Incentives — from gas cards to free meals and more — are helping the Columbia Sailing Club keep participation high in this weekend’s Easter Regatta, despite a tough economy.

So far, 32 crews are entered and more are expected by the start of the 42nd edition of the race Friday on Lake Murray.

That is nearly double the entries in other regional races, which have seen a downturn because of the economy, club leaders say.

Easter Regatta chairwoman Jan Jernigan, who lives near Lexington, has some tips on what to expect in the three-day event:

What incentives did the club offer?

Boat crews can stay in rooms at club members’ homes, bunk at the club’s headquarters or will be given power to stay onboard overnight.

Two free meals and a $25 card for gasoline to help pay for the drive home also are offered.

The entry fee remained at $250.

Crews will receive free videos to review their moves in each race.

“Given the state of the economy, we wanted to do everything we could to make it as attractive as possible,” Jernigan said.

Can the public take part?

Non-boaters are welcome at club headquarters at 212 Shuler Road near Irmo from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.

At other times, find a spot on the shoreline near the dams to watch.

Races start at 12:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday — those times are approximate and could change with weather.

The course is near the towers by the dams.

Where do the boating crews come from?

Primarily up and down the Eastern Seaboard, although a few are from the Midwest.

The race usually attracts about 40 J/24 sailboats.

— Tim Flach