In this guide, we cover some of the different types of keelboat racing.
- Twilight racing – Social evening (or afternoon) racing held throughout the summer months. Often two-sail, but sometimes with the option of using a spinnaker.
- Club racing – Weekend racing hosted by your local yacht club. Generally more competitive than twilight racing, but still a social form of sailing.
- Windward leeward – Windward leeward courses consist of an upwind and a downwind leg, each sailed 1 to 4 times. These are short, fast races where precision is key.
- Passage – A race of varying distance that passes around multiple marks – buoys or landmarks – usually encompassing multiple points of sail.
- One design – Competitive, fast and generally close racing using a single type of yacht. Class rules determine allowable crew numbers, sail and vessel requirements.
- Regatta – Multiple races held over several days – the race format can vary. Generally quite competitive, with an overall winner determined for the event.
- Match racing – A race between two identical yachts going head-to-head. Match racing is a race of strategy and tactics with one goal – finish before your competitor.
- Offshore – A long distance race held over many days or even weeks. Held in open waters, navigation, endurance and experience are critical in offshore racing.
Want to learn about different types of sailing? Read our post 6 Ways to Get Involved in Sailing (with Lessons Learned from my Personal Journey).