Message to the Sailors of the 47th Annual Sanderling Regatta

Thank you to all of you who are committed to the BBYRA and Sanderlings, and those NBYC members who continue to make this annual regatta a possibility in its 47th year and hopefully for another 47 or more.

 My parents were dedicated to sailing on Barnegat Bay.  For DECADES they ran this regatta, meticulously planning every detail to make sure that this day ran smoothly.  It was important to them. YOU and your experience were important to them. 

Last year, after my mother passed away, this day was renamed in their honor.  It officially became the Steve & Betsy Foster Sanderling Regatta. My dad, who had mobility challenges, was able to attend this event last year and I believe this was the last time he was able to partake in a social outing.  To all of you who were there that day, Thank You for making it so special.

 My dad passed away on July 1st, 357 days after my mom.  You honor them both by coming here today and sailing.  You honor them every time you sail on the bay.  Because sailing was what called them to this island back in the 1970s.  It’s why they joined this yacht club in 1979; to be a part of the Barnegat Bay sailing community.  It was ALWAYS about sailing.

 So thank you again for being part of this great tradition; for recognizing the importance of sailing, embracing the sportsmanship of Sanderling racing, and caring for this unique body of water that we call Barnegat Bay.