Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club’s three-race series offers PHRF sailors multiple races each day between Balboa and Newport piers.
Competitive sailors still have two opportunities to compete in the 2026 Pier-to-Pier Series as Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club (BCYC) prepares to host the remaining races of its three-event summer series on Aug. 15 and Sept. 12.
The long-running series challenges PHRF racers on a stretch of water familiar to many Southern California sailors, with racing conducted between Balboa Pier and Newport Pier. Designed to test both boat handling and tactical decision-making, the event may feature one or more races on each scheduled race day, depending on conditions and decisions made by the race committee.
The Pier-to-Pier Series is organized by BCYC and is conducted under the Racing Rules of Sailing, applicable PHRF fleet rules and U.S. Sailing Near Shore Safety Equipment Requirements. Boats must carry a current, valid PHRF rating to compete and will be assigned to classes by the race committee using PHRF Area D Random Leg Course ratings, allowing a variety of sailboats to compete on corrected time.
The first warning signal is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on each race day, with any schedule changes posted online by 7:00 p.m. the evening before racing. Class assignments will also be posted online by 9:00 a.m. on race day.
The starting area will be located near Balboa Pier, where competitors are required to sail past the race committee boat before the first warning signal and hail their sail number to confirm their participation. Boats whose class has not yet been called to start are required to remain clear of the starting area.
One feature that distinguishes the Pier-to-Pier Series is its rolling-start format. Rather than waiting between class starts, the start signal for one fleet becomes the warning signal for the next, allowing races to move efficiently while keeping competitors on the water.
Courses will be assigned by the race committee, and different classes may sail different configurations using inflatable marks positioned offshore of Newport Beach. Unless otherwise directed, competitors will leave all marks to port.
The series also places an emphasis on consistency. Each race day counts toward the overall standings, and unlike many regattas, there are no throw-out races. Every score counts toward a boat’s final series total, making each day’s performance equally important.
Competitors who do not start, fail to finish, retire or are disqualified will receive points equal to one more than the number of starters in their class, further increasing the value of finishing every race.
Race officials have also adopted a One-Turn Penalty in place of the standard Two-Turn Penalty under the Racing Rules of Sailing. The modification allows competitors who commit an on-the-water rules infraction to take a single turn to exonerate themselves while continuing to race.
Time management will also be important. Boats have 30 minutes after the first finisher in their class completes the course to finish the race. Boats exceeding that limit will receive a Time Limit Expired (TLE) score.
Should a skipper wish to file a protest, competitors must notify the race committee immediately after finishing and identify the boat involved before submitting a written protest to BCYC within 60 minutes after the race committee boat docks.
For safety, any boat retiring from a race is required to notify the race committee on VHF Channel 68 or contact the BCYC race administrator before leaving the racing area. The race committee will monitor VHF Channel 16 for emergencies, and participating boats must carry at least $500,000 in third-party liability insurance.
The series entry fee is $30 per boat, and take-home trophies will be awarded following each day of racing, with overall series awards presented after the final event in September. Visiting competitors needing dockage before or after racing are encouraged to contact BCYC’s waterfront manager in advance, although dock space cannot be guaranteed.
With two race days remaining, the Pier-to-Pier Series offers Southern California sailors another opportunity to enjoy competitive racing close to home while testing their skills on one of Orange County’s most recognizable race courses. Competitors can find the Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, class assignments and event updates through Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club’s racing website.
