If you are a novice crew member or experienced cruiser then going racing is a great way to add a new challenge into your sailing repertoire. Sailing regattas are organised all around the world and are a great way to meet new people, sail on different yachts and learn new skills.
5 Reasons To Start Racing in Sailing Regattas
1. Develop Your Sailing Skills
1. Develop Your Sailing Skills
Sailing demands that you learn a broad range of skills. Racing draws on these skills and really puts them to the test. The great thing about racing is that you never stop learning. Some of the skills you will need to master are:
- Sailing and close confine boat handling skills
- Wind and weather prediction
- Tactical navigation, race strategy and rules
- Sail trimming techniques
- Crew management.
2. Challenge Yourself
Mastering just a few of the skills above is a challenge in itself. No two races are the same, which means you have to adapt and evolve as you learn.
Put yourself outside your comfort zone and try working in a new crew position such as main sheet trimmer instead of bow. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is a good start towards challenging yourself. Maybe one day you’ll be brave enough to take the helm!
3. Meet New People
Sailing regattas are international events where a whole range of enthusiasts come together to compete and have a good time. Camaraderie is high and it is a great way to meet new people and make great friendships.
Team work is key when racing in sailing regattas and as the week goes on you will find yourself in a close-knit competitive group. There is no other feeling quite like working well together as a cohesive crew.
The yachting industry is a small one where everyone knows each other. Sailing regattas brings all the players together and it is a good place to network and further your sailing career.
4. Explore Different Places
Throughout the year, sailing regattas are held in many locations across the globe. It’s great fun to combine travel and cruising with a regatta for your vacation. The Caribbean has many sailing regattas from December through to April, some of our favourites are:
- Grenada Sailing Week
- Antigua Sailing Week
- Bequia Easter Regatta
- RORC Caribbean 600
- Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
- Saint Barths Bucket
- St. Maarten Heineken Regatta
The Caribbean Sailing Association has a full list of sailing regattas here. If you are looking for something even more challenging then check out these races:
Credit: ARC 2014
- RORC Transatlantic Race
- Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)
- World ARC
- Panerai Transat Classique
- Oyster World Rally
- Rolex FastNet Race (RORC)
5. Sailing Regattas Are Fun!
Spend your days honing your team racing skills and competing against international crews. Then enjoy the evening celebrating alongside everyone. Sailing regattas are well known for great entertainment, music, dancing and partying the night away!
The energetic atmosphere and camaraderie found at sailing regattas is second to none, and we promise you’ll have loads of fun whether you take first in class or last.