Middle Bay Light Race • September 18–19, 2026

Join us for a race to the iconic Mobile Middle Bay Lighthouse!

Overview

Set against the backdrop of Mobile Bay’s rich maritime tradition, Buccaneer Yacht Club invites sailors of all skill levels to hoist their sails for the annual Middle Bay Light Race. Departing from the western shore of Mobile, Alabama, this signature event offers an unforgettable day of competitive racing around one of the region’s most iconic historic landmarks, the Middle Bay Lighthouse.

Join us on the water for a high-spirited day of racing and stick around after for cold drink, great food, and true Gulf Coast camaraderie at the clubhouse.

Distance

~17 NM

Start Area

Vicinity of Dog River Channel Marker 5

Finish

East of Buccaneer Yacht Club

Registration

Registration platform: Regatta Network
Fees: $40.00

Transient Slips Available

Buccaneer Yacht Club is pleased to offer complimentary transient slips for visiting racers traveling to the Middle Bay Light Race.

Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visiting skippers are encouraged to contact the appropriate either Harbor Master in advance to coordinate docking arrangements.

We look forward to welcoming our visiting crews and helping make your regatta experience exceptional!

Schedule

Friday, September 18, 2026

6 PM – 8:00 PM Late Registration
8 PM Skipper’s Meeting

Saturday, September 19, 2026

10:25 AM Race Warning
10:30 AM Start (There will be a six hour time limit to finish)
4 PM – Until After Race party, food and band. (Trophy presentation after race)

    Course

    Course Marks

    Mark Type Location Description Dist
    To    		 Hdg
    To
    1 Start Lat: 30.563476
    Lon: -88.055926
    Dog River #5
    		 0.00 NM 000°
    2 Lat: 30.504475
    Lon: -88.058884    		 Theodore Ship Channel Buoy 10 3.5 NM 182°
    3 Lat: 30.437608
    Lon: -88.017521
    Orange Tetrahedron (West of Mobile Ship Channel #47)
    		 4.5 NM 152°
    4 Lat: 30.504475
    Lon: -88.058884
    Theodore Ship Channel Buoy 10
    		 4.5 NM 332°
    5 Finish Lat: 30.570999
    Lon: -88.081205
    Drop Mark (East of BYC)
    		 4.3 NM 0°
    Course Length 16.8 nm

    Schedule

    Friday, April 24, 2026: Ode to a Son of a Sailor Jimmy Buffett (Honorary Bucaneer)

    4 PM – 7:30 PM (Clubhouse) Packet Pickup and Dinner: Cheeseburgers in Paradise (wear your fun parrothead/tropical attire)
    8 PM (Stage) Welcome & Skipper’s Meeting
    6 PM – 10 PM (Stage) Live Music: The Salt Shakers

     

    Saturday, April 25, 2026: Race Day! Fleet starts begin in the morning, followed by the southward sprint to the island.

    8:55 AM Division 1 Warning
    9:10 AM Division 2 Warning
    3 PM – 7 PM (Stage)
    		 Live Music: Chris Hergenroder
    4 PM – 8 PM (Clubhouse) Bama Bob’s BBQ Dinner
    7 PM – 11 PM (Clubhouse) Live Music: Disco Lemonade

     

    Sunday, April 26, 2026

    9 AM – 11 AM (Clubhouse) Jazz Brunch w/ Dauphin Street Stompers and shrimp & grits!
    11 AM (Stage) Second line to the stage for trophy presentation

      Participation

      • Parking – We’ll park as many as we can within the BYC gates, but there will be overflow parking across the street at McNally Park.
      • Camping – First come, first serve on the back forty for registered sailors and their teams! There is no power, so bring your own generator.
      • Boat Slips – Available for registered boats. Be aware: draft is only 4.’
      • Alcohol – NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL ALLOWED.
        The bar will sell beer, wine, liquor, or non-alcoholic drinks, we have it all! We take cash, credit card, and BYC charge (no reciprocal club charges allowed).
      • Dogs – Well-behaved dogs are allowed outside (never in buildings) and are required to be on a leash at all times. We reserve the right to ask you to remove your dog if it is disturbing others.
      • Chairs/Tents/Umbrellas – Please bring a comfy chair to enjoy the weather and party. Tents and umbrellas are not allowed outside the RV/Camping area.
      • Feeling lost? Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of signs posted and good folks to ask for directions.

      As a reminder, RV camping (#9) is first come, first serve for registered sailors and their teams and will require a generator. The area near the water (#8) is reserved for all catamarans.

      If you’re arriving via water, slips (#7) are free and are available to all registered boats. However, be aware that draft is limited to 4′ or so. Got questions? Shoot them our way!

        Official Notices

        Official Race Poster

        Download the Official Race Poster

            Contacts & Location

            Regatta Chair

            Racing

            Location

            Buccaneer Yacht Club
            4381 Park Road
            Mobile, AL 36605
            📞 (251) 479-8190
            🌐 bucyc.com