SSBA Presents: Wednesday Night Racing Series

SSBA Presents: Wednesday Night Racing Series invites sailors of all experience levels to enjoy a friendly evening on the water in Stonington Harbor every Wednesday from late June through August. Hosted by the Stonington Small Boat Association (SSBA), this longstanding summer tradition offers casual, low-pressure racing for anyone with a sailboat under 20 feet, making it one of southeastern Connecticut’s most welcoming community sailing events.

For more than 50 years, the weekly races have brought together local sailors for spirited competition and camaraderie on the harbor. Participants are welcome to sail one race or join the entire 10-week series, with no entry fee required. Whether you’re an experienced racer or trying small boat racing for the first time, the emphasis is on fun, learning, and spending an evening on the water with fellow sailing enthusiasts.

Following each race, competitors, family members, and friends are invited to continue the evening at the Stonington Harbor Yacht Club, where a weekly barbecue dinner provides another opportunity to gather and celebrate the sailing community.

Event Details

• Event: Wednesday Night Racing Series
• Host: Stonington Small Boat Association (SSBA)
• Dates: Every Wednesday, June 24-August 26, 2026
• Time: First race begins at 6:00 p.m.
• Location: Stonington Harbor
• Cost: Free
• Open to the public

Eligible Boats

All sailboats under 20 feet are welcome, including:

• Ideal 18
• Laser
• Sunfish
• JY 15
• Hunter 14
• Cape Dory
• Sea Dog
• Optimist (Opti)
• 420
• Bic
• RS Aero
• 29er
• Highlander
• Custom designs
• Multihulls

How Racing Works

• First start is at 6:00 p.m.
• Races begin off the end of the Town Docks across the channel.
• Check in with the Race Committee before racing.
• Racers should provide:
  • Name
  • Sail number
  • Type of sailboat
• The Race Committee will provide:
  • Course assignment
  • Start time
  • Three-minute warning before each start
• Orange PVC race marks remain in place throughout the season.

Season Awards

Participants who compete in 7 of the 10 races will receive commemorative burgee glasses during the season-ending dinner and awards celebration at Stonington Harbor Yacht Club.

Post-Race Barbecue

After each Wednesday race, participants, family members, and friends are invited to Stonington Harbor Yacht Club for a barbecue dinner and an evening of fellowship with the local sailing community.

Why Participate

• Free weekly racing
• Friendly, low-pressure competition
• Open to sailors of all experience levels
• Sail one race or the entire series
• Meet fellow sailors from across the region
• Weekly post-race barbecue
• More than 50 years of Stonington sailing tradition