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Official Regatta Notice Board


Commodore's Regatta

27 April 2024

                     
                                                           NoR SI Results



TO REGISTER:  Go to the calendar entry for the regatta and follow instructions for members or non-members.

 

Official Regatta Notice Board

 

Half Moon Bay Yacht Club sponsors a series of racing events for various sailboat types, including Laser and Coronado 15 dinghies and Cal 20 keelboats. Events range from informal races among Club members to formal regattas that attract competitors from throughout the region.

To register for a regatta, go to the racing calendar, and click on the appropriate event, where there will be a registration link.

HMBYC Regattas

Regattas are open to all sailors, members and non-members alike.  The entry fee is nominal.  Our regattas are conducted on weekends, and include:

  • The Londerville Regatta in March.
  • The Commodore’s Regatta in April.
  • The Rear Commodore's Regatta in June.
  • The Take-the-Tiller Women Sailing Regatta in July.
  • The Vice Commodore's Regatta in August.
  • The Pumpkin Roundup in October.
  • The Diehard Regatta in November.

A Notice of Race (NoR) for each event is posted approximately 30 days before the date of the regatta, and includes details on classes, starting times, fees, and so on. Then, shortly before the regatta, the Sailing Instructions (SI) is posted, which includes any modification to the rules, the courses, and other information for participating sailors.  The NoR and SI for the next upcoming regatta are linked in the Official Regatta Notice Board above.  NoR's and SI's for previous regattas are below, organized by year.

Boat Classes and Courses

There are typically two classes of boats that race in the Club’s regattas, Coronado 15 (C-15) and Cal 20. Other classes, like Laser or El Toro, may be included, depending on interest. Races are governed by the United States Sailing Association’s The Racing Rules of Sailing.  C-15 events also adhere to the Coronado 15 Association Class Rules section XVI.  
All races are conducted within the confines of Pillar Point Harbor.  Most races have a windward start and finish, a windward mark with offset, and a leeward gate, and sometimes a reaching or jibe mark. Different courses may be selected by the Race Committee before each race, as allowed by the rules. A typical regatta will have 5 - 7 races from late morning through mid-afternoon.
Results are posted to the Official Regatta Notice Board within a day or so. They are then archived below.

Resources

A diagram of the flags used in racing at HMBYC is here. You may download it, print it, and bring it with you racing to remind you what the flags mean. Also, diagrams of the courses used in racing at HMBYC can be found here for reference. New racers are encouraged to download and print out the specific courses for each regatta and bring on board the boat during the regatta.

Beer Can Racing

At Half Moon Bay YC, we run “beer can” races every Friday evening from May through September. These races are low-key, fun affairs to teach sailors how to race and to hone the skills of those who are interested in racing.  If you want to try racing, just show up by 1600 (4:00 pm) and we will get you on a boat. Bring warm clothing, a pair of gloves, and a PFD if you own one (or the Club can provide you one). 

 Sponsor Races

There are races each month open to Cal 20 boat sponsors (our member volunteers who maintain and repair the boats). When there is room for others to race, Club members are welcome to join. 

YRA and SSS Regattas

Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay (YRA) and Singlehanded Sailing Society (SSS) racing are a step up from the formal regattas that HMBYC offers. The racing conditions are more extreme (like sailing in "the slot" on San Francisco Bay), and the competition is tougher. If you are interested in racing YRA or SSS, both of these organizations will help connect you up with boats needing crew and provide training opportunities. For more information, see the YRA website or the SSS website.
The HMBYC sponsors the YRA's Half Moon Bay Regatta, typically in June. The Club supplies the Principal Race Officer (PRO) and Race Committee, starts the race from the St. Francis Yacht Club's deck, and finishes the racing boats outside the Pillar Point Harbor. The Club hosts a dinner and party Saturday night for racers, their guests, and Club members.The SSS calendar includes their own Half Moon Bay race, typically in September. The boats finish the race outside the harbor, and the Club hosts the crews with a dinner Saturday night.

Members Racing Experience

Many Club members regularly race on San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean outside the Bay, lakes around California, and other venues. As a result, other Club members can avail themselves of the experience of these racers. For example, some of these experienced racers give seminars to the general membership of the Club, imparting their knowledge and wisdom (see Seminars for presentations and, in some cases, videos of past seminars). And just knowing these racers may provide an opportunity to join them on a race when crew is needed. These racers are also often tapped to be on Regatta Protest Committees or otherwise use their expertise to the benefit of the Club.

For further information, contact the Club.

Past Regattas - NoR's, SI's, and Results