By Linda Gordon | October 2025
The Wheelchair Regatta
On Saturday, September 27, Lesley Bosch and Linda and Gary Gordon volunteered at the 27th Annual PICYA Margo Brown Wheelchair Regatta, hosted by Encinal Yacht Club. It was a beautiful day on the yacht club lawn—though, as Lesley noted, “a bit windy and cold on the water.”
More than 100 veterans from local Veterans Homes attended, along with their caregivers. They enjoyed a one- to two-hour cruise on the Bay aboard PICYA member boats and the Dillard, a vessel from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Upon returning to shore, guests were treated to a BBQ lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs prepared and served by PICYA volunteers.
As they departed for home, each veteran received a goody bag including a Wheelchair Regatta hat, personal care items, a coffee mug, and cookies. It was a wonderful and rewarding day for the veterans and all who took part.
What Are COTY Points?
COTY, or “Club of the Year,” points are a way of recognizing PICYA member clubs for the activities they offer their members. These points emphasize participation in club events, inter-club boating activities, boating safety, community service, Yachting Yearbook submissions, and support for RBOC and PICYA signature events such as the Commodore’s Ball, Opening Day on the Bay, and the Wheelchair Regatta.
A complete list of qualifying activities can be found on the PICYA website at PICYA.org under the About PICYA tab by selecting COTY Points. There are a total of 308 points possible and five achievement levels:
- 1 Star Club: 50–90 points
- 2 Star Club: 100–149 points
- 3 Star Club: 150–199 points
- 4 Star Club: 200–249 points
- 5 Star Club: 250 points and above
Each COTY year runs from October 15 through October 14, with results updated online throughout the year. It is the responsibility of each club’s delegate to monitor their points and notify the committee of any discrepancies or additions. Some of the more than 100 PICYA clubs choose not to participate in this program.
Winners are announced at the annual Awards Dinner, held this year on November 3.
2024 marked the first year that SLTWYC achieved 3-Star Club status—thanks in large part to our very active sailing program. With additional activities added this year, we are projected to finish with 240 points, earning 4-Star Club recognition for the first time. We’ll continue to stay active and monitor our progress with the goal of reaching 5-Star status next year.
For questions or comments, please contact Linda and Gary Gordon at picya@sltwyc.com or (510) 813-7815.
