Onward to the 2011 Racing Season!!

I sure did learn a lot in my first year as Race Captain!  I had an opportunity to make a number of changes in 2010, in the attempt to "fire up" the racing program.  Some of those changes worked (Destination races to Cedar Mills and the creation of the Leisure Class) and some of them did not work as well (2 day regattas, extending the series race days, shortening the series).

I am a big believer in learning from things that don't work and trying to find the "root cause" (yes, my day job is in engineering).  The changes that were made last year are really good examples of "it looked good on paper, but didn't work in practice."  While the skippers thought this looked good when we reviewed the plans last year, it was another thing when trying to get crews to commit to two day regattas, and later racing on Saturdays.  So, our desire to create a more regatta feel on Saturday nights after racing, actually reduced the participants instead of increasing it!  It is rare in science/engineering to get exactly the opposite results than what you are attempting, but I managed to accomplish this!!  The great thing about this is, to correct it is much like the advice your doctor would give you when you complain about "it hurts when I do this."  The advice, "don't do that."  Hence, a number of changes in 2011 are the result of "don't do that."

So, we are back to the Icebreaker Series having 4 race days and the Sundowner having 5 race days.  No more two day regattas (except for Lakefest and the Texoma Classic).  The Solstice regatta will be one day in length.  Wunderlick will be 25 and 50 miles (instead of 50 and 100 miles).

Another addition for this year is the result of Jack Montani and his quick thinking to recover some racing after the weather cancellation of the Full Moon Regatta.  Jack put on a pursuit start, distance race on Sunday, that started at The Point and rounded two GPS-based marks and finished back at The Point.  It was great fun and did not require a race committee!  So, for 2011, we have scheduled four, "Free, Family Fun Flotillas" using this format.  And, they're FREE!

But wait, there's more!  We are also offering a "Season Ticket" that represents a huge reduction in the price per race/series.  This covers entry fees for: Icebreaker Series, Texoma Classic, Solstice Regatta, Ol' Man o' the Sea, Wunderlick and the Sundowner Series.  That's 6 races/series for the low low price of $225 (with US Sailing Membership).

See you on the water!
Captain Dave Long
TSC Race Captain

Wrapping Up Racing in 2010...

The racing is done, the results are in and the planning is done for next year!

The 2010 TSC Champions for this year are:

• Spinnaker Class: Second Star (J.D. Hill: Skipper)
• Cruising Class: TBD (Mike Meinhardt: Skipper)
• Leisure Class: Wisc Me Away (Pete Nitsche: Skipper)

Congratulations to these boats, skippers and crew!!  I also want to again thank everyone that raced in 2010!

Captain Dave Long
TSC Race Captain