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Boat of the Year 2026

NBYA
NBYA

Author: Robyn Earley

A Bold New Format for This Season

This year's Boat of the Year championship brings an exciting revamp designed to make competition fairer, more inclusive, and more accessible than ever before. Here's what's changed:

  • Tiered Scoring: Events assigned 1, 2, or 3 points based on significance

  • Cox-Sprague System: Points normalized by fleet size — fair across all classes.

  • Category Awards: Special recognition for Junior, Grand Master, and Female Helms.

  • More Events: Expanded NBYA-sanctioned races — more ways to qualify.

 

How the Cox-Sprague Scoring System Works

The Cox-Sprague system assigns points based on a boat's finishing position relative to fleet size, normalizing results across fleets of different sizes. This means a strong finish in a small fleet is weighed fairly against a strong finish in a large one. 

Scoring is based on class results. Only PHRF divisions are eligible. Separate rankings are maintained for Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker boats.

Who Can Compete?

Championship is open to a wide range of racers — here's everything you need to know to be eligible and qualify for end-of-season honors.

  • Who Qualifies? Boats with active PHRF certificates racing in any NBYA BOTY-sanctioned event.

  • Minimum Points A minimum of 8 points is required to qualify for the championship.

  • Category Winners Top qualifying Junior Helm (<25), Grand Master Helm (>75), and Female Helm. Awards are self-declared — review the NOR for details.

BOTY Sanctioned Events

Races are weighted by their significance to the championship — the more prestigious the event, the more points on the line. Plan your season around these races to maximize your score. Races are weighted by their significance to the championship — the more prestigious the event, the more points on the line. Plan your season around these races to maximize your score.

3-Point Events

  • Summer Club Evening Series

2-Point Events

  • NBYA Fall/Challenge Regatta
  • EGYC Regatta
  • Safe Harbor Regatta
  • CYC-ATI Race
  • NYYC Annual Regatta
  • 20HC Three Bridge Fiasco

1-Point Events

  • Club Spring & Fall Series
  • Pret Gladding
  • IYAC Newport Cup
  • Sail for Hope
  • MOHOSA Worlds & Regatta
  • 20HC Fall Race, Prince Henry, Cuttyhunk
  • 20HC Spring AAI
  • Bud Humphrey
  • Rhody Regatta
  • NE Solo Twin
  • Ida Lewis Distance Race
  • BI Race Week

We want YOU to participate! Get excited with leaderboard updates throughout the sailing season.

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