For many of us, the Wednesday Night Race marks the beginning of our sailing journey. It's a brief cruise, akin to a family outing. While there's no heavy commitment, the spirit of competition is always present!
Different boats sail together; sometimes, they form classes based on type or size. But what truly matters is the experience. The Wednesday Night Race is a chance to learn more about yourself, your boat, and your crew. It's also an opportunity to sail on different boats and gain new perspectives.
For many, it's a way to unwind after a hard day’s work and engage in conversations that go beyond the ordinary. For the experienced sailor, it's a chance to test new sail settings, trims, and other adjustments. Often, you can identify and fix issues before the weekend regatta.
I've been racing on Wednesday nights for decades, and I love it. I enjoy the camaraderie and the exchange of experiences and opinions. It is great to discover the details and secrets about the boat you're sailing on, knowing it might be your competitor the next time if you crew on another boat. For me, it's a magical moment to see the crews walking down the dock towards the slips, hoisting the sails, removing unnecessary items, and checking the lines, spinnakers, and Genoa cars. It's a moment of concentration, where every detail might make a difference.
After the race, the big trophy is the celebration with the crews, gathered around a large table at La Hacienda. Each sailor smiling with a new achievement, a new lesson, and a new friend—that's the spirit!
Welcome to the Wednesday Night Races Family!
Ricardo Machion