About LYRA

The Lake Yacht Racing Association was founded in 1884 to serve and represent yachting interests on Lake Ontario, Eastern Lake Erie, The Upper St. Laurence River and the Finger Lakes. LYRA encourages the sport and art of sailing and sportsmanship among sailors, both at the junior and senior levels and contributes good will between Canada and the United States through sailing activities.

Membership in LYRA is open to all active yacht clubs on association waters. Yacht clubs may join as full members or as associate members. Other sailing organizations such as fleet associations may join as affiliate members.

Joining LYRA offers a variety of benefits for both yacht clubs and individual sailors. Member clubs qualify as potential hosts for both the Annual LYRA Regatta and the LYRA Junior Regatta. Boats from LYRA member clubs receive a reduced rate on entry fees at the Annual Regatta and qualify for over 50 coveted trophies awarded each year. LYRA also awards the prestigious LYRA Boat of the Year Award to a member yacht that distinguishes itself in the Annual Regatta and other competition on LYRA waters.

The annual regatta brings together yachts from around Lake Ontario and adjacent waters for almost a full week of intensive and exciting racing, including feeder races to the regatta site, the overnight Freeman Races, and three days of around-the-buoys races, with good food and entertainment between. Anyone who has sailed at the LYRA Regatta knows that the events are truly international, giving U. S. and Canadian sailors opportunities to compete and establish strong friendships.

For more information about LYRA, check out our Organization page, or subscribe to our newsletter. See on the water!