Rum Race History
Rumour has it, that many rums ago a couple of our more colourful yachties decided after a few too many rums one night to settle once and for all whose yacht was the fastest. The plan was simple they would race for a 40 oz bottle of rum. Starting at the old yacht club race control tower at Grangers Point on the following Friday afternoon at 2.30 p.m. race to Illomana light and back to the finish line at the race control tower. First yacht home would be deemed the winner collect the rum and have full gloating rights over the other. Well that's the rumour any way.
Rum Race Objectives
To encourage new sailors into the sport
To help with the transition from cruising to racing
To promote good sailing skills
To promote good seamanship
To promote the racing rules
To promote basic navigation skills
To promote basic race tactics
Ordinary Rum Races
Ordinary rum races are held every Friday afternoon starting at 2.30pm (winter Hours) and 3.30pm (Summer Hours). There are several courses that can be sailed and are shown in the BBYC year book with the appropriate course chosen by the race officer on the day. All rum races start and finish at the old yacht club race control tower at Grangers Point with all racing ceasing at 5.30pm (Winter Hours) & 6pm (Summer Hours).
Rum race courses range in distance from six to fourteen miles and take approximately one to three hours to complete depending on weather conditions.
All crews and supporters are encouraged back to the yacht club as soon as possible after racing for an informal prize giving generally held 6.45pm. Prize givings are held in a light-hearted manner with every one present participating in the festivities, which include the following.
The presentation of the Oops award:
The presentation of a 1 litre bottle of rum to the handicap winner.
The presentation of several 700mls bottles of rum as spot prizes for participating in the rum race.
Also three spot prizes for the crew.
Major Rum Races
There are three major rum races held each year on dates as shown in the BBYC year book.
These races comprise a mark foy start with a one minute starting sequence thus seeing the smaller and slower yachts starting up to an hour in front of the larger and faster yachts with the intention of all yachts finishing at the same time. The first yacht crossing the finish line deemed the winner.
The last major rum race of the year is held on the last Friday before Christmas and is coupled together with the yearly rum race prize giving. This is generally the ultimate rum race of the year and should not be missed.
Rum Race Rules
On the water:
All rum races are sailed under the BBYC general sailing instructions as shown in the year book.
Off the water:
The only rule is - there are no rules.
As rum races were here for a good time not a long time hope to see you there.