Match racing circuit in California

The Grade 3 California Dreamin’ Series in 2023 features three match racing events on the west coast of the USA.

The series begins with San Diego Yacht Club in their fleet of J/22s on January 28-29. Competitors then head north to St. Francis Yacht Club on March 4-5 for more J/22 competition on San Francisco Bay. The final regatta is held in the ocean off Long Beach on April 1-2, in Long Beach Yacht Club’s fleet of Catalina 37s.

The California Dreamin’ Series events are traditionally the nation’s first match racing regattas of the year and serve an important role in the development of up-and-coming match racers, with several having moved on to national competition.

“CDS has incubated scores of skippers and crew into this specialized game and sharpened everyone’s skills for regular fleet racing,” noted Co-Regatta Chair Bruce Stone. “The event is also much sought after by race committee volunteers and umpires as the action is non-stop and everyone involved must be focused so we can complete a full-round-robin each day.

“More so, there typically is great spectating at St. Francis as the course is right in front of our grill room, and San Diego offers viewing close to downtown, while Long Beach stages its event at the Belmont Pier.”

The winner of the California Dreamin’ Series receives an invitation to the Ficker Cup the following year, which lends their team a chance to qualify for the Congressional Cup.

Interested skippers are encouraged to visit https://forms.gle/UraWRy6n6nkuiMrb6 and submit a Request for Invitation to the Series. Priority will be given to skippers opting into all three events, but there are often spots available to those who can only make one or two.

Notice of Series – San Diego – San Francisco – Long Beach