The 2012 version of GBCA's Basic Sailboat Racing Seminar is set for June 2nd. Registration is available at
https://www.regattanetwork.com/clubmgmt/applet_club_events.php?CLUB_ID=162
This annual event is designed to introduce the novice skipper or crew to the Racing Rules of Sailing, explain enough about how a race is managed to allow the skipper to know when to start and where to go, and touch on the basics of preparation of a boat and crew to race. Attendees spend about 3 hours in a class at the GBCA clubhouse and then go out on an assigned boat with a veteran crew and skipper to race in the Rum Race that afternoon, or have a veteran racer assigned to your boat and crew to help you for the race. Rum Races are pursuit races (the slower boats get a head start and the faster boats try to catch them) that start at the entrance to the Clear Lake Channel, race in a 13 mile triangle around designated platforms in Galveston Bay, and finish at the entrance to the Clear Lake Channel.
The finish is between Markers #1 and 2, but all Rum Races end the same way- at the post race party where the trophies (bottles of rum) are awarded to winners and the winners share their awards with the losers.
If you have a boat but have never raced, we have just the fleet for you. The Club Handicap Fleet is designed for the sailor who doesn't have racing sails, doesn't have his diver's number in speed dial, doesn't want to unload the blender, bimini and barbecue pit before every race, but who has his crew tighten up the jib sheet if gets within hailing distance of another boat. Come to the Seminar and race in the Rum Race that afternoon. You can get details on the Club Handicap Fleet from Board members Walter Caldwell or Beverly Caldwell, or Kevin Box, who kills the chickens, or any of the regular participants in the Club Handicap Fleet.
The Seminar starts at 11:30 and will be over by 3pm, to allow time to get to boats. Lunch and soft drinks/water will served. All of this for only $10.00!!
