Welcome Letter

April 2020

Notes from the field

I am sitting at home contemplating the interesting times we are currently living in. By the time this goes to press, perhaps life will have returned to some semblance of normalcy, but only time will tell. Already, Figawi 2020 has been cancelled, the NOODs and Charleston Race Week have been cancelled or postponed, and the Summer Olympics are in jeopardy. It is MBSA’s greatest hope that the 2020 sailing season will go off on schedule and as planned, but the truth is that none of us know for sure. We must all do our parts to keep ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends safe, but we must also make our plans, and help each other in these trying times. After all, sailing for many of us is where we let our best selves shine. Please try to remember this if Organizing Authorities must make difficult decisions in the 2020 season. Show them the support and thanks they deserve and remember: “This too shall pass.” Meanwhile, the schedule is full and set, the sun is out, the winter has been mild, and it’s time for thoughts to turn to bottom paint!

Schedule Announcements

For the 2020 season, there are a few changes to the traditional schedule. The Hingham Bay Scorpion Bowl has been reimagined as the ‘Round the Lights’ race, a 25-mile jaunt from Hospital Shoals, out around Graves, south to Minots, and back past the Brewsters to finish back at Hospital Shoals. The race is open to all classes, including the shorthanded class. The Scituate Invitational has changed its format from a fleet start to a pursuit race and as such is moving from a Season Qualifier to a Pursuit Qualifier. A new regatta scheduled for the 29 th and 30 th of August called the SA/D regatta will be run by Hull Yacht Club out at Hospital Shoals. Classes will be determined by a boat’s rig, length, SA/D, and observed performance. And finally, Scituate has introduced the Minot Light challenge, a self-timed distance race run between Minot’s and the Scituate Approach gong. See details in the following pages.

Last year was the inaugural year for the Overnight Ocean and Shorthanded Series. The series is back for 2020 and there is a rumor that the Beringer will have a mixed doublehand class, emulating the new offshore class for the Olympics. It’s clear that shorthanded racing is gaining in popularity both in New England and elsewhere – expect to see more developments in the coming years along these lines.

Boston Yacht Club will be hosting the Ted Hood Regatta this year. The regatta will again carry a 1.25x multiplier. Registration is already open!

Qualifying for MBSA Season Awards

Please remember that in order to qualify for the end of season awards, you must be an MBSA Member no later than August 15, AND you must have a valid Handicap certificate.

Donate!

Did you realize that MBSA is a 501(c)(3) organization? Please consider giving to MBSA. 100% of your contribution will be directed towards a sailing related endeavor (there are absolutely no administrative costs).

Lastly, as we transition to a new VP of Offshore, please be sure to provide him with all the help he needs to be successful in the coming years.

Thank you,

Lance Ryley Outgoing VP Offshore, MBSA