Learn to Race, sharpen your skills, find new Friends, have fun!
Discover the exhilarating world of recreational racing with Windworks. Whether you're new to racing or an experienced old-hand looking for like-minded souls, we are here for you! We now offer an array of progams that offer you a pathway to becoming a better, more confident and happy sailor.
The best way to achieve that confidence is through fun, inclusive and thoughtful racing instruction, programming and events. Racing is also a great way to meet other sailors who are looking to sharpen their skills and looking for partners.
The Windworks racing pathway will lead you to your destination - whether it's learning racing, having fun racing, wanting to do more racing and aspiring to performance racing.
Our Pathway
Capri Races
Every Tuesday nights during the summer
The Capri Races have a storied history with Windworks. It’s one of our foundational, fun racing programs that is open to all members, regardless of experience. It’s a great way to meet new people and jump on a boat for a minimum cost. We have a race director and designate our experienced club members – some with certified Captain licenses – as captains and mentors on each boat. You’ll race on a Catalina Capri 23 just outside the Shilshole Bay Marina rain or shine.
Downtown Sailing Series
We provide a seamless experience with pick-up and drop-off right at Elliott Bay Marina. After the race, stick around to soak up the vibrant atmosphere with live music and great food. Don’t miss out on the best social sailing event of the summer—grab your spot today!
US Sailing Performance Sailing Course
Elevate your Skills with a US Sailing Performance Sailing Certification. This course is designed to sharpen your sailing skills in all conditions, giving you more confidence as a cruiser and prepare you for racing at the higher levels. Designed for cruisers as well as racers, this 2-day class helps you get the most out of your sailing. This course will help you learn to analyze, adjust, and shape your sails for maximum speed and comfort in various wind and sea conditions, on all points of sail. As helmsperson, your boat handling will improve in both close-quarters and windy conditions, enabling you to better prepare for challenging situations.
This certificate will be required to join the advance performance racing group. We also strongly encourage all club members – regardless if you want to race – to take this course and sharpen your sailing skills. It will make you a more confident and better cruiser.
Taught on a Catalina 275 tiller-helmed boat and Capri 22. This course brings your keelboat sailing skills to a new level. The course includes the US Sailing Performance Sailing textbook, certification sticker.
Match Racing Program
Magic vs. Wicked: The Ultimate Match Race Duel
Experience the thrill and intensity of Match Racing—the legendary “chess on the water” format made famous by the America’s Cup. This is a tactical, winner-take-all battle for supremacy between our two matched Catalina 275 Sport racers: Magic Wind and Wicked Wind. Since both boats are matched Catalina 275s, there are no handicaps and no excuses. The only variable is the skill of the crew.
In this head-to-head sprint, there is no one else on the horizon to worry about. It’s just you, your opponent, and the finish line. From the high-stakes “pre-start dance” to the final tactical cover on the finish line, every move you make is a direct counter to your rival. Learn how to use your boat as a weapon—blanketing your opponent’s wind, forcing them into a “dial-up,” and mastering the rules of engagement.
Spinnaker Clinic
This one-day clinic will focus on all aspects of raising and handling a spinnaker for cruising and for racing. The clinic will be taught on one of our cruising/racing boats or on the Catalina 275 sports. The course will begin with a chalk talk and then proceed to the water. Among the key topics for the day:
- Boathandling
- Spinnaker and Sail Handling
- Sail Trim and Shape
- Crew Organization
- Onboard Communication