The Yvonka Overnight Race is a kinder and gentler race that focuses on fun and relaxation. It is a two race event with leg one racing out to South Coronado Island on Saturday and leg two racing back to Point Loma on Sunday. It is organized as a pursuit race where the slowest boat starts first and faster boats start progressively later. In a perfect world, the boats would all arrive at the finish line at the same time with the faster boats pursuing the slow boats right up to the finish line.

At anchor alongside South Coronado Island, San Diego seems farther away than the actual 15 nautical miles. With a 1030 start for the first boat, everyone generally finishes in two to three hours which leaves plenty of time for lounging, swimming, snorkeling, etc. Around the cocktail hour at 1700 (5:00 pm), the Race Committee vessel Corinthian hosts an a’pres sailing social for any interested crews. The RC will have a skiff to pick you up if you don’t have a tender of your own. Bring your own hors’doeuvres or something to drink/share and all the sea stories you can remember.

Sunday morning is a relaxed effort and racing doesn’t get underway until 1200. The race is organized again as a pursuit with most boats getting home in three to four hours. Having spent the night in Mexican waters, US Customs requires us to ‘clear’ Customs on the way back into the harbor. However, the Sailing Office works with them and they have officers on duty to receive Yvonka competitors with a minimum of fuss - 5 minutes or less for the whole process. There is one simple form to fill out (Master’s Oath) and if your boat is over 30’ you will have to apply for (if you don’t already have one) a US Customs Decal (Form 339A).

Overall, it is a great weekend on the water. The race part is just an excuse to hang out at sea! We hope to have a great turn-out this year, so sign up early and get the word out to your fellow racers.