ISLAND HEIGHTS – The quiet charm of Island Heights gave way to pure energy when more than 5,000 people packed River Avenue for the 35th Annual Sailfest. Hosted by the Rotary of Toms River, New Jersey’s largest sailing festival unfolded along the riverfront with all the sights, sounds, and flavors that make it a staple of Ocean County’s cultural calendar.
From morning until late afternoon, River Avenue transformed into a bustling corridor that felt almost like its own town. White tents lined the street like sails waiting to catch the breeze, each one filled with something new to discover. Families, couples, and groups of friends strolled shoulder to shoulder, pausing to taste, to shop, and to simply take in the spectacle of so many people gathered for a day rooted in both celebration and purpose.
The aromas drifting through Sailfest told their own story. The morning began with barker-style calls for pork roll, egg, and cheese, while sausage and peppers sizzled on griddles, their scent mingling with the rich fragrance of freshly brewed coffee. Fried Oreos tempted passersby with their sweetness, while lighter fare – grilled wraps, fruit smoothies, and crisp salads, reminded festivalgoers that not every choice had to be an indulgence. Cold drinks became a necessity under the late-summer sun, and beer and wine tickets offered adults a chance to raise a glass with friends in a shady reprieve.
The assortment of goods stretched beyond food. Shoppers wandered through displays of jewelry that caught the sunlight, blankets woven not with needles but with hands, racks of colorful clothing, and home décor that carried both local flair and global influence. One tent showcased carefully crocheted animals made by a high school student from Rockaway, while another held vivid acrylic paintings of flamingos, penguins, and sea turtles crafted by an artist from Cherry Hill. Everywhere, there was something that sparked conversation, a smile, or the urge to take a piece of Sailfest home.
Music For Every Generation
The soundtrack of the day changed as quickly as the crowds. Garden State Radio filled the air with high-energy hits, drawing clusters of dancers into the street. Ballyhaunis infused the afternoon with Celtic notes, their melodies carrying across the riverfront. The School of Rock kept spirits alive with youthful exuberance, their guitars and drums proving that the next generation is ready to take its place on the stage.
Festivalgoers sang, clapped, and tapped their feet to the rhythm. Families balanced food trays while nodding to the beat, and strangers found themselves dancing side by side. The music never stopped, weaving its way through the day and giving Sailfest the feel of one long celebration.
The Races That Define Sailfest
While the land bustled with food, crafts, and music, the river itself was alive with competition. The Sailfest Regatta by the Toms River Yacht Club drew seasoned sailors and newcomers alike, racing across courses that stretched as far as 14.6 nautical miles depending on the wind.
In the Spinnaker division, Nick Imperato’s Magic of the Toms River Yacht Club sailed to first place, edging out Dawn’s Early Light and Haven. Non-spinnaker boats brought their own drama, with Yip Yip helmed by Peter Kraus taking top honors, followed closely by Defender and Brookgreen.
Spectators lined the shoreline, cheering as sleek boats tacked and turned, their sails cutting the horizon in bold strokes of white. For many, the regatta was the very heart of Sailfest – a reminder that the festival is anchored in the town’s deep connection to the sailing traditions that have defined it for generations.
Not all boats stayed on the water. On land, the Barnegat Bay Maritime Museum displayed a classic vessel on a bright red trailer. With its tall mast stretching skyward, the boat gave visitors a chance to study its craftsmanship up close. The polished woodwork and painted hull were reminders of the artistry behind the sport, proof that the bay’s maritime heritage is alive and well.
Faces Of The Festival
Sailfest has always been about more than sights and sounds; it’s also about people. Local officials mingled with the crowd, including Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer and Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, who greeted attendees as they walked past them. Their presence reinforced the sense that Sailfest is a community-wide endeavor, where public safety and celebration go hand in hand.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office also introduced festivalgoers to two of its most beloved members: K9 officers Drago and Fiona, alongside their handler, Christine Casullo. Children lit up as they approached the duo, and families paused to thank the team for their service. Their appearance added a unique dimension to the day, showing that Sailfest honors not only heritage and community but also those who serve and protect.
Among the vendors, stories unfolded one tent at a time. Artist Keith Spar from Cherry Hill proudly displayed his new paintings of animals and nautical scenes, each piece alive with color and motion. “I did four new paintings this year,” he explained, pointing out works inspired by the Toms River. A few tents away, teenager Justin Flynn from Rockaway showcased crocheted animals he taught himself to make by watching YouTube videos. His crocheted hippo became a favorite of passersby, proof that even the youngest artisans could hold their own among seasoned crafters.
Two sailors in crisp white uniforms drew appreciative glances as they walked along River Avenue. Their presence brought a patriotic element to the day, a reminder of the close ties between the maritime community and those who serve.
A Time For Remembrance
Amid the joy and color, Sailfest also offered a moment for solemn reflection. At Letter Park, the community gathered for a 9/11 memorial ceremony led by retired U.S. Navy Captain Stan Mahan. Voices hushed as names and memories were honored, creating a moment of unity amid the festival’s lively energy. This year, the Rotary of Toms River also made a donation to Tunnels to Towers, extending Sailfest’s impact to an organization devoted to supporting the families of fallen first responders.
For Dion Johnson, vice president of the Rotary’s evening club, the remembrance underscored what Sailfest is really about. “We raise money for scholarships and nonprofits,” Johnson said. “It’s something that brings people together and gives back to the community.”
As late afternoon turned to evening, dark clouds rolled over Island Heights. Rain began to fall around five o’clock, and lightning forced organizers to officially close the festival at six. It was an early end to a day that usually runs well into the night, but for many attendees, the memories had already been made.
