Action from a previous Barefoot Open Regatta.

The racing tradition at Barefoot Sailing Club has reached a significant milestone: 50 years of racing on Lake Lanier. From its early days, the club sponsored small-boat racing, but over the years, it competitions have expanded to include multiple fleets of auxiliary boats in two days of serious racing.

“Back in the early days, the club focused on dinghy racing,” said Lisa Schoer, commodore of the social sailing club. “Today, the majority of our members sail larger cruising sailboats and the competition is always keen.”

The 2-day regatta is open to all sailboats on Lake Lanier. A valid PHRF (performance handicap racing fleet) rating, issued by the Lake Lanier PHRF Committee. Fleets will be offered by rating ranges in both spinnaker and non-spinnaker groups.

Friday night’s skippers meeting sets the tone for the weekend at University Yacht Club.

Races on Saturday begin at 10 a.m. Dinner will be catered by University Yacht Club; music by ThunderGypsy playing beach music and classic Sixties to Eighties tunes and dancing will follow.

“This year, we are opening Saturday night’s dinner and party beyond race participants and their crews,” she said. “We welcome people to come to dinner and the party, as long as they register at our website in advance. It’s a good time to meet other sailors and get to know our club.”

Sunday’s races are slated to begin at 10 a.m., followed by a social hour and awards ceremony.

Schoer anticipates six racing fleets, depending on registration.

For more information, to register for the event or to join the club, visit barefootsailingclub.org.

Photo: by Ron Goldfarb