FWBC Sailing Updates - January
- coach364
- Jan 1
- 8 min read
Happy New Year from the Fort Worth Boat Club!!!!
January Blog Contents
FWBC Sailing in 2026
Since we are at the start of a new year, here is a breakdown of the main sailing events hosted at Fort Worth Boat Club. These events take place annually and rely on the coordination of the sailing department, numerous committees, the harbor department, dedicated volunteers, and many others working behind the scenes to make them successful.
If you have questions about any event, feel free to reach out to the sailing department or connect with a member who is involved. There are many ways to get engaged, whether you’re interested in racing, volunteering, or simply learning more about what goes into each event.
There are always additional sailing events, club events, and fun that the club and sailors schedule throughout the year, so find the most updated and current events on the club Facebook or this monthly sailing blog!
Club Racing
PHRF Weekend Racing
PHRF racing offers competitive team racing on member-owned boats and runs throughout much of the year. Races are held on Sundays from January through May, transition to Saturdays in June and July, and resume again on Sundays starting in mid-September.
Teams are typically made up of 5–8 sailors racing a variety of performance-oriented sailboats under the PHRF handicap system. Weekend PHRF racing is made up of six separate series, each consisting of six weeks of racing. The 2026 season includes the Marigail, Roadie, Hub Isaaks, Rolling Time, PAKI, and Blue Moon series, providing plenty of opportunities to get on the water and compete throughout the year.
J/22 Racing
J/22 racing takes place on the club’s fleet of identical J/22s, creating close, one-design competition. Teams of 3–4 sailors race head-to-head on equal boats, making teamwork, boat handling, and tactics the key to success.
The J/22 season begins in March with a J/22 Work Day, when teams come together to clean and prepare the boats for the season ahead. Racing kicks off with the Spring Series starting on March 11th, followed by the Late Spring Series in May and June. Summer racing continues with the Heatstroke Series through July, and the season wraps up with the Fall Series, finishing on September 16th. Each J/22 series consists of seven weeks of racing.
Summer Dinghy Racing
During the summer months, FWBC hosts informal dinghy racing on Thursday evenings. This series is open to anyone looking to get on the water and enjoy racing in a fun, relaxed, and encouraging environment.
Sailors can test their skills alongside FWBC Junior Team sailors who are practicing that evening, making it a great opportunity for learning and friendly competition. Participants may check out a club dinghy through the sailing department or bring their own boat. There are no registration fees or formal requirements; just show up and sail. For the latest updates and weekly details, keep an eye on the FWBC Slack channel #dinghy-racing.
Adult Sailing
Learn to Sail Classes
As the weather warms up in the spring, FWBC will begin offering adult Learn to Sail classes, with the first sessions expected to start in March. These classes are designed for adults new to sailing as well as those looking to build confidence and skills on the water.
Throughout the season, offerings will include Learn to Sail and Learn to Race classes, along with social sailing opportunities for class graduates and members who want to keep sailing in a fun, low-pressure environment. Be sure to check the blog, club Facebook page, and website for the latest class schedules and registration information.
Private Lessons
For those looking for a more personalized experience, private sailing lessons are available with FWBC coaches. Private lessons can be tailored to your skill level and goals, whether you are brand new to sailing or looking to refine specific skills. Contact the FWBC coaching staff to schedule a lesson.
Youth Sailing
Junior Sailing Team
The FWBC Junior Sailing Team is a competitive race program for sailors aged 8–18 who race Optimist (Opti) and ILCA dinghies. These sailors represent FWBC at many regattas throughout the year, competing primarily on the Texas Sailing Association (TSA) Youth Sailing Circuit, which runs from March through November.
In addition to TSA events, Junior Team sailors have opportunities to race on the United States Optimist Development Association (USODA) and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) circuits. These regattas allow sailors to gain experience beyond Texas, with opportunities to travel regionally, nationally, and even internationally. The Junior Team focuses on developing strong boat-handling skills, racing tactics, and confidence across a wide range of conditions.
High School Sailing
FWBC offers a high school sailing program that follows the school calendar, with both Fall and Spring seasons. This is an open program welcoming sailors from 7th grade through high school, whether they are new to sailing or looking to continue building their skills in a team racing environment.
The program sails in the club’s Flying Junior (FJ) fleet. FJs are double-handed dinghies sailed by two sailors (a skipper and a crew), who work together to race as a team. High school sailing emphasizes teamwork, communication, boat handling, and race strategy, while also providing opportunities to compete against other schools throughout the season.
Summer Camps
Summer Camps will be here before you know it, with registration expected to open by March 1st. Camps run throughout June, July, and the beginning of August and offer a fun, on-the-water experience for sailors of all levels.
FWBC offers half-day camps for ages 4–7 and full-day camps for ages 8–14. Full-day camps run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing a full day of sailing, games, and skill development on the water.
More details about specific camp offerings will be shared in the February sailing blog, with registration expected to follow in March. Be sure to check the website and monthly sailing blog for the latest updates!
Regattas
Annual Regatta and Cowtown Stampede
April 18–19, 2026
The Annual Regatta and Cowtown Stampede marks the first major regatta of the 2026 sailing season at FWBC. This early-season event brings together a wide range of fleets and sets the tone for the year ahead with competitive racing and a great onshore atmosphere.
Racing typically features J/105s, J/24s, J/22s, and several dinghy fleets, making this a fun and dynamic weekend for both racers and spectators.
Ol' Man of the Seas Regatta
October 10–11, 2026
The Ol’ Man of the Seas Regatta is FWBC’s signature fall event, known for combining great racing with outstanding shoreside activities. With strong fleet participation, generous sponsors, and a lively social scene, this regatta is always a highlight of the season.
The event features racing for J/105s, J/22s, and dinghy fleets, along with entertainment, food, and camaraderie that keep sailors and spectators engaged all weekend long.
Jr Ol' Man of the Seas and USODA Mid-American Championships
October 24–25, 2026
One of the largest and most anticipated events of the year at Fort Worth Boat Club, the Junior Ol’ Man of the Seas Regatta continues to grow each season. In 2026, the event will once again host the USODA Mid-American Championships, bringing top junior sailors from across the region to Eagle Mountain Lake.
Each year, more than 130 junior sailors compete in Optimist, ILCA, and 420 fleets, supported by an incredible effort from club staff, volunteers, regatta chairs, and committees across the club. In addition to excellent racing on the water, sailors enjoy a fun and welcoming shoreside experience. Past events have included water slides, snow cones, cotton candy, cookouts with burgers and hot dogs, and plenty of prizes and giveaways—making this weekend a favorite for sailors and families alike.
If you are looking to volunteer for any of these regattas, get in contact with the Regatta Chair or Race Committee.
Other On the Water Events
Moonlight Social
Typically held on the Saturday evening closest to a full moon. Join us for a moonlight social sail by bringing your own sailboat or connecting with a member to find a ride. Enjoy some snacks, drinks, and moonlight conversations during the full moons between May and September.
Check out the sailing blog and the club racing page to find the information.
FWBC hosts two seasonal, non-traditional on-the-water events each year that focus on fun, creativity, and friendly competition. Open to a wide range of non-motorized vessels, these events are designed for members of all ages and are a great way to enjoy the water outside of traditional racing formats.
Easter Hunt Regatta
This lighthearted, seasonal event takes place on the Saturday before Easter and offers a fun twist on traditional racing. Open to all non-motorized vessels, including small sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards, it’s a unique, family-friendly way to get out on the water.
Members can check out an FWBC Adventure Pack or bring their own vessel. Experienced sailors (or those who can recruit one as a skipper) may also check out a J/22 or club dinghy through the FWBC Sailing Department.
Kids and families will find themselves sailing or paddling while scooping up rubber ducks and other floating surprises to score points. The result is a fun, slightly competitive afternoon on the water, capped off with kid-friendly prizes and plenty of laughs.
Turkey Trot Regatta
Held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Turkey Trot Regatta brings the same playful, non-traditional format to the fall season. Open to non-motorized vessels, including small sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards, it’s a festive and fun way to get out on the water before the holiday weekend.
Participants sail or paddle around the area collecting floating items to earn points, with themed challenges and friendly competition throughout the afternoon. Like the Easter Hunt, the Turkey Trot is family-friendly, lightly competitive, and a great way to wrap up the fall sailing season with fun prizes and plenty of camaraderie.
Club Racing
PHRF Weekend Racing Series
The Marigail Series gets underway on Sunday, January 4th, offering all the rewards and challenges of winter sailing. Cooler temperatures often bring excellent racing conditions, making this a great way to kick off the New Year. Join us for time on the water and stick around afterward to warm up and unwind with friends in the clubhouse.
Marigail Series Dates
Date | Race | PRO |
|---|---|---|
January 4 | Marigail 1 | Ben Robbins |
January 11 | Marigail 2 | Jim Mitchell |
January 18 | Marigail 3 | Philip Harrell |
January 25 | Marigail 4 | Michael Winfrey |
February 1 | Marigail 5 | Johanna & Chris Holmes |
February 8 | Marigail 6 | Mike Schwinn |
Plan ahead for a great season on the water by checking out the 2026 club racing calendar on the Club Racing Page. Save the dates and don’t miss a weekend of racing.
You'll also find series registration, the Notice of Race (NOR), and Sailing Instructions (SIs).
Youth Sailing
Junior Team finishes the year with ILCA D15 Championship in Houston
The FWBC Junior Team wrapped up the 2025 season with one final regatta in Houston, competing at the District 15 Championships hosted by Seabrook Sailing Club on Galveston Bay. As a district championship event, the level of competition was high, but our sailors rose to the challenge and raced well throughout the weekend.
FWBC was represented by four sailors at the event, each gaining valuable experience in a highly competitive fleet. Strong effort and consistent racing highlighted the weekend, with several solid finishes across the series.
In the ILCA 4 Fleet, Shiloh Mabry placed 5th, with Isla Mrstik placing 8th and only a 2-point separation between them.
As for our ILCA 6 sailors, Finn Messner finished with a 7th overall, followed by Christian Lopez in 13th.
The Junior Team had a strong 2025 season, traveling throughout Texas and competing at events on the West Coast in California and on the Great Lakes. That range of venues and conditions provided valuable experience and set a solid foundation as the team looks ahead to an exciting 2026 season of training and competition.
Check out the Junior Race Team page to see the latest program info and calendar. Reach out to the coaches for more info.
Want to stay up to date with what the FWBC Junior Sailing Team is up to?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
FWBC Sailing Staff
Juan Carlos Romero - Sailing Director sailingdirector@fwbc.com
Val Herrscher - Head Coach
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