SAIL LIFE
CLEARWATER
Sail Life’s opportunities were identified in 2013 by Frank Chivas, owner of Baystar Restaurant Group, as he worked with the US Sailing Olympic Team and the Clearwater Community Sailing Center in the development of their Para Olympic Program. These opportunities were all based on the reestablishment of Clearwater and the surrounding area as a National and International venue for high-level sailing competition.
The 70’s saw Clearwater, Sarasota and St Petersburg as identified venues hosting numerous sailing regattas with large participation across all different types of classes.
SORC (Southern Ocean Racing Circuit) and the St Pete Olympic Classes Regatta drew in 1000’s of competitors from around the world. Sadly those events have disappeared and ultimately the international significance of one of the best sailing areas in the
World has as well.
The mission is simple. Bring the area partners together to establish an entity that can secure and deliver World class sailing championships.
World Sailing
Take a look at the Clearwater Visitor's Guide for upcoming events and more fun in the sun!
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WELCOME TO
CLEARWATER, FL
Access & Geography
Clearwater is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, just 22 miles from Tampa on Florida's stunning west coast. The City itself is comprised of many unique parts. Two of them are the emerging Cleveland Street downtown district and the islands of Clearwater Beach. Both downtown and Clearwater Beach have expansive marina facilities making that area especially attractive to boaters. The city is also serviced by two nearby airports. Tampa International is often hailed as America's favorite, ranking high in convenience and ease of travel, and is located just 19 miles from the beach. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport is even closer to the beach (11 miles) and with rapidly expanding service, accessible from an ever increasing number of cities. In addition to air and sea, Clearwater can also easily be reached by car. The Courtney Campbell Causeway/Gulf to Bay Boulevard on Highway 60 link the city to Tampa via one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Clearwater is just off the I-75 corridor, linking the Mid-West to fabulous Florida vacations. Last but not least, Mickey lovers need not fear; Clearwater is just 90 miles from Orlando, making it the perfect add-on to a Disney family vacation.
Accommodations
Plentiful and comfortable accommodations are available in Clearwater, with options to fit any taste and budget. The options truly run the gamut from value lodging to upscale luxury and everything in between. Five-star beachfront resorts offer the vacation of a lifetime, while old-Florida style beach motels make for a vintage style and budget-friendly getaway. Quaint Bed & Breakfasts provide at-home comfort; condo and vacation home rentals are perfect for families.
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Dining
Clearwater is home to a large array of dining options and culinary experiences, but is most well known for its fresh selection of Gulf Coast seafood, especially the Grouper Sandwich, a local favorite. Clearwater cuisine is a true beachside melting pot, four diamond fine dining sits alongside elbows-on-the-table comfort food. The city also hosts an annual Restaurant Week as well as a Stone Crab Festival each fall, while the Taste of Clearwater, each September, provides a wonderful way to sample dishes from a number of local restaurants.
Calendar of Events
Clearwater hosts a wide variety of sporting, music, food and other events, boasting a full calendar of exciting activities each year and providing yet another compelling reason to visit Clearwater. The City is famous for its picturesque Gulf sunsets and each night Pier 60 comes alive with a festival to celebrate this magical sight, featuring performers, craft vendors and of course magnificent views. The last Friday of every month, the downtown Cleveland Street District comes alive with special entertainment and vendors. In addition, Clearwater is home to a number of exciting annual events. Spring marks baseball fever with the Philadelphia Phillies coming to town for Spring Training, while the fall fills the City with the music of top national and local artists at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Don't forget the holiday season and the Outback Bowl Beach Day, a beach party not to be missed!
Outdoors and Activities
Clearwater is all about the outdoors and taking advantage of the gorgeous surroundings and near perfect weather. There is an abundance of sporting and adventure opportunities available for the active vacationer, as well as miles of white sandy beaches for afternoon lazing. The pedestrian friendly Beach Walk promenade provides the perfect path to Pier 60 for the nightly sunset festivals of music and art while Caladesi Island State Park is a natural choice for hiking, biking, kayaking, and more. Clearwater is also home to miles of biking and hiking trails along with beach volleyball courts, water sports, tennis, baseball and other sporting facilities. The brand new Clearwater Harbor Marina provides outstanding boating access to the emerging downtown and Coachman Park, just across from the beautiful island of Clearwater Beach.
Weather
Clearwater offers the epitome of Florida sunshine. Mild and pleasant weather blesses this beachside paradise all year long while gentle Gulf breezes sway the idyllic palms. Average winter highs are comfortable in the mid-seventies while summer temperatures appeal to the beach enthusiast in the low to mid-nineties. Winter, spring, summer or fall, the mercury rarely falls below 50 degrees, just another reason why Clearwater makes an excellent escape all year long. Clearwater averages 361 days of sunshine every year and holds the record for consecutive sunny days at 768.