CATCHING THE
WIND

From afar, a regatta looks peaceful: dozens of white sails, all pregnant with the wind, dancing a slow ballet. On board it’s an entirely different picture: the skipper calling commands, the crew leaning out precariously, and the waves exploding off the hull as the boat slices through the water.

Competitive sailing has been a tradition on Geneva Lake since 1874, when the first annual race for the Sheridan Prize took place. Named for General Philip Sheridan (a Civil War hero who was visiting in ’74), the prestigious event is still the highlight of every season for the Lake Geneva Yacht Club, home of America’s Cup winner Buddy Melges.