sarasota yacht club regatta

• AMERICA'S CUP
• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

2018 Labor Day Regatta CANCELED

Because of "Red Tide". See the News & Notices section on the regatta web site for more information.

• Notice of Series (NOS)

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Non Spin 1 Raegan-E – Rolf Hahn 2 Joy – Ed Throckmorton 3 Zephyr – Chad Weiss Spinnaker none qualified Cruiser 1 Fruition – William Gately 2 Saranade – William Gill 3 Quinessential – Marvin Quin Pocket Cruising 1 Windsong – Robert Hindle Multihull 1 Triple Threat – John Novack 2 Sunspot – Bill Johnsen 3 MyTri – Edgar harden

WFPHRF Annual Membership Meeting and Boat of the Year trophy presentation - see Calendar

• Registration & NOR
• Notice of Race & Registration
• Online Registration
• NOR and Registration
• NOR & Registration
• Event web site
• Notice of Series
• Current Standings

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Non Spin 1 Zephyr – Chad Weiss 2 Raegan-E – Rolf Hahn 3 Solitude – Dave Wilson Spinnaker 1 Shark Rider – Bob Harkrider Cruiser 1 Fruition – William Gately 2 Silver Lining2 – Bob Armstrong 3 WindCaller – Joe BMcClash Pocket Cruising 1 Green Flash – John Huber Multihull 1 Sunspot – Bill Johnsen 2 Triple Threat – John Novack 3 MyTri – Edgar harden

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Non Spin 1 Raegan-E – Rolf Hahn 2 With Envy – Chris Palmer 3 Solitude – Dave Wilson Spinnaker 1 Shark Rider – Doug Fisher Cruiser 1 Fruition – William Gately 2 Silver Lining2 – Bob Armstrong 3 WindCaller – Joe BMcClash Pocket Cruising 1 Green Flash – John Huber Multihull 1 Triple Threat – John Novack

• Notice of Race
• Cherry Pie NOR
• MUST register online by Fri, Mar 11 at 12noon! NO late entries accepted!
• Friday 11th March at 6pm: Skippers Meeting & Beer Party at Sarasota Sailing Squadron>
• Event web site & NOR

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Spinnaker None qualified Non Spin 1 Solitide – Dave Wilson 2 Zephyr – Chad Weiss 3 In-Tune – Doug Dearden Cruising 1 Spindrift – Dave Ettinger 2 Silver Lining2 – Bob Armstrong 3 Fruition – William Gately Pocket Cruising 1 Green Flash – John Huber Multihull 1 Triple Threat – John Novack

• Registration
• Windjammer NOR
• Sailing Instructions
• (fillable) Entry Form
• Register Online - you MUST register online by Thursday 11th March!
• Shark Feeding Frenzy Feeder Race

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Spinnaker 1 Zephyr – Chad Weiss 2 Fruition – William Gately --> Non Spin 1 Whoops – Bill Brooker Cruising 1 Spindrift – Dave Ettinger 2 Spray – John Lynch 3 Silver Lining – Bob Armstrong Pocket Cruising 1 Green Flash – John Huber Multihull 1 Triple Threat – John Novack

WFPHRF Annual Membership Meeting and Boat of the Year trophy presentation - TBD St. Petersburg Yacht Club Regatta Room 11 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel:(727)-822-3873 West Florida PHRF will provide a complementary keg and hors d’ oeuvres. The Club bar will be available for those wanting other beverages. Non-reciprocal guests can pre-purchase a guest card on line at the Club web site, SPYC.org . Click on Sailing, scroll down and click on Guest Card. Parking is available in the SPYC garage for $7 per car. Tell the attendant you are there for WFPHRF meeting. Parking is also available at street meters around the Club. Street meters are enforced all day Saturday.

• Windjammer NOR and SIs
• NOR and Entry Form
• Welcome Letter
• Register online, or mail in this form

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Spinnaker 1 Zephyr – Chad Weiss 2 Fruition – William Gately Non Spinn 1 In Tune – Doug Dearden 2 Scots and H2O – Blair McCracken Cruising 1 Silver Lining – Bob Armstrong 2 Spray – John Lynch Pocket Cruising 1 Green Flash – John Huber 2 Solitude – Dave Wilson Multihull 1 Triple Threat – John Novack

WFPHRF Annual Membership Meeting and Boat of the Year trophy presentation to be held Saturday June 29, 2018 beginning at 2PM at: St. Petersburg Yacht Club Regatta Room 11 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel:(727)-822-3873 West Florida PHRF will provide a complementary keg and hors d’ oeuvres. The Club bar will be available for those wanting other beverages. Non-reciprocal guests can pre-purchase a guest card on line at the Club web site, SPYC.org . Click on Sailing, scroll down and click on Guest Card. Parking is available in the SPYC garage for $7 per car. Tell the attendant you are there for WFPHRF meeting. Parking is also available at street meters around the Club. Street meters are enforced all day Saturday.

• Labor Day Regatta: Sep 1-2
• Windjammer NOR and Registration

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Spinnaker 1 Quinessential – Marvin Quinn Non Spinn 1 Solitude – David Wilson 2 In Tune – Doug Dearden Cruising 1 Silver Lining – Bob Armstrong 2 Spindrift – Dave Ettinger Pocket Cruising 1 Green Flash – John Huber

WFPHRF Annual Membership Meeting and Boat of the Year trophy presentation to be held Saturday June 30, 2018 beginning at 2PM at: St. Petersburg Yacht Club Regatta Room 11 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel:(727)-822-3873 West Florida PHRF will provide a complementary keg and hors d’ oeuvres. The Club bar will be available for those wanting other beverages. Non-reciprocal guests can pre-purchase a guest card on line at the Club web site, SPYC.org . Click on Sailing, scroll down and click on Guest Card. Parking is available in the SPYC garage for $7 per car. Tell the attendant you are there for WFPHRF meeting. Parking is also available at street meters around the Club. Street meters are enforced all day Saturday. In accordance with the By-Laws , the meeting agenda, 2016-17 proposed budget, minutes of last year’s meeting, and proposed slate of officers, directors and rating committee members will be posted on the web site wfphrf.org by May 18, 2016.

• Labor Day Regatta: Sep 1-3
• Registration and NOR
• Cherry Pie Regatta NOR
• Around Egmont Flyer
• Final Standings
• Labor Day Regatta: Sep 3-4
• BYC Kick Off Regatta: Sep 17-18
• Scratch Sheet
• SYC Invitational: Nov 5
• Pursuit Start Times
• Photos of Windjammer by Jim Fenn (VSS)
• Windjammer Race Report
• Shark's Tooth Cup: Apr 8
• Register Online
• Current Registrants
• Bone Island Regatta: May 10-13

Congratulations to the following skippers for finishing top of their divisions: Spinnaker 1 In Tune – Doug Dearden 2 Raegan E - Rolf Hahn 3 Flash - John Lynch Non Spinn 1 Spars and Stripes – Gregg Knighton 2 Solitude – David Wilson 3 Hot Tuna – Rudy Reinecke Cruising 1 Spindrift – Dave Ettinger Pocket Cruising 1 Miller Lite – Bob Miller 2 Green Flash – John Huber

Boat of the Year trophy presentation and WFPHRF Annual Membership Meeting to be held Saturday June 18, 2016 beginning at 2PM at: St. Petersburg Yacht Club Regatta Room 11 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Tel:(727)-822-3873 West Florida PHRF will provide a complementary keg and hors d’ oeuvres. The Club bar will be available for those wanting other beverages. Non-reciprocal guests can pre-purchase a guest card on line at the Club web site, SPYC.org . Click on Sailing, scroll down and click on Guest Card. Or get a guest card at the membership desk on June 18. In accordance with the By-Laws , the meeting agenda, 2016-17 proposed budget, minutes of last year’s meeting, and proposed slate of officers, directors and rating committee members will be posted on the web site wfphrf.org by May 18, 2016.

• Labor Day Regatta: Sep 5-7
• BYC Kick Off Regatta: Sep 18-20
• Photos from Bayshore Bay Regatta
• View Registrants
• Around Egmont Key Classic Regatta NOR & SI
• Shark’s Tooth Cup
• Shark Feeding Frenzy
• Sarasota Bay Cup
• The Sarasota Bay Cup on 04/25/2015 will be hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron Flyer Online Registration Notice of Race
• Shark's Tooth Cup on May 2 Flyer Entry Form Notice of Race Sailing Instructions Shark Feeding Frenzy - Feeder Race NOR & SI
• Final Standings Note: SYC was not scored because it was not sailed on the scheduled date.
• Windjammer Long Form
• Windjammer 3D Replay!
• Around Egmont Key Classic
• Feb 9, 2014 Cherry Pie NOR & Registration(PHRF & One Design)
• Feb 22 & 23, 2014 Windjammer NOR & Registration
• Mar 8, 2014 Egmont Key flyer
• May 2 & 3, 2014 Shark's Tooth Cup: NOR and Entry Form
• Challenge Cup Results
• May 8, 2011 Sarasota Bay Cup Results
• Feb 26-27, 2011 Windjammer Results
• Nov 6, 2010 SYC Invitational Results
• Oct 9, 2010 Cortez Cup Results
• May 8, 2010 Sarasota Bay Cup Results
• Apr 17, 2010 Shark's Tooth Results
• Feb 20, 2010 Cherry Pie Results
• Feb 5-7, 2010 Windjammer Results
• Nov 28, 2009 Turkey Run Results
• Nov 7, 2009 SYC Invitational Results
• Oct 10, 2009 Cortez Cup Results
• Sep 26-27, 2009 BYC Kickoff Regatta Results
• Sep 5-6, 2009 Labor Day Regatta Results
• BOTY Participation

Past Events

Upcoming events.

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Sarasota Sailing Squadron

G o to our calendar

for the current list

of scheduled regattas

The list is in our Member Portal

Club Regattas

Squadron members enjoy year round sailing affording them monthly regattas. In addition to Invitational regattas, the Squadron offers club regattas for its members. Those are: ​

Snowbird Regatta

Cherry Pie Regatta

Pot O'Gold Regatta

Race Around Lido

Great Pumpkin

Drumstick Regatta

Commodore's Cup

Race Results

Club race results and scoring of club events are here.

We use Regatta Network for our invitational regattas, here is a link that opens in a new window.

Invitational Regattas

The Squadron hosts many invitational regattas each  year such as:

Labor Day Regatta

Our longest running annual regatta since 1946.

Sarasota Bay Multi Hull

We host many regional, national and world championships. Our venue is sublime, hotels are modest, rental property is abundant,

and the weather is legendary.

Come talk to us.

Visiting Sailors

Go to our Visiting Sailors page to discover Sarasota. Learn about places to say and other useful information.

Racing Rules of Sailing

World Sailing updates the rule book every 4 years.

The current Rule Book 2021-2024 became effective January 1st, 2021

US Sailing provides a handy smart phone rules app.

You can download it Here*

You will also find other valuable resources.

World Sailing has many rules resources.

You can find those Here*

*These links open in a new window.

Event Calendar

• 941.504.4236
• [email protected]

YEAR ROUND RACING

Welcome to Sarasota Youth Sailing’s Race Team Season!

This season SYS hosts five distinctive competitive race teams in the Optimist Green, Optimist Red White and Blue, ILCA/Laser, Club 420, and NACRA 15. Sarasota Youth Sailing is also the center for High School Sailing in Sarasota County. Our sailors compete regionally and internationally in team racing but also as individuals. Race team sailors and their families are led through a comprehensive sailing campaign by our professional coaching staff. Private lessons are available for sailors interested in joining but are lacking the necessary preliminary experience for the desired team.

If you have any questions about qualifying or registering for SYS race teams, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by calling or texting us at 941-504-4236.

Click HERE  to register on Clubspot for 2024 Fall Season

Optimist Racing

Ilca racing, nacra 15 racing, registration information.

Fleet / Class Information

OPTIMIST GREEN FLEET SAILING INFORMATION

Optimist green fleet racing team.

FALL Season: 2024

The Optimist Green Fleet Racing Team is our entry-level learn to race program. The practices and regattas are tailored to meet the needs of beginner level racers. Our sailors compete as individuals, but racing is the ultimate team sport. Coaches will lead the Green Fleet Sailors and their families through an introductory sailing campaign.

AGES:   Typically, 8 to 12 years old. Older sailors just learning how to race will benefit from a season in Opti Green Fleet before sizing out into a bigger boat. Likewise, a younger sailor will benefit from easing into a partial regatta season before committing to a full Green Fleet schedule next season.

ABILITY LEVEL:   SYS Campers completing the Opti 1 or 2 Class have been exposed to the required skills. New sailors are recommended about 10 hours of private or private group lessons in tandem with joining the team. If in doubt, contact us for an evaluation.

TIME COMMITMENT:   Skill development in Green Fleet utilizes a building block approach and is directly proportional to the amount of time spent on the water at practice. Successful sailors at this level will spend about nine hours per week at practice and compete in a regatta an average of once per month. A well-practiced sailor will have a more enjoyable experience at regattas. Prepared parents can best accommodate and anticipate the needs of their sailors. Racing with sailors from other teams at travel events further accelerates development.

There are additional time commitments required for transiting to and from practices, delivering boats to and from regattas, studying coaching notes, reviewing video and photos, and making travel plans. A capable SUV or truck with a trailer hitch is a most valuable resource for executing team travel logistics.

COST:   $1,250 for the Fall Season (Sat and Sun practice).  Saturday only option is available for $850 (per season).

Discount $350 for sailors providing their own Optimist Dinghy. The cost includes all practices and events on SYS property. For the regattas off-site there will be a $60 per day fee for each sailor. Regatta participation is optional, but encouraged.  

Need-based Scholarships are available for all SYS programs.  Applications can be found on the SYS website, and must be submitted before the fall season begins for consideration.  Scholarships are for tuition only, all other fees are expected to be paid in full.  Payment plans are available per request.

Regatta participation is optional, but encouraged. Sailors are billed $60/day for SYS regatta fees to cover additional travel coaching costs for ALL AWAY regattas.   Parents are expected to help with towing, and logistics for all away regattas.

All SYS participants and families are required to fulfill 8 volunteer hours, maintain current financial accounts, and adhere to SYS’s Code of Conduct and all Race Team policies and procedures.

Green Fleet Sailors are not required to have a family membership at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, but it is highly encouraged.  An SSS membership  IS  required once a sailor moves up to another SYS fleet (RWB, ILCA, C420, or Nacra).

FALL PRACTICE SCHEDULE

First Fall Practice is Saturday, August 17th. Fall Season concludes on Sunday, December 8th.

Sundays                           1 pm to 4 pm

Saturdays                         10 am to 4 pm

OPTIMIST RED WHITE & BLUE SAILING INFORMATION

Optimist red white & blue (rwb) racing team.

Fall Season 2024

The Optimist Red White & Blue (RWB) Racing Team is our highest level Optimist race program. The practices and regattas are tailored to meet the needs of intermediate – advanced level Optimist racers. Our sailors compete as individuals, but racing is the ultimate team sport. Coaches will lead the RWB Fleet Sailors and their families through an advanced sailing campaign.

AGES:   Typically, 8 to 13 yrs old. Older sailors just learning how to race will benefit from a season in RWB Fleet before sizing out into a bigger boat. Likewise, a younger sailor will benefit from easing into a partial regatta season before committing to a full RWB Fleet schedule next season.

ABILITY LEVEL:   SYS sailors who have raced with us in Optimist Green Fleet race team and have approval from our coaches are invited to register. Higher skilled Optimist sailors from other sailing centers who have raced RWB may qualify with our coaches. If in doubt, contact us for an evaluation. Optimist RWB racing is for those students who are interested in the higher level of competition. This curriculum is geared towards improving racing tactics, boat handling, and knowledge of the rules. Sailors receive intensive, individual coaching, and also learn to work together as a team. On-land chalk talks, and on-the-water drills are a regular part of instruction. While the main focus of RWB is racing, there is also a healthy component of fun involved with a strong emphasis on team building and sportsmanship.

Private lessons are always available for those motivated to move up to or jump into the RWB fleet faster.

TIME COMMITMENT:   Skill development in RWB Fleet utilizes a building block approach and is directly proportional to the amount of time spent on the water at practice. Successful sailors at this level will spend about nine hours per week at practice and compete in a regatta an average of once per month. A well-practiced sailor will have a more enjoyable experience at regattas. Prepared parents can best accommodate and anticipate the needs of their sailors. Racing with sailors from other teams at travel events further accelerates development.

COST: $1,250 for the Fall Season.   The cost includes all practices and events on SYS property. Saturday only option is available for $850 (per season).

For the regattas off-site there will be a $60 per day fee for each sailor.   Regatta participation is optional, but highly encouraged.   RWB Sailors are required to purchase their own boats and may keep them on SYS property in Sarasota Sailing Squadron boat storage for a small annual fee .

Need-based Scholarships are available for all SYS programs.  Applications can be found on the SYS website, and must be submitted before the fall season begins for consideration.  Scholarships are for tuition only, all other fees are expected to be paid in full.  Payment plans are available upon request.

GEAR:   PFD with a whistle, SYS Pinnie, closed-toe water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and water clothes.

First Fall Practice is Saturday, August 17th. Fall season Concludes on Sunday, December 8th

Regatta participation is optional, but highly encouraged. Sailors are billed $60/day for SYS regatta fees to cover additional travel coaching costs for away regattas.   Parents are expected to help with towing, and logistics for all away regattas.

ALL SYS RWB SAILORS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON FAMILY MEMBERSHIP.

HIGH SCHOOL 420 SAILING INFORMATION

High school sailing.

Tuesday High School Practices  prepare sailors for competition in the South Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (SAISA) sanctioned events. SAISA events closely parallel the format of College Sailing. In this discipline the Club 420’s are sailed with jib and main only and without a trapeze. The regattas are typically small one-day events with numerous short-course races. This places an added emphasis on starting, tactics, racing rules, and boat handling skills. High School sailing is a perfect opportunity for a newer sailor to begin crewing or for an experienced skipper moving up from another boat to continue competitive development.

The Club 420 is a popular two-person boat sailed by thousands of youth sailors across the country. The boat is highly configurable and can accommodate multiple disciplines of sailing. Sailors aging or sizing out of the Optimist or Open Skiff will find the Club 420 a fun and challenging endeavor. ILCA and NACRA 15 Team sailors will also benefit from some cross-training with the Club 420.

AGES:  Sailors participating in the Thursday High School Sailing Practices are from grades 8 thorugh 12.

TEAM FORMAT:   SYS will offer three separate practice opportunities per week in the Club 420. All three practices fall under the Club 420 Team umbrella but focus on distinctly different disciplines of sailing. We recommend sailors enroll in at least two of the three available Club 420 Team practices per week.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE & COSTS:

[First Fall high school practice is Tuesday, August  20th. Last high school practice is Tuesday, December 3rd.]

Tuesdays           4pm – 7pm  (4-630 before daylight savings)

Tuition: $375 (This includes 15 weeks of practice and up to 4 SAISA Regattas)

The High School Tuition DOES NOT INCLUDE Pinnie purchase,  SYS away regatta fees ($60 per day/sailor) or Regatta Registration fees. 

Sailors attending High School Regattas will be billed an additional $60 per racing day.

ABILITY LEVEL:   SYS Summer Campers completing the Level 2 420 Class have been shown some of the basic skills required to sail the Club 420 and would be a good fit to get started in the High School.

TIME COMMITMENT:   Skill development in the Club 420 utilizes a building block approach and is directly proportional to the amount of time spent on the water at practice. Successful sailors at this level will spend between ten and fifteen hours per week at practice and compete in a regatta about once or twice per month. A well-practiced sailor will have a more enjoyable experience. Well-engaged and prepared parents can best accommodate the needs of their sailors. Regatta participation further accelerates development. Sailors with two or more years of Club 420 experience should schedule as many high-level events as possible during the season.

GEAR: PFD with a whistle, closed-toe water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and water clothes.   School Pinnies for Regattas are required per the SAISA rules.

Regatta participation is optional. Sailors are billed $60/day for SYS regatta fees to cover additional travel coaching costs for away regattas.   Parents are expected to help with towing, and logistics for all away regattas.

REGATTA SCHEDULE: 

the most updated schedule for all SOUTH POINTS events are listed on the Saisa website.

At this time SAISA Schedule is not out.

Regatta Calendar

CLUB 420 SAILING INFORMATION

Club 420 racing team.

Club 420 Travel Team Practices   provide a comprehensive training day atmosphere for Club 420 sailors participating in a season long sailing campaign. The full-day sessions will include lessons in physical literacy, mental health, boat preparation, teamwork, speed, handling, tactics, strategy, weather, racing rules, and all-important regatta travel logistics. These practices are disciplined and designed for maximum time efficiency. Sailors will have their skills tracked and evaluated to ensure continuous development towards a national level standard of excellence.

AGES:   Sailors on the Club 420 Race Team are usually from ages 14 to 18.   Exceptions for younger sailors can be made at the coach’s discretion based on the individual’s skill and experience.

TEAM FORMAT:   SYS will offer 2 separate practice opportunities per week in the Club 420. Both practices fall under the Club 420 Team umbrella but focus on distinctly different disciplines of sailing.

Fall season: $1,500.00, includes charter (both Sat and Wed practice days)

Saturday only option is available for $1000 (per season).

Sailors attending Club 420 Travel Team Regattas will be billed $60 per racing day (for all AWAY Regattas).

ABILITY LEVEL:   SYS Summer Campers completing the Level 2 420 Class have been shown some of the basic skills required to sail the Club 420 and would be a good fit to get started in the High School Practices. Additional private lessons are available by appointment and may be necessary for newer sailors to hone their skills to be ready for the Club 420 Travel Team.

TIME COMMITMENT:   Skill development in the Club 420 utilizes a building block approach and is directly proportional to the amount of time spent on the water at practice. Successful sailors at this level will spend between eight to ten hours per week at practice and compete in a regatta about once per month. A well-practiced sailor will have a more enjoyable experience. Well-engaged and prepared parents can best accommodate the needs of their sailors. Regatta participation further accelerates development. Sailors with two or more years of Club 420 experience should schedule as many high-level events as possible during the season.

GEAR: PFD with a whistle, trapese harness (crew), closed-toe water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and water clothes. 

C420 Sailors may be required to own/purchase gear and equipment such as lines and sheets.  Sailors in high levels such as C420 should have the proper gear for foul weather as well as a well equipt toolbox for sailing.  Owning Racing sails, spinnakers and spin poles are highly recommended for higher level teams.

Regatta participation is optional, but highly recommended. Sailors are billed $60/day for SYS regatta fees to cover additional travel coaching costs for away regattas.  Parents are expected to help with towing, and logistics for all away regattas.

ALL C420 Sailors are required to have an Sarasota Sailing Squadron family membership.

First Fall Practice is Saturday, August 17th. Fall season concludes on Sunday, December 8th

Wednesdays                      Before Daylight savings (4 pm to 7 pm) After(4pm to 630pm)

ILCA/LASER SAILING INFORMATION

Ilca racing team.

The SYS ILCA Team (we still call them Lasers) is led by Head Coach Brett Davis. The team practices and races in the ILCA 7 (full rig), ILCA 6 (radial rig), and ILCA 4 (4.7 rig). Sailors are typically in 8th-12th grade and have an intermediate to advanced racing background and provide their own boat. The group size varies between 5-9 sailors and practice Sundays days (10am-3pm) and Saturdays (10am-4pm).

The first Fall season ILCA practice is Saturday, August 17th, and the last practice is Sunday, December 8th.

This is a traveling race team, and it is expected that team members will make every effort to attend the SYS supported regattas on the schedule. SYS has Laser trailer available to assist transporting boats to regattas.

The ILCA is a fun and exciting boat to race but at the same time quite challenging. There are lots of boat handling techniques that must be learned and mastered through regular training and there’s also a fitness component that requires regular gym workouts throughout the season to prepare the body for racing at a high level. Also of equal importance is a strong work ethic to endure several hours of training/racing in strong winds. Lastly, all team members are expected to have proper racing gear (boots, hiking pants, gloves, life jacket, etc.) and race quality rigging for their boat.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE

First Fall Practice is Saturday, August 18th. Fall Season Concludes on Sunday, December 8th

Sundays                           10 am to 3 pm

ILCA Team Cost : $1,600 for the Fall Season Practices + $75 (billed separately) per day at regattas. Team families are responsible for their own event transportation, lodging, and event entry fees.

ALL ILCA SAILORS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON FAMILY MEMBERSHIP.

NACRA 15 SAILING INFORMATION

Nacra 15 developmental racing team.

The NACRA 15  Developmental Race Team   is intended for sailors who have had prior performance multihull training and are ready to learn new ways to advance their skills. Skippers and crews, in most occurrences, will be established for the entire season and paired to the same boat with the goal of getting better as a team. On the water training will begin with boat speed and maneuvers and then transition into boat handling and tactics as the season progresses. Other important skills include boat tuning, proper care and maintenance, and travel logistics. Sailors will train for regattas and compete with a growing fleet of NACRA 15s across the country.

The NACRA 15 is a high-performance twin trapeze catamaran capable of speeds above twenty knots. This class is sanctioned by World Sailing and is the youth training platform for the larger NACRA 17 utilized in the Olympic Games. Members of the SYS NACRA 15 Race Team campaign on a year-round basis and compete at the highest levels of the sport.

TEAM FORMAT:   The NACRA 15 Race Team is composed of two distinct squads. The NACRA 15 Travel Team consists of our premier sailors and meets for practice each Thursday and Sunday.

HEAD COACH:   Nick Lovisa will return to Coach the NACRA 15 Race Team. Nick has been coaching at Sarasota Youth Sailing for seven years and has been involved in the NACRA 15 Race Team for the last three years. He has an extensive background in multi-hull sailing and is also a US Sailing Certified Level 2 Coach. Contact Nick via email:   syssailingdirector@ gmail.com . Robbie is a legend in the Multihull community with multiple championships and Olympic campaigns under his belt along with over 10 years of multi-hull coaching.

TEAM SELECTION:   Participation with the NACRA 15 Team is highly selective. Candidates seeking to enroll in either the NACRA 15 Travel Team or the NACRA 15 Chutes & Wires Practices must apply by writing to Head Coach Nick Lovisa at   syssailingdirector@ gmail.com .

Applications   should include your goals for the season, your sailing background with competitive results, any recent clinics attended, and a preliminary schedule of events you wish to attend. Applicants should also include a brief bio with academic interests and additional athletic pursuits. Once selected sailors will be provided instructions to complete their team registration.

TIME COMMITMENT:   Skill development in the NACRA 15 utilizes a building block approach and is directly proportional to the amount of time spent on the water at practice. Successful Travel Team sailors at this level will spend between three to five hours per week at practice and compete in scheduled regattas. A well-practiced sailor will have a more enjoyable experience. Well-engaged and prepared parents can best accommodate the needs of their sailors. Regatta participation further accelerates development. Sailors with two or more years of NACRA 15 experience should schedule as many high-level events as possible during the season.

Sailors and families will encounter additional time commitments for transiting to and from practices, delivering boats to and from regattas, studying coaching notes, reviewing video and photos, and making travel plans. A capable SUV or truck with a trailer hitch is a most valuable resource for executing team travel logistics.

GEAR: PFD with a whistle, closed-toe water shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and water clothes. 

First Fall Practice is Thursday, August 22nd. Fall Season concludes on Thursday, December 5th

Thursday                   3pm to 7pm (630 during daylight savings)

https://sarasotayouthsailing. org/sys-program-calendar/

The NACRA 15 Regatta Schedule is under development. Sailors will compete in several open events and US Sailing sanctioned ODP Clinics. Contact Head Coach Nick Lovisa for updated information.

Cost:        $575.00 – With Charter of SYS Nacra

• Sailors attending NACRA 15 Travel Team Regattas will be billed an additional $75 per racing day.
• Need-based Scholarships are not available for the SYS Nacra program, as the price is for Fall Season is heavily discounted thanks to the Buzzelli Grant. 
• Sailors are billed $75/day for SYS regatta fees to cover additional travel coaching costs for away regattas.
• Parents are expected to help with towing, and logistics for all away regattas.

ALL NACRA SAILORS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A SARASOTA SAILING SQUADRON FAMILY MEMBERSHIP.

Additional SYS Race Team Information

Race team parents faqs.

How many Regattas are there in a season?

The leadership team and the coaches will have sent out a schedule with dates for all the regattas they intend to travel to. However, that does not mean you have to go to all of them. You can pick and choose which regattas you would like to travel to.

How do I sign up for Regattas?

To sign up for a regatta you will have to go to www.regattanetwork.com (or the registration platform the venue chose to use, typically it will be Regatta Network or Clubspot) and search for the title of the event. One there you can register your sailor for the regatta and pay the registration fees.  

What is a US Sailing membership?

For most events that you register for, they will require that you enter your US Sailing membership ID number. In order to get a US sailing ID, you must have purchased a US Sailing membership. To obtain a US Sailing membership visit www.ussailing.org and purchase a membership on their website.  A junior membership is a $39 annual fee.

Do we need Class memberships?

Depending on the event that your sailor is competing in, they may need a Class (Fleet) membership to complete their registration. These events include USODA and US Sailing events. 

Opti – For the RWB race team, they will need a USODA membership. www.usoda.org

420 – The 420 race team will need a Club 420 Association membership. www.club420.org

Are there any additional fees after I pay tuition for the season?

For regattas that we travel to, there is an additional SYS regatta fee. Depending on the fleet you are competing in, the fee is between $60-$75 dollars (per sailor, per day).  You will typically receive an invoice via square a week before the upcoming regatta.  Additionally, you will have to pay the registration fees for the regattas that you plan on attending. Those fees will vary depending on the regatta you are competing in.  SYS Regatta fees are non negotiable and are not included with scholarship or tuition. Parents will be asked at every Regatta to provide snacks and water for the team and lunches for the coaches (most team parents will create a sign up for organizing needed items and logistics for regattas). Excluding Green Fleet and High School, each sailor is required to have a Sarasota Sailing Squadron(SSS) family membership to participate on the team.  If you own your own boat, you will need to secure a storage space through SSS.

What if there is damage to equipment?

If a sailor damages any SYS or SSS equipment outside of normal wear and tear, the family must pay a price to replace/repair equipment. For example, the loss of rudders, hull damage caused by collision,  and bent/snapped mast will be subject to charges.

Who will pull the trailers to and from the Regattas?

This will be coordinated with the coaches and the parents before every event. We understand not everyone will have a vehicle capable of towing. However, those who do have vehicles capable of towing will be asked to contribute to the team in other areas. Those who can’t tow can sponsor regatta fees for those families that are towing.  

What if we do not have a trailer hitch?

If a family has a car capable of towing and does not have a trailer hitch, one can be provided to allow for the towing of the trailer. The hitch must be returned back to SYS after the event. However, tow hitch receivers will not be provided by SYS. 

Volunteer hours

Every parent will be asked to volunteer 8 hours of their time each season for the betterment of the team. This will entail helping run regattas, mark set, race committee, team parent, towing, boat repair, social media, social events, fundraising, etc.

What additional gear are we going to need?

There will be team race shirts and pinnies available for purchase at the beginning of each season. These will be mandatory when competing at events, as it will act as our team uniform. Additionally, for the colder seasons, each sailor will need to own at least 1 spray top and own a pair of spray pants or a wetsuit. These can be found online on websites such as: Gill, West Marine, Rooster, and Zhik. Coaches will also be handing out “check list” for the sailor to complete and it will entail spray gear, rigging, toolboxes, close-toed water shoes, etc.

Travel Housing

Recommended hotels for each event will be suggested by the SYS leadership team or team parent. They are not required to be used, but preferred so that the team can be together.

When should we sign up for regattas?

When curious about when to register for events, refer to your team’s SPOND page so that you can stay up to date on timing and information. It is preferred that you register as soon as possible. ( Note: Some events require a fast registration because they will fill up quickly and you will be place on a waitlist)

What is SPOND?

Spond is a communication app that SYS and the coaching staff uses to easily communicate with sailors and guardians. Each class/fleet will have its own group, as well as a general SYS group.  

Does my team/fleet have a team parent?  What does the team parent do?

It is EXTREMELY helpful to the coaching staff and leadership team for each team/fleet to have a team parent to communicate directly to.  Team parents are volunteers who help organize regatta logistics, team dinners, and social events.  

Click HERE  to apply for a scholarship

PLEASE NOTE:  Fall Scholarship application window is July 27-August 4th (end of day).  Scholarship applications will not be sent for review until August 5th.  

Applications will not be accepted after August 4, 2024 11:59pm.

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With beautiful waters and many locations to explore, there is no wonder why Sarasota is one of the most popular sailing communities in Florida.

SRQ Magazine | July 2024

By Barbie Heit

In Recreation+Sports

Photography by Wes Roberts

The blue-green waters of the Sarasota region have always had a magnetic pull, drawing sailors and wannabes into the mesmerizing embrace of the waves, where dolphins dance, manatees graze and birds nest along the sandy shores. Set your sail to catch the Gulf winds and join us as we delve into the offerings of the local sailing communities catering to both beginners and seasoned sailors in our region.

Sarasota Yacht Club

A five-star platinum club of America and the world the Sarasota Yacht Club (SYC) is one that is rich in history. Its location, minutes from downtown Sarasota in the protected flat water of Sarasota Bay on the west side of Bird Key, with quick access to the Gulf of Mexico through Big Pass, cannot be beat, offering the best in sailing and boating.

Dalton Tebo, the Sailing Director at SYC handles all of the logistics of running a race team. “We have five coaches and about forty-five sailors on our team who sail with us year-round,” says Tebo. “Our team practices most weekends and travels to a regatta about once a month. Most regattas are local and in Florida, although some of our sailors have qualified to sail in national and even international regattas all over the world.”

The Club has hosted many regattas, including the United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) Team Race Midwinters for three years. They also host their very own Sarasota Yacht Club Invitational Regatta each year in November with close to one hundred boats participating. This regatta is a big event at the Club and continues to be a yearly tradition with great racing and a fantastic party. For those new to the world of sailing or for those looking to sharpen their boating skills, the Club offers private lessons for youth and adults. “The best option for young sailors is to join our summer camp, learn to sail and see how they like it,” shares Tebo. “Any sailor who wants to continue their sailing passion, coming out of camp or a sailor who already knows how to sail is encouraged to join our racing team and sail with us year-round.”

SYC member and sailing team parent, Ed Miersch is thrilled with the progress his son has made as a sailor. “In less than three years, our son Eddie went from not knowing anything about sailing, to being invited to join Team USA. This is all due to the amazing environment curated by SYC’s Dalton Tebo and Brett Putnam.” Every member every day, whatever it takes. That is the SYC staff motto. “What makes the club special to me is that it feels like home, and all of the members feel like they are your family,” shares Tebo. “It truly is a special place with an amazing staff and membership. It’s always a pleasure to be here at SYC.” Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, 941-365-4191, sarasotayachtclub.org .

Venice Yacht Club 

This year marks the 73rd anniversary of Venice Yacht Club, a club founded by sailors, weary of the long drive to Sarasota to get their boats. The sailors wanted to establish a maritime tradition in Venice for enduring friendships of common interests with fun on the water and on land and that they did. The history of The Club is a rich one, tied to and invested in the success of Venice. Founded in 1951 as semi-private, its business and social affairs were conducted in space rented at the Tarpon Center Resort, owned by George Gibbs, Jr., occupied by The Jetty Villas condominiums today. Two years later in 1953, converting to a private club, an addition was built at the resort’s main building for its larger functions. By year end 1951, there were 118 members. As membership continued to increase, more space was required. In 1957 an extensive search began for land with immediate access to water. By 1961, land had been acquired on Roberts Bay, and the new clubhouse was commissioned. In 1960 while constructing its new clubhouse, the Club was one of the 13 founding members of the Florida Council of Yacht Clubs, now made up of 37 yacht clubs. The Council monitors and promotes pending legislation for boating and water safety. Reciprocal privileges at all 37 clubs are enjoyed by individual members of the clubs when visiting other places in Florida. 

Through its 73 years, significant enhancements have been made to the property and clubhouse. From a single, small dining room, there are multiple dining venues today from formal to casual inside the clubhouse and outside under cover at the significantly expanded Tiki and all along the pool deck. Menus are refreshed often, and varied specials are offered daily. Steak nights, taco nights, seafood nights along with beverage specials add to members’ pleasure enjoying dining in a venue of their choice.   

A robust social and event calendar begun in 1961 has expanded through the years. Multiple clubs within the Club exist for special interests: golf, fishing, books, bridge, MahJong, the Joy sailing club, a wine club, bingo and many others. With its waterfront presence of 72 slips along 5 docks, a fueling station and dockmaster’s office, the club’s location is perfect with immediate access to the Gulf. There are kayaks for daily rental by members, and adult sailing is also available. The Club sponsors the U S Sailing-designated Community Sailing Center, Venice Youth Boating Association, Inc., that is always open to the public and was begun in 1952 as the “Pram Fleet.”  Here young sailors become captains of their ships long before they can drive a car.

“Investing in greater Venice for 73 years has been a priority,” shares General Manager, Bruce Furman. “Our members helped initiate the original volunteer corps at Venice Hospital with funding and volunteers, Sundowner Cruises for many years for the public, conducted by our boaters, were for the benefit of Venice’s chapter of the American Cancer Society, and founded in 2011, the Venice Yacht Club’s Charitable Foundation in only its first ten years has provided nearly $1 million in grants to charitable organizations in greater Venice. With a long-range strategic plan in 3-year segments in place and with continued diligence in financial oversight, the Club looks forward to the future with great excitement and confidence.  A resurgence in sailing is underway along with several other important initiatives.” The Venice Yacht Club, 1330 Tarpon Center Drive Venice, 941-488-7708, veniceyachtclub.com .

Luffing Lassies 

The Luffing Lassies are an accomplished group of women who sell real estate, teach and practice law, raise children and spoil grandchildren. They are healthcare professionals, they run businesses and thrive in the arts.  And….they love to sail. Created with a mission to establish a fun and welcoming atmosphere where women can come together, build relationships, and gain the confidence to explore the world through sailing, the Luffing Lassies was founded in 1972 by Lilly Kaighin. It is one of the oldest and most active sailing groups at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and with 125 women sailors of all ages and backgrounds, it is also one of the largest of any Sunfish fleet in the US, and possibly the world. It gains 12 new members each September through its Introduction to Sailing course. Then there’s the Introduction to Racing course for those Lassies who already know how to sail and aim for sportier aspirations.  “Sailing is an environmentally friendly activity and sport. Sailors are in touch with the health of the bay and consciously take care of our natural resources. None of our fleets use motors. We are powered by Mother Nature,” shares Judy Hodgson, Co-Captain of the Luffing Lassies and SSS Commodore 2019-2022.

Every Thursday during the school year, the Club meets to race against each other or sister clubs in the Florida Women’s Sailing Association on Sunfish boats and Hobie Waves, 420s. Many members learned to sail or polished their skills at the Luffing Lassies’ annual Introduction to Sailing week where women are teaching women to sail. At the end of every summer, Luffing Lassies veterans and instructors introduce a new crop of sailors to joy on the water. Each woman learns to skipper a boat, on her own, within a matter of days and she will be racing that boat after just a few weeks.  When not racing, rigging, learning or sailing for fun, Luffing Lassies are an integral part of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron which hosts many international and national regattas and competitive sailing qualifiers. Luffing Lassies help the Squadron host these events and serve in many volunteer capacities. The two organizations know the value of one another and have been partners for decades. Luffing Lassies, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, luffinglassies.org .

Sarasota Youth Sailing

Founded in 1980 to help promote sailing to the youth of the Sarasota area, a Sarasota Youth Sailing (SYS) is a local 501.c3 organization that offers opportunities for kids to learn to sail and continue to grow in their understanding of the sport, the environment and the lifelong activity of sailing. Through summer camps for kids aged 6-17, and with year-round training and competitive racing programs, young sailors learn to compete as they continue to gain an understanding of the sport that unlike many others, they can participate in for their entire lives. Over the years, SYS has continually provided young sailors the foundation needed to grow in the sport, with several going on to represent the United States in international youth championships all around the world. Current US Rolex yachtsman of the year, Ravi Parent, is an alumni of SYS and Halle Shipman, Young Women Sailor of the Year is currently training for an Olympic campaign. 

“The mission statement of Sarasota youth sailing speaks to supporting kids in going as far in the sport as their hard work and drive will take them,” says Board President Travis Yates, an experienced competitive sailor himself. “Just as importantly, I believe Sarasota Youth Sailing works to give access to the water and the sport of sailing to students who otherwise could not get that, whether it be for financial reasons, or in some cases physical or emotional reasons.” Throughout the year, SYS hosts children from local schools, homeschool communities, therapeutic support programs, and the general public. “This is an important part of the positive impact that SYS has on our local community,” shares Yates. “We have routinely worked with organizations like Visible Men’s Academy, Sarasota School of Arts and Science and our local community, supporting students with autism, which we do through an organization called Spectrum Sailing.” Yates recalls sailing with one young man from Visible Men’s Academy who had grown up in Bradenton but never touched water other than in a swimming pool. “I was blown away to learn that this boy had never been to a beach, but some of these kids just don’t have access to resources and for us to be able to provide these experiences is just amazing.”

In partnership with the Sarasota Sailing Squadron and the Luffing Lassies, SYS hosts two major youth sailing regattas that bring kids from all over the nation to Sarasota to compete. SYS also hosts a number of regattas for the interscholastic sailing association which organizes the sport of sailing for high school students nationwide. Through the generous support of parents of students involved and wonderful local benefactors, SYS provides a great service to the community and raises the funds necessary to try to make sailing  as accessible as possible.  SRQSarasota Youth Sailing, 1717 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, 941- 504-4236, sarasotayouthsailing.org .

“The Sarasota Sailing Squadron boasts the best sunrise skyline vista in the county. We are a performance sailing club that is uniquely 100% volunteer driven. In fact, our members volunteered 8,882 hours last year, among the highest of many not-for-profit organizations in Sarasota County. We have nine different fleets of boats, including a robust youth program. In the last five years, we’ve had three female Commodores, including myself. I am proud to be listed among this group of women leaders.” —2021-2024 Commodore Ingrid Summers 

Sarasota Sailing Squadron (SSS) is a special place that teaches, supports, and provides sailors with a community of like-minded people who love to sail. The Squadron has a rich history that spans 76 years and currently has 800 voting member families and almost 2,000 sailing members who enjoy this gem on Sarasota Bay.  SSS makes sailing accessible by removing the barriers of getting on the water. Sarasota Youth Sailing and the Luffing Lassies are two sailing groups hosted by the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

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