Named after Robie Pierce, a disabled sailor himself and a driving force in sailing with disabilities in the U.S., this regatta was conceived by the Flag Officers of the Larchmont and American Yacht Clubs to be run jointly by the Clubs and hosted by each on alternating years. 2009 inaugural regatta at American Yacht Club drew 22 teams sailing in specially adapted Ideal 18s. 2011 saw the inauguration of the first all women's disabled regatta. Seven teams participated from both the U.S. and Canada.
For those of you who never had the pleasure of meeting Robie Pierce, he was a wonderful man who worked tirelessly to bring adaptive sailing to a larger group. He was a sailor who battled MS for over 30 years and his illness fueled his passion to create new adaptive sailing and training opportunities. Leading the way, he continued to sail after being diagnosed and was most proud of winning the World Disabled Sailing Championship in 1993. We lost Robie in 2017 and though we promised Robie that we would never call this the Robie Pierce Memorial Regatta, he did agree that we could toast him each year. We look forward to having you participate in the regatta and toasting Robie!
Able Bodied Team Members Each boat will be crewed by two sailors with disabilities and one able bodied sailor (AB). The AB will assist in an action/activity that the sailors cannot do, must be able to take command of the boat in an emergency situation and must be able to move about the cramped cockpit of an Ideal 18 safely. Participants may bring their own AB or an AB will be provided by the Organizing Authority upon request.
Boats/Adaptations The Organizing Authority (OA) will provide adapted Ideal 18’s for fleet racing. The competitor is responsible for a refundable boat damage deposit of $1000. Adaptations will be made to each boat reflecting each sailor’s disability per the Notice of Race. Other adaptations may be permitted by the OA – such as alternative tiller extensions, suction hand holds, but no extra purchase systems may be added nor any holes drilled into any of the borrowed boats. The additional adaptations must be approved by the OA and adaptations should not increase the advantage over other competitors.
Eligibility Skippers shall belong to their National Governing body. All disabled sailors are eligible to compete and the OA encourages people with any manner of physical disability to participate. Note, you do not have to have a US Sailing certified disability to participate.
Entry Fee The Robie Pierce Women's Invitational is free of charge. The entry fee for the Robie Pierce One-Design Regatta is $150 per sailor. This fee includes racing costs, Ideal 18 charter, all provided breakfasts, lunches, dinners, beverages and snacks plus the awards ceremony. Full boat entry fee is due at time of registration. There is a $75 per AB brought as part of a team.
Equipment Each sailor shall provide their own PFD, and the competitors shall arrive equipped with at least one VHF radio per boat.
Regatta Facilities
- Ideal 18's and sails with no additional charter fee
- Individual guest charge accounts can be set up and billed to credit cards
- Borrowed Boat Insurance provided by the Organizing Authority
- Adaptations for Ideal 18's
- Race Committee and Protest Committee; Sailing Instructions; NOR
- Adequate safety boats on water
- Accessible toilets and wash-up area for the competitors
- Volunteers to assist sailors getting on/off boats at the dock and to rig/de-rig
- Breakfast and lunch Thursday for the Women's Regatta and for the Robie Open they are provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Dinner Saturday with an award ceremony on Sunday for the Robie Open Regatta
- Adequate accessible parking
ROBIE PIERCE REGATTAS
Thank you to our sponsors!!!