Sailor Speak of the Week – Regatta

Definition

Noun

• A boat racing event.

Origin

Probably earlier than the 18th century. Likely from Venice. Thought to be a corruption of the Italian word rigattare, meaning to wrangle. Also from Spanish, regatear, meaning to hassle.

Comments

Essentially a large boating and/or boat racing event. Modern day regattas come in many varieties depending on the event and can feature vessels of virtually any size and rigging.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic, CT: Mystic Seaport Museum.