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.
- Captain’s Meeting: All captains/skippers are required to attend the pre-race Captain’s Meeting for final instructions, safety updates, and course confirmation.
- Entry Fee: A $10 entry fee applies per boat and should be paid prior to the race start.
- Waiver Requirement: All participants must have a signed Waiver and Release Form for Racing and/or Sailing on file prior to participating.
- 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.
Race Schedule and Synopses
September 5, 2026: Port Mansfield Race
Time: 8:00 AM
One of LMYC’s most fun and anticipated races of the year is back! The Port Isabel to Port Mansfield Race is a favorite club tradition, combining offshore sailing, overnight adventure, great camaraderie, and unforgettable sea stories.
Course Details
- Start Line: Exit of Brazos Santiago Pass (approx. 26°03.94′N 97°09.51′W)
- Turning Marks: Sail north along the coast to the Mansfield Cut (approx. 26°33.867N / 97°16.081W), then turn west
- Distance: ~ 44.5 miles (as the crow flies)
- Finish Line: Intersection of the Mansfield Cut and the ICW (approximately 26°33.533N / 97°24.397W)
*For complete weather, tides, course details, race strategy, and safety information, please download the full Race Briefing. (Coming Soon)
July 25, 2026: Summer-time Raft Up
Info Coming Soon
July 3, 2026: Impromptu Semiquincentennial Celebration Raft-Up
Time: 12:00 PM
When the Port Mansfield Race was postponed, the club didn’t let a little change of plans spoil the fun! Instead, members headed to Barracuda Cove for an impromptu Semiquincentennial Celebration Raft-Up.
Three sailboats—True Love, Barco de Marco, and Nonnie Sue—rafted up with the motorboat Social Distancing for an afternoon of good company, great views, and plenty of fun on the water.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate 250 years of American independence and the Laguna Madre Yacht Club’s own milestone of 50 years of Friends on the Water.
July 3, 2026: Port Mansfield Race
Rescheduled due to inclement weather. The race has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, during Labor Day weekend.
June 27, 2026: Clayton’s Pier Race
Time: 11:00 AM
Join the Laguna Madre Yacht Club for one of our favorite summer races as we head out into the Gulf for the annual Clayton's Pier Race. This race features an exciting downwind run along the beautiful South Padre Island shoreline followed by a challenging upwind return to the finish. With steady summer breezes and spectacular scenery, this promises to be an enjoyable and tactical day on the water.
Course Details
- Start Line: Exit of Brazos Santiago Pass (approx. 26°03.94′N 97°09.51′W)
- Turning Marks: Clayton’s Pier / Clayton’s Beach Bar area on the Gulf side of northern South Padre Island (approx. 26°07–26°08′N range near 6900 Padre Blvd)
- Distance: ~5 miles one way (≈10 miles round trip straight-line). With wing-on-wing outbound and heavy tacking on the return, expect ≈15 miles sailed total
- Finish Line: Exit of Brazos Santiago Pass (approx. 26°03.94′N 97°09.51′W)
- Likely a simple out-and-back or windward/leeward style along the Gulf coast (adjust marks as needed for safety and fairness).
Forecast: Hot and humid with temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s. SSE winds around 15–20 knots with a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Sea Conditions: 2–4 ft seas with moderate outgoing current near Brazos Santiago Pass.
Expect: A fast downwind run to Clayton's Pier followed by a challenging upwind return requiring efficient tacking, good crew work, and hydration.
Safety: Monitor VHF Channel 68, watch for recreational and commercial traffic, be alert for changing weather, and sail within the capabilities of your boat and crew.
*For complete weather, tides, course details, race strategy, and safety information, please download the full Race Briefing.
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corp Trip |
1hrs 51mins |
|
2 |
Barco de Marco |
2hrs 29mins |
May 23, 2026: Port Mansfield Race
Due to inclement weather, this race has been postponed and rescheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026. Please check back for any additional updates or race information.
April 25, 2026: Triangle Race
Time: 1:00 PM
Get ready for a fast-paced afternoon on the water as Laguna Madre Yacht Club hosts the Triangle Race. With a multi-lap course, steady coastal winds, and tactical mark roundings, this race promises a fun challenge for sailors of all experience levels. Whether you’re racing for position or just enjoying a great day on the bay, it’s shaping up to be a classic LMYC event.
Course Details
- Start Line: Between Green Navigation Buoys G81 & G79
- Turning Marks:
- 1st Turn: LMYC Red Buoy set at 26° 4.610’ N, 97° 10.952’ W
- 2nd Turn: LMYC Red Buoy set at 26° 5.021’ N, 97° 10.987’ W
- 3rd Turn: Green Navigation Buoys G81 & G79
- 3 loops around the course
- Finish Line: Between Green Navigation Buoys G81 & G79
- Distance: ~6.75 miles (as the crow flies)
Forecast: Mid-80s with southeast winds of 15–20 knots and higher gusts possible.
Sea Conditions: Moderate 2–4 ft wind-driven chop with moderate current near the channel and marks.
Expect: A fast, breezy race where sail trim, crew work, and boat handling will be key. Winds may continue building through the afternoon.
Safety: Be prepared for gusty conditions, secure all gear, stay aware of shallow areas and other vessels, and monitor VHF Channel 68.
*For complete weather, tides, race strategy, and safety information, please download the full Race Briefing.
Notes: The race was abandoned when the red marker buoys broke free and drifted off station, preventing the course from being properly marked.
March 28, 2026: Jack Up Rig Race
Time: 10:30 AM
Join the Laguna Madre Yacht Club for an exciting offshore race from the mouth of the Brazos Santiago Pass jetties to the offshore platform Prod Paragon Offshore-100-9 (the northern most rig), located approximately 10–12 nautical miles into the Gulf of Mexico.
This race offers a dynamic mix of nearshore and offshore sailing, with changing conditions that will challenge both seasoned racers and adventurous cruisers alike.
Course Details
- Start Line: Brazos Santiago Pass (jetties)
- Turning Mark: Prod Paragon Offshore-100-9 (26.2300° N, 96.9300° W)
- Distance: ~20–24 nautical miles round trip (depending on course)
Forecast: Temperatures in the upper 70s with SE winds building from 8–12 knots at the start to 15–20 knots in the afternoon.
Sea Conditions: Expect building seas and stronger winds throughout the day. The return through Brazos Santiago Pass may be challenging due to opposing wind and current.
Safety: Monitor VHF Channel 68, watch for commercial traffic, and reef early if conditions require.
*For complete course details, weather, tides, race strategy, and safety information, please download the full Race Briefing.
Conditions During the Race:
Seas were running at approximately 5 feet, with waves rolling every 6 seconds. Winds came out of the Southeast at 16 knots at the start, with gusts reaching up to 25 knots. Most boats reefed early to manage the conditions.
Notes:
Corp Trip and Chapter 4 pulled ahead quickly, pointing strongly into the wind. The challenging wind and sea state made it difficult for Nonnie Sue to keep pace. Tortuga made the prudent call to turn back before reaching the Rig, opting instead to sail in the more protected waters of the Laguna Madre up toward Laguna Vista and back—arriving just in time to watch Corp Trip cross the finish line.
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Corp Trip |
4hrs 38mins |
|
2 |
Chapter 4 |
5hrs 7mins |
|
3 |
Nonnie Sue |
DNF |
|
4 |
Tortuga |
DNF |
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.
Conditions During the Race:
Flat seas with 1–2 ft waves, clear skies, and a bright full moon lighting the course. Winds held steady at 9–10 knots out of the East, making for long tacks throughout the race.
Notes:
It was a beautiful night under a full moon—perfect conditions to be out on the water.
Results:
|
Place |
Boat Name |
Corrected Time |
|
1 |
Tortuga |
2hrs 56mins |
|
2 |
Chapter 4 |
3hrs 29mins |
|
3 |
Barco de Marco |
DNF |
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!
Course: From the LMYC dock toward the Port Isabel swing bridge, around the sandbar, and back
Start Time: 11:00 AM
Conditions:
A breezy day with winds around 10 knots. The channel’s surrounding buildings created a wind shadow, keeping conditions relatively calm for participants.
Participants:
Caren, Mark N., and Mike K.
Bruce cheered from the dock and served as the official photographer for the day.
Results:
Despite arriving late, Caren made an impressive comeback—overtaking the competition to claim first place. Mike K. finished second, while Mark N. came in third after being unable to fully circumnavigate the sandbar.
Fun was had by all!
2026 Overall Standings
Notes on Standings
|
Boat Name |
Jan 24 |
Feb 28 |
Mar 28 |
Apr 25 |
May 23 |
Jun 27 |
Jul 3 |
Aug 22 |
Sept 26 |
Oct 24 |
Nov 28 |
Dec 26 |
Total Points |
1st Places |
Overall Rank |
|
Barco de Marco |
- |
4 (DNF) |
DNC |
- |
- |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
0 |
4 |
|
Chapter 4 |
- |
2 |
2 |
- |
- |
DNC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
0 |
2 |
|
Corp Trip |
- |
DNC |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
2 |
1 |
|
Nonnie Sue |
- |
DNC |
5 (DNF) |
- |
- |
DNC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
17 |
0 |
5 |
|
Tortuga |
- |
1 |
5 (DNF) |
- |
- |
DNC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12 |
1 |
3 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 (5) + 1 = 6.
- Ties are broken by the number of first-place finishes, then second-place finishes, etc.
- Total unique boats:
2026 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 |
Hickley |
|
|
Nonnie Sue |
Catalina 250 CB |
PHRF 225 |
|
Tortuga |
Gloucester 22 |
PHRF 190 |
|
True Love |
Assumed 25–28’ cruiser |
PHRF 210 assumed |
|
|
|
|
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.
2025
SEASON RACE RESULTS
|
Race Name |
Date |
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
4th Place |
5th Place |
6th Place |
|
Triangle Bay Race |
2/15 |
Corp Trip |
Chapter 4 |
Nonnie Sue |
Invictus |
|
|
|
Reverse Bay Triangle |
3/15 |
Corp Trip |
Tortuga |
Barco de Marco |
|
|
|
|
Jack Up Rig Race |
4/26 |
Corp Trip |
Nonnie Sue |
Chapter 4 |
|
|
|
|
Port Mansfield Race |
5/24 |
Cancelled; Moved to August 30th |
|||||
|
Primero Island Race |
6/28 |
Cricket |
Barco de Marco |
Corp Trip |
Nonnie Sue |
|
|
|
Raft Up |
7/26 |
Four boats participated —Nonnie Sue, Barco de Marco, Big Fishing Boat, and Small Pontoon Boat |
|||||
|
Port Mansfield Race |
8/30 |
Corp Trip |
Barco de Marco |
Chapter 4 |
True Love |
Nonnie Sue |
Cisco |
|
Grand Prix Race |
9/27 |
Barco de Marco was the only participant. |
|||||
|
Brownsville Ship Channel Race |
10/25 |
Corps Trip |
Chapter 4 |
Barco de Marco |
|
|
|
|
Boxers Race |
11/22 |
Nonnie Sue was the only participant. |
|||||
|
Laguna Madre Lighted Christmas Boat Parade |
12/6 |
Representing LMYC were Barco de Marco, Reverie, and a festively decorated pontoon boat. |
|||||
|
Poker Run |
12/27 |
Nonnie Sue |
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
Gloucester 22 |
PHRF 190 |
|
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 |
