Registration closes August 31.
For sailors who’ve competed in Rolex Big Boat Series over its 60-year history, “It’s the most fabulous event there is, period," according to Chris Perkins, who’s raced it since the 1980s and is the 2024 Commodore of event host St. Francis Yacht Club.
What makes it fabulous? Epic, breeze-on conditions over four days of racing, dynamic racecourses managed by a world-class race committee and outstanding parties hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club. Perkins hasn’t committed to a boat yet, but he’s fired up for the full schedule of events, on and off the water. “I just love the event. You know it’s time for Big Boat Series because the weather starts changing,” says Perkins, a multi-year winner in the J/105 fleet who, last year, served as helm on Shepard Kett’s Santa Cruz 50 Octavia, which won the St. Francis Perpetual Trophy and a Rolex timepiece.
It's not too late to join the party on San Francisco Bay, September 11-15, 2024, at this legendary racing destination. To be a part of celebrating its iconic 60th year, sign up before entries close at 2100 hours on Saturday, August 31.
SKIPPERS, DON'T SKIP THESE DEADLINES
August 15: Docking Requests due. Dockage during this event is limited and only requests made by August 15 will be accommodated. Make Docking Request.
August 17-18: Tune up at StFYC’s Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta
August 31: Entries Close. Register Now!
September 4: Team Trophy Entries Due. Register Now!
September 4: Crew List Due. Submit here.
RSVP for Thursday Rolex Owners Dinner: Call 415-563-6363 or frontdesk@stfyc.com.
RSVP for Saturday Crew Dinner: Call 415-563-6363 or frontdesk@stfyc.com.
WELCOME ORC NEWCOMERS & VETERANS
Over 60 years, many boats across multiple classes have returned to the start line, such as the Bill Lee legend Merlin, which first won its division in 1980 and is back to test the ORC fleet this year. And every year newcomers join the battle, like John Brynjolfsson who bought the TP52 Saga in 2021, completed a restoration and is now regularly racing in the West Coast offshore scene. A lifelong sailor who got his start at 15-years-old in a community boating program on Boston’s Charles River, Brynjolfsson sold his racer-cruiser to upgrade to Saga, a grand prix TP52 built for the Super Series in 2006 that competed for years until the class updated its box rules.
“The TP52 is the pinnacle of pure race boats. I was able to buy Saga in relatively miserable condition. We spent about a year rebuilding her and getting a true combination of amateurs and pros up to speed racing her,” Brynjolfsson, who resides in San Diego, said. “We won the Barn Door Trophy at the recent Pac Cup, and it was humbling to see our boat on a plaque along with legendary boats like Pyewacket, Zephyrus and Rage. It was helpful that my delivery captain explained that, in order to get the boat back from Hawaii, we would basically end up in San Francisco, so the timing was perfect to race the 60th edition of RBBS!”
"In order to get the boat back from Hawaii we would basically end up in San Francisco, so the timing was perfect to race the 60th edition of RBBS!”
John Brynjolfsson, TP52 Saga
Saga will race in the ORC fleet and carry 16 to 18 crew, about double what the boat requires to sail offshore, and his regulars are jumping at the opportunity to sail in St. Francis Yacht Club’s famed venue.
“This is the first time that Saga will race RBBS; buoy racing on a TP52 is challenging and the anticipated big winds will add to that, but for me, personally, it’s all about the crew and the team,” Brynjolfsson concurred. “I love to empower my crew and especially the amateurs, who appreciate not only the chance to sail on a TP52 but learning from the Olympic-caliber pros on board.”
Also racing in the ORC fleet is Rogers 46 Lucky Duck. This is the eighth Rolex Big Boat Series for owner Dave MacEwen, Chair of StFYC’s Executive Race Committee, and he says it’s just as thrilling now as it was the first time. Lucky Duck was out of commission in 2023, but is in fine racing form in 2024, winning this year’s Southern California Islands Race, taking third in the 1000-mile Puerto Vallarta Race, and first in division and second overall in the Pac Cup. Preparation will involve transitioning the boat from offshore mode into inshore mode and, like Saga, with plenty of crew.
"RBBS is always a ton of fun, with big winds and great competition."
Dave MacEwen, Rogers 46 Lucky Duck
“RBBS is always a ton of fun, with big winds and great competition,” MacEwen enthused about the ORC fleet, which numbers nearly 30 boats and will be split based on rating qualifications. Additionally, the top three positions in each ORC Class will be awarded titles and trophies in recognition for the 2024 ORC West Coast Championship. “We have a few new boats this year to race against, including Saga, which will be fun. We’ve only raced against Custom RP56 Vasara once before and they’ll be big and fast. There should be good competition in that large fast boat category. The J/125 Arsenal is a team that we race against on a regular basis so we will have good competition with them for sure. Merlin will be out there with us, which is always exciting. We always sail with the same group to keep it as consistent as possible!”
DON'T MISS THE FUN
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REGISTER TO RACEEntries close August 31, 2024 at 2100 hours. |
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SHORT ON CREW? NEED A BOAT?Check out the latest postings on the RBBS Crew and Charter Board. If you're looking to crew, add a listing with your qualifications. |
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DOCKING REQUESTS ARE DUEAll Docking Requests are due August 15 and no accommodations will be made after that date. |
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RSVP FOR THE CREW DINNERThe Saturday night Crew Dinner at St. Francis Yacht Club sells out every year—don't miss it! Reserve your table at 415-563-6363 or at frontdesk@stfyc.com. |
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KICK OFF THE FUN AT SWIFTSURE REGATTATune up your crew and tactics at the Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta, August 17-18, at St. Francis Yacht Club. |
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RACE SOUTH AFTER RBBSStick around and race south in the Aldo Alessio Offshore Regatta, September 21, from St. Francis Yacht Club to San Diego, with gates along the coast. |
