Windsurfing Regatta to feature Hobie 16 Catamaran sails

May 13—WORTHINGTON — Hobie 16 Catamaran sails will hit Lake Okabena during Worthington's Windsurfing Regatta and Music Festival next month. The Hobie racers will be in a separate race course from the windsurfers during the June 13-15 festival, but they will all be in the water at the same time.

Hobie Division 7 initiated the addition of the Hobie 16 championship to the Regatta schedule. They are part of the Hobie Class Association of North America and cover Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas.

"We just try to put on some entertaining races," Jake Larson, Hobie Division 7 chairman, said. "(We're) just a group of sailors who like to meet up every couple of weeks and get out on the water."

Larson joined the division 20 years ago when he was just 12 years old.

He said every year is not always the same when it comes to the number of races, but this year, they have six planned. He also said they usually have a mix of boats at their races, but this one will solely be Hobie 16's.

"It's a little bit of a different event that we don't normally run, having all one class of boats" Larson said. "We'll see how this one goes."

Depending on the turnout and if everyone has a good time, Larson said it may be something they'd like to come back and do again.

Chris Wessels, Regatta organizer, said they are hoping for 15 teams altogether. As of Friday, five teams were registered.

Event registration is $100 per team and youth registration is $75 if the skipper and crew are under 21 the day of the race. The fee includes racing, two meals on Saturday and a lunch on Sunday. Registration is available through

regattanetwork.com/event/29309

.

According to Larson, those who register must become a member of the Hobie Class Association of North America. More information is available on Regatta Network and the

Hobie Division 7 Facebook page

.

Larson is looking forward to the race. "It's going to be a good time," he said.

When Larson prepares for a race, he takes his boat out on the water to get all of the cobwebs off first. Then, he checks over the boat to make sure everything is still in good condition and cleaned up, ready to go.

"And then, practice is key," he said. "Just getting out on the water."

Hobie Division 7 hopes to get more people involved and out on the water sailing.

"We've got some sailors who'd like to take out new sailors or people who are interested in it," Larson said. "Get them out on the water and get them to understand what sailing Hobie Cats is all about."