Rolex Big Boat Series Opens for Entries
St. Francis Yacht Club opened registration for the Rolex Big Boat Series last week.
Scheduled for September 15-19, 2021, the regatta includes four days of competition for boats in the following classes:
- Monohulls with an LOA greater than 30 feet and a current fully or partially measured ORR rating certificate
- Classic boats built prior to 1955 with an LOA greater than 48 feet and an ORR-EZ rating certificate
- J/105, J/88, J/70, J/120 and Express 37 one designs
The event will serve as the J/88 North American Championship and the Express 37 Pacific Coast Championship.
With COVID-19 vaccinations increasing and restrictions easing, StFYC anticipates a full schedule of competition, with seven races for each class — plus the return of parties! “We are optimistic that we will be able to host a safe and fun regatta come September,” said St. Francis Yacht Club’s executive race committee chair, Lawson Willard. “With some modifications, we feel confident we’ll be able to put on the full spectrum of racing and socializing that competitors have come to expect and enjoy. The club will be following all state and city COVID policies.”
Commodore Bill Dana said the club is making the necessary accommodations to host visiting sailors safely, and he’s hoping a year off in 2020 will mean boat owners and crews are more eager than ever to compete. Dana recently purchased a veteran RBBS-competitor Santa Cruz 52, Lucky Duck. He’s working on updates and retrofits and hopes to race her soon. In this year’s RBBS, she’ll be lining up in the ORR fleet.
“I’m looking forward to the great sailing conditions we have in September drawing boats from all points on the West Coast,” said Dana. “I’d like to see some of the Southern California boats, including the TP52s, up here. After a year stuck at home, they should be ready for a change of scenery.”
ORR competitor Greg Dorn and his Dehler 46 Favonius will be fresh off Transpac and looking to test his crew within the tighter confines of the Bay. “Big Boat Series is the regatta,” says Dorn. “It creates an amazing competitive environment with the depth to bring out the best in our team and boat. RBBS is the capstone to the inshore season and thoughtfully, professionally and seriously managed. This year we will come with a full inventory of sails and we have optimized the running rigging.”
Regatta chair Susan Ruhne is looking forward to celebrating three decades of Express 37s on the start line by hosting the class’s Pacific Coast Championship. “Competition in that class has been phenomenal over the years. I am excited to see the local kingpins be tested by out-of-state talent traveling here to compete for the title.”
Enter online at rolexbigboatseries.com. To avoid a $200 late charge, pay the full entry fee on or before July 31. If we backslide into another coronavirus surge and the club has to cancel the regatta, they’ll refund all entry fees.