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International sailing competition comes to SF Bay, bringing economic boost

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thousands of people are converging on San Francisco this weekend to watch giant high-tech sailboats from around the world race on the bay at super high speeds. The United States Sail Grand Prix is returning to the Bay Area for its third year at a time when local tourism officials say it's needed most.

If you have a need for speed, check out the adrenaline pumping sailboat race on the bay, known as SailGP. It's where 50-foot catamarans or 'F50s' almost fly across the water, so close to shore.

"It amazing to watch these hydro foiling rocket ships, which hit 60 mph," said SailGP's Laura Muma.

This weekend, the SailGP season three grand final is matching nine sailing teams from around the world.

MORE: SailGP teams from 8 countries vying for $1 million prize in San Francisco Bay

"It's the Super Bowl of our league. Stakes are high and competition at the highest level," said Mac Agnese from Team USA.

"This is one of the most knowledgeable cities for sailing and racing. All teams love coming back, especially those who were here for America's Cup. In many ways, it's a homecoming," Muma said.

Thousands of sailing enthusiasts are coming to the Marina Green to watch.

"The commentary is excellent. The vibe is excellent. We're getting into sailing. It's an exciting time for the sport," said Erwin Naido from Toronto.

MORE: Caught on Video: Shark jumps on fishing boat in New Zealand

The event comes at a crucial time -- when SF is trying to revive tourism -- post-pandemic.

"San Francisco is still struggling to recover from pre-pandemic levels of tourism, is off 25% of the number of visitors who come here. Business travel is down. People are not working in their offices, so events like this really make a difference, because they bring people into town," said Joe D'Allesandro, SF Travel president and CEO. .

The economic boost is welcome, just like strong winds for the competing sailors.

The final race happens on Sunday. The winning team gets bragging rights and $1 Million dollars.

If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

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Other Sports | Photos: Mubadala SailGP Season 3 Grand Final…

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Other sports | alameda county da pamela price’s former spokesperson alleges racist behavior and open-records violations in legal claim, other sports | photos: mubadala sailgp season 3 grand final practice of world’s fastest sailboats in san francisco, f50 catamarans are the world’s fastest boats.

The Mubadala SailGP Season 3 Grand Final kicks off in San Francisco this weekend with some of the best sailors in the world from nine countries, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United States vying for the championship.

The weekend’s racing will decide who will compete against Season 3 leader Australia in the Grand Final race, a winner-take-all, final sprint to claim the $1 million grand prize. The U.S. SailGP Team, helmed by sailing legend Jimmy Spithill, is mathematically unable to qualify for the Grand Final, but hopes to win the weekend Grand Prix on home turf.

The event will also include onshore entertainment and activities for fans in the Marina Green Race Village, including live music, food and beverage vendors, and interactive exhibits. To purchase limited tickets and learn more, see their website www.sailgp.com .

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High Speed Sail GP Racing Comes to San Francisco Bay

March 26, 2022 / 11:00 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) -- San Francisco Bay is playing host this weekend to a new sailing competition called Sail GP. The races are short, the boats are very fast and, if Saturday's crowd was any indication, it may be the wave of the future.

This is only the second season for Sail GP, an international sailing competition that patterns itself on the Grand Prix auto racing circuit. The 50-foot catamarans ride up out of the water on foils, turn on a dime and can reach speeds over 60 mph.

"Sail GP is all about high-adrenaline, close-to-shore racing," said chief marketing officer Erica Kerner. "It is the fastest boats on the water. It is absolutely incredible."

Unlike America's Cup, which is as much a technology competition as a boat race, Sail GP boats are identical so the races are won or lost by the skill of the sailors. This weekend is the season's last event and the prelims will decide who joins the U.S. and Australia in Sunday's final, single-race sprint for a $1 million.

"I think it's a great idea, I do, and this is the best place to sail," said racing fan Doug Roberts. "That's why they're going to end up here, because you're not going to find any place like San Francisco Bay."

San Francisco Bay is an ideal venue for to watch a sailing competition. It features strong winds and provides an accessible waterfront giving people an up-close view of the action. The prospect of seeing boats moving so fast, so close to shore, brought out a huge crowd of spectators Saturday.

"It's doggone thrilling! Who doesn't want to be thrilled?" said Greg White, who traveled from Santa Barbara to watch the races. "This is pretty good stuff."

White, who is an avid sailor, said Sail GP is already having an impact on the racing community. He said America's Cup switched from single hulls to catamarans and are now also racing on foils.

"They realize they have to do something, because this is here to stay," White said. "There's a little bit of, 'I'm going to catch up with these other crazy fellows,' and good on 'em for it."

Sailing enthusiast Nate Bernardo thinks the shorter, 14-minute sprints of Sail GP may become more popular with the public than traditional yacht racing and the America's Cup might be in trouble.

"The America's Cup is more prestigious but Sail GP is a little bit faster-pace and I think it will appeal more to the younger demographic," he said. "That is the future."

There will be three races Sunday, two more qualifiers then the final, million-dollar race at 3 p.m. The event is centered at the Saint Francis Yacht Club and can best be viewed anywhere along the waterfront from Crissy Field to Marina Green.

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Sailboat racing on san francisco bay.

Take your sailing skills to the next level and learn to race sailboats! The San Franciso Bay is known as a sailing mecca and racers from around the globe come to test their skills under the Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay's famous winds and significant currents test every team’s expertise, strategy, and mettle year-round.

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Join our Racing Program and you will join an inclusive community of sailors while adding depth and dimension to your sailing knowledge.

Explore the topics below to discover Racing Program details and the wide range of opportunities that Modern Sailing has made available for you to learn, practice, and compete.

• Racing and Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinics

Sailboat Races and Regattas in the SF Bay Area

• A Three-Tiered Yacht Racing Program for Beginning to Advanced Racers

Race Pricing

• Cancellation Policies

Wondering if racing is for you? Check out our Member Resources article Five Reasons to Race with Modern Sailing .

San Francisco Bay Area Sailboat Racing Clinics

Prior racing experience is required to join our teams in the local yacht club races. However, if you're new to racing, our Racing Clinic and Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinics will fulfill this requirement and prepare you to be a solid crew member on any Modern race boat. 

With locations in Berkeley and Sausalito, Modern Sailing is able to offer the widest range of opportunities to learn and experience the excitement of yacht club racing on San Francisco Bay.

The Racing Clinic is a 2-day clinic held on a Catalina 320 (Sausalito) or a  J/105 (Berkeley) that will teach you performance sail trim, efficient maneuvers, and the basics of the race course. After spending a portion of the clinic honing these skills, you will enjoy hands-on experience racing against another Modern boat!

The Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic will teach you all the ins and outs of flying this beautiful light wind sail. You will spend two days getting familiar with all the crew positions to hoist, trim, jibe, and douse an asymmetrical spinnaker. 

Enroll now and be ready to join the races for the upcoming season!

View the Schedule of Clinics and Enroll Online  

Once you've completed the Racing Clinic and Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic, you are eligible to join the races!

The Bay’s many yacht clubs take turns hosting regattas year-round, giving sailors ample opportunity to partake in thrilling races all over the Bay Area. During races, our participants rotate through different roles (skipper, helm/driver, spinnaker trimmer, jib trimmer, foredeck crew, midship/mastman, tactician) in order to gain skills and confidence in each role. Each team will have one of our USCG Captains on board to give expert advice and coach racers across the finish line.

Below are some of the Bay Area yacht club races that we typically enter our teams in.  

View the Race Schedule and Enroll Online  

A Three-Tier Yacht Racing Program for Beginning to Advanced Racers

When signing up for races online, you will encounter some different types of races. Here's how to distinguish between them and know which you are eligible for.

Drop-In Races

• Race Pack 5 (a discounted bundle of 5 races): Members $625; Non-members $725
• Single Race : Members $150; Non-members $175

After purchasing your first Race Pack 5, you have the option to purchase single races separately.

Club Race Teams

• BYC Sunday Midwinters Series (4 races aboard a J/105): $795
• BYC Sunday Chowder Race Series (5 races aboard a J/99): $995 
• SYC Chili Midwinter Series (5 races aboard a J/105): $895

Drop-in and Club Race Team prices are subject to change by season or series.

We're happy to help! Please feel free to reach out to our friendly customer support team. Representatives at either location can answer questions for both locations. 

Berkeley and Sausalito Contact Information

• (415) 331-8250
• [email protected] .

Drop-In Race Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel your reservation in a Drop-in Race with notice more than 72 hours (24 hours in winter) prior to the Race, you will receive a full refund.
• If you cancel less than 72 hours (24 hours in winter), there is no refund.

Club Race Team Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel at any time before the start of the series, you are eligible for a 50% refund.
• If you cancel any of the races during the series, there is no refund. Participants are expected to attend all sessions.
• Your position will be filled permanently if you miss more than one race in the series.

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News & Events

Club race teams make their debuts.

Modern Sailing's Club Race Team Program provides an avenue for sailors with prior racing experience to work together as a team over an entire season and to develop their skills towards more advanced racing.

• Read more about Club Race Teams Make Their Debuts

Five Reasons To Race with Modern Sailing

Beyond the obvious fun and challenge, learn about five of the life-enhancing benefits you can experience by racing on San Francisco Bay with the Modern Sailing Racing Team.

• Read more about Five Reasons To Race with Modern Sailing

Club Race Teams - a new way to race with Modern Sailing!

Looking for an opportunity to take your racing skills to the next level by being part of a cohesive racing crew aboard a competitive one-design racing boat? Look no further!

• Read more about Club Race Teams - a new way to race with Modern Sailing!

2023 Three Bridge Fiasco: Modern Sailors' Race Results

Three Bridge Fiasco race teams encountered mixed conditions on Saturday, ending the day thankfully with more wind than they usually see this time of year.

• Read more about 2023 Three Bridge Fiasco: Modern Sailors' Race Results

Captain Mark Jordan's 2022 Pacific Cup Race Epilogue

This summer, Mark participated in the 2022 Pacific Cup Race, double-handing his Hanse 342 "Twelve-Winded Sky" with crew member Randy Leasure. Read in Mark's own words about his dramatic experience racing across the Pacific Ocean and the intense highs, lows, and learnings that he encountered along the way.

• Read more about Captain Mark Jordan's 2022 Pacific Cup Race Epilogue

Modern and Inspire Instructors Race in the Rolex Big Boat Series

Students at Modern Sailing and our partner site  Inspire Sailing are fortunate to learn from some phenomenal instructors who continually hone their skills and advance their knowledge through their own racing and cruising adventures.

• Read more about Modern and Inspire Instructors Race in the Rolex Big Boat Series

May 2021 Recreational Race Team News

With Team Kele capturing first place in their division on May 4 and three MSC boats enjoying some fun and friendly competition in the May 14 CYC race, the spring racing season is off to a fantastic start!

• Read more about May 2021 Recreational Race Team News

Race Report - April 16, 2021 CYC Friday Night Race

Light to non-existent winds didn't stop Team Kele from enjoying a lovely evening of sailing, practicing, and sharing their mutual love of being on the water.

• Read more about Race Report - April 16, 2021 CYC Friday Night Race

December 6 SYC Chili Midwinters Race Report

Article by Captain Mark Jordan on December 14, 2020

• Read more about December 6 SYC Chili Midwinters Race Report

November 2020 Race Team News

The fall racing season is under way! Our teams faced several challenges in the first two races this season, but every race is an opportunity to learn and hone skills, tactics, and teamwork. With these race reports, find out how MSC's season is going so far.

• Read more about November 2020 Race Team News

WIND & WOMEN - Women's Sailing Courses

Introducing Wind & Women

• Read more about WIND & WOMEN - Women's Sailing Courses

Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 Race Schedule

All hands on deck! Fall and winter races are open for enrollment now. Join the races - your participation makes the season sparkle more brightly for you and for your teammates!

• Read more about Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 Race Schedule

Fall 2020 Recreational Racing

Now you can experience the refreshing exhilaration of sailboat racing on SF Bay - MSC's Recreational Race Program returned in August!

• Read more about Fall 2020 Recreational Racing

Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 Race Program

• Read more about Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 Race Program

2019 Spring / Summer Race Program

The 2019 spring race season is upon us and summer will soon be here. Learn more about the exciting program that Modern Sailing has lined up for our Race Team and aspiring racers!

• Read more about 2019 Spring / Summer Race Program

Leukemia Cup 2018

October 4, 2018

Modern Sailing has been participating in the Leukemia Cup for the past 9 years and each year, we look forward to raising funds to help fight blood cancers. Join us for the race - participants can help fundraise too!

• Read more about Leukemia Cup 2018

Open Enrollment: Fall Race Clinics and Race Leagues

Starting October 12

The Recreation Racing Clinic and League provides racers with introductory training in the fundamentals of racing: tides and currents, sail trim, basic tactics, starts, rounding marks, basic spinnaker training.

• Read more about Open Enrollment: Fall Race Clinics and Race Leagues

Winter Season Racing 2016 / 2017

November - March

Modern Sailing has entered a Recreation and Performance Team into three of the most popular Mid-Winter Races: Sausalito Yacht Club, Golden Gate Yacht Club, Corinthian Yacht Club. Stay active throughout the winter months and join us!

• Read more about Winter Season Racing 2016 / 2017

Summer Season Racing 2016

Corinthian Yacht Club - Friday evenings starting June 24th Sausalito Yacht Club - Tuesday evenings starting July 26th

Modern Sailing will be entering Recreation and Performance Race Teams in the Summer Racing Series at the Corinthian Yacht Club and Sausalito Yacht Club.

• Read more about Summer Season Racing 2016

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Testimonials.

Captain Jeff Cathers is really cool. I had such a great time on the Farallones Day Trip . It was actually my very best day of 2020. Thank you so much for coordinating the trip.

The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

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Sausalito Location 2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 331-8250 (800) 995-1668

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2024 BAMA Cup and Three Bridge Fiasco January 27th (corrected dates in BAMA Cup Schedule)

BAMA Racers, It was pointed out to your BAMA poster that he had two incorrect dates in his last post. My apologies. Please see the table below for the correct…

2024 BAMA Cup and Three Bridge Fiasco January 27th

BAMA Racers, The first race in the 2024 BAMA Cup series is the Three Bridge Fiasco, and it’s happening January 27th. Registration is open! As a reminder, the BAMA Cup…

BAMA Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

Mark your calendars! BAMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony will be Sunday, November 12, at the Berkeley Yacht Club starting at 5pm. Come join your fellow BAMA Members for…

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SailGP San Francisco Grand Final 2023: An Epic Weekend of Racing (May 6-7)

Free / learn more.

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Featuring the sport’s best athletes racing in identical F50 catamarans, SailGP sees national teams battling it out in short, intense races – flying at impressive speeds in excess of 60 mph.

Following 12 months of dramatic racing – in some of the most iconic venues across the globe – the nine teams come together at the Mubadala SailGP Grand Final to decide the overall season champion, right here on San Francisco Bay.

SailGP Season 3 Grand Final Saturday & Sunday, May 6-7, 2023 | Races 2:30-4p (approx) San Francisco Bay off of Marina Green Free to watch from shore, or $75 for tiered grandstand w/ live commentary How to Watch the Races Seats in the tiered grandstand in the race village are $75, Located directly on the waterfront within the SailGP Stadium at Yacht Club Peninsula, reserve your access to tiered grandstand seating for the best view of the racing with live commentary and large screens to also view SailGP’s award winning broadcast. Stadium is open 1:30-5:30p FREE – You can also watch the races for free from many vantage points along the northern waterfront including Crissy Field, Marina Green, Fort Mason and Aquatic Park

The heart-pumping action takes place on San Francisco Bay just off Marina Green, with the racecourse set between Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE 2023

RACE DAY 1 | SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 SailGP Stadium | 1:30pm-5:30pm PDT Race Times | 2:30pm-4pm PDT

RACE DAY 2 | SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023 SailGP Stadium | 1:30pm-5:30pm PDT Race Times | 2:30pm-4pm PDT

Where does the racing take place? The Mubadala SailGP Season 3 Grand Final | San Francisco race course is on San Francisco Bay directly adjacent to Marina Green, extending several miles between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.

Are you able to see the race boats from the SailGP Stadium? Yes! The start/finish line is very close to the grandstands and much of the racing will take place close to the seawall. On race day, the F50’s will often conduct “flybys” of the crowd to give spectators the chance to see the boats up close.

Auto racing has race tracks, how can you tell who is winning a SailGP race? The SailGP Stadium is equipped with large screens carrying the broadcast feed so you can easily switch from live viewing to see what the broadcast audience sees with race course boundaries superimposed. Additionally, we have in-person race commentary during racing. Fans can also download the SailGP APP to see live data and video, track performance, compare athletes, change viewing angles, zoom in on the action, watch replays and more.

Where in the United States is the event? The SailGP Stadium is located in San Francisco Bay, at Yacht Club Peninsula. The Technical Base is located at San Francisco Pier 80.

Will this event take place rain or shine? Yes – the event is scheduled to take place rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather conditions please check sailgp.com/sanfrancisco  for updates.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.

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Published on September 14th, 2023 | by Editor

Ending summer season in San Francisco

Published on September 14th, 2023 by Editor -->

Seventy-nine teams have registered for the 2023 Rolex Big Boat Series on September 14-17 in San Francisco, CA. Three one-design classes (Express 37, J/105 and J/88), a diverse ORC class split into four fleets, and a stately gathering of classic yachts are lining-up for the 59th edition of the West Coast’s premier racing event.

“Rolex Big Boat Series is a fantastic opportunity for the West Coast sailing community to end the summer sailing season on a high note. There is no better place to do it than on San Francisco Bay,” said Beau Vrolyk, St. Francis Yacht Club’s 2023 Commodore, and the owner/skipper of the classic Alden schooner Mayan.

This marks the 33rd year for Express 37s competing in this regatta, while the J/105 fleet provides the largest class with 31 entries, including seven previous class winners, three of whom have won twice: Scott Sellers, Ryan Simmons, and Bruce Stone. In the J/88s, Speedwell and Fly are new to the class while 2022 division winner Split Water returns to defend its title.

Both veterans and newcomers will be racing in the Classics and the ORC fleets with six and 26 entrants, respectively.

Shepard Kett’s Santa Cruz 50 Octavia is among the field, having made her debut at the Rolex Big Boat Series in 1984, four years after she was ordered from legendary boat designer Bill Lee (who is also racing this year, aboard Mayan). Shepard’s father sailed Octavia for 10 years before he took over in 1990.

Designed for fast downwind runs to Hawaii, Shepard has made modifications to optimize the boat for buoy racing, specifically switching to an asymmetrical spinnaker for easier and safer handling. He has sailed Octavia in three past Rolex Big Boat Series and is back on the Bay with a crew of 14, including StFYC’s Vice Commodore, Chris Perkins.

“It’s such a great inshore racing venue. It’s probably the best,” he said. “There is a lot of area on the Bay, a lot of variation and so many different conditions depending on where you are and at what time of day. And, of course, the competition is strong so it’s a real test for the boat and for the crew.”

The race committee plans to score seven races for most fleets, with two races per day starting at 1100 hours for the first three days of racing, followed by a longer Bay Tour course on the final day. The Classics will race once per day starting at 1200 hours Thursday—Saturday and 1100 on Sunday.

“The preparation leading up to Rolex Big Boat Series is both exciting and hard work, and we are so grateful to our many volunteers who help make this event happen,” said Susan Ruhne, Chair of Rolex Big Boat Series. “The reward is so worth it when we see a fleet of almost 80 boats duking it out during four days of world-class racing on the country’s best natural sailing amphitheater.”

At the Competitors’ Briefing on September 13, St. Francis Yacht Club confirmed which classes will be racing for the six perpetual trophies and two Rolex timepieces.

As the largest one-design fleet this year, the J/105s will compete for StFYC’s Commodore’s Cup, as well as the PICYA Jesse L. Carr Perpetual Captain and Crew Trophy. The top J/105 skipper will also receive a Rolex timepiece.

The St. Francis Perpetual Trophy, which was anonymously donated to StFYC in 1966 to encourage competition between large offshore racing yachts, will be presented to the winner of the ORC A fleet, who will also be awarded a coveted Rolex timepiece.

The ORC B fleet will be racing for the City of San Francisco Trophy, which has been contested since 1968.

The Keefe-Kilborn Trophy, established in 1976 to honor the memory of late StFYC members Harold Keefe and Ray Kilborn, will go to the winner of the ORC C fleet.

The Richard Rheem Perpetual Trophy, named for longtime StFYC member and skipper of Morning Star—the yacht that proudly broke the Transpac course record in 1949 and 1953—will go to the winner of the ORC D class.

The Atlantic Perpetual Trophy, featuring a ship’s bell from the 1905 Transatlantic-record-breaking schooner Atlantic, will be awarded to the winner of the J/88 class.

The Classics will race for a Perpetual Trophy and Express 37s will be racing for class trophies.

Additionally, for the second year, the Rolex Big Boat Team Trophy will be awarded to three boats from the same yacht club with the highest cumulative results. To qualify, one boat must be racing in an ORC class, one must be in a one-design class, and the third can be competing in any of the fleets.

“With 79 boats and nearly 700 sailors, I’m very pleased with the entry numbers, especially in the J/105s and ORC,” said StFYC’s Race Director Felix Weidling. “Running three racecourses at the same time requires a lot of talent on the race committee and we’re fortunate to have that. There are always challenges with large events like this and it’s great to rely on a strong team.”

Event information – Entry List – Facebook

Source: StFYC

Tags: Big Boat Series

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Regional Sailboat Races in the USA

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Sailing Races

Let’s set sail into the thrilling world of regional sailboat races! These competitions offer a unique and exciting twist on the traditional sailing experience.

Regional races center around sailboats vying for supremacy in specific corners of the world, be it a coastal paradise or a cluster of enchanting islands. These events serve as a rallying point for local racers, as sailors hailing from nearby towns and yacht clubs come together to showcase their skills. 

What’s particularly enticing about regional races is their inclusivity. Whether you’re piloting a nimble dinghy or commanding a majestic yacht, these races often welcome boats of all types and sailors of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned sea veteran or a novice setting sail for the first time, there’s a class tailored to your needs at most of these local sailing races.

It’s not all about the competition! Regional races transform into grand sailing events, where communities burst to life for multiple days of festivities while showcasing their local flavor. Sailors gather, forge new friendships, and revel in their shared passion for this incredible sport.

Moreover, these races often offer affordable entry fees, ensuring accessibility to aspiring racers of all backgrounds. Some races may be shorter and less arduous than epic ocean crossings, making them ideal for sailors looking to refine their skills. Regional sailboat races are all about honoring the sport of sailing and the remarkable community it nurtures.

• Website: Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race
• Description: The Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race is an offshore yacht race that takes participants from Marblehead, Massachusetts, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s a challenging long-distance race across the North Atlantic.
• Website: Figawi Race Weekend
• Description: Figawi Race Weekend is a popular sailing event that includes both a race and a weekend of festivities. It starts in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and ends on Nantucket Island.
• Website: Block Island Race Week
• Description: Block Island Race Week is a biennial event that takes place on Block Island, Rhode Island. It features a series of races over the course of a week and is known for its lively social scene.
• Website: Vineyard Race
• Description: The Vineyard Race is an offshore race that starts and finishes in Stamford, Connecticut, with a course that takes sailors around Martha’s Vineyard. It’s known for its scenic course and challenging conditions.
• Website: Newport to Bermuda Race
• Description: The Newport to Bermuda Race is a classic offshore race that starts in Newport, Rhode Island, and finishes in Bermuda. It’s one of the most prestigious ocean races on the East Coast.
• Website: Ida Lewis Distance Race
• Description: The Ida Lewis Distance Race is a coastal race that starts and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island. It offers a variety of courses, including offshore and overnight racing.
• Website: Camden Classics Cup
• Description: The Camden Classics Cup is a regatta held in Camden, Maine, that celebrates classic and vintage sailing yachts. It’s a showcase of timeless sailboat designs.
• Website: Nantucket Race Week
• Description: Nantucket Race Week is a week-long sailing event held on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It includes a variety of racing classes and social activities, making it a family-friendly event.
• Website: Boothbay Harbor Regatta
• Description: The Boothbay Harbor Regatta is an annual regatta held in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It features a mix of sailboat racing, social events, and onshore activities.
• Website: Annapolis to Newport Race
• Description: The Annapolis to Newport Race is a classic offshore race that starts in Annapolis, Maryland, and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island. This classic race takes sailors between two of the USA’s sailing epicenters.
• Website: Charleston Race Week
• Description: Charleston Race Week is a premier sailing event held in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s one of the largest regattas in the United States, featuring a wide range of sailboat classes and competitive racing.
• Website: Around Long Island Regatta
• Description: The Around Long Island Regatta is an annual offshore race that circumnavigates Long Island, New York. It’s a challenging race known for its variety of conditions and scenic views along the course.
• Website: Around Martha’s Vineyard Race
• Description: The Around Martha’s Vineyard Race is a sailing race that circumnavigates Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. 
• Website: Conanicut Yacht Club
• Description: The Around Jamestown Island Race is organized by the Conanicut Yacht Club and takes place in the waters around Jamestown Island, near Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a local race with stunning views of the Newport area.
• Website: Atlantic Cup
• Description: The Atlantic Cup is a premier Class 40 offshore racing series held along the East Coast of the United States. It features multiple legs and attracts international competitors. The race promotes sustainability and ocean health.

• Website: Rolex Big Boat Series
• Description: The Rolex Big Boat Series is a prestigious sailing event held in San Francisco, California. It’s known for attracting top sailors and a wide range of sailboat classes, making it a highlight of the West Coast racing calendar.
• Website: Pacific Cup
• Description: The Pacific Cup is a biennial offshore yacht race that takes participants from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii. It’s a challenging race known for its long-distance and unpredictable conditions.
• Website: Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race
• Description: This is one of the largest international yacht races, starting from Newport Beach, California, and finishing in Ensenada, Mexico. It features a wide range of sailboat classes and attracts sailors from around the world.
• Website: Baja Ha-Ha
• Description: The Baja Ha-Ha is an annual cruisers’ rally that starts in San Diego, California, and ends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. While not a traditional race, it’s a popular event for sailors looking to cruise along the Baja California Peninsula.
• Website: Swiftsure International Yacht Race
• Description: The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is held in the waters off Victoria, British Columbia. It offers a variety of race courses, attracting both local and international sailors for a challenging competition.
• Website: Round the County Race
• Description: The Round the County Race is a sailing race that takes place in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State. It offers a picturesque and challenging course for sailors.
• Website: Santa Barbara to King Harbor Race
• Description: This race starts in Santa Barbara, California, and finishes in Redondo Beach, California. It’s a popular offshore race along the Southern California coastline.
• Website: Southern Straits Yacht Race
• Description: The Southern Straits Yacht Race is a challenging overnight race that begins and ends in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s known for its strategic and tactical sailing.
• Website: Long Beach Race Week
• Description: Long Beach Race Week is a multi-day regatta held in Long Beach, California. It features a variety of racing classes and attracts sailors of all levels.

Gulf of Mexico

• Website: Harvest Moon Regatta
• Description: The Harvest Moon Regatta is a popular offshore sailing race that takes participants from Galveston, Texas, to Port Aransas, Texas. It typically takes place in October and is known for its festive atmosphere.
• Website: New Orleans Yacht Club
• Description: The Race to the Coast is a sailing race that starts in New Orleans, Louisiana, and finishes in Gulfport, Mississippi. It’s organized by the New Orleans Yacht Club.
• Website: GBCA Performance Cup Series
• Description: The GBCA Performance Cup Series is a series of sailboat races organized by the Galveston Bay Cruising Association (GBCA) in Galveston, Texas. It includes various races and regattas throughout the year.
• Website: St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• Description: The St. Petersburg to Havana Race is an offshore race that starts in St. Petersburg, Florida, and finishes in Havana, Cuba. It’s organized by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.
• Website: Clearwater Yacht Club
• Description: The Clearwater to Key Largo Race is an offshore sailing race that starts in Clearwater, Florida, and finishes in Key Largo, Florida. It’s organized by the Clearwater Yacht Club.

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