments. It was a close finish, with just one point separating first and second. Congratulations to Tom Sollas, who took top honors, with Paul Scalisi in second and Frank Scalisi and Stuart Challoner tied for third.   A big thank you to all the volunteers, the dock cleaning crew, and the local and visiting sailors who made this regatta a success. Attention now turns to the next Liberty League Series event — the Bunny Bowl Regatta at Metedeconk River Yacht Club on April 18.