March 2019 – Recreational Racing Practice

It’s almost time to zip up those Helly Hansen jackets and get out on the water. The Race Committee will be setting out marks for practice courses on Saturdays (or Sundays for best weather) in the March weekends before the first Spring Series race on March 30. We’ll confirm early each Sat morning with posts on the BLSC Facebook page. In case of doubtful weather, text or call 479.466.5879.

Here’s your chance to practice your starts, racing tactics, boat handling, and crew co-ordination. Plus, the Race Committee team gets lots of practice at setting out great race courses.

We will try to have the marks in place by around 11 am for each Saturday session, except for March 9th, which will be an afternoon session following the Racing Seminar (see below).

FUN IDEA – Heat it up by challenging another boat to an ‘unofficial’ match race. Do it boat-to-boat, or the R/C will do PHRF corrections on request. Just give us each boat’s elapsed time and we’ll run the numbers for you.
Guest Skipper Coaching – This year we’ll make it easier that ever for cruising boat owner/skippers to race your own boat safely and successfully. We’ll assign you a seasoned racer who will sail with you and your crew for practice sessions and show you the ropes. Contact the Race Committee to get set up.
Beat the crowd with the Two Minute Rule – As with last year, new cruising boat skippers will get a two minute handicap advantage that will allow you to start two minutes after the other cruisers. You avoid the drama at the regular start time. Low stress is good.

March 23 Seminar – Racing Rules Update, Winning Tactics + On The Water Exercises

Drew Daugherty, from the Grand Maumelle Sailing Club will facilitate a seminar at Charlton House from 9 am – 1 pm on Saturday, March 23rd. We also plan to get out on a practice course that afternoon for some exercises (WX permitting). Guest Skipper Coaching available for new owner/skippers in the onthe– water session. Debrief to follow over beverages and snacks.

All BLSC members, skippers and crew are encouraged to attend at no cost. RSVP to
vicecommodore@beaverlakesailclub.com or just show up!

Drew literally grew up at Grande Maumelle Sailing club since its founding in 1959 (his father was a founding member). Coming up through the junior program Drew raced Sunfishs as a kid, graduating into Y Flyers, Flying Dutchman, Thistles, and various racing keel boats. Drew’s involvement with U S Sailing has afforded him the opportunity to compete and administrate many high-level championships around the country. His proudest accomplishment is however winning The Y Flyer national championship in 2012 with his 15 year old son, Andrew.• US Sailing Certified Race Official
• GMSC member since 1980
• GMSC rear commodore (immediate past commodore)
• 26 time GMSC Y Flyer champion
• 4 time Y Flyer Class national champion
• U S Sailing One-design Council
• Chairman of U S Sailing Championship of Champions 2008 – 2014
• Current chairman U S Sailing Adult Championships
• all-around good guy + party animal

Crewmember opportunities for 2019 The Judi Walker Spring Series

The BLSC race season kicks off Saturday, March 30. Both the Performance and Cruising Fleets look to be more competitive than ever, with new boats coming online for 2019. That means great opportunities for you to jump into BLSC Racing as crew. The need is there—the main skill you need is showing up. You can become a regular crewmember on one boat or ‘date around.’ Many of the racing boats will be doing some practice sessions during the month of March—a great opportunity to become part of the
team. Shoot me an email at vicecommodore@beaverlakesailclub.com and we’ll get you onboard.

Spectate & Participate – Y-Flyer Exhibition Racing at BLSC

Members of Grande Maumelle Sailing Club will bring a fleet of Y-Flyers to BLSC for the weekend of April 6 & 7. The plan is to stage a series of afternoon buoy races following our morning workday. Then, weather permitting, more races on Sunday morning. They will come with a skipper for each Y-Flyer, and will need a BLSC member as crew on each boat. Email me at vicecommodore@beaverlakesailclub.com if you’d like to crew on one of the Y-Flyers and get in on the fun. We’re looking at you, Eric, Abram, Bill and 3 or 4 more intrepid souls from BLSC. Everyone else can motor out and watch from the comfort of your own boat.

The GMSC folks will be staying overnight at BLSC — a party might break out. Let me know if your boat has an extra berth or two to share with our guests for the overnight.

PHRF your Larue (and other BLSC Distance Races)

The winners for the Round Larue Race and other distance races will be determined based on the best PHRF-corrected times. The goal is to even the odds for smaller boats and the cruising fleet in order to encourage more members to participate. We’ll also recognize the best uncorrected time for the Round Larue race. As with last year, each race also offers a prize for the slowest time.

Committee Boat crew needed

Malcolm Williamson will run the committee boat this year, and would welcome your help. Be part of the Race Committee—right in the middle of the action—on race days. You’ll earn a full Work Day Credit (up to three) for each race day—a $100 per day value! Contact Malcolm or Bill if interested.