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BNAC Home Page - Buccaneer 18 Class Association

The Crown Jewel Event

Buccaneer North American Championship

“BNAC” (Pronounced B-nak)

"Since 1971, BNAC is where the largest collection of Buccaneer sailors will gather for a few days of competitive sailing and intensive 'learning.' While there we share knowledge, skills, meals, and tell some tall tales. We come together as competitors; we leave as family."

Dynamic Spotlight

This Year's BNAC

Each year, a unique fleet takes the helm to host BNAC, featuring live race boards, localized logistics, photo archives, and localized stories.

Visit Upcoming BNAC 2026 Page

Venue & Date

Southern Maryland Sailing Association

Solomons, MD 20688

Join the Buccaneer family on the water where the Patuxent River meets the majestic Chesapeake Bay. Experience classic coastal charm, excellent wind conditions, and renowned Maryland hospitality from October 1–4, 2026.

Have questions? Reach out to the committee: bnac2026@smsa.com

Championship Winners Spotlight

Below is a spotlight preview highlighting our legendary championship winning teams. To interact with full filter parameters, search past helmsmen, explore historical host venues, track fleet activity, and view complete scorecard ranks from 1979 to the present, click the button below to launch our full, interactive history portal.

Unlocking Winner Registry...

Scroll within the reporting container above to view the A Fleet championship winners. To view B Fleet winners and access full scorecard filters, launch the dedicated BNAC History Dashboard. Launch Full Interactive Database

Voices of the Fleet

What Others Have Said About BNAC

“The BNAC is more than just 3 days of racing. It is really a sailing camp for adults.”

Jimmy Yurko

Fleet Champion

“You'll learn more about sailing and racing in 3 days at BNAC than you will in years of sailing on your own, or at small local clubs.”

Bob DeRoeck

Veteran Competitor

“...join in the festivities, get rigging tips, see how the other boats are set up. Everyone helps and everyone has fun. If you own a Buccaneer 18 Chrysler, Starwinds, Gloucester, Cardinal or Nickels you can compete. Solo and non-competitive sorts are encouraged!”

Jim Irwin

Class Advocate

“Sailing, especially with a partner, is all about synchronization. It’s about moving in harmony with the wind and the water... Moving in concert with the wind and water brings the boat through maneuvers with speed and grace.”

Rick Scarborough

Read "Invitation to the Dance"

Crew & Boat Preparations

Are You Ready? Get Regatta-Ready!

Before hitting the road with your Buccaneer in tow, make sure skipper, crew, and rig are in synchronized peak performance. Learn from decades of organizational experience and prepare for your ultimate BNAC campaign.

Explore Our Racing Home Page

The official Class Association website houses a dynamic repository for all standard class racing business. From local beer can series updates to national trophy standings, our **Racing Home** is your primary compass for Buccaneer fleet activities. Take a moment to read recent articles, check out local class calendars, and view nationwide championship schedules.

Explore Site Racing Home

Travel Check List

Prevent trailer breakdown heartaches and rig damage. Review our detailed traveling guide before setting out for SMSA.

Get the Checklist

Mast & Rigging Tuning Guides

Dial in your mast rake, shroud tension, and sail draft shapes using coordinates compiled by champion Buccaneer flyers.

Class Tuning Guide North Sails Guide Chrysler Rigging Manual

Pre-Regatta Checklist

Requirements to Participate

Ready to join the lineup? Ensure you, your boat, and your gear meet the standard class rules before heading to the starting line.

Class Membership

At least one member of the sailing team (helm or crew) must be an active, dues-paying member of the Buccaneer Class Association.

Join / Renew Membership

Boat Certification

Your boat must be configured and certified in accordance with current BCA Racing Specifications to ensure a completely fair, one-design racing experience.

View Measurement Rules

Royalty Sails Patch

All competition sails must have an official BCA Royalty Patch durably attached. This proves that sails are class-legal and royalties have been paid.

Contact Chief Measurer

Technical Foundations

Key Rules of the Regatta

Governing Authority & Scoring System

The regatta will be governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and the current Buccaneer Class Association (BCA) Racing Rules.

Scoring will utilize the standard low point scoring system (Appendix A 4) and rule 90.3. Throwouts follow a dynamic tiering system based on the total racing count:

6 to 11 Races Held

1 Worst Score is Excluded

12 or More Races Held

2 Worst Scores are Excluded

Eligibility & Hull Configuration

The regatta is open to all boats of the Buccaneer 18 class entered by a current member of the BCA. All Buccaneer 18 sailboats manufactured by licensed builders shall be entitled to compete in this regatta. Boats must be configured in accordance with the BCA Racing Rules. A Buccaneer 18 sailboat is eligible to participate in this regatta as long as one member of the sailing team is an active BCA member.

III

A & B Fleet Configurations

The North American Championship regatta may include ‘A’ and ‘B’ fleets, contingent upon the number of registered competitors.

Competitors select their fleet level ('A' or 'B') when they submit registration forms.
No previous winner of a Buccaneer 18 class sanctioned regatta will be permitted to compete in the ‘B’ fleet.
‘A’ and ‘B’ fleets may have entirely separate start sequences.