What to expect
The Jack London Yacht Club (JLYC) is a real yacht club and a member of the Yachting Club of America. Our yachts are miniature replicas of Jack London's SNARK.
- The race takes place on Sonoma Creek, starting at the Jack London Saloon and ends just after the bridge. Viewers can watch along the creek and from the bridge.
- Local celebrities will MC and provide play-by-play commentary.
- There is a live auction featuring unique items reflecting the Valley of the Moon.
- The event will be televised with audio and visuals by Sonoma TV Productions.
- Glen Ellen shops and wine tasting venues will be open and ready to welcome you. Places to eat during and after the race include Jack London Saloon, Les Pascal, The Mill, Yeti, Fig Cafe, Star, Garden Court Cafe, and Glen Ellen Village Market.
- Parking is available throughout the town of Glen Ellen.
The Day's Schedule*
- 10:30 to 11:30 - Yacht Check-in
- 11:45 - National Anthem
- 12:00 - 1st Heat
- 12:20 - 2nd Heat
- 12:40 -3rd Heat
- 1:00 - Live Auction/Break
- 1:30 - Junior Jack
- 1:50 - 4th Heat
- 2:10 - 5th Heat
- 2:30 - Semi-Final Heat
- 2:50 - FINAL RACE
- 3:15 - Closing Ceremony and Winner’s Circle
- Live Music (10:30) until 4:00
* schedule is subject to change
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
BUY A YACHT
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS
ENTER THE RACE
The SNARK was about 45 feet long, but our yachts are about 18 inches, made by local craftspeople from reclaimed redwood trees from the 2017 wildfires.
- To enter the race, become a member and purchase a yacht. All yachts have the same basic design, inspired by the SNARK, but as the yacht owner, you get to choose the name and sail design. Design services are available.
- Once you claim your yacht, it's yours to take home and re-enter in the next J2J race by paying only the entry fee.
- To purchase a yacht, visit: https://jacklondonyachtclub.org/shop/ols/products/jlyc-sailboat.
ENTER THE RACE
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS
ENTER THE RACE
Once you own a yacht, you'll want to provide a clean and safe berth to keep it seaworthy.
Entering the race each year is easy.
- We send a reminder message to yacht owners with race details and instructions for paying the annual entry fee. Confirmation to race is limited and is certified upon payment.
- To pay your race entry fee, visit: https://jacklondonyachtclub.org/shop/ols/products/entry-fee-for-2024-race.
- If you would like to change your sails, design services are available: https://jacklondonyachtclub.org/shop/ols/products/re-design-your-sails.
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS
The JLYC was born out of the ashes of the 2017 wildfires. Seeking to uplift community spirits and bring people together, the idea of the club was launched. To honor the history of the Valley of the Moon and the resilience of its residents, a special yacht, "SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS," was built with shared ownership.
- Always a favorite with race attendees, it has even been a race winner!
- Your donation supports our grant program. Donations may be made at the race or here (link coming soon).
BECOME A SPONSOR
RAISE YOUR PADDLE
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE LOCALS
Race day is about friends, family, fun, and good-natured competition. There is also a more serious goal: to provide support to community service organizations through grants.
- Sponsorships are critical to the success of the event.
- There are a variety of sponsorships, at varying levels and each comes with a benefit to you.
- To learn more about sponsorship options: https://jacklondonyachtclub.org/sponsorships
RAISE YOUR PADDLE
RAISE YOUR PADDLE
RAISE YOUR PADDLE
It's not your run-of-the-mill auction. Who wouldn't want a chance for a one-of-a-kind experience or a unique gift?
- Auction items will be previewed about a week before Race day, and information will be available at the event. You can bid alone or team up with friends.
- When you arrive at the race, get your paddle and settle in. Somewhere around noon the auction starts. Then, raise that paddle!
- The best part? All proceeds go towards strengthening our community through the JLYC grant program. It's a win-win.
JUNIOR JACK RACE
RAISE YOUR PADDLE
RAISE YOUR PADDLE
Calling all young mariners! You too can join the fun by entering the Junior Jack Race.
- Check the schedule to see when the boat making activities are open.
- For 12 yrs and under, you will name, assemble, and design your boat sail.
- When the boathouse closes all boats are taken to the creek. Let the race and the cheering begin.
- Winners will be celebrated and all skippers can take their boat home.
- There is a $5.00 fee to participate and is paid at the event.
It's not about winning or losing, It's about community
Crew Members Needed
For most people, the day seems easy and fun. In reality, an event like this needs a lot of help from a large crew. There are many ways you can assist, big or small. If you want to be a crew member at the J2J race or any of our events, please contact us: https://jacklondonyachtclub.org/contact-us.
Questions
Jack and Charmian would be thrilled to see how they inspired this event. Whether you own a yacht or not, or want to be a crew member or not, we look forward to you joining us.
Enjoy the day and support our cause in any way you can.
If you have questions about the J2J Race, please send us a message at: sales@jacklondonyachtclub.org.