Hello,

Welcome to the Newport Yacht Club Race Committee. This introduction will help you understand the who, what, why and how of the NYC Race Committee.

The NYC Race Committee consists of a special group of people dedicated to sustaining and growing the sport of Corinthian (amateur) yacht (sailboat) racing. 

The NYC Race Committee, under the aegis of the NYC Regatta Committee, conducts safe, fair and fun yacht races for the local Newport and international sailing community. Our vision is to be recognized by the global yachting community as dedicated to excellence and sportsmanship.

Newport Yacht Club membership is preferred to volunteer for the Race Committee. However, if you are interested in joining the club, volunteering with the Race Committee is a great way to meet members of the club in a fun environment.

Previous Race Committee experience is not required to volunteer. We’ll teach you everything you need to know with our onshore training sessions and in real-time out on the water. 
Race Committee roles include; 

  • Signal Boat Driver, 
  • Principal Race Officer (PRO); the person in charge for a particular race
  • Signaler; prepares, raises and lowers signal flags
  • Timer
  • Line Spotter
  • Mark Boat Operator and more. 

Typically each race committee volunteer will hold a variety of these roles throughout a season’s racing.

The NYC Race Committee conducts races in the beautiful East Passage area of Narragansett Bay, typically in the area West of Goat Island and just South of the Newport Bridge. We are known for our Spring and Summer Regatta Series on Tuesday and Wednesday nights in partnership with Sail Newport. 
Dock time is 5:00PM on both nights and we are back to Newport Yacht Club for burgers and a beverage on the deck before sunset. We also run several local, regional and international weekend regattas which attract sailors from around the world.

Sound fun? You bet it is! You might be wondering, “What do I need to do to get started?”

It’s easy, just send an email to: regatta@newportyachtclub.org with your contact information and we’ll get you added to the NYC Race Committee email distribution list. Then simply attend the informal training and signup to volunteer for races.

Fair winds,

Newport Yacht Club Regatta Committee

Alan Renfrew, Nick Pasyanos, Tom Pederson, Lee Parks
Nancy Parrillo, Chair – 508-574-1144  regatta@newportyachtclub.org

Race Committee Resources

Check Lists and Guides