Mystic President, Stephen White pointed out that Hunt and Betsy have worked to preserve classic yachts through use, the most practical and important strategy for ensuring their long term survival. Saving these works of art for future generations is noble work.

 

 It was the first visit to the Model Room for many and we were lucky to have Gary Jobson on hand to congratulate Hunt and Betsy but also to share his vast knowledge of the history of everything from the weight of the fireplace (40,000 pounds) to the origins of the model room.  

 

IYRS has taken note and is also honoring Hunt with their "Wave" award.  The event   also at the NYYC will be held on Thursday February 21st.  For more information and tickets, click Here. 

The weekend following Tommy, Dave Perry and North U will arrive at Oakcliff.  Dave will be going over the changes in the new rule book.  He will also be presenting the North U Seminar which is possibly the most successful universal educational course in our sport.  Dave will be focusing on fleet racing but since it is Oakcliff he will also touch on match racing, entertaining everyone with the ways to use those rules and how to be smart, strategic an tactical. 

Anyone who knows Dave knows that this promises to be a lively virtual romp around the race course.  Click Here for more information and to sign up.

Last week I was on the road from Key West to Chicago and I am very happy to report that Oakcliff's street cred is solid and improving.  The sailors and boat owners in Key West wanted to know more and offered to help.  The program directors at the National Sailing Programs Symposium in Clearwater were happy to exchange tips.  This year was the largest symposium yet.   In Chicago I was a seminar presenter on Sunday and walked the show a bit.  The word on the floor was that the industry and sport is in a definite upswing.   Closer to home I want to thank supporters, Jim, Basia and John who have individually yet simultaneously volunteered to take on projects to keep us roaring forward. 

Hoping you will jump on board and join Oakcliff for 2013... after you watch a little football game that is.

 

Many of you are aware of the silliness of ISAF the world governing body of sailing putting women's match racing into the Olympics for 2012 and then taking it out for 2016 before they had even seen the racing.  It turns out that it was one of the most exciting events. 

The Olympics loss is Oakcliff's gain as the top women have now organized an international series with top notch competitors, prize money and Oakcliff' New York Women's Invitation is the only North American stop.

This exciting event will run July 11 to 14 and we're putting it out there right now: we'll need help with housing.  I shouldn't say this but it is likely that the women's teams will be even more 'house trained' than the guys and coed teams you may have housed in the past. :)

Email Us if you can help.

Oldest Yacht Clubs
This is a fun link to a list of the oldest yacht clubs in the use.  It is especially relevant considering that many of us enjoyed the history and specialness if the New York Yacht Club along with Hunt and Betsy. On a personal note - two on the list are from Michigan and my Great Grandfather was a founder of the Detroit Yacht Club.