2025 SYSCO Racing Schedule

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

SYSCO Spring Evening Series (Tuesdays): April 15 - May 20, 2025 - Register Here

SYSCO Spring Evening Series (Thursdays): April 17 - May 22, 2025 - Register Here

SYSCO Crew Overboard Challenge: May 10, 2025 - Register Here

SYSCO Summer Evening Series (Tuesdays): June 3 - July 8, 2025 - Register Here

SYSCO Summer Evening Series (Thursdays): June 5 - July 10, 2025 - Register Here

SYSCO Dual Bridge Duel & Michael Stainsby Memorial Cup: July 12, 2025 - Register Here

SYSCO Soaker - July 15, 2025 (no registration)

SYSCO Summer Twilight Series (Tuesdays): July 22 - August 26, 2025 Register Here 

SYSCO Summer Twilight Series (Thursdays): July 22 - August 28, 2025 Register Here

SYSCO Delta Cruise: July 26 - August 3, 2025 (no registration)

SYSCO One Design Regatta: September 7, 2025 Register Here

OCSA Tropical Party: November 7, 2025

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) – Runs the races

• 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 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!