Bayweek 2025: I-LYA Sets Sail on 140 Years of Tradition at Put-in-Bay
The sails return to Put-in-Bay this weekend as the Inter-Lake Yachting Association (I-LYA) celebrates 140 years of sailing tradition with the return of its iconic Bayweek Regatta, running August 1–3.
Held at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club, Bayweek 2025 will serve as a double counter in both the Eastern and Western divisions of the I-LYA PHRF Championship Series, drawing competitive fleets from across the region. It’s more than a regatta—it’s a century-old celebration of sport, camaraderie, and island life.
Following a successful Junior Sail Regatta earlier this month—which brought 85 youth sailors from around Ohio to the bay—this weekend marks the main event. Racers from Cleveland, Toledo, and Sandusky are expected to arrive by water in advance, including through the Steeplechase Race and deepwater races beginning July 30 and 31.
From Friday through Sunday, spectators can expect:
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PHRF Fleet races around the islands with possible windward/leeward courses
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Single/Double-Hand races with one to two around-the-island races per day
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JAM & Cruising Fleets racing one or two laps around South Bass as conditions allow
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Hobie Wave & Portsmouth Dinghies battling in triangle or windward/leeward formats
Off the water, the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club hosts nightly socials, including a Mount Gay Rum Party on Friday, a Tito’s Party on Saturday, and daily awards with free beer for competitors. There’s even a Ladies’ Tea on Saturday afternoon, continuing the traditions that date back to the club’s founding in 1886—just one year after I-LYA was established.
“The regattas still follow the original traditions,” said Lady Karla Reamsnyder in an earlier interview with The Beacon. Her sentiment echoes across the docks: this isn’t just a race weekend. It’s a gathering of generations who’ve kept sailing strong through storms and calm alike.
For more information or to view full race details, visit i-lya.org. Source: The Beacon
