Buckled into a life vest and sailing overalls, 10-year-old Charli Baden bobbed into upper Hillsborough Bay today in a dinghy about as big as a bathtub.
"See you later!" her mom, Michelle Baden of St. Petersburg, called from shore at the Davis Island Yacht Club as the sail on Charli's craft puffed full in the breeze.
The young sailor was one of about 140 competitors in the yacht club's annual Thanksgiving Regatta, a storied event dating back to the 1940s. Event chairman Tim Rutherford said about 85 percent of the competitors ranged from ages 8 to 18.
"It's great to watch because it is a family event," Rutherford said. "It's really heartwarming to see so much participation."
The regatta includes four race courses, each lasting about an hour to 90 minutes, for different skill levels. At least 30 sailors, including Rutherford's 9-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son, sailed in 8-foot-long Optimist dinghies like Charli Baden. Designed by Clearwater resident Clark Mills in the 1940s, the boats resemble soapbox-derby racers, Rutherford said.
The sailors are competitive at sea but "great friends" on shore, Rutherford said. "The spirit of the sport and the camaraderie is just really strong."
Michelle Baden said her daughter has been racing for about three years. The youngsters are well-trained and well-watched by coaches, safety boats and cheering parents, she said.
Before launching her boat, Charli Baden said she used to be nervous going out on the water but now finds sailing fun.
"I like how you can have a lot of freedom," she said, "just feeling the wind and being out on the water."
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