The fall season has kept things really busy for the gang of volunteers at GBCA. The Single/Mixed Double Regatta, Women's Regatta, Rum Races, GBAD,  BBVA Performance Cup and the Challenge Cup.  With so much to cover,  I'm not sure where to start.  What I can say is I got the chance to work closely with GBCA Race Committee volunteers for most of these events.  They have done a great job in some trying conditions.   In some cases, the wind would fill in just at the right time to allow a great day of racing.  Other times the races would conclude just before a batch of nasty weather hit.  Participants even made it back to the clubhouse in time to enjoy the football game! On two separate occasions, the markset boat broke down on the way to the course.  Volunteers jumped right in with their own boat and we didn't miss a beat. (Thanks Vicki and Jeff for your understanding!).  Admittedly, it doesn't hurt to have a little of lady luck on your side but it's a pleasure to be able to work with those that get the job done, no matter what challenge is presented.

The BBVA Performance Cup was quite an event and ended the GBCA 2010 season.  It was great weather, excellent racing and a fantastic party at the old Sundance Grill.  I still get questions on who the band was Saturday evening.  You can thank Jody Henry for discovering and signing up "The Line Up" during GBCA Texas Race Week this past summer.

A quick congratulations to all the racers who participated in the Harvest Moon Regatta and the Wurstfest Regatta on Canyon Lake.  At both events GBCA was well represented and the talent spread among many boats, many of which ended up with a trophy in their respective classes. Of course, the fun didn't end once the races were over, but I'll save those stories for later.

News Flash: The 2011 Galveston Bay racing calendar is ready and included in this newsletter. GBCA and the other local yacht clubs got together earlier this week and have worked out a schedule with a few changes that are for the good.  Specific to GBCA, we're moving both the Women's Regatta and the Single/Mixed doubles from the heat of summer, to more crew friendly spring time temperatures.  We're continuing the highly successful Intro To Sailboat Racing seminar with Rum Race #1.  We're also making efforts to include more options for fixed mark, nonspinnaker and Club Handicap racing in most of the GBCA events. Of course, there will still be plenty of the usual windward-leeward racing to hone those skills.  As you may know, Galveston Bay has some of the best and well traveled racers around.  Word is getting out that you better bring your 'A' game when competing against Texas sailors! 

Speaking of competition: The Challenge Cup was this past weekend on J22 and J80s. Team Captain Jeff Kitterman put together some great teams to do battle with Houston Yacht Club, Lakewood Yacht Club and TCYC.  GBCA came ready to battle with a strong spectator fleet in tow (thanks to the Lacy Bros on m/v Tramp!) GBCA scored second in this event placing behind HYC by only a few points. Congratulations to all those that raced and supported GBCA.

Finally, a quick plug for The Commodores Ball January 29, 2011.  The new board will be ready to jump in.  We have alot of awards to give and a little dancing too. It promises to be a great time!