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very January first – rain or shine, hot or cold – brave sailors climb aboard a sailboat.

It’s been going strong for the last 32 years.

Vinny III deploys a rainbow spinnaker.

Instead of watching football on New Year’s Day football, they start the year on the water. Every boat is welcome, all disputes are solved on the water, and the mandatory skipper’s meeting happens after the sail. Usually at a local restaurant in the afternoon.

That’s where the regatta winner is chosen; it doesn’t matter who crosses the finish line first, the winner’s name is pulled from a hat at the skipper’s meeting.

This year, the regatta winner was the boat that crossed the line first: SV Tula, captained by Jeb Blackwell.

SV Tula, winner of the 2026 Instead of Football Regatta.

2nd place: SV Mariposa, Capt. Moe Jones
3rd place: Bow to Stern’s Cal 25, Capt. Jere Julian

The bow of SV Long Run.

A group of sails: blue, white, and red sails.

SV Kalani follows two other sailboats downwind.

SV Stinger

Sometimes a sailboat needs a little motor help.

Wearing a 2026 headband, a crew member of SV Livin’ Large waves at other boats.

The only vessel with a tanbark sail.

SV Mariposa passes the mark.

Vinny III heads downwind.

Human ballast helps balance the boat.

The happy crew of Il Gatto.

Adjusting the lines on SV Ricochet.

Different sail types help move the sailboats downwind.

Checking the wind vane.

SV Lark and their crew of one.

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Story by Allison DeWeese. Photos by Joe Clark.

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Posted Saturday January 3, 2026 by Allison DeWeese