So, you want to race?

You are in the right spot!

If you have a boat and want to race there are several options for you and it might seem overwhelming at first, but we are here to help! Below is a step-by-step guide to get you prepared!

  1. What is with all these yacht clubs?

    • Constitution Yacht Club is one of about 15 local yacht clubs in the Mass Bay area that all host their own races. For racing, these yacht clubs are all under the organizing body, “Mass Bay Sailing Association” (MBSA)

      • The MBSA board chooses 10 races (mostly weekend races) each for the north shore and south shore to comprise the MBSA Season Championship. What is cool about this is that you get to visit other clubs and race against new boats on the weekends and make lots of new friends at the after race awards parties.

      • The MBSA Calendar can be found here

  2. Find a race you want to do!

    • Start here

      • This website is called “Regattaman” and is the website that most clubs in the Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay area use to manage races.

      • The first thing you will want to look at when you are investigating what race you want to do is review the “Notice of Race” (NOR).

        • This will give you all of the important information about the race: Date, Time, Starting Area, and what handicap rating certificate you will need

  3. Get a rating certificate

    • Before you register for any race, we need to know how fast your boat is because all of the races are handicapped. This just means that boats that are slower by design get a hand so they can race against the faster boats. There are lots of different rating systems out there, all with some pros and cons, but they all have the same mission at heart- to make racing boats of all different ages, lengths, drafts, and designs even so that skill and crew work are (ideally) the determining factor in how you perform in a race.

    • Constitution Yacht Club regattas all use ORR-EZ certificates, which you can apply for here

  4. Register your boat

    • Once you have found a race you want to do and have received your appropriate handicap certificate, go back to regattaman and register for the race

    • Be sure to completely read the Notice of Race (It’s also a great idea to print it out- just in case!)

    • The “Sailing Instructions” (SIs) are sometimes not posted until a few days before the start of the race. These are typically more detailed rules of the race. Definitely print these as well! Make sure you read them thoroughly and reach out to the race organizer if you have any questions.

  5. Get crew

    • There is no shortage of people that love sailing and work and/or live around Boston. At CYC, we have created a database, called Crew Finder, to help you find people should you need them.

  6. Have Fun!

    • If you do nothing else… even if you come in last… you must do this. There are reasons it is a cliche to say “drink like a sailor” because win or lose… we still booze. Enjoy your boat, enjoy your crew, enjoy the competition and Corinthian spirit and make some new friends and memories!

  7. Have Questions?

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