Street Art Regatta 2023: Celebrating the fusion of artistic expression and athleticism in Fort Lauderdale
On April 7, 2023, the Lauderdale Yacht Club Sailing Foundation’s award-winning youth sailing team will present the Street Art Regatta (StAR) at the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway. Local and national artists will paint original artworks on sail canvas for this celebration, which promises to be a visually-stunning experience.
This event is being presented by the award-winning youth sailing team of the Lauderdale Yacht Club Sailing Foundation. The free interactive art installation, set against the docks of the gorgeous Lauderdale Yacht Club, is a mesmerizing display of fantastical sea creatures in a water ballet, promising a visually-stunning experience for all attendees. Those who are unable to attend in person can enjoy the event virtually on Facebook and YouTube.
Connie Commette, a Lauderdale Yacht Club Sailing Foundation volunteer, remarked, “We are proud to partner with Grace Arts as we showcase the skills of our young sailors along with such spectacular art pieces.”
StAR brings together the athleticism of sailing with the vibrant culture of street art, making it a unique and exciting way to appreciate the beauty of both worlds. Spectators can watch the brightly colored images that captivate audiences through freestyle spins and twirls. The event will showcase the beauty of Fort Lauderdale’s coastal community, known as the ‘Venice of America.’ Year after year, more art and sailing enthusiasts marvel at the stunning fusion of sailing and artistic expression.
Clare Vickery of Grace Arts Florida, the Curator and Presenter of StAR, said, “The StAR event is sure to delight art and sailing enthusiasts alike, bringing together the beauty of both worlds in a unique and exciting way.”
The Street Art Regatta 2023 boasts exciting new designs, including a tribute sail by longtime graffiti artist ARTYEK, aka STROKE, to local sailor Emilio Bocanegra, who won the Optimist National Championship in Oregon in 2022. STROKE’s design evokes the energy and power required for competitive sailing and the thrill of victory, making it a fitting tribute to Emilio’s achievement. STROKE, a self-taught painter born in Chile and inspired by Kustom Kulture, has been a vendor for famed Brazillian Artist Romero Britto for over a decade. He’s worked on numerous high-profile projects for Gunther Volkswagen and Volkswagen of America. STROKE’S Fort Lauderdale studio has become a haven for young artists, and he recently joined the eponymous MSG (Miami Style Graffiti) Crew.
In April, two new taller radial sails, painted by five female artists from the Museum of Graffiti in Wynwood, will join the StAR crew. Museum co-founder Allison Freidin says that the artists—REDSKEE, DELVS, DIDIROK, NICO, and LUSHY—are considered some of the best in the business. Their collaborative design focuses on the interaction between humans and water, with outstretched arms, flying birds, and butterflies, and features a stylized graffiti background with conservation messages.
“LYCSF’s best women sailors will captain two boats leading the entire fleet with this masterpiece,” Vickery said.
The event will be held on the Lauderdale Yacht Club East Lawn, located at 1725 Southeast 12th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 3331. Seating for the event is limited, but there will be a preview show for those unable to attend in person. TV Personality Cynthia Demos will host the live coverage of the event, which will be streamed on Grace Art Center’s YouTube Channel and Facebook.
StAR captains will perform daring and exciting tricks that are not permitted during racing, adding an extra level of excitement to the event. This incredible display of athleticism and artistic expression is not to be missed!
