58th Annual Finn Toilet Bowl Regatta

July 18–19, 2026 · Willow Bank Yacht Club · Cazenovia, NY

Some trophies you fight to take home. This isn’t one of them.

In 1968, Art Diefendorf and Rush Marshall started a Finn regatta on Lake Cazenovia. A few years later they salvaged a cast-iron toilet from the dismantled local railroad station, bolted on a sense of humor, and crowned it the perpetual prize. Nearly six decades later, the Toilet Bowl remains one of the most beloved fixtures on the North American Finn circuit — a sacred class artifact that stays at WBYC, the winner’s name engraved alongside the sailors who came before.

Don’t let the name fool you. Lake Cazenovia is a tactician’s proving ground, famous for 180-degree shifts, downdrafts, mystery puffs, and wind phenomena best described as UFO-grade. Lead changes, mid-fleet reshuffles, and the occasional mark pileup are part of the deal. The America’s Cup spends millions chasing this kind of drama. We just need a competent race committee and a small lake with a mind of its own.

Bring the whole crew. Willow Bank is a genuinely family-friendly venue, with tent and trailer camping right on the club grounds, a swimming beach, and plenty to keep everyone happy between races. Kids splash and play while the fleet is on the water, and the lakeside setting makes the whole weekend feel more like a summer getaway than a regatta. It’s the kind of place where the boat park and the beach blanket are equally part of the fun.

Whether you’re chasing the Bowl, the Grand Master and Legend trophies, or just a good weekend on the water, all Finn sailors and all boats are welcome – modern race boats and classics alike. Lunch both days and a Saturday night dinner round out a regatta that’s as much about the camaraderie as the racing.

Come find out who’ll be crowned this year’s lord of the spindrifts and commander of the eddies.

Register now: https://willowbankyc.com/regatta/LFUNhLeG5u