It’s time to start planning for the sailing season!
If you haven’t done so, renew your membership with OCSA (Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association). Join or renew for only $30 and you’ll receive the 2019 OCSA Racebook as part of your membership. Go “print-free” with electronic-only membership and get a $10 discount on your membership! Laminated OCSA Course Charts (updated for 2019) are available for $2 each where OCSA Racebooks are available. You must be a member of OCSA to be eligible to enter most Columbia River racing events.
SYSCO Fleet Night is Thursday, February 26, at 7 pm (6:30 pm pizza social) at Willamette Sailing Club’s new floating clubhouse. Meet with members of your Fleet, elect your Fleet Captain, pick up an OCSA Racebook, learn about what’s new this year from guest speaker Frank Colistro, and enjoy pizza for sale by the slice, complementary soda, and BYOB. Details here.
OCSA Race Management Clinic is Saturday, March 9, at 10 am also at Willamette Sailing Club’s new floating clubhouse. This free training is critical for Fleet Captains, Principal Race Officers, and anyone who wants to help out on Race Committee. Coffee and donuts will be provided. Details here.
The RCYC Frostbite Regatta is Saturday, March 23, first warning is 1200. This is the first race of the 2019 season. Shake out the cobwebs, have fun, then warm up at the post-race social at RCYC. Sign up and details here.
PYC Sailor’s Dinner is Friday, April 5, at 7 pm (cocktails beginning at 5 pm). What better way to start the season than the PYC Sailor’s Dinner? All are welcome to enjoy a superb buffet and a program to include presentation of the 2018 PYC awards. Details here.
The PYC Opening Day Regatta is Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7, first warning is 1300 both days. Sign up and details here.
SYSCO Race Clinic will be Thursday, April 11, at 6:30 pm. All skippers and crew are welcome. This introduction to racing is especially valuable for new skippers and crew. Seasoned skippers will also benefit. Details here.
The SYSCO Crew Overboard Challenge Race is April 20 with the first warning at 1255. This unusual race features a pursuit start and two mandatory (simulated) crew overboard drills. Comply with part of the OCSA Safety Requirements by participating in this race. Sign up and details here.
Finally, as you may have heard, the sailing community is making a concerted effort this year to bring new sailors into the sport. On May 7 and 9 (Tuesday and Thursday) we will be holding special races. These will be run just like the series races, but with a slight twist … each boat will have one or more novice sailors as guest crew trying out sailboat racing. These races won’t “count,” so no pressure! In my capacity as SYSCO Rear-Rear Commodore, I will be assigning novice sailors to boats from a list we are generating from the Pray for Wind/Grow the Sport party, the SailPDX crew list and by reaching out to other clubs who have sailors who want to try racing. We need every boat that will be in town to participate. Please register early for the Grow the Sport Race at SailPDX. If you have questions about this event, please contact me.
See you on the water.
Bruce Newton
2019 OCSA Commodore
OCSA membership:
For e-membership, click here.
For membership with printed 2019 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
