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International sailing competition comes to SF Bay, bringing economic boost

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

This article tagged under:

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?

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

Tags: SailGP , SailGP San Francisco

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Hundreds of Sailors Ready to Race in the 60th Edition of 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 Wednesday night, and to start preparing for the first race on Thursday, September 12. With a strong turnout in one design classes and ORC divisions, organizers are thrilled to welcome members and guests to be a part of the action on the water and shoreside.  

“Having been involved in this epic West Coast regatta for some four decades, it is my honor and privilege as Commodore to welcome our members and guests to the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series,” said Chris Perkins, 2024 Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club and a past winner of the event. “I wish the best of luck to our competitors who are here to compete in one of the world’s most spectacular racing venues. Sail fast and enjoy our outstanding hospitality.” 

Rolex Big Boat Series’ extensive history of champions is a tribute to the depth of talent that graces the event and this year, a solid fleet stacked with talented and tough competition is expected.  

“We have 30 J/105s starting again this year, which is great to see, and the ORC fleet is diverse and deep in talent with past winners returning to defend their titles,” says Felix Weidling, Race Director of St. Francis Yacht Club. “We always have our competitors’ best interests in mind and after taking in sailors’ feedback from last year, we continue to improve this important event which is a cornerstone of West Coast sailboat racing.” 

Perennial Rolex Big Boat winner in the J/105 class, Ryan Simmons and his well-seasoned team on Blackhawk are eager to see how the competition will play out in the competitive San Francisco-based J/105 fleet. Blackhawk took first in class in 2019, 2021 and 2023, and second in 2022. Simmons does not take for granted that his luck will bear out for another win, although he and his crew are talented enough—and hopeful.  

“We’re lucky, we have low turnover on our team—we’ve been sailing together a long time and it’s the big difference,” says Simmons. “Our competitive edge this year will be consistency. In the first two days of the regatta, you can’t lock in the win, but you can definitely take yourself out of contention, so sailing smart the first couple of days is key, but Saturday and Sunday are really where the championship will be won.” 

Hot to prevail against Blackhawk is NeNe , owned and skippered by Tim Russell who has played bridesmaid many times, often finishing in the top three. He’s currently leading the local J/105 fleet in the class championship series, making him a serious podium contender.  

“A first place on NeNe is alluding me!” says Russell. “You have to take chances and I usually approach every regatta being super conservative. On my starts I’m trying to win one end or the other and let our boat speed take care of itself and minimize mistakes, but in Big Boat you have to gamble.” 

Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on Skeleton Key, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions and fun social gatherings. 

“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event we’ve raced in various one design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re really excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a really competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.”  

Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 Pelagia owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis, Cape 31 M2 owned and skippered by Marc McMorris, and J/109 Reverie, owned and skippered by John Arens. Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on Skeleton Key, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions and fun social gatherings. 

“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event we’ve raced in various one design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re really excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a really competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.” 

Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 Pelagia owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis, Cape 31 M2 owned and skippered by Marc McMorris, and J/109 Reverie , owned and skippered by John Arens.

TROPHIES & ROLEXES 

At the Competitors’ Briefing on Wednesday, September 11, at 1600, St. Francis Yacht Club announced which classes will be racing for the six perpetual trophies and two Rolex timepieces. 

J/105 

As the largest one-design fleet this year, the J/105s will compete for StFYC’s Commodore’s Cup. The top J/105 skipper will also receive a Rolex timepiece. 

ORC-A 

The St. Francis Perpetual Trophy, which was anonymously donated to StFYC in 1966 to encourage competition between large offshore racing yachts, will be presented to the winner of the ORC-A fleet. 

ORC-B 

The ORC-B division will be racing for the City of San Francisco Perpetual Trophy, which has been contested since 1968 and features one of the original spades from the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. The winner of this division will also take home a coveted Rolex timepiece. 

ORC-C 

The Atlantic Perpetual Trophy, featuring a ship’s bell from the 1905 Transatlantic-record-breaking schooner Atlantic, will go to the winner of the ORC-C fleet. 

EXPRESS 37 

The Express 37s will race for the Keefe-Kilborn Perpetual Trophy, established in 1976 to honor the memory of late StFYC members Harold Keefe and Ray Kilborn, 

The Richard Rheem Perpetual Trophy, named for longtime StFYC member and skipper of Morning Star—the yacht that proudly broke the Transpac course record in 1949 and 1953—will go to the winner of the J/88 class. The PCYA Jesse L. Carr Perpetual Captain and Crew Trophy will go to the winner of the top J/88 finisher. 

CLASSICS  

The Classics will compete for the Classic Cup Perpetual Trophy. 

ADDITIONAL AWARDS 

All three ORC divisions will also be contesting the West Coast Championship. 

The Storm Trysail Team Trophy to the three-boat team who have entered and achieved the best score. The team must be comprised of one boat racing in an ORC class, one from a one-design class, and one from any other class. 

“I’m excited to lead the Rolex Big Boat Series in its 60th anniversary year,” says Susan Ruhne, who chairs the regatta and is the 2024 Rear Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club. “The event is such an important part of the StFYC’s history and a favorite for so many sailors and spectators to experience. There is nothing like watching 70-plus boats on three race courses duke it out on San Francisco Bay, including the classic downwind run from the Golden Gate Bridge back to the club. I am also very proud that we continue to maintain Rolex Big Boat Series’ status as a Clean Regatta, a foundation of the event.” 

The 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series is targeting Platinum Level Clean Regatta status, the highest distinction from Sailors for the Sea. A pre-regatta volunteer event with the Parks Conservancy was held at Crissy Field on Wednesday morning. Organizers have taken efforts to remove all single-use plastic from the event, and competitors spectators are invited to meet local non-profits who serve as Sustainability Partners for the event. Sail to Shelter will be collecting old sails on site to recycle into shelter for humanitarian aid.  

Quantum Sails will be hosting Daily Weather Briefings every race day at 0730. All sailors are invited to tune in for the forecast from experts at Sailflow Weather and to hear local knowledge about San Francisco Bay conditions and currents. 

Racing is set to begin tomorrow, September 12, at 1100 local time for most classes and 1300 for the Classics. 

Follow the action online on Instagram and Facebook . 

San Francisco Bay Area Multihull Association

Racing in the SF Bay

Double Handed Farallones Race

The BAMA Cup

BAMA Sponsored Races

Bama Cup Standings

How to Start Racing

Multihull Rating

Racing in the San Francisco Bay and Offshore

The San Francisco Bay is known throughout the world as a mecca for sailboat racing. Year round sailing,  challenging and exhilarating wind and water conditions and a venue of unparalleled beauty makes racing in the San Francisco Bay phenomenal. If you are a multihull owner who wants to start racing, BAMA is here to help you get started .

BAMA's Premier Annual Event: The Double Handed Farallones Race

The Double Handed Farallones Race is BAMA's signature annual mixed-fleet race event. Click here for a full webpage describing the race's history, information about the course, and recent race results.

The course has racers starting in the early morning off Baker Beach, rounding the Farallones in either direction, and then finishing off the Golden Gate Yacht Club race deck. Covering a total distance of 54nm, the conditions for the DHF can be challenging, testing a double handed crews stamina and seamanship. The race requires that participating boats meet the NCORC's offshore safety requirements, and requires that participating sailors study offshore safety topic and practice person overboard recovery prior to the race.

ANNUAL TROPHIES AWARDED BY BAMA

The bama cup perpetual trophy.

The BAMA Racetrack Perpetual Trophy

BAMA Sponsored Multihull-Only Races

The Jack Reacher Race & Raft-Up is BAMA's annual no-pressure fun race. An easy and fun way to get started racing, the Jack Reacher Race features a simple all-reaching course, followed by a raft-up in Clipper Cove with the other entrants. The race is FREE, an you don't need a ratings certificate. We encourage you to bring the family or sailing friends!

2024 BAMA CUP STANDINGS

How to Start Racing your Multihull

• Get your RATING from BAMA (see below)
• Learn the basics of the Racing Rules of Sailing
• Crew on another Multihull in a race
• Sign up for a beer-can race at a local yacht club and become comfortable with the starting line
• Sign up for a larger Regatta and race with more competitive fleets (See our Calendar )

Getting your Multihull Rating from BAMA

BAMA issues PHRF Handicaps for multihulls to race in the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey Bay and Lake Tahoe at the request of the YRA PHRF Committee (NCPHRF) using their rules and guidelines with US Sailing guidance. BAMA PHRF Handicaps are determined relative to boats in the local Bay Area multihull fleet, using One-Design & National Association guidelines where they exist, other regional data, local race results and Rating Rules as applicable.

BAMA uses Texel (NDL, AUS, DEN, CSA), SCHRS (World Sailing), MOCRA (UK) and Multi2000 (FRA) Rating Rules for multihulls over 15 feet. The Rating may be used to calibrate the initial PHRF Handicap.

BAMA recommends that multihulls & monohulls should not be scored in the same section or division in any competitive event in alignment with US Sailing PHRF.

Initial PHRF Handicaps will be considered provisional in nature for boats new or unfamiliar to the committee. These handicaps may be reviewed and perhaps changed after one season or a series of races has transpired.

The BAMA PHRF Handicap Committee may decline to handicap any yacht for which it feels unable to determine a potential speed.

BAMA policy requires that all documentation be submitted prior to issuing a PHRF Handicap. No handicap will be given over the phone or without full documentation having been made available to the entire committee.

The Committee may invalidate a Certificate at any time where cause is in evidence such as incorrect dimensions or where other than declared equipment is used. Due process will be exercised to allow the owner to be heard and corrections made if the owner, in the view of the Committee, provides justification.

A new or updated Rating Certificate is required if:

• You are new to the fleet; or
• It's a new racing season. You must renew your rating every year on this BAMA website; or
• Your boat is modified during the year, including but not limited to new sails, new rudder, centerboard or daggerboard, the addition of lifting foils, or other modifications that would materially change a boat's displacement or performance.
• Download the rating data form sheet here .  This PDF form shows all the data that you will need to successfully apply for a rating with BAMA. If you are having trouble finding the information required, contact the BAMA Rating Chair with your question for assistance. [email protected]
• Apply for and purchase your rating certificate here .  BAMA uses a web based form that you fill in to apply for your rating. Before you open the form and start filling it in, make sure you have collected all necessary information in step 1 above.
• Get your boat weighed by the Ratings Committee. Admittedly, this step is not as easy as the first three, but BAMA strongly recommends weighing your boat for an accurate rating and will assist you with this process. In the absence of an accurate weight, the Rating Committee will assume that your boat's weight is equal to the lightest similar boat in its database, which may negatively impact your boat's rating. If you want your boat weighed, please indicate such when sending your supporting documents to the Race Chair (Step 3) and the Race Committee will assist you with this process.

Applications typically take 2 – 4 weeks to review before a certificate will be issued if no additional information is requested.

2024 BAMA Ratings

Local News | Photos: Some of the world’s fastest sailboats…

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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.

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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The America’s Cup Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

Join the crew aboard  usa 76  for an  exciting, heart racing  adventure of a lifetime.

Available for both individuals and private parties, our experience will have you sailing San Francisco Bay like the pros. Feel the  power and speed  of USA 76 on the sail of your life.

Looking for a unique gift idea? Purchase a gift certificate or crew pass for one year of unlimited public sailing on USA76!

Learn about Private Charters

Purchase a gift certificate

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awardee and 5-Star Rating and Reviews!

USA 76 is a unique opportunity for individuals and groups up to 20 to participate in the sailing of an International America’s Cup Class yacht. Join us for a thrilling 2 or 2.5 hour adventure on San Francisco Bay. Located at PIER 39.

Help with the ‘hoist,’ take your turn as a ‘grinder’ be the skipper of your own America’s Cup team as you take your turn at the helm of this high-speed yacht. Public trips are conducted multiple days a week, year round.

Annual Crew Passes available for unlimited sailing for one year.

2003 America’s Cup Challenger two hour, jib only, sailing trips begin at $110

Race aboard USA 76 and participate in active crew positions as we challenge other yachts on San Francisco Bay. No experience is necessary. On average, 50 or more boats participate in the events. The duration is about 3 hours long but finish time is dependent on the length of course set on the day by the race committee.

During the summer we race on most Friday nights on a race course south of the Bay Bridge with a finish line next to the SF Giants baseball stadium. All guests are invited to join us at the South Beach Yacht Club following the race for dinner and drinks.

During the winter we race on the first Saturday of the month on the central Bay between Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. All guests are invited to join us at the Golden Gate Yacht Club following the race for dinner and drinks.

Join us on USA 76 during the last few daylight hours of the day as the sun dips below the Golden Gate Bridge and the lights come on in our city by the Bay. Now offered on select days throughout the year. These sails are 2.5 hours long finishing right around sunset.

Purchase a USA 76 Gift Card for any of our activities. Valid for one year from date of issue. Purchase Gift Card

Experience a magical Sunset or crew USA 76 during a Race starting at $195

Create a unique outing for your group of up to 20 guests with USA 76. Great for birthday parties, anniversaries, holiday celebrations, team building, corporate offsite events and special occasions. Whether you are aboard just to have fun or want to learn to work together as a team, sailing an America's Cup yacht is sure to impress. Larger groups up to 50 guests can be accommodated with additional partner yachts.

Inquire about our corporate and private charter packages : Book a Corporate Event Schedule a Team Building Sail Reserve a San Francisco Bay Challenge

Custom options for your event include: catering, branding the mainsail, branding the boat, hiring a photographer, hiring a professional America's Cup speaker, or purchasing custom gear.

For Rates and Custom Quotes Call: (415) 990-9992 Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Private Yacht Charters

Reserve USA 76 for a private yacht charter or team building activity

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Sailboat racing on san francisco bay.

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

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

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

• Racing and Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinics

Sailboat Races and Regattas in the SF Bay Area

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

Race Pricing

• Cancellation Policies

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

San Francisco Bay Area Sailboat Racing Clinics

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

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

The Racing Clinic is a 2-day clinic that will teach you performance sail trim, efficient maneuvers, and the basics of the race course. After spending a portion of the clinic honing these skills, you will enjoy hands-on experience racing against another Modern boat! 

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

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

View the Schedule of Clinics and Enroll Online  

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

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

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

View the Race Schedule and Enroll Online  

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

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

Drop-In Races

• Race Pack 5 (a discounted bundle of 5 races): Members $825 ; Non-members $975
• Single Race - Evening : Members $185 ; Non-members $225
• Single Race - Weekend Day : Members $195 ; Non-members $235

To purchase online, click a hyperlinked price above.

View the Race Schedule and Enroll Online

Club Race Teams

• Visit our Club Race Teams page for current pricing information.

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

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

Berkeley and Sausalito Contact Information

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

Drop-In Race Cancellation Policy

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

Club Race Team Cancellation Policy

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

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News & Events

Meet modern sailing's 2024 rolex big boat series team.

For the second year in a row, Modern Sailing has entered a team to compete in the Rolex Big Boat Series!

• Read more about Meet Modern Sailing's 2024 Rolex Big Boat Series Team!

2024 Club Race Teams

BYC Beer Can and SYC Sunset Series Open for Enrollment!

• Read more about 2024 Club Race Teams

Club Race Teams Make Their Debuts

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

• Read more about Club Race Teams Make Their Debuts

Five Reasons To Race with Modern Sailing

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

• Read more about Five Reasons To Race with Modern Sailing

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

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

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

2023 Three Bridge Fiasco: Modern Sailors' Race Results

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

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

Captain Mark Jordan's 2022 Pacific Cup Race Epilogue

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

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

Modern and Inspire Instructors Race in the Rolex Big Boat Series

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

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

May 2021 Recreational Race Team News

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

• Read more about May 2021 Recreational Race Team News

Race Report - April 16, 2021 CYC Friday Night Race

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

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

December 6 SYC Chili Midwinters Race Report

Article by Captain Mark Jordan on December 14, 2020

• Read more about December 6 SYC Chili Midwinters Race Report

November 2020 Race Team News

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

• Read more about November 2020 Race Team News

WIND & WOMEN - Women's Sailing Courses

Introducing Wind & Women

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

Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 Race Schedule

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

• Read more about Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 Race Schedule

Fall 2020 Recreational Racing

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

• Read more about Fall 2020 Recreational Racing

Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 Race Program

• Read more about Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 Race Program

2019 Spring / Summer Race Program

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

• Read more about 2019 Spring / Summer Race Program

Leukemia Cup 2018

October 4, 2018

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

• Read more about Leukemia Cup 2018

Open Enrollment: Fall Race Clinics and Race Leagues

Starting October 12

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

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

Winter Season Racing 2016 / 2017

November - March

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

• Read more about Winter Season Racing 2016 / 2017

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Testimonials.

It has been wonderful sailing with MSC over the years. Please extend my thanks to the owners, management, and staff for unrequited professionalism and high standards in a charter fleet. I have sailed with several in my years and none nearly hold a candle to the quality of business and staff at Modern Sailing.

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

The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails , they are really great.

View All Testimonials

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Modern Sailing School & Club

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

Berkeley Location 1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710 (415) 331-8250 (800) 995-1668

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