St Petersburg to Ft Lauderdale Race
Race Starts November 20, 2024
The St. Petersburg to Fort Lauderdale Race, known for captivating the sailing world from 1941 to 1990, made a comeback in 2023 with 20 competitors lining up. The race was a delight in a range of conditions down the Florida west coast and then up past the Keys. A classic 1990 boat, the J/44 won overall. Clearly, depending upon the conditions encountered any yacht, slow or fast could take the win on this interesting course.
Previously, the race attracted 134 boats, showcasing the spirit of competition and adventure across a demanding course. The return of the race was eagerly anticipated, with ORC, and PHRF rated boats converging on Tampa Bay from various locations, including the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and the East Coast.
This year race will commence on November 20th, hosted by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club.
2023 Race Winner J/44 Kenai off Miami / LL "Lew" McMasters Memorial Trophy
Pied Piper, Evergreen and Bravura - St. Pete to Ft. Lauderdale Race, 1983 – 84, courtesy Larry Moran
Past winners of the LL "Lew" McMasters Memorial Trophy include Ted Turner, who won twice aboard American Eagle and Dora IV, Ted Hood on Robin, and Dennis Connor on Stinger.
St. Petersburg YC will provide free dockage at their newly installed floating docks for two days before the start. The club will also host a social after the skipper’s briefing in November 19th. Prize giving and social will be held at Lauderdale YC Saturday evening, November 23rd. Sign up on Yacht Scoring and enjoy this amazing race to kick off the SORC Season.