SAILBOAT RACING

PYC welcomes all sailors and boats to join in the fun of racing in Casco Bay this season. We have the traditional races as well as new options for 2011 racing. Check out our 2011 Race Flyer for the full schedule.  (Thanks to David Gooch for this and other Race flyers.)

Legend has it that the first sailboat race took place about twenty minutes after the second sailboat was launched.  Over the years, racing has led to improvement in sails, hull shapes, keel shapes, materials, equipment, and instruments.  While those improvements aided racers first, they filter down to cruisers and day sailers.  So, besides being fun, racing helps advance the science of sailboats.

Unique among sports today, sailboat racing is still policed by the sailors themselves.  That is, except at the very highest (expensive) levels of the sport, competitors admit their own rule violations and/or call others on their violations.  The "Corinthian spirit" holds that fair sailing is more important than merely winning, and that ladies and gentlemen can settle disputes without being disagreeable.  This aspect of sailboat racing is important to maintain in a world where every contest seems to be between enemies, not friendly rivals.  

The Portland Yacht Club is one of the leading venues for racing in Casco Bay.  We sponsor weekend regattas throughout the season.  In addition, there is racing every evening, Monday through Thursday, by our own members and in fleets hosted by PYC.

Please find detailed information about each race and links to registration and results on the pages that follow.

Sponsors

We are grateful to several sponsors -- members and friends of PYC --who graciously offer their support for racing.

Platinum Level: Smithwick and Mariners Insurance
Hallett Canvas and Sails
Yale Cordage
AU
East Coast Yacht Sales
New England Fiberglass Repair
Gold Level: Handy Boat Service
Hamilton Marine
Silver Level: Maine Sailing Partners

GMORA

PYC is proud to be a member of the Gulf of Maine Ocean Racing Association (GMORA). This organization helps coordinate the racing schedules of various Clubs to give racers the maximum number of racing opportunities.  It also provides a service to all member Clubs that allows on-line registration for races.  PYC happily takes advantage of this service.  

US SAILING

US Sailing is the national governing body for sailboat racing in the United States.  In that capacity US Sailing publishes the Racing Rules of Sailing, provides materials, guides, and workshops for effectively running races, helps organize and support one-design racing classes, conducts or supports local, regional, national and world championships in various glasses and groups, is a source for judges required for major races, and supports American Olympic sailing hopefuls.  (And that's just the start!)  PYC is a member of US Sailing and benefits from its services.  We suggest that all sailors consider being a part of the organization that promotes their sport at all levels.  Visit the US Sailing Web Site here.