Vanguard 15 West Coast Fleet 53

Vanguard 15 Fleet 53 - San Francisco Bay

If you are looking for an active and competitive dinghy fleet in the San Francisco Bay Area, then the Vanguard 15 is your boat! Our fleet began in April 1998 with 8 boats racing on the Alameda Estuary. Today, we are based at Treasure Island Sailing Center (TISC) and have over 30 active boats racing year around, including a few of the original boats! Fleet 53 is one of the largest V15 fleets in the country and among the most active one-design fleets in San Francisco Bay.

This strict one-design boat is exciting, yet easy for two people to race. We welcome all skill levels, from collegiate All-Americans and Olympic campaigners, to big-boat sailors looking for tighter action, to novices that want to learn the sport of sailboat racing. The fleet hosts weekly fleet and team racing from April through September at TISC in Clipper Cove where good breeze and flat water can be found most nights. There are also weekend regattas held at various West Coast venues that make up the Championship Series.

Racing

The Thursday Night Series, sponsored by West Coast Sailing, is legendary for tight collegiate-style fleet racing. Thursday nights offer professional race officials, up to nine races per night, and a fabulous post-racing party! To race:

1. Review the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions
2. Register for part or all of the series with TISC.
3. Fill in the Social Chair Form (sailors who attend regularly are expected host dinner and/or drinks at least once)
4. Pay fleet dues on our dues page
5. Show up at the venue on Thursday in time for a 6:30 first signal.

Please contact Thursday Night Chairs Cameron Barclift and Ian Markowitz at v15.thursdays@gmail.com with any questions.

The Tuesday Night Series is dedicated to high-level but casual 3-on-3 team racing. Anyone interested should contact Tuesday Night Chairs Helen Lord and Sam Alexander for more information. Prior team race experience or other extensive dinghy racing experience is preferred. Sign up for Tuesday social chairs here.

Getting involved

We welcome sailors who'd like to get involved with our fleet.

• Join our Mailing List and Facebook group to learn more about our fleet and activities.
• If you are interested in getting out on the water but do not have a boat, we have a V15 available to Charter for team or fleet racing.
• If you would like to crew fill out a posting on the new Crew List.
• If you have a boat and want to be part of the fleet, enter your information on the Roster.

File Photo: Main Gallery

Hinman 2003