Stowe Yacht Club

2011 CanAm Regatta Skippers and Race Committee

The third annual CanAm Challenge Regatta was held in Stowe, VT on July 30 & 31.

This event is definitely growing in popularity: we had 10 boats in the inaugural year of 2009, 13 boats last year, and 23 boats this year. There were 12 boats from Canada (8 from the Halifax, NS club and 4 from Ontario), and 11 from the USA. The USA contingent is almost entirely represented by the Stowe club (Glenn Chalder from CT joined us this year). We need to work on bringing in more boats from the Northeast next year.

George Dean and Bob Letwenski, our RD’s, dealt with light & variable winds on Saturday, but managed to keep the pace moving right along. With 23 boats, we ran two-fleet racing under the Odd/Even system. This system was consistent with the theme of the regatta: “A Friendly Cross-Border Rivalry”. It is essentially a random selection process, which had the top sailors mixing it up with the newer sailors. And speaking of “newer sailors”, we had 4th grader, Ben Conabree, grandson of Robert & Gloria Langlois, race in his first regatta. He hung in there and had some moments exhibiting some solid racing prowess (with a bit of mentoring from the grandparents). The racing was based on individual performance – no team racing allowed. However, the individual scores were then applied to the Team scoring, with the top 5 scores from each country applied to the Team results for that race. In this manner, any sailor could help out his team by scoring in the top 5 for his team in any given race.

Nine races (18 heats) were run on Saturday, with 1 throw-out allowed. Jim Goddard ended the day with 11 points, closely followed by Bruce Nourjian with 12 points. Charlie Berry was in the hunt with 16 points. Charlie was unable to race on Sunday, but Niels Olsen filled in for him. They would not count in the individual scoring, but could help out their team’s score. The U.S. group held a solid lead in the team scoring at the end of the day, with individuals holding the 2nd through 7th positions.

Sunday treated the group to a building breeze throughout the day. After light & shifty conditions for the first race, a fairly steady southwest breeze filled in. The RC managed to run 7 races (14 heats) before the 2:30 deadline. Jim & Bruce continued their battle right to the wire, with Bruce winning the regatta by just one point over Jim. Paul Fixx, Glenn Chalder, and Phil Tonks rounded out the top 5. The Team Award went to the USA group for the third straight year. The chant from Team Canada: “Wait ‘til next year!” The camaraderie both on and off the water showed that there will, indeed, be a next year.

The Corinthian spirit of this regatta was in full display at the dinner on Saturday evening. The USA team had donned patriotic red, white & blue pinwheel “curb feeler” headgear at the Saturday skippers meeting, in answer to the Canadians wearing red and white hats adorned with the Canadian maple leaf. The Canadians outdid themselves when they showed up for the casual buffet dinner wearing striking red ties declaring their Canadian allegiance. Several of their wives wore complementary scarves with a maple leaf motif. Following supper there was a lively exchange of banter interspersed by even more lively singing of Canadian classics led by Bob “Boots” Boutilier and his wife Anne. Somewhere in there, Gary “Doc” Bugden presented the top skippers with drug test sample collection kits left over from his family’s top secret endeavors.

There is no question that the “friendly cross-border rivalry” is now quickly becoming a tradition. There was strong support to hold the CanAm Challenge next year, again at Stowe. The 2012 date will be determined and promoted well in advance to avoid as many conflicts as possible and to build support from other U.S. and Canadian clubs.

Summary Version:
Event: CanAm Challenge Regatta
Class: Soling 1M
Date: July 30 & 31, 2011
Location: Commodores Inn, Stowe, VT
Host Club: Stowe Yacht Club (#159)
Entries: 23
Winds: Variable, 2-8 mph (Sat); SW 5-10 (Sun)
Races completed: 16 (32 Heats)
Scoring System: Two-Fleet Odd/Even; Low Point
Regatta Committee: George Dean, Rosemarie Fitzhugh, Bob & Suzan
Letwenski, Charlie Berry

2011 S1M CanAm Challenge Regatta Results — 16 Races (32 Heats); 2 Throw Outs

Place Skipper Club Points

1 Nourjian, Bruce                   Stowe, VT                     20
2 Goddard, Jim                        Halifax, NS                  21
3 Fixx, Paul                               Stowe, VT                     37
4 Berry, Charlie &                   Stowe, VT                     47 **
Olsen, Niels
5 Chalder, Glenn                     Simsbury, CT              47

6 Tonks, Phil                             Stowe, VT                    48
7 Stone, Tim                             Stowe, VT                     50
8 White, Bob                             Dartmouth, NS           68
9 Boutilier, Boots                    Bedford, NS                71
10 Rusi, Ben                              Lunenburg, NS          75

11 Lindeijer, Fred                   Bedford, NS                79
12 Varall, Ken                          Stowe, VT                    83
13 Wilmshurst, Brian            Hubley, NS                  85
14 Bugden, Gary                      Bedford, NS                86
15 Clay, John                            Brighton, ON             88

16 Townsend, George           Stowe, VT                    93
17 Langdon, J. D.                   Stowe, VT                    103
18 McKinney, John               Woodstock, ON         104
19 Stotler, John                      Stowe, VT                    109
20 Lovitt, Victor                    Halifax, NS                  127

21 Conabree, Ben                   Port Stanley, ON       155
22 Smith, Bob                          Stowe, VT                     W/Draw
23 Langlois, Gloria                Port Stanley, ON        DNS

** Not eligible for individual award.

Attending: John Dick (planning to build a Soling), Ken S, Arnie, Bruce, George T, Tim, JD & Charlie.

Bruce mentioned the great articles in the current issue of Model Yachting. Be sure to read (1) Brawner’s President’s Letter and (2) Building Fleets and Keeping Them Healthy! Please do read these – good stuff! The article on Building Fleets is especially relevant to us. The article could have come from our last meeting’s agenda – Teaching; Mentoring; availability of “club boats” for guests; website development; and, socializing. Contact Charlie if you don’t yet get the mag & would like a copy of the articles.

At tonight’s meeting, we spent some time on another topic in the Building Fleets article – “Communications”. We do want to get “The Word” out about our sport; Bruce will contact Biddle Duke at the Stowe Reporter to see if we can get some free space for weekly news about SYC. We all agree we need a stronger PR effort to spread the word. This will take an effort by one or more of us to be sure we provide regular communications to the public about our great sport. (Editor’s note: if a few of us were willing to take on the responsibility of writing up a paragraph or so of info periodically, we can make it fun – no one person has to bear the brunt of doing all the PR legwork).

Ken brought up the idea of contacting a few of the Lake Champlain “real boat” yacht clubs. We could invite a group over to try their hands at racing our “toy boats” and let them see what competitive RC sailing is all about. A good way to “spread the word” among the sailing community.

We also discussed trying some weekend racing – primarily to attract some folks who can’t make our weekday afternoon schedule – but also to race during the “best part of the day” for wind. Good thought, but we need to be mindful not to conflict with the proposed EC12 racing – and weekend times seem to be best for that activity also. Perhaps the idea from last meeting – using a portion of a weekend day or two during the season for several “club regattas” makes most sense. This will give folks the chance to gain “regatta experience” either by racing or by helping run the regatta. That idea seemed to gain some traction among the group.

John Dick mentioned the idea of Name Tags including Sail #’s to help the newbies feel more comfortable more quickly within the group. And, perhaps our sail numbers on the back of T-Shirts? Great for spectators on the deck who always ask “which boat are you?” (T-Shirts could also be used at CanAm).

Mentoring was again discussed. This is something we want to really work on this season. A few of the points I picked up follow – and we should continue this topic as a part of future meetings.

-          One day for “serious racing” – say, Mondays

-          One day to toss in a “mentoring race” into the mix – say, Wednedays

-          Try some different formats- mentoring teams, with each member scored that position

-          Round Robin – this would probably require a weekend afternoon, as we’ve done before.

-          Use some different ideas to keep mentoring both “fresh” and “fun”

Finally, we discussed the addition onto the North End storage shed

-          If Bruce provides the materials, we have the labor – and the skilled labor – to do the job

-          This could serve as a great storage facility & work shop for the boats

-          This will be a “Spring Project” – keep alert for the date – especially you, Neils!

NEXT MEETING: WEDS, MARCH 16^TH, 5:30 AT THE INN. SEE YOU THERE…Charlie

Meeting Announcement

Hi All – Just a friendly reminder – we’re getting together tomorrow – Weds – at 5:30 at the Inn.

We should plan to follow up on the “mentoring” idea for part of our meeting. Thoughts on how to do it (work one-on-one with one boat; or, follow the leader with 2 boats; etc) and when to do it – perhaps pick one day a week, and commit one or two races to this concept?

Boat building tips related to rigging – since George T and Bernie are building boats. And, perhaps looking at how to set up the rig and the sail trim for different conditions – how to set up your “baseline” before you start tweaking (and often screwing things up!). In other words, How to set up a “balanced” – neutral helm- boat.

If time, we can start to get into Rules & Tactics. Perhaps we can focus on The Start, – favored end – tactics with nearby boats – clear air – how the line should be set (why is a “square line” – or slightly port-end favored line - desirable?)

Bring your own thoughts & ideas – it’s OUR meeting!

Hope to see another good turn-out.

Charlie

Notice of Race and Entry Forms have been posted in the Regatta section of the web site for the 2011 Green Mountain Regatta and the CanAm Challenge Cup.

The club met on Wednesday, Feb 9 at Commodores Inn with 11 members present to organize the 2011 season. Charlie Berry passed around a rough agenda to guide discussion.

Annual member dues of $30 were due the first of the year. Members need to pay up if they have not yet paid. Members are encouraged to be AMYA members.

George Townsend reported that S1M Class Secy Tim Willings has suggested the club host the S1M Nationals for 2011. The membership was not too enthusiastic.

Topics of discussion included handicapping and how less experienced sailors can benefit from the experience of long-time members. A number of options were kicked around. The discussion involved handicapping vs. mentoring. Arnie suggested that it might work to have some discussion after races about what happened during that race, or over beverages afterward. The group ended up settling on some sort of team coaching/mentoring concept. One day will be for serious heads-up racing and the other for a more casual mentoring night. Details will be decided when sailing begins.

There was a discussion of regular sailing nights being Monday and Wednesday starting at 4:30 pm sharp for Soling racing until about 6 if there is wind.

Several sailors are interested in more EC-12 sailing. We’ll tentatively plan on every other Sunday afternoon.

Green Mtn Regatta will be Sat & Sun June 4 & 5. Charlie and George Dean will co-direct the race.

The now annual Can/Am Regatta is scheduled for Sat & Sun July 30 & 31. Jim Goddard from Canada is working to round up the Canadian contingent. We’d like everyone in the club to participate.

Paul suggested reinvigorating the Commodores Cup. Charlie suggested, perhaps requiring the top two skippers for the year to run the regatta. Perhaps, after Labor Day? We’ll check with Bruce Nourjian on possible dates.

Tim asked about the possibility of using the Waterbury Reservoir again for the Green Mtn Regatta. There was not an enthusiastic response. Sailors were enthusiastic, but Charlie felt that there was a lot of effort for race management and expenses.

Paul showed how the web site works and encouraged everyone to subscribe. Ken Varell will handle scoring, Bernie Peine will update the Links page, Tim will round up photos for Paul to post. George Townsend will keep the calendar up-to-date.

There was discussion of buoys and adding on to the outside shed for more room to store boats.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, Feb 23rd at 5:30. That week we’ll decide how often we want to meet for the remainder of the winter/spring until sailing begins?

The meeting ended with Q&A on members boat building questions.

Charlie’s working to arrange a meeting for February.  Stay tuned for details.

With Coumbus Day falling on Monday, we thought we’d try to take advantage of the holiday, and start our club sailing a bit earlier – always in search of a bit more breeze. How about 3pm Start on Monday. (Season’s nearing its end; let’s get out while we can!).

-Paul Fixx for Charlie Berry

By: Charlie Berry, Co-Race Director

Stowe Yacht Club (“SYC”) has held the EC12 NCR’s on two prior occasions, both on the 3-½ acre pond behind the Commodores Inn, in Stowe, Vermont. Both the Class and the club felt that the NCR’s had outgrown this venue, needing a bit more water and a lot more wind. SYC proposed the nearby Waterbury Reservoir for the 2010 NCR racing venue, with Regatta Central still based at the Commodores Inn. This site turned out exceptionally well-suited for our needs. Jake Leo provided his power boat and his course marks, which greatly helped with our planning at this new venue.

Wednesday afternoon was available for practice racing, with wind from the west, gusting into the 20’s. Some B rigs were in evidence. Thursday morning commenced the formal racing, kicking off the four seeding heats. These heats were held in very light SE breezes, which were not forecast. We knew the wind would switch to the NW, but when? The RC managed to get in the seeding heats, and break for lunch while the P/R fleets were set up. During lunch, the local CBS TV affiliate, WCAX, showed up and took some footage for the evening news. It was a terrific bit of PR for RC sailing. Finally, the winds went NW, but were light and shifty. Only three P/R races were completed in the afternoon. Baron Bremer and Bruce Walton figured out the conditions better than the others, ending the day with 8 points apiece. Dave Ramos was third, with 13 points. Chuck Luscomb commented to me that he saw all the wind shafts coming down the lake, and managed to miss them all!  He wasn’t alone. The highlight of the day was “Margarita Mike” Mulroy’s tailgate bar after racing. Best margarita I’ve ever had. At 6pm, a few of the sailors set up a web cast from the Inn for those EC12 sailors unable to attend the regatta. Lots of good chatter with great pictures posted by Doc Greer and JD Langdon. A post-race ritual of Margarita Mike’s, a stop at Ben & Jerry’s, and then on to the web cast at the Inn was repeated each day of the regatta.

Friday brought light to moderate breezes from the NW, with shifts, wind shafts and holes to challenge the sailors and the RC. Bremer and Ramos seemed to figure the conditions out perfectly. While many of the sailors struggled with the variables, these two managed to sail consistently near the top. By the end of the day and six more races, Bremer had 22 points and Ramos 23. The third place boat, Dave Brawner, had 40 points. We were beginning to see the pattern – a two-way race for the championship (a Match Race within a Regatta, if you will). And, yes, the day ended with a terrific Margarita Mike Party with a web cast to follow.

Saturday morning brought fog and a mirror sheen to the lake. As the fog lifted, we had a beautiful day, with sun and temps in the upper 60’s. The wind did fill, but varied from NW to NE, with no discernible pattern. The RC’s challenge was to keep the racing moving, but to also provide fair courses for an incredibly close battle for the championship. The lead changed with each race, and, to no one’s surprise, the winner would come down to the final race. We needed 6 races for a throw-out, and the outcome would be impacted by that decision. The winds became lighter and more variable late in the day, and we had one last shot at getting off a decent race. Dave Brawner finally put together a solid day, winning the final race and giving him third place overall. Baron Bremer came in second in this final race, securing his championship victory. And third in the final race? Dave Ramos, giving him second place overall, two points behind Baron. It doesn’t get much closer than that.

At the completion of racing, and while Margarita Mike was still setting up, Dave Brawner coaxed Baron over to the launching ramp. In an instant, he had the new class champion appropriately anointed in the lake. Baron surfaced with a huge grin. He worked incredibly hard for this win, and there were many tears, hand signs and back slaps honoring the new EC12 champion.

Summary Version:

• Event: National Championship Regatta
• Class:   EC12
• Date:   Sept 8 – 11, 2010
• Location: Waterbury Center State Park, VT
• Host Club: Stowe Yacht Club (#159)
• Entries:  29
• Winds: Generally NW, 5-8
• Races completed: 2 Seeding; 15 EORS
• Scoring System: EORS Promotion/Relegation; 2 Heats
• Regatta Committee: Charlie Berry, George Dean, Bruce & Carrie Nourjian, Paul Fixx, Rosemarie Fitzhugh, Bob & Suzan Letwenski, Bob & Katha Griswold, J.D. Langdon

Regatta Results  (Top 10)

Place    Skipper        Points

1. Bremer, Baron                      38
2. Ramos, Dave                        40
3. Brawner, Dave                      49
4. Walton, Bruce                       71
5. Luscomb, Chuck                   85
6. Leo, Jake                              103
7. Ward, Jack                            105
8. Freeland, Ernest                   125
9. Greer, Bob                            140
10. Mote, Harry                           150

on the Regatta pages

The following documents have been added:

• Sailing Instructions
• Additional Information for Competitors
• Final List of Competitors