Rolex Big Boat Series

Six classic yachts have registered to participate in this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series. Among them are some well-known names such as Brigadoon, Hurrica V, and Ocean Queen.

While we're all excited to watch the modern fleets race, it's impossible not to stare as the Classics make their way around the course along the Cityfront.

Do you have a favorite from the Classics fleet? Share it below!

Let’s see your best FLASHBACK FRIDAY!

📸 1 - Phil Uhl: Downwind sailing at the 1981 Big Boat Series.
📸 2 - Phil Uhl: SWEET OKOLE, the 36’, looking good with Dean Treadway and crew during the 1981 Big Boat Series in San Francisco Bay.

These two shots from Phil Uhl will bring back memories for many of you - share your favorite Rolex Big Boat Series photo or memory in the comments!

Last year, the race management team brought some creativity to course selection, presenting fresh challenges for sailors who know the Bay well. Gerard Sheridan, Deputy Course Race Officer explained, “It was great to get back to running races on the western face of Alcatraz after a long multi-year break, which required us to rewrite a new set of courses. The racers also loved the new course out the Golden Gate Bridge to Point Bonita.”

RBBS is known for its iconic setting, its challenging racecourses that send sailors to all corners of San Francisco Bay and for drawing competition that fights all the way to the finish. This year that fight will be extended beyond the Golden Gate for the ORC divisions with the addition of a longer-distance Coastal Race on nearby waters and Gulf of the Farallons, weather depending.

ORC - Offshore Racing Congress

The exhilarating waters of San Francisco Bay never cease to challenge our sailors but at the end of the day we see smiles all around as teams enter the harbor and hit the docks, ready for a cold one with fellow team members and friends.

Let's be real..

It's tough to think of a better venue for a regatta than the St. Francis Yacht Club on the waterfront of stunning San Francisco Bay! The Golden Gate views, front row seats to the finish line and challenging sailing conditions can't be beat.

Will we see you in September? Comment with a ⛵️ if you're racing and a 👀 if you'll be spectating from shore.

FEAR OF MISSING OUT IS OVER FOR BACCHANAL

Rolex Sydney Hobart division winner JPK 11.80 Bacchanal, is owned and skippered by Ron Epstein, and he’s eager to see how his new boat performs in a race he knows well, having podiumed in 2023 and 2024 with his J/133 of the same name.
“I had a serious case of FOMO watching RBBS from shore in 2025, and I am so excited to be able to sail Bacchanal back in our home waters against such excellent competition,” said Epstein. “Having the ORC Championship hosted by RBBS this year is exciting and motivating, and should bring the best out of all the sailing teams,” he added, noting that his crew will be well-seasoned and in tune with their boat come September, having raced over 2,000 miles together in the past year.
“I am most looking forward to getting back on the racecourse with what we learned about ourselves and our boat in Australia and see how we do!”

👉 Will you be joining Bacchanal at the starting line this Rolex Big Boat Series? Register to race today!

San Francisco Bay becomes more than a backdrop…𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

Sit back, enjoy the view, take in the ocean air, and discover why sailing on San Francisco Bay at the Rolex Big Boat Series is one of the greatest experiences in American sailing.

St. Francis Yacht Club ORC - Offshore Racing Congress

Rolex Big Boat Series is known for its iconic setting, demanding racecourses that send sailors to every corner of San Francisco Bay, and competition that fights all the way to the finish. San Francisco Bay sets the stage for high-quality courses tailored to the conditions and each fleet, creating some of the most exciting racing in the sport.

If you aren’t registered yet, now’s the time to sign up and get ready for action-packed racing on San Francisco Bay.

St. Francis Yacht Club - Racing ORC - Offshore Racing Congress