MudRatz Racing
Join the Ratz Pack.
Three teams, ages 8 to 23. Pick the one that fits your sailor.
Kick off the Opti Season
Specifically designed for sailors ages 8 to 14 who are ready to take their racing to the next level.
The Specs
- Ideal Age8 to 14 years old.
- Boat RequirementYou must own a race-ready Opti or charter one through a local club.
Experience Needed
- At least one full season of Green Fleet racing.
- Best fit for sailors in the top half of their local Green Fleet.
- Motivated and ready to learn as a team.
Make sure to mention MudRatz at Zim Sailing or Team One Newport for your 10% gear discount.
Dominate the 420 Circuit
Designed for sailors ages 11 to 17 looking for high-performance double-handed racing.
Team Specs
- Ideal Age11 to 17 years old.
- Partner PolicySolo sailors are welcome. No partner needed to sign up.
Experience Needed
- Skippers: at least one season of ECSA racing.
- Or at least one year in the MudRatz Opti program.
- Crew: open to all. Come sail with us.
Pro-Tip: a drysuit is strongly advised for cold-water dinghy sailing.
After Dark and Offshore Racing
One program for sailors ages 14 to 23 moving from dinghies to big boats: sportboats, the team keelboat fleet, and night sailing with After Dark.
The Boats & Where
- WhereEastern Connecticut, with overnight practices around Block Island and beyond. Exact meeting points go out by email and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
- What you sailSportboats and the team keelboat fleet, including a J/105 and a Figaro 2. We have the boats ready to go, so bring your gear.
- ScheduleSeason dates and practice days are set by the head coach each year. Registered families get them by email, and changes go up on Facebook and Instagram first.
Entry Criteria
- Ages 14 to 16 is a good place to start on the sportboats.
- Must complete 5 full practices.
- Final evaluation by the head coach required.
- Maturity and independence are a must.
Expect overnight practices around Block Island and beyond, plus After Dark sessions that take the team out of the harbor at night to learn tethers and navigation in the dark.
We complement your club, we do not replace it. For the local kids who want to get past the pond, we are the way there.
Membership
Join the Ratz Pack.
Every sailor holds a $15 a year membership and pays a season fee. You set both up on the registration page, at the end, after the form.
Six screens on a phone. Returning families get most of it filled in automatically, and registering does not charge you anything.
Member Benefits
Team Programs
Access to an ever-growing list of global youth sailing opportunities.
Ratz Supporting Ratz
Foster future sailors by being part of our 100% volunteer-run community.
US Sailing Discount
Save up to $30 on memberships with our US Sailing MVP Club discount.
BoatUS Discount
Use code GA8513Y for $15 BoatUS membership and 10% off on-the-water towing.
Gear Discounts
10% off at Team One Newport, Zim Sailing, Intensity Sails and Landfall Navigation.
Ratz F.A.Q.
Everything you need to know before hitting the starting line.
When and where are practices?
Season dates, practice days, times and meeting points move around from year to year, and sometimes week to week with the weather, so we do not publish a fixed schedule here. That goes for the Opti, 420 and After Dark / Offshore programs alike.
Once your sailor is registered, a coach emails you the full details for the season, so watch your inbox. Everything else, including last-minute changes and regatta plans, goes up first on our Facebook page and @ratzracing on Instagram. Follow both and you will not miss anything.
Not on the email list yet? Email us and ask to be added and we will put you on it, whether or not your sailor is registered.
What age is right for my sailor?
Optis: ideal for ages 8-14.
420s: ideal for ages 11-17.
After Dark / Offshore: ages 14 to 23. Sportboats are a good place to start, often around 14 to 16.
Age is a guide, not a gate. If your sailor is close and keen, ask a coach.
How much experience is required?
Optis: at least one full season of green fleet racing. You'll have more fun if you've reached the top 1/2 of your local fleet.
420s: skippers need one season of ECSA racing or a year in our Opti program. Crew are welcome, whatever their experience.
After Dark / Offshore: we look for sailors between ages 14 and 23 who are mature and independent.
Do I need to own a boat?
Optis: yes. You can find race-ready boats used or charter from local clubs.
420s: available for charter at Zim Sailing or local clubs. Sometimes solo sailors look for partners who already own a boat.
After Dark / Offshore: we've got the boats ready to go, just bring your gear.
What about gear and drysuits?
Drysuits: strongly advised for cold-water dinghy sailing. While not strictly required, coaches may restrict participation without one if water temps are low.
Where to Buy: most of our partners offer a 10% discount if you mention you're with the MudRatz:
Can I join 420s without a partner?
Sure. Come to practice ready to sail. We will pair you up as best we can, though many teams arrive pre-partnered. We recommend coming early to the first practice to meet other solo sailors.
Got a different question?
Email our coaches directly at coaches@mudratz.org.
MudRatz Inc. · PO Box 293, Stonington CT 06378 · @ratzracing