Hey racers - Some may have not heard but USSailing is probably going to impose a new regulation that all of those who may control (ie drive) a boat during a USS sanctioned race MUST be a USSailing member. Help fight this overreaching proposal by voting through the CBYRA (only if you are on the Chesapeake Bay I guess, although it doesn't seem to have a filter) poll. At least CBYRA is asking what their members want/need. The USSailing proposal requires membership for benefits that I would guess no one on this list can substantiate for the $60/year. Chris D US Sailing Prescription
We Need To Hear From You! As many of you are aware, US Sailing is considering adding a prescription to the 2009-2012 RRS to require U S Sailing membership for owners and helmspersons on most races run under the RRS. Much discussion has ensued and CBYRA has benefited by being copied on much of it. One thing is clear. Many people do not understand what U S Sailing and CBYRA do. We thought it might help if both organizations published a brief, bullet point statement on what it is that we do. CBYRA’s will be on our front page shortly. We can not speak for U S Sailing. However, a short list of US Sailing functions follows: * Education: Develop and publish course materials and train instructors for Learn to Sail, Safety at Sea, race management, Race Officer and Judges, and power boat. * Youth Championships: Develop and maintain the rules, certify Race Officers and Judges to run ladder events from Junior through College that feeds into our Olympic program. * Racing: Develops and publishes RRS, maintain appeals, class administration, sail numbers, RO and Judges Programs and represent the US with ISAF * Olympics: Administers the US Olympic sailing program. None of your US Sailing dues goes toward this initiative. What CBYRA does: * Provides A Voice: Represents our member Clubs’, Classes’ and individual members’ interests to US Sailing. * The Schedule: Coordinates the racing schedule to assure equal opportunities for all our member clubs to run races for the benefit and satisfaction of all racing classes and divisions. * Publications: the Green, Red and yearbooks are excellent sources of information. * Junior Sailing; Coordinates and supports programs throughout the Bay * Represents All Racers: Handicap, Cruising One Design, One Design and Junior sailing to include the sanctioning of the new PHRF Cruising class and several COD and One Design classes this year. * Highpoint Series: Calculates the annual highpoint scores for all recognized classes on a regional basis and provides trophies for the winners. * Regatta Support: Locates US Sailing certified Race Officers and Judges when needed for our member Clubs’ events. * Financial Support: Provides grant money to Clubs running regional and national events, for junior sailors to compete in regional, national and international events. * Website Services: Allows Clubs and Classes to offer on-line entries and credit card payment for their events. The site also provides numerous opportunities to stay up to date on regional affairs as well as a communication device for racing sailors. * CBYRA Race Week: Brings outstanding competitors to your home waters. Our only annual fund raising activity. * Management: CBYRA maintains an office in Annapolis with a professional Executive Director. CBYRA has an 11 member volunteer Board of Directors and numerous committee members who manage and coordinate the racing activities in the Chesapeake. Respond Today! Please tell us if you are in favor of mandatory US Sailing membership for owners and helmspersons competing in most races run under the RRS. Follow this link and register your opinion. _http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=uM6F...acpU8vapw_3d_3d_ (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=uM6Fh43zX9HSBacpU8vapw_3d_3d) Best regards, Bobby Frey, CBYRA President Chris D toy box eastport, md **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4?&NCID=aolfod00030000000002)
