Why Race?
Beyond the obvious fun and challenge, learn about five of the life-enhancing benefits you can experience by racing with the Modern Sailing Racing Program in local yacht club races on San Francisco Bay.
1. Enhance your Skills
Sailboat racing is the perfect way to refine your sailing skills quickly. You will gain valuable experience even in the first two days with Modern Sailing's prerequisite Racing Clinic (available at both Sausalito and Berkeley locations). The Asymmetrical Spinnaker Clinic will quickly prepare you for racing action in any wind condition.
2. Flexible Participation
Our Tier 1 (drop-in) races are open to members and non-members, allowing you to participate at your own pace and convenience. These casual races accommodate your schedule.
3. Expert Guidance
Benefit from the expertise of a USCG-licensed race coach aboard. You'll hone your skill base and learn advanced steering, sail trim, and spinnaker skills. Our more experienced racers are happy to share their knowledge and help novice racers grow and learn. Sailing artfully in various conditions, strong currents, changing winds, and heavy boat traffic will become second nature.
4. Social Connection
Our Racing Program emphasizes continuous learning, teamwork, safety, and fun. Frequent participation will help you and your fellow racers have a blast fast-tracking your sailing skills.
After racing in at least three Tier 1 (drop-in) races, you will become eligible to join a Tier 2 Club Race Team. As a Club Race Team member committed to participating in a series of races, you'll get to know your role, teammates, skipper, and the boat, allowing you and the team to advance and excel in competitive racing. Tier 2 Club Race Teams are also the feeder program for our Tier 3 teams, allowing our most dedicated racers to compete in elite international competitions like the Rolex Big Boat Series.
As a team member, you'll have the opportunity to sail with and meet many other Bay Area sailors. We join other teams at local yacht clubs after races for awards ceremonies, refreshments, laughs, and sharing sailing stories.
5. Improve Health and Vitality
Sailing, and especially sailboat racing, is a great full-body exercise. Handling lines, steering, and moving about the boat engages every muscle in your body. Racing in particular necessitates quick thinking and fast responses, which can help to maintain and sharpen mental acuity. The continuous learning that comes with racing also promotes neuroplasticity, keeping your brain flexible, and able to more readily adapt and acquire new skills in other areas of your life.
All sailors know little else clears the mind and rejuvenates your spirit than being on a sailboat. Stress melts away when you enter a "flow state." Even in calm conditions, sailboat racing requires focus, invigorating the mind by giving it a break from mundane worries and everyday routine. Learn more about this benefit with the Discover Boating article "Your Brain on a Boat".
Bonus: Are you preparing for your ASA 104 course?
If you've recently completed your ASA 103, Basic Coastal Cruising certification at Modern Sailing, the Racing Clinic and the races count as co-skipper days earned towards your ASA 104, Bareboat Cruising six on-the-water days prerequisite.
Ready to race?
You can get started by joining our next Racing Clinic! If already completed, join our Drop-In Tier 1 Race Program.
Learn More about Modern's Racing Program - Clinics and Races Available in Sausalito and Berkeley
