Jet Star Regatta Marking 10th Anniversary Of Superstorm Sandy

BRICK, NJ — The Jet Star Regatta, started in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, is set to sail Saturday off the coast of Ocean County from Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Heights.

The regatta, which is hosted by the Metedeconk River Yacht Club, was first held in the summer of 2013 to pay respect to the communities of the barrier island that had been deeply damaged during the October 2012 hurricane and to "demonstrate the resilience of the Jersey Shore sailing community," regatta organizers said.

The course runs from Manasquan Inlet south to the resting place of the Jet Star roller coaster off Casino Pier in Seaside Heights. The route takes the sailors past the Mantoloking Gate, a place just offshore that forces the racers to hug the coastline, making for a spectacular view of the boats from the beach.

More than 25 boats are anticipated to participate in the regatta, which sailed north in 2018 to avoid interfering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project.

"The tradition continues as more and more sailors participate and are a testament to the Jet Star slogan, 'Storms Don’t Stop Sailors,' " organizers said.

The 2022 regatta has a skippers’ meeting set for Thursday at the Metedeconk River Yacht Club, Tilton Road in Brick, and a 10th-year celebration following the race at the club with dinner and dancing and live entertainment, including a dockside barbecue and awards ceremony for all participants following the race.

"The Jet Star Regatta was founded soon after Superstorm Sandy by families who were displaced by the impact of the storm. Although they were homeless, they did not want their lives to be completely disrupted," organizers said.

For information on participating in the regatta, email Jetstarregatta@gmail.com. Information also is available on the Metedeconk River Yacht Club website.