The GBCA Cannon - February Issue

by Chris Kelley

The season is off to a great start. January provided us with a wide variety of racing conditions in one of the coldest Icicle series of memory. Despite the weather, one of the Icicle races had well over 45 boats. It was a spectacular sight to see so many boats so early in the season. It also made for one of the most exciting and close finishes in recent memory. Part of the success of this year's Icicle is a direct result of the efforts of Past Commodore Kevin Box. He gets much of the credit for putting the Cruising Class concept into reality. The result is new boats are on the water, and new faces are in the clubhouse. If you enjoyed the Icicle Series (or not a big fan of the cold weather) you'll love the nearly identical summer Rum Race series starting at the end of May.

Of course, you don't have to wait for the heat of summer to get out racing again.
The GBCA Frostbite Regatta is coming up February 20th and 21st. It's time to grab your foul weather gear and enjoy two days of great racing on Galveston Bay.

Also, one of our more unique and shorthanded events, 'The Conundrum' will once again be held on Galveston Bay, March 13th. It's three fixed marks, in any order. Register for both of these events at http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubs/gbca.html.

I am proud to announce we're upgrading/replacing some the more ragged RC gear that has served us well over the years. The purchase was made possible because of our strong membership base, and volunteers who believe in the GBCA concept of fun, rum and racing for over 60 years now. Would you like to be a GBCA member? Click here.

Looking ahead, February is a time to celebrate. The Commodores Ball is coming soon, February 27^th There is still plenty of time to sign up. Kathyln Bez and her team has been working hard to put together a nice evening of entertainment, food and fun. A reminder that you don't have to be GBCA member to participate and everyone is invited. Come out and enjoy the evening. Sign up at http://www.regattanetwork.com/clubs/gbca.html

2010 is the return of the Regata de Amigos race from Galveston to Veracruz. Our friends at Higgins Smythe and Hood have renewed their support of the joint Lakewood Yacht Club and GBCA event. The 22nd running promises to be spectacular. The start date has been moved to the June 18th to correspond with the arrival of most of the world's tall ships for the Vela Sud America 2010. The finish line will also be the last stop on a tall ship tour that will help celebrate 500 years of Veracruz. The USCG ship Eagle is scheduled to be there along with at least a dozen other tall ships. Stay tuned to http://www.veracruzregatta.com/ for more details

Many of you have been watching the 33rd Americas Cup. After many delays, it was quite spectacular to finally see these technological wonders fly thru the water at triple the wind speed. Despite the 'wow!' factor of the current ships, I hope they return to some variation of the old fleet and match racing where more competitors can earn the right to challenge. Time will tell if someday we'll be able to call our local sail maker and upgrade the old canvas to a computer controlled carbon fiber wing.

Finally, it's an honor and privilege to serve as the GBCA Commodore in 2010. There are many others that really make it all happen, so all credit needs to go to the group of great volunteers and board members who make GBCA what it is today. See you on the water!