Dinghy Dames Friendsgiving Regatta

By: Marti Cochran and Dee Gill

Fifty four sailors and a dozen participants signed up for the Dinghy Dames Friendsgiving Regatta, held on November 11, 2025, making it one of the largest of the FWSA's Interclub events held this year. Even though a polar vortex scuttled racing, the Dames did not disappoint.

The kick off barbecure, originally scheduled at the Davis Island Point, was moved indoors due to the cold temperature and high wind. Last minute hostess Jen Holmburg welcomed 30 guests to her home the night before the event for grilled hot dogs, homemade chili, cole slaw, baked beans, cowboy caviar and more. Her mulled cider warmed and fortified sailors for racing the following day.

The following morning, sailors woke to a temperature of 37 degrees and wind gusts to 32 knots. Bundled volunteers greeted the forty sunfish sailors and fourteen pram sailors expected to race at the gate to Davis Island Yacht Club. They then shuttled them to the club where they checked in and took in the breakfast spread.

While everyone waited for safer temperatures and wind speed, the Dames produced a solid education program in the clubhouse. Gail Heausler, Dinghy Dame and six time Women's North American Sunfish Champion discussed winning the start and heading up the course. Cameron Smith, Tampa Yacht Club Sailing Director and DIYC member, described downwind tactics and boat handling, Luffing Lassie Lisa Ehrhart displayed and explained a tote bag full of sailing gear for all conditions including cold weather sailing and Dinghy Dame Emily Wagner described some of the latest boat equipment including the double purchase mainsheet.

A large contingent of race committee, dolly helpers and other volunteers remained ready all morning. At 11:10 am with the air temperature still below 48 degrees, a real feel temperature of 35 degrees and a water temperature of 70 degrees, PRO

Missy Weiner made the call to cancel sailing. Lunch, Davis Island Yacht Club's signature harvest salad buffet and soup were served soon after.

Organizing a regatta requires a huge amount of work involving many hours of planning, recruiting and preparation. A big thanks to Jen Holmburg, Dinghy Dames Interclub Chair, Missy Weiner, PRO for the event, and the dozens of Dinghy Dames volunteers. Their work, including developing an amazing back up plan, made sailors feel like it was well worth the trip even without splashing our boats.

Dinghy Dame Gail Heausler discusses winning the start and heading up the course

Tampa Yacht Club Sailing Director Cameron Smith described downwind tactics and boat handling

Luffing Lassie Lisa Ehrhart demonstrates sailing gear

Davis Island Yacht Club 's Harvest lunch buffet

Edited by Marge Whiteman