Racing with a cruiser-like attitude
Are you curious about sailboat racing on the Magothy River? From the last Friday in May through the last Friday in September, Yacht Club Cape St Claire (YCCSC) organizes friendly Friday Night Races.
These races are geared to cruisers; that is, we want to keep a laid-back attitude. They are tailored to the beginning or casual racer. We also want to keep it easy, so headsail changes are not allowed (in particular, no spinnaker). There is no need to know about racing rules (we just want to have fun; low-key is the word!), and we do not entertain protests. Couples, parents with children, and friends come out to try their hands at rounding the buoys in some semblance of order. It is a wonderful way to get out on your boat, enjoy a sunset, shake the work week out of your system, and maybe earn some bragging rights on the way.
Every boat is different (so we use handicaps based on the PHRF system to make it more equal), from an 18-foot pocket cruiser to a 40-plus-foot cruising yacht. We even have an occasional Hobie 16 or other dinghy enter the race. The goal is not so much to win, as it is to have another reason to go sail with our friends of the yacht club.
How to get involved
There is no cost to YCCSC members (including MRSA and GYIS). Non-members may join YCCSC with membership dues of $45 (application is on the website). Directions are included in the Committee Boat Information document on the Friday Night Racing page of our website, capeyachtclub.org.
Races start at 7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. in September) and last typically one hour. So, join us on Friday nights! Just show up, find the Race Committee boat (flying a “RC” flag). Check-in with the Race Committee, find out about the course, and get ready for the start. The results are published weekly on the club's website.
