For four days each December, young sailors from around the globe descend on Coconut Grove for racing, friendship and chance to make their mark in the world of competitive sailing.
For many people, “Orange Bowl” means football — the annual post-season bowl game, dating to 1935, pitting two of the top college teams in the nation. But for others the Orange Bowl represents something entirely different — a renowned international sailing regatta held in Biscayne Bay each December that brings together young athletes from around the world.
Hosted by Coconut Grove’s Coral Reef Yacht Club, the Orange Bowl Youth Regatta (OBYR), which dates to 1946, has emerged as one the world’s most prestigious youth sailing events. This year more than 700 athletes age eight to 18, from more than 20 countries, are expected to participate.
The four-day event kicks off December 27. Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, the US Sailing Center Miami, and Shake-A-Leg Miami – all in Coconut Grove – are cohosting this year’s event.
Despite the regatta’s importance within the world’s sailing community, event chair Vince Menditto, now in his second year, says the OBYR is about more than just the competition.
“Youth sailing is something special for kids,” Menditto says. “It really does them good. The skills they develop on the water — attention to detail, focus for hours on end — are unlike any other sport. It’s a multi-day event, and there are so many variables to consider as a young sailor. I find it fabulous, and that’s what keeps drawing me back.”
Menditto also notes the unique opportunities the event offers to the youth sailors. “For the past couple of years, we’ve partnered with the Orange Bowl committee to send our winners to the football game. The kids get to walk onto the field and be honored. It’s an incredible experience, and it’s fantastic to see them get recognized in such a special way.”
The Orange Bowl Youth Regatta features racing across six different boat classes, including Optimist, Laser, and 420 dinghies. College sailing coaches from around the country use the event to evaluate and recruit collegiate sailors.
OBYR is widely viewed as a “rite of passage” that can serve as a stepping stone within the sailing careers of young athletes. “For local sailors, especially the ‘green fleet’ sailors at Coral Reef Yacht Club, if you can do well at Orange Bowl, you’re ready to move up to the next level,” explains Carol Cronin, a principal race officer with over 30 years of experience at the regatta. “It’s an event that carries tremendous weight on young sailors’ resumes.”
The regatta’s long-standing history and its tight-knit community of competitors are reflected in the experiences of sailors who return year after year. For Charlotte Cundey and Caroline Collins, two experienced sailors who have participated in the event for a number of years, the Orange Bowl is an event where lasting memories are made.
Cundey, who first raced OBYR when she was 9, recounts the excitement of returning each year. “I love coming back to see my friends from past years. It’s not just about the racing; it’s about the community that builds around it,” she says. “And now, as a senior [level competitor], it’s even more meaningful to be part of that tradition.”
Collins, who will be crewing this year for Charlotte, agrees. “The main focus for us right now is perfecting our starts and improving our upwind boat speed,” she says. “But beyond that, we always remind ourselves to enjoy the experience. For any first-time competitors, I’d say, ‘Take a deep breath, get enough sleep, and just have fun.”
To Kelly Holthus, a 2022 OBYR winner, the regatta has evolved into much more than just a competition; it’s an event that ties together the rich history of the Orange Bowl, the camaraderie of the sailing community, and the personal development of young athletes.
“It’s my all-time favorite youth regatta,” says Holthus. “It brings the entire youth sailing community to Coconut Grove. The competition is always fierce, and nothing about the conditions is ever the same. It’s also an incredibly tight-knit community, which makes it so much fun and incredibly competitive at the same time.”
Stephanie Roble, a 2003 OBYR winner, recalls the annual event as a much-needed mid-winter boost, especially for competitors like her who lived far from the balmy shores of South Florida. “Living in the Midwest, I really craved competition during the winter,” Roble says. “It was a great time to reconnect with my sailing friends and check in with my competitors.”
And the thrill of victory, she says, is a memory of a lifetime: “The trophy was filled with oranges. It was really cool.”
The OBYR’s location in Coconut Grove, with its stunning views of Biscayne Bay and its proximity to the commercial business district, also makes it a unique destination for families who come to support the sailors. The combination of top-tier racing conditions, rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere makes the Orange Bowl Youth Regatta a one-of-a-kind event in the world of youth sports.
