Sunday, November 16, 2008

Dec. Racing Column for the Alberg 30 Mainsheet

As the leaves continue to blow off the trees, another Alberg 30 sailing season has come to a close.  It's been a great season for the association this year.  We averaged 7.0 boats per start this year and had 6 boats qualify for CBYRA's High Point series.  I've been excited to see folks like J Bergquist, Jonathan Adams and Andrew Cole out on the race course more frequently this year.  I have high hopes for next season too: Alan Adelman and his son, Tim, are already racing their newly purchased Alberg in AYC's frostbite series and I've heard of a couple folks very interested in buying boats with racing in mind.  Great stuff!

I think many will agree with me when I say that the Bruce Rankin Memorial International Friendship Races at PSA this fall were a high point this the year for the association.  We had such beautiful weather and PSA is just what a sailing club should be in my book: nothing but sailing.  My son, David, and I spent the night on LinGin and enjoyed one of the best weekends of racing I can remember.  It's a memory we'll always have.  After speaking with many of you, I can tell there's great interest in having another regatta at PSA next year.  Thank you to everyone involved for making it such a splendid weekend.

There are few things in this world I love more than spending time on my beautiful old fiberglass boat.  Trying to eek out a few more tenths of a knot, or out-sleuthing T.C. Williams on a tough course are challenges with which I don't think I'll ever grow bored.  The freedom of sailing coupled with the hard thinking required of racing are unparalleled pleasures.

I want to encourage each of you as we celebrate the end of another year to consider joining us next season out on the water in as many regattas as you can attend.  Alberg racing is as strong as it has been in years, but I want to see if continue to get stronger.  Come out for sail with me on LinGin at any regatta or Wednesday night next year.  We'll have a great time and I'm here to help you get out there on the line any way I can.

Thank you all for your encouragement and help.  Racing Commodore is a post that does not accomplish its goals without a lot of people lending a hand.  I have had a great deal of help over the last two years.  Thanks!  

May you all have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

See you on the water! 

Tim Williams

P.S. Please join us at the annual dinner where we will announce the final High Point standings and hand out our racing awards for 2008.