The CYC is a full-service yacht club that offers members and visiting skippers a broad range of racing events. Racing calendars are coordinated with the other yacht clubs and organizations in Marblehead Harbor. One design racing is facilitated through the Marblehead Racing Association (MRA). Handicap racing occurs under Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) and IRC handicapping through the Massachusetts Bay Sailing Association.
Team Racing
Team racing is one of the fastest-growing and most popular forms of racing, with more action per minute than any other racing you will experience. Whether you race One Design or big boats, you will enjoy team racing. Team racing is also a great way to improve your skills including starting, tactics, boat handling, and understanding the rules. The CYC offers events for everyone including novices, juniors, masters, and experts. There are opportunities for members of any experience level with an emphasis on getting those new or inexperienced in team racing to join the fleet. Winter Frostbiting and Thursday's Harbor Challenge team racing are focused on learning all phases of team racing. All members are strongly encouraged to join, and a space will be made available for all who want to attend.
Due to the high maneuverability of the boat's design, the Sonar has become a popular boat for team racing competitions. Being home to the largest Sonar fleet in the world, Marblehead has adopted the Sonar as the team racing boat of choice.
Whether you have questions or would just like to chat about team racing, please email us. Hope to see you out there!
Fleet Racing
In collaboration with Eastern Yacht Club and Boston Yacht Club, and the Massachusetts Bay Sailing Association, CYC offers one-design fleet racing and handicap racing. Whether small dinghy sailing or big boat handicap racing, there are events for all ability levels and ages. There are a broad range of one-design fleets including Etchells, IOD, J/105, J/70, Rhodes 19, Town Class, Viper 640, Vanguard 15, Laser and Laser Radial.
One Design Racing
From May through September, One Design races are hosted by the CYC, Eastern Yacht Club and Boston Yacht Club. Active fleets racing regularly are Etchells, IOD, J/105, J/70, Rhodes 19, Town Class, Viper 640, Vanguard 15, Laser and Laser Radial. There are two-day regattas on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, and one-design fleets may be included in larger events such as the Storm Trysail Club's Ted Hood Regatta.
In 2014, CYC celebrated the 125th Anniversary of Marblehead Race Week. CYC started the event in 1889 and it remains as the longest-running small-boat regatta in the U.S. In 1997, Marblehead Race Week became part of the Sailing World's NOOD circuit consisting of six events throughout the U.S. Since teaming up with Sailing World, Marblehead consistently draws one of the largest numbers of entries on the NOOD circuit.
harbor racing calendar racing results marblehead racing association
Handicap Racing
With opportunities for week day evening races and week end regattas, sailors of all ages and abilities have the chance to get out on the water. Through support of Massachusetts Bay Sailing Association and MRA, big boat racing starts in May and continues into early October.
regatta registration & results via regattaman mass bay sailing association phrf new england
Twilight & Booth Racing
CYC hosts Twilight Racing on Tuesday and Thursday nights for the Town Class, and Rhodes 19. Sunday mornings welcome Town Class racing. Akin to the early days of racing, the starting line stretches from a fixed buoy in the harbor to a booth attached to the CYC clubhouse and uses a variety of government marks just off the mouth of Marblehead Harbor.
2024 Race Results
Sailing Instructions
Race Area Chart
Race Management
The CYC Race Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who have a reputation for running great races. During the off-season, members spend time learning and refreshing their knowledge of racing rules of sailing and in first aid and safety training courses. Serving on the Race Committee is a great way of learning about race management, watching some exciting racing, and giving back to your sport and to the club that you love. An argument has been made that it also makes you a better racer!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Race Committee invites you to experience what we do. We provide the opportunity for hands-on experience on the water learning not only race management but also other valuable on-the-water skills. Join the Race Committee to become part of a great group of volunteers!
