Frostbite Regatta - 20-21 Feb

[BJSailor]

Notice of Race is posted for the Frostbite Regatta.  

http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubs/gbca.html

$10 discount for early registration (by 11 Feb), $5 discount for USSailing members - register early for only $45!!

The Race Committee is planning on using the Icicle Race fixed marks for the Non-Spin and GBCA Handicap classes and inflatable windward/leewards for the one-designs and PHRF-Spin, but both groups should be prepared for either option if necessary.

[ChrisK]

By all measures, January was a big success!...
The next big GBCA Regatta is the Frostbite.

Register early and often. Two days of racing and fun!

[George E Cushing]

It sounds like it has it been decided that there is not going to be windward leward racing for the non-spin class. I find this dissapointing. Why is this the case?

[ChrisK]

Race committee still has the option to run a windward leeward for PHRF non-spinnaker. It's not totally out of the cards.

As for a reason in the shift, even before the economy and storm, participation has been down. In particular, the non-spinnaker class.  

The feedback we've received tells us that the non-spin boats don't enjoy racing short windward leeward.
The specific reasons vary: everything from the courses are too short for the large heavy boats, that the jibing/tacking is too crew intensive, the boats are not designed to go to weather...  
Whatever the reason, it is crucial we keep the non-spinnaker racers involved in not only our Icicle and Rum race series, but other 'legacy' events like the Frostbite, Spring, Texas Race Week and Bank Regattas.  
Non-spinnaker racers are the future spinnaker and even one design racers.  If they are disenchanted early on, they'll leave the sport and nobody will come out to play.  

To back up what we've been hearing, a poll was posted regarding this topic.
Poll link  

That said, we would certainly like to hear more from other nonspinnaker racers who want a windward leeward short course.
(the poll is still open, please add your comments to the thread)

[George E Cushing]

Chris,

I agree that the non-spin boats are the future spin racers for the most part. Being on a W/L course is part of the training process. Even if spin is not in the future, some like the variety of W/L racing, I know I look forward to it. Where else can we get the concentrated experience of starting line maneuvers and windward leg strategies but at this type of event? We have plenty of fixed mark racing already.

As to the poll, I can understand why the cruising class might be a dissenting voice. It seems that their participation in the poll might dilute the results.

George

[Brantly Minor]

With the Cruising Class having fixed marks, any non-spin has a choice to race the fixed marks course, if they wish.  If you are handicapping the cruising class after each race, it should not matter that PHRF boats join the Cruising Class to avoid the W/L racing.  Besides they may like it and decide that PHRF stuff is not their cup of tea. 

Excluding consideration of the manpower requirement of Race Admin, I think having added the Cruising Class,one should keep the W/L racing in the PHRF-Non spin.  This way you have something for everyone.

My vote: "keep the variety."

[BJSailor]

The RC for GBCA is interested in running events that are accepted by the largest number of competitors as well as providing a fun and competitive event for all.  Windward / Leeward courses as well as free leg courses around fixed marks are all options.

The poll referenced indicates that less than 10% of the respondents are in favor of windward/leeward short course racing.  The preference for free leg races is also indicated in many other events that have gained in popularity in the area over the past few years.  LYC's Bay Cup series has been increasingly successful as have the cruising courses set by HYC.

That said, it is probably fair to state that there will be some form and number of free leg courses around fixed marks provided in future races - especially for the non-spinnaker classes.  This doesn't discount that there also may/will be windward/leeward courses in the mix also.  Who knows, the Spinnaker and One-Design classes may find themselves sailing fixed marks too!

GBCA (as well as all the other organizations running races in Galveston Bay) strives to provide the best racing for our competitors that meet their expectations and challenge everyone to enjoy the events, increase participation, and improve the skills of all racers.  Courses will be set for the various classes to attempt to fulfill all these objectives.

[Christopher]

The poll referenced indicates that less than 10% of the respondents are in favor of windward/leeward short course racing.  The preference for free leg ...

The problem with the referenced poll is that it asks "For PHRF non-spin/cruising class: What racing course do you prefer?" - almost lumping non-spin and cruisers together as though they are one class.  If only cruisers respond, then non-spins don't get a W/L course.  George being the 10% dessinting vote.  If only non-spins respond, then cruisers may not get their distance/triangle/freeleg courses.

Besides, doesen't the race registration system allow for folks to sign-up for class and type of course they want, if made available?  Then those that form with enough registered boats to get a start should determine the course or courses raced/administered.  Those that don't get enough registrations are shuffled in with others, forming a new class, or given the option to withdraw.  There's your true poll on a given race day.  Just make sure all options are available to register.

[George E Cushing]

Chris,

Your point is well made. Offer fixed and W/L for non-spin and let the numbers decide. I sure hope we don't loose W/L for non-spin if there is demand for it that cannot be measured fully in this forum.

George

[BJSailor]

Registration permits boats to sign up by class.  PHRF Spinnaker, PHRF Non-Spinnaker, GBCA Club Handicap, and an assortment of one-design classes. 
In the end, the Race Committee will assign classes (ex., PHRF A and B, or lumping a short one-design class into PHRF Spinnaker) and publish these at/before the Competitors Briefing. 
The Sailing Instructions will contain information relating to the  Class Flags, Starting Order for the First Race of the day, Marks and the Courses.  The RC will signal which course a particular Start will sail for a particular race.
Registration does not permit a boat to sign-up for a particular class AND course selection.  Please refer to registration on Regatta Network for more information.

In the end, the Race Committee will set course marks, distances, and durations that are appropriate for the group of boats in a particular starting sequence.  Beleive me, the RC is sensitive to the opinions expressed by the one-design, PHRF, Cruising, and Non-Spin boats and will set appropriate and competitive courses for everyone.  Keep in mind - "... this ain't our first Rodeo...". 

But please keep the comments and input coming!!!  We want to hear it all and get everyone's opinion.  Without you, the quality and number of events at GBCA wouldn't be what the are today.  Just to beat our own drum for a minute: GBCA runs more races on Galveston Bay than any other organization.  We continue to grow for a reason - we listen to the racers and try harder than anyone to bring new folks into sailing and racing.

The poll referenced indicates that less than 10% of the respondents are in favor of windward/leeward short course racing.  The preference for free leg ...

The problem with the referenced poll is that it asks "For PHRF non-spin/cruising class: What racing course do you prefer?" - almost lumping non-spin and cruisers together as though they are one class.  If only cruisers respond, then non-spins don't get a W/L course.  George being the 10% dessinting vote.  If only non-spins respond, then cruisers may not get their distance/triangle/freeleg courses.

Besides, doesen't the race registration system allow for folks to sign-up for class and type of course they want, if made available?  Then those that form with enough registered boats to get a start should determine the course or courses raced/administered.  Those that don't get enough registrations are shuffled in with others, forming a new class, or given the option to withdraw.  There's your true poll on a given race day.  Just make sure all options are available to register.

[hayesrigging]

I think it is a great idea to try and promote and get the non spin guys out and provide race courses that they would prefer.  But please do not send PHRF spin boats and one design boats around fixed marks in a "regatta"!!!  For one, it is very dangerous with racers coming into fixed marks either getting ready to set a chute or take one down.  Remember Boomer II a few years back hung the upper shroud on the low range during the icicle!!  Two, it is nearly impossible to get a true w/l course using fixed marks, racers dont need to be reaching around the bay. 

The fun races (Bay Cup, Rum Races) around the Bay provide enough long legs, reaching, etc. for the racers.  Keep true w/l in PHRF spin and one design!!!!  While I am at it, I think it would be great to see more leeward gates in our races.  It provides a very tactical part of the racing, even in small number classes.  It allows you to split with your competitor at the leeward mark instead of following and gives more oppurtunities to pass.

Keep up the great work GBCA!!

Kevin Hayes

[BJSailor]

Thanks for the input Kevin. 

I don't think you have any cause for worry.  GBCA seems to have a good handle on what the racers want, regardless of what class.  Hopefully the wind gods will cooperate.

[BJSailor]

BUMP!

Register early and often!!!  Sign up before the 11th and you get a $10 discount off the $60 entry.  Slap on a $5 USSailing member discount and you get two days of racing, parties and stuff for a mere $45!!!

PHRF Spinnaker and One-Design sailors can expect windward / leeward courses around some brand new racing marks that were delivered yesterday.  Non-Spin and GBCA Club Handicap sailors will probably have some races around the Icicle marks (program your GPSs folks) as well as windward / leewards.

C'mon folks, sign up!!!

[BJSailor]

Reminder...

Competitors Briefing is Friday at 7:30pm.

Be there or be square

[Bee]

NOR seems to say 19:00.  Maybe I cannot read anymore.