51st Regata Del Sol Al Sol Features Racing Yachts

Press Release From Petersburg Yacht Club: Petersburg Yacht Club is pleased to announce two high-powered racing yachts will among the competitors of the 51st sailing of the Regata del Sol al Sol, an open yacht race from St. Petersburg to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. The open-water race across the Gulf of Mexico features a fleet of sailboats, a minimum of 30 feet long.

The 65-foot Challenger, a modified Whitbread 60 (later known as Volvo 60), and the 60-foot Falcon, an Open 60, are capable of more than 25 knots. If conditions are favorable, they can post daily runs of more than 300 nautical miles. Each is capable of an exceptional finishing time to complete the 456-nautical mile race.

Racing begins Friday, April 24, 2020, on Tampa Bay south of the new Pier construction zone. Racers will be greeted in Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico, when they arrive. Top finishing racers in each of seven classes will be honored at a ceremony Friday, May 1, on the island. A top finisher overall will be chosen along with other honors.

The historic race began as a challenge for open-water sailors after the St. Petersburg to Havana race could no longer be sailed to Fidel Castro’s Cuba. In its five-decade history, the Mexico race has recorded seconds-tight finishes and harrowing crossings. Today, it features GPS tracking devices to ensure boats arrive and return safely.

For more information about the race or to register, see the Notice of Race. The deadline to register is April 6, 2020. Other information can be found on the regatta website. The race also can be followed on Facebook.

Rich in history and tradition, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in the United States. Established in 1909, the club is situated on the beautiful waterfront of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida. It’s a gathering place for avid boaters and racers as well as one of Tampa Bay's most prestigious social venues. It maintains a reputation for warm hospitality and world-class sailing. Club members and guests value and respect this tradition of excellence. Acquired in 2008, the Pass-a-Grille clubhouse offers members a unique compliment to downtown, with a beach ambiance and access to the nearby Gulf of Mexico. The regatta schedule is available on the club website.

This press release was produced by Petersburg Yacht Club. The views expressed here are the author's own.