An interview with Gaby Cumbie on the Candler Regatta

Racecourse action at the Candler Regatta © Candler Regatta

Not so many regattas boast fleets as diverse as the Candler Regatta, which is being hosted by St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club from June 3-4, 2023, and which will be contested on the waters of northwest Florida's St. Andrews Bay. This regatta includes boats that are racing in the bigger Gulf Yachting Association's Capdevielle series, and boats that are coming out specifically for the Candler Regatta.

A quick glance at the regatta's registration list reveals Viper 640s, Open Vipers, Hobie Waves, and a cruiser class that's populated by keelboats ranging from a Catalina 22 to a handful of bigger Beneteau's.

If this sounds like your kind of melting pot, put this historic regatta on your radar.

I checked in with Gaby Cumbie, regatta chair of the 2023 Candler Regatta, via email, to learn more about this exciting regatta.

Can you please give us some history and backstory on the Candler Regatta, and the kinds of sailors it attracts?

The Candler has an interesting history. It's named after its benefactor, Asa Candler Jr., the son of Asa Candler who founded Coca Cola.

Asa Candler donated a beautiful Tiffany trophy to the club with the stipulation that the regatta must be held in front of his house on Bunkers Cove Road.

We no longer know which lot belonged to Asa, but we hold true to our word and run the regatta in front of the street every year. We have sailors from all over the Southeast join us every year to sail on the beautiful waters of the St. Andrews Bay.

Racecourse action at the Candler Regatta - photo © Image courtesy of the Candler Regatta

What kinds of numbers and interest levels are you seeing ahead of the 2023 event compared with recent editions?

This year we are so excited to include the Hobie Waves as part of our regatta series. We're expecting 6-10 Hobies Waves, and 8-12 Viper640s.

We've had a dramatic increase in participants compared to previous years. We're looking forward to adding a cruising/PHRF fleet in the future.

How would you describe the competition levels at the Candler Regatta? Are we talking about professional sailors and Olympic hopefuls, or moms and dads sailing with their kids? Or, maybe a blend of all talent levels?

We have a broad spectrum of sailors, and we love seeing young faces on the boats!

Generally speaking, what kinds of conditions can sailors expect on St. Andrews Bay in early June?

Typically, we're transitioning from the breezy conditions of May to the full summer heat of June. The sea breeze comes a little earlier in the afternoon, and we continue to pray for no rain.

Racecourse action at the Candler Regatta - photo © Image courtesy of the Candler Regatta

Do you see local knowledge playing a big or small role in the regatta's outcome? Can you please explain?

The main feature of the GYA Candler series is that every club sails the same boat, [the] Viper640. While local knowledge helps, boat-handling skills make the biggest impact.

Are there any new additions or important changes to the 2022 regatta, compared to previous editions?

We will have an RC Laser boat demonstration on Saturday as part of the entertainment between coming back ashore and getting ready for the regatta party.

In coming years, I would like to encourage competitors to bring their RC Lasers and participate in a "Tiny Boat Off" race.

What about onshore entertainment? What can sailors look forward to once the finishing guns have gone silent each day?

Let's be honest, regattas are really about the parties! We have some great onshore entertainment lined up.

Friday night we will have a steel-drum band, and on Saturday we will have a three-piece band.

We'll also have a specialty drink for the regatta and a fun raffle. Our amazing commodore will be dressing up in full regalia to present the trophies on Sunday.

Racecourse action at the Candler Regatta - photo © Image courtesy of the Candler Regatta

Can you tell us about any recent steps that the regatta has taken to reduce its environmental footprint or otherwise "green-up"?

We do as much as possible digitally. We also like to present reusable trophies to that 1) they're not taking up room in the house, and 2) you can use them more than once.

Is there anything else that you'd like to add, for the record?

The Candler regatta is celebrating its 87th year and is steeping in tradition. The Gulf Coast has enjoyed multiple generations of sailing with friends and family on St. Andrews Bay. We're so fortunate to have to opportunity to keep the regatta alive and growing.