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2024 sailing events in san francisco, california.

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Sailing Save-the-Dates for San Francisco Bay 2024

Known as a sailing mecca the world over, San Francisco is home to hundreds of sailing events every year. From community boat parades and regattas to the latest innovations in the yacht racing world, you can see it on the Bay. Check out this list and mark your calendars to experience these sensational events that bring the local sailing community together on land or onto the Bay. Some of these event dates are "TBD" (to be determined), but we will continually update this page as event dates are announced.

To experience or participate in some of these events aboard our sailing yachts, keep an eye out for Club Sails on event dates at our two locations in Sausalito and Berkeley.

  • View the Modern Sailing Club Sails schedule  here . 

Three Bridge Fiasco  - Saturday, January 27, 2024

The Three Bridge Fiasco hosted by the  Single-Handed Sailing Society  takes place right outside of the  St. Francis Yacht Club . Racers compete single- or double-handed to round three buoys or temporary marks representing the three major bridges of the San Francisco Bay; the Golden Gate Bridge, East Bay Bridge, and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This race is an annual event regularly attracting more than 300 yachts and teams from all over the Bay Area. 

Enjoy this video clip of Modern Sailing School & Club's owner and CEO, Captain Leigh Hunt and sailing instructor and Captain Jimmie Marquez as they attempted the 2020 socked-in, strong-ebbed regatta. 

Destination Chartering and Sail Tahiti 2024 Information Session - Thursday, February 8, 2024

Join Modern Sailing Global Destinations in our Sausalito conference room for antipasto, fine wine, craft beer, and refreshments while your trip leader, Captain Robert Bivin, presents detailed information on the exciting Sail Tahiti 2024 - The Society Islands of French Polynesia itinerary, boats, travel considerations, and more.

Thinking about an international charter vacation of your own? Consider yourself invited and come pick our captains' brains! At the end of the presentation, there will be a Q&A session during which you'll have the opportunity to ask questions of our expert captains about chartering out of the Society Islands or just about any sailing destination worldwide.

We invite anyone who is considering a sailing vacation or destination charter to attend. In addition to learning about sailing Tahiti, you will have the rare opportunity to learn from the experts about chartering abroad and ask questions of captains who are familiar with many popular worldwide charter destinations!

There is no cost to attend, but please RSVP so that we can ensure there will be enough seating and refreshment for everyone.

DATE: Thursday, February 8, 2024, 5:00 - 7:00pm LOCATION : 2330 Marinship Way, Suite 100, Sausalito, CA 94965

Latitude 38 Crew List Parties - Spring and Fall

Check for updates on  Latitude 38's virtual crew list page . 

These parties, hosted by our favorite maritime news outlet,  Latitude 38 , occur twice annually . Hosted by the  Golden Gate Yacht Club  from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, the event is a meet and greet for Bay Area Sailors (crew and boat owners), featuring stunning views of the Bay, and a live life raft launch from Sal's Inflatable Services. $10 cash at the door or $5 for ages 25 and under with ID.  Learn more . 

Advanced First Aid/CPR for Mariners Course , April 6 - 7 and October 5 - 6 (Sausalito)

Maritime Medical Guides is coming to Sausalito June 10-11 and Oct 14-15th, at the Spaulding Center, to offer Advanced First Aid/CPR for Mariners. Cost is $375. The class is US Sailing Accredited, meets World Sailing Offshore Special Reg. (OSR 6.5) and is also valid for USCG Merchant Mariner credentials.

International Ocean Film Festival  - April 12 - 14 (Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason Center, SF)

Learn about the ocean, its inhabitants, the people who play in it, and people who work on it at the International Ocean Film Festival. Each year the IOFF aims to save the oceans one spectacular film at a time by inspiring viewers to become the voice of Earth's largest organ. 

Svendsen's Spring Fling Show - April 12 - 13

In Alameda at Svendsen Marine's third annual Spring Flow Show, you'll meet top sailing and boating brand representatives and explore Svendsen's 20,000 square-foot store for the best deals of the year on your boating and sailing gear! There are also raffle giveaways happening all day long. Download free tickets to claim your show swag bag. Visit springflingboatshow.com for information and tickets.

Opening Day on the Bay - Sunday, April 28

Celebrate the official beginning to the San Francisco Bay sailing season with fellow sailing enthusiasts! 2024 marks the 107th annual celebration kicking off the start of the boating season in the Bay Area. From the blessing of the fleet in Racoon Straits to the parade of decorated boats, Opening Day on the Bay is one of the premier sailing events of the year. Dating back to 1917 and organized by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association , the parade sails from the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge to just past Pier 39. Any vessels can take part as long as they register beforehand. The procession regularly features tug boats, clean-up boats and tour boats, with visitors and spectators onboard. Judges are on hand to dish out prizes for the décor and imagination of the colorful vessels.

Remain subscribed to the Modern Sailing weekly newsletter email for Opening Day on the Bay Parade Club Sail announcements so that you can join in and participate in this spectacular event. If you're not already subscribed, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here .

Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show  - May 16 - 19

The Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show is one of the West Coast’s premier boat shows, featuring new sail and cruising power boats, gear, hardware, seminars, and interactive workshops. It will be held in Redwood City at Westpoint Harbor.

Jazz and Blues by the Bay  - Friday Nights this Summer

Enjoy late summer nights and the smooth tunes of jazz on land or from the water. Hosted by Sausalito Parks and Recreation, Jazz and Blues by the Bay is a community event focused on park enjoyment and music appreciation. During the summer, these weekly Friday night concerts occur in Gabrielson Park overlooking Richardson Bay and the Sausalito Yacht Club mooring balls. Modern members can book a boat to enjoy the tunes and sunset, or join one of our Jazz and Blues by the Bay Club Sails .

The Master Mariners Annual Regatta - Memorial Day Weekend

Hosted by the  Master Mariners Benevolent Association , a San Francisco yacht club that dates back to 1867, the Master Mariner's Regatta is an exquisite event showcasing wooden tall ships from all over the Bay Area. In contrast to the modernity of SailGP, regatta boaters and spectators will have the opportunity to experience the historic heritage of sailing innovation at its finest.

One Ocean Film Tour on  World Oceans Day - June 8

The One Ocean Film Tour is a world-class series of ocean-loving films focused on adventure, the aquatic environment and inspirational stories.  The tour was created in 2020 with the vision to increase awareness about ocean protection and conservation by sharing films made by people who have dedicated their lives to the ocean and all her glory. One Ocean Film Tour is a spectacular visual journey in itself. Join us! Immerse yourself in the mighty power of One Ocean!

Summer Sailstice  - June 22

Celebrate the year's longest day and the start of summer on the "Sailstice." Organized by Bay Area sailor John Arndt, this event is a global affair that brings sailors together to celebrate their favorite pastime - sailing. Participation in the Summer Sailstice event is free. All you have to do is slip the lines, hoist your sails, and head out to your favorite body of water on a sailboat. Modern Sailing members can participate in Summer Sailstice by chartering a boat or joining a Club Sail.  Share your Sailstice plans for a chance to win epic prizes from sponsors such as North Sails, Navionics, American Sailing Association, US Sailing, and more!

Master Mariner's Wooden Boat Show at Corinthian Yacht Club - June 23

The Annual Wooden Boat Show is one of the highlights of the San Francisco sailing season, and one of only a few West coast wooden boat shows.

Open to the public and generously hosted by the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon, this unique event is an once a year opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful Yacht Clubs in the world, and dozens of the most elegant and delightful traditional sailing boats from the Bay and beyond. We'll let you know as soon as show dates are announced.

Independence Day Celebration - Tuesday, July 4

Celebrate America's independence on the water! Charter a sailboat or join a Club Sail to watch the multitude of fireworks shows around the Bay Area from the water. See our Member Resources article Best Places in SF Bay to See Fireworks by Boat . 

SailGP San Francisco   (F50 foiling catamaran races) - July 13 - 14

There are a few ways to witness the exciting action of F50 foiling catamarans zipping and splashing around the Central Bay: (1) watch the race from shore by buying  tickets from SailGP . Modern Sailing club members can (2) charter a boat or (3) join a Club Sail to watch from the water. This year we are having two SailGP Club Sail spectator boats heading out from Sausalito and Berkeley each day of this event! 

A West Indies Odyssey 2025 Information Sessions - Thursdays, September 5 and 12, 2024

Our next Global Destinations flotilla is set for April 2 to 12, 2025 amidst two idyllic islands of the Caribbean West Indies! With the experienced captains of Modern Sailing as your guides, your 10-day journey begins at St. Lucia, a scenic island rich in British history. Sailing north to French Martinique and back, each of the stops along the way offer vibrant waters, verdant landscapes, and vivid flavors. Sailors will have the opportunity to explore the colorful blend of European culture, quintessential Caribbean charm, and the picturesque natural beauty that define the region. This sailing voyage promises a fusion of history, culture, and adventure on the Caribbean Sea.

Join a Trip Information Session to Learn About This Flotilla!

Enjoy snacks and beverages as our Trip Leaders, Captains Robert Bivin and Jeff Cathers, present information and answer your questions about the flotilla itinerary, boats, and travel considerations.

September 5, 5:00 - 7:00pm
2330 Marinship Way, Suite 100, 2nd Floor
Sausalito, CA
September 12, 5:00 - 7:00pm
1 Spinnaker Way
Berkeley, CA

Cabin and bareboat sales will open to the public immediately following the Sausalito Information Session.

Rolex Big Boat Series  and J/88 Nationals - September 12 - 15

The Rolex Big Boat Series is a four-day regatta founded by the St. Francis Yacht Club in 1964. The annual event attracts competitive racing teams and big racing boats from all over the state, nation, and world. Thousands of racers and hundreds of boats take to the Bay each day of the race, competing for first place and the Rolex watch that comes with it. MSC club members can bareboat charter or join a Club Sail to witness the excitement from the water.

Island Yacht Club Women's Sailing Seminar - September 27 - 29

IYC's 3 days of sailing, learning and fun includes in-person and streaming seminars and keynote speeches, food, drink, and no-host cocktail hours, giveaways including t-shirts and totes, and an amazing raffle drawing! Stay tuned for more details as we approach September.

Fleet Week  - October 7 - 14

The grand finale to summer in San Francisco, Fleet Week, celebrates the United States Navy allowing civilians to tour warships while their sailors tour the city. The week begins with a parade of ships progressing to free concerts, educational events, and family fun. Fleet Week's grand finale is a two-day air show over the Bay featuring the Blue Angels of the United States Airforce, the F-35 Demo Team, a demo from United's largest airplane, and several internationally known performance flight teams. The best seat in the house for these shows is from a boat on the Bay - keep an eye out for our Club Sails that weekend. 

Fleet Week Boating Safety

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade - December 14

Spark the spirit of the season with holiday lights, music and fireworks on the water! This special event is a holiday tradition in Sausalito and across the Bay Area. Every year, we enter two of our club boats in the parade and our hard-working fleet staff decorate them for our members and guests to participate in this magical experience. With the sounds of holiday music and cheering spectators, you and your guests will be dazzled by the spectacle of decorated boats and fireworks. An enchanting and memorable event to kick off the season, even the grinchiest of sailors will be unable to resist the holiday cheer.

Do you know of any other San Francisco Bay Area sailing events? Let us know and we'll add it to this list!

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SailGP set to make waves in San Francisco with millions at stake

By virgil aspen • published july 12, 2024 • updated on july 13, 2024 at 2:11 pm.

SailGP, an international sailboat racing circuit, backed by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and well-respected sailor Russell Coutts, is set to host its final, championship races in the San Francisco Bay this weekend, with the grand prize for the winning team amounting to $2 million.

The competition, whose founder Ellison was once quoted professing his love for the "idyllic independence" of sailing and has been touted as Formula One on the waves by Coutts, was founded in 2018 with the hopes of taking competitive sailing beyond cloistered country clubs and propel it into the mainstream.

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"What we're seeing is [that] this isn't the avid sailing fan that's following SailGP, maybe 10% of our audience is that. It's really the racing fan, the general sports fan, and it's also the people that are interested in the backstory of our athletes," said Coutts in a Friday interview with CNBC , adding later that he doesn't feel it would be unreasonable for teams to be selling for $80 million price tags sometime in the next year.

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This tidal wave of success can be attributed to a number of factors, but by far, the sport's most profound sea change has been the advent of F50 catamarans, sailboats capable of navigating the waves at highway speeds, velocities long thought impossible by sailors in years past.

"[Our sailboats are] above the water, not in the water, and our goal is to stay flying as long as possible," said Peter Kinney, a California native and sailor for the United States' SailGP team.

SailGP's rising current of broad appeal can be attributed to other factors as well, namely its inclusivity to women and its commitment to sustainability . On its website, it says that the organization is "...racing for a better future and believe sport has the power to change the world."

San Francisco as a location was a perfect fit for a climactic race in the eyes of the organizers.

"San Francisco is really the best racetrack. The breeze is consistent, and the sailors love it," said Alex Reid, SailGP's director of performance engineering. Others, such as Team USA strategist Mike Buckley, describe the Bay as "one of the most beautiful places in the world to sail."

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These favorable conditions, combined with such a large prize being on the line, leaves confidence high that each team involved will be in close competition all the way through, as sailors try their hardest to be the first to surge across the finish line.

"We're expecting the race to be tight, exciting, racing on the edge," Buckley said.

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yacht racing san francisco

yacht racing san francisco

Published on July 11th, 2024 | by Editor

SailGP: Five things to watch in San Francisco

Published on July 11th, 2024 by Editor -->

The 13-event schedule for SailGP Season 4 concludes July 13-14 in San Francisco, USA.  It will be the final racing for the 10-boat fleet, with the top three teams in the season standing advancing to one last race in which the winner claims the overall season title and the $2 million USD prize. Here are five things to watch for when racing gets underway:

Spain vs France in fleet racing It’s a congested top half of the leaderboard, with just five points separating Spain in third place and France in fourth. This means there’s everything to play for when fleet racing begins, with France gunning to beat Spain and steal their spot in the Grand Final. Can Spain hold the French off? Or will Quentin Delapierre’s squad swoop in and claim fleet racing victory?

Will New Zealand convert stellar season into Championship title? It’s been an incredible season for Peter Burling’s New Zealand, which is the only team so far qualified for the winner-takes-all, $2 million Grand Final. But the Kiwis came so close to winning the Season 3 title, losing out to fierce rivals Australia in the final seconds of the race. Will they choke again, or can they hold on to claim the ultimate victory?

Can the Australians battle back to claim a 4th Championship title Triple champions Australia meanwhile have had an uncharacteristically lukewarm season, with only one event win despite being in eight Finals. But driver Tom Slingsby has reemphasized that the Aussies have ‘never been beaten in San Francisco’. Will this remain true in Season 4’s showdown?

yacht racing san francisco

Will other teams play spoiler? According to the points, it’s mathematically probable that two teams out of Australia, France, and Spain will join New Zealand in the Grand Final showdown. But points are tight – with Canada and Emirates GBR just four behind France. Could stellar performances from these teams, combined with poor performances from others, completely reshuffle the leaderboard when racing gets underway?

Who will come at the bottom of the fleet? It’s been another tough season for Switzerland, and a steep learning curve for Germany in their debut season. With just two points separating Switzerland in 10th and Germany in 9th, there’s all to play for to avoid being the team at the bottom of the fleet.

SailGP’s Season 4 Grand Final in San Francisco takes place July 13-14, with racing from 2.30 pm PDT.

SailGP information – San Francisco details – YouTube – How to watch

Season 4 Standings (after 12 of 13 events; results and total points) 1. New Zealand (Peter Burling), 1-7-8-DNC/6-4-1-1-3-1-2-5-1; 93 points 2. Australia (Tom Slingsby), 2-3-2-2-3-2-7-1-10-3-7-4; 78 3. Spain (Diego Botin), 5-1-3-6-6-10-2-5-4-1-4-7; 76 4. France (Quintin Delapierre), 6-8-6-4-7-4-4-4-2-9-2-5; 71 5. Canada (Phil Robertson), 3-4-10-5-5-3-6-10-3-4-6-2; 67 6. Denmark (Nicolai Sehested), 4-2-4-7-2-6-9-2-9-5-3-8; 67 7. Great Britain (Ben Ainslie/Giles Scott), 7-6-1-1-8-5-8-7-7-8-1-3; 66 8. United States (Jimmy Spithill/Taylor Canfield), 9-5-5-3-1-8-3-9-8-10-10-10; 51 9. Germany (Erik Heil), 10-10-7-8-9-10-9-5-6-5-6-8-9; 35 10. Switzerland (Sebastien Schneiter/Nathan Outteridge), 8-9-9-9-7-10-8-6-7-9-6; 33

For scoring adjustments, click here .

Season 4 – 2023 June 16-17 – United States Sail Grand Prix | Chicago at Navy Pier July 22-23 – United States Sail Grand Prix | Los Angeles September 9-10 – France Sail Grand Prix | Saint-Tropez September 23-24 – Italy Sail Grand Prix | Taranto October 14-15 – Spain Sail Grand Prix | Andalucía- Cádiz December 9-10 – Dubai Sail Grand Prix | Dubai*

Season 4 – 2024 January 13-14 – Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix | Abu Dhabi February 24-25 – Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney March 23-24 – New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland March 23-24 – New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch May 4-5 – Bermuda Sail Grand Prix June 1-2 – Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax June 22-23 – United States Sail Grand Prix | New York July 13-14 – SailGP Season 4 Grand Final | San Francisco * Added October 3, 2023

Format for Season 4: • Teams compete in identical F50 catamarans. • Each event runs across two days. • Up to seven qualifying fleet races of approximately 15 minutes may be scheduled for each regatta. • The top three teams from qualifying advance to a final race to be crowned event champion and earn the largest share of the $300,000.00 USD event prize money purse (increases to $400k for Abu Dhabi with the winning team now earning $200k at each event). • The season ends with the Grand Final, which includes the Championship Final Race for the top three teams in the season standing with the winner claiming the $2 million USD prize. • The top team on points ahead of the three-boat Championship Final will be awarded $350,000.00.

For competition documents, click here .

Established in 2018, SailGP seeks to be an annual, global sports league featuring fan-centric inshore racing among national teams in some of the iconic harbors around the globe.

Source: SailGP

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International sailing competition comes to SF Bay, bringing economic boost

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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.

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Local News | Photos: Some of the world’s fastest sailboats will be on San Francisco Bay for SailGP races this weekend

F50 catamarans are capable of 60 mph speeds.

Jane Tyska, photojournalist, The East Bay Times, for the Wordpress profile. (Laura A. Oda/Bay Area News Group)

SailGP’s eighth and final event of Season Two takes place Saturday and Sunday, with activities centered around the St. Francis Yacht Club near Crissy Field.

Jimmy Spithill, the U.S. SailGP Team CEO and driver, is best known for masterminding the 2013 America’s Cup comeback in San Francisco.

“Yes, we have qualified for the final, but time has shown that anything can happen. The team has rallied, yet I believe we are still the underdog,” Spithill said.

Though there are plenty of free viewing areas, limited tickets remain for premium on-land viewing near Marina Green or on-water experiences to see the action unfold on the bay between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Racing begins at 2 p.m. each day. For more information, go to the SailGP website .

Click here if you have trouble viewing the photos on your mobile device.

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Registration Opens for the 2022 Rolex Big Boat Series at St. Francis Yacht Club

yacht racing san francisco

The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 2022 Rolex Big Boat Series , hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California.

Considered the most prestigious regatta on the West Coast, Rolex Big Boat Series attracts competitors from around the country and the world for four days of racing on San Francisco Bay. Winners of select fleets are awarded perpetual trophies and Rolex timepieces.

Scheduled for September 14-18, 2022, the following fleets are invited to compete in this year’s regatta:

  • One-design boats of the J/105, J/88, J/70, Express 37 and Cal 40 classes;
  • Monohull boats with a LOA ≥ 30’ and a current ORC International rating certificate;
  • Classic boats built prior to 1955 with a LOA ≥ 48’ and a current ORRez rating certificate.

“We are really looking forward to opening our doors for Rolex Big Boat Series and welcoming sailors who have the grit to compete here. If you enjoy a good test on the water and a good time ashore, this regatta is not to be missed,” said Peter Gilmore, 2022 Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club, who intends to race his Cal 40 Longboard and hopes to see other owners of this popular West Coast design on the starting line. 

yacht racing san francisco

Last year’s Rolex Big Boat Series was held amidst a range of local and state pandemic-related regulations that did little to dampen spirits, with over 80 boats competing and nearly 1,000 owners, crew, club members and guests in attendance. “St. Francis Yacht Club is prepared to cater a full complement of racing and socializing within the regulations required, which are easing statewide as California transitions to treating COVID-19 as an endemic issue,” noted Gilmore.

In 2021, post-racing socials and the trophy ceremony were hosted outdoors and will be again in 2022, while the legendary Thursday night Rolex Owners Dinner and Saturday night Crew Dinner will be inside the clubhouse overlooking unbeatable views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

yacht racing san francisco

A notable difference for 2022 is a discount for registrations received before May 15. Furthermore, any boat registering after July 31 will be charged a late entry fee of $250.

“We work with the City of San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department and the San Francisco Small Craft Harbor to secure docking space for boats that come to compete, and the city has significantly increased their fees for 2022,” explained Adam Corpuz-Lahne, Senior Sailing Director of St. Francis Yacht Club. “To host this event at the highest level we’ve increased our entry fees, but we are also offering an early-bird discount to offset this reality for owners. We’re rewarding those who signal early their intention to compete, as that makes it easier for us to plan a successful week of sailing, socials and entertainment. Owners who take advantage of this discount will see no increase in entry fees over their 2021 entry.”

St. Francis Yacht Club has also changed the rating rule it uses for handicapping boats. Monohulls that do not fall into any of the one-design classes will be racing under rating rules established by the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) rather than the Offshore Rating Rule (ORR), which has been used for the past several editions of the regatta. Handicap divisions will be split according to ORC rules and ORC International rating certificates will be required to compete. The 2022 Rolex Big Boat Series will likely feature three ORC divisions and fleet splits will be posted on the Tuesday prior to the start of the regatta.

“We’ve changed rating rules many times since the inauguration of this regatta in 1964,” said Susan Ruhne, Chair of Rolex Big Boat Series. “After soliciting input from sailors and owners who’ve competed in the past, we decided it was time to embrace what has become the dominant rating rule internationally and on the East Coast. The St. Francis Yacht Club’s mission is to be a leader in yachting and we hope this move entices more boats and owners eager to go up against the best in West Coast sailing.”

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The Classics division, for yachts built prior to 1955 and greater than 48 feet in length, will continue to race with ORRez rating certificates. “The ORRez rating has us so closely matched, last year the first three boats were one point apart,” noted Beau Vrolyk, 2022 Vice Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club, who has been racing his Alden schooner Mayan since the Classics division was established in 2019.

He wouldn’t miss it for the world this year. “Racing Mayan in the Rolex Big Boat Series has been fantastic. The racing couldn’t have been any closer and the camaraderie is terrific! We are looking forward to hitting the starting line with our old friends and some new faces in 2022.”

ABOUT ST. FRANCIS YACHT CLUB

The St. Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 and has been host to many of the most prestigious national and international championships in sailing. With over 40 regattas on its calendar annually, StFYC is widely regarded as having one of the top racing and race management programs in the country. In addition to enjoying a worldwide reputation for on-water excellence, Platinum Clubs of the World named the St. Francis Yacht Club the #1 Yacht Club in the United States for multiple years.

For more information, please visit  St. Francis Yacht Club .

ABOUT ROLEX AND YACHTING

A Natural and Supportive Partner 

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the St. Francis Yacht Club, New York Yacht Club, Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Yacht Club Italiano among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay

    Join us for the YRA Year-End Trophy Party! We're celebrating the end of the 2023 YRA Racing Year at Richmond Yacht Club on Saturday, November 18th.... September 1, 2023.

  2. SailGP

    The Official Website of SailGP - get the latest sail racing news, calendar, results, rankings and schedule. ... San Francisco. 22 - 23 Mar 2025. Event Info. Event 6 Rio de Janeiro. 3 - 4 May 2025. Event Info. Event 7 New York. 7 - 8 Jun 2025. Event Info. Event 8 Great Britain. 19 - 20 Jul 2025. Event Info.

  3. SailGP Season 4 Grand Final

    Spain stunned top teams Australia and New Zealand to steal the Season 4 Championship title in an action-filled Grand Final finish on the iconic San Francisco Bay. Diego Biotin's team scraped into the Grand Final after fending off stiff competition from France in fleet racing to nail the start and secure the all-important inside line at Mark 1.

  4. 2024 Sailing Events in San Francisco, California

    Racers compete single- or double-handed to round three buoys or temporary marks representing the three major bridges of the San Francisco Bay; the Golden Gate Bridge, East Bay Bridge, and Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. This race is an annual event regularly attracting more than 300 yachts and teams from all over the Bay Area.

  5. Mubadala SailGP Season 3 Grand Final

    The SailGP Stadium for Waterfront Reserved (Grandstand) tickets will open 13:30 - 17:00, and the racing is approximately between 14:00 - 15:30. 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.

  6. SailGP set to make waves in San Francisco with millions at stake

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  7. Racing

    The YRA of San Francisco Bay offers some of the most comprehensive racing programs in Northern California. Whether you like to sail on the ocean, race against a variety of boats within the Bay, sail strictly doublehanded, or participate in destination regattas with great after race festivities, the YRA of SF Bay has you covered.

  8. The Great Vallejo Race

    This is probably the official origin of the Great Vallejo Race, now reputed to be one of the largest inland regattas in the United States, usually drawing 200+ boats annually. Now under the aegis of the Yacht Racing Association (YRA) and hosted by the Vallejo Yacht Club, the two-day race marks the official opening of the San Francisco Bay ...

  9. SailGP: Five things to watch in San Francisco

    The 13-event schedule for SailGP Season 4 concludes July 13-14 in San Francisco, USA. ... in San Francisco takes place July 13-14, with racing from 2.30 pm PDT. ... World Yacht Race College ...

  10. Westpoint Regatta

    Welcome Sailors. Westpoint Regatta is an annual yacht racing event run by the Sequoia Yacht Club, The Club at Westpoint and Treasure Island Yacht Club. The race is the fastest growing race in the San Francisco Bay because it is fun, fast, and because it starts and ends with great parties. It is part of the YRA Weekend Regatta Series.

  11. Photos: SailGP Season 4 Grand Final this weekend in San Francisco

    Sail GP F50 foiling catamarans from around the world practice for this weekend's Season 4 Grand Final in San Francisco, Calif., on Thurday, July 11, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group) Top ...

  12. Sailors to flock to San Francisco for $2 million race prize

    Sailors to flock to San Francisco for $2 million race prize. By Ida Mojadad, Reporter July 10, 2024. A fleet of F50 racing boats passes the Golden Gate Bridge during San Francisco SailGP racing ...

  13. Rolex Big Boat Series

    One of the best sailboat racing venues in the world, iconic San Francisco Bay, is ready to turn it on for the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series at St. Francis Yacht Club, September 11-15, 2024. The most prestigious regatta on the West Coast drew 71 boats and nearly 700 sailors to the docks of St. Francis Yacht Club, to hear what classes will race for Rolexes and perpetual trophies on ...

  14. International sailing competition comes to San Francisco bay, bringing

    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. ABC7 Bay Area 24/7 live stream Watch Now

  15. Rolex Big Boat Series

    As always, feel free to contact StFYC's Race Office at [email protected] with any questions. Read . 2024 Race News 09/01/2024. Competitor Bulletin #3. Rolex Big Boat Series is just 10 days away! ... St. Francis Yacht Club | On the Marina | San Francisco, CA 94123 415-563-6363 | [email protected].

  16. In The Bay Series

    In The Bay Series - Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay. IN THE BAY SERIES. Our In-The-Bay Series consists of 4 race days with windward/leeward style racing using a mix of permanent and temporary marks. It's the ideal series for one-design fleets, sportboats, and PHRF fleets.

  17. Photos: World's fastest sailboats in San Francisco Bay for SailGP races

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    Watch the full live stream replay of Race Day 1 of SailGP's Season 4 Grand Final from San Francisco. Watch the full live stream replay of Race Day 1 of SailGP's Season 4 Grand Final from San Francisco Skip to Main Content. Dubai 23 - 24 Nov 2024. 00. Days: 00. Hours: 00. Minutes: 00. Seconds ...

  19. Offshore Series

    OFFSHORE SERIES. Our Offshore Series runs from April thru September. Races are typically 25 to 55 miles long, with most races starting and finishing in SF Bay. The Drakes Bay race is a 2-day race with an overnight at anchor in Drake's Bay. The Half Moon Bay Race is part of our family of Destination Regattas and has a Beachside BBQ and Party ...

  20. News

    The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 2022 Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California.. Considered the most prestigious regatta on the West Coast, Rolex Big Boat Series attracts competitors from around the country and the world for four days of racing on San Francisco Bay.

  21. NC PHRF

    The Northern California Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (NCPHRF) Committee is a Standing Committee of the Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay. Its sole function is to determine the speed potential of monohull yachts racing in Northern California. If you are interested in getting a rating for a multihull, please visit the Bay Area ...

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  23. Offshore Racing

    Offshore Equipment Requirements. Offshore (ocean) racing has a long and storied history in San Francisco Bay, and the YRA is proud to be part of the ongoing legacy. We offer an 8 race series each year, that takes boats out the Golden Gate and into the waters along the California coast.