Vallejo Yacht Race 2006

San Francisco Sailing Photography SFBayImages.com
Aerial Vallejo Yacht Race 2006 Photo by SFBayImages.com

San Francisco and San Pablo Bays will once again fill with colorful sails (and sailors) the weekend of May 6th and May 7th , as the Vallejo Yacht Club hosts the 106th running of the Vallejo Race, kicking off another season of racing on the Bay for 2006. One of the oldest and largest inland waters sailing competitions in the USA, this Yacht Racing Association sanctioned race draws as many as 300-400 sailboats and their crews to compete in One design and PHRF divisions. Sailors test their skills against each other and the elements, as they attempt to sail the fastest times from San Francisco's central bay to the Vallejo Yacht Club located near the mouth of the Napa River at the top of the Bay.

Then, after a night of Festivities, Live Music and Partying at the VYC Clubhouse, the boats and their crews race back to the Central Bay on Sunday. Originally a small, informal race between the Bay Area's turn-of-the-century yachting and boating clubs, the Vallejo Race grew to huge proportions and has now subsided to a consistent 300-400 boat race which is officially recognized as the YRA Vallejo Race which opens San Francisco Bay's sailboat racing season.

This year's saturday race will present a challenge with a near max ebb at the start that will preceed the racers all the way to the Mare Island Channel entrance. There they should find their first relief with a slack turning to flood for the finish in front of the clubhouse. Let's hope for a good breeze that will give the fleet a push through the ebb during the early stages of the race. conditions for Sunday's return race will be much more favorable with a high tide in the morning to help get all the boats out of the harbor and a strong ebb on the river to sweep the fleet onto San Pablo Bay and the rest of the way to the the finish off the Marin Islands. This should be a fast one!

VYC offers a harbor depth of about 6 ft at MLLW. We'll accommodate, at no charge, all boats (under 50' LOA) wishing to "Raft Up" (for free) in the VYC harbor and enjoy being in the midst of the party! Those who may prefer the quiet & convenience of a slip may contact the Vallejo Municipal Marina (707-648-4370) which will welcome them (for a modest fee). - No rafting at the public marina so make your reservations early.

For additional information on the Festivities and amenities available in and around VYC and Vallejo, ant the race itself, click on the following links:

Local & Club Ammenities

The Race & The Party!

For further information, please contact the Vallejo Yacht Club at 707-643-1254. (FAX 707-643-1365)