The 2026 Wooden Shoe Regatta was the 25th edition of the event and had an extra level of celebration. In addition to saluting the Fluid Mechanics students who created nearly 70 wooden sailboats, the 2026 gathering recognized PCE professor Shirley Fleischmann, who brought the Regatta to GVSU 35 years ago and is retiring at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. 

The 2026 boatmakers joined the hundreds of students who have taken part through the years, having their boats christened with champagne and judged for style and speed. 

Learn more about the regatta's history and how it will continue moving forward in this GV Next story.