Racing Program
The Anacortes Yacht Club racing program consists of five general areas:
1 - Buoy Racing
2 - Distance Racing
3 - Tulip Regatta
4 - Windermere Regatta
5 - Lido 14/ One Design Racing
The buoy racing program is scheduled each Wednesday night from April 30 until September 24. The buoy races are typically run in Fidalgo Bay using a windward-leeward course setup. 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 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 start at 09:30 and can be quite challenging at times due to adverse wind, waves and currents.
The club supports two regattas - the Tulip and Windermere Regattas. 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 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.
