Eligibility
The regatta is open to all keelboats 20 feet or longer which are equipped with a GPS and VHF radio capable of broadcasting and receiving on VHF channel 69 and meet US Coast Guard safety requirements for nearshore sailing at night. See Notice of Race for more complete information.
 

The Races
Races start on Wednesdays between 6:40 and 7:10 PM depending on your section and most races are completed by 8:30pm.The race course consists of a 2.5 miles diameter racing circle with the start and finish line in the center.

The length of the courses are between 3.5 and 5.5 miles. Boats are divided into sections and classes depending on which sails are being used and the handicap rating. The sections are Green (novice racers), JAM (jib and main) and spinnaker boats divided into sections according to their handicap.

​​

​

After the Race
After each race, crew and friends safely meet on Columbia's Aft Deck to mingle, compare race notes, have a few drinks, and enjoy the fireworks. At the end of the season, series awards are given to the boats placing in each class.

​​

​

Race Committee

If racing is not for you but you would like to be involved with the series, consider joining the Beer Can Race Committee. Working on the Race Committee is an excellent opportunity to meet new people. As a member of the Race Committee, you will learn all about sailboat racing and all the in's and out's of running a race. SIGN UP FOR RACE COMMITTEE.​ This is a FREE way to get on the water; learn a new skill, marine education, make friends, enjoy the community, etc.  If you volunteer for the Race Committee, you will get out of what you put into it, and we will do our best to make sure you have every opportunity along the way. 
 

​

No Boat? No Experience? No Problem!

If you're new to Chicago, new to racing, or looking for a boat to crew with, visit RailMeets for the latest listing of available boats and crew.