Surviving on the Bay

When I was approached about becoming an officer of GSBYRA it was with great trepidation that I said yes. I have been connected off and on with Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association since 1964, when I was learning to sail (or should I say swim?) at Bellport Bay Yacht Club. I was aware of the many dedicated people who have held this position before me, and worried about my ability to carry out the duties as well those before me. I have never seen myself as much of a leader. Even less have I been a follower.

Another worry has been “am I taking over leadership of a dying organization?”

If I were to put blinders on and look only at what had been the core of GSBYRA activity when I was a teenager, the weekend Invitational Regattas, I would answer yes to the question. But then I look at other activities of GSBYRA and realize that although there has been a paradigm shift away from the Invitational Regattas, sailing and sailboat racing are surviving on the Bay!

We have a robust series of Junior Regattas, most held on Fridays. Long ago these started as practice races for the Invitational Regattas. They have grown to be their own event. On a typical Friday the Junior Regatta will attract 30 to 50 boats, sometimes more. I guess credit for this goes first to the many sailing instructors and junior sailing chairpersons who are key to running these events. Cruising boats also have an active schedule with several series and special events hosted by member clubs. Just as important, racing and participation at the individual clubs is alive and well. This is mostly with intramural club racing on weeknights.

This past year the organization, like most of society, was faced with the issue of COVID-19. As I write this, I am recovering from a mild case. A large portion of our schedule had to be canceled. But where accommodations could be made, events were held. Notable in this regard were the Patin Doublehanded Championship for juniors and Picken Doublehanded Championship for midgets. Jimi Grover (then Race Committee Chair, now 2nd VP) organized these as meet out on the water events. The individual clubs took stock of the changing activity restrictions and working within them held lessons.

Moving forward to 2021, the organization is looking to a full schedule out on the water. On shore activities will be restricted as needed to comply with COVID-19 restrictions. The schedule will include the Area B Junior Championships, to be hosted by Bellport Bay Yacht Club and Sayville Yacht Club, as well as the South Shore 420 Championship which takes the place of the Buzzards Bay 420 Championship.

And as GSBYRA President, I take no credit for any of this! It is a cooperative effort of the member clubs, their officers, and their delegates.

Alphonse Guardino