Image by Janie Tran
by Janie Tran
Every week from April through September, the Ventura Yacht Club (VYC) hosts “Wet Wednesday,” a popular midweek sailing series. Often called “Beer Can Races” at other clubs, this event is open to all sailboats in Ventura Harbor, regardless of size or club affiliation, making it a perfect midweek break for local sailing enthusiasts.
The 2024 season has seen increased participation, with 22 boats registered – up from the previous year. The series is divided into two classes: the faster, competitive A-Class boats with spinnakers and the more relaxed C-Class cruising yachts, many of which are home to liveaboard sailors. Notably, the C-Class has seen the most significant growth in interest and participation this season.
Races take place every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m., starting just off the Ventura Harbor entrance. A unique aspect of the event is the “Sunset Rule,” which requires at least one boat in a class to finish before sunset. Afterward, the remaining boats in that class have 30 minutes to complete the course. Because the A-Class boats are faster, they often sail a different course to ensure all boats finish around the same time.
VYC encourages participation, even for non-members. With an active crew list available, anyone interested in sailing can join a crew and take part. Crews typically average around seven sailors per boat, meaning over 150 Venturans participate in the races weekly. Junior sailors are also a common sight, contributing to the growing local sailing talent.
The season wrapped up with the final race on September 11th. Light winds made for a slow, graceful race—more like a ballet compared to the wild, rodeo-like conditions of the previous week. Despite the lack of wind, camaraderie was high, particularly in the C-Class, which even managed to rescue a dropped wine glass during the race. Peter Acutt noted, “That boat has rescued four hats, an entangled seagull, and now a wine glass this season! There has to be an award in the works for those accomplishments.”
After each race, crews gather at VYC for dinner, drinks, and shared stories, ensuring that Wet Wednesday remains a cherished social and sailing tradition in Ventura Harbor.
