Regattas

Racing at the AYC is a growing and vibrant part of the club and sailing community culture.  Each of our fleets has created opportunities for members, youth, and guests to participate.   Every year we have non-members who are “AYC curious” get a chance to come race in their own boats, volunteer, or even have opportunities to take advantage of loaner-boat opportunities as a pathway to experience the AYC community.   

We welcome interest from members and guests from all ages.   Email regatta@americanyachtclub.org for more information!

Joppa Flats One Design and mixed fleet racing- The American Yacht club hosts competitive one design and handicap dinghy racing all summer long on the Joppa Flats.  

Our largest fleet is the ILCA/Laser one design fleet.  Sailors from the ages of 13 to 73 compete in the Full, Radial, and 4.7M rigs.  Some local guests even launch from the Joppa Flats ramp to join us! From intermediate sailors trying the ILCA for the first time, to racers with decades of experience, this is a great fleet and the Joppa Flats are a perfect venue for these  fun boats.

We also have a growing Fleet of 2.4m single handed sloops.  From the class website- “The 2.4 meter is perhaps the best, most fun single handed boat you will ever sail. The best thing about the 2.4 meter is that each sailor competes on an equal level of sailing ability – not agility. Some have called this boat “the great equalizer” because it really levels the playing field for sailors of all ages and abilities.”  The Fleet captain is always prepared to introduce new sailors into this sweet boat!

Finally, there are opportunities for all other sailing dinghies and small racers in our developing “mixed” fleet.  Any sailboat under 20’ is welcome to participate, from beautiful antique classics to well known racers like the Lightning, Thistle, or Flying Scot.  This fleet is looking to grow!

PHRF Handicap Keelboat Racing

Racers and Cruisers alike enjoy fun competition in our three annual Keelboat regattas: Save a Sailor, the Rum Run, and the classic Chet Young Regatta.   These races have historically been a wonderful venue to let skippers and crews face off for racing during the day, then gather for some of the most enjoyable post race parties of the year!

Race Committee Volunteering

The Joppa Flats and PHRF racing are supported by a dedicated crew of volunteers that enjoy watching and supporting the racers on the water by getting involved in Race Committee.  This can be a chance for the non-racers to be part of the exciting regatta community, or for sailors to “pay it forward” by supporting our growing racing traditions

If you would like to crew, please fill out this form, and we'll provide your details to skippers looking for crew. 

2025 Schedule

The 2025 schedules can be found here: Dingy Racing and 2025 Summer Season Calendar.