Newport’s Crowbar Regatta to Support Habitat for Humanity

Sail, support, and celebrate in Newport - all for a good cause.

The 19th Annual Crowbar Regatta, sponsored by Rhode Island Kitchen & Bath, will be held on Saturday August 13. All of the proceeds from the event will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island.

“This regatta is a great way to go out and do something you love to do, meet some great folks, enjoy an afternoon on the water, and an evening at Fort Adams State Park while supporting Habitat at the same time,” said Steve St. Onge, Race Organizer and Rhode Island Kitchen & Bath President.

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The J-22s

Twelve J-22 Sailboats from Sail Newport will race for the coveted Crowbar trophy. For the first time, there will also be a Laser class. “I am encouraging all Rhode Island Laser sailors to enter the race. We only have 12 J-22's so that class is limited (and has a wait list),” said Onge.

Co-sponsors include Modern Yankee Builders, Narragansett Beer, Bainbridge/Coverguard, Kenny Shelton Liptak & Nowak, LLP, Be Good Logowear, “Get Wireless Now”, Blue Sky Signs, Bella Consulting and Events, and Newport Pilates. 

Last year’s Regatta raised over $2,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island. “We are hoping to surpass that this year although our outside corporate sponsorships are down a bit this year so we will have to wait and see,” said St. Onge.  “We'd love to have more local companies donate to the cause.”

Supporting a local build

The money raised from the Crowbar Regatta will directly help fund Habitat for Humanity’s current build in Newport. “We're so humbled by the generosity of the event's sponsor, Rhode Island Kitchen and Bath, and president Steve St. Onge, who in addition to thousands of dollars, has donated his time, talent and materials to help our neighbors in need,” said Andrea McHugh, Board Member of the East Bay RI Habitat for Humanity Chapter. “We are thrilled that the build has entered the finishing stages of construction and soon our homeowner will be turning this house into a home.”

Pre-registration is required for J-22 skippers, and Laser sailors are encouraged to pre-register. Laser sailors may also register on site the day of the regatta. After the event, there will be an awards presentation, as well as complimentary food and beverages for registered participants. Non-sailors and Habitat supporters are invited to pre-register to attend the post-race celebration. A small donation is required.

“I am an avid sailor and enjoy time on the water, so to be doing what I love to do and also know that it is raising money for a great organization makes it even more satisfying,” said St. Onge.

Sail Newport, Fort Adams State Park, Newport. Post-Race Celebration 4pm-6m at Fort Adams. For registration information, contact Steve St.Onge at [email protected]. For more information about Habitat for Humanity, please contact Dani Braun, Director of Habitat East Bay: Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 835, Newport, RI 02840. Call 527-3264.