An amateur sailing regatta is a team competition where beginners compete, led by an experienced captain. It is an exciting and emotional experience that involves the sun, sea, wind, and the biggest adventure! No special experience is required to participate in amateur regattas. Many participants first get acquainted with the world of yachting precisely through participation in a sailing regatta in Barcelona. An experienced “salted” captain is always present on board the yacht and trains inexperienced “green” yachtsmen. In a couple of days, beginners become quite smart sailors.
THE RACE FORMAT: 5-10 YACHTS WITH 6-8 PERSON CREWS
The amateur sailing regatta takes place during the week and is attended by 5-10 yachts. All participants are divided into crews – teams of 6-8 people, led by an experienced captain. The team at the regatta is not only the distribution of responsibilities and the ability to quickly and accurately work together. This is a joint life, participation in team competitions on the shore, the common joy of victory, and the bitterness of defeat. During the regatta, the teams, competing, move from bay to bay.
The first day of the regatta includes check-in on the yacht and a training trip to the sea. Then, there are 5 racing days, and on the last day, the yachts are handed over and the winners are awarded. Each race usually lasts 3-5 hours, depending on weather conditions. After the race, participants can swim to their heart’s content. In the evening, there are competitions, awarding the winners of the day, and dinner.
RACE PLANNING AND JUDGING
The judging team plans the race distance – the place of start and finish of the race and the route of the sailing regatta. Judges conduct the starting procedure, monitor compliance with the rules during the race, record the finish time, and sum up the daily results of the competition.
LIVING ON BOARD: YACHTS AS HOMES FOR THE WEEK
All week the teams live on yachts. The yacht is a real house, only a small one. The yacht has a kitchen with dishes, a stove, a refrigerator, and a sink, a saloon with a common table and comfortable sofas, cabins, a toilet, and a shower with hot water.
The yacht has a CD, MP3 player, and video screen. Bed linen and towels are provided upon check-in on the yacht. Life jackets, tethers, and rescue equipment are included. 12V electricity is available on board, and 220V is if there is an inverter on the yacht.
The number of crew members on board depends on the size of the yacht. Usually, it is 6-10 people. Accommodation in cabins is double – often it is one large bed for two. Teams prepare breakfasts and lunches themselves from pre-purchased products. The team is judged, in many ways, by the cleanliness on board the yacht. Therefore, the team independently monitors the order, cleanliness, and beauty of the yacht.
EVENINGS AT THE SAILING REGATTA: GAMES, COMPETITIONS, AND AWARDS
After the race, all yachts stop in the marina or on the pier in the bay, where there is a restaurant and a shower toilet on the shore. Dinners are held in cozy coastal restaurants right at the pier.
All participants of the sailing regatta can prove themselves not only in the race but also compete in wit with rivals and friends on the shore. In the evening, there are team games, joke competitions, inflatable boat races, and of course, the most exciting moment of the evening is the daily awards ceremony. During the ceremony, the winners of the day are announced and awarded prizes, while the losers are cheered up with encouraging words from their fellow competitors.
WHAT IS A SAILING FLOTILLA?
A sailing flotilla, on the other hand, is a group of yachts that follow a pre-determined route, usually led by an experienced instructor on the flagship yacht. The main objective of a sailing flotilla is to enjoy the sea and explore new destinations, without the competitive element of a sailing regatta. Participants can use this opportunity to practice their sailing skills, gain experience and confidence, and get to know like-minded people.
Joining a sailing flotilla is a great option for novice skippers who have just graduated and obtained a skipper license. It’s an opportunity to gain experience and make sure their own skills and abilities are sufficient for independent sailing trips. Additionally, participants get to explore new destinations and enjoy the company of fellow sailors.
Whether you choose to participate in an amateur sailing regatta or join a sailing flotilla, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on the sea. From the excitement of the race to the joy of exploring new destinations, sailing offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. So gather your crew and set sail on your next adventure!
