Concentrate on the benefits of simplicity

Sail Newport, founded in 1983, is home to New England’s largest public sailing center and is considered Rhode Island’s premier public sailing site. While its mission is to attract new sailors to the sport, it also recognizes its role in maintaining the sport.

Considering the current health crisis, and how sailing activity is being limited due to government guidelines, Sail Newport is flexing its leadership muscle to help boaters get active again. Sail Newport Regatta Director Matt Duggan has developed a document to assist, with information that may prove applicable well beyond Narragansett Bay.

“It is important to recognize the fluid nature of this crisis,” reminds Brad Read, Sail Newport Executive Director. “Each harbor will have different rules. Our thinking is to make sure that our leadership at the state and local level realize what running a race could be in the limited opening phases.

“We will continue to revise these protocols as things change. The key is working with the administration and not going rogue.

“Sailing will have a bit of a reboot this summer. It is our goal to offer ‘races’ or ‘rallies’ that cater to our local populace. Family races in our J/22s. Single handed events for kids. We are actively re-rigging our high school 420s to ‘Cat Rigs’.

“I actually think we have a really cool opportunity to bring things to a fun/family low-key place. The world is taking a deep breath and sailing can benefit if we do the same and concentrate on the benefits of simplicity.”

For the Sail Newport document, click here.