Regatta format that focuses on fun

by Tim Finkle, RCR Yachts
The sailing community (us included) has talked often about the state of our sport and how we can improve participation and better understand what people really want. One of the solutions offered is to have more “fun” racing in addition to the serious one-design stuff. Well, this past weekend, we had our annual Secretary’s Race at the Youngstown Yacht Club in Youngstown, NY.

This is a laid back, fun race where we started mid-morning at the bar of the club, had clams and Bloody Mary’s and mingled with members while all of the boats were lined up at the dock. We then pulled names of participants out of a hat and placed with boat owners.

The course was undetermined and solely up to the race committee, making it up as they went. They could drop marks wherever they please, ask competitors to turn on their engine, drop a sail, do a circle, etc. It’s all great fun and the winning is not the goal of the race, although the winner did get a coveted and historic tin cup.

We sailed up and down the river and with new/different crew; it allowed people to meet other members that they might not ever sail with otherwise. They’ve been doing this at our club and probably others for many years, but it was the first time I’d ever done the race.

It was very refreshing to just go sailing and not be stressed about the competitive aspect. It certainly didn’t hurt that the weather was absolutely perfect too!

Source: RCR News