Racing

racing division

Racing at Botany Bay Yacht Club

Botany Bay’s expansive waters provide exceptional conditions for yacht racing. With minimal land interference and consistently true winds, it’s the perfect setting for Olympic‑style and windward‑leeward courses. Whether you’re an experienced racer or new to the sport, BBYC offers an extensive and well‑run racing program for sailors of all levels.

Our racing is competitive without being intimidating. Sail hard and enjoy being on the water with like‑minded sailors. From casual club racing to series events and regattas, there’s something for everyone with bay, transit (passage), sprint, and non‑spinnaker races. With a mixed keelboat and sportsboat fleet ranging from 5–11m (15’–36’), we use the Top Yacht handicap system to keep things fair.

Our racing program

BBYC Racing Calendar

BBYC runs a year‑round racing calendar, including:

Regular weekend club racing
Seasonal racing series
Special events and regattas
Participation opportunities for skippers and crew

Racing is conducted across suitable divisions to ensure fair and enjoyable competition, and new boats and sailors are always welcome.

Why race at BBYC

Why Race at BBYC?

Spacious and uncrowded racing areas on Botany Bay
Minimal land effects ideal for fair and competitive racing
Friendly, supportive race management
A strong community atmosphere both on and off the water
Opportunities to build skills, confidence, and crew connections

Racing Requirements

You’ll need to complete a category 7 equipment audit to show your vessel has essential safety equipment and have insurance which covers twilight (non spinnaker) and/ or racing. Please contact us<link> if you have questions, would like an experienced crew member to get started and to arrange a pre-race briefing to run through the courses, start sequences and some local knowledge. Courses and conditions of sailing are detailed in the BBYC Blue Book

Friday Twilight Racing

Summer twilight racing is a great way to end the week and hone your sailing skills in a fun social environment. Twilight races are short non-spinnaker courses on the sheltered waters of the Georges River and Kogarah Bay. If you're new to sailing, this is a great place to get started. Join us during daylight saving (Oct to March) and stay after racing for a drink and our popular cook-your-own steak or salmon dinner.

Saturday Bay Racing

Saturday afternoon bay racing is ideal if you’re keen to be part of an active racing crew and experience the fun of racing under spinnaker. Whether you want to trim, work the foredeck, take on an all round crewing role, or just be on the water, we’ll connect you with a skipper looking for crew. Over a few weeks, you can sail on different boats, refine your skills, and find the right team — from casual crewing to a regular position. Many of our members began as casual crew before finding a regular position as part of a friendly racing team, then going on to skipper their own boats.

RACE RESULS

This Season's Race Results