Double the Wins at Offshore Doubles Race

St. Francis Yacht Club's Offshore Doubles Race © Daniel Forster

The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for St. Francis Yacht Club's Offshore Doubles Race, scheduled for June 29-30, 2024, and run in conjunction with Yacht Racing Association of San Francisco Bay's Half Moon Bay Race.

"Combining these two events gives competitors the opportunity to race both ways, from San Francisco to Half Moon Bay and back—and, perhaps, win twice," said Felix Weidling, Race Director of St. Francis Yacht Club.

The first leg is the YRA Half Moon Bay Race, which starts off the Race Deck of St. Francis Yacht Club on Saturday, June 29, for a run south to Half Moon Bay. There, relax and call it a great day of racing, or round the buoy for a return race overnight to San Francisco Bay, finishing on the morning of Sunday, June 30.

Please note, each race must be entered separately, and competitors are welcome to race in one or both legs.

This is an opportunity for two-person crews to test their mettle screaming down the coast, rounding a mark and continuing on a second leg in a 24-hour race. Inspired by the three-day mixed doubles Olympic event in development, organizers will also be awarding recognition to mixed gender performers.

While known for hosting dynamic buoy racing within view of its clubhouse, St. Francis Yacht Club has long been the launching point for the Pacific Cup, a 2,070-mile run to Hawaii, and this year is serving as one of the Organizing Authorities for two California Offshore Race Week events — the CA 500 & Spinnaker Cup, starting from St. Francis Yacht Club on May 25. On September 21, St. Francis Yacht Club will host an additional offshore return race, as a reformatted version of its longstanding Aldo Alessio Regatta.

"This return race format offers competitors who are new to offshore racing the opportunity to commit to one leg or try for the full roundtrip experience, and the distance is perfect for a doublehanded crew. As an ocean racer for 25 years and as a St. Francis Yacht Club member for longer, I'm excited to see this a regatta on our shores," said Michael Moradzadeh, Race Officer for the event.

Whether you're a seasoned offshore pair or gearing up for more significant voyaging races, this pair of races should be a great exercise in skills, tactics and boat handling. Win in Half Moon Bay, sail all night and under the Gate with a new day breaking. Organizers will use dual scoring in PHRF and ORC for those with ratings.

Notice of Race and Registration here.