One of the most anticipated rituals of Summer in Michigan’s Great Southwest is coming this weekend as the Tri-State Regatta passes through St. Joseph. Large sailboats will race from Chicago on Friday night to St. Joseph, then to Michigan City Sunday and back to Chicago on Monday, Labor Day, September 2.
The stop here, at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club , has long been the best reason anyone could find for a gigantic ‘End of Summer Party’ featuring food, drink, music and fun—all centered on the nautical theme of the Regatta. It’s the biggest event of the season at the Yacht Club, and one where the members throw open the gates to the public to stage a party that’s circled on many calendars a year in advance.
St. Joseph River Yacht Club spokesperson Nick Culp provided us with some background:
“The regatta will bring together members of the community with sailors from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and beyond. The day kicks off after the boats sail into town early Saturday, with a breakfast buffet from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a grilled lunch from Noon to 3:00 PM. The dinner menu features a choice of steak, chicken, or vegetarian entrée with salad and sides from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The festivities won’t end when the sun goes down. The SJRYC will transform into the ultimate party destination with a live performance by Libido Funk Circus from 8:30 PM to midnight. Known for their high-energy shows and an eclectic mix of dance hits spanning multiple decades, Libido Funk Circus has become a staple of the midwestern music scene. Their electrifying, costumed performance is expected to draw a large crowd from the community, making the regatta’s late-night party the place to be this Labor Day weekend.”
The race from Chicago to St. Joseph is run by the Columbia Yacht Club which, in partnership with the St. Joseph River Yacht Club. Some of the earliest competitive sailing between the historic Columbia Yacht Club and the St. Joseph Yacht Club fleets date all the way back to the early 1900s.
The current format, with the Friday race to St. Joe, a Sunday race to Michigan City and a Labor Day return race to Chicago, has been running for well over 70 years. The Michigan City Yacht Club sponsors the second leg, and then on Labor Day the boats race back to Chicago. Typically, about a dozen or so boats from St. Joseph travel to Chicago to compete in the race, and often bring home a trophy or two to be proudly displayed at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club.
“We’re thrilled to host the Tri-State Regatta once again,” said SJRYC Commodore Bob Walck. “This event is not just about the competition; it’s about bringing together the community and celebrating the joy of sailing in one of the most beautiful settings on the Great Lakes. We’re expecting an unforgettable night that everyone will be talking about.”
Food and drink tickets will be available for purchase at the gate at the Yacht Club.
There will be a $10 cover charge after 6:30 p.m. for non-club members.
The Party takes place rain or shine under the big top at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club, 1 Lighthouse Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Note that there is street construction in the vicinity of Momany Drive and Upton Drive on the way to the Yacht Club area.
Celebrating more than 100 years in the local community, the St. Joseph River Yacht Club’s mission is to provide a casual atmosphere, affordable prices, and a spirit of fellowship, community, and education, building on a rich history of boating, swimming, and socializing in a unique nautical environment.
Learn more by visiting www.sjryc.com.
