Santa Barbara City Race and Tequila Derby Sailing Instructions 2026

Ratings-  Make sure the Race Officer has BOTH of your ratings.

Check In:  Before the start on CH: 68. Please Monitor CH: 68 throughout the race.

The Start To SB-  Fri. 9/25 @  11:00 at the Mandalay Spar  N 34 12.5  W 119 16.5   The start line will be an imaginary line starting at the spar drawn perpendicular to the beach. The countdown will be announced over the radio. If you are over early more than ONE boat length, do THREE penalty turns as soon as safe and clear of traffic. Each penalty turn will include one tack and one jibe.

Note: If the wind is light at the start, we may decide to motor for an hour or two at say 5 kts. speed over ground to ensure we reach SB at a reasonable hour.  If motoring is required it will be announced over the radio on CH: 68.

The Finish- Will be at the SBYC finish line which is marked by 3 buoys extending outward to sea in line with the SBYC balcony.  The location of the middle buoy is N 34 23.876  W 119 41.344.  Finish anywhere between the beach side Buoy (G) and middle buoy (F).  When you’re abeam, take your own time with a PHOTOGRAPH of GPS or cellphone ATOMIC CLOCK, and text PHOTO to Mike Taylor – 805-469-1936.  I’ll figure the results which will be available at the dock party which will commence around 7 pm.  If you DNF send a text with that information. The course distance is 23.5 nm.

The Dock Party- There will be Margaritas! If you want to drink something else please BYO plus some to share. The idea behind the Hors D’oerves at the party is to have enough to substitute for Dinner.  Tired Sailors would probably not want to go searching for a restaurant. I’m suggesting that each boat bring a party platter.  Some Suggestions are-  A veggie platter with dip, a fruit platter, tortilla chips with guac and salsa, a salami and cheese platter and crackers, a 7 layer dip, etc.   Please let me know what you will be bringing so we don’t have duplicates. Feel Free to suggest one of your favorites.

Tequila Derby Start-   Sunday, 9/27 @ 12:00.  The start will be between Buoys F and G of the SBYC start/finish line- the same line we used to finish on Friday. The countdown will be given over the radio on 68.  Try not to be over early. Any boat over early no more than a boat length will be forgiven. If you are over early more than ONE boat length, do THREE penalty turns as soon as safe and clear of traffic. Each penalty turn will include one tack and one jibe.

TQ Derby Finish- Heading S/E, pass within 100 ft. on shore side of the Mandalay Spar.  When you’re abeam, take your own time with a PHOTOGRAPH of gps or cellphone ATOMIC CLOCK, and text PHOTO to Mike Taylor – 805-469-1936.  I’ll figure the results which will be available at the AYC Open Mic Night at 7:00 pm.  If you DNF send a text with that information. The course distance is 23.5 nm.

Trophies- There will be 1st and 2nd Place Trophies for each race.  Trophies will be presented TBD at the AYC Open Mic Night and Dinner.

Race Contact: Mike Taylor 805-469-1936.

2nd Contact: Marshall Murphy 805-509-3784