Prost to Fast Sailing: Oakland YC’s 2026 Oktoberfest Race
Looking for the perfect way to put the icing on your summer racing strudel? Dust off your foulies — and maybe your lederhosen — because the Oakland Yacht Club (OYC) Oktoberfest Race is back on Saturday, October 3!
So what’s it all about? Around 2012 OYC member and (then) race chair John Tuma created the OYC Oktoberfest race. The idea was to have a celebration of fall as the last race of OYC’s racing season.
The course featured a South Bay start at the entrance channel to the Alameda Naval Air Station, a circumnavigation of Treasure Island in either direction, and a finish down the Estuary in front of the Oakland Yacht Club. To encourage creativity, three seconds per mile were added to the boat’s PHRF for each crew member wearing lederhosen or dirndl, and creative license was allowed as long as it was in the “spirit of lederhosen.” And yes, there was duct tape!
The race committee recorded those in costume, and at times gave discretionary points for singing and dancing, as long as it fit the theme. OYC has run this race every year since. But it’s 2026, and it’s been decided it’s time for some changes!
Whether you race hard for the podium or simply love a scenic tour around San Francisco Bay followed by cold beer and great camaraderie, the OYC Oktoberfest delivers the best of both worlds.
The Ultimate Bay Tour: South Bay, Central Bay and the Estuary
Why settle for a simple windward-leeward when you can experience distance, breeze, tricky currents and close-quarters tactical racing, all in a single afternoon?
Starting off the Alameda Naval Air Station Channel entrance (NAS1), the race takes fleets across the dynamic waters of the South Bay, around Central Bay marks near Treasure Island, and down the picturesque Oakland Estuary to a spectator-friendly finish right off the OYC race deck.
With course options ranging from seven to 14 nautical miles, the race committee has tailored routes to match the day’s conditions and keep racing fast, competitive and fun.
Fleets for Everyone
OYC’s Oktoberfest race welcomes a wide spectrum of racers. If enough boats sign up, we’ll have Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker fleets, Multihulls, and One-Design starts.
After-Party and Costume Awards
The racing on the water is only half the fun. Once boats are made fast at the docks, it’s after-party time.
Break out your finest lederhosen and dirndl! Special non-race prizes given to the best-dressed crews!
Round up your crew, dial in your ratings, pick out your Bavarian attire, and let’s go racing.
Contact race chair Debby Ratto at [email protected] or (510) 390-1620.