From
the Commodore

From the Commodore - Burton Howell
May 2008   

The big event in April was Charleston Race Week. It was described as the largest event in South Carolina, but I also believe that it will be the largest event in SAYRA this year. I was pleased to see so many SAYRA people come forward and volunteer their time and effort to help with both the on-the-water and shore activities that are required to make an event like this a success. To run two off-shore courses and a harbor course required a large number of people. I won't begin to try and name you as I am sure I would miss some. With competitors from all over the country it was great to see so many SAYRA sailors competing. I want to thank and congratulate those Charlestonians who worked so many long hard hours to make this a very successful event. The comments I heard from the sailors indicated that they thought this was a great regatta. AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU WHO WERE INVOLVED.

I know I mentioned this in my April letter, but May 15th is drawing near. That is the date that US Sailing has set as the deadline for commenting on the membership proposal. If you have any comments concerning this action please send them to John Slater at john@jennyknob.org. John is our representative to CSA. John will present your comments to the SAYRA Excom at our May 10th meeting.

Congratulations to Steve Szymanski (LMSC), newly appointed SAYRA Judge. He joins John Slater (LNYC) and Ken Gorni (LNYC). Please be sure to include them if you need a judge at your regatta. See the Judge’s Page for contact information.

Junior sailors have you checked the Junior Championship calendar yet? If not, now is the time to plan what regattas you can get to this season. The Chairs of the committee, Beth and Joan, have worked hard to make the schedule as "family" friendly as possible. While you are at it, also note that the SAYRA quarterfinals for the Sears, Bemis, Smythe US Sailing Championships are June 7-8 at Lake Norman Yacht Club. Full rigged Laser sailors should look at the Smythe events. High school sailors familiar with the Club 420 have the experience for the Bemis event. Those who would like to form a team of three should check on the Sears competition. Female juniors sailing Laser Radials need to check out the US Sailing Single Handed Junior Women's Championships aka Leiter Cup. This regatta will be August 3-8 in Holland MI. The Junior Women's Double Handed Championships for the Ida Lewis Trophy will be held July 7-13 in Sausalito, CA. All US Sailing Championship Junior finals provide excellent clinics along with the great experience of sailing with your peers from around the country. The finals of all US Sailing Championships and the semi-finals sailed out of the SAYRA area are eligible for Helen Hanley financial help.

There are many important dates on the SAYRA Calendar for May. Please check it as you make your plans for this month. You will surely find opportunities to either race, assist with race management or improve your skills with these opportunities.

Burton