Racing Sailboats For Sale
Find racing sailboats for sale that fit your needs. Shop all boats currently available on SailTrader, the sailor’s marketplace.
Get Ready to Win on the Water
Racing sailboats aren’t just fast – they’re built to give you every possible advantage when the gun goes off. Whether you’re looking to step up your club racing game or get serious about offshore competition, the right boat can make the difference between middle-of-the-pack finishes and standing on the podium.
At SailTrader, our racing sailboats come from sailors who know what it takes to win. These aren’t weekend cruisers that “could be raced if you wanted.” These are purpose-built race machines with the gear, modifications, and proven track records to back it up.
One-Design vs. Handicap Racing
One Design Racing
One-design racing is where most serious racers cut their teeth. Boats like J/105s, Melges 24s, and Etchells create pure sailing competition where crew work and tactics matter more than checkbook size. The learning curve is steep, but so is the reward when you start clicking as a team.
Handicap Racing
Handicap racing opens up more choices but requires deeper knowledge. PHRF ratings, IRC certificates, and ORR measurements all matter when you’re trying to correct out ahead of the fleet. The boat becomes part of your strategy, not just your platform.
Grand Prix Racing
Grand Prix racing is where sailing gets serious. These are custom-built weapons designed for specific events and conditions. If you’re looking at TP52s, Volvo 70s, or similar, you already know what you’re getting into.
Popular Racing Classes and Boats
J/Boats
The J/105, J/111, and J/70 dominate one-design fleets across the country. Fast, responsive, and built for short-handed racing. Parts and expertise are easy to find, which matters when you're campaigning seriously.
Melges
The Melges 24 is probably the most competitive one-design keelboat class in North America. The 32 and SCOW are gaining ground too. These boats reward precision sailing and punish mistakes quickly.
Farr Designs
Bruce Farr knows how to make boats go fast. Whether it's a Farr 40 for grand prix racing or a smaller design for club competition, you're getting proven speed and handling.
Santa Cruz Yachts
West Coast builders with a reputation for creating fast, well-balanced boats. The SC70 and SC52 are serious offshore weapons.
Etchells
Classic one-design with fleets worldwide. Not the newest design, but the competition is incredibly tight and the boats are bulletproof.
IRC/ORR Boats
Custom designs optimized for specific rating rules. Often expensive to buy but can dominate their divisions when sailed well.
New or Used? Here's the Reality
New racing boats give you the latest technology and design innovations. But they’re expensive, and you’ll spend the first season learning the boat while everyone else is already dialed in.
Used racing boats often come with everything you need to be competitive immediately. Previous owners have already figured out the setup, collected the right sails, and worked out the bugs. You’re buying their experience along with the boat.
The sweet spot is often a 2-5 year old boat that’s been campaigned seriously but not abused. You get proven performance without the massive depreciation hit.
What to Look For
Performance Essentials
- Rating certificates current and transferable
- Sail inventory appropriate for your racing schedule
- Rigging condition and inspection records
- Bottom condition and antifouling strategy
- Weight optimization and class compliance
Racing Gear
- Instruments and electronics that actually work
- Running rigging sized for loads and frequent adjustment
- Safety equipment meeting current offshore standards
- Spars and rigging without fatigue or damage
- Deck hardware that can handle racing loads
The Practical Stuff
- Transportation – trailer, truck, logistics figured out
- Class support in your area
- Parts availability and dealer network
- Resale value when you’re ready to move up
Find Your Racing Edge
Racing sailboats aren’t just about going fast – they’re about going faster than everyone else. The boats listed here come from serious racers who understand what it takes to be competitive.
Whether you’re looking for your first racing boat or upgrading to something more serious, you’ll find honest descriptions from people who know these boats inside and out. No marketing fluff, just the facts you need to make the right decision.