I first went to the Rose Bowl Regatta when I was a junior in high school. I knew there was a way to bring a similar event to the East Coast. With a lot of support and encouragement, the Azalea Bowl Regatta was born.
I’m Tavia Smith and I founded the Azalea Bowl Regatta. Our inaugural event was held in 2023 at the Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Modeled after the long-standing Rose Bowl Regatta in Long Beach, CA, the Azalea Bowl is designed to attract talented high school and college sailors from the East Coast and throughout the country.
In addition to racing, the regatta hosts a College Night on Saturday between race days where high school competitors can learn about sailing at the next level.
I knew I wanted to sail in college, but didn’t know how that path would unfold. My intention with the Azalea Bowl is to connect high school and college sailors in a meaningful way. I want sailors to find the right school for them academically and for all high school sailors to understand that there is a way – and a place – to keep sailing in college. Whether that’s a club or varsity team, I want people to stay involved in our sport.
Thanks to all who support the Azalea Bowl and me. I’m grateful and I look forward to seeing you on the water.
Azalea’s Making An Impact
“Azalea Bowl was awesome! Sailing in rotations alongside collegiate teams provided valuable insight into what’s next in my sailing career. It was a great opportunity to speak with some of the top college sailors and coaches bout their programs and experiences while sailing at one of our favorite sailing venues.”
Madeleine Harris,
Wando Warriors Sailing
“This was magic, bringing high school and college sailors together on the East Coast, and we’d love to come back.”
Jon Faudree, Head Coach,
Jacksonville University
“The College Night at the Azalea Bowl was wonderful! It was great to learn about all of the colleges and it showed me a path to sailing in college. I’m going to be able to take what I’ve learned into this next phase of school and competition.”
Petra Humphrey,
Viking High School Sailing
“Beyond the great venue and competitive sailing, Azalea’s College Night was also a great forum to share information and educate parents and high school sailors about college sailing. Based on all of the feedback we’ve heard from college sailors and coaches, this event is poised to grow with all the right ingredients for success in one place. There’s no doubt that we’re all looking forward to returning to the Azalea Bowl Regatta!”
Dana Magliola,
Head Coach, NC State