Later this month, Watauga Lake will play host to the inaugural Patriot’s Sailing Regatta as one local club’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to some of the region’s veterans.
The Watauga Lake Sailing Club will hold the Patriot’s Sailing Regatta as a way to honor veterans and give them the chance to experience the healing benefits of sailing, said club Commodore Anita Remme. The regatta will begin and end at Lakeshore Marina.
“This is the first year we have done this event. I am the Commodore this year for Watauga Lake Sailing Club and wanted to find a way to honor and show are support for the Veterans,” Remme said. “After some research I found that other clubs do this and it is great for the veterans. It has a competitiveness that they like and the water can be calming. “
Approximately 15 sailing captains, some of them who are veterans themselves, will host about 30 service members from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Mountain Home and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter No. 39 for the special event.
Remme said the regatta will be “a competitive but fun race” and she hopes the event will give the veterans a chance to experience the healing of life under sail.
“Many of our veteran’s are exposed to injury and the long term effects of PTSD,” Remme said. “The teamwork and competition of sailing can provide a social and psychological restoration into everyday life.”
After sailing, the veterans will enjoy a time of camaraderie and fellowship with their fellow veterans and sailing partners during a meal donated by the Chick-Fil-A of Elizabethton. Special musical entertainment will be provided by Kryss Dula and Friends, Remme said.
The Regatta will kick off at 2 p.m. on July 16 at Lakeshore Marina.
There are still openings for veterans to sign up to take part in the Patriot’s Sailing Regatta. Those interested can sign up through the Mountain Home VA by calling Recreation Director Kim Gladson at 423-926-1171 ext. 7920 or by contacting Anita Remme by phone at 423-542-4616 or email at doevalle@comcast.net.
Any local businesses, civic groups or individuals who would like to donate gifts or prizes for the veterans taking part in the Patriot’s Sailing Regatta can also contact Anita Remme at the telephone number or email address above. “Donations would be much appreciated,” Remme said.