PORTSMOUTH BOAT CLUB
Racing
Although perhaps best known for its famous and highly popular Cock Island Race (Race to Cock Island), the Club's racing scene includes its popular and informal Barnacles Race series in Spring and Summer/Fall. Last year's (2025) tremendously successful 1st Annual Amazing Race and Scavenger Hunt is back in 2026 as the Mile Marker 0 Loop scheduled for Saturday, October 24 (see below).
Go to Cock Island Race website
Before you Register online....
Important note about on-line Registration. Two things to note. First, on-line Registration is ONLY for persons who are also paying online. If you do not pay online at the time you submit your Registration, your Registration will not be considered accepted and you may expect to receive an e-mail to that effect. If you wish to pay by cash or check, please contact Jimmy Schools at jimmyschools@yahoo.com. Second, we use PayPal for on-line payments. Please consult these instructions before paying on-line.
Mile Marker 0 Loop
Saturday, October 24, 10 AM, Cost $25/boat
The inaugural Amazing Race took place in 2025 and the Race at once became a hit with what promises to be a long history at the Club.
2026 returns with the 2nd annual race in the Amazing Race Series --
the Mile Marker 0 Loop based loosely on the Great Loop.
(Registration opens October 12)
Think Great Loop, a scavenger hunt and the game of Monopoly. Also think generally about Yachting and Yacht Rock (92.9 The Wave).
Jimmy and Lori Schools have been working away feverishly (and, knowing them, probably fiendishly) to create another amazing local October boating event on the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth and Norfolk.
As with the Amazing Race opener in 2026, all types of boats -- power, sail or paddle -- are welcome and, since this is a PBC event, you can count on prizes, food, beverages and a great time.
The Mile Marker 0 Loop begins on Friday night, October 23, with a 6 PM mandatory Skipper's Meeting at the Portsmouth Boat Club. Skippers will receive their Skipper's package including additional instructions, maps and other materials. The basic Official Race Instructions can be found here.
The actual Loop race starts Saturday morning, October 24, at 10 AM with the firing of the starting canon. The start will be at the northern end of the Portsmouth seawall adjacent o Tidewater Yacht Marina -- yeah, same place we start all our Races. There is a mandatory completion time of 12 Noon. The course will remain within the no-wake zone area in front of the Portsmouth and Norfolk waterfronts. The 5 knot speed limit will be strictly enforced.
The Race will end with another terrific Party at the Boat Club with great food, beverages and Yacht Music. Oh, and of course, what boating adventure would not be complete without stories (tales) by Racers sharing (exaggerating) their great exploits.
Racers will visit designated spots along the waterfronts to pick up Port Stop Experience Cards. These will function like the Chance and Community Chest cards from Monopoly. They may help you by adding desired points to your Race point total, or may hurt you by deducting points or imposing a time penalty (making you wait where you are for a set time). Racers may also score points by finding Gold Bars along the route. The Racer who completes the entire course, and who en up with the most Race points, wins!
More details -- critical additional details -- will be available at the Skippers' Meeting! Be there or..... well be there or don't complain if you end up wandering aimlessly on the Elizabeth River.
(Registration opens October 12)
Barnacle Series
The official Barnacle Series has ended for 2026 but Racers should stay tuned to your e-mails for special notices regarding informal Saturday races during October!
Local humor notes that sailboat racing in Portsmouth started the first time there were two sailboats on the Elizabeth River at the same time.
Unlike many organizations where hard-nosed competition is the rule, the Portsmouth Boat Club likes to promote a friendly, more laid back and casual racing atmosphere.
As such we encourage racing on the Elizabeth by promoting the Barnacle Regatta. This Regatta began as local marina races run informally for bragging rights and fun. Today the races feature 7-17 boats from the Boat Club, other yacht clubs and private individuals. The races are a relaxed, beginner-friendly series designed for both first-time racers and seasoned sailors. The races are held as a Spring Series and a Summer/Fall Series starting in April and running into September (see Notice of Race below for current dates). If two boats show up, we have a race. If enough boats show up, we have classes and multiple winners. All races are held on Saturday mornings at 10:00 AM and are open to any sailboat at least 20 feet in length on deck. The start/finish line is located just off the Portsmouth Seawall. Courses are typically chosen to bring us back to the Clubhouse by noon, where we fire up the grill and enjoy good food, great fellowship, and plenty of sailing stories.
Skippers are encouraged to register prior to the races, however late entry can be anytime up to 1 hour before the race warning gun. One of the best liked features of the regatta is the $15 low entry fee.
Come join in the fun.