Race Programs
Seattle Sailing Club’s Race Programs give members the opportunity to learn the rules of sailing and improve their overall sailing skills. From casual to competitive, beginner to advance, our racing programs provide educational and competitive opportunities to members across all levels of sailing experience. We see racing as a fun way to learn how to sail quickly and efficiently!
2025 Race Program Guide
2025 Racer Handbook
Spring & Summer Racing
Mission:
- Fun-focused and fulfilling racing experience
- Improve skills and expand knowledge
- Build confidence regardless of each sailor’s level of experience
- Meet and share experiences with other SSC members
- Apply knowledge regularly and try out different positions on the boat
- Do our best, sail fast, and achieve success!
Corinthian Yacht Club’s Wednesday night series include probable one-design starts, a professional race committee, and set-up, and good competition. Coached by Club race coaches, members competitively race on the J/105s and J/80s from April through September. Coaches instruct crew throughout the series to help improve skills and gain confidence on the racecourse.
Mission:
- Help more experienced racers progress in a challenging environment
- Focus on coaching and improvement
- Pair racers with others wishing to expand skills and knowledge
- Make connections and enjoy competition with racing teams outside of SSC
For decades, Seattle Sailing Club has put together a crew of experienced members and sent at least one J/105 team up to Race Week Bellingham, (formerly Anacortes Race Week the biggest series of the year. This is an opportunity for the most committed SSC racers to experience the day-in-day-out dynamic of a high-level racing series. With many J/105s in the SSC Fleet now, there are more and more opportunities for members to head up to Bellingham and get in on the fun!
In addition to Race Week, Seattle Sailing Club participates in the Cape Flattery Race for Monohulls, part of the Swiftsure International Race in Victoria, Canada. The race, taking place on Memorial Day Weekend, involves a 104 mile overnight journey through the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Neah Bay and back to Victoria. The Swiftsure International Race is the largest yacht race on the West Coast, featuring over 150 race boats and more than 1000 race crew.
Every November, Seattle Sailing Club participates in the annual Round the County Regatta, hosted by the Orcas Island Yacht Club and the Friday Harbor Sailing Club. The sailboat race covers approximately 76 miles in the challenging waters of San Juan County, Washington, with an overnight stop in Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. The race has gained popularity in the Pacific Northwest due to the favorable venue, optimal winds in November, and the overnight stay in Roche Harbor.
In addition to the Spring and Summer Evening Series, SSC offers more advanced racers opportunities to participate in long-form weekend regattas throughout the year. This is an excellent next step for racers who have become comfortable with the shorter evening races and allows for long-term strategizing and planning in ways that shorter races do not. Some of these opportunities in the Spring and Summer include CYC Puget Sound Spring Regatta, SYC Tri-Island Series, CYC Center Sound Series, STYC’s Women at the Helm, and the Swiftsure International Yacht Race.
Fall & Winter Racing Programs
October to April
Mission:
- Be safe and have fun in an educational, patient, and inviting environment
- Encourage experienced racers to share their knowledge and skills with newly interested sailors
- Try out new positions on the boat
- Help racers build teams and start practicing for Summer Racing Programs
Mission:
- Develop current skills through discussions with professional/experienced racers
- Gain skills and confidence through on-the-water coaching
- Hands-on experience and practice
In addition to the Spring and Summer Evening Series, SSC offers more advanced racers opportunities to participate in long-form weekend regattas throughout the year. This is an excellent next step for racers who have become comfortable with the shorter evening races and allows for long-term strategizing and planning in ways that shorter races do not. Some of these opportunities in the off-season include CYC Edmonds Foulweather Bluff, CYC Puget Sound Sailing Championships, SYC Grand Prix, and more.
Racer’s Resources
After my 101 class, meeting Mike to go race Merit 25’s. That gave me the bug to race and it never has changed…” Steve K. -- SSC member 1997-2022
Racing J/24s with Scott last summer…and constantly winning! John C. -- SSC member