Sun and Fun at Chester Yacht Club Since 1902!

Helly Hansen Chester Race Week Takes Place August 16-19, 2023: There’s only one

Chester Race Week has a rich 120-year history, celebrated for spectacular competition on the water combined with an unrivaled social scene off the water.

Someone who loves the tradition of Chester Race Week are the owners and crew of the J29 Scotch Mist who sailed their first Chester Race Week in 1983. This year will be their 40th anniversary at the event and they are celebrating. The MacDonald family has owned the boat for the 40 years and to honour the occasion they are naming the boat Scotch Mist 40 and will be proudly donning their 40th anniversary swag for this year’s CRW. Believe it or not, they still have their original spinnaker that they air once a year during club racing at Lunenburg Yacht Club. Scotch Mist 40 has campaigned successfully in what is now Distance 3 class, winning it in 2021.

Here’s what’s back for 2023:

The remarkable, colourful Bluenose Fleet, with a possible 35 competitor boats. The history of the Bluenose Class sloop dates to 1946 when naval architect William J. Roué designed the wooden One Design. These days, modifications and improvements in construction of the Bluenose reflects the popularity and demand of a quickly evolving race fleet.

The One Design course, sailing windward-leeward. Back again will be the International One Design Fleet, the Farr 30 Fleet, and the Sonar Fleet. A minimum of five boats of One Design is required for a fleet to race on this course.

The Inshore Course, sailing up to two races per day. The course length will depend on the conditions of the day. Some may be windward-leeward courses. Within the PHRF-NS Inshore Racing Course, the Race Committee will set the handicap split for each fleet.

The Distance Course, sailing up to two races per day. The course length will depend on the conditions of the day. The course will be sailed around fixed/inflatable marks. This course is open to PHRF-NS boats carrying a spinnaker. The Race Committee will set the handicap split for each fleet.

The beautiful Classics (aka the Chester postcard), sailing a Pursuit Style of race.

Our great roster of Race Officers heading up the event will be PRO Daniel Conrod, with Peter Van Muyden, John Abel, Luke Porter, Trish Finlay, Pat Nelder, Tom Clarke and Chief Judge, Katie Nicoll.

Here’s what’s happening after the racing:

Live entertainment every day from 4PM–6PM and 7PM–9PM

Awards and prize giving every day starting at 6PM

Fabulous headliner bands starting at 9PM

Wednesday: HOPPING PENGUINS

Thursday: Merimac

Friday: THE MELLOTONES

Saturday: DARK AND STORMY

All the bands will play from outside on the deck where there will be a dance floor, bar and seating under the tent.

Food trucks available on site.

Each yacht that registers for Helly Hansen Race Week gets five bracelets that are required to attend live entertainment for all four nights. Until July 31, additional bracelets can be purchased with registration at a discounted price of $15.

After July 31, bracelets can only be purchased at the gate or ticket window for $22.

Bracelets are required to attend the evening live entertainment for all four nights.

So, be sure to register soon!

To register and learn more about Helly Hansen Chester Race Week, visit www.chesterraceweek.com