Want to sail this weekend?

February 27, 6:13 PMSF Sailing ExaminerEdward Killeen

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Doesn't get much smaller than an El Toro

There is always some sailing happening on San Francisco Bay.  Sure, most of the big races and events don't start until Spring, but there is always something. 

This Saturday (February 28th) is a great chance to get out on boats for free with Sail a Small Boat Day at the Richmond Yacht Club.  Dozens of boats are lined up waiting to take out interested soon-to-be-sailors to show them how much fun these small boats can be.  Small is subjective, ranging from 8' dinghies to 22' keelboats.  What they all have in common is fun and affordability.

UPDATE: due to a recent storm-related sewage spill near Richmond, the Sail a Small Boat Day (and I believe the RYC mid-winters) has been cancelled.

Affordability is key to these boats.  As Tom Burden says, "It is no conicidence that this affordable end of the racing scene is turning out large fleets."  You don't have to buy a fancy 40' all carbon racing yacht with titanium this and unobtainium that to have fun sailing and racing against other boats.   Buy a small boat, put it on a trailer and hit a new race every weekend.  Check out the YRA's (Yacht Racing Association) master calendar to see just how many races there are!

A quick perusal shows 9 races this weekend, including the Sadie Hawkins (women drivers only) at the Island Yacht Club on the Estuary in Alameda.  Add a bunch of mid-winters and the usual beercans and you can find a race on any corner of the Bay this weekend.

But to get started, go to Richmond, bring warm dry clothes and a PFD, and sail a small boat.