Regattas: a guide to yachting and sailing

Yacht racing in the history of world sports

Competitive games have been known since ancient times, and boat racing is no exception. The first mentions of oar boat racing date back to the times of Ancient Egypt. The modern concept of "regatta" is closer to our time.

A regatta is a competition on sailing boats. The term itself comes from the Venetian language, from the verb regarate, which means “to compete,” “bargain,” or “to retail.” One of the first regattas, the rules of which were similar to modern ones, took place in 1740. The competition participants were Venetian gondoliers.

Gradually, regattas gained popularity - from the middle of the 19th century, regattas on sailing and rowing boats began to be held in the British Empire, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. By the beginning of the 20th century, regattas reached the Scandinavian countries, the USA, Canada and Latin American countries.

Types of regattas

Regattas, like any other sport, are held to determine the strongest among yachtsmen. However, unlike classical sports, where the key role is played by the athlete's physical skills, in regattas the most important component is the yacht itself.

As in automobile racing series, regattas are strictly divided by types and classes of yachts, sailing areas, and crew compositions. Particularly serious requirements are placed on the designs and types of yachts in each individual competition. If a team's boat is entered for the Maxi Yacht Regatta Series but its performance does not meet the established class standard, the team will be disqualified.

Navigation area

There are usually four types of regattas: around the world, ocean, sea and local. Around the world regattas are the most difficult and longest; During such a regatta, boat crews can change, although there are also completely single round-the-world regattas. These competitions cover almost the entire globe - participants start, for example, in La Rochelle and must travel around all the oceans before returning to their starting point.

The ocean regatta sets itself the task of identifying the fastest sailor within a particular ocean. The same goes for offshore and local racing. The rules of each regatta are individual, and the goals facing the participants may differ.

Yacht type

Different types of yachts can participate in one regatta, each with its own qualifications. On the starting line you can see monohulls up to 12 meters long, maxi yachts, foilers, catamarans and trimarans. Although there are usually separate competitions for each hull type, there are exceptions.

Each type of case also has separate classes. For example, monohulls are divided according to the length of the yachts, the number of masts, and the presence or absence of foils. Among the classes of keelboats and yachts you can find:

• 12 meters
• 5.5 Meter
• Class40
• IMOCA 60
• J/111, J/22, J/70, J/80

and many others.

Typically, the class name includes the length of the boat, indicated by a number. There are also separate classes dedicated to the Olympic Games.

Professionalism of the participants

Regattas also vary in the level of training of participants. As in any other sport, there is a division into professional, amateur and mixed regattas. In professional competitions, participants are subject to more stringent requirements for skills and experience; in amateur competitions, this qualification is not so severe.

Crew composition

Sailing competitions have another classification - according to crew composition. Regattas can be solo or as part of a team. Competitions for different ages may also be held. One example of age-related regattas is youth competitions on Optimist class yachts, in which young yachtsmen and female yachtsmen take part. The formation of exclusively women's teams and sporting events with their participation is also becoming increasingly popular.

The most famous regattas

Today, regattas are one of the most popular types of sports competitions. Small and medium-sized regattas are held annually, and larger competitions with participants from all over the world are held a little less often. Preparations for such events are thorough and long; athletes hone their skills and improve their boats. 

Rolex Regatta Series

The Rolex regattas have a long history and have not always been united by a big name. The most popular and oldest regatta in the series is the Fastnet Race. It is held every two years, in August. Next year, the regatta will celebrate its centenary. The race got its name in honor of the rock that yachtsmen must cross during the competition.

Another famous regatta in the series is the Rolex Sydney Hobart. The competition is considered one of the most difficult of all offshore races on the planet. Due to difficult weather conditions, the number of finishing participants is very different from the number of boats at the start. Rolex Sydney Hobart is held annually in January.

The latest regatta in the Rolex series is the Middle Sea Race, which is held annually. The route runs around Sicily, and during the race, sailors pass near the active volcano Strombili.

America's Cup

The America's Cup is rightfully considered one of the most prestigious and popular regattas in the world. It is the world's oldest international sporting competition, predating even the first America's Cup by 20 years and the modern Olympic Games by almost half a century.

The first America's Cup regatta took place on August 22, 1851. Over its history, the class of yachts on which the competition is held has changed several times. Until the 1930s, yachts ranging from 65 to 90 feet (20-27 meters) in length participated. During World War II, the competition was suspended and resumed only in 1958 with the participation of smaller yachts.

In recent years, the America's Cup has been held on hydrofoil catamarans, which has caused legal disputes and discussions among the organizers. The regatta is held every four years.

Vendee globe

Vendee Globe is a solo round-the-world regatta. The main feature of the regatta is the fact that the journey takes place without stops and without outside assistance. Due to the difficult conditions of the southern latitudes, where the main part of the route takes place, the regatta is called the “Everest of sailing”.

Participants start and finish in the port of Les Sables d'Olonne, France. The regatta route in general follows the route along which clipper ships transporting wool plied in the 19th century. The main competition class is Open 60. 

Entering the race is not much easier than completing it. Due to the harsh conditions, the organizers make strict demands on the health and experience of participants. A potential applicant must either have completed a previous Vendee Globe or another trans-oceanic regatta, or have qualified for at least 2,500 nautical miles at an average speed of 7 knots. It is mandatory to undergo a medical examination and sea survival courses. The race is held every 4 years. 

There are many more sailing races, which attract thousands of spectators and participants every year. We talked about the 5 most high-profile yacht regattas, but the list is not limited to them. Before participating, we encourage you to review the terms and requirements of each regatta in detail to find the one that best suits your skill level and interests.

Regattas are an integral part of yachting and sailing, so at least once in your life you need to try your hand at sailing competitions. Even if these are amateur swims, you will get an unforgettable and valuable experience.

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08.08.2024