Fireworks and BBQ are in the air, but unfortunately so still is COVID-19. This summer is looking a lot different than we envisioned before the season opened, but the sailing events that CAN go on, will. There have been several provisions put in place by the various clubs to make our local sailing events safer. including limiting hands on the vessels and canceling socials, so non-competitive races are now happening every week.
If you are planning on sailing any event, it is highly recommended that you check, and re-check any sailing event’s Notice of Race (NOR) on SailPDX, as any Sailing Instruction modifications will be posted there before the event (as modified from the published NOR in the 2020 OCSA Race Book). We are trying our best to keep our website updated with the latest information. [[Shoutout to the OCSA Webmaster Team for their hard work on this!!!]]
Latest Information
- July 11 (Sat):
- SYSCO Grow the Sport Beer Can is cancelled, BUT …. !!
- SYSCO Single-Handed Beer Can Race (postponed in June) is ON instead!
I want to emphasize this Saturday, July 11, SYSCO is hosting a Single-Handed Beer Can Race. This event is the PERFECT challenge for skippers to go out and stretch their skill set by getting around a course solo. This date was going to be for the Grow the Sport SYSCO event, but given that we’re encouraging limited contact between our local sailors, the focus change is smart.
The Single-Handed Race NOR defines two starts, 5 minutes apart. The first start is for the normal Beer Can Race for boats following SYSCO’s regular COVID-19 protocols of social isolation crew, or barring that, masks. The second start is for all the boats competing in the single-handed race.
- July 12 (Sun): PYC Summer Regatta is ON!
The PYC Summer Regatta will be operating under the Plus One Short-handed Sailing Rules developed by UK Sails, determining crew limits to comply with current COVID-19 rules. This means boats up to 29’11” are allowed 3 people including skipper, 30’ – 30’11” are allowed 4, 40’ – 49’11” are allowed 5, etc.
This will be strictly enforced. PYC will not be having a dinner following the race, though the bar and patio at PYC will be open with some new rules, again for COVID-19 rules compliance:- Must wear face masks until seated at a table to eat/drink
- Bar orders must be placed with a server while seated at a table (no walk-up bar service)
- No moving chairs from one table to another, etc.
- The bar/club usage rules are posted in the club and are being strictly enforced.
- July 14 – Aug 27 (Tue & Thu): SYSCO Twilight Evening Series is ON!
SYSCO is treating us once again to a for-fun (no trophy) pandemic-friendly series of races. SYSCO has warned, however, that they won’t hesitate to cancel the series if compliance to their COVID-19 protocols aren’t being met by boats racing. So, as a note from me personally (someone registered and looking forward to these races), please don’t be that skipper that ruins our fun.
- July 18 (Sat): PYC Family Night Beer Can – TBD
Stay tuned.
- July 25 (Sat): RCYC Beer Can race is ON!
Radio signals. Orange Flag on RCYC dock. No social at RCYC clubhouse.
Race committee stationed on RCYC breakwater.
No rum bribes required (but cookies recommended)
- July 25 – August 2 (Sat-Sun): SYSCO Delta Cruise is ON!
Please maintain proper social distancing!!! Have a blast everyone!!
- July 28 (Tue): SYSCO Soaker is ON!
- July 30 – Aug 2 (Thu-Sun): Ranger 20 Nationals has been postponed until 2021.
- Aug 8 (Sat): SYSCO Dual Bridge Duel is ON!
Social has been cancelled.
- Aug 15 (Sat): CYC Beer Can Race is a “strong probably,” but stay tuned – TBD
The theme is Sport your Colors and alas, this may be the most sporting those colors are getting this year. This should be decided in the next week.
- Aug 22-23 (Sat-Sun): SYSCO St Helens Race & Cruise is CANCELLED.
The realization that the social, on the docks in St. Helens, at the conclusion of the race was the draw; so this Race & Cruise have been shelved for 2020.
- Aug 28 (Sat): Cal20 Beer Can Race is a “strong probably,” but stay tuned – TBD
The Cal 20 fleet will be meeting to decide this in about 2 weeks from now.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Hope you’re getting out and feeling that great warm wind!!
Take care and be well,
Jacqueline Pitter
OCSA Commodore 2020
Skipper/co-owner s/v Thunder Pig (Ranger 20 #117)
Co-owner s/v Rocinante (Martin241 #791)
OCSA membership:
For e-membership, click here.
For membership with printed 2020 OCSA Racebook, or to purchase laminated OCSA Course Charts ($2 each):
North Sails
7304 NE Martin Luther King Blvd Portland, OR
(503) 282-4282
West Marine
1176 N Hayden Island Dr Portland, OR
(503) 289-9822
