Youth sailors test their skills at SailFest regatta

The 36th annual SailFest Regatta was held from April 6-7 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

SailFest is Sarasota Youth Sailing's biggest fundraiser of the year.

SYS program administrator Krystal Sullivan said children from across Florida train for the weekend starting the previous summer; 215 sailors registered for this year's regatta.

Sailors have been training in one of three types of sailboats. Optimus sailboats are usually for sailors 7 to 12 years old. Laser sailboats are usually for sailors 13 to 18 years old, and 420 sailboats are for a two-person team, with sailors 14 to 18 years old.

This will be Sullivan's third year working at SailFest. She said her sons have been sailing with SYS since they were 10 years old. Their love for the sport fueled her passion for volunteering for the organization.

Sullivan volunteered for the previous two years and now is the program administrator. Her sons are also coaches for SYS.

"Getting the kids on the water is the best part," said Sullivan. "These kids have been training for a while now and for a lot of them it is their first race. Seeing the smile on their face when they are doing what they love and feeling accomplished makes it all worth it."