CRAB's Don Backe Memorial Regatta provides great competition
by CRAB Sailing 16 Jun 19:59 BST
June 6, 2026
Don Backe Volunteers and Participants Group Photo © CRAB Sailing
The Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta was hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club on Saturday, June 6th. The day provided warm weather and just enough wind to get five competitive races in the full day of competition.
Race Committee PRO Peter Gordon said, "The most important aspect of this regatta is the competitors and seeing them compete, enjoying a day on the water and smiling."
Secretary of the Department of Disabilities Carol Beatty presented a proclamation from Governor Wes Moore designating June Adaptive Sailing Month in Maryland and congratulating CRAB on its 35th Anniversary. Secretary Beatty has been attending the regatta for years, and she was able to renew friendships with several of the skippers. In addition, she announced that her department will be awarding grants next year for nonprofits serving disabled veterans in a variety of water sports.
In a highly competitive regatta, Christopher Carbery was a first-time winner, overcoming the 2025 champion Justin Disborough by two points. Christopher's mother, Jowin, told CRAB, "The impact CRAB has had on Christopher is truly beyond what I could have imagined. He loves the program, and through it, he has grown his confidence, developed a love for learning, and discovered a genuine passion for being on the water."
The competitors enjoyed a delicious midday lunch thanks to Eastport's Leeward Market.
The top finishers were: 1st Place (10pts) Christopher Carbery, Michael Manuzack/Amy Harry; 2nd Place (12pts) Justin Disborough, Bob Hyman/Mimi Engelsman; and, 3rd Place (14pts) Kevin Detwiler, Trey Warman/Maude Laurence.
The awards ceremony and reception were held in the AYC Sailing Center overlooking Spa Creek. The top three finishers received beautiful engraved silver cups and plates. The impressive Don Backe Memorial Regatta trophy is on permanent display in the AYC lobby.