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MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
ED BACKMAN 21 May 2009
Premier Class members:
As the rain washes away all the remains of a nasty winter, it is time for all to get their summer yachting plans in order. As I basked in the sun and heat of Antigua (watching the yachts practice and then compete in the Caribbean 600), I was awakened by an email from our Secretary/ Treasurer, Mr Robson. As he pointed out, it is time to renew our PHRF Certificates as well.
Please review the data carefully and ensure the information on your certificate matches the builders specs unless the boat has been modified. Please note....data from another certificate IMS, IOR, IRC, _*is not acceptable*_ info for your PHRF certificate.
The summer schedule looks great. Another Marblehead year, so you must be planning for that now. In addition to the Opening Regattas and Marblehead, the PCA schedule also includes Charlottetown Race Week, East Bay Regatta, Baddeck Race Week, Chester Race Week, POW Week End at the Squadron,and DYC 's 100 miler in the fall . We are also hoping to add two distance races. One from Charlottetown to the causeway in Cape Breton, and from Halifax to St Peters. Both events as feeder races to the Bras D'or. We are in discussion with Charlottetown Yacht Club about an overnight race possibly starting on Friday night. Distance to the causeway is about 90 miles, so an easy race with time during the day to get to St Peters or Dundee Marina and home on Sunday for work. We are still working on the Halifax to St Peters end. Possibly with a start downtown on Friday evening as well.
This being the last year for the East Bay regatta in its current format, all yachts are encouraged to try and make this fabulous event.We have people who have expressed interest in doing some or all of these events if you need crew, and there are delivery crew around as well.
The weekend following East Bay, Baddeck Yacht Club is attempting to renew the Dundee Cup. This would take place on the August long Week End prior to Baddeck Race week. We are looking at a race from Baddeck to Dundee on Saturday with a little party Saturday night, a little golf Sunday morning and a Race back to Baddeck Sunday afternoon. Tyler Germani (Baddeck and Dundee Marine), and Scott McCauley (Dundee Resort and the Inverary Inn as well as Bell Bay Golf Course) are both promising sunny, warm, weather and great hospitality. This tied in with Charlottetown gives a great series of racing, an opportunity to golf in the mornings, race in the afternnons with relatively easy access, good , warm, weather, and potential for great fleets. There are sailors looking to crew in these events if you need more bodies.
Please talk to your crew and let's make a commitment to do some racing, other than in Metro, this year. Trouble will be sailing all these events, so please let us know who will be attending so that we can help get marina or moorings for all PCA members, or call the host clubs yourself.
Rumours abound about new boats. Philippe P.is bringing a new Archambault 40 to town, a Nelson Marek 43 new in Chester area (he has joined as a member), and there is a mirage in the deserts of Dubai which may turn into a Farr11s. Nothing is certain yet, however!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please check the website for dates and let's try and get out racing as much as possible this year. Our season is short but we have some great venues. Get your crews organized now for a great summer!!!!!
Ed
In addition - a note from me, as Secretary - if you check the class website, there is a very short list of members paid up for 2009. I will be away until June 1, but if you are racing any of the openers before then, I am sure Hal Davies would be HAPPY to hold your cheque for my return, and count you in as a member. If there are questions, rather than phone me - email me. My computer is traveling with me!
Peter
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MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT 11 May 2009
Brief Report from the PCA Executive meeting held Thursday 7 May.
Opening Regattas are on the horizon, please ensure you have an up to date NE PHRF Certificate in order to race. This can be done online on the PCA website. Peter Robson will be more than happy to help.
The Exec has reviewed the new NSYA PHRF Certificates. There are a few minor differences, however, it is obvious NSYA has worked very hard to ensure accuracy. As decided at the PCA AGM we will continue to use NE PHRF for the foreseeable future. The reasons are as follows:
- Service. As some of you are aware last year we generated certificates overnight at several regattas. We are unsure how NYSA will handle last minute requests.
- NE PHRF regulations. If you have been on the site, there are rule and regulations governing racing under PHRF NE. PCA Exec was unsure whether NSYA has regulations regarding measurement, weight and body restrictions, interior accommodation rules, and reporting rules. The PCA will have checks prior to racing to ensure all parties are familiar with minimum requirements. As we learn more about NSYA rules governing PHRF we will report.
- Racing outside of Nova Scotia. PCA members in PEI, NB, and elsewhere may not take to a mandatory adoption of a made in NS rule.
- Independent non partisan handicaps. Over the years, NSYA handicapping has been subject to pressure from various groups and individuals. NE PHRF is an independent body and integral part of a very much larger North American organisation and is not in a position to be pressured by local groups, clubs, or individuals. This can be reviewed at the fall AGM.
Race Schedule changes for PCA scoring:
- It was decided to put Metro back as a PCA qualifier. This runs at the same time as Baddeck Race week which will score as well.
- Peter Robson is looking for a commitment for an overnight race to St Peter’s, starting Friday night, July 17th. This may be in conjunction with a Squadron Cruise. There are at least 3 boats who have expressed serious interest.
- There will be a Saturday Race August 1st from Dundee to Baddeck . Rumour of a Bermuda start. Great for higher rated boats, you get to sleep in.
- Bras D’or Yacht Club is hosting a Sunday Race (August 2)in Baddeck for PCA boats.
- Charlottetown is prepared to host an overnight race to the causeway on Friday July 17th as well for PCA boat, if there is sufficient interest.
As you can see there is a full schedule of racing from Marblehead until Chester Race Week in the middle of August. Most of it is on week ends and the locations are spectacular for both beauty and sailing. The season is extremely short, talk to you crew and try to get away to one new regatta or race this year. All the participating Yacht Clubs are extremely proud of their events and want to show all PCA competitors a great time.
This is a great year to sail in the Maritimes, help support our PCA fleet members at other clubs, and get out of town for a change of scenery. Take the bride or girlfriend, if she doesn’t sail with you she can get on another boat or shop, sightsee, golf, or go to the beach. Let’s get on the water more often this year.
By the way, our crew bank on the PCA website works well. Try it out, if you need crew or delivery help.
Let’s go sailing, it will be September before you know it.
That's all for now. Will get back to all in a month or so with an update.
Regards
Ed Backman
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