Media Interest, Increased Publicity, and a New Trophy

1986 was a positive year for the Bay. The projections for 1986 proved valid, will continue for 1987 and, at least several more years. The economic scene continues to improve and class proliferation appears to have stabilized. The resurgence in sailing program enrollment continues. The downward trend in racing appears not only to have stopped, but reversed and we experienced a 10 year high in Race Week participation. The number of Life members also more than doubled.

Sailing in 1987 is off to a fantastic start. The United States has regained possession of the America’s Cup and public interest and awareness of sailing is at an all time high – whetted by the extensive media coverage. The GSBYRA must now capitalize on that interest, to maintain that momentum and to make 1987 even better.

Your comments and recommendations have been heard and responded to where possible. We have worked with your interests in mind and will continue to do so. We have a full schedule of weekend regattas. To foster improved camaraderie, we have appointed a new Activity Coordinator. This committee will work with the respective club representatives to promote and publicize the pre and post regatta social activities.

The GSBYRA will prepare a certificate for presentation to those young skippers or crews registered through their respective club sailing programs who also participate in GSBYRA invitationals. In conjunction with this, a perpetual trophy will also be established for award to the club with the greatest annual increase in percentage of participation.

A Scholarship Fund Committee has also been established. It will make recommendations and be responsible for its implementation. This worthy endeavor will require a considerable effort to determine methods for its funding and to establish fair, equitable criteria for its award.

I would like to thank the GSBYRA officers and committees, and your club officers, delegates and committees for their efforts. But most importantly, I want to thank each of you for your cooperation and participation, and to solicit your continued support to help make 1987 an outstanding year of achievement.

Good sailing!

Glenn Schmidt