Competitive keelboat sailing at 9,017 feet — the Dillon Open Regatta is billed as the world’s highest regatta, and it’s free to watch from the shore.
The Dillon Open Regatta returns to Dillon Reservoir on August 21–23, 2026 (Friday through Sunday), hosted by the Dillon Yacht Club. Set against the Gore Range and the Tenmile peaks, the reservoir becomes a course for competitive keelboat sailing all weekend — a spectacle of white sails carving across the high-altitude water.
Recognized as the world’s highest regatta at 9,017 feet above sea level, the Dillon Open draws sailors across classes such as Etchells and J/24 for multiple days of racing. Spectating is free: pull up a spot along the marina or shoreline and watch the fleets round the marks.
Proceeds from the regatta benefit the Dillon Junior Racing program, supporting the next generation of high-country sailors. Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast or just after a scenic mountain weekend, it’s one of the most distinctive events on the Summit County summer calendar.
Event Highlights
- The world’s highest regatta — competitive sailing at 9,017 ft above sea level
- Free to spectate — watch the racing from the Dillon Marina and shoreline at no charge
- Multi-day racing — three days of keelboat competition across Friday through Sunday
- Classic classes — fleets such as Etchells and J/24 keelboats on the water
- Hosted by the Dillon Yacht Club — a long-running high-country sailing tradition
- Supports junior sailing — proceeds benefit the Dillon Junior Racing program
Race Weekend
Here’s the general flow of the weekend. Exact race schedules, start times, and class details are set by the organizers — confirm everything at dillonopen.com.
Friday, August 21 RACE DAY 1
| Morning | Competitor check-in & skippers’ briefing at the Dillon Marina |
| Midday | Boats launch and head out to the race course |
| Afternoon | Opening races — fleets round the marks on the reservoir |
Saturday, August 22 RACE DAY 2
| Morning | Skippers’ briefing & boats to the water |
| Midday–Afternoon | Full day of keelboat racing across classes such as Etchells & J/24 |
| Evening | Post-race gathering for competitors ashore |
Sunday, August 23 FINAL DAY
| Morning | Final skippers’ briefing |
| Midday | Closing races — the weekend’s decisive rounds |
| Afternoon | Racing wraps and awards for the fleets |
Watching from Shore
The Dillon Marina and the surrounding shoreline give spectators a front-row view of the action. Bring a chair, sunscreen, and a jacket for the mountain breeze, and settle in as the fleets tack across the reservoir with the peaks as a backdrop. Marina parking can fill up on race weekend, so arrive early and be ready to walk a short distance to the best viewing spots along the water.
Know Before You Go
- Date: August 21–23, 2026 (Friday through Sunday)
- Where: Dillon Reservoir / Dillon Marina, Dillon, Colorado
- Spectating: Free — watch from the marina and shoreline
- Competitors: Registration required in advance at dillonopen.com
- Parking: Marina lots fill up on race weekend — arrive early
- Viewing spots: The Dillon Marina and along the shoreline offer the best vantage points
- Altitude: You’re at 9,017 feet — pace yourself and drink plenty of water
- Highlights: Keelboat classes such as Etchells & J/24; proceeds support Dillon Junior Racing
On the Water
Make a Day of It
Our local team has been showing guests the best of Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper, Dillon & Frisco since 1996. Questions about regatta weekend or what else is happening around the mountains? We’re happy to help.