I joined HHSA in 1994. Having retired from full time work a year ago, I have plenty of time to devote to the HHSA Racing Program. I have been a competitive sailor for over 30 years, initially crewing on OPB’s, but in 2003 I bought my first racer (from Ted Slotwinski, a 1975 Nicholson 33) and subsequently my current boat, ”Jubilee”, in 2006.
I believe that the Club benefits from having an RC Racing who is not only an active racer, but one who is also experienced with Race Management and has a good knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing.
In terms of experience related to managing HHSA’s competitive sailing activities:
- I was previously RC Racing for two years and was a member of the Competition Committee for over a decade
- I was RC Cruising in the mid 90’s when I owned a Hunter 34, and served 3 terms as RC Social
- I was also HHSA’s delegate to both PHRF and CBYRA for many years
- I was twice certified by US Sailing as a Club Race Officer and also took the US Sailing Judge’s training classes
- I was Secretary of CBYRA for 3 years
- On numerous occasions I volunteered on the St. Mary’s College Governor’s Cup Race Committee
- I served for a number of years on the Southern Maryland Sailing Association’s Screwpile Regatta Protest Committee
- For several years I volunteered as an on-the-water Judge for College and High School events at St. Mary’s College
- In the past I was both CBYRA PHRF A2 Fleet Captain and Chesapeake Bay Beneteau First 36.7 Fleet Captain
- For 12 years I was a member of the North American Beneteau First 36.7 Technical Committee
Some important elements of a successful Club racing program are:
- Encourage and welcome new members to the racing community
- Discourage offensive and intimidating behavior on the racecourse
- Embrace the principles of good sportsmanship and fairness
- Evolve to reflect changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing
- Maintain a high standard for Race Management through training and identifying best practices
- Keep an eye on what is happening outside our Club and adapt accordingly – rating systems, boat designs, emerging trends, etc.
I feel well qualified to take over from Michel, who has done a sterling job over the past several years. I will focus on the elements identified above, and make sure that HHSA’s racing program continues to thrive and grow - reinforcing safety, continuing with relevant training, and committed to having fun.