Friends of Belmar Harbor to Co-Host the 2026 Friendship Cup on August 5th

Friends of Belmar Harbor is proud to announce that we will be co-hosting the 2026 Friendship Cup alongside the Shark River Beach & Yacht Club on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. This exciting summer regatta will bring together young sailors from across Monmouth and Ocean counties for a day of competitive racing and community spirit on the beautiful waters of the Shark River.

A Celebration of Youth Sailing

The Friendship Cup has become a highlight of the summer sailing season, showcasing the talent, sportsmanship, and dedication of junior sailors throughout our region. This year’s regatta will feature three popular one-design classes:

• Optimist (Opti)

• Club 420

• ILCA (formerly Laser)

These classes represent a wide range of ages and skill levels, from sailors just beginning their racing journey in the Optimist to more advanced competitors racing 420s and ILCAs.

Racing on the Shark River

The Shark River provides an ideal venue for competitive youth sailing. Its protected waters, steady summer breezes, and vibrant boating community create the perfect setting for a fun and challenging regatta. Sailors can expect exciting racing, tactical courses, and an opportunity to test their skills against peers from neighboring clubs.

Beyond the competition, the event reflects the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie that defines sailing in our community.

Partnership in Action

Friends of Belmar Harbor is thrilled to partner with the Shark River Beach & Yacht Club to make the 2026 Friendship Cup a success. By working together, our organizations continue to promote:

• Youth engagement in sailing

• Safe and accessible waterfront activities

• Strong connections among local clubs

• A lifelong love of the water

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Events like the Friendship Cup strengthen relationships between sailors, families, volunteers, and waterfront organizations throughout the region.

Join Us on August 5

We look forward to welcoming sailors, coaches, families, and spectators to the Shark River this August. Whether you’re competing, volunteering, or cheering from shore, the 2026 Friendship Cup promises to be a memorable day on the water.

Stay tuned for additional details on registration, sailing instructions, and event logistics.

Regatta Registration: https://theclubspot.com/regatta/JnWPWxKV4P