Registration opens for the 2025 Rolex Big Boat Series at St. Francis Yacht Club
by St. Francis Yacht Club 27 Feb 2025 18:15 GMT
September 10-14, 2025
Rolex Big Boat Series © Daniel Forster / Rolex
The Notice of Race is posted and registration is open for the 61st edition of Rolex Big Boat Series, hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club.
Scheduled for September 10-14, 2025, when conditions on San Francisco Bay are ideal for fast and thrilling competition, this legendary regatta rewards the best in West Coast racing with perpetual trophies and Rolex timepieces for select fleets.
The following are invited to compete in this year's Rolex Big Boat Series:
- One-design boats of the J/88, J/105, Cape 31and Express 37 classes. Other classes with a minimum number of boats can be considered with application to the Organizing Authority.
- ORC Monohulls with a LOA = 30 feet. Boats with an APH of 500 or lower are required to have an ORC International certificate. Boats with an APH higher than 500 may compete using either an ORC International Certificate or ORC Club Certificate.
- Classic boats built prior to 1955 with a LOA = 48 feet and a current ORRez rating certificate.
"Rolex Big Boat Series always delivers lots of fun and excitement both on and off the racecourse," said St. Francis Yacht Club's Executive Race Committee Chair Dave MacEwen. "In addition to duking it out for the coveted Rolex timepieces, the event will include additional awards. Once again, it's serving as the ORC West Coast Championship, with the top three positions in each ORC division awarded titles and trophies. Plus, competitors can build team spirit by joining two other teams to compete for the Storm Trysail Team Trophy."
Presented to the top-scoring three-boat team comprised of one ORC boat, one one-design boat and one boat from any class (including ORC and one-design), trios competing for the Storm Trysail Team Trophy do not need to represent the same yacht club. This marks a break from tradition that should expand this competitive pool significantly.
"I am excited to welcome both new and returning competitors to the 61st Rolex Big Boat Series," said Nadine Franczyk, 2025 Regatta Chair. "St. Francis Yacht Club is planning another exceptional week of racing and social events. We look forward to seeing all the skippers, crew, friends and family who come to participate. You can expect excellent racing conditions, wonderful camaraderie and top-tier hospitality when you return ashore for the parties."
The festivities begin on Wednesday evening, September 10, when boats and sailors arrive for the Competitors' Briefing and Commodore's Reception. Competition commences Thursday with two races per day for most fleets through Saturday. On Sunday, all fleets will race one long "Bay Tour" course. The Classics will race once per day for all four days.
Regatta organizers anticipate upwards of 80 boats participating. "We look forward to welcoming back more than 30 J/105 boats and hopefully more entries in the growing Cape 31 class," said Felix Weidling, St. Francis Yacht Club's Race Director. "We have made changes in the NOR to attract larger yachts by adopting the ORC rating system and allowing the use of non-manual power winches. We encourage the larger yachts from Southern California and those returning to the Pacific Coast after Transpac to make their way to San Francisco and race in the Rolex Big Boat Series."
?He acknowledged the complex logistics for large yachts are much more extensive than for smaller boats, saying, "We offer comprehensive support from StFYC's Executive Race Committee to provide big boat owners with the best possible service."
In addition to title sponsor Rolex, the week of racing is further supported by Quantum Sails Daily Weather Briefings every morning before racing, official Rolex Big Boat Series merchandise from Regatta Gear, Mustang Survival gear for sale at the Regatta Plaza, complimentary Fort Point Beer after every day's competition and the outstanding Mount Gay Rum Party on Friday night.
Register now here
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