Race Overview

Racing At Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club

Racing at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club has a long history in bringing members, men and women, closer together through friendly competition and post race activities. Our fleet has boats at all levels of competition so there is always a way to feel comfortable or challenged at any of our race events.

The major events of our racing season are:

The Wednesday Night Series:

There are 15 races, from May through August, starting in late afternoon. These races are held with neighboring Cedar Point Yacht Club, and includes both Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions. The competition is strong and we learn from each other how to sail faster and smarter. The races are followed by a dinner at SHYC, which is open to non-racers as well.

The Commodore's Cup Weekend:

This is the highlight of the racing calendar. Spread over four days, it is comprised of a Singlehanded Race, a Double handed Woman at the Helm Race, and a weekend series of races in both Spinnaker and Corinthian divisions competing for the Commodore's Cup. A dinner is held each night after the race, with Saturday evening being a special Crab Feast !

The Saugatuck Harbor Cup:

This is a Double-Handed Race with a woman at the helm! This race is an open invitational for all YRA Members with a current PHRF certificate.   This year's event will be September 14th.

RSVP Here to participate.

Frost Point Regatta:

In July four local clubs compete in a one-day, three-race series pitting the three best boats from each club in that year against each other. This is racing at a high level and worth coming out to watch if you're not competing on one of our boats.

Evening Race:

At the last full moon of late July or early August we run the evening race. This is a longer distance race that starts before sundown and finishes in the early hours of the morning depending on wind and course distance. This is a great event to hone navigation and weather skills in what is always an amazing night on the water.

Challenge Cup:

Our last club race of the season, held in early September, the Challenge Cup draws a broad range of sailors from Saugatuck in a friendly competition. There are no white knuckle starts, just good fun and often a good breeze and a last chance for silver.

Many of our cruisers also hone their skills on race night, either by sailing their own boats or crewing with other members. Members who are power boaters often join the race boats as crew, a refreshing difference at Saugatuck which serves to reinforce our community as one of boaters without regard to the sail - power divide. In addition, our power boats support the race program by participating as committee and mark boats.

Whatever your interest, there is a place for you in the Saugatuck Harbor racing program.