SOCIAL EVENTS


Social Events

Regatta registration includes all three social events for competitors and entered coaches.

PURCHASE GUEST TICKETS ($65/person per event)

OPENING CEREMONY | Sunday, May 10 @ 1715

The 2026 Etchells World Championship will officially open on Sunday afternoon following the practice race. Competitors will gather on the Sail Wash Lawn in smart casual attire (crew shirts, oxford button down) for a brief but meaningful ceremony. The program will include greetings from the International Etchells Class, the SDYC Commodore, and event organizers, recognizing both the international character of the fleet and the proud legacies of the Etchells Class and SDYC.

Following the official opening, participants will migrate to the Pavilion area near the pool to enjoy a hosted “Taste of SDYC” reception. Team SDYC will serve tapas-style selections celebrating the fun, festive Southern California spirit that defines the venue and the week ahead while the camaraderie builds, friends reunite and the stories abound around the pool and lawn area.

MID-WEEK PRIZE CEREMONY | Wednesday, May 13 @ 1800

With six races completed, and upon completion of their mid-week weigh in, competitors will again gather on the Sail Wash Lawn in smart casual attire (blue blazer optional but encouraged) for the presentation of the initial “Daily Firsts” awards for both Overall and Corinthian teams.  The perpetual trophies will be on display, with daily take-home awards presented during the ceremony.

The evening will continue with a hosted “Ships Ahoy” sit-down buffet dinner on the lawn, accompanied by the nautical sounds of Gin N' Jukes — perfectly complementing the renowned camaraderie of the International Etchells fleet into the night.

CLOSING CEREMONY | Friday, May 15 @ 1700

The championship week will conclude on the SDYC Front Deck with all perpetual trophies and awards prominently displayed. The Organizing Authority and Commodore will offer brief remarks and acknowledgments before presenting the remaining “Daily Firsts” awards for Overall and Corinthian teams. Then, the multiple perpetual trophy winners will be announced, and their take homes, including some great Zhik gear, will be awarded, including:

  • Overall Championship Perpetual Winning Team
  • Corinthian Championship Perpetual Winning Team
  • The other various perpetual awards including the U30’s, and “Best Female Team” award — a new perpetual trophy dedicated by Vince Brun (2000 Etchells World Champion) and SDYC.

With the awards distributed and the traditional closing cannon fired, the celebration will continue as the SDYC Dining Room opens with multiple food stations for competitors and guests.

DAILY POST RACE SOCIAL & RAFFLE | Sunday - Thursday

Upon the completion of daily racing, sailors will be greeted in the lawn area with complimentary local draft beers and a hearty snack and chips to cut the end of racing hunger pangs and thirst. Concurrently, SDYC Junior sailors will be roaming the crowd offering raffle tickets for a drawing to win some really great Zhik sailing gear! Big thank you to our friends from Zhik as 100% of the ticket proceeds will go to our outstanding SDYC Junior Sailing Program.

ETCHELLS SAILORS LOUNGE

The Etchells Lounge, located on the south side of the lawn, will offer:

  • Festive hospitality and camaraderie
  • A display of perpetual trophies
  • Celebration of Etchells history
  • Original custom Etchells art on display by DTG Arts
  • A relaxed gathering space for competitors and guests

Stay tuned for announcements on how we will keep you “hydrated” throughout the week.