The Daily Standard
Story Archive
Cranes lower boats into the pit area along Lake Shore Drive during the 2026 Governor's Cup Regatta.
CELINA - Thousands of people flocked to Lake Shore Drive this weekend to take in the 2026 Governor's Cup Regatta.
The hydroplane races were organized by Veterans Forever Inc. and featured the American Power Boat Association's Eastern Divisional Title race on Saturday and the Governor's Cup on Sunday.
At the same time, the Boardwalk Village and Boardwalk Grill hosted the Boardwalk Fest 2026 on nearby West Bank Road.
"Great. It turned out wonderful. (Good) crowd … Boardwalk Fest was connected to us. It was probably one of the best events ever for the Regatta," organizer Craig Obringer told The Daily Standard.
A hydroplane jets across the water at the 2026 Governor's Cup Regatta in Celina over the weekend.
After breathing new life into the storied Governor's Cup Regatta on Grand Lake in 2025, event organizers were able to attract 46 racers this year, including one from the West Coast. A third crane was added along Lake Shore Drive this year to lift the boats in and out of Grand Lake.
Racers were generally pleased with the racing conditions this year.
"I know around 2 o'clock (Saturday) it was a little rough with 15 mph winds out of the west," Obringer said. "They had to slow down around Turn 3 a little bit, but besides that, they loved it."
On an overcast Sunday afternon, Parks Jones of Concord, North Carolina, emerged victorious with the regatta cup.
"It's the first time a flat-bottom boat has ever won governor's cup," said regatta co-organizer Rich McNaughton.
Jones took to social media to celebrate his victory.
"This is truly one of the highest honors in our sport," he wrote. "The Governor's Cup Trophy has been awarded since 1958, and to have our name added alongside so many legends and champions who have come before us is something I can hardly put into words. It is a humbling experience and an achievement that means more to me than I can express."
Boats race on Grand Lake during the 2026 Governor's Cup Regatta.
The crowd - locals and race fans from around the Midwest - numbered in the thousands along Grand Lake.
In addition to racing action, which was provided free of charge to the public, attendees could be seen walking up and down a closed-off Lake Shore Drive, enjoying the offerings of several food trucks and vendors. There was also a beer tent.
"I just think the regatta is a great event for Celina," said Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel. "I love being able to use Grand Lake because it just highlights one of those great resources and assets that the city has access to. I'm very grateful for all the volunteers of the regatta committee and all those that sponsored it. I feel like it's another activity that our community does come together for the enjoyment of people and for the region. It draws people from all over the United States."
The crowd - locals and race fans from around the Midwest - numbered in the thousands along Grand Lake.
The team from Miss Madison were testing their boat.
The Governor's Cup Regatta was run on Grand Lake from 1958-1970, usually as part of the Celina Lake Festival. The regatta was revived in 1995 with the last weekend in August the usual date.
The racing continued until 2012 when lake conditions prohibited competition and with organizers turning the weekend into a music festival.
Racing returned in 2013 and ran in 2014 and 2015 before a decline in boats competing prompted the stoppage of the event for 2016.
In 2025, though, the Regatta made its return.
"We take about two weeks off and then we're back at it again for next year," Obringer said on Sunday afternoon near the conclusion of the regatta.
Three cranes were used to lift the boats in and out of Grand Lake over the weekend.
A hydroplane streaks across the water at tremendous speeds.
