sailboat racing 2023

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48° North is once again proud to bring you our annual racing calendar — SARC — which highlights sailboat racing events throughout the Pacific Northwest.

The 2023 racing calendar features 325 events hosted by more than 75 different clubs and organizations around Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The calendar includes everything from distance racing classics like Swiftsure, Southern Straits, Van Isle 360, and the PNW Offshore to a plethora of buoy races, regattas, and series on all sizes and types of boats that bring out the best balance of fun, competition, and camaraderie with your sailing pals.

Our heartfelt thanks, as always, goes out to the scores of committed folks who help us create this document, and to the advertisers who make this whole thing possible — they all support the racing community, please support them in the coming year! Extra thanks to the amazing photographer Jan Anderson, whose images bring this document to life and chronicle so much of the sailing and sailors on the Salish Sea.

We strive for this information to be as accurate as possible, but it’s still a good idea to keep up with updates on the SARC page throughout the year, in monthly issues of 48° North , and with the various events or race organizers.

Now, let’s go sailing. Check out the 2023 SARC!

48° North Editors are committed to telling the best stories from the world of Pacific Northwest boating. We live and breathe this stuff, and share your passion for the boat life. Feel free to keep in touch with tips, stories, photos, and feedback at [email protected].

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Regional Sailboat Races in the USA

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Destinations , Sailing Races

Let’s set sail into the thrilling world of regional sailboat races! These competitions offer a unique and exciting twist on the traditional sailing experience.

Regional races center around sailboats vying for supremacy in specific corners of the world, be it a coastal paradise or a cluster of enchanting islands. These events serve as a rallying point for local racers, as sailors hailing from nearby towns and yacht clubs come together to showcase their skills. 

What’s particularly enticing about regional races is their inclusivity. Whether you’re piloting a nimble dinghy or commanding a majestic yacht, these races often welcome boats of all types and sailors of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned sea veteran or a novice setting sail for the first time, there’s a class tailored to your needs at most of these local sailing races.

It’s not all about the competition! Regional races transform into grand sailing events, where communities burst to life for multiple days of festivities while showcasing their local flavor. Sailors gather, forge new friendships, and revel in their shared passion for this incredible sport.

Moreover, these races often offer affordable entry fees, ensuring accessibility to aspiring racers of all backgrounds. Some races may be shorter and less arduous than epic ocean crossings, making them ideal for sailors looking to refine their skills. Regional sailboat races are all about honoring the sport of sailing and the remarkable community it nurtures.

• Website: Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race
• Description: The Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race is an offshore yacht race that takes participants from Marblehead, Massachusetts, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It’s a challenging long-distance race across the North Atlantic.
• Website: Figawi Race Weekend
• Description: Figawi Race Weekend is a popular sailing event that includes both a race and a weekend of festivities. It starts in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and ends on Nantucket Island.
• Website: Block Island Race Week
• Description: Block Island Race Week is a biennial event that takes place on Block Island, Rhode Island. It features a series of races over the course of a week and is known for its lively social scene.
• Website: Vineyard Race
• Description: The Vineyard Race is an offshore race that starts and finishes in Stamford, Connecticut, with a course that takes sailors around Martha’s Vineyard. It’s known for its scenic course and challenging conditions.
• Website: Newport to Bermuda Race
• Description: The Newport to Bermuda Race is a classic offshore race that starts in Newport, Rhode Island, and finishes in Bermuda. It’s one of the most prestigious ocean races on the East Coast.
• Website: Ida Lewis Distance Race
• Description: The Ida Lewis Distance Race is a coastal race that starts and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island. It offers a variety of courses, including offshore and overnight racing.
• Website: Camden Classics Cup
• Description: The Camden Classics Cup is a regatta held in Camden, Maine, that celebrates classic and vintage sailing yachts. It’s a showcase of timeless sailboat designs.
• Website: Nantucket Race Week
• Description: Nantucket Race Week is a week-long sailing event held on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. It includes a variety of racing classes and social activities, making it a family-friendly event.
• Website: Boothbay Harbor Regatta
• Description: The Boothbay Harbor Regatta is an annual regatta held in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. It features a mix of sailboat racing, social events, and onshore activities.
• Website: Annapolis to Newport Race
• Description: The Annapolis to Newport Race is a classic offshore race that starts in Annapolis, Maryland, and finishes in Newport, Rhode Island. This classic race takes sailors between two of the USA’s sailing epicenters.
• Website: Charleston Race Week
• Description: Charleston Race Week is a premier sailing event held in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s one of the largest regattas in the United States, featuring a wide range of sailboat classes and competitive racing.
• Website: Around Long Island Regatta
• Description: The Around Long Island Regatta is an annual offshore race that circumnavigates Long Island, New York. It’s a challenging race known for its variety of conditions and scenic views along the course.
• Website: Around Martha’s Vineyard Race
• Description: The Around Martha’s Vineyard Race is a sailing race that circumnavigates Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. 
• Website: Conanicut Yacht Club
• Description: The Around Jamestown Island Race is organized by the Conanicut Yacht Club and takes place in the waters around Jamestown Island, near Newport, Rhode Island. It’s a local race with stunning views of the Newport area.
• Website: Atlantic Cup
• Description: The Atlantic Cup is a premier Class 40 offshore racing series held along the East Coast of the United States. It features multiple legs and attracts international competitors. The race promotes sustainability and ocean health.

• Website: Rolex Big Boat Series
• Description: The Rolex Big Boat Series is a prestigious sailing event held in San Francisco, California. It’s known for attracting top sailors and a wide range of sailboat classes, making it a highlight of the West Coast racing calendar.
• Website: Pacific Cup
• Description: The Pacific Cup is a biennial offshore yacht race that takes participants from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii. It’s a challenging race known for its long-distance and unpredictable conditions.
• Website: Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race
• Description: This is one of the largest international yacht races, starting from Newport Beach, California, and finishing in Ensenada, Mexico. It features a wide range of sailboat classes and attracts sailors from around the world.
• Website: Baja Ha-Ha
• Description: The Baja Ha-Ha is an annual cruisers’ rally that starts in San Diego, California, and ends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. While not a traditional race, it’s a popular event for sailors looking to cruise along the Baja California Peninsula.
• Website: Swiftsure International Yacht Race
• Description: The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is held in the waters off Victoria, British Columbia. It offers a variety of race courses, attracting both local and international sailors for a challenging competition.
• Website: Round the County Race
• Description: The Round the County Race is a sailing race that takes place in the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State. It offers a picturesque and challenging course for sailors.
• Website: Santa Barbara to King Harbor Race
• Description: This race starts in Santa Barbara, California, and finishes in Redondo Beach, California. It’s a popular offshore race along the Southern California coastline.
• Website: Southern Straits Yacht Race
• Description: The Southern Straits Yacht Race is a challenging overnight race that begins and ends in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s known for its strategic and tactical sailing.
• Website: Long Beach Race Week
• Description: Long Beach Race Week is a multi-day regatta held in Long Beach, California. It features a variety of racing classes and attracts sailors of all levels.

Gulf of Mexico

• Website: Harvest Moon Regatta
• Description: The Harvest Moon Regatta is a popular offshore sailing race that takes participants from Galveston, Texas, to Port Aransas, Texas. It typically takes place in October and is known for its festive atmosphere.
• Website: New Orleans Yacht Club
• Description: The Race to the Coast is a sailing race that starts in New Orleans, Louisiana, and finishes in Gulfport, Mississippi. It’s organized by the New Orleans Yacht Club.
• Website: GBCA Performance Cup Series
• Description: The GBCA Performance Cup Series is a series of sailboat races organized by the Galveston Bay Cruising Association (GBCA) in Galveston, Texas. It includes various races and regattas throughout the year.
• Website: St. Petersburg Yacht Club
• Description: The St. Petersburg to Havana Race is an offshore race that starts in St. Petersburg, Florida, and finishes in Havana, Cuba. It’s organized by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.
• Website: Clearwater Yacht Club
• Description: The Clearwater to Key Largo Race is an offshore sailing race that starts in Clearwater, Florida, and finishes in Key Largo, Florida. It’s organized by the Clearwater Yacht Club.

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2023 season races.

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2023 Race Week Series

• Racing cancelled mid-race due to near-zero wind making unnavigable conditions
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The Endurance of the Snipe

• By Dave Powlison
• August 22, 2023

It’s early April on Miami’s Biscayne Bay, with an 18-knot easterly, gnarly chop and ribbons of sargassum seaweed—tough fare for racing any boat. We’re at the 2023 Don Q Snipe Regatta , heading uphill and racing against competitors with decades of experience in the class, as well as a slew of young hotshots and some first-­timers—40 teams in all. It’s baptism by fire, my first real experience racing a Snipe. And like many who jump into the boat for the first time, I’m being served heaps of humble pie. About the only time my crew, Danielle Wiletsky, and I see the top of the fleet is when we cross paths on opposite legs of the course.

The upside is that we have a ringside seat to their techniques. At one point, we watch as the eventual regatta-winning team of Ernesto Rodriguez and Kathleen Tocke round the weather mark. He hands her the tiller extension and mainsheet, slides back to clear weeds off the rudder, then takes over again. Blink and we’ll miss it.

“It’s something we’ve practiced,” Rodriguez tells me afterward.

Then it’s back to the business of riding waves, Tocke at times with her face almost at the headstay when going down waves, then rapidly sliding aft as the ride nears its end. It’s the product of years of muscle memory, and Tocke and Rodriguez are clearly in sync. Tocke, who first sailed the Snipe in 2008, says they don’t talk much on their boat. “Occasionally, he’ll tell me to hike harder,” she adds, “not because I’m not, but more as encouragement.”

Soon they’re a speck on the horizon as we plod our way upwind to the mark.

We’re not alone at the humble-pie buffet. Here at the Don Q, scores of top-notch sailors, ex-collegiate and otherwise, come with high expectations only to leave with egos battered and bruised by class veterans, many old enough to be their parents. Rodriguez has been at this for more than two decades. Plus, he regularly trains with the likes of Hall of Famer Augie Diaz, who has been in the class for 56 years and won more Snipe championships than space allows here, and Peter Commette, 36 years in the class, a former Olympian, a Laser world champion, and keeper of his share of big-time Snipe titles as well. “They taught me a lot,” Rodriguez says. “I’m still part of that group, and we always go back and forth with information, sharing a lot about tuning and ways to best sail the boat.”

The Don Q was started by class icon Gonzalo Diaz in 1966 and named after its rum sponsor. It’s been held every year since, even during the pandemic. As boats set up at the host Coconut Grove Sailing Club, with the overflow at the US Sailing Center to the north, it’s impossible not to notice the number of 30-somethings—not only as crew, but also skippers.

At a gathering at a recent Snipe event, Augie Diaz asked, “How many here are under 30?” Over half raised their hands.

So, how is it that a 1931 design is still going strong? With its 380-pound hull, unstylishly high boom, and an off-wind setup requiring a whisker pole, it’s a quirky boat that doesn’t align with modern metrics for success. Cue the Snipe class promotional video and enter Gonzalo Diaz, affectionately known as “Old Man.” Born in 1930, his Snipe career began in Havana at age 15. He left Cuba in 1965, settled in Miami, joined the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, and began working his magic in the local Snipe fleet.

“He was the kind of fleet-builder who spent a lot of his private time helping people get into Snipes,” says his son, Augie. About 30 years ago, he started a rent-to-own program. “He’d get a boat and pretty much let a prospective owner say how much they wanted to rent the boat for. The rental fee went toward the boat’s purchase. If it took them five years to pay the boat off, that was fine with him. If it took 10 years, that was fine too.” Augie admits that it’s tough to tell just how many boats his father ran through this program, but he ­estimates it’s well over 30.

“It’s a great way to promote the boat,” says Alex Pline, of Annapolis, “because those renting boats have skin in the game. The longer they rent the boat, the more they have invested in it and the less likely they are to give that all up.”

There are rumors about a Miami-area warehouse full of an ­unsubstantiated number of Snipes—usually in the double digits—and it’s clear who the supplier is.

Pline’s fleet adopted a version of the Old Man’s program in 2021. His wife, Lisa, says: “I love stealing good ideas. We’re on our third boat and our fourth person, who just got busy with other stuff. But we were able to turn that boat over pretty quickly.”

Rodriguez, also from Cuba, was a Laser sailor who met Old Man shortly after arriving in the States. “He gave me a boat to use for free and helped me out in a bunch of ways, including getting me in ­regattas when I couldn’t afford it.”

Greg Saldana, another Old Man recruit, had never sailed a Snipe but showed enough interest to catch Diaz’s attention. “We met at the US Sailing Center when there were just trailers and a bunch of boats. Here comes this little guy in a van. He gets out, and he’s carrying a briefcase, pen and a piece of paper, ready for me to sign. I said, ‘Wait a minute. Before I sign, can we first go sailing?’ He really didn’t want to because it was really hot out, but we went. We didn’t even get out of the channel when he said, ‘You’re going to do fine. Let’s go back.’ And I signed.”

The list goes on, and although Old Man passed away in early March 2023, Augie carries on his father’s legacy. “He had a love for the class that was infectious. I don’t know how many people I’ve brought into the class,” he says, “but I’ll always be behind the number my father brought in. I keep trying to catch up to him. I don’t keep count. I’m just going to keep doing what’s good for the class.”

There are rumors about a Miami-area warehouse full of an ­unsubstantiated number of Snipes—usually in the double digits—and it’s clear who the supplier is. As my crew observed, “It seems almost every boat here was either owned by Augie or is being ­borrowed from him for this event.”

That includes us. We quickly get a taste of another component of the Snipe’s continued success as Pline comes over while we are setting up the boat. He helps us get the rig base settings correct, and Andrew Pimental, the US Snipe builder who is right next to us in the parking area, jumps in as well.

“Everyone’s always helping each other,” says Charlie Bess, who crewed with Enrique Quintero to take second in the Don Q. “It doesn’t matter if it’s someone’s first time in the class or someone who’s been around for decades. You can ask them anything.”

The assistance doesn’t end in the boat park. Just after the start of the first race, our hiking stick universal breaks, and as we are approaching the club dock, two people rush to see what had happened. It’s Saldana and his crew, Grace Fang. “We got out to the end of the channel and decided we didn’t want to deal with those conditions,” Fang tells us. They quickly offer up the tiller and hiking stick from their boat, and we make it out for the second race. With a no-throw-out series, it was a tough way to start a regatta, but the hospitality put it all into perspective.

Later that evening, I was about to deal with our universal repair when I find our original tiller and hiking stick back in our boat, repaired and ready for the next day, no doubt the work of Saldana and Fang. We discover later that Saldana was Old Man’s regular crew and close friend for many years. Saldana and Fang are not here just for the racing either.

“We couldn’t attend the memorial for Old Man,” Fang says, “but we thought just being here for this event would be a good way to honor him. I think there are others here for the same reason.”

On the water, top Snipe sailor Jato Ocariz serves as the fleet coach, coming alongside boats between races to offer advice. On the second day, with the wind now around 15 but still a strong chop, he has us sail upwind so he can check our setup. “Put two more turns on your shrouds and move your jib leads back,” he says. And just like that, we are able to point better and log our best finish, just about midfleet.

One of the class’s most successful endeavors is recruiting younger sailors. Bess is a self-confessed poster child for the effort. “When I was 15, Augie sent me an email, along with around 10 other juniors in our program. He got us a boat, provided coaching and helped us out. That’s how I got into the class,” Bess says. Now she’s the Miami Snipe fleet captain and on the class’s “next gen” committee, which focuses on attracting 30-somethings. “The idea behind it is that a lot of people do junior sailing, then college sailing, graduate and discover they have no place to go. We try to make the point that we are that next step.”

What is it about the Snipe that appeals to that demographic? For starters, there’s a practical component. Commette says: “Over the last 20 years, people have won Snipe world championships in boats that were 10 to 15 years old. I just sold a 1998 boat I wasn’t racing anymore. It’s one of the best boats I’ve ever sailed, and it could win a world championship easy. That’s the great thing about the Snipe. You can get an old boat and be competitive. You can get a used Jibe Tech or Persson for $5K, put some time into it, a couple of hundred dollars to update lines and things, and win a Worlds with it. That’s what makes it so fantastic for young kids.”

The boat is also a technical step up from junior and college sailing boats, but not so much that it’s intimidating. The spreaders can be adjusted to accommodate a range of crew weights, the mast can be moved fore and aft at deck level with a lever or block-and-tackle system, and there are the usual jib and main controls. Class veterans Carol Cronin and crew Kim Couranz are at the lighter end of the weight spectrum, which, according to Diaz, is optimally around 315 to 320 pounds, making it well within reach for mixed-gender teams and smaller teams. “There are enough controls that you can customize the boat to how heavy you are and how tall you are,” Cronin says. “Like the Star, the bendy mast keeps the boat exciting to sail. It takes a little more technique, but it also means you can tune the mast to fit a wider variety of weights.” Despite a breezy first two days, Cronin and Couranz finish ninth overall.

Then there’s the class motto: “Serious sailing, serious fun.” That appeals to the younger crowd. “I’ve always thought it sounds a little cheesy,” Bess says, but it’s entirely accurate. Taylor Schuermann, who crews for Diaz, says: “There’s a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, now more than ever, from that group. We have a WhatsApp group, and on Monday and Tuesday people are already asking, ‘Who’s going out this weekend?’ People are chomping at the bit to practice, sail together, and really put in that effort. Then when you show up to a regatta, no matter how long you’ve been in the class, it feels like a family reunion.”

And like a reunion, there are always those moments when you remember who is absent. Fittingly, the regatta’s Saturday night Cuban dinner includes a celebration of Old Man’s life, with photos, videos and a lot of storytelling.

“It’s all about peer groups,” Lisa Pline says, “and keeping it fun and competitive.”

Carter Cameron got into the lease-to-own program in Annapolis, says Evan Hoffman, the current Snipe class secretary. “All of a sudden, he started inviting all of his friends and became sort of a lightning rod for the fleet. Now he’s in San Diego, working for Quantum, and he’s doing the same kind of thing there.”

There is a downside, however, to the youth recruiting scheme, Pline says. “Every time we bring a new kid into the class, I think, ‘Oh, great, another kid who’s going to kick my ass.’”

The class also hosts under-30 regattas. “We found that if you can get a younger person interested in a Snipe, they’ll get other people their own age interested as well,” Pline says. “The U30 events really help with that. The idea is that it’s a regatta for younger people—it’s the older generation, if you will, reaching out to younger sailors, loaning boats for the event, doing whatever we can to make it successful.”

Over the years, the Snipe has withstood a lot of competition from startup classes that have the mentality of keeping it simple and easy.

Over the years, the Snipe has withstood a lot of competition from startup classes that have the mentality of keeping it simple, easy, and all the things that would make it a Laser-like doublehanded boat. “But the problem is,” Commette says, “that’s a dumbed-down type of sailing. While the Laser has excelled for what it is, it doesn’t teach you how to do so many other things necessary to become a really good all-around sailor. With the Snipe, you learn so much more, which is why so many America’s Cup champions, so many Olympians, so many other world champions have had significant Snipe experience.”

“One of the things that’s always appealed to me,” Cronin says, “is that, if you look at Old Man and Augie, you realize, ‘I can keep doing this for a long time, if I stay fit and stay interested.’”

I can relate. As a late adopter to the Snipe myself—let’s just say a few years past my retirement—I now know firsthand from the Don Q that I’ve got a long way to go to get to the front of the Snipe fleet. Thankfully, I’m guided by Old Man’s legacy and the efforts of many others in the class. Keep at it, ask the right questions, and someday I might be within shouting distance of Rodriguez. I’m sure many of the new kids in the class hope for the same.

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Published on April 4th, 2024 | by Editor

Countdown to Charleston Race Week

Published on April 4th, 2024 by Editor -->

The 2024 Charleston Race Week has attracted over 170 entrants for racing on April 19-21 in Charleston, SC. The 28th edition will host 16 classes along with a Pro-Am event after racing on April 20. Ten teams will compete in J/22s with one pro on board along with crew from local Charleston high schools. The course will be sailed below the USS Yorktown, and the format short college-style windward leeward races.

Event information – Race details – Entry list

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Best Sailing Racing Electronics

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

July 5, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Sensors and other fancy LCD screens can help track important data while sailing
• This access to crucial data can help make informed decisions while racing
• The accuracy will be tested but you can be very close to the wind and boat speed
• Various technology can give you the ability to remain safe on the water
• Consider factors like a budget in order to find the best racing electronics for you

‍ Electronics on a sailboat can make life easier and more convenient. But what are the best sailing racing electronics?

The best sailing electronics for racing are the Airmar DST, Dometic Steering Actuator, and the Garmin Quatix Marine Smartwatch. Other electronics racers can utilize while sailing include the Raymarine Axiom, Garmin GPSMAP, and QWORK Battery Monitor.

In my experience, it can be easy to overwhelm yourself with too many electronics. Try to aim for what is best in your situation and how it might apply to your boat while racing.

Table of contents

‍ Top Eight Marine Electronics for Racing or Sailing

There are an enormous amount of electronics that you can equip on your sailboat to help you while racing. Keep in mind that these will not guarantee a victory but it could help you become a better racer if you are able to pinpoint areas that need improvement.

You do not have to invest your time and money into all of these in order to become a better sailor. But the addition of these items can potentially make or break you getting ahead in races with an understanding of the little details that you are likely missing.

The Airmar DST 810 streamlines speed calibration with its integrated attitude sensor and even has the free CAST app that eliminates the need for expensive computer software. Racers can obtain heel-compensated speed at various angles and ranges.

The 5Hz output allows you to make swift decision-making on the water. This sensor is moderately priced at $399 but it can also measure depth and water temperature (to a tenth of a degree). It can also support hull angles up to 22 degrees so that it can fit on many boats with curved hulls.

• Self-calibration for correcting heel
• Supports hull angles up to 22 degrees
• Might be too much information on the app

Dometic Steering Actuator

The Dometic Optimus outboard electric steering actuator provides racers with total power-steering capabilities with an adjustable parameter that can accommodate any traditional outboard motor. The installation is simple with a quick setup of the electronic helm display that takes the need away for oil or purging.

The system can be utilized with joystick controls and even SeaWays (Dometic autopilot).  For more than one engine setup you will need an additional actuator. The price for one engine system is about $5,700 so keep in mind your budget.

• Easy installation
• Very reliable and requires little maintenance
• At $5,700 per unit it is quite expensive for many

Garmin Quatix Marine Smartwatch

No sailing race would be complete without the use of a sailing watch. Club racers can use the Garmin Quatix 7 which offers a broad range of activities to be had on the water. It provides excellent navigation acts and is designed to handle conditions while racing or cruising.

It has a tide tracker and other useful information to keep you up to date while racing. It also has a countdown timer for when you do compete in races to help keep track of when to pass the start line. I have used other marine watches in the past but this has been my favorite overall for its design and functionality.

• Countdown timer for races
• A computer on your wrist that is also waterproof
• Too many features for those that want simplicity

Raymarine Axiom

If you do not want a sailing watch for the GPS capabilities then you should check out the Raymarine Axiom 9 . This allows you to see your instrument display with a variety of important information at your fingertips. They feature tons of memory for anything you want to put on it and I love that you do not have to pull cables through pipework to set up.

If you decide to combine this with other sailing instruments provided by Raymarine then you can tap into features such as cameras and autopilot. Those that want to enjoy fishing when they are not racing can also utilize the sonar feature among other instrument displays.

• Great interface for all of your instrument needs compared to the competition
• Can connect to the network of other equipment by the same brand
• Around a $1,000 without the other features

Garmin GPSMAP

If you want a similar experience to Raymarine products you could opt for the Garmin GPSMAP that doubles as a chartplotter and sonar. It can connect to other Garmin related products on your boat which makes sense if you want everything to work together while racing.

It has a clear display and excellent sonar features that allow you to see what is around you underneath. This lets you have some idea of whether or not you can race in shallow waters in new areas. I enjoy not having black boxes and sharper resolution compared to other brands.

• Compatible with other Garmin system offerings
• No black boxes and has clear displays
• Around $2,400 so consider your budget

QWORK Battery Monitor

Depending on what type of boat you have you will likely need to keep an eye on your battery to ensure it is operating like it should be. This is where an excellent battery monitor comes in handy like the one by QWORK . It lets me know if my battery is becoming weak or if I have power being zapped from something left running.

It features an easy to read LCD display that gives you all the information you need to check the battery life on your boat. It can also store the last voltage reading after the system shuts off so you know that the battery is charging effectively or if you need to take action.

• Affordable and easy installation
• Gives accurate battery reading
• Some users found it difficult to understand

Raymarine Speed Instrument

In races for sailing you need to know how fast you are going but you may not want to spend a ton of money on instrument displays that have an abundance of information. Instead you could opt for something like a knot meter.

Raymarine offers a great speed instrument to racing sailors on a budget. This gives you the opportunity to see the average speeds of your boat without breaking the bank and with an easy setup. I love this because you get valuable speed information for a great price.

• Best for tracking speed while on a budget
• IPX6 waterproof rating and three year warranty
• Other devices might have this information so check your instruments

Ritchie Navigator Inclinometer

For sailors that want to sail on a budget and still receive important data you could opt for an inclinometer by Ritchie Navigator. At round $30 you can simply attach this to your boat and see how your boat responds in real time.

This will allow you to see the heel of the boat and give you the option to make adjustments as you go to stay in a straight line. I like it since it helps give me an idea for staying in line on a course for windier days. This is a handy device to optimize your performances during sailing.

• $30 for a great addition to the boat
• Gives accurate heel readings and is easy to see
• Other devices could have this information so check your instruments

Why Do You Need Electronics for Sailing and Racing?

There are many marine electronics for sailors that can help aid you in becoming better at sailing. There is not a perfect tool out there to help you win races or make you better than anyone else.

However you should opt for racing electronics to help you out in a variety of situations. Without the use of these would make situations interesting out at sea or potentially a dangerous occurrence.

Call for Help

In addition to a marine radio that you should already have you might want to equip your boat with another form of communication. Most technology is equipped with WiFi or the capability to be connected to data so that you can receive messages or call out for help.

Other crucial safety measures include AIS that can help track your boat. If you happen to lose your signal then your last known position can be tracked.

Latest Navigation

If you are using old maps to navigate then you might be fine in a lot of areas. But what about sailing in a popular area that has been built or modified due to disasters or other events?

Having a great navigational tool to help guide you through an area is best for locations you are unfamiliar with. This allows you the opportunity to navigate safely without potentially damaging your boat or getting lost and can help you stay on the race course if you have set an outline.

Weather Updates

Most sailors check the weather the day they are going out at sea or joining a race. But the weather can be unpredictable in many locations across the world.

It is ideal to have something that allows you to track weather updates as you are sailing. This could be updates for dense fog or a strong thunderstorm forming off of the coast with damaging winds.

Instruments with Crucial Data

Instruments provide important data for sailors that need to make adjustments on the fly while racing. This data could be something as simple as wind speed and the boat’s current direction.

Without the use of these instruments you are unlikely to know when to make tactical decisions during a race. These are the little things that add up to a potential victory and everyone is likely using something to gain a slight edge.

Boat Performance

If you are preparing for a race it is ideal to have the most information available to make the best decisions. Understanding how the boat is responding to waves and the wind is one aspect but other key data points can help you make informed decisions on how to navigate your boat better. This will allow you to test out new techniques and see what works best at obtaining top speeds on your boat.

How to Find the Best Sailing Electronics

What is considered the best racing technology to you might differ to someone else. There are a variety of different uses that can make a difference on your boat versus another.

Determine Your Desired Use

Your sailing goals are likely going to be different than someone else’s. It is important to understand what you are planning to do on your boat before trying to add a lot of technology on it. If you like fishing and racing then you might want something that can help out for both sonar and GPS capabilities.

Research Various Brands

Brands are likely the first thing you see for a particular product. Some will vary in price and quality. It is crucial that you research at least three different options for whatever product you want so that you have various prices and quality to see.

Make Sure it is Compatible

Not every electronic device for a boat will be able to join your adventure. This includes the existing wiring or other sensors that could affect how it is used. This might need an expert to install if you plan on updating older technology on your boat.

Consult a Professional

You might want to ask a dealer that specializes in boat technology. They will likely be yout best bet to advise you in various additions to your boat or how to install them. If you choose them you might also get a craftsmanship warranty but always check beforehand.

Check Out Boat Shows

Boat shows are a great place for brands to try out new and improved technology. This allows you to see first hand what the electronics are intended to be used for and how it could apply to you. This also gives you the luxury of asking important questions and troubleshooting tips that you may encounter.

Consider the Warranty

There are many brands that offer a warranty on their products. This is important to keep track of in the event that the technology decides to stop working or has issues updating. Strong customer support is crucial for a long term customer.

Ease of Installation

Once you have conducted your research you will likely have a good idea on what is easy to install and what is not. Be mindful of what type of devices you need to have installed by a professional since that will add in the costs on top of the device itself. If you want to do it all yourself then you should consider ones that are the easiest to set up.

What Other Customers Have to Say

It is no fun reading bad reviews or mixed ones that do not offer a lot of information. But you can likely see where people are coming from on a bad review at least.

Consumer reviews will give you the cherry on top of your research in order to find the best product no matter what. If someone else reports the type of boat and activity on the water they used the technology for then you will likely have a good opinion of the brand.

Have a Budget

Budget is one of the most important aspects in determining what you can afford and what you can add to your boat. Even though you might like a certain brand you might not be able to integrate their features if they are at a higher price point.

This also goes hand in hand with your intended use and what you plan on using the most on your boat. Narrowing down this will greatly help your budget.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Home  Competition  Small Boat Racing  Match Racing News, Events & Rankings  Youth Match Racing World Championship

Match Racing News, Events & Rankings

Youth match racing world championship, the 2023 youth match racing world championship will be held at the cruising club of australia on sydney harbour, december 9-15, 2023 in elliott 7's. to compete, sailors must be under the age of 23 in 2023. us sailing announces that the selection process for the skipper representing the u.s. will be by resume., in order to be considered for selection, skippers must meet these eligibility criteria:.

• Athlete must hold a valid passport that will not expire for six months after the conclusion of the Event.
• All athletes shall be under 23 years old on 31 December of the year of the Event.
• All athletes shall obtain a World Sailing Sailor ID by registering online at World Sailing - Sailor Dashboard
• Athletes must attend for the entire duration of the Event.
• Athletes must be a member in good standing with US Sailing.

Applications must be submitted by midnight Eastern time on July 15, 2023.

2023 Notice of Race (not published yet)

US Sailing Code of Conduct

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The Application Form

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