Young Sailors Delight in Ocean City Yacht Club’s Junior Night in Venice

The waters of Ocean City’s back bays came alive on Friday as the Ocean City Yacht Club hosted its much-anticipated annual Junior Night in Venice sailboat parade. This cherished tradition has been a staple of the Ocean City Yacht Club’s calendar for nearly 25 years. The parade typically features between 12 and 15 boats from the club’s Novice and Intermediate programs.

This year, approximately 24 to 30 children, ranging from 8 to 12 years old, navigated their Opti sailboats in a charming procession. The parade commenced at the Ocean City Yacht Club, located at Bay Avenue and Battersea Road, with the young mariners setting sail towards the North End Lagoon – known by locals as the Coast Guard Lagoon or Whales Tale Lagoon.

The highlight for many of the young participants was undoubtedly the two laps they made around the lagoon. As they gracefully maneuvered their small vessels, residents lining the lagoon’s edges enthusiastically showered them with candy, a sweet reward for their sailing efforts.

“It’s a super fun event,” remarked Katie Bowman, Junior Sailing Instructor.”A lot of the homeowners on the lagoon get into it. The sailors and the parents love it!”

After completing their loops and collecting their sugary treasures, the flotilla of young sailors returned to the Ocean City Yacht Club, where they were met with cheers and proud smiles from awaiting friends and family.

Junior Night in Venice is a beloved spectacle that embodies the spirit of youth, community, and seaside fun.