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The third annual Alex Rust Regatta was held on a hot summer day in June of 2023, on Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis, IN. With record participation AND funds raised, we consider it a complete success!
Creating ARR Own Adventure
At 8 am on a hot summer day in June, volunteers from the Chasing Bubbles Foundation worked to set up the finishing touches for an upcoming day full of fun. As pirate-clad participants arrived over the next hour or so, the Eagle Creek Sailing Club in Indianapolis, IN began to buzz with excitement.
The number of kayaks on the beach doubled, then tripled, and the BYOB (build your own boat) participants finally got to size up their competition. Sunscreen, life jackets, and AHOY shirts filled the picnic shelter while kids dug for buried treasure in the sand.
“Welcome, everyone!” EJ Williams, CBF Board Member and event announcer, boomed over the loudspeaker. Finally, the time had come! The Alex Rust Regatta 2023!!!
About the Alex Rust Regatta
Alex Rust Regatta (ARR!) is a pirate-themed celebration of sailing and adventure in honor of Captain Alex Rust. The day features a sailing regatta, paddle races (kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard), and a special BYOB (Build Your Own Boat) heat. All proceeds from the event go to support SV Bubbles restoration, scholarship funds for high-potential students in Northeastern India, and general efforts of the Chasing Bubbles Foundation.
Events of Regatta Day
First up for the day was the kayak races which were split into 3 heats. Starting with their kayaks touching the embankment wall, participants took off with the announcer’s “GO!” and headed for the course of buoys laid out in the lake. To help spectators see what was happening out on the water, our announcer, EJ, gave commentary using the numbers attached to the side of each kayak. “Jason, number 10, in the red kayak is still in the lead as he rounds the final buoy and heads for the finish line!”
First, second, and third place for each kayak heat then participated in a championship race. Canoe and stand-up paddleboard races followed, and points were scored for the top three finishers.
Points were scored a little differently for the BYOB (build your own boat) race. This year saw three great participants who really went all-out building their boats. Judging was based on crowd votes (via dollar donations to support the event cause) considering creativity, and the seaworthiness of each boat. After a few minutes in the water, Daniel Hendrix was deemed the winner of the BYOB heat.
Before participants boarded sailboats for the remaining event of the regatta, everyone lined up for lunch provided by the Chasing Bubbles Foundation. Our grill master David Rust ‘kept them coming’ as other volunteers checked and stocked the self-serve line.
Eagle Creek Captains for the Win!
Then for the sailing portion of the regatta, members of the Eagle Creek Sailing Club hosted crew members on a total of 10 sailboats and many participants were able to get onboard to join in on the fun. With very little wind that day, it was a real test of each sailor’s ability to find and capture the small pockets of wind.
It was a close race between s/v Dancer and s/v Panic. S/v Panic was captained by Tommy Grant who volunteered to take on some new crew members. S/v Panic was single handed by Doug Hogenkamp who stole second place in the last stretch against s/v Ta-keel-la, captained by Jeff Hanson.
Winners, Trophies, and FUN!
Each event recognized the top 3 winners, rewarding 3 points for first place, 2 points for second, and 1 point for third. The "Grand Champion" was then selected based on the individual who received the most points in all events combined (hint hint - next year participate in more than one event for better chances of winning!). The awards and trophies were a variety of items including wooden ships and pirate decor. Trophies were also given for “Youngest Pirate” (a 9 month old with an eye patch!) and “Best Costumes” which came down to a choice between some awesome pirate outfits by participants that really went the extra mile!
Based on the scoring system, our grand champion winner was determined to be Jeff Hanson who will get his name engraved on one of Alex’s sword souvenirs from his travels. Each year the winner will get their name added and will get to hold on to the trophy for the year. On the day of ARR23, Jeff was able to take home a smaller sword trophy until his name is engraved.
This third annual Alex Rust Regatta (the first year being at Oynx Lake in Seymour, IN, the second in St.Thomas, USVI) was a success in terms of fundraising and definitely in terms of FUN! We had over 52 official registrants and a shore full of spectators. Participants came from near and far with a group of friends even flying in from multiple different states. Not only were we able to generate over $3000 in funds, we also received the generous donation of a 1972 Jester sailboat from avid supporter Robert Conrad!
Join Us Next Year for ARR24!
The Chasing Bubbles Foundation is so grateful for everyone who attended this year’s Alex Rust Regatta at Eagle Creek Sailing Club, and for everyone who donated their time and resources. To stay in the loop about next year’s regatta, make sure you’re on our mailing list for “Early Bird” discounts and more! We're always looking for new friends to join us for Alex Rust Regatta! ARR!!