Cultivation and Enhancement

As everyone, who races on the bay knows, your association’s officers, delegates, committee chairs, club officers, and other interested parties have dedicated the past two years to implement new racing programs, expand communications, and develop our educational curriculum. Judging from the overall reactions of our sailors, I like to think that we’ve had some success and that the end result is a stronger, more vibrant organization. However, success is a fleeting sensation at its best. To ensure that we maintain the momentum, which we’ve developed, our focus shifts to plant the seeds for the future. This means further cultivation of our junior sailors and enhancement of our educational system.

For several years, heavy emphasis has been placed on developing certain age appropriate classes for our junior sailors; consequently, the Optimist, 420, and Laser classes have shown not only impressive growth but also plenty of spirited racing. To stoke the enthusiasm, clinics and seminars, which further enhance knowledge and enjoyment of our sport, will be offered to junior sailors, their parents and sailing instructors this spring. Also to improve sailors communication with the YRA, efforts will be made to develop internal class organizations, with their own respective class officers. Inasmuch as this group effectively serves as the bay’s “farm team”, it behooves us to focus heavily on their development, not only for their own personal benefit, but also because these sailors will eventually “move up” into bigger boats here on the bay, and in time, actually run this organization.

But, let’s not lose sight of the present. To perpetuate the degree of high-quality race management which we’ve come to expect from GSB clubs, a calendar of seminars will be offered to teach those newcomers, or refresh those veterans, who run our regattas. Topics will range from race management to safety boat operations on the race course. Further, scoring issues, such as continuity in scoring formulas, and a standardized computer program to be made available to all clubs will be reviewed and addressed.

Once again, we have set an ambitious agenda for the coming season. I’ve come to learn that given the depth of talent and interest bay wide, we can accomplish anything, which, in the end, keeps the GSBYRA in the forefront of the sport.
On a personal note, the past few years have been very interesting and rewarding ones for me. Serving as an officer of this organization has truly been an honor and pleasure. I have been fortunate to work with many talented folks, who have generously given their time and energy to help make good things happen. I offer a most heartfelt “thank you” to each and everyone of you. You’ve made this job so much easier and a lot of fun.
See you on the water.

R. W. Linekin