South Whidbey Yacht Club 2010 Summer Racing Season
SWYC's summer race season is underway, and all Pelican sailors are invited to join us. The first race day of the season was Wednesday, May 26, 2010. There were no guest fleet sailors at the first races, so no one has an advantage there yet. Four hearty crews braved no wind, variable winds and rain to complete a three race series. Congratulations for kicking the season off in great style and look for the Commodore’s posting of the scores shortly.
As a reminder, the full season schedule is as follows:
(Note: Summer Series Racing will start at 4:30 PM unless notified of a required change.)
Wednesday, May 26 @ Holmes Harbor
Wednesday, June 9 @ Lone Lake (Party (TBD) After Racing)
Wednesday, June 23 @ Lone Lake
Wednesday, July 7 @ Holmes Harbor
Wednesday, July 21 @ Lone Lake (Party (TBD) After Racing)
Wednesday, August 4 @ Holmes Harbor
Wednesday, August 25 @ Lone Lake (Party (TBD) After Racing)
The above schedule may contain changes from the schedule previously distributed.
Scoring and throw-outs: Fleet 3 racing was hampered by light winds or too much wind throughout last fall and winter seasons. Therefore we will have 7 regular, Summer Series, mid-week race days and sum the points after throw-outs to determine final standings.
As we did last year, SWYC members and guest racers will be scored together in each race. Those individual race scores will then be totaled separately to determine member and guest season standings. Members will be allowed 25% throw-outs, rounding down, as last year. Guests will be given 50% throw-outs, rounding down, to allow for their additional logistical challenges in attending our races. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place in both member and guest fleets.
Special race committee provision: SWYC members who serve as race committee will receive the average score for their other races sailed (after throw-outs) for those races that they are on committee duty. This provision is limited to one race day, the first one that the member is on the R/C.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OFF ISLAND SAILORS: For off-island sailors wanting to participate in multiple SWYC races, Dick Robbins has offered boat and trailer parking space in his yard (adjacent to Lone Lake). This will reduce expensive ferry crossings. Space is limited and so will be on a first call, first served basis. Also, parking will involve driving across Dick's septic system area, so large tow vehicles cannot be accommodated. If you are interested in a space, contact Dick directly at (360) 321-5241 or robbins@whidbey.com.
Sailing Rules: Don't forget that we are now sailing under the 2009-2012 rules. The most significant changes in the new rules pertain to giving room at marks and obstructions. This includes a redefinition of the zone around marks where special rules kick in at 3 hull lengths. For Pelicans, that is 36 ft. 7.5 in. Sailing instructions with courses will be distributed on race days. Make sure you get one and follow the instructions. With respect to protests, we will follow the same protocol as last year which is as follows:
"Protests will hopefully be avoided. However, if a protest is lodged in accordance with all applicable provisions of the sailing rules, an attempt will be made to resolve the issue through consultation with the rules and the parties involved. If this is not possible, a properly constituted protest hearing will be scheduled at a later date."
Hope to see you on the water and enjoy Pelican racing on Whidbey Island!
Regards,
Bill Brown, SWYC Commodore