Musical starts, jumping jacks and going overboard don’t seem like normal boat race requirements.

Unless you’re in the Charles A.R. Pickles Wacky Race, that is.

The Beverly Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Program hosted its sixth annual Wacky Race Tuesday after heavy rains forced a reschedule. Around 65 kids showed up to sail in Optimist or 420 dinghies on a course they helped design along with BYC instructors.

The race is named after a former youth instructor, Charles Pickles, who died after a skateboarding accident several years ago.

Tommy Fink, race coordinator, said the event was a great way for the community to remember what was important to Charles: having fun.

“We get to channel the positivity for the kids and amp up the fun,” he said. “All the kids, all the parents, everyone loves it.”

The young skippers went through a series of challenges as they raced such as, a downwind start, reciting instructors’ names and singing songs. Amid the skippers and instructors floated a light-hearted disorder, with some 420s capsizing (for attention, according to a few parents) and kids jumping out of boats.

Fink, however, said it was all part of the wackiness that happens.

“We did have a few wrinkles in our planning,” he admitted. “We always want the race to be easy and at some points it got harder. There was a constant back and forth of adjusting the time length or course layout. But there’s always a bunch of energy from the kids and instructors and it’s always a good time.”

The race is typically held on a Monday night to signify the end of the program and its junior regatta series held throughout the summer. Parents often get involved too, either by watching from the water or sailing along with their kids. After the race a large cookout is held too. Director Becca Thomas said the program is a great way for kids to become confident in their sailing skills and making decisions on their own.

“No one’s in the boat helping them,” Thomas said, adding that the instructors are in a separate boat coaching. “They have to learn to trust themselves and solve problems alone. The Whacky Race is a one-of-a-kind event that gets to add a little fun into all the hard work they’ve done.”

Diane Bondi-Pickles, Charles’ mother, said the race has really grown over time.

“One year they set up an inflatable pool for sailors to pick up lemonade,” she said. “Then they had to sail to another pool and recycle the cup. One of the best things is that it’s evolved from just the Optis to the 420s. Charles loved to be funny and have a good time. This race reflects that.”