Dan's Papers - June 29, 2007 - The Peconic Bay Summer Sailing Series

Sailboats, gentle breezes and water signify summer. There is something so incredibly romantic about watching a sailboat soar past you as you sit on the beach and stare at the horizon. It is even more breathtaking to be aboard a sailing vessel as it moves as one with the waves and wind. The Peconic Bay Sailing Association proudly launches its New Suffolk Series '07, offering an opportunity for all levels of sailors to compete and a chance for spectators to be entranced.

This summer's series kicked off on June 24th and has both novice sailors and advanced sailors competing for trophies in five races over the course of the summer. The race committee divides the fleet into separate classes based upon PHRF (performance handicap racing fleet) ratings and whether a spinnaker will be flown. Generally, the classes are: Spinnaker, Non-spinnaker and Cruising Canvas. The race committee will also provide the opportunity for one-design boats to compete in their own class if a sufficient number of identical boats are signed-up to race. The series is open to members and non-members, but non-members will be charged a small fee. The races start and finish in Cutchogue Harbor and the courses are chosen based upon the wind conditions at the time of the event. The upcoming races will take place on July 8th at 2 p.m., July 20th at 6 p.m., August 3rd at 6 p.m. and August 19th at 2 p.m. Participants may sign up for any race they choose, or the whole series.

Brian Andrews, enthusiastically spoke of the July 20th evening race, mentioning, "It will be an interesting event due to having a jackrabbit start."

This is where the start of the race is staggered with each boat having its own starting time according to their PHRH handicap. "They will theoretically finish around the same time which makes for an exciting event."

In order to race, there are some safety requirements. "Although all levels of racers are welcome," said Brian "The boats must be seaworthy and the skipper should have some fundamental knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing."

A PHRF rating certificate is also required. This certificate can be obtained through the Eastern Long Island Yachting Association (www.elisailing.org). If you interested in racing, yet don't have much experience, then the Wednesday night events are for you. These are not PBSA events, but a chance for the interested racer to gain experience from racers of all levels. The boats start out in the Cutchogue Harbor off New Suffolk at 6 p.m. and race around Robin's Island. According to Brian, "There is no formal scoring, but everyone knows whether they sailed well or not, so it's a great way to tune-up your sailing skills and it's like a mini vacation every Wednesday night. The level of Wednesday night competitors ranges from serious sailors who compete on the national level to day sailors."

Brian said that the sailors meet at Legends afterwards and it's a great time had by all.

The Sailing Association is enthusiastically seeking new members who love sailing as much as they do. They offer a series of membership opportunities. Family Memberships are $50 and include two members from the same household. Full Members are $40, and for sailor's who have belonged to PBSA in the past, this includes entry fees for regular race series for PHRF boats and several other great perks. New Full Members can join for $30 and Associate members can join for $10.

In October the biggest event staged by the Peconic Bay Sailing Association comes to fruition. All the summer sailors put their skills to work as they participate in the Whitebread Regatta, which will be celebrating its 14th year this October 6th. This event attracts over 100 yachts, and enthusiastic sailors from all over. It is a picturesque opportunity to see some of Long Island's finest sailors partaking in a sport that they love; as they soar around Shelter Island in the early Autumn breeze. Sailors and spectators alike should visit the Peconic Bay Sailing Association's website www.pbsa.net for more information on viewing and participating in these captivating races and their other wonderful opportunities, or contact Commodore Brian Andrews at bandrewsesq@optonline.net for registration and general information. May your summer days and nights be filled with barbecues, beaches and some wonderful smooth sailing.