This week marked the 22nd CJ Buckley Regatta, and as always, it boasted everything that a community event should be about.

Now, this regatta has developed into more than just a Rhode Island competition, sailors from all over the world make the trip to take part. The heart of this regatta, though, is the local sailing community, specifically at the East Greenwich Yacht Club.

This was my seventh time covering the event, and what stood out to me most this time around was the consistency of it.

Whether we are talking about the number of sailors competing, the teams, the states represented, the countries, the roster of volunteers, the schedule. Everything about this regatta is consistent, and more importantly, effective. You know what you’re going to get, which is a top-flight sailing event that offers young athletes more than just a chance to hit the water. It’s a multi-day experience that prepares them for the short-term and long-term.

The real test came in 2021. The regatta was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic and remains the only time since its inception that it had to be waved off. The following year, I was not sure what we were going to get.

Well, when returning that summer, it was like nothing ever happened. Everyone involved picked up right where they left off. Of course, there were some tweaks to address the safety of the participants since we were still in the thick of Covid, but the fact that the regatta returned after two years and made it look easy was impressive. 

Now, here we are in 2025. It was another sold-out event, Goddard Park was buzzing on Monday morning, and we got to see this tradition carry on for another year.

As I say every July, my favorite part about covering this event is the community that has put it together. CJ’s parents, Carter and Lucy, along with his two buddies Kyle and Justin Assad continue to steer the ship, while dozens of volunteers maintain their spots as annual contributors. 

It’s cliché, but accurate, to say that it feels like one big family. There are no strangers, even if you are new to the regatta. Everyone is welcomed with open arms. 

Heck, I only see this group once a year but feel like I’ve known them forever. I’m just the guy that stops by with the camera and jots down a few notes, but I feel very much a part of the event. I always look forward to catching up with Carter and Lucy and am always amazed by the details they recall, usually about my wife and two little ones at home. 

I say this all the time, but it’s extremely difficult for things to go right when planning big events, and very easy for things to go wrong. The fact that this regatta continues to roll along at the rate it has is a testament to the Buckleys, Assads, and the volunteers. I’m sure that it is CJ’s favorite few days of the year.