After months in winter storage, sailboats are being brought back to life in local boatyards. Crews have been hard at work making repairs, polishing hulls, and rigging sails in preparation for the upcoming sailing season. The city’s marina will soon be filled with vessels ready to compete in the return of weekly yacht racing.
Starting Wednesday, May 21, dozens of sailboats will take to the waters just beyond the break wall for the start of the city's Wednesday Night Race Series.
Spectators will be able to enjoy the sight of boats racing between marked waypoints in a spectacle of wind, water, and teamwork.
Each race evening features four heats. Competitors begin while already in motion, crossing a start line marked by a race committee boat and a floating buoy. From there, boats complete a five-leg course—typically three legs upwind and two downwind—set according to the evening’s wind direction and conditions.
Interestingly, the first boat across the finish line isn't always the winner. Since boats vary widely in design, each is assigned a performance rating. Final standings are calculated using corrected time, taking into account both actual finish time and the boat’s rating — much like a golf handicap.
Yacht racing is a true team effort, with each crew member playing a critical role during maneuvers. It’s a fast-paced and dynamic sport, shaped heavily by the weather and water conditions.
New participants are welcome, and local skippers are often on the lookout for additional crew. Those interested in joining the action are encouraged to sign up at the ‘crew bench’.
