What is the Capdevielle?
The Capdevielle Series is the Gulf Yachting Association's one-design sailboat racing series held in honor of Auguste Capdevielle, a past Southern Yacht Club and Gulf Yachting Association commodore. Established in 1941, the Capdevielle Series is now in its 66th year.
What Is "one-design" Racing?
Considered sailboat racing in its purest form, one-design racing requires all competitors to race the same type of sailboat with strict class rules to keep equipment modification advantages to a minimum. It is a true test of a team's sailing skills.
What Kind of Boat Is Used in the Capdevielle?
The GYA's official one-design boat is the Flying Scot, a 19-foot day sailer crewed by two to four people. The Flying Scot is a simple boat to sail, with only a mainsail, a jib, and a spinnaker, but its performance can be extraordinary as anyone who has sailed one in 20 knots of wind can tell you. The FWYC currently owns four Flying Scots, one of which is reserved for Capdevielle racing. The other three are available to all club members for recreational sailing.
How Many Capdevielle Races Are There?
Currently sixteen separate regattas make up the competition for the Capdevielle trophy, including the prestigious Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge Cup and the all-women's Knost Regatta.
Where are Capdevielle Races Held?
Capdevielle races are held throughout the Gulf Coast region and beyond, from the Candler Regatta hosted by St Andrews Bay Yacht Club in Panama City to the Race of Champions hosted by Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans to the Pat Gilliland Regatta hosted by Jackson Yacht Club in Jackson, Mississippi. Fort Walton hosts its own Capdevielle event, the Meigs Regatta, held the second weekend in July. For a full list of Capdevielle events and the clubs hosting them, see the Capdevielle schedule.
Who Can Race?
It is a GYA requirement that all crew members be members of the GYA yacht club they represent. A core group of FWYC members has represented our club throughout the years, but new team members are always welcome and needed. Sailing experience is not as important as a desire to learn and compete against some of the best sailors in the nation. Interested club members are invited to participate in team practices to see if Capdevielle racing is for them. Club members may also invite friends to participate in our practices - a great way to introduce potential new members to our club! See the FWYC Capdevielle Team home page for the next scheduled practice.