The Willoughby Racers are BBSA's Little Bay faction. For almost 20 years, sailboat racing has been offered in Willoughby Bay (Little Bay) between Willoughby Spit and the Norfolk Naval Base. Currently 25-30 boats in one spinnaker and two non-spinnaker fleets turn out on Thursday nights from mid-April to early September. In addition to the Thursday Night Series, the Willoughby Racers enjoy two weekend regattas:

The Memorial Regatta is a celebrated event featuring a staggered start. Handicaps are taken into account at the beginning of the race as the slowest rated boats start first followed by the faster boats. This sets up an exciting finish as the different rated boats eventually race together towards the finish line.

The season is wrapped up on the Willoughby Bay at the Hot Buttered Rum Race. Sailors enjoy this early November race with eyes set on the Hot Buttered Rum served at the party following the race.

Special thanks to SailTime, Coastal Yacht Sales, David W. Baxter Sailmakers, and Ocean View Fishing Pier for sponsoring the Willoughby Thursday Night Racing Series. Please see our sponsors page for more information and links to their websites.

For more information about The Willoughby Racers please send an email to willoughbyracers@broadbaysailing.org.