Bellingham Yacht Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary of the PITCH Regatta, the prestigious sailing competition north of Seattle this Labor Day weekend. Racers from Olympia to British Columbia will travel to compete in PITCH and enjoy Bellingham’s challenging wind and currents as well as BYC’s renown hospitality.
“The PITCH motto 'Come for the wind, stay for the party!' sums up the competition and why the regatta is so popular,” commented Shauna McGuinn, BYC’s Sailfleet Captain. “Since it’s our 50th, we have big plans to recognize this milestone including lively dinners and socializing and of course, our award ceremony.”
BYC manages the competition in accordance with US Sailing and PHRF rules so that winners may qualify to compete at the national level. PITCH is also recognized as a Grand Prix qualifying race as well as a 48North Top 25 ranking event. Register for the race.
Started in 1974, PITCH is one of the oldest regattas in northwest Washington and over the years, BYC has added divisions to open the race to many sailors. “The goal of the Bellingham Yacht Club has been to increase sailboat racing opportunities to Bellingham and the greater sailing communities,” explained Jim Gibson, past Commodore, PITCH promoter and racer. “Sailing is one of the few sports with co-ed team members of multiple generations. It teaches both competition and cooperation and appreciation for our stunning environment,” he added.
“We look at PITCH as our contribution to Bellingham’s vibrant athletic events,” added Commodore Jim Haines. “Ski to Sea marks the commencement of Bellingham’s many summer events and PITCH sails us into Fall over Labor Day. The sight of all those colorful sails on Bellingham Bay reminds us how fortunate we are to live here.”
The Bellingham Yacht Club thanks our many generous PITCH sponsors including Mercedes Benz of Bellingham, BECU, the Port Of Bellingham, Fourth Corner Pain Management, Profectus Consulting, San Juan Sailing and Waycross Investment Management Company.
The Bellingham Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in Bellingham. Located on the Squalicum waterfront, the facility has a full bar and Event Center which can be rented by the public. For more information, visit https://byc.org/.
