A regatta with history
The Rolex Big Boat Series began in 1964 when eight yachts lined up for the inaugural St. Francis Perpetual Trophy Regatta. With half the fleet sailing from Southern California and half from the north, it quickly earned the “Big Boat” title. Since then, it has grown into one of the most prestigious keelboat events in North America.
St. Francis Yacht Club, perched on the San Francisco waterfront since 1927, now rolls out the red carpet each August. Known for its sweeping Golden Gate views and a calendar boasting over 40 regattas, StFYC remains the beating heart of the event.
Who’s racing
This year 66 crews are set to compete. The J/105 fleet is once again the backbone, with boats like Blackhawk, Godot 2.0, Peaches, and Juju ensuring tight one-design battles. Alongside them, the J/88s, Express 37s, and Cape 31s bring equally fierce competition.
The ORC division features a remarkable spread, from the J/99 Latency to the legendary Merlin (Bill Lee Custom 68). Among the headliners are Velvet Hammer (J/125), Skeleton Key (J/111), and Australia’s Zeus, an Infinity 52 making the trip from Sydney under CYCA/RSYS colours.
Classic pedigree also features, with older yachts carrying their heritage proudly onto the start line.
International flavour, local pride
Although most entries hail from the United States, the single Australian team, Zeus, adds international spice. The fleet represents yacht clubs across the West Coast, including San Francisco YC, Richmond YC, Monterey Peninsula YC, and Southern California bases.
Format and schedule
Racing takes place over four days, with one long race scheduled each day from 11 to 14 August. Competitors will face San Francisco Bay’s famous breeze-on conditions, tidal gates, and iconic backdrops of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
All classes mustered the minimum six entries required to confirm their start. This ensures tight, fair racing across every division.
What to watch
Expect the J/105s to deliver close, tactical duels where boat handling outweighs rating. The Cape 31s and Express 37s promise high-speed action in the bay’s strong afternoon winds. ORC contenders such as Merlin, Bodacious+, and Zeus will fight across the ratings, bringing a mix of grand-prix modern racers and legendary custom builds.
From its 1964 origins to its current Rolex partnership, the Big Boat Series remains a rare blend of history, modern competition, and prestige. With a full fleet, global attention, and San Francisco Bay as the arena, this year’s edition looks set to write another memorable chapter.
