It’s Almost Time for the Belvedere Classic and Great Schooner Race

The Belvedere Classic Regatta and the Great San Francisco Schooner Race are coming up fast. The event will be a three-day affair, with the race taking place on Saturday, August 23, and boats being on display on both days either side of the race, Friday, August 22, and Sunday, August 24. If the weather gods permit, the boats will sail amid outstanding Bay Area sailing conditions. “We had lots of wind, swirling fog and even some sun here and there … perfect summer day!” John “Woody” Skoriak commented following last year’s race.

The Belvedere Classic Regatta is open to two types of yachts:

“Classic” — Yachts of classic design, built in wood or metal, and GRP boats (glass reinforced plastic) designed over 50 years ago. 30-ft minimum length overall.

“Spirit of Tradition” (SOT) — Yachts designed on or after January 1, 1975, whose rudders are separated from the trailing edge of the keel, and whose design embodies an appreciation of classic yacht or traditional workboat shapes and aesthetics. There are no restrictions on rigging, equipment, or construction materials and methods. 30-ft minimum length overall.

The Great S.F. Schooner Race is open to all sailing vessels with two or more masts, with the foremast equal to or smaller than the mainmast.

The racing area will be in the vicinity of Point Knox, west of Angel Island. The warning for the first Belvedere Classic Regatta division is scheduled at 1215. Schooners will start at posted start times after the Belvedere Classic Regatta starts.

If this appeals to you as a sailor, and you have the right type of boat, you can still register for the race here. Entries close at 1800 on August 20.

If you don’t want to race but still want to enjoy being in the presence of these classic beauties, head over to the San Francisco Yacht Club at 98 Beach Road, Belvedere, on August 22 and 24.

Learn more here: SFYC Belvedere Classic