The Rolex Big Boat Series 2025 has already showcased San Francisco Bay in all its moods. Day 1 tested patience with drifting duels before the breeze arrived for a spectacular long-distance charge beneath the Golden Gate. By Day 2 the Bay was in full voice, with spinnakers powering home and the leaderboard beginning to take shape. Heading into the third day of racing Zeus looks untouchable in ORC A, while Ravenette is flawless in the J/88s. Yet in fleets like the J/105s and Express 37s, fortunes remain wide open. With half the regatta to come, the stage was set for even greater drama.
Day 3: Bay breeze and a historic turn
Day 3 brought one of the great moments of the regatta. For the first time in 20 years, Point Bonita was used as a mark, sending the ORC A fleet out toward the Pacific swell before turning them back into the Bay. Crews raced past the lighthouse, waves on one side and the Golden Gate on the other — a view few will forget.
By the time the fleets converged again off the Race Deck, San Francisco was at its best: classic afternoon breeze, blue skies, and fleets charging home under full canvas. Spectators on the balconies had the perfect vantage as the Bay reminded everyone why this event remains so special.
Results so far
After six races the form guide is beginning to take shape, though several divisions remain fiercely contested.
- Express 37: Mark Chaffey’s Loca Motion leads on 14 points after steady top-three finishes. Andy Schwenk’s Spindrift V is close behind on 17, while Brendan Busch’s Spy vs Spy sits third on 18. Golden Moon rebounded with a race win after a DSQ but remains in fourth.
- J/105: Arbitrage (Bruce Stone & Nicole Breault) holds first on 25 points. Ne*Ne (Tim Russell) is second with 31, just ahead of Blackhawk (Ryan Simmons). Early frontrunner Beast of Burden has slipped to eighth after a retirement.
- J/88: Brice Dunwoodie’s Ravenette has been near-perfect, with five bullets and a third keeping them well clear on 8 points. Speedwell holds second on 15, followed by Inconceivable and Butcher.
- ORC A: Zeus (Michael Firmin) remains flawless, six straight bullets leaving them with a perfect 6-point tally. Behind, Merlin and Halawa are tied on 16 points, with Astra further back.
- ORC B: A duel continues between Skeleton Key (10 points) and Sitella (15). M2 and Arsenal are still in touch if either falters.
- ORC C: Feather (Zach Berkowitz) has dominated with four wins and two seconds to sit on 9 points. Peregrine and Reverie are tied on 14, leaving Chance chasing.
Looking ahead
Sixty-five boats across six divisions have already produced drama in every corner of the Bay. With one day left, anticipation builds for the traditional finale: a single long course around San Francisco Bay, a race that crowns the champions of this storied event. Expect fireworks — the Bay is ready to deliver one last test.
