San Francisco Excitement Builds as Registration Opens for the Iconic Ronstan Bridge to Bridge Race Hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club

Imagine racing across the glistening San Francisco Bay with the rumble of the waters beneath and unrestricted vistas around. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge under rippling downwind conditions, the fastest speed is all that matters. This is the essence of the thrilling Ronstan Bridge to Bridge race sponsored by St. Francis Yacht Club.

For the uninitiated, the annual Ronstan Bridge to Bridge race is a tradition and delight to aquatic fans and skippers, alike. Incepted in 1998, to resolve a friendly dispute between windsurfers and skiff sailors over whose watercraft was superior in speed, the race has grown in popularity and scope. Over the years, this aquatic battle has seen a range of watercraft, from early-gen kiteboards and foiling windsurfers to a Formula 40 catamaran and a Mod 70 trimaran. The annual tradition has established itself as an exciting rendezvous for technology and thrill.

Frequent racer Mike Martin, who clinched the 2008 race title, said of the event, ‘It’s ‘bring what you got’. Over the years, the daring pursuit has seen cutting-edge technology in the form of kiteboards and hydrofoil kites claiming victories, including several wins by world champion Johnny Heineken.

Markus Edegran made history in 2024, setting a staggering course record in only nine minutes! He achieved this incredible feat fresh off his Olympic campaign using a Formula Foil Kite, no less.

The upcoming Ronstan Bridge to Bridge race is set for Saturday, August 22, 2026. This appears to have been strategically chosen to accommodate weekend voyagers. According to organizers, conditions are favorable for a new record, given the peak wind and flood tide on the race day.

So, sailors and thrill-seekers, now’s your chance! The registration for this must-watch, must-participate event is NOW OPEN. It’s time to bring your A-game (and your A-boat), and perhaps the record race time will be yours!