Racing is a cornerstone of the Laguna Madre Yacht Club, combining friendly competition, seamanship, and camaraderie on the waters of the Laguna Madre. From monthly regatta races held on the fourth Saturday of most months to longer-distance challenges and relaxed social sails, our race program offers something for every skipper and crew.
Courses vary from bay triangles to offshore routes, with results scored using PHRF handicaps where applicable. Winners are recognized at club socials, while non-scored events emphasize fellowship and fun on the water. Whether you’re chasing trophies, honing your skills, or simply enjoying a day under sail, LMYC races and regattas celebrate the spirit of sailing in all its forms.
How to Participate
Participation is open to all LMYC members with seaworthy vessels and a spirit of good sportsmanship.
- Race Day: Most races are held on the fourth Saturday of the month, unless otherwise noted.
- Course Information: Primary race routes are announced the Monday prior to race day.
- VHF Check-In: All boats must check in on VHF Channel 68 prior to the race start.
- Finish Time Reporting: Upon finishing, skippers should text their finish time to the Fleet Captain.
- Booz’n & Cruz’n Class: Motor sailing is permitted when crossing the starting line. This class is non-award and intended for relaxed participation.
- Recognition: Race winners are acknowledged at club socials.
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or joining your first regatta, LMYC encourages participation, learning, and enjoying great days on the water with fellow sailors.
Join a Crew!
You don’t need to own a boat to be part of the action at the Laguna Madre Yacht Club. Many of our best sailors started as crew!
If you love the water, want to learn more about sailing, or simply enjoy being part of a team, joining a crew is a fantastic way to get involved. Whether you’re brand new or already have experience, there’s a skipper who would love to have you aboard.
Why Join a Crew?
- Gain hands-on sailing experience
- Meet fellow boating enthusiasts in the Rio Grande Valley
- Participate in races, regattas, and fun sails
- Learn from seasoned sailors
- Be part of the LMYC camaraderie
From casual race days to overnight trips on the Laguna Madre, there’s always an opportunity to jump in and lend a hand.
Complete our Crew List Form to let skippers know you're interested. Once you're on the list, captains can contact you when they're looking for crew.
2025 Champion: Corp Trip – A consistent top performer throughout the season, earning the championship through strong finishes and steady sailing.
Congratulations to the entire fleet on another memorable year of racing—fun, competitive, and at times blustery—on the Laguna Madre.
Race Schedule and Synopses
2026
February 28, 2026: Moonlight Madness Race
Time: Sunset (approx. 6:30pm)
Information: Boats will race from the start line (Laguna Madre Channel Lighted Buoy #4; red quick flashing 1 second light) out to the Farewell Buoy (Safe Water Mark) and back — a simple, classic out-and-back course that becomes anything but ordinary as daylight fades and the horizon shifts from gold to indigo.
This event is open to both sailboats and powerboats, so whether you race under canvas or cruise with horsepower, you’re invited to join the fun. (Please note: only sailboats will be officially scored for race results.)
When you see the Farewell Buoy in Port Isabel waters, expect safe navigable water all around it. As a mid-channel or fairway marker, it features a distinctive white Morse code “A” light flashing every 8 seconds and a red spherical topmark by day, signaling that vessels may pass on either side while remaining in the channel.
As visibility changes, crews will have the valuable opportunity to practice nighttime navigation skills in real conditions. This includes identifying navigation lights, maintaining proper lookout procedures, managing instruments and compass bearings, and safely rounding marks in low light. It’s a rare chance to build confidence transitioning from daylight sailing into dusk and early night operations.
With the race starting on a slack tide, crews can focus on sail trim, strategy, and reading the breeze rather than battling current — making it a perfect opportunity for both seasoned racers and newer sailors to sharpen their skills while gaining hands-on experience navigating after sunset.
Wind Outlook: Current long-range forecasts for late February around Brazos Santiago Pass indicate moderate southeast to south-southeast winds in the 10–15 knot range, with the possibility of slightly higher gusts earlier in the evening and lighter conditions after sunset. These conditions should provide steady racing breeze for the outbound leg, with a potential softening of wind as darkness settles in — adding another tactical element to the return trip. As always, crews should monitor updated marine forecasts as race day approaches.
January 24, 2026: Paddle Extravaganza!
Get ready for laughs, splashes, and a whole lot of fun at the Paddle Extravaganza! This lighthearted race launches from the Laguna Madre Yacht Club, heading east toward the swing bridge, looping around the sandbar, and back again. Any human-powered flotation is welcome—kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, inner tubes, inflatables… if you can paddle it, you can race it!
This is all about fun (not speed), getting members out on the water, and enjoying the sillier side of boating. Life jackets are required for all participants per Coast Guard regulations. Stick around after the race for a well-earned BBQ and good company. Come paddle, laugh, and make a splash!
2025
December 6, 2025: Laguna Madre Lighted Christmas Boat Parade
The Laguna Madre Yacht Club was proud to participate in this year’s Lighted Christmas Boat Parade, celebrating the season on the water with holiday spirit and nautical flair. Representing LMYC were Barco de Marco, Reverie, and a festively decorated pontoon boat, all shining brightly as they joined fellow boaters in lighting up the Laguna Madre. Events like this highlight the camaraderie of our boating community and remind us that the holidays are even better when shared on the water.
November 22, 2025: Boxers Race
Nonnie Sue was the only participant. Competed against the elements and his own previous times with a green crew and was rewarded with dolphins at the bow.
October 25, 2025: Brownsville Ship Channel Race
Course: Fixed marks in the Brownsville Ship Channel
Start: 1:00 PM CDT Scoring: PHRF Time-on-Time using club provisional ratings
Wind: Light northerly with strong ebb current
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Elapsed Time |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corps Trip |
0:37:00 |
0:36:43* |
|
2 |
Chapter 4 |
1:02:00 |
0:56:39* |
|
3 |
Barco de Marco |
0:58:00 |
0:47:00* |
Notes:
A slow-motion chess match in light air and current. Chapter 4 read the shifts perfectly to take the win on corrected time.
*: An error in corrected time calculations was discovered and corrected on 01/16/2026
September 27, 2025: Grand Prix Race
Barco de Marco was the only participant. Headed out to sea with a green crew for a great day of sailing.
August 30, 2025: Port Mansfield Race
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Elapsed Time |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corp Trip |
6:44:00 (24,240s) |
6:40:55 (24,054.96s) |
|
2 |
Barco de Marco |
8:28:00 (30,480s) |
6:51:43 (24,703.24s) |
|
3 |
Chapter 4 |
7:34:00 (27,240s) |
6:54:28 (24,867.98s) |
|
4 |
True Love |
8:45:00 (31,500s) |
7:29:01 (26,940.79s) |
|
5 |
Nonnie Sue |
9:25:00 (33,900s) |
7:54:32 (28,432.26s) |
|
6 |
Cisco |
10:15:00 (36,900s) |
8:26:01 (30,360.76s) |
Notes:
This long-distance race tested endurance and navigation. Corp Trip maintained its lead, while Barco de Marco outperformed Chapter 4 on corrected time. PHRF ratings for True Love and Cisco were assumed, pending confirmation.
July 26, 2025: Raft Up
A relaxed mid-summer gathering on a short bay course of roughly 10 nautical miles, ending with a raft-up on the northeast side of Puerto Del Sol Marina. The fleet of four boats—Nonnie Sue, Barco de Marco, Big Fishing Boat, and Small Pontoon Boat—departed at 11:00 AM.
This was a non-scored social event, with no official race times or standings. Sailors enjoyed food, drinks, and conversation during the raft-up, with only a couple of lighthearted moments when boats briefly drifted loose before being quickly re-tied.
Participation has been recorded, but no points were awarded.
June 28, 2025: Primero Island Race
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Elapsed Time |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Cricket |
2:35:00 (9,300s) |
2:07:32 (7,651.90s) |
|
2 |
Barco de Marco |
2:38:00 (9,480s) |
2:08:03 (7,683.29s) |
|
3 |
Corp Trip |
2:18:00 (8,280s) |
2:16:57 (8,217.27s) |
|
4 |
Nonnie Sue |
2:55:00 (10,500s) |
2:26:46 (8,806.45s) |
Notes:
Cricket’s assumed PHRF of 240 led to a first-place finish, outperforming Corp Trip due to a favorable handicap adjustment. Confirmation of Cricket’s PHRF rating is needed, as a lower rating could alter rankings. Moderate winds likely favored Corp Trip’s faster elapsed time, but handicaps shifted the results.
May 24, 2025: Mansfield Race (Cancelled; Moved to August 30th)
Cancelled due to unspecified reasons (e.g., weather or logistical issues). Rescheduled and combined with the August race as the Port Mansfield Race.
April 26, 2025: Jack Up Rig Race
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Elapsed Time |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corp Trip |
4:31:00 (16,260s) |
4:28:56 (16,135.88s) |
|
2 |
Nonnie Sue |
6:22:00 (22,920s) |
5:20:23 (19,223.23s) |
|
3 |
Chapter 4 |
6:45:00 (24,300s) |
6:09:44 (22,183.99s) |
Notes:
This endurance race targeted an offshore oil rig, emphasizing open-water navigation. Corp Trip’s lower PHRF rating and faster elapsed time secured first place. PHRF ratings align with NCPHRF base ratings.
March 15, 2025: Reverse Bay Triangle
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Elapsed Time |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corp Trip |
1:20:00 |
1:19:00 |
|
2 |
Tortuga |
2:35:00 |
2:01:00 |
|
3 |
Barco de Marco |
2:33:00 |
2:05:00 |
Notes:
Corp Trip continued its dominance. The reverse course tested navigation skills, with all boats completing the race successfully.
February 15, 2025: Triangle Bay Race
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Elapsed Time |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corp Trip |
0:45:00 |
0:44:00 |
|
2 |
Chapter 4 |
1:01:00 |
0:55:00 |
|
3 |
Nonnie Sue |
2:35:00 |
2:10:00 |
|
4 |
Invictus |
Did not finish (DNF) |
|
Notes:
Corp Trip led with a strong performance, showcasing excellent handicap-adjusted speed. Invictus' failure to finish impacted its standing. No weather or incident details provided.
2025 Overall Standings
Notes on Standings
- Corp Trip remains in first with five wins across six competitive races, despite placing third in June due to Cricket’s favorable handicap.
- Barco de Marco delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the season, finishing second overall in the series standings.
- Chapter 4 closed out the season with a commendable performance, earning third overall in the series standings.
- Nonnie Sue is fourth, with solid performances but affected by missing March and October.
- Cricket takes fifth, with a single first-place finish in June, pending PHRF confirmation.
- Tortuga, True Love, Cisco, and Invictus trail due to limited participation or DNF.
|
Boat Name |
Feb 15 |
Mar 15 |
Apr 26 |
Jun 28 |
Aug 30 |
Oct 25 |
Nov 22 |
Total Points |
1st Places |
Overall Rank |
|
Corp Trip |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
- |
8 |
5 |
1 |
|
Barco de Marco |
DNC |
3 |
DNC |
2 |
2 |
3 |
- |
30 |
0 |
2 |
|
Chapter 4 |
2 |
DNC |
3 |
DNC |
3 |
2 |
- |
30 |
0 |
3 |
|
Nonnie Sue |
3 |
DNC |
2 |
4 |
5 |
DNC |
0 |
34 |
0 |
4 |
|
Cricket |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
1 |
DNC |
DNC |
- |
51 |
1 |
5 |
|
Tortuga |
DNC |
2 |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
- |
52 |
0 |
6 |
|
True Love |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
4 |
DNC |
- |
54 |
0 |
7 |
|
Invictus |
5 (DNF) |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
- |
55 |
0 |
8 |
|
Cisco |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
DNC |
6 |
DNC |
- |
56 |
0 |
9 |
The standings are calculated using a low-point scoring system (RRS Appendix A-inspired) for competitive races:
- Points = finishing position in each race (1 for 1st, etc.).
- DNF (did not finish) = number of boats that started the race + 1.
- DNC (did not compete) = number of unique boats in the series (9) + 1 = 10.
- Ties are broken by the number of first-place finishes, then second-place finishes, etc.
- Total unique boats: 9
2025 COMPETING BOATS
|
Boat Name |
Type/Class |
Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Rating |
|
Barco de Marco |
Lancer 25-4 |
PHRF 252 |
|
Chapter 4 |
Catalina 320 WK |
PHRF 162 |
|
Cisco |
Assumed 22–25’ cruiser |
PHRF 240 assumed |
|
Corp Trip |
Catalina 445 WK |
PHRF 105 |
|
Cricket |
Assumed 22–25’ cruiser |
PHRF 240 assumed |
|
Invictus |
|
|
|
Nonnie Sue |
Catalina 250 CB |
PHRF 225 |
|
Tortuga |
|
|
|
True Love |
Assumed 25–28’ cruiser |
PHRF 210 assumed |
|
|
|
|
2024
SEASON RACE RESULTS
|
Race Name |
Date |
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
4th Place |
5th Place |
|
Clayton’s Regatta |
2/24 |
Cancelled due to lack of wind. |
||||
|
Between the Causeways |
4/13 |
Corp Trip |
Chapter 4 |
Barco de Marco |
Nonnie Sue |
Wiki Wiki |
|
Jack-Up Rig |
4/27 |
Corp Trip |
Chapter 4 |
|
|
|
|
Mansfield Regatta |
5/25 |
Postponed due to high winds. |
||||
|
June Afternoon Regatta |
6/22 |
Fleet scattered due to squalls. |
||||
|
Mansfield Regatta (Line Honors) |
Aug |
Corp Trip |
Chapter 4 |
Nonnie Sue |
Barco de Marco |
|
|
Mansfield Regatta (PHRF Results) |
Aug |
Chapter 4 |
Barco de Marco |
Nonnie Sue |
Corp Trip |
|
|
Farewell Buoy Regatta |
|
Corp Trip |
Chapter 4 |
Cricket |
Invictus |
|
2024 COMPETING BOATS
|
Boat Name |
Type/Class |
Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Rating |
|
Barco de Marco |
Lancer 25-4 |
PHRF 252 |
|
Chapter 4 |
Catalina 320 WK |
PHRF 162 |
|
Corp Trip |
Catalina 445 WK |
PHRF 105 |
|
Cricket |
Assumed 22–25’ cruiser |
PHRF 240 assumed |
|
Invictus |
|
|
|
Nonnie Sue |
Catalina 250 CB |
PHRF 225 |
|
Wiki Wiki |
|
|
2023
SEASON RACE RESULTS
|
Race Name |
Date |
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
Moonlight Madness |
3/25 |
Corps Trip |
Nonnie Sue |
Chapter 4 |
|
Clayton's Pier |
4/22 |
Corps Trip |
In Too Deep |
Chapter 4 |
|
Port Mansfield Offshore |
5/27 |
Corps Trip |
Chapter 4 |
Marco de Barco |
|
Bay Race 1st Heat |
6/24 |
Corps Trip |
Cricket |
Marco de Barco |
|
Bay Race 2st Heat |
6/24 |
Corps Trip |
Luis Davila |
Nonie Sue |
|
Port Aransas Passage |
7/22 |
Racing fleet DNF |
||
COMPETING BOATS
|
Boat Name |
Type/Class |
Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Rating |
|
Barco de Marco |
Lancer 25-4 |
PHRF 252 |
|
Chapter 4 |
Catalina 320 WK |
PHRF 162 |
|
Corp Trip |
Catalina 445 WK |
PHRF 105 |
|
Cricket |
Assumed 22–25’ cruiser |
PHRF 240 assumed |
|
In Too Deep |
|
|
|
Luis Davila |
|
|
|
Nonnie Sue |
Catalina 250 CB |
PHRF 225 |
