Summer Sailstice returns for its 26th annual global celebration of sailing on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Founded in 2001 by John Arndt, Summer Sailstice unites sailors everywhere for one upbeat, downwind, easy-reaching weekend of hoisting sails and connecting sailors with a worldwide celebration of the unique qualities of enjoying life under sail.
Sailors can be far offshore, launching from the beach, racing to Bermuda or varnishing the handrails. Your participation happens just the way you like it. Teaching your kids or starting a summer sailing program can all be part of our collective celebration of sailing. Summer Sailstice welcomes anyone who loves the sailing life.
Held on the weekend closest to the summer solstice, it’s designed to make it easy for sailors everywhere to participate. Make a sailing plan - solo or with friends and post it on the Summer Sailstice website.
Is that too easy? Yes, though you can join a race, host a raft-up, organize a club sail-out, owners' rendezvous, charter somewhere exotic, or do it how you like it. By registering plans at the Summer Sailstice website, sailors become part of a worldwide roll call, creating a shared weekend of sailing that spans harbors, bays, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Sometimes on wheels on dry lake beds.
“As sailors, we know there’s nothing quite like the fun and freedom of a day under sail. Summer Sailstice is a simple way to share that feeling with the world,” said founder John Arndt. “It’s a weekend when sailors everywhere can celebrate at the same time, post their plans, swap photos, and help show friends and neighbors why sailing is such a great way to spend a summer day or any day.”
Registered participants also have the chance to win prizes from sailing brands and organizations that support Summer Sailstice. To be eligible, participants should post their individual or community sailing plans on the official Summer Sailstice website.
To register your sailing plans, go to our World Map.