Rainbow Regatta Cancelled Due to High Winds: Sarasota Bay Disappoints Solo Sailors

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron was abuzz with excitement as sailors from across the state gathered for the annual Rainbow Regatta. However, this year’s event did not go as planned due to high winds causing dangerous conditions in Sarasota Bay. The disappointment was palpable as 75 solo sailors had to pack up their sails and head home.

Among the disappointed sailors was Rita Steele, a 75-year-old sailor who has been navigating the waters for decades. Steele’s love for sailing began in 1980 when she purchased her first Sunfish and entered her first regatta. Despite a rocky start, Steele persevered and continued to hone her skills on the water.

Steele’s passion for sailing is evident as she reflects on her experiences, from learning how to sail with her German Shepherd on board to drawing parallels between flying seaplanes and gliders to sailing. She credits fellow sailor Ursula Olson for much of her sailing education and cherishes the camaraderie of the Luffing Lassies, a female sailing club based at SSS.

Mary Ellen Brown, another dedicated sailor at SSS, shares Steele’s passion for the sport and emphasizes the mental and physical challenges that come with sailing. Brown, who took a hiatus from sailing for 25 years, returned to the water with a renewed vigor and determination to improve her skills.

As the disappointment of the canceled regatta lingers, sailors like Steele, Olson, and Brown remain undeterred in their love for the sport. Their dedication and passion for sailing serve as a reminder of the resilience and camaraderie that define the sailing community at SSS. Despite the challenges they face, these sailors continue to push themselves to new heights, both on and off the water.