| SYSCO Board members and Fleet Captains met on a virtual call on April 1st to discuss the future of the 2020 sailboat racing season on the Columbia river. We are seriously committed to keeping our community safe, yet we realize that sailing is a passion that possesses so many of us. It is not just our favorite sport, but our social outlet. It’s difficult in this season of spring, when normally we should be preparing our boats to race, to stay sane in the face of a stay-at-home order.
We officially canceled the Spring series. We have formed a small committee to discuss our options for the rest of the season, and will keep our membership and the broader sailing community informed via email blasts, the SYSCO Newsletter, SYSCO’s website, and OCSA’s website (SailPDX). See below for instructions on joining the Zoom call for our next Board Meeting, Monday, April 6 at 5:30 pm.
The Race Clinic, which is now scheduled for May 20th, will likely take place virtually, with a very small live audience. You can join in on your computer or mobile device, make comments and ask questions. We will record it and have it available to view on SYSCO’s Facebook Page, and on YouTube.
Although the Spring series has been canceled, we have not ruled out some fun races we could do in the last part of May, depending on the circumstances. Fleets that have been assigned to be Race Committee for the last two weeks of May should keep those dates on their calendars clear, and skippers may consider getting their boats ready to sail. We will also consider running some races in September, which may be tricky considering the weather and the waning sunlight. These series might not count for points toward the Overall or other trophies, but will probably just be fun races. We will just have to see how the flattening of the COVID-19 curve goes, and pay attention to the Governor’s edict on gathering in groups.
At this time the 42nd St. Boat Ramp appears to be closed. Private boat ramps and boat launching facilities may be open, and I recommend that you call the owner of the facility to find out before you go.
Like you, SYSCO is waiting for the Social ALL CLEAR to be sounded. In the meantime, SYSCO leadership will focus on readiness to race, including Pancho preparation. Please feel free to reach out to your SYSCO Board and give us your thoughts on the season.
You can catch up on the March SYSCO Newsletter by visiting this link.It includes stories, great photos, and a synopsis of the Tidewater Barge Company’s presentation at Fleet Night in February.SYSCO is here to support your sailing habit, as well as your social needs! Be well, and stay safe.
Anna Campagna
SYSCO Commodore 2020
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