MISSION BAY — The Santa Clara Racing Association (SCRA) encourages sailors of all shapes, age and experience levels to grab a Laser-class sailboat and start the 2011 off right with six back-to-back races along Mission Bay on New Year’s Day. A hearty sailing group will take to the water at noon Jan. 1 to engage in some friendly competition, with no entry fee for first-time competitors and no required pre-registration. The event will include standard rig starts and a separate Radial fleet where children are welcome. Event organizers said there will be a division for sailors age nine to 90, and there are no expensive trophies for the New Year’s Regatta. The event is all about off-the-beach sailing, camaraderie, memories and bragging rights for the victors. Scoring involves low point and one throw out. The Laser is now one of the world’s largest one-design classes and the designated Olympic boat for both men and women. Reciprocal yacht club members may park and launch at the Mission Bay Yacht Club at Mission Boulevard and San Juan Place. Other sailors often launch off Santa Clara or Bahia points. SCRA has been around for 50 years and sponsors one regatta each month. For more information, call (619) 223-8202, e-mail [email protected] or visit santaclararacing.org.