2026 BAREFOOT OPEN
October 9-11, 2026
What a weekend! The 52nd Barefoot Open Regatta was a tremendous success, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible people who came together to make it happen!
👏 To our volunteers: Thank you for the countless hours, hard work and dedication behind the scenes. You are the heart of this event!
❤️ To our sponsors, local businesses and donors: Your generosity and support helped make this weekend possible. We are truly grateful!
⛵ To our racers and crews: Thank you for showing up, competing and bringing your enthusiasm and sportsmanship to Lake Lanier!
🚩 To our Race Committee and PRO: Thank you for your expertise, flexibility and commitment to delivering a great racing experience!
🎶 To our members, dinner guests and friends: Thank you for celebrating with us, supporting our silent auction and making Saturday night so memorable!
📸 NOW WE WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTOS & VIDEOS!
Did you capture some great racing action, memorable moments, Saturday night festivities or behind-the-scenes fun?
Please share your favorite photos and videos by replying to this email or posting on the Barefoot Sailing Club Facebook page! We’d love to see the weekend through your eyes and share those memories with our sailing community.
💙 From everyone at Barefoot Sailing Club, THANK YOU for making the 52nd Barefoot Open one to remember!
Fair winds, great friends and unforgettable memories! ⛵
52nd Barefoot Open Regatta (BFO)
October 9 - 11, 2026
* WEATHER UPDATE *
As we prepare for the 52nd Barefoot Open, we are closely monitoring the weather and evaluating several contingency plans based on the latest forecasts.
Safety remains our top priority, and we'll adjust racing plans as conditions warrant.
⛵ RACE POSTPONEMENT: Saturday races have been postponed to Sunday.
🍽️ SATURDAY NIGHT IS STILL ON! Dinner, the Silent Auction and live music by Thunder Gypsy will continue regardless of the racing schedule.
Note: Dinner is at 5:30 PM, but doors will open at 4pm (no earlier) for early game day viewing. Please BYOB for early arrival.
🏈 GO DAWGS! We’ll also have the UGA game on TV during dinner, so you won’t miss the action!
We appreciate everyone’s flexibility and patience as we navigate this forecast. We look forward to seeing everyone this weekend.
Welcome to the 52nd Annual Barefoot Open!
After more than 50 years, the Barefoot Open is the longest continually run regatta on Lake Lanier. It has a reputation as one of the best run and most fun regatta weekends offered on the lake. Come sail and celebrate with us! It’s a great way to spend the weekend!
This year’s Barefoot Open will be hosted at the Lake Lanier Sailing Club and begins on Friday evening with the Skipper’s Meeting and social. Skippers will pick up racing instructions, shirts and skipper bags, and we will provide a light dinner.
Racing begins on Saturday at 10:00 with award-winning US Sailing Judge and Barefoot member Edith Collins, and PRO Jonathan Stewart officiating. Barefoot’s own Racing Captain Matt Geiger will run a mark boat and will help with scoring.
Saturday’s racing will be followed by a delicious dinner and live music event on Saturday evening. Enjoy appetizers, tasty catered dinner entrees, and dessert. After dinner, our favorite band, Thunder Gypsy, will play a fun mix of popular music for your dancing and listening pleasure. Don’t miss out on the traditional Silent Auction fundraiser for Barefoot Sailing Club - we have some terrific items this year!
On Sunday, racing continues at 10:00 with the Awards Ceremony immediately following the end of racing. This year’s awards are truly unique, special, and hand crafted by Martelino Studios. Don’t miss your chance to take one of these beautiful awards home with you!
On behalf of the officers and members of Barefoot Sailing Club, I welcome the skippers and crew of the racing and cruising fleets, sailing friends both new and old, and our fabulous sponsors. I hope you enjoy this fun-filled weekend of racing and camaraderie! Welcome to the 2026 Barefoot Open Regatta!
Laura Clarke
2026 Commodore, Barefoot Sailing Club
-
BOAT REGISTRATION (WITH DINNERS & SHIRTS) OR JUST DINNERS & SHIRTS
Registration is now open! Register a boat ($65), purchase dinner tickets ($35) or a shirt ($25 - $38).
-
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS (updated 10/9/26)
-
COMPETITORS
Track the fleets and your competition on our COMPETITORS page.
-
CREW/SKIPPER BOARD
Available to crew or skipper? Use the board for potential matching. Note, the board is public-facing, so any posted contact info is public. If preferred, feel free to put "bfscweb@gmail.com" and we'll forward inquiries.
-
SCHEDULE
NOTE: As noted above, we are monitoring Hurricane Isaias and adjusting the schedule as needed. So far, we've updated the Sailing Instructions to accommodate an extra hour of sailing Sunday by pushing back the latest warning signal from 1400 to 1500. Stay tuned for further updates.
Saturday races postponed to Sunday.
Dinner Party starts at 5:30 PM (1730). Early game day viewing available at 4 PM (1600). BYOB for early arrival.
-
SILENT AUCTION
From marine services to PFDs and stunning artwork, this year's silent auction is not to be missed. Come early for early game day viewing and start making your bids on the auction items. Bidding is expected to end about 9 PM.
-
SPONSORS
Each year, our generous sponsors help make the Barefoot Open a success by donating their expertise, goods, and services. We hope you'll consider supporting their businesses.
-
VOLUNTEERS
Without the tireless effort of our many volunteers, the Barefoot Open would not be possible. THANK YOU!
-
PHOTO GALLERY (50th BFO)
-
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER AND DANCE PARTY
-
THUNDER GYPSY is back by popular demand! So, bring your dancing shoes.
Rooted in the traditions of Southern soul, Memphis blues, and electric grooves from Chicago to New Orleans, THUNDERGYPSY takes familiar favorites and breathes new life into them.
-
The Diner at Sugar Hill will cater our dinner including:
-
Chicken Piccata
sautéed breasts of chicken with lemon caper beurre blanc. served with creamy risotto and sautéed seasonal vegetables.
-
Old Fashioned Pot Roast
carrots, red bliss mashed potatoes, pot roast gravy.
-
Oak Fire Grilled Salmon
lump crabmeat and lobster brandy sauce, basmati rice, asparagus.
-
-
Entrees will be served with Garden Salad and Assorted Desserts.
52nd Barefoot Open Regatta (BFO)
October 9 - 11, 2026