In Synch

This year GSBYRA celebrates its 90th anniversary. As we look back appreciatively on our past and then look forward to new horizons, we see old ideas recreated, existing programs refined, and new developments which keep us in synch with society and yachting in general.

GSBYRA history and traditions are as rich as any yachting locale. America’s Cup and world champion sailors have come from Great South Bay. Major national and regional one design championships have been held on the bay and continue to be held this year. Our past accomplishments are not merely historical facts, which begin and end with themselves, but are strong foundations which provide a smooth transition to improve our current programs.
Our potential and future have never looked better. We stand upon a sound footing. Our posture on the national sailing scene and in US SAILING is on the rise. Our YRA has two US SAILING judges, one Umpire, two Race Officers, one Area B Championship chairperson, an Area B Director elect, and an Area B Secretary/Treasurer elect. Last year GSBYRA clubs hosted three Area B championships. Regularly our YRA championships have one of the highest participation levels, in part because we are the only YRA to own our own fleet of championship boats. Our yearbook has been received favorable comments from outside the YRA.

This year the Second Vice President’s active involvement with US SAILING and bay junior programs provides enthusiasm and valuable insight to maximize our youth resources.

One design and PHRF racing on the bay is thriving once again. Race Week participation in the last two years was higher than it has been in twenty-one years. This year with Race Week held during the second weekend in August at lovely Babylon Yacht Club, everyone derives a little more preparation time and avoids the perennial conflict with Around Long Island Race. There are one design classes which fit nearly every taste, sailing style and budget for racing. Three new classes appeared in the past two years: JY 15 and Vanguard 15 for two person crews, and the Optimist, largest worldwide class for children. Junior sailing is seeing a tremendous face lift. For the third consecutive year we have had 10 Season Trophy winners in one design and PHRF classes alike. Our 1996 invitation regatta schedule is filled with racing from the first weekend in July through Labor Day.

We provide more direct avenues of communication between sailors and the YRA. From the past, we revive the Class Captain concept. We will also periodically publish our new newsletter, The Fresnel Lens, which will be distributed to club delegates, for inclusion with club mailings.

We, the officers and committee chairpersons, are here to serve you, the sailors, and your clubs. Have a great sailing and racing season in 1996.

See you on the bay.

Russell Pearson