Houston Yacht Club recently hosted its 27th annual Elissa Regatta for the benefit of the tall ship ELISSA. This event not only raises money for the ELISSA but also raises awareness of Texas’ sailing heritage. The ELISSA is an iron-hulled sailing ship built in Scotland in 1877, and is now a National Historical Landmark as well as the “Official Tall Ship of Texas.” She is a three masted barque with nineteen sails covering over one-quarter of an acre in area. The Elissa is housed at the Texas Seaport Museum and is owned and operated by the Galveston Historical Foundation. Proceeds from the Elissa Regatta Weekend not only help maintain the ship but also fund exhibits, community activities and educational programs in connection with the Elissa for youth and adults. The largest class at the regatta were the J/24s. The 14 boats supplied great competition and the top five really was not settled until the smoke cleared in the final race. Squeaking by with the top honors was Stu Lindlow’s TROPICAL AGGRESSION, winning by only one point over Jim Kondziela’s ODALISQUE. Third was Natalie Penner’s GIGGLES from Dallas Corinthian YC just three points back. Fourth was Kelly Holmes-Moon on BAD MOON and fifth was Bryan & Vicki Dyer on RUM LINE. For more information, visit http://www.houstonyachtclub.com/Racing/ElissaRegatta.aspx.