LAKE HAVASU CITY – March is the season to witness the alluring adventures of the McCulloch Cup Hobie Cat Regatta race. The inspiration behind Hobie Cats comes from the founder of Hobie Cat Company.
It was the business that made its name with their water sport accessories and reliable products for several decades. The company was founded by surf and sailing entrepreneur Hobart (Hobie) Alter, who started building surfboards as a teenager.
Later, he would invent the Hobie 14, the first beach catamaran. Eventually, the inventory of the boats transformed into a massive expansion, which led to the debut of the Hobie Class Association of North America (HCANA) in the 1960s.
The association would then go on to host nationwide regatta races. Four years before Alter’s death in 2011, he was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame leaving behind a national treasure.
Lake Havasu is helping to keep Alter’s legacy alive with the sport that has enticed many generations, but still has many more to follow. Sponsored by the Lake Havasu Yacht Club, the McCulloch Cup Hobie Cat Regatta has sailors all geared up for the competitive race.
There will be racers who have traveled all across the west for the exciting event. All sailors of multihull catamarans can compete, but only present HCANA members are eligible for the challenge in the regatta.
Applications for memberships will be available at the race for anyone interested in joining. There is a required spectator fee of only $3.
The McCulloch Cup Hobie Cat Regatta Race is a two-day event beginning on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake Havasu State Park Windsor 4. It will be a memorable weekend to bring your family and friends to take in one of Havasu’s most scenic races.
Phaedra Veronique
