Team racing in sailing is a highly strategic and collaborative form of competitive racing, involving two teams, each team comprised of multiple boats of the same class. Unlike traditional fleet races where individual boats compete, the winning team in team racing is determined by combining the results of all boats within a team. The format typically involves short races, lasting around 6-10 minutes, on courses designed to test a team’s tactical prowess rather than just boat speed. 

Team Racing is often conducted in a 3v3 format with six boats, although 2v2 and 4v4 formats are also used. Successful participation in these events requires racing experience and familiarity with the Team Racing playbook. Race courses are usually a “Digital N”, but may vary depending on wind and boat traffic. 

For those interested in Team Racing, MIT offers several opportunities, including a summer racing series from late May to August, often held on Thursdays with a “Pick Up” format. Another key event is the Charles River Open (CRO) Team Race, a prestigious two-day competition that attracts skilled sailors from New England. The CRO serves as a qualifier for the US Sailing Team Racing Championships.  Please note, the summer Team Race series does require a summer racing membership.

Team racing is a popular form of racing in college sailing. If you’re a current or former college sailor, you know! All are welcome to join in the fun. We hope you will join us for great racing in the FJs on Thursday nights. All participants must sign up for a racing card or the team racing membership.

Team racing involves teams of three (or four boats) forming a team. In each match, two teams compete against each other to get the fewest points possible to win the match. Each boat gets as many points as its place in the finish, and each team sums its points.

For example, on a three-boat team, there is a maximum of 21 points (1+2+3+4+5+6), therefore the winning combination sums less than 11 points:

Usually, each team races at least six times, and the teams they compete against rotate so that each team plays every other team. The team with the most wins is first; in the case of a tie, look at head-to-head wins and then at total points.

How to Sign Up

There are two Racing Membership options for non-MIT students and adults:

1. Purchase a full racing card that will allow you to race in any of the MIT evening series.
2. If you are only team racing for the summer, you can purchase a team racing card. Everyone who participates must get a sailing card, but you are only allowed to race in the Thursday team racing series.

Rates are as follows:

If you want to upgrade to include both Team Racing and Fleet Racing, you can pay the difference for the full racing card.