While many local sailboat racers and skippers are currently participating in CYC’s (Corinthian Yacht Club of Portland) Oregon Offshore Race along the coast of Oregon, Washington and Vancouver, back in Portland SYSCO (Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon) held an inaugural (experimental?) event called the Grow the Sport Races this past Tuesday and Thursday.
Forty-seven guest sailors signed up to give sailboat racing a try on the Columbia River. Thirty-two skippers registered to share our sport and 16 guest crew were each assigned to race boats on both Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. According to the race organizers, despite a lot of nail-biting on their part, everything worked out and enough crew spots were made available on boats to accommodate all the guest racers. In fact, thirteen guest sailors were able to race both nights!
SYSCO and race organizers are currently gathering event feedback through surveys. Initial reports have been very positive, with many skippers indicating they would participate again in this event. More comments to come!
