The PSC Racing Squadron offers members an opportunity to develop their racing skills right here on the Potomac River in a competitive yet friendly sailboat racing environment. Even if you have raced sailboats before, you will find the Upper Tidal Potomac a worthy challenge. For those who have never raced, the more relaxed racing environment of the Pentagon Racing Squadron offers a great opportunity to learn.
Eligibility
The Racing Squadron is open to all Club members who hold a current PSC membership and who currently hold or have challenged a US Naval Sailing Association (USNSA) Basic Keelboat Skipper rating (B-KBS) or an American Sailing Association (ASA) 101 rating. Squadron members must adhere to PSC and Racing Squadron policies on Sportsmanship and Safety.
Benefits of Pentagon Racing
Racing Squadron membership includes the following:
- Year-round racing in the following Daingerfield Island Sailing Club (DISC) races:
- Titanic Series (January - March)
- Spring Weekend Series (March - April)
- Tuesday Night KISS Series (April - September)
- Fall Classic Series (September - October)
History of Pentagon Racing
The Pentagon Sailing Club Racing Squadron was founded in 2006 when PSC members John Cavedo and Charlie Peck decided to train a group of Pentagon Sailing members in sailboat racing, the nuances of sail trim, and the ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing. The program grew to a formal status in 2007, when PSC put together a formal Racing Squadron with its own charter, qualification process and Squadron Rules of the Road. To facilitate greater race opportunities, PSC teamed up with the Dangerfield Island Sailing Club (DISC), the sponsor of our Tuesday night and most of our weekend races on the river.
Tuesday Night Racing
Tuesday Night racing on the Pentagon Sailing Club Capri 22 fleet is offered from April through October. Tuesday Night races are hosted by the Daingerfield Island Sailing Club, and offer members a terrific opportunity to hone their skills while racing against a fleet of more than 20 boats on a typical night.
Racers arrive at the Capital Cove Marina at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling as early as 4:15PM to get their crew and boat assignment and to make ready the boats for each race. Boats leave the dock at 5:30PM, and races begin at 6:30PM. Boats return to Capital Cove prior to sunset, and the Squadron typically has a post-race dinner together in the PSC clubhouse.
Regattas and Invitation Races
Pentagon Racing participates in several weekend regattas and invitational races each year. The Cherry Blossom Regatta is held in April; the GEICO Cup is held in June; and the Leukemia Cup Regatta is held in September. Aside from modest fundraising requirements for the Leukemia Cup, all three of the regattas are included with Pentagon Racing membership.
Pentagon Racing Membership Fees
Racing Squadron membership is year-long, running from 15 March of the current year to 14 March of the following year. Racing Squadron membership fees are $250 for a full season and pro-rated for a partial season based on join date. Reverse partial season rates are available for individuals who join the Racing Squadron in March but who are unable to complete a full season, for instance due to a military change of station.
