The final leg of the 2026 California Offshore Race Week proved to be a test of patience, persistence, and tactical decision-making as 25 boats set out from Santa Barbara for the SoCal 300. The SoCal 300 currently spans approximately 234 nautical miles, carrying competitors from the waters off Santa Barbara, through the Channel Islands, and south to San Diego.
The race began Thursday, May 28, near Point Castillo and Santa Barbara Yacht Club, with competitors crossing the start line under light conditions. Boats were tasked with navigating across the commercial shipping lanes for LA and between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands before continuing south, leaving the ODAS 46047 weather buoy to port and ultimately finishing off San Diego. SDYC’s Waterfront Director Jeff Johnson reflects on the origins of the SoCal 300 course stating “The SoCal course was a bit of a resurrection of the older ‘Bishop Rock Race’ SDYC ran during the early 2000’s. It was added to the lineup of events for boats racing down the coast in the Spinnaker Cup and Coastal Cup. Adding the third event to connect sailors to San Diego as the final leg was a great way to provide an event for sailors to showcase the iconic California Coast.”
