Local teens had the wind at their backs during Pittsburgh Sailing’s annual regatta

Students set sail on the Ohio River on Sat., Oct. 3, for the fourth annual high school sailing regatta organized by the Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League. Clear skies and substantial wind gusts made for the ideal sailing weather. Sailors from eight Pittsburgh area schools competed in five competitive races over the course of the morning. Students from Pittsburgh Science & Technology Academy came out on top after winning a tie-breaking race against Carpe Diem, a team comprised of sailors from several local schools.  Students from SciTech sail on Oct. 3, 2026. Pittsburgh Sailing Founder Joe Kirk expressed the importance of inclusion and safety saying, “Safety is our most important issue, but the whole program is based on the idea of trying to attract kids to sailing who have not had the opportunity to participate. We are a no-turn-away program based on the ability to pay.” The sailing league is ran by volunteers and welcome to all skill levels according to Kirk.  Barry Bunnell sails as runners pass by. The safety boat relays information to sailors on the river. Barry Bunnell sails on the Ohio River. Parents watch as students compete in the Pittsburgh Point of Sailing high school regatta. Pittsburgh Sailing Founder Joe Kirk walks along the Ohio River. This year marked six years of the high school sailing league in Pittsburgh. Kirk says, “These sailors have accomplished something that probably 60% of people who own a sail boat never will.” The program now offers an adult learn-to-sail class as well. The Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League finished up their season over the weekend, but they will be back on the water in May of 2027.  The post Local teens had the wind at their backs during Pittsburgh Sailing’s annual regatta appeared first on Pittsburgh City Paper | News, Dining, Music, Best Of, Arts, Film .