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This past Saturday, the high seas of Eagle Creek were alive with the spirit of adventure as we hosted our 4th annual Alex Rust Regatta (ARR!). It was our biggest and best event yet, with over 50 competitors and nearly 70 attendees, all coming together to honor the legacy of Captain Alex Rust.
What is the Alex Rust Regatta?
The Alex Rust Regatta (ARR!) is a pirate-themed celebration of sailing and adventure in honor of Captain Alex Rust. The day features a thrilling sailing regatta, paddle races (kayak & stand-up paddleboard), and a special BYOB (Build Your Own Boat) heat. All proceeds from the event go to support the restoration of SV Bubbles, scholarship funds for high-potential students in Northeastern India, and the general efforts of the Chasing Bubbles Foundation.
Shoutout to Our Generous Sponsors
A massive thank you to our amazing sponsors who made this day possible! We couldn't have done it without you. Please check out their businesses and show them some love as they've shown us:
Top Sponsors:
Stahl Insurance Group: For peace of mind, Call Stahl!
Rose Acre Farms: A good egg for less!
Shirt Sponsors:
Key & Co: Contact Bethany Rust, Indiana's premier real estate professional!
Crane Hill Machine and Fabrication: For all your metal and plastic fabrication needs! These guys can do it all!
Schwatzers German Restaurant: A glorious German experience in Seymour, Indiana!
Johnson & Price - Attorneys at Law: Here to help when you need it most!
JCBank: Our local bank of choice!
Hendrix Honey: A busy bee making life sweeter!
Dave’s Farms LLC: Growing faith, family, and farming!
A Family-Friendly Adventure
The Alex Rust Regatta isn’t just for the grown-ups – it’s a day of fun for the whole family! Kids joined in the excitement, decked out in pirate costumes and surrounded by playful pirate-themed decorations. From treasure hunts to swashbuckling games, there was something for everyone to enjoy, making it a memorable day for all ages. The regatta truly brought the spirit of adventure to life for families, creating lasting memories on the water.
Making Waves with the Kayak Races
The day kicked off with the ever-exciting kayak races, split into three heats. Participants launched from the beach with a splash as our announcer, "DJ EJ", spurred them on with fun facts and commentary. The competition was fierce, especially in the championship round, where Brian Strzelecki edged out Jordan Kane to claim victory as the fastest paddler on the lake.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Showdown: King of the Hill
New to this year’s regatta was our "King of the Hill" stand-up paddleboard (SUP) challenge. Competitors went head-to-head throughout the day, each hoping to unseat the reigning champion. The tension built as Isaac Smith defended his title until, in a final thrilling match, Tyler Yost emerged victorious, claiming the crown!
BYOB: Creativity Afloat!
The Build Your Own Boat (BYOB) race was the highlight of the day, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd. With five contestants showcasing their homemade vessels, creativity was off the charts! Right from the start, a few participants found themselves in the water before the race even began! Judging was based on crowd votes (dollars donated to the cause), and after a few splash-filled moments, Thomas Hendrix’s "Red Yellow" boat sailed to victory.
The Sailing Regatta: Chasing Bubbles to Glory
As the afternoon sun shone brightly, it was time to officially set sail! Half a dozen boats launched from the Eagle Creek Sailing Club docks, with the race committee boat captained by EJ. With a bubble machine on full blast, each boat was called over the PA system to chase the bubbles for their starting line. Then the race was off! It came down to three boats for the regatta, with S/V TBD taking home 1st place, captained by Tyler Yost and Jordan Kane.
And the Winners Are…
The day’s excitement culminated with the crowning of our Grand Champion, Tyler Yost, who competed in multiple events and earned the most points overall. Tyler's name will now be etched onto one of Alex’s treasured sword souvenirs – a fitting tribute to his prowess. Runners-up included Jon Shope, Jordan Kane, and Isaac Smith, all of whom gave it their all across various events.
Best Pirate Attire goes to Stacy and Isaac Smith!
A Big Thanks to Our Incredible Volunteers
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers who made the day run smoothly, from handling registration and preparing food to ensuring safety and serving as our host boats. Your dedication and hard work brought the spirit of the Alex Rust Regatta to life!
Join the Fun at ARR25!
The 4th annual Alex Rust Regatta was a roaring success, both as a fundraiser and as a day of fun on the water. We had participants from across the country, including a special appearance by former Bubbles crew member Isaac Smith, from Alaska! We can't wait to see what next year brings, so be sure to join us for ARR25 – it’s going to be even bigger and better!
Stay connected by joining our mailing list and keep an eye out for updates. We’d love to see new faces at next year’s regatta. ARR!!
Final Results:
Kayak:
Brian Strzelecki
Jordan Kane
Isaac Smith
SUP:
Tyler Yost
Isaac Smith
Vas
BYOB:
Red Yellow - Thomas Hendrix
Pool Party - Jess Bracamonte
Top Hat - Jon Shope
Sailing:
Jon Shope & Team
Jordan Kane & Tyler Yost
Ben Bradley & Team
Grand Champion: Tyler Yost– Awarded a $30 gift card to Rick’s Boatyard Café!
Tied for Second Place:
Jon Shope – Awarded a $25 Chatham Tap gift card
Isaac Smith – Awarded a $25 Schwatzers gift card
Jordan Kane – Awarded a $25 Chatham Tap gift card
Our 2024 Winners!
