November Regattas and Flipping the Switch to Midwinter Season
November Coastside
Half Moon Bay Yacht Club will wrap up their 2024 regatta season with the Die Hard Regatta on November 2. “It’s a one-day event on Saturday with short courses in the harbor, a quick sail to the race course, and friendly people,” writes David Lapier of the ILCA fleet. The entry fee is only $12, and that includes lunch — a real bargain these days. Register here.
Monterey Peninsula YC will give Crews an opportunity for Revenge on November 3. According to MPYC, “This race appoints one of the deserving crew on each boat to become the skipper. Following the race there is trophy presentation decided by popular vote for the ‘Most Obnoxious Crew’ (one of the regular skippers).”
Santa Cruz YC will kick off their Midwinter Series on November 16.
On San Francisco Bay
St. Francis YC will host Grandmasters Team Race Invitational on November 2-3, and the Big Sail (Cal vs. Stanford) on Wednesday, November 20. Both regattas will use StFYC’s fleet of matched J/22s.
Encinal YC will offer a new Fleet Race Regatta on November 16-17. They’re hoping to get all their 18 FJs out, and Vanguard 15s are invited too.
Some Bay Area Midwinter Series
Bay Area Midwinter series starting on the first Saturday in November include:
- Encinal YC’s Jack Frost Series
- Golden Gate YC’s Seaweed Soup Regatta
- Sequoia YC’s Redwood Cup pursuit race series
Sausalito YC’s Chili Midwinter Series runs on Sundays, starting on November 3.
The NOR is posted and registration is open for the RegattaPRO Winter One Design series. The series takes place on the second Saturday of each month, November- February, with two races scheduled each day on the west side of the Berkeley Circle. The entry fee is $150 prior to November 2, then it increases to $175. Learn more on Sausalito YC’s ClubSpot page. “I am looking forward to this series,” says Dave Gruver of the Olson 25 fleet. “Jeff Zarwell is one of the best PROs in the Bay Area. He puts on good races every time he is on the water.”
Berkeley YC’s Midwinters will again be two separate series, Saturday and Sunday, starting on November 9 and 10. BYC’s Chowder Series offers beer can-style racing every Sunday afternoon through March except when it conflicts with the Midwinters.
Another Sunday series, Island YC’s five-race Island Days will take to the Estuary in Alameda starting on November 10.
Sequoia YC’s Winter Series and South Beach YC’s pink flamingo-themed Island Fever Series will both kick off on the 16th.
Invitations from the YRA
Did you race with the Yacht Racing Association this year and win an award? “Join us on Saturday, November 16, 3-5 p.m. at the St. Francis Yacht Club for our annual Trophy Pick Up Party,” writes the YRA. Invitations have gone out to those who have awards to pick up, but in case you missed the invitation, click here to see if you have awards to pick up. “Did you find your boat on the list? If so, RSVP so we can have your awards ready for you. Can’t make it to pick up your awards? Feel free to send a crewmember to grab them or contact the YRA office at [email protected] to arrange for pick-up.”
The next day, November 17, the YRA will kick off their Doublehanded Midwinters, with the series continuing on December 15, January 5 and February 2. Races start and finish along the Cityfront. New this year: Boats entered in the non-spinnaker division will have their ratings adjusted per Section 1, Article X of the NCPHRF Rules & Guidelines. Non-spinnaker boats are boats that are designed to carry a spinnaker, but are opting not to carry one for the series. When registering, fill in your headsail size and roller furler information in Jibeset and your rating will be adjusted by the race committee prior to the first race. Find the NOR and more info here.
In Southern California
Long Beach YC will host the Butler Cup match racing regatta for up to eight crews in Catalina 37s on November 1-3.
San Diego YC’s Hot Rum Series will run in three installments on November 9 and 23 and December 7.
But wait — there’s more! Find many additional events in the Calendar published in Latitude 38. The November issue will come out on Friday, November 1. Pick yours up at the usual places, or take out a subscription and eliminate FOMO.
