Racing In San Diego

The venue offers deep, unobstructed water (30–100 feet), suitable for the deepest-draft boats while still shallow enough to set marks without special equipment. The sailing area spans roughly 9 by 4½ miles, comfortably supporting up to three race circles and 3–5 mile windward/leeward courses during major events (southern courses may technically cross into Mexican waters).

The primary drawback is the distance to the course and the potential for rough conditions near the harbor entrance in shallow water (15–25 feet). This results in a long tow—approximately 6½ to 7 miles from San Diego Yacht Club. Kelp drifting from Point Loma can also be an issue; experienced sailors carry kelp sticks and take standard precautions.

The California Current can run north to south at up to ¾ knot along the western edge of the venue, with eddies occasionally producing a ¼ to ½ knot southerly current near the starting areas. With minimal nearby land, the area has significant fetch. Typical winds are thermal, 5–15 knots from the westerly quadrant. Weather systems may bring stronger southerly or northwesterly winds, though storm winds rarely exceed 30 knots. Santa Ana conditions can occasionally result in light or variable winds.

Maximum sea states can reach 8–10 feet in strong southerly or westerly conditions, which may make transit unsafe. The area includes designated Navy anchorages and shipping lanes; coordination by radio usually prevents conflicts. Point Loma significantly affects wind nearshore, often creating a right-shifted, banana-shaped course and a typical west-coast right-side bias.