putinbay.com is proud to present the following article from the Put-in-Bay Gazette. For the best South Bass Island journalism, visit putinbay.news and subscribe to the Gazette today!
Put-in-Bay Community Swim Sail Wraps Up Memorable 2026 Season
The 2026 Put-in-Bay Community Swim Sail season brought together 87 participants for five weeks of swim lessons, sailing, racing, and learning on the water.
Throughout the summer, participants developed new skills, formed lasting friendships, and challenged themselves both in and out of the water, making it a successful season for everyone involved.
Behind every successful season is an incredible network of families, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community supporters whose generosity makes Put-in-Bay Community Swim Sail possible.
Top Lodging Picks For 2026 At Put-in-Bay
- Island Club Rentals (islandclub.com) – 216-898-9951
- Commodore Resort (commodoreresort.com) – 419-285-3101
- Bird’s Nest Resort (birdsnestresort.com) – 419-285-6119
- Put-in-Bay Condos (putinbaycondos.com) 216-898-1105
- Victory Station Hotel (putinbayvictorystation.com) 419-285-0120
This year’s annual Spaghetti Dinner raised a record-breaking $9,268, with every dollar going directly back into the program. Those funds help keep the program affordable while supporting instructor wages, insurance, equipment, safety improvements, and other operating expenses.
The Race Team 50/50 raffle raised $805, allowing the program to purchase two new Optimist race sails. Grants and community support also helped add a new Highfield CL420 safety boat to the fleet as part of the ongoing Safe Waters Campaign, ensuring a safer experience for participants on the water.
Awards Night Held At PIB Yacht Club
The season concluded with Awards Night at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club, where participants were recognized for their hard work, sportsmanship, and accomplishments throughout the summer. Congratulations to this year’s perpetual award winners: Lincoln Parker (Danny Drake Award), Grant Dunfee (Helen Davis Memorial Trophy), JP Kezur (Cheryl Cody Award), and Logan Thidemann (Ballast Island Trophy).
Several Race Team sailors wrapped up the season by representing Put-in-Bay at the 2026 I-LYA Junior Championships, better known as Jr. Bay Week. Congratulations to Logan Thidemann and Ava Fiorilli on their outstanding 3rd-place finish in the C420 Gold Fleet. Additional Junior Bay competitors included Chelsea Clark and Molly Dunfee (10th, C420 Gold Fleet), Rider Myers (7th, ILCA 6 Gold Fleet), Beckham Marriott (9th, ILCA 6 Gold Fleet), Jack Calfee (5th, ILCA 6 Silver Fleet), Grant Dunfee (10th, ILCA 6 Silver Fleet), JP Kezur (15th, ILCA 6 Silver Fleet), and Beibhinn Thidemann (10th, ILCA 4).
Our Top Picks For 2026!
- Put-in-Bay Attractions
- Put-in-Bay Event Calendar For 2026
- The Best Put-in-Bay Bars and Dining
- How To Get To Put-in-Bay
Thanks To Everyone Involved In A Great Season
As the 2026 season comes to a close, heartfelt thanks go to our Board of Directors, instructors, volunteers, families, sponsors, donors, and community partners. Your generosity, dedication, and countless hours of support make Put-in-Bay Community Swim Sail possible while providing opportunities for young people to build skills, form lasting friendships, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the water.
Special thanks to our 2026 sponsors:
Gold Sponsors – Jill & Stephen Cooks – SBI Quilter’s Sailbags; Put-in-Bay Local School District
Silver Sponsors – Joe’s Bar; Joe & Judy Sebring; Luxury Pools and Living; Taylor & Norma Hart; Tim & Tina Myers
Community Supporters – The Crew’s Nest; Miller Boat Line; Put-in-Bay Yacht Club; Put-in-Bay Yacht Club Ladies Auxiliary
Looking Ahead To 2027
Planning is already underway for the 2027 season, and we look forward to welcoming both returning and new families to another summer on the water. Whether you’re interested in participating, volunteering, sharing ideas, or becoming more involved with the program, we’d love to hear from you. To learn more about Put-in-Bay Community Swim Sail, visit www.pibswimsail.org or email pibswimsail@gmail.com.