Race Team Progression

Welcome to Race Team! Now what?

Navigating Race Team

Welcome—we’re so excited your sailor has joined the Race Team!

We know the sailing world can feel overwhelming for new families, and our goal is to make the pathway as clear and supportive as possible. Our Race Team progression follows a natural, step-by-step structure that grows with your sailor’s skills, confidence, and interests.

Step 1: Sabots or Optis (Entry Classes)

Sailors begin their racing journey in either Sabots or Optimists (Optis).

Sabots

Sailors start in Pre-C3 or C3—our coaching staff will help place your sailor in the right fleet.
Practices are held at BYC, and most regattas take place right here in Newport Harbor, making logistics simple for families.
As sailors improve, they move up through the bay fleets, which include all local clubs in Newport Harbor. Progression is based on regatta results.

Optis

Sailors begin in Green Fleet, a fun and supportive introductory race group.
Once they gain experience and meet specific skill benchmarks, coaches may promote them to Champ Fleet.
Opti practices are primarily at BYC, with occasional travel clinics.
Opti regattas typically require more travel compared to Sabots.

Step 2: ILCA or Match Racing (Application-Based Programs)

Typically around high-school age (although there is not an age limit), sailors may apply to join:

ILCA Race Team

Practices take place at BYC and at offsite clinics.
Regattas include both regional West Coast events and national competitions across the US.
There are two subclasses within ILCAs - ILCA 4 (smaller sail, entry level) & ILCA 6 (bigger sail)

Match Race Program

Practices are held at BYC using our Gov Cup 21s.
Regattas vary in location and provide a fantastic pathway into high-level teamwork and tactical racing.
Sailors do not need to own a boat for Match Racing.

Boat Ownership & Chartering

To support sailors as they enter a new class:

Sabot, Opti, and ILCA sailors may charter a club boat (limited availability) for their first All-In season in that class.
After that first season, sailors are expected to acquire their own boat and equipment.
Match Race sailors do not need to purchase a boat.

Pinnie Progression

Within our team, we have a pinnie progression that includes three levels: Sailing Team, Advanced Team, and Elite Team. All of these fall under Team BYC Race Team, but they reflect different accomplishments that sailors have achieved. Pinnie levels do not carry over between classes.

Sailing team

Sabot: Entry Level
Opti: Entry Level
ILCA: Entry Level

advanced team

Sabot: Reach C1 fleet
Opti: Reach Champ Fleet
ILCA: ILCA 4 sailors place in the top 35% at a regatta. ILCA 6 sailors top 50% at a regatta.
Match Race: Being accepted into our Match Race Program qualifies you for our Advanced Team.

elite team

Sabot: Reach A Fleet
Opti: Qualify for Team Trials
ILCA: Sailors need to place in the top 25% at a qualifying event or top 40% at a World Championships in their gender. Qualifying regattas include US Nationals, North Americans, Mid-Winters, Youth Champs, Orange Bowl, & World Championships. To qualify in ILCA 4, sailors need to place top 10% at a qualifying regatta or top 30% at a World Championships.
Match Race: To qualify in Match Racing, place 1st at Dickson Cup or top 3 at a grade 3 or harder.

*Sailors must requalify within a year to hold High Performance Team status.

**To Qualify for the High Performance team, a sailor must be wearing a Team BYC pinnie when they achieve the qualifying result.

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