What is Summer Sailstice? A Guide to the Annual Event

Have you heard of Summer Sailstice? If you love to sail, it's an event you may want to enjoy with fellow sailors and lots of sailboats.

Here's what to know about this unique event celebrating and promoting the joy of sailing. We'll also talk about how to stay safe when sailing and boating around other vessels to avoid accidents (and have more fun).

What Is Summer Sailstice?

It's an annual worldwide celebration of sailing that takes place on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice. Multiple events take place around the globe to promote sailing, bring the community together, and encourage people to participate.

Both newcomers and seasoned sailors can join in the fun. There are many virtual gatherings and local events to attend, or you can enjoy a personal sailing trip instead. 

The History of Sailstice

The event was founded in 2001 to unite sailors worldwide and encourage them to share their passion and experiences. However, if you're asking yourself, "What is Summer Sailstice?" you're definitely not alone, as many people new to sailing haven't heard of it.

Even seasoned sailors may have missed out on the event in the past and will be interested to learn more about it.

Getting involved in the Sailstice can help promote sailing education, ocean conservation, and community-building. When you want to get to know other sailors and learn more about sailing, being part of events is a great way to do that. The advice and information you'll gain can also make it easier to take better care of the ocean where you love to sail. 

How to Participate

A great way to participate is to host or join a sailing event. These can include races, regattas, or social gatherings, which are all excellent ways to get involved and meet other sailors. 

You can also set sail on your own and share your adventure online using the official hashtag. Telling your sailing story gets others involved and helps people learn more about the event. 

Another way to participate is to join conservation efforts. When you clean up local waters while sailing, you make the environment better for everyone who wants to share and enjoy it. 

Lastly, remember to support sailing charities like or community sailing programs. These organizations can help more people interested in sailing get involved in the sport, and your generous support can help encourage another generation of sailors.

Use a Sailboat Maintenance Checklist for Sailing 

Make sure your sailboat is in top shape before hitting the water for a Sailstice event or any time you sail.

Start by looking over your boat. If there's a problem, you want to find it before leaving the dock, not when you're already on the water.

Follow a sailboat maintenance checklist (including the tips below) to make sure your sailboat is sail-ready.

1. Conduct a Hull and Deck Inspection

You should always inspect your boat's hull and deck before taking your boat out. Check for cracks, blisters, or damage on the hull during your inspection.

Then, clean and apply fresh anti-fouling paint if needed, and ensure the deck hardware is secure and rust-free. 

2. Inspect Rigging and Sails

Your sails and their rigging are crucial components for a safe voyage.

Don't leave the dock until you inspect the standing and running rigging for wear or fraying. Take time to lubricate winches, pulleys, and shackles, and check all your sails for tears, stretched seams, or mildew. 

3. Bring the Right Safety Equipment

Having proper safety equipment on board can save lives!

Take the time to test life jackets and ensure there are enough on board. Also, check flares, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits to ensure they're in working order and not expired. Inspect bilge pumps and emergency gear to ensure they'll work if needed. 

4. Check the Engine and Fuel System

If you haven't changed the oil and filters on any engines you have for backup, now is the time. Also, the fuel lines should be inspected for leaks, and the tank should be filled with fresh fuel.

Test the battery and electrical connections to ensure they're all working correctly. You don't want to need the extra assistance an engine provides and then have it not work. 

5. Navigation and Communication

Don't forget about communication and navigation tools on your sailboat maintenance checklist.

Update your charts and GPS software. While doing that, test the radios, lights, and horn and ensure the compass is calibrated. Determining your location and finding your way back is crucial to a safe boating adventure.

Sail Safely with Boater Education

Whether you're celebrating the Summer Sailstice this year or sailing any other time this season, sail responsibly. Follow safety guidelines, don't drink and boat, and ensure you have the proper safety gear.

If you attend a Sailstice event, talk with other sailors, share personal stories, and encourage participants to talk about their adventure, too. The interaction with others is a big part of the fun at these events! 

Remember: One of the best ways to prepare and stay safe for this event and other sailing experiences is to take an ilearntoboat boater education course! Our fun online learning experience teaches you about navigation, etiquette, safety, and more to enjoy your sailboat and return home safely.

Before sailing away, take the ilearntoboat course for your state!