2026 SYSCO Racing Schedule

For a complete list of local races, please visit sailpdx.org or the OCSA Racebook

PYC/SYSCO Intro to ORC Ratings: Saturday, January 24th

OCSA/SYSCO Race Management, Volunteers, Course Race Officer (CRO) Training: April 11, 2026 at Portland Yacht Club

SYSCO Spring (Tuesday) Evening Series: April 14th - May 19th 2026 Register Here

SYSCO Spring (Thursday) Evening Series: April 16 - May 21, 2026 Register Here

SYSCO Crew Overboard Race: May 2, 2026 Register Here

All Sailors' BBQ at Portland Yacht Club: May 28, 2026

SYSCO - Summer (Tuesday) Evening Series: June 2 - July 7, 2026 Register Here

SYSCO - Summer (Thursday) Evening Series: June 4 - July 9, 2026 Register Here

All Sailors' BBQ at Portland Yacht Club: July 14, 2026

SYSCO Soaker Race: July 16, 2026 Register Here

SYSCO - Twilight (Tuesday) Evening Series: July 21 - August 25, 2026 Register Here

SYSCO - Twilight (Thursday) Evening Series: July 23 - August 27, 2026 Register Here

SYSCO Delta Cruise: July 25 - August 2, 2026

SYSCO One Design Regatta: August 30, 2026 Register Here

All Sailors' BBQ + Awards at Portland Yacht Club: September 1, 2026

OCSA Tropical Party: November 6, 2026

Looking to crew or need crew? Check out the crew list on sailpdx.org!

How SYSCO Racing Works

In SYSCO racing, each boat races as a member of a Fleet. Boats within a Fleet start together and are scored only against the other boats in that Fleet, as if the other Fleets didn’t exist. To ensure fair and competitive racing, each Fleet has configuration requirements that all participating boats must follow.

SYSCO’s existing Fleets provide a variety of racing opportunities on the Columbia River for sailors of all experience levels and boat types.

• One-Design Fleets (see fleet list) provide the opportunity to race identical boats head-to-head.

• ORC/PHRF Handicap Fleets allow boats with different performance characteristics to compete on equal footing using established handicapping systems. Both types of fleets provide exciting and competitive racing.

• The Cruising Fleet provides an alternative for racers who prefer not to fly a spinnaker. Boats in the Cruising Fleet are divided into classes for scoring purposes (e.g., Cruising A, B, etc.) based on boat ratings, observed local performance, and the number of registrants.

In addition to these established options, sailors can also create a new Fleet. Any group of at least three racers may form their own Fleet outside of the existing One-Design, ORC/PHRF, and Cruising Fleets by:

• Choosing a Fleet name to be recognized by SYSCO

• Documenting the configuration requirements for boats to join the Fleet

• Identifying a Fleet Captain to represent the Fleet within SYSCO

• Committing the Fleet to fulfilling its share of responsibilities for running SYSCO races

Race Committee

SYSCO races are made possible by volunteers. Each SYSCO fleet takes turns providing the Race Committee (RC) for scheduled race days.

Within each fleet, every boat is responsible for contributing to meet that rotation. Participation is an essential part of supporting fair, fun, and successful racing.

What the Race Committee Does

Each Race Committee (RC) is made up of volunteer roles, typically split across a Committee Boat (also called a Signal/Platform Boat) and a Mark Boat. These roles include:

Committee Boat:

• Principal Race Officer (PRO) – Is the key point of contact for the Course Race Officers and the local Coast Guard. It is typically the Race Captain for SYSCO

• Course Race Officer (CRO) – Is the person on the race committee boat who manages the race under the direction of the PRO.

• RC Volunteers (5):

  • Recorders (2 people) – Check in racers/record finishes

  • Execute starting sequences (3 people) – Run start timer, hoist flags, monitor over early, call finishes, and more

Mark/Safety Boat:

• RC Volunteers (2):

  • Set and retrieve course marks – driver and mark puller

  • Assist boats and sailors in need (if necessary)

SYSCO relies on the shared effort of all fleets to make racing happen—thank you to everyone who volunteers!