How it started... Two guys, sitting over some "cold ones" one night after a great day of sailing on Lewis & Clark Lake, talking about their awesome day of sailing the entire length of the lake. Any time you have two sailboats going in the same direction you have a race. And like the majority of sailors they really didn't like being bothered by the plethora of rules when it comes to racing around the cans. So, with that being said, Jeff bought Trace another "freshie" and more ideas flowed until it was decided that more people would love to be involved in a great day of fun competition. The day is not all about winning but rather giving back while competing. A race where the first rule was to affix your Corona when rounding the mark, so as to not be accused of alcohol abuse.

The first year, 2007, the race was a "no donation" completely sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Resort, you remember, the year that the wind died, but spirits didn't and the 20 participating boats enjoyed the day.

The second year was the introduction of Special Olympics. Nicole, our eldest daughter was asked to help Darryl with fund raising for Special Olympics. Special Olympics has always been near and dear to the hearts of the Wahl family. Brandi Wahl Lueders was born handicapped, but that never stopped her from having a full life and competing in Special Olympics. Starr, Brandi's mother, served on the board of Special Olympics South Dakota in the mid 80's. With the second year came donations for entries which were all contributed to Special Olympics and the event was again sponsored by the Lewis & Clark Resort. In year two, more than $800 was raised with 30 vessels participating.

In year three we really turned the corner. The Bash became a two day event with 50 vessels participating in the regatta and over 300 people coming and going while they enjoyed Sunday's open aire concert. Again, all donations were contributed to Special Olympics with the event sponsorship of the Lewis & Clark Resort. Over $6000 was raised for Special Olympics!! With an anonymous benefactor this amount was matched! I will never forget Darryl's face when he turned to me and said, "We can really make this into something." With that said, we pledged all future donations from the event will go to Special Olympics South Dakota. It was also decided that it was time to grow into a real event and not just a dream of two guys over "cold ones".

The event is just our way of giving back. Enjoy the day "Just Passing Wind"...

Jeff & Judy Wahl,
Founders of Bash to the Colonies

The boat that raises the most donations also wins one of the unique glass trophies! Click Here to utilize the easy Online Fundraising option.