Calling all Sailors! Summer Sailstice arrives on June 21, 2025 and it’s time to plan your celebration. Read on for an overview of 10 epic sailing celebrations that you won't want to miss.
What Is Summer Sailstice?
Founded in 2001 by lifelong sailor John Arndt, Summer Sailstice is an annual global celebration of sailing. It’s all about sharing the joy of sailing and connecting sailors around the world. Since 2001, the event has grown from 200 to nearly 5,000 boats, with about 19,000 estimated participants annually. Best of all, most events are free to all participants. So, what is Summer Sailstice? In short: it’s a perfect excuse to celebrate community, the sailing lifestyle and the longest day of the year!
When Is Summer Sailstice?
Since its inception, the annual Summer Sailstice has been held on the weekend nearest the summer solstice. In 2025, that date falls on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Why Celebrate Sailing?
Summer Sailstice brings together the global community of sailors to share and celebrate their passion for sailing. Sailing has expanded mankind’s horizons, connected continents, facilitated cultural exchange and enriched the lives of boaters worldwide. By celebrating Summer Sailstice 2025, you’re doing more than enjoying a day on the water. You’re helping sailors connect with one another, introducing the beauty of sailing to the non-sailing world, and encouraging people to protect the waterways on which they sail.
10 Sailing Events During Summer Sailstice
Need inspiration for how to spend Summer Sailstice? Check out these ten exciting sailing events happening this year:
1. CreekFleet Summer Solstice Regatta
CreekFleet Sailing Club is celebrating the Summer Sailstice on Sunday, June 22 at Stony Creek Metropark in the Detroit area. This free event is welcomes sailors with daysailers that are less than 20 feet long for a friendly regatta featuring at least six races, a BYOB picnic lunch, and an after-race gathering. Even if you don’t have a boat, you’re welcome to join and get in the spirit.
2. Chatham Sailing Club Annual Summer Sailstice Raft-up
Chatham Sailing Club’s annual Summer Sailstice raft-up will be held on Saturday, June 21. The fun begins at 9:30 am at Wassaw Sound in Savannah, Georgia and is open to all local sailors/clubs—bring food to share, drinks, plenty of water, sunscreen and musical instruments.
3. Youth Sailing Virginia Free Sailing Day
Introduce your kids to sailing—for free! Youth Sailing Virginia is offering children the chance to try sailing on Saturday, June 21. To take advantage of this opportunity, just bring your kiddos to the Youth Sailing Virginia Mill Creek Pier in Fort Monroe, Virginia beginning at 9:00 am. They’ll be thanking you long after the day is over.
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4. Tall Ship Festival in Brockville, Ontario
Step back in time and enjoy an immersive maritime experience at the Tall Ship Festival in Brockville, Ontario from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22. Tour a majestic fleet of historic ships, enjoy interactive displays and demonstrations, local vendors, food trucks, live music and more. This waterfront festival only takes place once every three years so don’t miss out!
5. Catawba Island Club Celebration of Summer Sailstice
Explore the islands of Lake Erie at the Celebration of Summer Sailstice on Saturday, June 21, held at the beautiful Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton, Ohio. Sailing takes place in the morning, followed by a cookout in the in the afternoon. (Open to all club members and their guests).
6. Clearwater Yacht Club Sunset Sail
Celebrate Summer Sailstice 2025 with a Sunset Sail hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club in Clearwater, Florida. Depart on Saturday, June 21 two hours before sunset —about 8:31 pm—and return to the club to enjoy tasty drinks at the Tiki Bar. Powerboat members are also welcome.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Enroll in a Sailing Course
7. Montego Bay Yacht Club Sailstice Cruise and BBQ
Hosted by the Montego Bay Yacht Club in breathtaking Freeport, St James, Jamaica, the Sailstice Cruise and BBQ on Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 am promises a good time. After the 3 to 5-mile sail, enjoy a raft up, swimming, and return to the club for a Members BBQ.
8. East Coast Sailing Association Sailstice Celebration
The East Coast Sailing Association is celebrating the Sailstice with a cruise planned for June 21–22 departing from Grills Riverside Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar, Melbourne, Florida. Head to the beach bar for happy hour beginning at 5:00 pm followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. Bring your friends and family for a full day of fun on the water.
Read Next: Beginner Sailing Tips
9. San Diego International Boat Show
Surround yourself with all things nautical at the San Diego International Boat Show from Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, June 22 at Safe Harbor Sunroad in San Diego, California. Explore 150+ vessels on land and in the water, plus vendor activations, entertainment, and more. Whether you’re buying, dreaming, or just soaking it in, you won’t run out of things to do and see.
10. Edgartown Race Weekend
Last but not least, the Edgartown Yacht Club in Edgartown, Massachusetts has hosted one of the nation’s top regattas on Martha’s Vineyard each summer since 1938. Taking place on Saturday, June 21, this storied event features competitive racing with plenty of lively social activities mixed in. Drawing teams from all over the U.S. and abroad, the Edgartown Race Weekend is a must for racing enthusiasts and spectators alike.
To find more Summer Sailstice events, check out the Summer Sailstice events map.
