Racing Program
The Anacortes Yacht Club racing program consists of six general types of events:
1 - Buoy Racing
2 - Distance Racing
3 - Tulip Regatta
4 - Windermere Regatta
5 - Northern Century
6 - Lido 14/ One Design Racing
The buoy racing program is scheduled each Wednesday night from April until September. The buoy races are run in Fidalgo Bay using a windward-leeward course setup. New for 2009 is our use of fixed marks which we have placed around Fidalgo Bay. All start times are at 18:30 with one or two races being run each night. Three classes are supported - Class A, B ahnd C plus an open class. Non AYC yachts are welcome to participate in the racing program for one year provided they purchase a race packet. Immediately following each race there is a barbeque at the yacht club where race results are announced.
The distance racing program is scheduled on numerous Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. These races typically involve racing from Anacortes or Guemes Channel to a particular island or fixed mark and then returning. Each of these races typically start at 09:30 and can be quite challenging at times due to adverse wind, waves and currents.
The club supports two regattas and one major distance race - the Tulip and Windermere Regattas, plus the Northern Century. The Tulip Regatta is typically a more local event held in the waters northeast of Guemes Island during the Skagit County Tulip Festival. The Windermere Regatta is held later in the year (typically June) and attracts many non-club boats and is a Grand-Prix qualifier. Both regattas are held in the protected waters northeast of Guemes Island and involve a series of windward-leeward buoy races. The Northern Century is a distance race from Anacortes to Pt. Roberts and then around Stuart Island to Hein Bank and then home. It consists of two divisions - a double-handed division and a fully crewed division. This non-stop 100 mile race has a well deserved reputation for being a very tough event.
THe Lido 14 / One Design Racing consists of a variety of races in Fidalgo Bay, the majority of which are held at 16:30 on Sunday. This fleet is extremely competitive and serves as a training ground for many younger sailers.
For those interested in racing in 2009, please be advised of the following:
1) Every boat must purchase a race packet ($100.00)
2) Every boat must sign and submit the liability waiver
3) Every boat must provide proof of insurance
4) Every boat must submit a current valid PHRF certificate
Boats may voluntarily elect to sail in "open" class which is an unscored class. You can purchase your race packet by contacting the Race Committee chairman Andy Schwenk at at Northwest Rigging - Call: (360) 293-1154 or Email: andy@northwestrigginginc.com.
