by Maddy ZolloBeached 420, Laser and Optimist sailboats are lined across the shore of the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, while kids and teenagers scramble around - rigging their boats and getting last minute advice from their instructors. These junior racing teams, hailing from around the Cape to Nantucket, are all here for one reason - to participate in the Edgartown Yacht Club's 84th Annual Regatta. "Regattas are just so much fun," says a young sailor from Hyannis Yacht Club. "I love going to different places to compete with my team." For three days, the visiting teams do just that - compete. This year there were 64 boats sailing in the 420 division. Lauren Burke from Tabor came in first place in the series that consisted of twelve scored races. These junior racers are part of an Edgartown tradition and may one day go on to compete in the main regatta as adults, trading in their 420s or Optimists for something even more seaworthy. Every year on regatta weekend, the harbor seems a little more crowded with beautiful sailboats all showing off their yacht club's flag with pride.Regatta Weekend is one of the busiest times of the summer for the Edgartown Yacht Club, but year after year they are able to pull off a fantastic weekend. Events such as a members only barbecue and the Regatta Ball, to the races themselves, all make the Edgartown Regatta truly an event that illuminates the town and leaves a lasting memory for everyone who is involved in this nautical tradition.
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