Modern Sailing's New Level 1 Racing Format is here!

Introduction Race Teams launched Spring & Summer 2025!

Start your racing journey with our Level 1 Introduction Race Teams. Designed for those just completing our Racing Clinic, these teams focus on learning the fundamentals by rotating through all crew positions in a series of 5 races. Remember our casual drop-in races?  We've taken that popular concept and supercharged it! We've reformatted our beginner racing program into a dedicated club team, which means faster progress and stronger camaraderie for you.

We're thrilled to offer this structured program designed to accelerate your racing skills and provide an unparalleled learning experience. This isn't just about showing up and racing. Our new Introduction Race Teams are a commitment to your development. By signing up for the full 5-race series, you'll gain these incredible advantages:

• Expert Guidance: Learn firsthand from a seasoned race coach, a USCG licensed captain and MSC Instructor who will be with you every step of the way.
• Rapid Skill Development: Consistent training with the same boat (the iconic performance sailboat,  J/105) and the same crew each race is the ultimate way to build your skills quickly and effectively. No more scrambling for a spot or learning a new boat each time.
• All-Around Experience: You’ll have the chance to try every position on the boat, giving you a comprehensive understanding of sailboat racing.
• Teamwork & Camaraderie: Form lasting bonds with your teammates, learn to work together seamlessly, and experience the thrill of racing as a unified, formidable team.
• Experience the Best of the San Francisco Bay: the races take place at a variety of venues, each offering unique conditions.
  • Corinthian Yacht Club is known for lighter winds and calmer seas — ideal for newer racers or cruisers looking to build confidence.
  • Berkeley Yacht Club is located at the end of the slot, perfect for learning to read wind shifts and adapting to changing conditions.
  • Sausalito Yacht Club is a course with a stunning backdrop and dynamic conditions — plus, it’s where three MSC race boats are competing in the same series.

We believe that consistent participation and teamwork are key to rapid improvement. This 5-race series offers the perfect platform for both members and non-members who are passionate about racing to hone their skills, build teamwork, and truly become part of a competitive racing team.

Ready to become a Bay Area racer? Space is limited, so don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

• Introduction Race Team Series Dates
• Series Pricing
• Participant Prerequisites
• FAQs
• Cancellation Policy
• Sign Up

Before and/or after each race, the coach will lead the crew through racing practice, time permitting. After the race, the team will dock at Modern Sailing, put the boat away, and then drive to either the Berkeley Yacht Club (Team Nirvana) or Sausalito Yacht Club (Team Chinook) to join the post-race social and results celebration.

Note: Coaches may be substituted on an as-needed basis.

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2025 (Level 1) Introduction Race Team Prices

5 BYC/SYC Races

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Introduction Race Team Participant Prerequisites

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MSC Introduction Race Teams FAQs

Q: How does the level 1 Introduction Race Team format differ from Casual Drop-in Races?

A. Our previous Level 1 racing offered a casual, flexible approach.  You could sign up for individual races as your schedule allowed.  While this provided a taste of racing, it often meant different boats, different crew members, and varying levels of experience each time.  This made it challenging to build consistent skills and develop strong teamwork. You'll learn to work together seamlessly, which is essential for successful racing. This new format will help ensure all the races in the series will run, whereas the drop-in races had possibility of last-minute cancellation since no committment was required.

Q: Is the Race Team format more competitive than the drop-in racing?

A: While all racing involves a level of competition, the focus of the Level 1 Introduction Race Team is on learning and exposure. The structured format and consistent teamwork will naturally lead to improved performance, but the primary goal is to build skills and confidence in a supportive environment.

Q: How does the Level 2 Development Race Team format differ from the Level 1 Introduction Race Teams?

A. Our Level 1 Race Teams are perfect for graduates of our Racing Clinic.  In the Introduction Race Teams you'll rotate through all crew positions during each race in the series, giving you hands-on experience and a well-rounded understanding of racing fundamentals.  For experienced racers, Level 2 Race Teams offer a platform to hone individual skills and develop the teamwork necessary to become a highly competitive racing team.  Modern Sailing instructors provide coaching at both levels, but Level 2 represents a higher level of competition and includes participation in events like the Midwinters.

Q. What if I have race experience outside of Modern Sailing’s Racing Program?

A. Racing experience outside Modern’s Racing Program can be used to meet the prerequisites of the Race Team. We ask that you submit a sailing resume detailing the experience. Please contact us to learn more about this.

Q: Can I sign up for only one or some of the races in a Introduction Race Team series?

A: No, this enrollment is like a course or a multi-day clinic. You will sign up for every race in the series. If you know in advance you will need to miss up to one race in the series, you can still enroll. If you need to miss more than one race, please let our office team know at sign-up to see what options you may have to still join.

Q: Will I be assigned a specific role in the team for the whole series?

A: No, you'll get to try them all!  To maximize your learning and development, we rotate crew positions each race. This way, you gain a full understanding of how each position contributes to the team's success.  With five races and five team members, you'll get a complete sailing education. 

Q: Are MSC Introduction Race Teams for Modern Sailing club members only?

A: No, Level 1 Introduction Race Teams are for Modern Sailing club members and non members. To qualify, non members, please submit your sailing resume. Learn about the many benefits of club membership.

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Introduction Race Team Series Cancellation Policy

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Ready to sign up?

Yes, you can sign up online!

Do you have questions or need some help signing up? Please contact us. We're happy to assist!

• $895 for Members
• $1,095 for Non-Members
• To purchase online, click a hyperlinked price above. Series may vary in price, depending on the season.
• Modern Sailing or Inspire Sailing 2-Day Racing Clinic - or - (pre-2023: Modern Sailing 3-Day Race Clinic which included Asymmetrical Spinnaker training)
• Members who have race experience outside of Modern Sailing can join the program if they have comparable experience documented in a sailing resume.
• Cancellations made more than 15 days before the first day of the series are eligible for a 50% refund.
• No refunds will be provided for cancellations made 1–14 days prior to the series start.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations during the series. Attendance at all sessions is expected.
• If you miss more than one race in the series, your position will be permanently reassigned.