Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Guides:

Quick Guide for Skippers

Notice of Race

Sailing Instructions - updated 10/18

Event Poster - JPG or PDF

Sponsor Packet


When and Where is the Adventuress Cup? 

The 5th annual Adventuress Cup will be held on Saturday, October 19th at Shilshole Bay in Seattle. The on-the-water race starts at 1pm and a Post-Race in person celebration begins at 6pm on shore.


What is Adventuress Cup, how is this a fundraiser and what does it support?

The Adventuress Cup is a peer-to-peer fundraising event where folks reach out to their network of friends and business connections to encourage donations toward their team's goal. Sailboat and powerboat entrants are asked to make a minimum “good faith pledge” of $1,500 in tax-deductible financial support. Thanks to our generous sponsors, every dollar that you raise will directly support the care and maintenance of Sound Experience’s unique education platform, the National Historic Landmark sailing vessel, schooner Adventuress. Programs aboard Adventuress programs reach Puget Sound area young people with powerful maritime and environmental education. The Adventuress Cup fundraiser enables Sound Experience, working with community partners in our region, to reach underserved youth including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and those otherwise unable to participate for financial reasons, or who do not traditionally have access to the waterfront.


How does The Adventuress Cup work?

Race participants can join the fun on the water or virtually as part of a real or virtual team. Team members are encouraged to participate in peer-to-peer fundraising and Wind in Your Sails pre-race challenges to improve their boat’s handicap (or score). All activities will follow safety guidelines and procedures from the CDC, USCG, and WA State Department of Health. All participating boats must meet safety and other requirements outlined in the official Notice of Race. All boats are welcome - sailboats of all sizes are encouraged to race and power boats are invited to join in a pre-race parade!


Who can race in the Adventuress Cup?
Anyone is welcome to race! Create your own team or join an existing team. Check our our Registration Categories page for more details on ways folks can participate on their own or with a team. 


Why should I race my boat in the Adventuress Cup?

September 20, 2020 was the inaugural year of an exciting new sailing race that brought people and sailboats together in Shilshole Bay – in a Covid-safe way – to compete, to celebrate the extraordinary Salish Sea marine environment and to raise funds to support the youth mission of the iconic schooner Adventuress. The 1913 gaff-rigged schooner is owned and operated by the nonprofit Sound Experience. Over the past thirty years, some 40,000 children and teens have climbed aboard Adventuress for powerful day and overnight programming. Together, young people raise the sails, take the helm and learn how our daily actions make a difference in the health of our waterways and oceans. As important, they experience what it means to be a shipmate.


Is this a REAL race/regatta?

Yes! This is a one-day “around the buoys” racing event which will include multiple starts that split the fleet into similar sized groups. The race will be governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing. Race scoring will be comprised of:

1) On-the-water race results
2) Pre-race “challenge points" called Wind n Your Sails Challenges
3) Fundraising


What kind of boat can participate on the on-the-water race?

We have the boats split into four divisions.
1) Flying Sails (with spinnakers)
2) No Flying Sails (no spinnakers)
3) Sailing dinghies
4) Powerboats


How do Powerboats participate in the Adventuress Cup?

To help kick off the race, registered power boats can join in a pre-race parade! This will include a single file procession that will go by schooner the Adventuress, tour the sailboat race course and will end in special viewing areas designated for power boats so that you can enjoy the race up close.


How much does it cost to race?

Registration fees are as follows:
1) Sail – both classes $100
2) Powerboat $100
3) Dinghy $30
4) Virtual $30


How do I sign up?

Simply visit The Adventuress Cup webpage to sign up and learn more! Start your own team or join an existing team when registration opens. You'll be able to set up and personalize your fundraising page so that your crew, friends, family and colleagues can donate or complete challenges to earn your team points. Are you going to be at the top of the leaderboard this year?


What is included in the Skippers packet?

Included with your registration fee, Skipper’s Packets include an exclusive event t-shirt for the skipper (during registration, there is an opportunity to purchase additional shirts for crew, friends or family). Teams of physical boats will also get an exclusive race pennant/burgee that you can fly from your boat during the race.

Is there a way to watch the race if I'm not on a boat?

Yes! We use the Kwindoo app & live updates via social media from Adventuress.


Is there a party after the race?

Yes! Details are still being put together, but skippers and their crew (both physical and virtual boats) are welcome to join us for the post-race party. Stay tuned for more information.


How can I learn more about what's happened on programs aboard the ship this year?

Please explore our social media, sign up for our E-Newsletter, and tune into our pre-recorded live stream on race day.

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube


What if I can’t afford to make a donation but I want to support a team and Sound Experience’s mission?

Check out our Wind in Your Sails Challenges! There are a variety of simple and more complex activities that you can do around your home or your community to learn about the marine environment and maritime that will earn the team of your choice points towards their total.