Say no to shoveling snow
Published on October 25th, 2023
Winter offshore sailboat racing in South Florida gets underway with the SORC Islands in the Stream Series. The series allows sailors to escape colder climates and enjoy the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, and spend their winter in tropical destinations instead of shoveling snow.
The series has evolved over the years and in 2023-24 brings back an old favorite – St. Petersburg to Fort Lauderdale Race – on November 8.
Famous during the heyday of the IOR handicapping system, this 403 nm course captivated the sailing world in SORC from 1941 to 1990, and is now making a comeback. There will be three ORC classes and a PHRF fleet with entrants from as far as Chicago, New England, and Galveston Bay, TX plus a new group of competitors from West Florida.
“I am pleased to see the uptake and enthusiasm for this storied race which has a reputation to challenge ocean sailors,” said Race Chairman Chris Lewis. “The event is also a great way for yachts to move from the Gulf of Mexico to the Bahamas and beyond.”
2023-24 Islands in the Stream Series
November 8 – St Pete – Ft Laud Race – St. Petersburg to Ft. Lauderdale
December 1 – Wirth Munroe Ocean Race – Miami to Palm Beach
January 11 – Nassau Cup Ocean Race – Miami to Nassau
February 22 – Ft. Lauderdale – Key West Race – Fort Lauderdale to Key West
For the Notice of Series, click here.