Racing 2012
Welcome to the Bristol Yacht Club Racing Program. We have one of the most successful programs on Narragansett Bay and offer a great racing venue for all sailors.
Millard Series
The Wednesday night Robert B. Millard Sr. Series features 35 to 50 boats starting in 6 PHRF (3 spinnaker and 3 non-spinnaker) classes each week. Additionally, One Design competitions take place within the handicap classes when there is a minimum of 3 boats (of the same type and rating) racing together. The series is held from the first week in June through the last week in August.
Sea Sprite Class
With the plethora of Sea Sprite 23s around the Bay, they have their own class start within the Millard Series. There has been some great One Design racing in this fleet with boats coming from all around the Bay. Come on over and join us; the camaraderie is great and so is the sailing.
A-Class Catamarans
If it's high-tech speed machines you crave, you can join the A Class Catamaran races on Tuesday nights. But be prepared because you will be racing against the best of the best, including the reigning and past North American Champions along with others who consistently come in the money at the world championship level.
Mercury Class
On Friday nights you can join in on the fun of racing the BYC Mercury Class for some low stress, high fun races in the harbor. These are Club owned boats and the number is limited, so be sure to sign up early. Starts are off the dock, and we try to get in 2 or 3 short races each night. Bring the family for a boatload of fun.
Frostbite Series
Our Frostbite Series sails every Saturday afternoon, November through March and consists of two fleets: Penguins and Lasers. Races are held right in the harbor off the uniquely designed RC Float. Need a boat? We can hook you up with one. Have an old Laser hanging around? Come on out with us. The weather may be cold, but the action is hot.
Other Races
The Bristol Yacht Club sponsors many other races and regattas throughout the year, including the Sid Clark Overnight Race (to Montauk Point, NY and back), A-Class Catamaran Regattas, Optimist and 420 Regattas, and the MOHOSA series, among others. Be sure to check our Racing page for up-to-date information.
Our dedicated, US Sailing trained Race Committee runs each race from our fully equipped Race Committee boat, the Herb Farnum, in a professional and consistent manner allowing the racers to compete with confidence knowing that the races will be started and scored fairly.
Of course, after the races, you can look forward to our famous hospitality in the Chart Room where refreshments are served and on Wednesday nights hearty dinners are available to accompany the all important post race analysis and banter with your crew and competitors. Non-members wishing to race should contact the Kathi Lengel, Race Committee Chair. If you are looking to crew, let us know and we will help you find a skipper.
With the variety of races available, you can be sure to find the right race series and class to join us in.
See you on the starting line!
Kathi Lengel
Race Committee Chair