2025 Master Mariners Regatta
Established in 1867 as a Fourth of July race among the working boats of San Francisco Bay, the Master Mariners Regatta became a celebrated local tradition until 1891, when steam vessels eclipsed the age of sail. Revived in 1965 for National Maritime Day, today’s Regatta typically features 80 to 100 classically built wooden sailboats racing each Memorial Day weekend.
The San Francisco Bay Master Mariners is pleased to invite you to participate in the Master Mariners Regatta on Saturday, May 24, 2025 (Memorial Day weekend). The registration deadline is Friday, May 9. An entry fee of $110.00 applies to all yachts.
Skippers and Sponsors Luncheon
The Master Mariners Regatta Skippers and Sponsors Luncheon will be held on Friday, May 16 at 12:00 PM, at the historic St. Francis Yacht Club on the San Francisco waterfront. This event honors our sponsors, with presentations of their house flags to the skippers of the yachts that will fly them. Perpetual trophies will be on display, and we will present race packets containing handicaps, race rules, start times, and your 2025 Regatta Burgee. Registration includes one Luncheon ticket; additional tickets are $70, availability limited, purchase online.
Regatta and Awards Ceremony
The Master Mariners Regatta starts in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club on Saturday, May 24. After the race, join us at the Encinal Yacht Club in Alameda for the Regatta Awards Ceremony and Dinner. Dinner tickets are available for $45, purchase online. Optional berthing signup required.
We encourage you to bring your boat and stay overnight until Sunday to enjoy the Encinal Yacht Club, the Alameda Estuary, and a relaxed “Bilgewater Brunch” before heading home.
Parade Class Option
For participants who prefer not to compete, we offer a Parade Class—open to all members regardless of boat size or rig. Parade Class entrants will sail a shorter course, starting after the last competitive class and navigating on the west side of Treasure Island to avoid the finishing racers.
Registration & Membership Requirement
All boats in all classes must be active, paid Master Mariners members to participate in the Regatta and post-regatta festivities. You can renew your membership during registration if needed.
Notice of Race
San Francisco Bay, Saturday, May 24, 2025
Organizing Authority: Master Mariners Benevolent Association and Sausalito Yacht Club
1. Rules
This regatta shall be governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), the Sailing Instructions, and this Notice of Race.
2. Classifications
Handicap ratings and start times will be determined by the race committee. This is a pursuit race—slower boats start first, faster boats later. Finish positions are based on order of arrival (first to finish wins).
3. Eligibility and Entry
Open to all MMBA member yachts. Entry requires payment and submission of a Regatta Application form, online at: 2025 Regatta Registration
4. Race Fee
$110.00 per yacht.
5. Schedule
- Friday, May 9, 2025: Registration Deadline – entries must be received no later than this date.
- Friday, May 16, 2025: Skippers and Sponsors Luncheon at St. Francis Yacht Club at 12:00 p.m. – registration includes one Luncheon ticket; additional tickets are $70, availability limited, purchase online.
- Saturday, May 24, 2025: Regatta Race Day – first warning signal at 11:50 a.m. Regatta Awards Ceremony and Dinner at Encinal Yacht Club – dinner tickets are available for $45, purchase online. Optional berthing signup required.
6. Race Venue
San Francisco Bay, with courses starting on the San Francisco city front and finishing east of Treasure Island, using fixed buoys and inflatable marks.
7. Sailing Instructions
Available online at 2025 Master Mariners Regatta by Friday, May 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Results will be posted online and announced post-race.
8. Handicap
The MMBA handicapping system applies.
9. Advertising
Yachts may be required to display advertising (flags) provided by the organizing authority. Only official sponsor advertising (flags) are permitted.
10. Prizes and Festivities
Awards will be presented for first through third place in each division. Post-race festivities at Encinal Yacht Club include an awards ceremony, dinner, drinks, and live music. Please submit the EYC Berthing Reservation form if bringing your boat. Dinner requires ticket purchase online. No host bar.
Questions & Contact
Regatta Chair: Hans List, Commodore hans.list@sfmastermariners.org
Assistant Regatta Chair: Gena Egelston, Vice Commodore gena.egelston@sfmastermariners.org
Regatta Secretary: Hans Hansen, Secretary hans.hansen@sfmastermariners.org
Become a Master Mariners Regatta Sponsor!
Sponsors make the Regatta possible, and we are so grateful for you! Your support is essential to the success of our beloved annual Regatta. It enables us to host the event while advancing our mission to protect and celebrate timeless wooden sailboats. By becoming a sponsor, you invest in maritime heritage and help inspire the next generation of sailors.
As a sponsor, you can choose how you’d like to be recognized—whether as a business, individual, or family foundation. We will feature your name (and logo, if applicable) on our website, with an optional live link, as well as in our printed Regatta materials. If you prefer not to receive public recognition, simply let us know, and we will respect your wishes.
All sponsors are invited to the Master Mariners Regatta Skippers and Sponsors Luncheon at the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club on Friday, May 16th at 12:00pm. During this gathering, you’ll present your flag (flag information) to the skipper of your sponsored yacht, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and enjoy a stunning view of the Bay.
You are also invited to watch the Master Mariners Regatta start line and racing action in front of the St. Francis Yacht Club, then join us for the after-party at the Encinal Yacht Club!
For questions, contact: Liz Diaz at liz.diaz@sfmastermariners.org, Diane Walton at diane.walton@sfmastermariners.org, or sponsorship@sfmastermariners.com