Giving birth to something new

When it became necessary to cancel the 2026 San Diego to Puerto Vallarta Race just days before the start, host San Diego Yacht Club called an audible. Rather than let months of preparation unravel, volunteers and staff worked around the clock to transform a long-standing biennial offshore classic into something entirely new.

In less than a week, the San Diego Ocean Racing Series was born, pivoting from a point-to-point offshore race to a three-day ocean series. “There was a brief but intense half-hour after we canceled the PV Race when we began sketching out what an alternate format could look like,” said SDYC Waterfront Director Jeff Johnson.

Early ideas ranged from a traditional overnight race to more ambitious coastal options, but each presented logistical hurdles. The breakthrough came when the team shifted to a Friday to Sunday offshore day-race format, preserving the Shelter Island send-offs and shoreside traditions while building distinct courses tailored to the forecast.

A round-trip to North Coronado Island became Friday’s “Mini-Mex,” a nod to the race’s original destination; Saturday’s “Welcome to San Diego” framed the channel entrance and Coronado Bridge in classic local fashion; and Sunday’s innovative “Longitude” race offered tunable distances and strategic depth.

“In the end, each course delivered a distinct challenge,” Johnson noted, “and competitors enjoyed three full days of racing – with the parties after racing to match.”

The format proved to be more than a contingency plan; it was a showcase of the Club’s ability to leverage its home waters to full advantage. Each day presented different breeze, angles, and tactical decisions, rewarding consistency and adaptability across the fleet.

After three days of racing, the results of the 2026 San Diego Ocean Racing Series reflected both the depth and quality of the boats that chose to stay the course. Pyewacket (Andrews 70), skippered by Roy Disney, took first overall with a consistent 1-2-3 scoreline across the series. Close behind was the R/P 52 Vitesse, led by Thomas Furlong, followed by Peligroso, skippered by Cecil Rossi.

“In a mixed fleet of well-sailed boats with a lot of local knowledge, the key is sailing your own boat fast to its handicap and making good decisions when the conditions get tricky,” said Furlong. “The second race inside the bay was especially challenging with light and variable winds, but we were able to navigate the wind and current well and get to the finish.”

SDYC Commodore Alli Bell added, “Although the Board of Directors had to make the difficult decision to cancel the PV Race, we’re proud of how the club and organizing committee came together to create a great alternative. Over three days we had three different, challenging races and wonderful social events. We appreciate everyone who helped make the weekend such a success.”

The Puerto Vallarta Race returns in 2028 with PV26 regatta chair Joanne O’Dea. “I remain grateful to the teams that stayed and competed in the three-day ocean series, everyone had an amazing time. That said, I have my eyes set on 2028, picking up where we left off and heading to Puerto Vallarta.”

SD Ocean Racing Series: https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/50696
Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdyc/albums/72177720332245296

2026 Puerto Vallarta Race: Event details – Entry list