Greetings to all registered skippers,

Thank you for signing up to participate in this year’s big event for the East Coast 12 Meter Class. As you know by now we have allowed 52 boats to sail which is about 10 more than our original plan. This puts 20 boats on the line for three fleets of Promotion Relegation (PR) with four boats moving up and down between fleets. Our lake is plenty big enough to handle this load so the main issue will be keeping the transition of fleets in and out of the water running smooth and on time. Things will move fast and you will have to be on your toes.

Most of you have been around the block and have had the good experience of sailing in a large fleet PR regatta. That is a definite plus coming into this event. For those who are new to the class or have never sailed in a large fleet, here is what you can expect.

Our #1 mission here is to determine a National Champion in the fairest and most competitive way. This Regatta will be far from your average Sunday sail. Just to let you know, each leg is about 450 feet long and we plan on sailing 2 1⁄4 laps which adds up to over 2000 feet each race. You WILL be expected to follow your boat all of the way up and down the course for the entire event. As you could imagine 20 boats will see some crowded mark rounding and it is imperative that all competitors be in a good position to see overlaps as well as be able to communicate in a normal tone of voice. Some will get tired and feet will ache (more so for those on the bubble bouncing between fleets) but you have got to stay in the mix or you will risk taking out a fellow skipper who might be fighting for one of the top positions. The starting line will be packed as well so don’t even think about turning down into a leeward boat if you are early.

There will be a staff member (Rick Gerry) there to give the cue and help motivate the next fleet up to get into the water on time but it will be your responsibility to make it to the starting line. The turn around time will be just a few minutes from the last recorded finish and the beginning of the starting sequence (AMYA 2 minute CD) for the next heat. Everybody will need to pay attention as there are no five minute holds and we will wait for no one. If we are starting on the opposite end of the lake from where everybody set up, I will most likely ask all skippers to move their boats down to expedite the launches behind the starting area.

I think that is about it for now on the sailing. There will be more to come later on measurement procedures. With a staff of many, I look forward to serving you all as Regatta Director and wish everyone a safe trip and a pleasant stay in Charleston.

Here is one last note for anyone on the fence about coming. I plan on beginning the shopping after the 20th of October. If you decide to cancel on or before this date you will receive a full refund of your entry fee. Any withdrawals afterwards will result in a partial return.

See you on Halloween.

Reichard M. Kahle, Jr.
Regatta Director