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Latest News: €213 Million Golden Globe Race 2022 Media Value

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GGR winner Kirsten Neuschäfer named female 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year

The Race Returns.

6 september 2026, sailing like it's 1968, follow the race.

Featured Video

GGR 2026 Trailer

The Golden Globe Race remains totally unique in the world of sailing and stands alone as the longest, loneliest, slowest, most daring challenge for an individual in any sport.

2026 Skippers

Pat Lawless

• Nationality: Irish
• Country of Entry: IRELAND
• Boat: Saltram Saga 36

Matthew Wright

• Nationality: Australian
• Country of Entry: AUSTRALIA
• Boat: Rustler 36 Masthead Sloop

Guido Cantini

• Nationality: Italian
• Country of Entry: ITALY
• Boat: Vancouver 34 Classic

Edward Walentynowicz

• Nationality: Canadian
• Country of Entry: CANADA

Olivia Wyatt

• Nationality:
• Country of Entry: USA
• Boat: Ta Shing Panda 34

Stephen Wraith

• Boat: Cape George 36 (Proposed)

• Boat: Endurance 35

• Country of Entry: TURKEY
• Boat: Biscay 36

Javier Lapresa

• Country of Entry: SPAIN
• Boat: Endurance 35 (proposed)

• Nationality: German
• Country of Entry: GERMANY

Andrew Ritchie

• Country of Entry: UNITED KINGDOM

• Boat: OE 32

Craig Matt Woodside

• Boat: Cape George 36

Arriën Lekkerkerker

• Nationality: Dutch
• Country of Entry: NETHERLANDS
• Boat: Rustler 36

Andrea Lodolo

Daniel Alfredsson

• Nationality: Swedish
• Country of Entry: NORWAY

Alan Lillywhite

• Nationality: British
• Boat: Biscay 36 Sloop

Joel Harkimo

• Nationality: Finnish
• Country of Entry: FINLAND

Gunnar Christensen

• Nationality: USA
• Boat: Tradewind 35 (Proposed)

Oleg Schmidt

• Nationality: Russian

Confidential Entry

Special invitation entry.

• Country of Entry: FRANCE

The Race in Numbers

"When I first heard about the 2018 GGR I thought it was a great idea, why not do it, reach out to people who have the ambition to do something special with their lives." Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Patron of the Golden Globe Race

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× The live OGR tracker and app will be available from 1 August 2023. In the meantime, we are including a link to the live tracker page of the Golden Globe Race as an example. This is the 2022 edition but all of the features are still active if you have never seen a live map before. You can play/experiment with the top bar features and if you look at the sliding bar at the bottom you can actually replay the video of the race tracker from start to finish. We will have tutorial videos later on how to get the most out of this live tracker.

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About the race

The Clipper Race is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other.

With no previous sailing experience necessary, before signing up for the intensive training programme, it’s a record-breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. The next edition will be the Clipper 2025-26 Race and will begin in late summer 2025. The route is divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings. You can choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select one or multiple legs.

The brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the first Clipper Race took place in 1996. Since then, almost 6,000 Race Crew from all walks of life and more than 60 nations have trained and raced in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race; the only race in the world where the organisers supply a fleet of identical racing yachts (eleven), each with a fully qualified skipper and first mate to safely guide the crew. Crew complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before they compete. Mother Nature does not distinguish between female and male, professional or novice. There is nowhere to hide - if Mother Nature throws down the gauntlet, you must be ready to face the same challenges as the pro racer. Navigate the Atlantic Tradewinds and Doldrums en route to South America, endure the epic Roaring Forties, experience Indian Ocean sunsets, face the mountainous seas of the mighty Pacific - and bond with an international crew creating lifelong memories before returning victorious.

Seize the moment, unleash the adventure.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only event of its type. Anyone, even if they have never stepped on a boat before, can join the adventure.

History of the Race

Since the first Clipper Race crew left Plymouth in October 1996 on board eight 60-foot yachts, the race’s increase in size is almost immeasurable.

Today more than 5,000 people and three generations of Clipper Race ocean racing fleets have competed in what is known to be the world’s toughest ocean racing challenge.

The route of each edition of the race is unique, often formed by Host Ports around the globe. In the race’s twenty five year history, more than fifty cities have played host to the Clipper Race.

Click here to further explore the history of the race.

The third generation of one-design Clipper Race yachts debuted in the Clipper 2013-14 Race, proving to be faster and more dynamic than previous Clipper Race yachts.

The eleven 70-foot yachts make up world’s largest matched fleet of ocean racing yachts. Designed by renowned naval architect Tony Castro, they are the shining jewel in the Clipper Race crown, perfectly adapted to this gruelling sailing challenge.

Click here to learn more about the Clipper 70s.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Over 50 years have gone by since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston made history by becoming the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the globe in 1968-69.

One of nine sailors to compete in the Times Golden Globe Race, Sir Robin set off from Falmouth, with no sponsorship, on 14 June 1968. With his yacht Suhaili packed to the gunwales with supplies he set off on a voyage that was to last just over ten months. He arrived back in Falmouth after 312 days at sea, on 22 April 1969, securing his place in the history books.

Sir Robin wanted everyone to have the opportunity to experience the challenge and sheer exhilaration of ocean racing because there are far more flags of success on the top of Mount Everest than on the high seas.

Among many other races, in 2007 Sir Robin has circumnavigated again in the VELUX 5 OCEANS race at the age of 68. In addition, Sir Robin competed in the 10th anniversary edition of the Route de Rhum race which started in St Malo, France, on 2 November 2014, and finished at the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.

Published on June 27th, 2024 | by Assoc Editor

Clipper Race: The race to Scotland is on!

Published on June 27th, 2024 by Assoc Editor -->

(June 27, 2024) – The last ocean crossing and Race 13 is on for the 2023-24 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race participants. The Le Mans Start took place approximately 50 nautical miles out to sea from Chesapeake Bay at 10:00 East Coast Time (15:00 GMT). All the boats started on an easterly heading of about 80 degrees. Ten minutes later and it was every team for themselves with the difference in headings varying by almost 180 degrees.

This is the first time on this edition there has been such a massive variation in tactics at the start and followers cannot wait to see how the strategies play out.

Orchestrating the Le Mans Start was Qingdao Skipper Philip Quinn, whose team has won the past two races. He reported back from the starting line, “Welcome to the start of Race 13, from Washington, DC to Oban in Scotland. With another Le Mans underway, the fleet got off on time at 1000 local (1400 UTC).

“As the lead boat we were placed in the center of the line, where we got the fleet lined up in order. With help from all the other Skippers we were able to start on time. Just as we started, the wind changed direction, but we were able to hold our positions and course for the regulated ten minutes before we saw the fleet hoist spinnakers.

“Some choosing the biggest Code 1 and others the smallest windseeker. Some boats also immediately gybed and changed course, shortly followed by everyone else. So now the race is on. Thanks to all the other Skippers for their help in making the start work.”

The battle for the overall win of the 2023-24 Clipper Race was as hot as it gets before the start, and now it’s cranked up another notch as things turn red hot out there. Overall race leader Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam has blasted off on an easterly heading, but surprisingly Perseverance and Zhuhai, both of which finally played their Jokers this race, didn’t decide to cover or chase Bob Beggs and his crew, and have instead opted for a course 90 degrees to the north of Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam’s.

In a short report from Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, its First Mate Cameron McCracken said, “It was a particularly light final Le Mans Start of the 2023-24 edition, but it was excellently organized by lead skipper and Mr. Qingdao, Philip Quinn. It took a few gybes and sail plans before the boats finally found the breeze to set us on our way to Oban, but we’re moving now and raring for the race ahead.”

Getting straight into tactics, Perseverance Skipper, Ineke Van der Weijden reported, “We are on our way for Race 13: Oban Atlantic Homecoming. However, to get us going was one of the strangest Le Mans Starts I ever had. Under the expert leadership of Phil, we were all lined up perfectly and on a fine reach. So far, all normal. Then, right as we start, the wind changes, and we have a deep down wind start with just 4 knots of wind. So very slow going.

“Everybody started getting Code 1 and wind seekers on deck, and just as Phil indicates the 10 minutes are over, the wind changes again. Now we are all of a sudden on the other gybe. Half the fleet hoisting kites on the one gybe, the other on the other gybe. If there had been any more wind it might have gotten spicy, but as it was, we just all floated in various directions.

“As we were originally the leeward boat, the wind shift technically meant we ended up starting as windward boat. Nice! I think we managed quite well out of the strange situation, but the wind is still very, very light, so it will be interesting to see who comes out of this ahead when it fills in.”

Joining the chasing duo on northerly headings are forth placed Dare To Lead, fifth placed UNICEF, as well as PSP Logistics, Bekezela and homeward bound team Our Isles and Oceans.

Ready to start racing, Skipper Ryan Gibson on board Dare To Lead said, “We have just started Race 13 from Washington, DC to Oban, Scotland in interesting conditions since the wind changed direction completely at the start.

“However, lead Skipper Philip on Qingdao managed to get it started and the fleet is currently getting taken along by current and no wind in different directions. We are all excited, motivated and ready to give 140% for the second to last race of this circumnavigation. Let’s go!”

Dan Bodey, Skipper on board UNICEF reported, “Our last Le Mans Start is proving to be a challenging one, with light winds making tactical choices hard to figure out. It is interesting to see the different sail plans amongst the fleet. We feel on UNICEF we did well and are very excited for the rest of the race.”

Skipper of Bekezela, David Hartshorn said, “Well done Philip on Qingdao, on being the lead skipper of a difficult one weather wise, light variable wind. I wouldn’t have wished to call that one, but we are off on the home coming ocean crossing, so thank you. Light winds saw the team conduct a faultless Le Mans headsail hoist and then reacted swiftly to demands from #1 (First Mate Maisie) and myself to hoist the Code 1 at the end of the 10 minutes.

“Just at the point of hoisting, the wind flipped, and we had to switch from a starboard to a port hoist. But they did and now we are crawling slowly at 1.8kts, and not quite the right way, but then so is the rest of the fleet. Oban, standby we are on our way.”

Hoping for another podium spot, Skipper Mike Miller reported from PSP Logistics, “Well, that was an entertaining start. The wind was just strong enough to get the race underway, well done Phil and Henry, but just as the start horn sounded there was a huge wind shift, to the extent that we, at the leeward end of the line, suddenly found ourselves at the windward end.

“Some quick thinking and some good crew work got our spinnaker up on the other side of the boat, and we find ourselves surprisingly well placed as we push towards the breeze and the current.”

Reporting back from Our Isles and Oceans, Skipper Max Rivers said, “For the Le Mans Start we found ourselves at the windward end of the pack, normally a favourable position. However, a large unexplained and un-forecast change of wind direction caused chaos in the fleet, with people heading in all sorts of directions and a high variety of sail plans.

“The wind doesn’t look like it is going to settle or fill in for a number of hours, so for the moment we play the waiting and teasing game and hope to catch whatever wind we can find as soon as we can. The crew performed well, communicating effectively and managing the required sail plans when they were asked, helping us perform smoothly and effectively.”

Yacht Club Punta del Este is currently the most southerly pointing team and is in what we’ll call the easterly pointing pack for now, with Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam leading Qingdao, Washington, DC and Yacht Club Punta del Este on the most southerly heading.

Nano Antia, Skipper on board Yacht Club Punta del Este said, “A very well executed Le Mans Start by Phil from Qingdao. It was very hard as the wind was light and shifty. We all thought we were upwind but as soon as we started the wind was directly behind us.

“We were the most windward boat, so a downwind start was not great but we managed to hoist fast and moving forward. We are now under spinnaker going east trying to escape as tonight is forecasted to ease off again. Let’s see what happens! Vamos Punta!!”

Joker-playing Zhuhai is determined for a strong result on this race. Skipper of Zhuhai, James Finney reports, ”Finally Leg 8 is under way. It was a little anti climactic at first as after an initial puff, the wind deserted us for a good hour or so, with boats going in every direction that wasn’t to Oban. Thankfully, the wind has filled in for us now and we are very much underway with Perseverance in hot pursuit. We’ll see you all in Oban!”

And after a superb stopover in its home port, Washington, DC has set sail for Oban. Skipper Hannah Brewis said, “At the pace of snails, Race 13 is off! As always, a very well executed Le Mans Start was organized by Qingdao Skipper Phil. What wasn’t anticipated was as Phil counted down to 1000LT the wind completely shifted and died, This left us all quite stuck as yankees and staysails slapped around, and we patiently waited for the 10 minutes of “holding course” to elapse.

“Once this was over there was a flurry of activity as the boats switched to Code 1 or windseeker. After a few hours of wallowing about, the wind has filled, and the fleet is moving in the right direction. Long may it last.”

With three teams vying to hold on to the leaderboard podium and others chasing at their sterns and even more with a realistic chance of bagging an overall podium finish, this is without doubt the most important strategic moment of this race so far.

All fans can do now is sit back comfortably on the sofa and enjoy watching what promises to be an exciting couple of weeks of racing.

Race details – Team list – Race route – Tracker – Facebook

2023-24 edition will take the following route (updated):

Leg 1 Race 1. Portsmouth, UK – Puerto Sherry, Spain (1200nm) – 3 Sept Race Start, arrive 9 Sept Race 2. Puerto Sherry, Spain – Punta del Este, Uruguay (5300nm) – 15 Sept Race Start, arrive 12-16 Oct

Leg 2 Race 3. Punta Del Este, Uruguay – Cape Town, South Africa (3555 nm)- 22 Oct Race start, arrive 6-10 Nov

Leg 3 Race 4. Cape Town, South Africa – Fremantle, Australia (4750 nm) – 18 Nov Race Start, arrive 8-13 Dec

Leg 4 Race 5. Fremantle, Australia – Newcastle, Australia (2510nm) – Race Start 19 Dec, Arrival 1-4 Jan 2024 Race 6. Newcastle – Airlie Beach, Australia (985nm) – Race Start 10 Jan, Arrive 16-17 Jan

Leg 5 Race 7. Airlie Beach, Australia – Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam (4515nm) – Race Start 28 Jan, Arrive 21-26 Feb Race 8. Ha Long Bay – Zhuhai, China (645nm) – Race Start 2 March, Arrive 6-7 March

Leg 6 Race 9. Zhuhai, China – Qingdao, China (1370nm) – Race Start 12 March- Arrive 21-22 March Race 10. Qingdao – Seattle, USA (5580nm) – Race Start 27 March, Arrive 21-26 April

Leg 7 Race 11. Seattle, USA – Panama Canal (4200nm) – Race Start 5 May, Arrive Panama 27 May-1 Jun Race 12. Panama-Washington, DC, USA (1990nm) – Race Start 5 June, Arrive 17-19 June

Leg 8 Race 13. Washington, DC, USA – Oban, Scotland (3340nm) – Race Start 25 June, Arrive 12-16 July Race 14. Oban – Portsmouth, UK (815nm) – Race Start 21 July, Arrive 27 July

About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors.

Held biennially, the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race got underway September 3 for the fleet of eleven identical Tony Castro designed Clipper 70s. This 13th edition has 24 crew aboard each yacht, coming from 63 different nationalities (105 sailors from the USA) for the 40,000 mile circumnavigation of the world.

The course is divided into 8 legs and 14 individual races, with some of the crew in for the entire circumnavigation while others will do individual legs. The team having the best cumulative score over the entire course will win the Clipper Race Trophy.

Source: Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

Tags: Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

Related Posts

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NEWPORT BERMUDA RACE 2024

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June 29, 2024

Race Wrap Up – Historic 53rd Newport Bermuda Race Ends

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A Family Affair: Bonds Between Loved Ones Strengthened in the Newport Bermuda Race

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1200 - 1600: Starting Line Party

Doors will open for spectators at Fort Adams State Park at noon with music from The Ravers and Poster Signing with Cole Brauer. Food trucks, the Regatta Bar featuring Goslings Rum and Whalers Beer and New England Fare, and Lawn Games will be open. Helly Hansen and TeamOne Newport will have retail tents open for business, and other sponsors will be there to welcome you as well.

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Delivering an immersive viewing experience never done before. Expert commentary in partnership with North Sails from President Ken Read, professional sailor, Jesse Fielding, and first American woman to race around the world solo, Cole Brauer will be accompanied by captivating aerial footage to bring the excitement of the start close-up for those onsite and online. The live stream of the Starting Line Live Show will be on a giant screen in the park and streamed on YouTube.com/BermudaRace .

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The fleet is grouped into classes and starting groups that will cross the line off the western shore of Fort Adams every 10 minutes starting at 1400.

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3 Months And 24,000 Miles Later, Vendée Globe Competitors Complete Race

Eleanor Beardsley

After sailing 24,000 miles nonstop in a nearly three-month journey, competitors in the Vendée Globe — an around-the-world solo yacht race — are expected to finish at a French port on Wednesday.

Copyright © 2021 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Sydney to Hobart yacht race 2023 — how to watch and what to look out for

The sight of big yachts tearing around Sydney Harbour's blue water with crews scrambling over the deck at the start of the annual Sydney to Hobart race, can be thrilling, if somewhat confusing, watching.

Where is the start line? Are those boats going to crash into each other? What happens if someone falls off?

Do crew members get any sleep during the race? What prizes are they racing for? What do you mean the first over the finish line is not considered the top prize?

Wait, what ... there is a boat called Imalizard?

So many questions!

Let's try and answer them.

Where do they start?

This year, the 78th running of the Sydney to Hobart, has a fleet of over 100 boats ranging from supermaxis (typically boats over 21 metres) to smaller yachts.

There are two starting 'lines' with the larger yachts on the northern line just north of Shark Island, and the smaller boats on the southern line.

Two rounding marks off Sydney Heads compensate for the distance between the lines, before the fleet heads to sea on the ocean voyage to Hobart, 628 nautical miles (1,163 kilometres) away.

When does it begin?

It's already started!

At 1pm AEDT on Boxing Day (December 26) the ceremonial cannon was fired, marking the start of the race.

How can I watch it?

Race sponsor Rolex says the start will be broadcast live on the Seven Network throughout Australia and live and on demand on the 7Plus app.

Internationally, the race will be available through YouTube on the CYCATV channel or via Rolex Sydney Hobart's Facebook page.

If you are in Sydney and on the water, spectators who wish to watch the start but not follow the fleet are advised to stick to the "western side of the harbour".

Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east".

According to organisers, the harbour will be "very crowded and traffic can be chaotic, so stay alert, follow the advice of race officials and remember to keep well clear of the exclusion zone between 12pm and 2pm".

Will there actually be some near misses?

The start is when things can get feisty, with crews trying to get their yachts into the best position before the cannon shot and on the run to get around Sydney Heads and out into the South Pacific Ocean.

This is when near misses and actual collisions can happen, with spicy language occasionally making it onto the live television broadcast thanks to cameras on the boats.

Members of the public watching from boats are told to stay in a "zone" away from race competitors, but that can still make for more potential near misses as the competitor boats weave across the water trying to find their best way into the start line at just the right time.

All in all it can look like chaos and often results in protests being lodged by crews who allege other teams of a wide range of infringements of race rules, across the entire course all the way to the finish.

Sometimes, if protested against, boats can perform "penalty turns" while at sea as punishment. Both Wild Oats XI and Comanche performed penalty turns last year following a scrape in Sydney Harbour.

Decision to make — follow the coast or head out to sea

Once out of the harbour, the fleet then begins to make its way down the east coast of Australia, and are faced with a decision — to either stay close to the coast or to go further into open water where the East Australia Current can carry them. The amount of wind dictates this decision.

After navigating the NSW South Coast, it is then into Bass Strait, where the worst conditions are generally found, with strong winds and big waves.

Simply surviving is the key here. Equipment failure and breakage ends many a team's race during this stretch.

With Bass Strait successfully navigated, another choice needs to be made — sail close to the coast of Tasmania where they will find better water — or further out where winds are heavier.

Whichever the way, soon boats will be rounding "Tasman Light" and crossing Storm Bay. Then, they'll pass the Iron Pot at the mouth of the River Derwent . 

After a crawl up the often windless Derwent, boats will cross the finish line at Castray Esplanade before eventually settling in Hobart's Constitution Dock.

What are they racing for?

There is no prize money for the winners. 

Instead, crews race for trophies in a number of categories , the main events for casual observers being Line Honours (first across the line) and Overall (winner decided based on handicap).

The first yacht across the line wins the JH Illingworth Challenge Cup, while the Overall winner on handicap wins the Tattersalls Cup.

The Overall winner is considered a truer indication of sailing skill . The boats are smaller and lighter and therefore not as naturally fast. Getting them to Hobart is tougher. Handicaps (time adjustments) are calculated by a range of factors such as the weight and length of the boat.

Most of the time, Overall honours are won by a smaller, slower boat, which outdoes its larger opposition when time is adjusted for size and other factors.

The reigning Line Honours victor is Andoo Comanche, which won in a time of 1 day, 11 hours, and 15 minutes, the boat's 4th line honours victory.

The reigning Overall winner is Celestial, which finished 2022's race in 2 days, 16 hours, and 15 minutes.

In 2017, LDV Comanche set a new line honours record, finishing first in 1 day, 9 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds, beating Perpetual Loyal's record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes and 20 seconds, set the previous year.

Who can race?

The minimum age to compete in the race is 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.

Each yacht generally carries between six and 24 crew members, the average across the fleet being 10 to 11.

The head of the crew is the skipper and often the skipper also owns the yacht. Other positions on board include the "helmsperson, navigator, tactician, trimmers and foredeck person, or for'ard hand", race organisers explain.

Two-hander boats (a category introduced in 2020) attempt the voyage with only two crew members.

After the 1998 race, in which six sailors died, five yachts sank, more than 60 yachts retired and 55 sailors had to be rescued by helicopter, at least 50 per cent of crew members in a team have to have completed a sea safety survival course.

All competitors must have completed an approved "Category 1" equivalent passage. One advertised course for Sydney to Hobart wannabe sailors offers five days of "continuously sailing" across a 500 nautical mile passage off the New South Wales coast, starting at $1,795 per person.

Conditions on board can be cramped and extreme, with very rough seas often battering yachts along the way. If a crew member goes over the side, that means teams have to circle back to collect them.

Winner of the 2022 Two-Handed Division Rupert Henry said for his two-person team, "we only manage around four hours max of sleep each".

"We know when each other needs to crash so we do it then."

As for people who easily get sea sick, perhaps this is not the hobby for you.

How can I follow the boats online?

You can follow the race on an online tracker , which shows the positions of yachts as they move south, via a GPS device on each vessel. 

As the race goes on, you can see the course charted by crews — unless of course the boat's GPS device gets switched off, rendering it invisible to spectators and other competitors — an accusation that was levelled at Wild Oats XI in 2018 by the owner of Black Jack.

Yachts can also be tracked on the Marine Traffic website .

Imalizard, Eye Candy and Millennium Falcon — what's in a name?

If you are the kind who chooses a favourite yacht based on the name, there are some good ones this year, including Imalizard, Disko Trooper, Millennium Falcon, Lenny, Mister Lucky, Pacman, Toecutter, Extasea, two yachts with Yeah Baby in their names, Chutzpah, Ciao Bella and Eye Candy.

Not among 2023's starters is Huntress, which came to grief last year after breaking a rudder, with the crew abandoning the vessel and it later drifting and  washing up on a remote Tasmanian beach , leading to a dispute over the salvage rights .

Main contenders for the Overall title are Alive (2018 winner, a Tasmanian boat), Chutzpah, Celestial, Smuggler and URM, as well as supermaxis LawConnect, SHK Scallywag, Andoo Comanche and Wild Thing.

Barring disaster, the Line Honours winner will almost certainly be one of the four supermaxis.

This yacht has raced under several names, previously racing as Perpetual LOYAL, Investec LOYAL and InfoTrack.

In 2016, Perpetual LOYAL became the fastest-ever boat to complete the race, setting a new race record of 1 day, 13 hours, 31 minutes, and 12 seconds. That record has since been broken by LDV Comanche in 2017. Investec LOYAL also sailed to victory in 2011.

Previous owner Anthony Bell declared after his 2016 victory that he would be selling the boat. It was picked up by tech entrepreneur Christian Beck, with the boat's name changed to InfoTrack.

Now called LawConnect, conditions haven't suited the heavier yacht in recent years. It is yet to win a Sydney to Hobart under its new name and ownership but is always among the leaders' pack. It recently defeated Comanche in the Big Boat Challenge, a traditional lead-up event to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Andoo Comanche

John Winning Junior took over from Jim Cooney as skipper of the newly named 'Andoo' Comanche last year, and had instant success, beating its rivals to a 4th Line Honours victory. In 2017, it defeated Wild Oats for Line Honours, setting a race record in the process, but only after a controversial protest. It also claimed Line Honours in 2019.

Andoo Comanche will enter as hot favourite for Line Honours this year after installing a brand new million-dollar sails package and winning the Cabbage Tree Island race – it did however finish second to LawConnect in this month's Big Boat Challenge .

SHK Scallywag

Scallywag looms as a wild card in this year's race, and on its day can challenge the likes of Comanche. Scallywag is lighter and narrower than Comanche, and is better suited to lighter wind conditions.

It has undergone modifications during the winter and will have a pair of Americas Cup sailors on board in Luke Payne and Luke Parkinson. Scallywag has never won a Line Honours victory.

Wild Thing 100

Wild Thing 100 will be the newest supermaxi to be launched when it makes its debut in this year's race.

Owner Grant Wharrington has modified Stefan Racing, a Botin 80, which he sailed to fourth over the line in 2021 and 6th last year. Under the extension, the yacht has been rebranded as Wild Thing 100. Wharrington took Line Honours in 2003 with his previous Wild Thing, but the following year, whilst leading the fleet to Hobart, she lost her canting keel and capsized in Bass Strait.

Some other Sydney to Hobart race facts:

Thirteen of the last 17 Line Honours victories have been claimed by Comanche or Wild Oats Wild Oats XI is not participating this year, the second time in three years the nine-time Line Honours winner has not raced. Skipper mark Richards said he'd be spending the time "relaxing somewhere with a beer in my hand" There are 21 two-handed crews (two-person team) competing The smallest boats in the fleet are a pair of 30-footers, Currawong and Niksen. Both are two-handers and Currawong is crewed by two women, Kathy Veel and Bridget Canham The oldest boat to enter this year's race is Christina, built in 1932 There are 10 international crews competing in this year's event It is tradition that the skipper of the boat first in to Hobart jumps into the chilly water of the Derwent

When does the race finish?

The Line Honours winner is likely to come in around 48 hours after the start, but this is very much dependent on the weather —  especially in the 22.2-kilometre final stretch up the Derwent River to the finish line.

This is when the wind can drop away and it becomes a crawl , with every trick in the book pulled out to make headway.

Yachts can finish at any time of the day or night.

In 2021, Black Jack crossed the line at 1:37am on December 29, followed by LawConnect at 4:11am and SHK Scallywag about 20 minutes after that.

In 2019, Comanche came in at a more reasonable time of 7:30am on December 28, with InfoTrack about 45 minutes later.

"It matters not whether it is in the wee hours of the morning or the middle of the day — a boisterous and enthusiastic crowd is on hand to clap and cheer the winning yacht to its berth," organisers say.

But the cheering was not just reserved for the first finishers.

In the 2022 race, the final yacht — Currawong — timed its finish impeccably, coming in just before midnight on December 31 , to be met with rousing applause from crowds at Hobart's wharf for New Year's Eve celebrations and an accompanying fireworks display.

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7 Global Sailing Races to Follow

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Event , Inside Sailing , Sailing Fun

As American Sailing evolves our curriculum to offer more racing options through North U, I am attempting to learn more about sailboat racing. If you are following along with my journey to become a racer, you know that I am a neophyte when it comes to racing. I am a cruiser. I am a self-described “lazy sailor” that does not focus on trimming my sails and instead works on not dropping my chips and salsa while sailing.

You can get an idea of my journey in my last two pieces on sailing and racing:

SAIL TRIM FOR CRUISERS: WHY TRIM YOUR SAILS?

HOW TO GRADUATE FROM CRUISER TO RACER — STEPS TO START RACING SAILBOATS

I plan to find out more about the serious and not-so-serious side of sailboat racing. Many people, even non-sailors, know what the America’s Cup is, and may have even turned on a sports network to catch a SailGP race. But there is far more to sailing races than those two.

Here’s an overview of seven of the big races, regattas, and race series that occur regularly around the world. These are iconic events, both old and new, that shape the world of racing and have inspired sailors for generations to challenge themselves to new heights, both on and off the water.

Cowes Week is one of the oldest and most prestigious sailing regattas in the world, held every August in the Solent waters off Cowes, UK. The event has been around since 1826, and it’s known for attracting some of the best sailors from around the globe. It’s the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world, with up to 1,000 boats and 8,000 competitors taking part in the 40 daily sailing races.

Whether you’re an Olympic or world-class pro, or just a weekend sailor, Cowes Week is an event that has something for everyone. And even if you’re not into sailing, the regatta is still a spectacle to behold – with stunning views of the coastline and plenty of festivities both on and off the water. 

Once you discover the allure of racing it appears that Cowes Week might be worthy of a sailing vacation that includes either participating in a race or just being involved as a spectator. I am not there yet, but it could happen.

Next Race Date: July 29 – Aug 4, 2023 Cowes Week Website

The Ocean Race

I do know about The Ocean Race only because prior to the new owner taking over, it was the Volvo Ocean Race for twenty years and that is how they got me to buy a Volvo. I walked into the dealership and saw some mesmerizing sailboat pictures and I signed the contract and drove away.  I am a sucker.

The Ocean Race is a round-the-world yacht race that occurs every three years. It’s known as one of the most challenging sailing races globally, spanning over 45,000 nautical miles. The race consists of multiple legs and lasts about nine months. The race starts in Europe and ends in Asia or Oceania. The exact route changes with each edition of the race.

Both professional sailors and amateur sailors can participate in this race. The teams are composed of eight sailors, all racing on the same boats. These boats are specially designed to be fast and robust, capable of enduring the tough conditions of the open ocean.

This race used to be known as the Whitbread Round the World Race until it was renamed the Volvo Ocean Race and now is known as The Ocean Race.

Next Race Date: Currently in progress at the time of the post! The Ocean Race Website

America’s Cup 

My first foray into sailing racing was when Dennis Conner won the America’s Cup.  I was a kid watching the news and learned about sailing through this huge event on the vessel, Stars and Stripes. Years later I took a ride on what I was told was the same boat. I was skeptical about the origin of the vessel I was on but that day I learned a lot about how much I loved the idea of sailing. A couple of years later I bought a boat.

The America’s Cup is held every few years on dates agreed between the defender and the challenger. There is no fixed schedule, but the races have generally been held every three to four years. The most recent America’s Cup match took place in March 2021. 

The 37th America’s Cup Official Opening Ceremony will be held in Barcelona on 22 August 2024. The Final Preliminary Event and the Challenger Selection Series will follow, leading up to the America’s Cup Match that will start on 12 October 2024. During 2023/early 2024, there is potential for up to three preliminary events. By June 2023, all the teams will have their base set up and be training in Barcelona.

The competition takes place between teams representing different countries or yacht clubs. The event involves a series of races where high-tech racing yachts, known as America’s Cup Class boats, compete in head-to-head races that test their speed, agility, and teamwork.

The competition dates back to 1851 when a schooner called America won a race around the Isle of Wight. The trophy, now known as the America’s Cup, was donated to the New York Yacht Club and has since become one of the most prestigious prizes in sailing.

Next Race Date: October 12, 2024 The America’s Cup Website

Vendée Globe

If I was a racer I am sure that The Vendée Globe would be the race that would inspire me to go hard into this type of adventure. The Vendée Globe is a single-handed (solo) non-stop yacht race around the world without assistance. It takes place every four years and is an extreme form of sailing.  It is said that more people have been into space than have finished the Vendee Globe. First held in 1989, the race starts and ends in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a small town on the west coast of France, and covers a distance of approximately 45,000 km.

Sailors must navigate their way through some of the most treacherous waters on the planet, including the Southern Ocean and the Cape Horn. Sailors must rely solely on their own skills, knowledge, and experience to complete the race. They face extreme weather conditions, sleep deprivation, and the constant threat of danger as they navigate their way around the world. 

The boats are designed specifically for the event and are some of the most advanced sailing vessels in the world, capable of speeds of up to 30 knots.

Next Race Date: November 10, 2024 The Vend é e Globe Website

St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

I must confess that I had a very nice t-shirt from this regatta that I purchased at the St. Maarten airport. I was leaving the country and realized that I had not bought any souvenirs so I found this shirt in the terminal and wore it like a proud sailboat racer. I was an imposter, I had never even seen any of the race and I did not know it existed.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is a massive sailing event that takes place on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean. It’s actually the biggest regatta in the Caribbean and the largest warm water regatta in the world.

The event attracts top sailors from 37 countries, who compete in a series of races over four days. The competition draws in sailors that are both professionals and passionate amateurs who just love to sail.

Next Race Date: Feb 29 – Mar 3, 2024 St. Maarten Regatta Website

Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac)

If you live and sail in Southern California, you will hear about Transpac. I have heard about it, and I did not realize it was a race. I always figured it was a group of sailors who sailed across the Pacific to Hawaii in a large caravan, like a large flotilla, without any daily stops. I will confess that when I sailed my Catalina 27 five times a week, I had a few fantasies about tagging along in my boat and stopping over in Hawaii with the Transpac crowd. But, unfortunately, I was misguided.

The Transpacific Yacht Race (Transpac) is a biennial offshore yacht race held in odd-numbered years starting off the Pt. Fermin buoy in San Pedro, California, and ending off Diamond Head in Hawaii, a distance of around 2,225 nautical miles (2,560 mi; 4,121 km). It is one of the world’s oldest major ocean races for sailing yachts. The race was first held in 1906 and made a biennial event in 1939 to alternate with the Bermuda Race.

Next Race Date: June 27, 2023 TransPac Website

Now in its 4th season, SailGP is a newer series race held as a competition between nations on identical F50 catamarans. Currently the nations competing include Australia, New Zealand, Emirates Great Britain, France, Canada, Denmark, United States, Switzerland, and Spain. The race is held on weekends in iconic locations around the world modeled in a grand prix format similar to Formula 1 in which points accumulate throughout the season based on winnings from each race and contribute toward a championship. 

The race series has a really great app you can use to follow along and watch live, or on YouTube, and they are doing wonderful work expanding the sport’s impact initiatives through their second championship leaderboard that tracks the positive actions the teams make to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in sailing. The coverage of this series is great to watch – it has a high production value including live mics on the sailors and post race interviews with the sailors. The commentators do a good job educating the audience as to the basics of sailboat racing as well as explaining the racing rules.

Season 4 Opening Race: June 16-17, 2023 Chicago Sail GP Website

So which race strikes your fancy? Here’s hoping you enjoy some of these and find some new inspiration in your sailing journey!

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47 strong fleet to contest 75th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race on Good Friday

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Countdown to the 114th Race to Mackinac - July 22, 2023

July 13, 2024

2024 mac race competitors: a message from the chairman.

It’s incredible to me that it’s almost July and the Chicago Yacht Club Race To Mackinac presented by Wintrust is three weeks away. I can’t tell you all how excited we are to host you all for the Race. I write you all with 4 updates:

Race to Mackinac celebrates its First Timers

For 115 editions,  the 333-mile (289 nautical miles) Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust has welcomed sailors to the waters of Lake Michigan in mid-July. ‘The Mac,’ as it's affectionately known, is steeped in history and tradition and has become synonymous with the club that will be celebrating its 150-year anniversary next year. The inaugural Race began in 1898 with only five boats, with William Cameron’s 64’ fin-keeled sloop Vanenna taking line honors. Fast forward to today, and on average, more than 250 boats register to compete ranging from comfy cruisers to grand prix racers such as TP52s. 

Now Open: The Official 2024 Race to Mackinac Store!

The Race to Mackinac Regatta Store is now open courtesy of Team One Newport!

Race to Mackinac Transitioning to the Nautical Cloud Race Management System

On May 1, 2024, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac presented by Wintrust will be transitioning to the Nautical Cloud race management system. We’ll be halting access to the existing system at noon on April 25, with the new system coming online May 1. 

Race Starts July 12, 2024

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By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: The Chicago Yacht Club, 400 East Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60603, Phone: 312.861.7777 https://cycracetomackinac.com/. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the link, found at the bottom of every email.

What is Yacht Racing? (Here’s All You Need To Know)

Have you ever watched a yacht race, with its colorful sails gliding across the water in a graceful dance? Have you ever wondered what it takes to participate in yacht racing? This article will take you through all you need to know about yacht racing, from the different types of yachts and races, to sailing clubs and regattas, technical knowledge and skills, safety, and the benefits of yacht racing.

We’ll also explore some of the most popular events and races.

So whether you’re an avid sailor or just curious about this exciting sport, you’ll find all the information you need here.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Yacht racing is a competitive sport and recreational activity involving sailing yachts .

It is most popular in areas with strong maritime cultures, such as the UK, US and Australia.

Races typically involve a course that boats must follow, which can vary in length depending on the type of race.

Competitors often use advanced sailboat designs, and use tactics and strategy to try to outmaneuver their opponents in order to be the first to cross the finish line.

Types of Yachts Used in Racing

Yacht racing can be done with a wide variety of boats, from dinghies and keelboats to multihulls and offshore racing boats.

Dinghies are small, lightweight boats with a single sail and are often used in competitive racing.

Keelboats, on the other hand, are larger and heavier boats with a fixed keel and two or more sails.

Multihulls, like the popular catamaran, are boats with two or more hulls and are designed with speed and agility in mind.

Finally, offshore racing boats are designed for long-distance racing and are typically larger and more powerful than other types of yachts.

No matter what type of yacht you choose to race, they will all have common features that make them suitable for racing.

All yachts must have a mast, sails, hull and rigging, and will usually feature a deck, compass, and navigation equipment.

Additionally, racing yachts are often fitted with safety features such as life jackets, flares, and emergency radios.

Each type of yacht has its own unique characteristics, and some are better suited for certain types of racing than others.

For example, dinghies are better suited for short-course racing, while offshore racing boats are better for long-distance racing.

Additionally, keelboats and multihulls are often used for more challenging types of racing, such as distance racing or match racing.

No matter what type of yacht you choose for racing, it is important to remember that safety should always be your first priority.

Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out and make sure that you have the proper safety equipment on board.

Additionally, it is important to get professional instruction or join a sailing club to ensure you have the necessary skills to race safely and enjoyably.

Types of Races

Yacht racing events can take place in a wide variety of forms and formats, from long-distance ocean racing to short-course inshore racing in protected bays and estuaries.

Each type of race requires different skills and equipment, and the type of race you choose to participate in will depend on your sailing experience, budget and the type of boat you have.

Long-distance ocean racing is a popular form of yacht racing, with races often taking place over several days and often involving multiple stages.

These races often have several classes of boat competing, with each boat competing in its own class.

These races may involve sailing around a set course or route, or they may be point-to-point races, where the boats sail from one point to another.

Inshore racing is the most common form of yacht racing, with races typically taking place over a few hours or a single day.

This type of racing is often conducted in protected waters, such as bays and estuaries, and generally involves shorter course lengths than ocean racing.

Inshore races may involve multiple classes of boat, or they may be one-design classes, where all boats are the same model and size.

Multi-hull racing is another popular type of yacht racing and involves boats with two or more hulls.

These boats are generally faster and more agile than monohulls, and races are often held over a short course.

These races can be highly competitive, with teams of experienced sailors vying for position and race victory.

Offshore racing is similar to ocean racing, but often involves much longer distances and more challenging conditions.

Races may take place over several days and multiple stages, and require a high level of experience and skill.

Offshore racing boats are usually specially designed for speed and agility, and may have multiple crew members on board to help manage the boat in challenging conditions.

Sailing Clubs and Regattas

Yacht racing is a popular sport around the world, with sailing clubs and regattas held in many countries.

Sailing clubs are organizations where members can come together to race, learn, and enjoy their shared passion for the sport.

Membership in a sailing club usually includes access to the clubs facilities, equipment, and training classes.

Regattas are large-scale yacht racing events, often hosted by a sailing club.

The regatta can be organized for any type of boat, from dinghys to offshore racing boats, and the races can be held over a series of days.

The goal of the regatta is to crown the winner of the overall race, or the individual class honours.

Sailing clubs and regattas are a great way for sailors of all levels to come together and compete.

They give sailors an opportunity to hone their skills, network, and make friends with other passionate sailors.

Additionally, these events are often open to the public, so they give the general public a chance to see the amazing spectacle of yacht racing up close.

If youre looking for an exciting and fun way to get involved with sailing, look no further than your local sailing club or regatta.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

Yacht racing is a sport that requires a great deal of technical knowledge and skill.

Competitors must be familiar with the physics and dynamics of sailing, including how to read the wind and manipulate their vessel to maximize speed and maneuverability.

They must also be able to understand the principles of navigation, so they can accurately plot a course and adjust it to take advantage of the prevailing wind and current conditions.

Furthermore, competitors must be able to read the weather and use that information to their advantage in the race.

Finally, competitors need to have a good understanding of the rules of the race and how to adhere to them.

Yacht racing is a complex sport with a steep learning curve, and it requires a great deal of experience and practice to master.

Safety is a key element of yacht racing, as it involves operating large vessels in often unpredictable and hazardous conditions.

All racers must be properly equipped with the appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, flares, and a first aid kit.

It is also essential that all racers are familiar with the rules of the race, and have a good understanding of the safety protocols that must be followed in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

All yacht racing events must be properly insured, and there are often medical personnel on standby in case of an emergency.

Before any race, all participants must sign a waiver declaring that they understand the risks involved and accept responsibility for their own safety.

Benefits of Yacht Racing

Yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and take part in a thrilling sport.

It offers numerous benefits to those that participate, from improved physical health and mental well-being to an opportunity to travel and explore new places.

Whether youre a beginner or an experienced sailor, yacht racing provides an exciting and rewarding experience.

One of the main benefits of yacht racing is its impact on physical health.

It requires a great deal of strength and endurance, as the sailors must use their arms and legs to control the boats sails and rudder.

Its also a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your cardiovascular health.

Additionally, sailing is a low-impact sport, meaning theres less risk of injury than other more strenuous activities like running or cycling.

Yacht racing also has many mental benefits.

Its a great way to relax and take in the beauty of the ocean, as well as the camaraderie and excitement of competing in a team.

Additionally, it gives sailors the opportunity to put their problem-solving skills to the test, as they must think quickly and strategize in order to succeed.

Yacht racing also requires quick decision-making, which can help to improve mental acuity and develop a more acute awareness of ones surroundings.

Finally, yacht racing is a great way to explore new places and meet new people.

Races often take place in different locations around the world, meaning sailors can get a glimpse into different cultures and explore new destinations.

Additionally, yacht racing provides an opportunity to socialize with other sailors, as well as make connections in the sailing community.

Overall, yacht racing is a great way to challenge yourself and reap the numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.

With its exciting races and stunning locations, its no wonder that yacht racing has become a popular sport around the world.

Popular Events and Races

Yacht racing is an exciting and popular sport with events and races held all over the world.

From the world-famous Americas Cup to local regattas, there are races and events of all sizes and skill levels.

The Americas Cup is the oldest and most prestigious yacht race in the world, with the first race held in 1851.

Held every 3-4 years in a different location, the Americas Cup pits the worlds best sailors against each other in a battle of boat speed, tactics and teamwork.

The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is another major race, held annually in Australia.

The race begins in Sydney Harbour and ends in the port of Hobart, Tasmania and is known for its unpredictable and challenging conditions.

The Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as The Volvo Ocean Race) is a grueling nine-month, round-the-world yacht race.

This race is one of the most challenging and dangerous races in the world.

In addition to these larger races, there are many smaller local and national regattas and races that offer an opportunity for sailors of all skill levels to compete.

From small dinghy races to larger keelboat and offshore racing events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in yacht racing.

Yacht racing is a fun, competitive and rewarding sport and with so many events and races available, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Whether you are a competitive sailor or just looking to have some fun on the water, yacht racing is the perfect sport for you.

Final Thoughts

Yacht racing is an exciting and challenging sport that is enjoyed by many around the world.

With a variety of yacht types, races and events to choose from, there is something for everyone.

To get started, it is important to have a good understanding of the technical skills and knowledge needed, as well as the safety protocols associated with the sport.

With the right preparation and dedication, yacht racing can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

If you’re interested in taking up this exciting sport, make sure you check out your local sailing clubs and regattas to find out what’s on offer.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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By Alyson Krueger

• Published June 24, 2024 Updated June 26, 2024

At 11:30 a.m. Sunday morning, with New York City under a heat advisory, a gaggle of sailing enthusiasts, dressed in polo shirts and summer dresses, boarded a ferry for Governors Island to watch towering F50 catamarans race along the skyline of Lower Manhattan and in front of the Statue of Liberty.

It was the second day and the finals of the New York Sail Grand Prix, part of SailGP, the growing international sailing competition in which teams, grouped by country, compete in $5 million boats that race up to 60 miles per hour.

The competition was founded in 2018 by Larry Ellison, the tech billionaire, and Russell Coutts, a five-time America’s Cup winner, to build a mainstream sailing league. Unlike America’s Cup, which occurs roughly every four years, SailGP has events around the globe throughout the year, allowing audiences to follow along.

“It’s this high-adrenaline, high-speed sort of racing product right in front of you,” Mr. Coutts said.

Organizers and fans are comparing the competition to Formula 1 racing on the water, which also has billionaire and celebrity backers and flashy backdrops including St. Tropez and Dubai. Now in its fourth season, the number of SailGP teams and events has doubled. The races, filled with Olympic sailors and state-of-the-art catamarans, are broadcast throughout the world and attract millions of viewers, according to organizers.

The sold-out race was held at the tip of Manhattan. Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the race by boat or from Governors Island, a 172-acre island in New York Harbor. (Tickets started at $85 for the grandstand.)

A private tent on a paved area by the water was reserved for team owners and invited ticket holders. There was sushi and dumplings and tea service catered by the Plaza.

The teams were spread around the lounge, marked by flags. Lindsey Vonn, the Olympic ski racer, is on the board of directors for the team from the United States.

“I love speed and adrenaline, so when the opportunity presented itself it was a no-brainer,” Ms. Vonn said in a text message. She attended the race live on Saturday.

On Sunday, the races started around 1 p.m., prompting many guests to put down their champagne and Aperol spritzes and approach the edge of the water to take in the sailing.

Unlike in Formula 1, where a spectator can see only a short stretch of the track at a time, all of SailGP’s racing happens in a tight area in full view of the crowd.

The event is a series of three short races (each one lasts about 15 minutes) in which the boats circle the course multiple times, depending on the wind conditions.

For the boat to turn, 32 functions have to be performed by the team in unison. The catamarans are close enough to shore to see the sailors — there are usually six on each boat — in action.

Jennifer Falvey, 63, a real estate agent, had traveled from Woodstock, Vt., for the event after hearing it about it from a friend. “The boats are just so sexy,” she said.

Daniela Forte, who came with her husband from Westport, Conn., was struck by the speed.

“I don’t have a sailing background, and I had never heard of SailGP before this event, but it’s kind of an amazing idea,” she said. “Sailing has always felt like something you had to do, not just something you can watch, but this is amazing.”

An hour and a half after the first race started, the team from New Zealand was declared the winner (a television broadcaster announced: “The Kiwis have conquered Manhattan.”) The top three contenders are now New Zealand, Australia and Spain — ahead of the season finals in San Francisco in the middle of July.

Then sailors, still wet from the water, filled the lounge for “Apres Sail.” Hundreds of people remained in the private lounge for hours, snacking on fresh plates of pasta and freshly shucked oysters.

Despite the stifling, 90-degree temperatures the party continued until late afternoon. Dance music blared over the loudspeakers, fans mingled with the sailors, and at least one bar ran out of champagne.

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