49erNA:
Well, we have just come off a pretty successful winter I’d say! The two latest events in Miami were a success (NA’s followed by ISAF World Cup Miami), and had some pretty good racing! Unfortunately, the midwinters were cancelled due to lack of participation but no worries there. At NA’s and IWCM we had some pretty cool racing formats which used lane ropes for theatre racing. I think the end product was pretty good. See for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0qme8rhNJgcUrDg2rZ1c7nc1UxqZdRwn . While also down in Miami we had a class meeting to discuss some of the issues at hand:
New US President
No, not Obama! Trevor Burd! TBurd was officially elected US class president during our class meeting. Now you have 2 Trevor’s running the show!
2013 Summer Schedule
The total summer schedule is not quite yet nailed down. However, we have a pretty good picture of what it will be. Activity will take place in various areas around the continent:
NORTHEAST
Toronto Icebreaker Regatta: May 18-19
Ottawa Skiff Grand Prix: June 1-2
Sail Newport: July 13-14
Canadians: July TBD
CORK OCR: August 17-21
US Nationals: August TBD
ACCs: October 12-13
WEST COAST
Kitten Cup
Waves
Gorge Skiff Regatta: July 19-21
Other events to be added shortly…
Americas Cup
This is still a work in progress, however, the ACEA has asked the 49er class to participate in the AC events. Still trying to work out the details, but this will likely coincide with a US sailing team camp in San Francisco. Basically, they will guarantee launching/storage space near GGYC, we go out and race for 1 or 2 hours along City Front, and can then go and do some training elsewhere on the bay. If you are interested in being part of this, please contact me. From what I am told, Canadians are also welcome to participate in the training and racing (as long as you can keep it upright).
2013 US Nationals
We are still trying to figure out the details, but here’s where we are. Given that Oakcliff just bought 8 49er’s and 8 FX’s, we will be hosting the US Nationals in that area (NY, CT, MA or RI). The event will happen just after CORK OCR to give the West Coast teams the chance to do 2 events and some quality training with top US and Cdn teams. The weekends we are looking at are Aug 23 – 25 or Aug 30 – Sep 1. They both have their positives and negatives. The first weekend is very close to CORK OCR while the 2nd weekend gives a bit more time for a training camp in between and/or some time off. If you have feed back on which weekend you prefer for the US Nats, please let me know asap since we are trying to finalize this before the end of the month.
2013 Canadians
Our Canadian championship is also up in the air due to some exogenous scheduling conflicts. So we are still up in the air. Basically, however, we are most probably going to have the Canadians July 26-28 in either Montreal, Kingston or Toronto. We are still waiting to hear back from KYC if they can host us. We will most likely know by the end of the week.
Then CST coach Steve Mitchell plans to do a training camp just after, from July 30th on.
2014 North Americans
The rotation is for Canada in 2014 which would make it during CORK OCR in August. But that’s quite close to 2014 Santander Worlds. If you have ideas on venues and timing please speak up! We want all the top guys to participate. This, along with MOCR may be a qualifying event for another large event which will likely be announced later this week (or so I am told)…
2014 Winter Series
I think we had a decent series this winter. We’d like to build on this for the future so that there are always at least 3 events down in FL in Dec/Jan/Feb time line. Next year we’ll likely do the same format with NA’s or US Nats at CGSC just before MOCR, then possibly be part of the Lauderdale OCR after MOCR. This will also help build momentum toward 2016 Worlds (which may be held down in FL, USA).
2014 Summer Events
At the class meeting Ryan Pesce brought up the idea of having an event on Martha’s Vineyard – an idea I love and will support. If you guys have any ideas for events to help fill the calendar, please let me know and we can throw them on.
2016 Worlds
We are working on trying to find a suitable venue in Southern USA to host the 2016 Worlds in during the winter months. The 2016 worlds will coincide with MOCR and another event (likely NA’s or US Nats) to help draw European competitors. When you’re in Europe, please talk up our winter series and get the Euros to come! Additionally, if you know of any venues that can potentially host the worlds, please let us know!!!
Please keep in touch. See you all soon!
Trevor P – CAN 123

Credit: Walter Cooper