SAYRA August e-Newsletter
The Future Looks Bright
Last month, I sailed in the Y-Flyer National Regatta at Harbor Island Yacht Club in Nashville. It was a great event, made more special by the fact that my 13-year-old daughter, sailing with another junior, skippered in her first regatta! She was one of 15 juniors who sailed in the regatta. The experience of the juniors varied greatly from a few who have represented the U.S. in international Opti regattas to my daughter and her teammate, who were true novices sailing their first regatta. Regardless of their level of experience, all of the juniors desired to learn as much as they could and sought out tips from more experienced racers.
One of the reasons my daughter wanted to go to this regatta was because several of her friends were going. This was not the case a few years ago. There were only three boats entered in the junior division, compared to six this year. What changed? Initiative by two families to invite, transport and house additional juniors. One couple’s kids outgrew the junior division years ago, but they continue to be the catalyst for creating excitement around the regatta and offering to chaperone kids for the week.
As you begin planning your fall regatta schedule, think about juniors at your club who you could take as crew, or help them find a spot on another boat. Bring two or more juniors, if you can.Another way to get involve is to donate to the Helen Hanley fund. I know many juniors who have benefited from the Helen Hanley Memorial Fund. Money provided by these scholarships has helped them achieve several of their sailing goals, enabling them to keep setting the bar higher. The training and opportunities afforded to juniors through this fund are top-notch. To learn more, donate or apply for a scholarship, please visit Helen Hanley Memorial Fund. There are lots of juniors throughout the SAYRA region competing at a high level and representing our area well!
To stay informed, be sure to like and follow the SAYRA Facebook page. Sincerely, Bryce Dryden, SAYRA Commodore
2018 Club Championships - October 27th
All the details are HERE - already over 9 teams committed - one team per club!
US Sailing Advanced RaceManagement Seminar at Charleston Yacht Club September 8-9
$50 registration fee includes course materials, online testing, food and beverage. Seminar runs from 8:30 AM till 5:00 PM both days at the Charleston Yacht Club.Walk in registrations are not permitted. Instructors: JD Rosser and Jim Tichenor CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION
Lake Norman YC Labor Day Regatta Sept 1-2
SAYRA Jr Grand Prix Series #5 & OPEN Regatta
Labor Day Regatta & SHRIMP BOIL - make your plans now! Great event!
Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club - Sept. 15-16
Pluff Mud Jr GRAND PRIX Champs SAYRA Series #6
26th Annual Peninsula Cup Regatta
Peninsula Yacht Club - Lake Norman - September 14-16
Come join us for fun days of friendly competition on Lake Norman. Enjoy 3 days of racing on North Carolina's largest lake and come back to The Peninsula Yacht Club to celebrate! With events planned each day, you will have a wonderful weekend with lasting memories.We offer a Junior Peninsula Cup Regatta also on September 15-16, 2018. We invite all children 8-14 years of age to participate in this friendly regatta!
US Sailing Championships... Congratulations Lucas!
Smythe Single Handed Champs - Hobcaw YC - L. Sawin finished 3rd Overall in the US Chubb Junior Sailing Championship this past week at North Cape Yacht Club! Way to go Lucas representing SAYRA, Hobcaw YC and Area D at the finals! Thank youSAYRA Supporters to all the Helen Hanley Fund donations who helped financially support travel funds for all 3 SAYRA teams to participate!
Calendar Upcoming SAYRA of Events (full calendar here):