Coral Reef Yacht Club is globally acknowledged for its premier race management as host of world-class regattas and for providing exceptional hospitality to visiting yachtsmen. How has our “young” club achieved recognition among the old and established yacht clubs such as the Royal Yacht Squadron (1815) and their Fastnet Race, the New York Yacht Club (1844) and their America’s Cup?

The answer is in the legacy left us by our founding Commodore Ed Christiansen. His mission for the new club, “To create a better yacht club...to promote regattas and other types of marine competition.” Since its inception our race committee has been dedicated to the best possible race management. We have been selected to provide world championship regattas for the elite Star, Etchell and Lightning classes as well as many continental and national championships. Two prestigious annual regattas are the signature events of the Coral Reef race committee, the Bacardi Cup and the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta.

The historic Bacardi Cup regatta for the Star class originated in Havana in 1927. Forced to leave Cuba by the Castro regime, the event was transferred to Coral Reef Yacht Club in 1962. Described by Star sailors as, “The Star World Championship without the hassle!” The unbridled joy expressed by Paul Cayard, World Champion of the Star and seven other classes, upon winning the “Bacardi” after competing for 45 years speaks to the special place the regatta holds in sailing. The race committee is also host to an annual Star class series that includes the popular Masters and Mid-Winter regattas.

The Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta is the largest youth regatta in the Western Hemisphere with 700 sailors from more than twenty countries. Held annually every December at Coral Reef since 1980, the event is referred to as a “rite-of-passage” for the international top-tier of young sailors. Host Coral Reef emphasizes international camaraderie and fun for the young skippers. The race committee simultaneously manages four separate race courses to accommodate the large number of competitors.

If you enjoy the excitement and camaraderie afforded by sailing, the race committee invites you to join us. The committee meets every third Tuesday, once a month from September through May. No experience is necessary, we will train you. You will find participation will provide you with a rewarding experience, making friends and being a part of the tradition of our club as we proudly host sailors from around the world.

Whether you're an experienced race official, a seasoned boater, or simply looking for a rewarding way to become more involved in Club life, the Coral Reef Yacht Club Race Committee welcomes new volunteers.

Race Committee members support some of the most prestigious sailing events in the world, serving aboard signal boats, mark boats, safety vessels, and in shoreside roles such as registration, scoring, hospitality, and event operations. No prior experience is required—our experienced volunteers provide training and mentorship, making it easy to learn and become part of the team.

Beyond supporting world-class regattas, Race Committee members enjoy camaraderie, time on the water, and the satisfaction of contributing to one of Coral Reef Yacht Club's most respected traditions.

To learn more about joining the Race Committee, please contact:

Sharon Bourke
Race Committee Chair
[email protected]

2026-2027 Coral Reef

Racing Schedule

May be subject to change. 

Additional local races can be viewed at https://www.bbyra.net/calendar

Click HERE to see a pictoral of our Club's Perpetual Trophies

The Center of Effort and The Dockwalloper are awarded to CRYC Members

 

Center of Effort Award

Awarded annually for dedication and outstanding contributions to the
Coral Reef Yacht Club Race Committee.
It was established in 1996.

- In Memory of Clint Hamilton -

Dockwalloper Award

QUI DESCENDUNT MARE IN NAUIBUS
IPSI BIDERUNT OPERA DOMINI
ET MIRABILIS ELIUS IN PROFUNDO

The DOCKWALLOPER AWARD is presented annually by CORAL REEF YACHT CLUB to a Member or spouse whose leadership in connection with amateur yacht racing, under sail, in bay or ocean, merits special recognition. It was established in 1961.