Labor Day has been and gone and the days are getting shorter. For some, this marks the beginning of fall. But for Left Coast racers, this means only one thing: Big Boat Series in San Francisco.

Now in its 43rd year, The St. Francis (Yacht Club) Perpetual Trophy, known for the last five years as "The Rolex Big Boat Series," happens this week. Always full of big boats, big winds and big wipeouts, the race offers sailors and spectators alike spectacular racing at a spectacular venue.

This year, there are seven divisions, which include six one-design classes. (In one-design racing, all boats are identical with strict class rules for sail inventory, crew number and weight, and even owner-driver requirements in some.) This makes for exciting head-to-head racing without complicated formulas for determining finishes or standings.

In the non one-design IRC class, the 37-boat fleet ranges from the small end of seven Beneteu 36.7's (maybe enough to split out to a one-design class -- stay tuned), to a 73-footer. One design classes include 1D35's, J 120's, Melges 32 and Sydney 38's. The J 105 class has 34 boats entered -- talk about exciting starts. Even the never-say-never almost-antique Express 37's have a class -- again. (Way to go, guys).

So, if you are in or near San Francisco this weekend, get down to the water and check out the most exciting and viewer-friendly race on the West Coast. As always, the finishes, as well as a good deal of the racing, are right in front of the Yacht Club, with plenty of room for spectators. The action starts Thursday (13th) and winds up Sunday.

The St. Francis Yacht Club website has information on schedules, venues and viewing. Check back here for updates.

Photo: Downwind towards the St. Francis Yacht Club at last year's Big Boat Series. Courtesy of Regattanews.com.