When circumstances shifted just days before the start of the 2026 San Diego to Puerto Vallarta International Yacht Race, the team at San Diego Yacht Club did what sailors do best: They adjusted course. Rather than let months of preparation unravel, volunteers and staff worked around the clock to transform a longstanding biennial offshore classic into something entirely new. In less than a week, the San Diego Ocean Racing Series was born, proof that while destinations may change, the spirit of competition and camaraderie at SDYC remains unwavering.

The pivot from a point-to-point offshore race to a three-day ocean series came together quickly. “There was a brief but intense half-hour after we canceled the PV Race when we began sketching out what an alternate format could look like,” SDYC waterfront director Jeff Johnson said. Early ideas ranged from a traditional overnight race to more ambitious coastal options, but each presented logistical hurdles. The breakthrough came when the team shifted to a Friday–Sunday offshore day-race format, preserving the Shelter Island sendoffs and shoreside traditions while building distinct courses tailored to the forecast.

A round trip to North Coronado Island became Friday’s “Mini-Mex,” a nod to the race’s original destination; Saturday’s “Welcome to San Diego” framed the channel entrance and Coronado Bridge in classic local fashion; and Sunday’s innovative “Longitude” race offered tunable distances and strategic depth. “In the end, each course delivered a distinct challenge,” Johnson noted, “and competitors enjoyed three full days of racing — with the parties after racing to match.”

Each day presented different breeze, angles and tactical decisions, rewarding consistency and adaptability across the fleet. By Sunday afternoon, with boats returning to the dock and stories already circulating on the front deck, it was clear that what had begun as a last-minute solution had evolved into a regatta with its own distinct identity.

The Andrews 70 Pyewacket, skippered by Roy Disney, took first overall with a consistent 1-2-3 scoreline across the series. Close behind was the R/P 52 Vitesse, led by Thomas Furlong, followed by Peligroso, skippered by Cecil Rossi.

“We had two great days of sailing before the regatta to focus on the sails and maneuvers we expected to rely on,” Furlong said. “In a mixed fleet of well-sailed boats with a lot of local knowledge, the key is sailing your own boat fast to its handicap and making good decisions when the conditions get tricky. The second race inside the bay was especially challenging, with light and variable winds, but we were able to navigate the wind and current well and get to the finish.”

Tight racing on familiar waters kept the leaderboard fluid through the weekend, underscoring the competitive spirit that carried the fleet forward despite the late change of plans.

SDYC commodore Alli Bell summarized the change in course and overall weekend, stating, “Although the Board of Directors had to make the difficult decision to cancel the PV Race, we’re proud of how the club and organizing committee came together to create a great alternative. Over three days we had three different, challenging races and wonderful social events. We appreciate everyone who helped make the weekend such a success.”

In the end, the 2026 San Diego Ocean Racing Series will be remembered not for the change in plans, but for the way the organizing authority, the fleet, race committee and shoreside teams rallied together. It was a reminder that while offshore racing often celebrates distant horizons, some of the most meaningful victories happen right at home.

San Diego Yacht Club looks forward to returning to Puerto Vallarta in 2028 with the next edition of the PV Race, in partnership with MEXORC and all of the supporters in Marina Vallarta. PV26 regatta chair Joanne O’Dea added, “I am so proud of our team at SDYC with the success of the hometown regatta. I remain grateful to the teams that stayed and competed in the weekend’s events; everyone had an amazing time. That said, I have my eyes set on 2028, picking up where we left off and heading to Puerto Vallarta.”

Congratulations to San Diego Yacht Club and all the organizers who came together to create this race in such a short time. It looks like a great weekend, and we look forward to seeing this race appear on next year’s calendar! – Ed.