A regatta is a series of boat races, usually involving sailboats or rowing crews competing against each other. The word comes from Venice, Italy, where boat races have been held for centuries along the city's famous canals.

In a regatta, multiple boats line up at a starting line, and when the signal sounds, they race toward the finish. Sailing regattas might last several days, with boats competing in multiple races to determine an overall winner. Rowing regattas often feature sleek boats called sculls or shells, where athletes pull oars in perfect rhythm to propel the boat across the water.

Some regattas are serious athletic competitions: college rowing teams train intensely for spring regattas, and Olympic sailors compete in regattas around the world. Other regattas are more festive community gatherings, where local sailors enjoy friendly competition and spectators watch from shore or follow along in motorboats.

The atmosphere at a regatta combines the excitement of racing with the beauty of boats skimming across water. Whether it's a high school crew team competing at a regional regatta or classic wooden sailboats racing in a summer regatta on a lake, these events celebrate the skill, teamwork, and grace of human-powered and wind-powered boats.