Wednesday Night Racing · Boston Harbor
Rookie Class
A new Rookie Class has been established to encourage participation by sailors who are new to racing — providing a more welcoming, low-pressure entry point into Wednesday Night Racing on Boston Harbor.
Why Race with Us
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1
Boston Harbor
18 weeks of inner harbor racing from May through September — one of the most unique and addicting sailing venues in New England.
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2
Your Own Scoreboard
The Rookie Class is scored separately, so you're competing against crews at the same experience level — not seasoned veterans.
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3
A Welcoming Community
CYC is known for its Corinthian Spirit. Win or lose, every Wednesday ends with good company on and off the water.
Who Qualifies
Crew Experience
No more than 33% of the crew — including the skipper — may have more than 3 years of sailboat racing experience.

Racing experience includes club racing, regattas, collegiate racing, offshore racing, or similar competitive sailing events.
Declaration
The skipper must declare intent to compete in the Rookie Class at registration or prior to the first warning signal of the race. Crew information may be requested by the Fleet Captain or Race Committee.
Sail Rules
To keep the class fair and focused on development:
  • No new sails — sails must be more than 3 racing seasons old.
  • One mainsail, one jib/genoa, and one spinnaker per race.
  • The Fleet Captain may request confirmation of sail age.
Scoring & Eligibility
The Rookie Class may be scored separately or combined with other classes at the Fleet Captain's discretion. The Fleet Captain retains full discretion over eligibility and may move a vessel out of the class if the crew's experience level exceeds its intended purpose.
The Rules at a Glance
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Max 33% Experienced
At most one in three crew members (including the skipper) may have more than 3 years of racing experience.
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No New Sails
Sails must be more than 3 racing seasons old. One main, one jib/genoa, one spinnaker per race.
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Declare at Sign-Up
Declare your Rookie Class intent at registration or before the first warning signal. That's it.
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Separate Scoring
Rookie boats compete on their own scoreboard against crews at the same experience level.
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Fleet Captain Oversight
The Fleet Captain has final say on eligibility to ensure the class stays true to its developmental spirit.
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Spirit of the Class
This class is about growing together, not gaming the system. Respect the letter and spirit of the rules.
How to Get Started
  • 1
    Get a rating certificate

    All Wednesday Night Racing boats need an ORR-EZ handicap certificate. Apply through Regattaman before registering for the season.

    Apply for ORR-EZ Certificate
  • 2
    Register for the season

    Sign up for the 2026 season pass on Regattaman. Declare your intent to race in the Rookie Class at registration.

    Register for 2026 Season Pass
  • 3
    Find crew if you need them

    Don't have a full boat yet? Use the CYC Crew Finder to connect with local sailors looking to race.

    CYC Crew Finder
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    Show up and sail

    Wednesday nights, May through September. First race of the Spring Series is May 27th. Come ready to race, learn, and have fun.

    Wednesday Night Racing Info
The Spirit of the Rookie Class

The Rookie Class is intended to support sailors and crews who are new to racing and provide a comfortable and encouraging environment to develop racing skills. All competitors are expected to respect both the letter and spirit of these rules.

Get in Touch
Fleet Captain
Ryan Wagner
ryan.a.wagner@outlook.com
Race Chair
Nick Balta
nicholasbalta@gmail.com

You can also reach any member of the CYC Board.

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