2026 Red Bra Regatta

September 26, 2026

South Beach Yacht Club presents:

The Red Bra Regatta is the largest all women regatta on the West Coast; we bring together sailors and supporters for a competitive day of racing and a weekend of great people and fun times on San Francisco Bay.

In Memoriam - Winnie Kelly

The sailing community has lost one of its most dedicated volunteers and cherished friends. Winnie Kelly passed away on May 31, 2026, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer.

While many knew Winnie as an accomplished educator, volunteer, and community leader, sailors throughout the Bay Area knew her as the smiling face who made racing happen. After enjoying many years as an active racer, Winnie devoted countless hours to race management, serving on the race committees at both the Golden Gate Yacht Club and South Beach Yacht Club in San Francisco. She chaired race committees at both clubs for many years and was respected for her organization, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the sport.

For the past 13 years, Winnie also served as one of the race chairs for the Red Bra Regatta, helping organize one of the Bay Area’s most meaningful sailing events. Her dedication, leadership, and willingness to volunteer made a lasting impact on countless sailors and competitors.

Beyond sailing, Winnie lived a life of service. She served in the Peace Corps in Fiji from 1974 to 1978, teaching biology and chemistry to high school students in Suva and neighboring islands. She went on to teach science for 34 years in San Francisco and Marin County schools, concluding her distinguished career as Chair of the Science Department at Sacred Heart Schools in Menlo Park.

Winnie also devoted her time to numerous community organizations, including bonsai clubs in the East Bay and Sacramento, the Latin Community Center of Northern California, St. Vincent de Paul Seniors, the Breakfast Club, and the Irish Cultural Center.

Those who knew Winnie will remember far more than her impressive list of accomplishments. She was known for her warm smile, quick wit, generous spirit, and readiness to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. Whether working on a race committee, organizing an event, or simply spending time with friends at the club, Winnie made everyone feel welcome.

Her legacy will live on in the many races she helped conduct, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched through her service both on and off the water.

Winnie will be deeply missed by the entire sailing community.