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8 Types of Sailing Races (Regattas and More)

If you’ve ever considered taking part in a sailboat race, whether professional or recreational, you might not have thought that there are a number of different types of sailboat races.

My first experience was an informal “I bet we can beat you to that island”, so nothing too sophisticated the first time around for me. Of course, there are more serious and exciting races for sailboats out there!

So what are the different types of sailing races? The most popular type of sailing races include:

• Offshore/Oceanic

Whether you’re just starting to learn how to sail or you’ve had some experience already on the water, taking part in a race can be quite fun.

Making sure you tack at the right moments, trim the sails so they’re fully grabbing the wind, and communicate effectively with the rest of your crew is crucial to winning a sailing race .

Fortunately, the sailing community can be one of the friendliest out there so getting your feet wet (no pun intended) with sailing races is not only fun but a great way to hone your sailing skills by learning and doing in clutch situations.

And a great first step into joining that next sailing race is to find out the different types of sailing races, which we’ll dive into now!

8 Types of Sailing Races

1. fleet racing.

The most common type of sailing race that you can compete in is a fleet race. Put simply, a fleet race can be from a handful to hundreds of sailboats racing around a specified course. The course is usually a set of landmarks and can be as small as a lake and as large as an ocean (e.g., the Volvo Ocean Race).

Fleet races have two major distinctions: one-design and handicap. A one-design fleet race indicates that all of the sailboats competing in the race must be of the same design, sail area, etc.

This is the go-to style of a fleet race for Olympic sailing competitions. A handicap fleet race occurs when the competing sailboats are designed differently resulting in giving them a different rating so their final times can be adjusted accordingly.

2. Match Racing

Another very common type of sailing race is match racing, which is when two sailboats that are exactly the same in terms of design, brand, and anything else race each other in a course race. Similar to fleet racing, the match race also takes place in a so-called course with specific locations to reach.

A match race can be very exciting and full of pressure because there are only the two identical sailboats with the only difference being the crew.

That means precision and execution are extremely important! Also, match races always take place in a windward-leeward course, which consists of an upwind and a downwind leg that are lapped 1-4 times depending on the race.

3. Team Racing

Team racing can be one of the more exciting types of racing since it involves two teams of 2-3 sailboats racing a course similar to a fleet and match race.

While quite similar to a match race in terms of having two teams, the added bonus of having multiple sailboats gives it a bit of nuance. Just like a match race, the sailboats tend to be identical, however, team races don’t often last as long and thus are quite short.

A team race works by divvying up points to each team based on the sailboats that cross the finish line in a certain order.

For example, the first sailboat receives one point, the second sailboat receives two points, and so on. After every single sailboat has crossed the finish line, the points are tallied up per team and the team with the lowest number of points wins.

4. Regatta Racing

Probably my favorite type of sailing race is a regatta race simply because it’s generally more relaxed (but, surely, not always) than the previous races mentioned and they can last several days.

Plus the format of regatta races can vary widely when it comes to the types of sailboats used, the course, and the number of participants.

Since a regatta race can span multiple days, you’ll always tie your sailboat somewhere during the afternoon or evening and enjoy the company of your team and the rest of the competition.

In my opinion, the social aspect of a regatta race is probably what draws most people to them in the first place. The combination of multi-day sailing, competition, traveling, and social interaction is hard to beat!

5. Offshore/Oceanic Racing

If you’re looking to get out into the Ocean and participate in longer races, look no further than offshore/oceanic racing.

Similar to regatta racing, offshore racing is longer than your average race and can span days and even weeks. The sailboats that compete in offshore racing can either be of the same design (one-design style) or different (handicap style).

Offshore racing requires good experience in operating and navigating a sailboat in open waters as well as having the right sailing gear and endurance to sail day and night.

Most offshore races exceed 800 miles in length as well, so the amount of time sailing should come as no surprise. It’s not uncommon for sailboats to compete in a trans-Atlantic sailboat race with one of the more notable races being from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean.

6. Paralympic Racing

No one should be deprived of sailing and that includes sailing races. Paralympic racing is a type of sailing race that encourages those with disabilities to compete in sailing races.

The types of races can vary between the types we’ve already covered while most are fleet or team races. Based on the abilities of the crew member, teams are matched up and allowed to compete with one another.

7. Twilight Racing

One of the more relaxing and fun types of sailing races is twilight racing since it wraps up toward the end of the evening and includes a social gathering.

There can be any number of sailboats that participate in a twilight race as long as they finish the course and get to a common location for a nice social evening for all the competitors.

Almost without exception, twilight racing happens in the summer months and is quite enjoyable.

After giving it your all during a race, finishing with the sun going down and a drink (or two) in-sight can be a great feeling. Twilight races oftentimes include the use of two sails and sometimes allow for the option of using a genoa or spinnaker sail.

8. Club Racing

If you’re a member of a club or association that’s aimed at sailing, more likely than not you’ll have the opportunity to join in on some club racing.

While this is more of a situation form of the previous types of sailing, they can be a tad bit more competitive since you’re competing with people you’re often in contact with. Who doesn’t want that nice, shiny club trophy!

The Different Types of Sailboats for Racing

If you end up taking an active part in racing sailboats, you’ll quickly become acquainted with a number of different types of sailboats.

Depending on the sailing race you’ll be a part of, they’ll either allow for a diverse set of sailboats (handicap style) or a specific type of sailboat (one-design style).

A sloop sailboat is the classic single mast, double sail setup. The types of sails on a sloop consist of a mainsail and a headsail.

The headsail can be different types of jibs, including the genoa, spinnaker, or gennaker sails. The headsail is connected to the forestay on the mast and runs all the way to the top of the mast.

A catamaran is a sailboat that has multiple hulls (usually two) and no keel. Instead of a keel, a catamaran gets its stability from having a very wide beam.

As a matter of fact, catamarans are usually faster than monohull sailboats, especially when in the running and broad reach points of sail.

A cutter is an interesting setup since it’s similar to the sloop, but instead of one forestay it has two. With two forestays on the mast, cutters are able to house two headsails.

This can be a preferred setup because it allows for easy cruising due to it offering a diverse combination of points of sail for different strengths of wind.

Just like a sloop, it has a mast that allows for a mainsail and headsail with a full range forestay, but it also has a smaller-sized mast between the mainmast and the stern of the sailboat.

This mast configuration was commonly used in Northern European freighter and fishing boats and is called the mizzen mast.

Related Questions

What kind of sailing gear do I need in a sailing race? You’ll need a good set of deck shoes, clothes that match the weather, a good sailing watch , and gloves.

Are sailing races dangerous? Just like any other sport, there are dangers to sailing races including running into other sailing boats, falling overboard, and being hit by the boom. Unless you’re crossing the Ocean, sailing races are relatively safe compared to other sports.

Do I need to be an experienced sailor to race? You don’t need to be an experienced sailor to join a sailing race as most sailboats are commanded by a captain who has experience already. As a matter of fact, many sailboats need more crew members to participate in races, so being a volunteer crew member is a great way to learn more about sailing.

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She went around the world in 235 days to win sailing's most grueling competition

Scott Neuman

South African sailor Kirsten Neuschafer beat 15 rivals in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, a grueling, nonstop, round-the-world sailing competition. She is the first woman in the race's history to have taken first place. Kirsten Neuschafer/GGR2022 hide caption

South African sailor Kirsten Neuschafer beat 15 rivals in the 2022 Golden Globe Race, a grueling, nonstop, round-the-world sailing competition. She is the first woman in the race's history to have taken first place.

After 235 days alone at sea in a tiny fiberglass boat, South African Kirsten Neuschafer sailed to victory on Thursday in the 2022 Golden Globe nonstop, round-the-world race, crossing the finish line a day ahead of her closest rival.

In sharp contrast to the rough conditions she experienced during much of her voyage, Neuschafer, aboard her 36-foot Minnehaha, spent the last few hours with almost no wind, inching into the same harbor at Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, that she and 15 competitors departed on Sept. 4.

This race is a nonstop sail around the world. Cassette tapes are allowed, but no GPS

All but three of those entrants were subsequently forced out of the grueling race, regarded by many as the most challenging competition the sailing world has to offer. One boat sank in the Indian Ocean, with Neuschafer sailing to the skipper's rescue. Several others lost their masts or experienced other problems.

The Golden Globe is a unique race in which participants are not allowed to use most modern electronics to find their position at sea, relying instead on celestial navigation. It is a reboot of a famous 1968 race that resulted in the first nonstop, unassisted circumnavigation — a feat so rare that even today, more people have gone into space. The race was revived in 2018, and Neuschafer is now the first woman to win.

"I knew before I started that a large aspect of this race is luck and a large aspect is preparation," Neuschafer told NPR by satellite phone in February as she was about to round Cape Horn, where she faced 55 mile-per-hour winds and seas of 25 feet.

"The single-handed aspect was the one that drew me," she said of her decision to enter the race. "I really like the aspect of sailing by celestial navigation, sailing old school."

Neuschafer's closest rival, Abhilash Tomy, an Indian navy commander, is about a day behind her. Another competitor, Austrian sailor Michael Guggenberger, is not expected to finish for several more days.

VIDEO: The latest from Alicante

Oceanslab, spearheaded by british sailor phil sharp, is gearing up to make history, remembering a record breaking day, sam goodchild and thomas ruyant - stronger together, video - rosalin kuiper sets her sights on building her own team with holcim-prb, burling and tuke inspired to build live ocean legacy.

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How to Start a Sailing Race Effectively

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA American Sailing , North U

My journey to becoming a sailboat racer is evolving. In the past few months, I have become acquainted with racing terms, phrases and the sailboat racing rules. I have begun browsing clinics, seminars, and webinars in American Sailing’s North U curriculum. I sailed out on a Wednesday night to watch the local racers get started on their weekly races. Shockingly, I have even begun to play with trimming the sails!

I have evolved. 

I see other boats in the marina and have an internal conversation about how I would beat them in an imaginary race. Geometry, weather prediction, and my boat’s performance are no longer taken into consideration just to get me back to the dock before happy hour ends. I am now trying to become an efficient sailor.

Could my first race be on the horizon?

Let’s let out the main for a moment and slow this thing down. I need more knowledge. I need to know how to start a sailing race.

Starting Tactics for Sailboat Racers

When it comes to racing, mastering effective starting tactics is crucial for a successful race. However, it’s important to recognize that starting tactics can vary depending on factors such as the specific race, wind conditions, and the rules of the event. It’s a dynamic aspect of sailing that requires adaptability and strategy.

The Value of Observation

One valuable approach to improving your starting techniques is observing other sailors. By attentively watching experienced sailors in action, you can gain insights into their strategies and learn from their successes and mistakes. This observational learning can provide valuable knowledge and inspiration for refining your own starting tactics.

Gain Crewing Experience

Gaining practical experience through regular practice and participation in races is key to honing your starting skills. Each race presents a unique set of challenges and conditions, allowing you to test and develop your techniques. Learning from your own experiences, analyzing what works well for you, and making adjustments along the way will contribute to your growth as a competitive sailor.

Embrace the Process

Starting a race effectively is a skill that evolves over time. Embrace the learning process, stay open to new strategies, and continue to refine your starting tactics based on the dynamic nature of each race you encounter.

Six Ways to Improve Race Starts

Starting a race effectively can significantly impact your results. Here are six ways to improve your starts as instructed by Bill Gladstone of North U. 

• Starts are chaos. If you’ve never been on a starting line before it is hard to prepare yourself for the seeming chaos that is a sailboat racing start. You’ll also need to get used to how crowded and close-quartered the line can be. Maneuvering within a few feet of other boats is an everyday occurrence for racing sailors and takes some getting used to.
• You need to have a plan. To make order out of the chaos you need to have a starting plan – and then you need to be ready to improvise on that plan as circumstances dictate. There are some standard approach plans – reach and reach, port tack approach, half speed – and positioning plans to choose from. Have a plan and share it. The whole team should know what the plan is. Do a dress rehearsal. It won’t be the same as the real thing but will give you a baseline to work from.
• Teamwork and efficient communications are key. There’s no time for explanations and discussion. Things happen fast. For example, we are always ready to tack; there’s no, “Ready about, Hard-a-lee.” It’s just, “Tacking.” Efficiently communicating the position and behavior of rival boats with clear simple terms is critical. Time is short. 
• Don’t be late. It takes practice (and teamwork) to accelerate to full speed and hit the line on time – even when sailing alone. In the crowds and chaos of a start it is trickier still. Set up early and push to the line. If you are early you can waste time by oversteering to sail extra distance; but once you are late, you are late.
• Avoid crowds. You’ll hear plenty about starting at the favored end and all that. True enough. But more important is keeping clear enough of crowds that you can sail your boat and hit the line on time and at full speed. It doesn’t matter so much where you are on the line. Sail your boat and hit the line on time and at full speed.
• BONUS item: Clear Air. To sail full speed you need to be in clear air – clear of crowds. But wait – there’s more: Surprisingly, for an upwind start – and most starts are upwind – you should position yourself so there is plenty of room to leeward, under your jib. Having a boat close to windward is much less of a problem.  Preserving room under (to leeward) of your bow will allow you to sail full speed coming off the line. 

Once you are off the line, at full speed, in clear air, then you are racing… And most races are decided by speed. You’ve got to be fast to win. That’s a topic for another day.

If you encounter a boat in your marina starting and stopping and generally looking confused, that might be me. I am working on taking some of Bill’s advice, and will soon no longer be a spectator. Instead, I will be a racer!

Ready to get in the race? Take a look at this North U course on Racing Tactics .

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Basics Of Sailboat Racing Explained

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

May 29, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Knowing the race rules and the type of boat you are using are key parts of joining a race
• The type of race may vary depending on location and the rules could differ too
• You should have a lot of practice if you are new to sailing races to keep safe
• It is recommended you take the ASA classes if you have limited experience
• A good sailing watch is recommended so that you do not miss the start

‍ Racing a sailboat requires basic rules that are typically set forth by a racing committee. But what are the sailing racing basics?

The basics of sailboat racing consist of racing rules and a basic course outline. The type of boat you are using also is relevant. The type of race you are competing in also matters with how many people you have since the rules might only apply to certain one person boats.

In my experience sailboat racing is a fun and rewarding time on the water. You must understand the basic racing rules before you begin to ensure you are safe and so you do not have any penalties for your time.

Table of contents

‍ ‍ ‍ Sailboat Racing Basics

Before you begin racing a sailboat it is recommended that you brush up on your knowledge beforehand. If this is your very first time trying to sail a boat then you definitely need to take the time to get acclimated to sailing.

For beginners with little to no experience on the water you should check out the American Sailing Association ( ASA ) classes and find one that is best for you. This is great for learning the basics of sailing and the safety procedures.

Know the Rules Before Racing

A typical race will have common racing rules of sailing that you should know. These rules will help shape the format of the race.

You do not need to know every single racing rules of sailing in order to compete but rules help keep the framework of the race intact if everyone is following them. For example if you cross the starting line early you will typically be penalized by having to complete a turn or two which will cause you to lose distance on the competition.

Common Rule You Should Know

One of the most common rules you should know is when boats have their starboard tack they have to give way to boats with opposite tacks or the port tack. A port tack boat has to pass or back off of a starboard tack boat if they come across one another. A leeward boat gets the right of way over any windward boat if two or more boats are on the same tack.

Selecting the Best Race to Enter

If you are new to sailboat racing you might want to stick to something that is competitive but not completely serious. There are plenty of racing events that are geared towards a benefit or fundraiser that is meant to be fun but also raise money.

You also need to figure out if your boat matches the type of sailboat race being held. A lot of races are done with one-design boats which are vessels that are similar in size and shape. One-design racing is the most popular form of sail racing.

Try Without the Spinnaker

There might be a race that is simply from the starting line to the finish line of a designated route. If you can get by without using a spinnaker this will help you focus on other key areas of the boat for performance.

Be Familiar with Notice of Race Details

Each club that hosts a race will post important information about the race on their website. It will cover pertinent information such as the course outline and the right communication channel. It also covers the start time and any particular order of the start line.

It also would help if you attended the skippers meeting about the race in order to learn more about the sailing instructions. This will give you the opportunity to ask important questions or if you are unsure about something you can get help from other experienced sailors.

Try to Get a Good Start

Once the race is getting close to starting you need to carefully watch the time and everyone else around you. It will be somewhat hectic as everyone will be hovering around the start line. As mentioned if you cross the starting line too early you will be penalized.

This is when a good regatta watch is used to help keep track of the time. Sailors will use a countdown timer once the horn has been blown to indicate how much time is remaining to start the race. The horn might be blown at the five minute mark and then again at one minute but this could vary.

Following the Pack

If this is your first sailboat race there is nothing wrong with letting a lot of people pass you at the start so that you can work on your sailing skills. This will give you the opportunity to watch how others compete and see what they do in order to succeed.

Ask to Be a Part of a Crew

If you do not have a boat or have friends that are sailing you could always ask to be part of the ride (if the boat can handle more people). The weight of the boat matters in smaller boats but you could see if you can be a part of their sailing race and maybe learn some inside knowledge.

What are the Various Types of Sailboat Races?

There are many different variations of sailboat races to consider if you are interested. The boat you have will help determine the type of race you can enter and the type of rules and strategies you must think about. You will likely find one geared towards your boat if you look hard enough.

Fleet Races are Most Common

Fleet racing is the most common type of sail race you can find. It features tons of boats that are similar in nature and it can be difficult with the amount of people to navigate through. The first sailboat to cross the finish line is the winner.

Match Racing is Tactical

Match racing features a series of races between two sailboats that have to navigate a course. The fastest boat is not always the winner since you have to complete various legs of the race. The faster boat will have the advantage if they can block the wind for the second boat but they must stay one step ahead in order to remain the faster boat.

Team Racing Requires Strategy

Team racing features a few boats per team that all compete against each other. The first team to cross does not win as they earn points based on when they crossed the finish line. The team having the lowest total of points wins.

Various Shore Races

Inshore racing takes place near protected waters such as bays while offshore racing is out in the open. Inshore races are quick and to the point but offshore races can last up to a few days or longer depending on what the crew has to go through to get to the finish line.

Types of Sailboats Used in Races

There are different types of races that are geared towards certain boats. The type of boat you have will help point you in the right direction of race you can enter. You do not have to have these boats exactly but they likely will need to be close to the boats they will use in the race.

Small Dinghy Boats

Dinghies are small sailboats that are under 20 feet in length. These are great for one person or for youth wanting to enjoy races. The most common types of dinghy sailboats that are used in races worldwide include the Laser and 49er but also the 420.

Boats That Have Keels

Keelboats are larger than dinghy boats and have a keel underneath the boat to offer stability. A lot of smaller boats will also have keels but they are characterized as dinghies.

The most popular sailboats with keels that are used in races the J/24 and Jet 14. The Capri 22 is also a great choice for its sailing performance.

Multihull Racing Boats

Multihull sailboats are types of boats that have more than one hull. These can be catamarans with two hulls and trimarans that have three hulls.

The most common multihull sailboats include the A-Cat and Hobie 16. The Isotope is also great for being an alternative for multihull races.

Why do Sailors Want to Race?

Racing with sailboats requires discipline and determination. Sailors must know how to effectively handle sailing upwind and sailing downwind against other sailors while trying to cross a finish line. If you are unable to handle your boat efficiently then it will show in your racing performance.

In order to be a successful racer you have to master your sailboat. In addition you also must understand the racing rules and strategies involved to becoming successful. If you fail to understand certain rules then you can be penalized on your time or potentially kicked out of the sailing event if you cause harm to others.

This creates a competitive drive to show how good you are on your boat. Not everyone is good at sailing or even pushing their boat as hard as it can go. Once you are good at racing it offers an excellent pastime and great camaraderie among other sailors with similar boats.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Taiwan nighttime dragon boat racing puts a modern twist on an ancient tradition

Amateur athletes competed in dragon boat races in Hong Kong and Beijing to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival on Monday.

Drones light up Hong Kong sky to mark Dragon Boat festival

Residents watch a dragon boat race during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

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Rescuers help the dragon boat racers following a crash during the Dragon Boat festival at a canal in Tongzhou, on the outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu festival, also known as the Dragon Boat festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by celebrations like eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

A team of dragon boat racers paddle their boat during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Competitors fall as the boats overturned following a crash during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Teams of dragon boat racers crash after one of the boats paddled off direction during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Teams of dragon boat racers paddle their boats as they compete in the Dragon Boat festival at a canal in Tongzhou, on the outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu festival, also known as the Dragon Boat festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by celebrations like eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Competitors take part in a race during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

A woman carries an umbrella to shield from the sun as residents watch the Dragon Boat race during the Dragon Boat festival at a canal in Tongzhou, on the outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu festival, also known as the Dragon Boat festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by celebrations like eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

People watch the dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

People stand on a bridge to watch the dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

A woman uses a smartphone to film the Dragon Boat festival at a canal in Tongzhou, on the outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu festival, also known as the Dragon Boat festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by celebrations like eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Competitors take part in a dragon boat race during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Children climb on a pavilion to watch the dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival at a canal in Tongzhou, outskirts of Beijing, Monday, June 10, 2024. The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is marked by eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Across the Chinese diaspora , racing in dragon boats has been a tradition reaching back thousands of years.

But change is afoot, most recently in central Taiwan where the races were switched to the evening to take advantage of cooler temperatures, a refreshing breeze and the sight of the boats lit up with LED lights running the length of the low-lying watercraft.

A drummer pounds out a rhythm behind the elaborately carved dragon head in the bow, while a navigator sits in the stern, where a tail rises to complete the look of the mythical animal, a traditional Chinese harbinger of prosperity and good luck.

It is mainly an amateur sport and crews are formed among groups of neighbors and co-workers. Emily Lin, 31, who works as a sales executive in Changhua county, said training sessions at a local junior high school were an excellent way to strengthen friendships outside of work.

“This dragon boat race allows us to meet, exchange and take part in something,” Lin said Monday following qualifiers the previous night.

Daytime racing means dealing with the intense central Taiwan sun reflecting off the river, leaving you feeling unwell, said Chen Ta-tzung, a 28-year-old machinery maintenance specialist.

“But in the evening, you don’t have the sun,” Chen said.

“When we focus on rowing during the race, we cannot enjoy the beautiful scene. But when we row back, we can really enjoy the beautiful sights,” he added.

This year’s races hold a special meaning for many participants and observers as they are the first after a three-year break because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sizes of the boats vary and the numbers of rowers can range from 10 to 20 or more. The festival generally falls at the start of June based around the summer solstice according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

In recent decades, the sport has spread in popularity around the world and standards have been imposed on rules and equipment, including the size of paddles and requirements that the drummer, playing a similar role to the coxswain in college and Olympic rowing, maintains a constant beat.

“Racing at night is special for rowers,” said Huang Yi-kai, 21, who is a coach for standup paddleboard rowers. “This allowed rowers to focus on the moment. It’s a refreshing experience.”

Dragon boat races are also being held in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as around mainland China, where lax safety standards have occasionally led to deadly accidents . At least one person was killed after a dragon boat capsized in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing on Sunday, the local government reported.

At a competition on a canal in the east of Beijing on Monday, participant Shi Shulei cheered the event as a celebration of traditional Chinese culture, devoid of commercial or foreign influences.

“Nowadays people celebrate many festivals invented by merchants or by other countries. We sometimes forget about Chinese traditional festivals. This event should be promoted because it helps to rejuvenate Chinese traditional culture,” Shi said.

Twenty-five teams representing companies, universities and residential compounds raced over the 200-meter (650-foot) canal, where two boats collided in the preliminary round after one of them veered from its lane. The 24 participants were swiftly rescued from the water and no one was reported injured, while organizers called for more life vests and rescue boats.

Despite temperatures of 35 degree Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), crowds from around the city of more than 20 million lined the canal and cheered from a reproduced Chinese ship from the imperial era.

In Hong Kong, a former British colony where political and civil liberties have been increasingly restricted in recent years, the emphasis among racers was on working together to achieve a common goal.

“Dragon boat is a team sport. It’s important we share a team spirit,” said Andy Ng, the coach of a local team. “Each member strives with the same objective, which is being the fastest to the finish point. Everyone in my team enjoys it and we enjoy the workout together.”

The races are connected to the tale of Qu Yuan, a loyal adviser to a Chinese emperor some 2,500 years ago who drowned himself in a river after his sage advice was rejected. According to legend, to prevent fish from eating his body, supporters tossed in rice cakes, a tradition that continues to this day as observers mark the fifth day of the fifth lunar month by eating sticky rice dumplings. ___

Associated Press video journalists Wayne Chang in Beijing and Alice Fung in Hong Kong contributed to this report.

[GRAD] Show Me Chicago: 2024 Dragon Boat Racing

Graduate Commons Programs

Join us in witnessing the 2024 Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park! Experience cultural dance performances, music, and more.

The tradition of the Chinese Dragon Boat Race spans over 2,000 years and is cherished by Chinese and Asian communities worldwide. Since 2000, the Chicago Dragon Boat Race, organized by the Chinatown Chamber, has become a beloved event, drawing participants and spectators from across the city and neighboring areas.

This full day-event kicks off at 8:00AM and runs till 5:00PM. Attendees are welcome to stay for the entire duration of the event.  We will meet in front of I-House at 8:00AM and depart together.

See here for more information:  https://www.chicagochinatown.org/2024DBR

This event is exclusively for graduate students with UCID. Must be 21+ and present valid government-issued ID.  Please u se your UChicago email address to register on Eventbrite at: https://ihouse2024_dragonboatracing.eventbrite.com

Persons with disabilities who may need assistance should contact International House in advance of the program at (773) 753-2274 or  [email protected]

After 20 years, cardboard boat race becomes Fourth of July tradition

Tradition continues at pratt pool on fourth of july, but it began as as a summer celebration for the community.

Dreams have been sinking in Prattville for 20 years, and the community has loved every minute of it.

“It is awesome to see people come back year after year after year,” said Betty Hall, the creator of Prattville’s annual cardboard boat race. In 2004, she was the program director for Prattville’s Department of Leisure Services, and she still serves the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

The boaters will be back in Pratt Park at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, just after the 9 a.m. downtown parade. Registered teams will use all their design skills, and more than a little duct tape, to build boats and attempt to float across Pratt Pool. Hopefully they do so before packing down extra pounds of barbecue from the Lions Club sale. Cardboard can only hold so much after all, and every year there are boats that sink or just flat out fall apart in the water.

More: How to build a ship that wows the crowd at Prattville's cardboard boat race

Today, the cardboard boat race at Pratt Pool is a Fourth of July tradition, some fun in the day before the focus shifts across town to the Homeplace Clock Tower for fireworks at night. But that’s not how it began.

“I was looking for some events and activities for the summertime,” Hall said. “When I started it, it was not in conjunction with the Fourth of July. It was in the month of June first couple of years that we did it.”

The move to Fourth of July came at the request of the Prattville Lions Club, to help draw more people to their barbecue sale, Hall said.

For that first race on Saturday, June 26, 2004, Hall remembers having a lot of staff on hand at the pool. Like today, folks gathered and built their boats on site. They had 14 teams participating, and city employees were among them.

“It was kind of a friendly competition between the departments,” Hall said.

The first race

Local families participated as well, including a mother and son team of Donna and Logan Alexander, whose “Bad to the Bone” boat captured first place for the vessel “most like it originally was” when the race began.

“We took first place, and we retired,” said Logan Alexander, who was 9 in 2004 and still lives in Prattville. He said their craft used a lot of duck tape, a boogie board and floaties, and that it was powered by his feet.

“My mom thought it would be a fun thing,” he said. “We put a little bit of ingenuity together and we gave her hell. We were ‘Bad to the Bone.’”

Some others, like the “Lock Nest Monster” were destined to disintegrate. This craft by Cliff Davis and Sean Peck did so spectacularly, winning first place for "Most Creative" and the infamous “Titanic” award for most dramatic sink.

Immediately after the race, Peck told the Advertiser they were proud of their creation, especially since they’d only found out about the race at midnight, and by 1 a.m. that Saturday were scouring the city for cardboard boxes to use.

“It was fun,” Peck said.

Is it difficult to get all that cardboard out of the pool when the boats sink and fall to pieces? Actually, not so much thanks to the lifeguards.

“Once the boat sinks and they see they’re not going to be able to recover or get it to the side, the lifeguards will go in the water and start recovering the cardboard,” Hall said.

More: Tuned In: You'll have a blast in Prattville this Fourth of July

Jumping back in

While Hall has helped build cardboard boats, she’s never tried riding in one. Race days are a little too hectic for that.

“I’m always running it and getting the heats together, and getting everybody ready and lined up,” she said.

Maybe that’ll change after this year, since Hall is retiring October 1 after 32 years of service, 30 of which have been full time with Prattville’s Parks and Recreation where she's program director, the certified playground safety inspector and pool manager.

She’s not the only one who might be destined for the water.

These days, Logan Alexander has a 7-year-old, and is expecting another child in October. He said he’d love to have the children join him in a cardboard boat race someday.

“It definitely creates a sense of competition, which I think kids need,” he said.

His mom, who has passed, would likely agree.

“This was fun,” Donna Alexander told the Advertiser in 2004. “It was something to do as a family.”

Learn more about the boat races and how to register online at prattvilleal.gov .

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at   [email protected] .

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