yacht racing experience days

ITALIA YACHTS REGATTA EXPERIENCE DAYS 2024

Regatta racing season has started.

The success of a regatta lies in thorough preparations! Would you like to know how successful regatta sailors prepare for the coming Italian ORC Championship?

Join us at the 6th edition of the Coppa del Campioni, which will be held again in Trani, Italy, between May 31st and June 3rd. This warm-up event for the ORC nationals features captivating scenery and serene waters overlooking the historical village and cathedral, which is near Bari and the Bari International Airport.

Beautiful surroundings with heart-pounding experiences

Suppose you are a regatta sailor, want to see how sharp teams of racers work together during training and racing, or want to experience sailing a selection of Italia Yacht models yourself. In that case, this is the event of the year for you!

We invite you, as part of the Yacht-Match Client Network, to the unique opportunity to participate in the event as a crew member on the IY 11.98 racing boat OR as an observer on the beautiful Italia Yachts 14.98!

You also get to explore the features and capabilities of these fine yachts, test their speed, and enjoy the beauty of Italy’s open sea during sea trials right after the regatta. Our expert team guides you through the experience and answers all your questions - always readily available for your convenience!

EVENT SCHEUDLE

May 30-31st - preparations, june 1st - racing, june 2nd - racing & socialising, june 3rd - sea trials.

Suppose you’ve set your eyes on a Italia Yachts model. In that case, our team of yacht specialist advisors offers unbiased advice and guidance so you can get a comprehensive overview of your options moving forward. From Regatta Management Support to Yacht Ownership Solutions or Legal Advisory – we’ve got you covered for every possible situation.

Meet the team

Luka Prazic

Naval Architect, focused on the development and implementation of renewable energy solutions for the leisure marine industry, with emphasis on the reduction of C02 emissions. Yacht-Match Yachts & Brokerage

Our co-founder and an acknowledged yachtsman with over 35 years of experience in the leisure marine industry working for the largest shipyards and acting an independent yachting consultant. Yacht-Match Group

REGATTA SERVICE WEBINAR

On May 25th, you can learn more about our Regatta Services, which include crew training and race team management as well as logistics and fine-tuning of your boat.

*All technical details of the boats will be available one week before the event.

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.

Yacht Sailing Experience Days

Master the waves with a yacht racing adventure or tall ship sailing experience.

Sailing experiences make the perfect gift for anyone who likes to spend time on the water. From a Tall Ship Sailing Experience in Dorset to a hands-on sailing lesson in Edinburgh , these sailing experience gifts offer an unforgettable adventure on the water. Ideal for both seasoned sailors, beginners and those looking to spend time outdoors, Sailing Experience Days can be fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Isle of Wight (5)
Lymington (5)
Dorchester (4)
Brighton (3)
Carlisle (3)
Edinburgh (3)
St Davids (1)
Hampshire (5)
Cumbria (3)
East Sussex (3)
Midlothian (3)
Pembrokeshire (1)
£100 to £200
£200 to £300
£300 to £500

19 Yacht Sailing Experience Gift Ideas

Dorset Two-Hour Tall Ship Sailing Experience

Join the crew of a majestic tallship, and set sail on a two-hour trip off Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

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Scenic Lymington Dinner Sail Aboard a Solent Yacht

Relax on a Solent yacht sailing trip and enjoy a delicious dinner

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Brighton Half-Day Scenic Sailing Experience

Step aboard a performance yacht for a three hour sailing cruise from Brighton Marina. Sit back and r...

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Firth of Forth Forth Bridge Sailing Experience

Experience sailing in Edinburgh with this wonderful Forth Bridge taster sailing trip.

Scenic Lymington Lunch Sail Aboard a Solent Yacht

Relax on a Solent yacht sailing trip and enjoy a delicious lunch

Dorset Four-Hour Tall Ship Sailing Experience

Join the crew of a majestic tall ship and set sail on a four-hour trip off Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

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Firth of Forth Full-Day Sailing Experience Edinburgh

Spend a day sailing around Edinburgh's bridges and Islands with this full day Edinburgh sailing expe...

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Firth of Forth Half-Day Sailing Experience Edinburgh

Experience the beauty of Edinburgh's coastline and become an expert skipper with this half day saili...

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Jurassic Coast Sailing Overnight Sailboat Stay

Spend the day sailing the South Coast, setting off and finishing in Lymington. Stay the night in the...

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Jurassic Coast Sailing Full-Day Lymington Sail

Experience the beauty of the South Coast during this Full Day Yachting adventure, departing from Lym...

Dorset Five-Hour Tall Ship Sailing Experience

Join the crew of a majestic tall ship and set sail on a five-hour trip off Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

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Pembrokeshire Two-Day RYA Start Yachting Course

Milford Haven
An introduction to the fantastic sport of yachting, RYA certification at the end of the weekend, con...

Brighton Two-Day RYA Start Yachting Sailing Course

Experience the magic of Yacht Sailing with this wonderful weekend on board, learning all of the skil...

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Lymington Spa Two Night Luxury Yacht Cruise

Spend two days sailing the South Coast, setting off and finishing in Lymington, before settling down...

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Brighton Two-Hour Scenic Sunset Sailing Cruise

Enjoy an evening aboard a performance yacht for a two hour sunset cruise in Brighton. Sit back and r...

Dorset Six-Hour Tall Ship Sailing Experience

Join the crew of a majestic tall ship and set sail on a six-hour trip off Dorset's Jurassic Coast.

Cumbria Windermere Sail And Dining For Two

Sail On Windermere With A Ploughmans Lunch In The UK

Cumbria Windermere Private Yacht Sailing

Embark On A Hands On Sailing Adventure In England And Navigate A Ten Meter Yacht On The Iconic Water...

Lake Windermere Private Sailing For Four

Sail Through Windermere On A Skippered Yacht Charter And Enjoy Scenic Views And Control The Yacht

Yacht Sailing Experience Gift Guides

Adventure , Destination Guides

Sitting between the borders of Cornwall & Somerset and neatly tucked away in the South West of England lies the country’s third largest county; Devon. The picturesque ‘Cornubian Massif’ abuts both the English and the Bristol Channels, naturally creating a haven for extreme sports, and in particular;...

7 Must Try Extreme Sports in West Sussex for 2024Searching for the ultimate gift for adrenaline junkies? Look no further than this comprehensive Extreme Sports Guide to Sussex. Dive into a world of excitement with adrenaline-pumping experiences, from heart-pounding skydiving adventures to exhilarati...

Pushing Limits: Extreme Sports in East Sussex in 2024 East Sussex, despite having no motorways, boasts impressive connectivity and shares borders with the scenic counties of West Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. Known for its green landscapes and Roman remains, East Sussex offers an array of outdoor ...

Most Popular Yacht Sailing Experiences

Learn about yacht sailing experience gifts, yacht sailing experience gift guide.

There’s nothing in the world quite like yacht sailing. Gliding across the surface of the ocean, with the wind in your hair, the splash of the waves, and the sail billowing overhead, you feel an incomparable sense of tranquillity and oneness with your environment.

Yacht sailing has so many benefits from improving cardiovascular health, improving concentration, and increasing agility to lowering stress levels and reducing anxiety. It’s also a highly sustainable activity that harnesses the natural power of the wind and waves.

Dorset boasts one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom. With unique geological features like Durdle Door, and Lulworth Cove, there are few places that provide such a beautiful backdrop for a sailing experience. Take an unforgettable 5-hour trip off Dorset’s rugged Jurassic coast on a stately tall ship, join a full-day sailing experience from lovely Lymington, or go full ‘sailing lifestyle’ with a live-aboard boating experience on a 2-days and 2-nights sail along the South Coast.

The quintessential seaside town, Brighton is a superb spot for a yacht sailing experience. Treat yourself to a 2-hour sunset sail on a performance yacht. Seeing the city skyline from the water, as the sky turns a rainbow of colours, is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Get a qualification while enjoying your yachting experience, with a beginners yachting weekend in Brighton. Under the guidance of your skipper, gain an RYA ‘Start Yachting’ certificate that counts towards the ‘Competent Crew’ certificate, while having the most amazing couple of days on the waters off the South Coast.

The Solent, the strait between the Isle of Wight and Great Britain, is famous for being one of the premier yachting areas in the world, with picturesque locations and protected waters. Enjoy a Solent yacht sailing experience with a delicious included lunch, and either relax with a glass of bubbles, or get involved with the crew before sailing past the Isle of Wight, Beaulieu and the iconic Needles. Don’t forget your camera!

Scotland is a pretty special location for a yacht sailing experience as well. Spend a half or full day exploring the stunning Fife coast and sailing round Edinburgh’s bridges and islands. Get involved with crewing the vessel, or just kick back and soak up the scenery. You might even catch sight of a porpoise if you’re lucky!

A yacht sailing experience would make a generous gift for anybody with a sense of adventure or a love of the ocean.

Yacht Sailing Experience Days Reviews

Yacht sailing experience days by price, questions about yacht sailing experiences, how many yacht sailing experiences are available as gift vouchers.

We have 17 yacht sailing experiences.

How easy is it to book a Yacht Sailing experience during the summer?

Our Yacht Sailing experiences are very popular. Especially during the summer. If you would like to take part in a Yacht experience, always enquire before hand to check availability, and book as far in advance as you can.

Are there maximum weight requirements to take part in Yacht Sailing experiences?

This is completely dependant on the size of the Yacht. This tends to vary between experiences. The average requirement for Yacht Sailing experiences is that a participant does not exceed 20 Stone. You can find more specific details under the Requirements section of the product page.

More Water Based Experience Ideas

Coasteering Experiences
Jet Ski Experiences
Kitesurf Experiences
Paddleboard Experiences
Power Boat Experiences
Sailing Experiences and Lessons
Scuba Dive Experiences
Surfing Experiences
Wakeboard Experiences
Water Jet Pack Experiences
Windsurf Experiences
Scenic Cruises

You can manage your wishlist and share it from the My Wishlist link located at the top of the page.

You can manage your wishlist and share it from the My Wishlist link located at the bottom of the page.

Place your order online.

An Experience Days Gift Pack is sent via the shipping method of your choice. Instant Email Gift Vouchers are available for those last minute gift ideas. The gift pack includes everything your recipient will need to redeem and book their experience.

Gift Vouchers are valid for 12 months allowing the gift recipient the freedom to enjoy their experience at their convenience.

News/Events

May 10, 2024 | Boating News

What you Need to Know About Yacht Racing

We talk to Cameron Davies about all things yacht racing.

Cameron runs a fantastic yacht called Expresso Martini, on behalf of First Class Sailing. He and his first mate will take you out on the water, to get a real taste of life at the cutting edge of the racing world, in a safe and fully supported environment.

Giving you an experience and adrenaline rush like no other, combined with the satisfaction of working in a team that’s being tested to its limits.

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a Yachtmaster Offshore commercially endorsed skipper. That’s what I do for First Class Sailing – race a boat called Espresso Martini. I’ve been sailing for about 40 years. It started in dinghies, gone through sports boats into yachts, partly because dinghies is too physical for me these days. But partly also because you want to go further as your sailing career develops. I was lucky enough to have gone through the youth squad under the great Jim Saltonstall and his coaching experience, and it was absolutely fantastic, brilliant introduction to sailing.

Why Race? What got you into it?

I think there’s a combination of things you know, on the one hand there is nothing else but the wind, right? You’ve got the wind driving you. We’re an island race, we’ve blown along every day one way or another harnessing that to make the boat go as fast as possible on every angle of sail in every possible condition with a crew that may or may not have experience of doing this before.

That’s the buzz, right? You layer on top of that. The need to start, countdown, you know, five minutes, four minutes, one minute. The heart races, the excitement’s up, the adrenaline’s there, the crew are sharp. There’s lots of people looking from the deck telling you what other boats are doing.

There’s a milling around of a lot of boats. The bigger the boats are, the more intimidating that can be. But you have to go in with a plan for your start. You have to know where you’re going to be. On the longer races, where it might be two days, one day might be two days, five days, whatever it might be, the start is less important.

But still, that’s one of the initial bits of the excitement, is to get there over the start line and get clear and get a good start.

What do people need to know or think about when it comes to yacht racing?

Yacht racing provides the opportunity to sharpen up all of those skills that sailors know they have. So We’re hoisting the mainsail, we’re hoisting the jib, we’re trimming the mainsail, we’re trimming the jib, we’re flying a spinnaker. A spinnaker could be a complicated thing, in waves, in breezy conditions, there’s a lot to manage. We may have to jibe the spinnaker, you’ve got to bring the pole down inside the forestay, trip the spinnaker before you do that, reconnect it after the jibe, on a boat that’s moving from side to side and fore and aft, on a narrow bow.

Because it’s a race boat, it’s quite a platform to encourage you to get your balance right and your coordination of all these various activities right. And when you then go back to perhaps cruising or another form of sailing that you might do, you take all of that with you as a sort of learning.

And it just makes you think, okay, I’ve been now used to pushing a fast boat hard at speed. At speeds that I’m not used to, we’ll get 14, 15, perhaps 18 knots surfing down a wave routinely, and we’ll go up, we’ll go up wind, we’ll go up wind in 8 knots, 10 knots of true wind, we’ll be going up wind at 6, 7 knots, so it’s immediate. You really get a sense of, okay, well, this is what I can do.

And one of the other great things when we’re going upwind is, our tacking angle is really small compared to cruising boats. So we’re tacking at 38 degrees, either side of the wind, it’s phenomenal. And so we make quick progress over the race course, over the ground. And that’s exciting, right? And you know, giving people the experience of that, is wonderful because they enjoy it. And when they then do step back to whatever it is is their normal form of sailing, I think they’ve just developed a confidence around sail handling, around boat trim, around sail trim, around spinnakers if they want to use them, that they wouldn’t have had.

Tell us about the team-building aspect.

I started in dinghy sailing, two man boats, single handed boats, you’re doing everything yourself. There comes a point where the boats get large enough for you not to be able to do that, and you need other people to be able to contribute. But the whole coordination say between helm and mainsheet, if the mainsheet person has not released the main at a time that I need to duck, if I’m helming, duck behind a boat, we’re not moving. We’re going to hit that boat. And if it’s a big drop down behind a boat, if we’re on port tack and we need to give way to a starboard boat and it’s a half a boat length or a full boat length, we need to duck down and it’s breezy, the main needs to come off, the jib needs to come off too.

So you need a main sheet trimmer, you need a jib sheet trimmer, all to be coordinated with the helm. And you don’t want to be doing this and losing speed. So, you drop down, keep the speed on, come back up, and try and get nice and tight to the stern of the starboard tacker. Come back up onto the wind again, all of that coordination that people need on a boat. That’s three or four people working together to develop ultimately some kind of intuition between you all.

And that comes with time, practice and experience?

Exactly. And again, when you take that back to your boat, you realise that it’s a very manageable thing – actually I can get closer to that vessel than I thought I ever could, and I can do some racing. An example, Round the Island Race – it’s a race for all. So you can do the IRC classes as we do. We’re an IRC one boat. Or you can enter in as a cruising class, cruising racing class, and you can do something at a different level. It’s still a race, right?

Perhaps it’s something you never thought of doing before, but now you can.

Tell us about the racing opportunities at First Class Sailing

First Class Sailing is a London and Southampton based sail training company. We charter Espresso Martini into First Class Sailing, we love working with them, they’re a fantastic set of people. And, they provide people for us to take out for this experience. So, it can be everything from The Fastnet to Round the Island. We can do inshore racing, and we can do smaller offshore races in the Fastnet. The calendar is a full calendar, there’s no end of weekends to take part in through the summer.

What is the racing like in the Solent?

It offers everything really. And it offers a ruggedness, and yet without it being too wild. So, you’ve got the protection of the Hearst Narrows, so the seas can’t quite get that big, but they can get big enough.

And you’ve got wind against tide, you’ve got quite a ferocious tide at times. The racing will start this year with the Knab Tower Race, 23rd of March, so it’s a 35 mile race from Cowes. Out to the east, round the Knab Tower and back. The following day is a race out to the west, slightly shorter, 25 miles.

And you’ve got the south west facing western Solent, and the kind of south east facing eastern Solent – and a lot of water between the two. So it covers a lot of wind directions that you can Well, basically there’s not a wind direction. that doesn’t allow you to set a course, if that makes sense.

Tell us about the process someone new to sailing might go through.

We start the season March, April, depending really where Easter lies. It will start with the Winter Series racing, that’s usually run by Warsash or one of the other clubs.

That will involve day sailing, Sunday racing, and two weekends, full weekends, Saturday and Sunday, which are within that programme, but also independent of it. So you could just do those four days over two weekends. It does not include racing over Easter. Easter’s something separate. That builds you in then to the, really the start of the offshore racing season.

So that takes us through April. That’s a great way of coming into it. So that’s inshore sailing. generally flatter waters, sharp responses are required, lots of boats around, shorter race courses, more upwind, downwind legs. So, you’re sailing upwind, set spinnaker, come downwind, get the spinnaker down, go upwind again.

They do mix it up. If the wind’s in a different direction or awkward at a direction for that, they will set courses Around the Cans can be entirely interesting. You’ve got tide to contend with, boats to contend with a lot going on. So people can come into that and it provides a great starting point to sort of really feel confidence, just moving on a boat that’s moving quickly. And quick tacks, tacking when other boats force you to tack, you hope you see them, right? 99 percent of the time you will, 1 percent of the time you might miss them and you’ll get a late time.

There’s different jobs to be done on the boat. There’s myself, skipper and first mate. So we will run the boat. We can cover a lot of the tasks, and be taking people on to shadow us so that we can step away from the jobs that we do at the start.

So, for example, My my first mate will probably do the foredeck. The bow work is quite an important bit of what we do, and I will probably do the helm. I’ll quickly hand over that as, I’ll hand over that as quickly as possible to anybody who wants to take the helm. It’s a big wheel, it’s a very responsive boat.

I might not give them the starting responsibility straight away, but they can come out of the dock in Southampton water or into the Solent, wherever it is, and we’ll hand over skills to people as quickly as we can and give them the confidence that they will only get by making a few mistakes.

Let’s talk a little bit about your boat, Espresso Martini.

She’s a Farr 40. You’ll find plenty of images online of the design. It was a boat designed in the 90s, continued to be built through the 90s and the early 2000s. It’s probably one of the best race boats that’s ever been built. Not now the fastest. Modern designs have got a little bit better. But it’s still one of the best and one of the most solid boats out there. So when you get a race boat, you have to be able to put on a lot of tension on the rig. What we’re trying to do, is get as much drive out of the wind on every angle of sail that we can. And in order to do that, we need the rig tensions to be tight. We need the wind to hit us and drive us, not spill out because the rig flexes. So we’re looking to get that drive all the way through what we’re doing. To support that, those kind of loads, inside the boat, it’s got an aluminium space frame. It gives us a lot of confidence for driving it hard in wind, in waves, upwind, downwind. It’s an eight bunk boat, so we can sleep eight people on it, so we will go offshore with eight people. We can take more than that when we’re racing, up to twelve. A nice number to sail with is about ten people on board. The extra numbers help with the work on the boat. We need to be able to balance the boat by sitting people on the rail. That weight matters. That helps us to go upwind and faster.

Why should somebody consider racing with First Class Sailing?

So I’ve mentioned the Warsash Spring Series and so forth. There’s the RORC, the Royal Ocean Racing Club offshore, and there’s the Junior Offshore Group as well. These are fantastic environments to get involved in sailing. There’s a lot of support and structure and a really good community that takes part in this. And it’s a really nice way to get your confidence up to get out there, to get out, get the early training in within the Solent and then stretch out a little bit further. We go into the Channel, we go to Alderney, we go to Cherbourg, we go to San Marlo, we go down the coast to Plymouth and back. We go to Weymouth. There’s a myriad of sailing events out there. And when we get there, we tie up with some mates, we have a beer. We have a bite to eat. It’s lovely.

The focus of First Class Sailing is first and foremost to have fun.

Yacht racing can be physically demanding. It can be lovely reaching along with a spinnaker up in a flat sea, but it can also be tough going upwind in a strong blow. You may be pleased to know that most of First Class Sailing’s racing is in the summer. Whatever the conditions and the experience, it’s always worth it and a sense of satisfaction and personal achievement is fantastic.

First Class Sailing yacht skippers are very experienced. They have many thousands of miles under their belts, and they love imparting their knowledge. They’re well used to sailing with both novices and experienced sailors alike.

Find out more about our upcoming race – Round the Island Yacht Race . Besides a Farr 40, we also have spaces on a Challenger 72.

The post What you Need to Know About Yacht Racing appeared first on Sailing Blog .

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Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series – St. Petersburg

February 16-18, 2024 • Hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club

Event Information

February 16-18, 2024

Final Results

Final Scratch Sheet

St. Petersburg Social Pass

Enjoy snack and drinks nightly, the launch of Mount Gay Rum’s special edition, SPYC’s Famous Saturday Supper, music, games and more. Complimentary Social Passes for SWRS Race Officials and Junior Sailors. Advance offer – Buy 4 and the 5th pass free.

Speaker Series – St. Petersburg – Victor Diaz de Leon

Venezuelan wonder-boy, Victor Diaz de Leon , was the first Special Guest of the 2024 Sailing World Speaker Series. Sailing World Editor, Dave Reed, covered special stories behind Victor’s climb to multiple victories, and the sizzle of the new SailGP Team United States.

Mount Gay Rum Cocktail Contest

Winning Cocktail: “Low Tide Old Fashioned”
Winning SWRS Team: Va Bene – Brad Barrios, Thomas Barry, Andrea Cichon, Michal Cichon, Tara Lee Costich, Ryan Graber, Michael Jacobsen, Mark Macke, Frances McCarthy, Tom O’Donohue, David Slonena
Ingredients: 2oz Mount Gay Black Barrel, 1/3 oz Banana liquor, 5 drps Angostuna bitters, 4 drops Peychard bitters, dark simple syrup, fresh cinnamon, Maraschino cherries
How to Make: Mix ingredients in stirring glass, cover cocktail glass with dark simple syrup, layer rum, float banana liquor, grate cinnamon, garnish with cinnamon and cherries

Regatta News: St. Petersburg

One Charismatic Crew

The crew of Tim Landt’s Nightwind 35 Charisma took on the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series Distance Race in St. Pete to recreate themselves.

Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg

Melges 24 Team Wins Midwinter Championship and Overall Title in St. Pete

Steve and Catherine Boho’s team on The 300 win the Midwinters and get berth to the BVI championship.

St. Pete To Shine Again

The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series 2024 kicks off in St. Petersburg with a packed Tampa Bay.

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One For the Books in St. Petersburg

A big turnout, lively parties and great racing. It’s what to expect at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg.

Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series St. Petersburg 2023 Gallery

Select images from the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series weekend event in St. Petersburg, Florida.

St. Pete is Going to Sizzle

All indications are the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series’ kick off in St. Petersburg is going to be hot. And we’re not just talking about the weather.

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So you want to race? All you need to know to get into the game

"Start small,” says naval architect Malcolm McKeon . “Superyacht racing is not like anything most owners have experienced before.”

McKeon speaks from recent experience. “When we were designing and building the performance cruiser Missy , I asked the owner several times if he was sure he didn’t want me to arrange the deck for racing. His answer was always ‘I’m not going to race Missy ,’” he recalls. “Then he saw a Bucket-type regatta and decided ‘That looks like fun.’ He followed my advice: start small and get a taste for it. We raced Missy in the 2018 St Barths Bucket in the non-spinnaker division and he won. For 2019 he’s added a bolt-on bowsprit, a few spinnakers to improve downwind performance and hired more pros.”

Dutch naval architect Andre Hoek has worked with very similar owners. “Many of our superyacht owners actually said they would never race but end up doing it anyway,” he says. “My advice would be to have some sailing miles on the boat before you start racing and begin with the second year of ownership, not the first.”

For owners contemplating building a new yacht, Hoek advises designing the boat with an option to race from day one simply because he’s had a number of projects where owners changed their minds after the boat was built and decided to race full-on. “We advise clients to at least lay out the sail and deck plan for racing.”

Several experts pointed to a significant recent change for superyacht regattas: the handicapping system has been altered to even up the playing field, add safety factors and reduce the number of crew and sails needed by including a non-spinnaker class. As McKeon says: “It used to be that a 500-tonne yacht like Twizzle could do no better than middle of the fleet – even if she was sailed perfectly – racing against boats with deep keels and retractable sail drives. The new handicapping system puts a fair penalty on those features so that almost everyone has a chance.”

Hap Fauth, who owns racing and cruising boats, took part in the Newport and St Barths Bucket regattas with his 35.3-metre Whisper from 2003 to 2010. He stopped because he thought the handicapping system didn’t seem to understand luxury yachts. “These big displacement boats will have the same top speed if the wind is blowing 12 or 20. I realised I could spend $100,000 [£77,000] to campaign the boat with the best crew and still end up 23rd out of 35 boats. They fixed the handicap and we went back to St Barths for the Bucket in 2018.”

Recruiting rock stars

Drop in on any superyacht regatta and you’ll note some high-profile professional sailors with well-earned star status based on their expertise as a designer, rigger, sailmaker or veteran of many racing events. They often have key positions as navigators, tacticians, crew bosses or helmsmen. These men and women made and maintain their reputations, and their pay scales, by doing their part to make the programme successful, whether that is learning the race course and studying charts or learning the boat and its gear and the abilities of the rest of the crew. Far from being someone who is just here for the beer, a professional sailor works between 200 and 250 days a year. But is hiring a couple of rock stars and building a regatta team around them the way to go? “Before spending an owner’s money on a pro race crew, you have to get to the details,” says Ken Read, president of North Sails. “You really have to listen carefully when you ask an owner what he wants to get out of the event.

“I have a database of sailors for all the positions, including assistants to all those positions, and I classify them as amateurs or pros. But before I start picking, I go old-school; I draw the boat’s deck layout, including all winches, and I put circles where you need people to work. I look at the skill levels needed in each of those circles. Then, what members of the crew can I draw on? Some captains don’t want a specific position because they want to be able to move around putting out fires. Some captains came out of powerboats and don’t know how to race. My job is to get them to be honest about their abilities and comfort level and those of their crew.”

The next part is chemistry, Read says. “You want them to have a blast. You want the entire group to feel it’s the best day or set of days they have had because the group is just right. You don’t want to put a tough, hard-ass pro with an owner who would rather just have fun. Some pros see winning a regatta as a notch on their belt. There’s a place for that guy, but it might not be with an owner just starting out.”

According to Bruce Brakenhoff, president of Perini Navi USA , a regular full-time crew is key. “They know their boat, they maintain it and tune it,” he says. “They communicate to the race guys what can or cannot be done, how far their boat can or should be pushed.

“The idea of a rock star aboard is fun, but in my experience the most successful boats seem to have permanent crews who sail their boat often and know its sailing systems really well. These are the guys who really gel with a race crew that joins them for a week or two.” Fauth calls his boat’s five permanent crew “the backbone of the team. We aren’t a push-button boat with captive winches so it takes 15 to race,” he says. He plans his regatta crew around his selection for navigator, tactician and a crew boss who manages assignments and gets the boat set up for each race. Fauth takes the helm and Whisper’s captain floats to give an assist where needed.

The Js are unique

The J Class is a different animal altogether. Dan Jackson, who ran Ranger’s programme for the late John Williams, says: “ Ranger had eight permanent crew and raced with a full complement of around 35, including guests. Generally, we had 15 to 17 professionals. Js tend to try and keep the same crew at least for the season and, where possible, year on year. Ranger had a core race crew that rarely changed – we just added to it from available sailors as necessary. Keeping the team together reduces the amount of practice time needed before a regatta and therefore an owner’s expenses.”

Depending on the boat, the owner’s goals for the regatta and whether the boat is sailing in a spinnaker or non-spinnaker class, expect racing crew to double or triple the yacht’s regular crew complement, says Peter Wilson of management firm MCM . “When an owner says he wants to race, we want to make sure it’s a really good experience and picking the extra crew is critical. Most expert racers aren’t superyacht crew and most superyacht crew aren’t racers, but we find they really like learning from the pros.” Wilson often puts pros on the bow “because dropping a spinnaker while a jib is being raised or unfurled and the helmsman is rounding a mark isn’t something superyacht crew tend to experience”.

Wilson says he builds a spreadsheet of positions that need to be filled with the associated costs to build a budget for his clients and then adds in the non-personnel items such as transportation of the boat, dockage, spare parts, food and entertainment budgets and extra insurance riders. While Fauth says he often turns to his vendors for race crew, Wally founder Luca Bassani and Wally Class secretary Paolo Massarini both say they feel that the pro sailors who work for vendors should have their fees paid by their employers. “Their fees should be covered by the brand they are representing, but it is different from time to time. There is no fixed rule,” said Massarini.

Organising a regatta programme

“On the boats we manage,” says Wilson, “we try to lock in our team six months in advance for summer regattas. For something like the Antigua Superyacht Challenge [in January], there is not so much competition for crew so we can start later. Accommodation, on the other hand, you want to book as early as possible.”

While most superyachts take part in just one or two regattas a year, and hire race crew by the event, the more performance-oriented yachts, and tight-knit Wally classes may do four. Bassani says it is his preference, and his advice to owners, to book the pros for the season. “I hire people for the whole season of races and sea trials. In this way [they] have the chance to get to know your boat better, to prepare the boat better and to achieve better results.” Massarini says another reason for contracting with the racing crew for the entire season is to make crew members loyal to the project.

Choosing a Wally’s race crew begins with the two or three most experienced permanent crew deciding what positions can be filled internally and then hiring a crew boss, Bassani calls it a head hunter, to recruit the other spots. The need for shore support and logistics obviously increases with the number of races the owner wants to do and perhaps with the distance from his home port, but Bassani cautions that regular crew shouldn’t be saddled with that responsibility.

Get a Den Mother

The bigger the boat, the more complicated the job. If they don’t have full-time professional management, most regatta entrants will liaise with a “Den Mother”. Brakenhoff suggested two such women who manage logistics for racing yachts, Polly Baptist and Nikki Smith. Both are former superyacht crew well versed in regattas. Baptist is now a sports nutritionist and Smith’s firm, Sailutions, provides shore support for yachts.

Both say arranging nearby accommodation for 20 to 30 crew, owners and guests, and then organising who goes where, is the most time-consuming task. Booking accommodation and shipping containers to move a yacht’s racing sails and spares needs to start well in advance – as much as a season ahead is typical. “Three months’ notice is doable,” Smith says, “but it will cost more. Once I had to rent a trimaran to sleep the crew because it was the only thing with enough berths close to the race venue.”

Finding someone to repair a torn spinnaker sock overnight, replacing lost contact lenses and booking restaurants and catering are typical assignments. “Depending on what service is needed I work with different crew within the team,” says Smith. “I mainly work with captains and race team managers on the more costly aspects of the planning; the stewardess and chief stewardess on more everyday items.” Smith charges either an hourly rate or a flat fee for the regatta, depending on services booked. A percentage charged on accommodation – like a travel agency – is often offset by the discounts she is able to arrange for her frequent bookings.

Baptist, a sail trimmer in Saudade ’s crew when it races in the Med, also cooks for her charges to make sure they have nourishing food as well as juices and smoothies. Her perfect timeframe is to start eight months in advance of a regatta as she helps with crew selection as well on some of the yachts she works for. “Owners new to the race scene need to be made aware that a lot goes on behind the scenes to make sure not only is their yacht in top shape, but also they have a great team on board who are ready to race each day. The permanent crew do a great job prepping the boat and some of the race crew fly in earlier than the rest [to set it up] and we stay later to help change the boat back to cruising/guest mode when it’s over. We are all there to make sure the owners have a fantastic time racing. It is a very prestigious thing for owners to be sailing their stunning yachts against others in beautiful parts of the world,” Baptist said.

It’s not just about race days Brakenhoff has been racing for about 30 years and advises: “Bucket planning for a 50-metre Perini with a total race-day crew of 22-plus should include at least one day of set-up, three days of practice, and one last day of final tweaks and prep at the dock for the three-day regatta.” That’s the same schedule used by Fauth, who also owns a series of racing yachts named Bella Mente that he campaigns on the grand prix circuit, the latest being a Maxi 72 designed by Botin Partners. He’s brought Whisper to quite a few Buckets, and says he runs its regatta programme much like that of his serious race boat – with one exception: “Instead of watching a video of our performance after each race the way we do with Bella Mente we might have a crew party. Superyacht regattas tend to start at noon. With the race boat programme, the guys are up running or at the gym at 7am.

“One of the reasons amateurs have such a hard time is because they can’t take the time out to practise,” continues Fauth. Most superyachts take part in just one or two regattas a year, while a racing boat will compete in six or more regattas, often moving the boat significant distances between each venue. “That is easily a 12-week commitment,” says Fauth, who is one of the backers of American Magic , a US challenger for the 2021 America’s Cup in New Zealand. Bassani likes to schedule two or three “long weekend” practices before regatta season begins and two days of practice before each event. And because he’s the boat builder, he’s privy to some rather important information.

“We have all the detailed reports of the performances of the boat after each sea trial and each race. It’s good to share all this information with the crew each day to make everybody more involved in the results of the boat. And this report can be very detailed and must be discussed on each of those details, like for each tack, each jibe, each hoist and so on.”

“Here’s what I think keeps some owners from trying racing,” says Read. “Superyacht owners are uber-successful people, they are confident and tend to have a take-no-prisoners ego about business. Someone like that might shy away from a situation where they might not win… and some superyacht events are becoming too competitive. Creating cruising or non-spinnaker divisions and pursuit starts are the way to go. Let’s ease people into it. If they want to get super competitive at a later date, they can, but at least they can say they’ve had fun along the way, made friends and sailed their boats in beautiful places.”

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Situated in a bustling arts community on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club has been a part of the sailing community for over 100 years.

We pride ourselves in creating a relaxed private club atmosphere with a warm, friendly, family-oriented environment. we offer a wide variety of social activities and our clubs within a club meet a plethora of special interests for our members where they can mix and mingle. , banquets & catering, community events.

What's happening at St Petersburg Yacht Club?

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Yacht Sailing Experience Days on The Solent, South Coast, UK.

If you would rather sit back and let our Skipper do the work – then no problem. Enjoy the views, the wind in your hair, the fresh air and picturesque scenery of bays and rivers whilst our skippers sail you around. They will also tell you some of the sailing history of the Solent and surrounds.

After returning to the marina you can grab a drink or excellent meal in the on-site bar / restaurant with viewing terrace overlooking the boats on the river Hamble. The view is spectacular.

SOLENT YACHT SAILING EXPERIENCE DAY – WHAT YOU CAN DO

Steer the boat / hoist sails / trim sails for maximum efficiency
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You only need soft soled footwear that will not mark the deck, layers & wind / waterproof depending upon the weather plus swimming costume and towel. We will send you further information on what to expect and what to bring. There is plenty of free parking on site.

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Where We Go From: Mercury Yacht Harbour, Satchel Lane, Hamble S)31 4HQ. Just 15 minutes from Southampton airport. See here for more details of how to get to us

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Yacht Racing Forum 2024, 2025 and 2026 to take place in Amsterdam alongside METSTRADE

5 September 2023

After thirteen successful editions, the Yacht Racing Forum today announces a new format and concept for the future. From 2024, the event will be held alongside METSTRADE Amsterdam, the world’s leading maritime industry trade fair.

“This is great news for the Yacht Racing Forum, which will welcome a wider audience and strengthen its role as the leading annual conference dedicated to the sport of sailing “, said Bernard Schopfer, the organiser of the event. “This new concept will increase participation while significantly reducing the event’s carbon footprint.”

METSTRADE Amsterdam brings together some 20,000 participants each year, and presents the products of some 1,500 exhibitors in its spacious showrooms.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the Yacht Racing Forum to Amsterdam next year,” said Niels Klarenbeek, Show Director of METSTRADE. “The Forum’s arrival is expected to bolster METSTRADE’s status as a versatile platform that caters to a diverse audience and offers various opportunities for different interests or industries related to yacht racing or the marine sector. We can’t wait to join forces and bring together the world of yacht racing and leisure marine equipment.”

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Italy’s Tita and Banti in control of Mixed Multihull series

Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti held on to their healthy lead in the Mixed Multihull, despite having their weakest day in Marseille so far. They opened

Bontus and Aldridge taste victory as Formula Kite racing makes its Olympic debut

Valentin Bontus and Ellie Aldridge soared to victory in the first ever Formula Kite races hosted at an Olympics. Austria’s Bontus won the opening race in

Italian world champions lead Nacra 17 class while Austrian pair move on top in 470

Lara Vadlau and Lukas Maehr continued their rise up the rankings with another consistent series of races in the Mixed Dinghy. The Austrian crew began the

Wearn and Bouwmeester edge nearer to Individual Dinghy golds

Singlehanded sailors Matt Wearn and Marit Bouwmeester have each edged closer to gold medals in the Men’s and Women’s Dinghy – despite both having their

Breeze on in Marseille for the mixed sex dinghy classes

Strong winds and big waves were the order of the day today on the Women’s and Men’s Dinghy course in Marseille. It was a full-power day

Maggetti grabs gold for Italy in Women’s Windsurfing

Marta Maggetti wrapped up a memorable gold medal for Italy in the Women’s Windsurfing with a fine performance in the Medal Series. Despite not winning a

Tom Reuveny wins gold for Israel in Men’s Windsurfing

Tom Reuveny picked up a gold medal for Israel in the Men’s Windsurfing with a phenomenal performance in the Final. Reuveny had not won a race

Wearn and Bouwmeester lead individual dinghy events as 470 racing begins

Matt Wearn moved into the top spot in the Men’s Dinghy and Marit Bouwmeester took control of the Women’s Dinghy, while the 470 class also

Spanish sensations Botin and Trittel win 49er Olympic Gold

Diego Botin and Florian Trittel fulfilled a lifelong dream by mastering the Men’s Skiff to become Olympic champions. The Spanish pair sailed impressively throughout the regatta,

Dutch Delight as Van Aanholt and Duetz claim 49erFX Gold

Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz clinched the first sailing gold medal of Paris 2024 following a hugely dramatic Women’s Skiff Medal Race. The Dutch duo

Strong ILCA 6 start for France’s Cervera

Louise Cervera enjoyed a stellar first day of racing at Paris 2024 with a valuable win in the Women’s Dinghy. The French sailor went out and

Australian Morris guaranteed Men’s Windsurfing Bronze

Grae Morris proved consistency pays off as he secured a medal in the Men’s Windsurfing for Australia. Morris struggled at the start of the Opening Series,

Great Britain’s Wilson guaranteed medal after topping women’s windsurfing rankings

Great Britain’s Emma Wilson secured a medal in the Women’s Windsurfing by topping the rankings at the end of the Opening Series. Wilson had another productive

Peruvian Peschiera takes the early ILCA 7 advantage in Marseille

Stefano Peschiera used his experience and expertise to take an early advantage in the Men’s Dinghy off the coast of Marseille. Following appearances in Rio and

Spain’s Botin and Trittel lead ahead of 49erFX medal race

Diego Botin and Florian Trittel maintained their position at the summit of the Men’s Skiff standings with the Medal Race to come tomorrow. The Spanish duo

Australian Morris snatches lead in Olympic Men’s Windsurfing

Australian Grae Morris stormed into the lead in the Men’s Windsurfing with his best performance on the water so far. The Australian started off with second

Untouchable Wilson in a league of her own

Briton Emma Wilson kept her cool in the Women’s Windsurfing to extend her advantage at the top of the standings. After the Marathon Race had to

French Olympic duo eke back ahead in 49erFX

The twists and turns in the Women’s Skiff continued to entertain as Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon regained the lead heading into tomorrow’s Medal Race. On

Spanish surge puts Botin and Trittel ahead in 49ers

The third day of 49er racing at Paris 2024 brought a big shift in the standings, as Diego Botin and Florian Trittel mastered the wind

Britain’s Emma Wilson dominates Olympic iQFOiL fleet

Emma Wilson followed up her impressive opening day on the water with another dominant display in the South of France. While yesterday she had to deal

Netherlands windsurfer van Opzeeland returns to brilliant best in Marseille

Luuc van Opzeeland returned to his brilliant best as he manoeuvred the windier conditions well to take the lead in the Men’s Windsurfing. The Dutch athlete

Dutch 49erFX pair take back control

The Dutch duo dropped a little in the second day of racing, but recovered well in their third outing on the water with third and

Making it look easy

Being able to create a dedicated data stream that can be displayed in a wide variety of ways might not sound like the kind of

French 49erFX pair take the lead as light winds persist in Marseille

Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon moved into the lead in the Women’s Skiff after another consistent performance on the water in Marseille. The French pair are

Kiwi consistency keeps New Zealand 49er pair on top

Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie followed up their dominant first day on the water with another stellar showing at Paris 2024. Following an eighth place finish

Great Britain’s Emma Wilson tops Women’s Windsurfing leaderboard

Tokyo bronze medallist Emma Wilson opened her Paris 2024 campaign with two accomplished performances, finishing first and second to move to the top of the

New Zealand 49er pair get off to perfect start in Marseille

Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie launched their Olympic campaign with a win in the opening 49er race to take control of the Men’s Skiff. The New

Paris 2024: Dutch 49FX pair take early lead in Marseille

The Dutch duo of Odile van Aanholt and Annette Duetz took an early lead in the Women’s Skiff on the opening day of sailing at

A proper sailor’s sailboat

'Make it a proper sailor's sailboat' was priority one – closely followed by 'the most stylish, light and airy layout that the best of Milano

The Ocean Race Atlantic is set to launch in 2026

The Ocean Race has announced a new transatlantic, fully-crewed race for the IMOCA class for the summer of 2026. The event is a celebration of

Gladiator wins 2024 Rolex TP52 World Championship title

Tony Langley’s Gladiator became the first British flagged team to lift the Rolex TP52 World Championship title when they emerged from a testing three race

Gladiator leads by a point ahead of final day at TP52 World Championship

Takashi Okura’s Sled, the 2021 world champions representing the hosts, the New York Yacht Club, scored best today at the Rolex TP52 World Championship in

Platoon Aviation victorious on single-race day in Newport

Harm Müller-Spreer’s 2023 defending champions Platoon Aviation won the only race sailed at the Rolex TP52 World Championship off Newport, RI today. But while their

Gladiator charges into the lead TP52 World Championship in Newport

Winning both races today at the 2024 Rolex TP52 World Championship in Newport RI, Tony Langley’s Gladiator team have now scored three back-to-back victories and

Carefully tailored – personal service

Victor Mariño is the latest addition to Doyle Sails' virtuoso line-up. With a CV that includes several America’s Cup campaigns asw well as 10 world

Consistency sees Sled lead after opening day of 2024 Rolex TP52 World Championship in Newport

Takashi Okura’s 2021 Sled, the 2021 world champions, made the best start to the 2024 Rolex TP52 World Championship Newport today as they posted two

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Cleveland Yacht Racing Association

Announcements:

08/07/2024: Fall Race 3 is taking place as scheduled.

Upload your racing photos to share with everyone!

View them here.

Racing is great fun and a challenge. You can follow the leader of try your own ideas on how to get to the next mark. If it works out then you lead, if not, it is a wealth of experience you can draw on in the future. We meet afterwards at Lakeside Yacht Club on Wednesdays for refreshments and food. Their grill items are offered until 2100, full menu upon request.

Email [email protected] if you are interested in crewing and register if you want to sign up your boat. For any other questions, email [email protected]

Racing gives you the experience that makes you a better sailor

When you race, you aren’t limited to going out when the conditions are just right, you go out in all conditions. You are exposed to more diverse weather conditions making you a better all-around sailor. You experience no wind and light wind, two conditions that when able to control will enhance your sailing experience. In conditions when we are caught by surprise of a passing squall, you gain experience with storm sailing with the security of all the other boats out there with you. The rules of the road are the most important thing you need to know. While we all know the basics, racing gives you the opportunity to practice all rules of racing all the time.

Focus behind the helm while racing teaches you just how easily you can be distracted.

You will soon realize that paying attention to the task of driving is the most important thing you can do. Driving straighter and smarter benefits all aspects of sailing whether racing or cruising. An Appointment to Schedule Around Let’s face it, we have boats because we love to sail. With work pressure and home life time to sail is often few and far between. With the CYRA convenient sailing schedule, you can make Wednesday evening races an appointment to plan around. Sunday races are early enough that you have the rest of the day at your disposal.

Build Relationships

Nothing is better than a well trained boat. Racing gives you the chance to seek out and retain people to work towards the common goal of sailing well. Mistakes will be made, that is the nature of sailing, but when you and your crew get it right you know it.

COMMENTS

YM & Italia Yachts Regatta Experience Days 2024
ITALIA YACHTS REGATTA EXPERIENCE DAYS 2024 SAIL THE WORLD'S BEST RACER-CRUISERS JUNE 1ST-3RD 2024, BARI ITALYWith awards like "European Yacht of the Year" within the Luxury Yachts Category as close as in 2023 and nominations for "Best Performance Yachts", Italia Yachts are arguably the best performing & best-built dual-purpose yachts invented today. You have a […]
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So you want to race? All you need to know to get into the game
Depending on the boat, the owner's goals for the regatta and whether the boat is sailing in a spinnaker or non-spinnaker class, expect racing crew to double or triple the yacht's regular crew complement, says Peter Wilson of management firm MCM. "When an owner says he wants to race, we want to make sure it's a really good experience and ...
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Address: 11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 2301 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. Phone: 727-822-3873 Pass-a-Grille 727-360-1646
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Location. Brighton, South East. Red Letter Days - proud to be a carbon neutral company. Awarded ServiceMark accreditation by The Institute of Customer Service. This half day yacht racing gift experience lets you race a Sigma 8 metre keelboat round a floating race track in Brighton and is suitable for non-sailors who want to try yacht racing.
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Address: 11 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | 2301 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706. Phone: 727-822-3873 Pass-a-Grille 727-360-1646
Yacht Sailing Experience Days on The Solent, South Coast, UK
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Cleveland Yacht Racing Association
If it works out then you lead, if not, it is a wealth of experience you can draw on in the future. We meet afterwards at Lakeside Yacht Club on Wednesdays for refreshments and food. Their grill items are offered until 2100, full menu upon request. Email [email protected] if you are interested in crewing and register if you want to sign up your boat.