Lakefest Regatta 2013

Begun a quarter century ago as the Easter Regatta held on Lake Texoma, Lakefest was the

first charity regatta in the United States. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere sailing events and is still recognized as the largest inland charity regatta in the U.S.

This year, Lakefest will feature three separate racecourses: one for the PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF Cruising and PHRF Leisure fleets, a dedicated racecourse for sportboats (such as the VX One Design) and one for the Flotilla. With a large number of PHRF boats expected, the handicap fleet will be divided into numerous divisions giving everyone from high octane racing sloops to "bimini & BBQ" cruisers ample and fair competition. Keelboats and multihulls of all sizes, types and speeds are encouraged to participate.

The event begins with boat launching and check in at Grandpappy Marina on Lake Texoma  Thursday, April 18th.  The blessing of the Fleet will be at 10 am on Friday, as the boats begin to depart the Marina.  The first race will begin at 10:55 am and the Flotilla start is scheduled for noon. 

On Saturday, the spectator Boat will leave Grandpappy Marina at 11 am with the first flotilla scheduled to start at noon.  The spectator boat will return around 3 pm to the Grandpappy Marina fuel dock.

On Saturday evening, the sailor's along with the general public are invited to the pavillion at Grandpappy Marina for "Wishing Away in Texomaville." We will have live entertainment by Fin City, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band as well as silent auction and dinner.

Since its inception, Lakefest has raised more than $2 million in support of various children’s charities in North Texas. The Texoma Lakefest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation.

 The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas

 In 2009, the Texoma Lakefest Foundation selected a new beneficiary – the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas. The sole purpose of the Make-A-Wish Foundation is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, in order to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Their goal is to provide children with the hope for better times, strength through the tough times and the joy to experience the present. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted more than 3,000 wishes since its inception in 1982.

"Doctors provide the medicine; the Make-A-Wish Foundation supplies the magic."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas is part of the nation's largest and most well-established wish-granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the U.S. and abroad. The Make-A-Wish Foundation draws on that strength, as well as its vast local network, to make a child's dream a vivid and memorable reality. Every fulfilled wish represents a unique collaboration between wish families, medical professionals, volunteers and donors. The Make-A-Wish Foundation provides the structure, but it is the child's request that determines the wish.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas covers 106 counties and expect to grant more the 500 wishes annually. Proceeds from the Lakefest Regatta will focus on granting wishes to children in Grayson and surrounding counties.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not for profit corporation. Donations to the Texoma Lakefest Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation are fully tax deductible as allowed by law.

For more information, please visit www.texomasailing.org and www.northtexaswish.org

To find more fun things to do in the Lake Texoma area, visit the Events Page on www.texomaconnect.com and if live music is one of your favorites, stop by the Entertainment Page.  We have a list of great places to visit and interesting things to do on TexomaConnect so come see us soon!