Augusta, GA

‘It’s very intense’ more than 170 sailors compete on Clarks Hill

Published

1 year ago

October 9, 2023

‘It’s very intense’ more than 170 sailors compete on Clarks Hill

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – More than 250 sailors from around the country came to Clarks Hill to compete in the Augusta Sailing Club’s 69th Annual Halloween Regatta.

It’s a two day sailing event where sailors compete in several one-design classes, whoever completes the course first wins.

People from states like California, Missouri, and New York all came to compete.

“Just being out there with the wind in your hair, and the sun in your eyes and kind of getting burnt the whole time. It just feels nice knowing that you’re doing something a lot of people never get to do,” said sailor Hailey Bagnoni.

Aside from the competitions, people also camped on the lake over the weekend. Starting Friday, they enjoyed a cookout, live music and a Halloween party.

“We’ve had over 500 people here camping. For the weekend, we’ve had more than 170 boats successfully on and off the lake this week,” said Tim Sparks, Augusta Sailing Club Vice Commodore.

The objective of the race is to get to the windward mark, then race back to the finish.

“It’s much like a track meet where you’re, you’re running and you’re running and you’re running and you’re stopped for a few minutes, then you’re going and you’re going and going, and it’s very intense,” said Emily Sternkopf, a sailor.

“Today, it was a lot of keeping ourselves focused because there wasn’t a lot of wind. So it’s easy to drift off of the course when you’re not paying attention. So it’s a lot less of us keeping calm and a lot more of us keeping on course,” she said.

Historically, sailing is a male-dominated sport but they are hoping to change that.

“I know I’m one of the only girls, like today I was sailing laser and just in this Regatta, we probably had 19 boys and only three girls,” said Bagnoni.

They recommend giving sailing a chance.

“It’s really fun and if you just try and do it, it’ll be really fun, because that’s what I did and I loved it and I love it now,” said Lainey Putnam, another sailor.

Winners in the sailboat race earned points this weekend for their national and international rankings.

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Augusta, GA

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

Published

1 hour ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on US 1 in Aiken County.

The South Carolina High Patrol and Aiken County Coroner’s Office said a pedestrian was walking south on US 1 near Bogeyville Road around 7:18 Sunday night when a 2021 Chevrolet Camero hit them.

The driver of the Camaro was not injured.

The woman was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, according to Coroner Darryl Ables, where she died from her injuries at 8:35 Sunday night.

The victim’s name will be released at a later time.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

13 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

24 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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