Today's newsletter is a bit eclectic but I hope you enjoy a few notes and tips from around the sailing world.  A book review, a supporter profile, some America's Cup recon and another chance to learn how to be smart.  Dave Perry will be here to present the North U Tactics and Rules Seminar on Sunday.

This was a huge one.  Sapling Grad Jeff MacFarlane lined up against 15 other top single-handed sailors for a wet and cold race in Italy and he came out solidly on top!  Here is a link to the full report.

We know many of you are reading this from outside of our area but for those of you in the region, Oakcliff is becoming more and more of a town partner.  From sitting on the board of the Chamber of Commerce (me) participating in fundraisers around the area to the art show that Betsy and Hunt made possible, more and more people are learning what a valuable place Oakcliff is.  

The latest is that we will be the kick off point for the PTA's Taste of the Town, Thursday May 9th.  For more information on the event you can email OBENPTSA@gmail.com or click here for more information.Save the Date Card

Finally if you are looking for something to do and wonder what the heck is going on up at the end of Cold Spring Harbor, the Labs there are hosting an Open House this Saturday afternoon. Here is the link for more information.

Just so you don't miss it in the sidebar - here is the link to the local press.

I popped down to Annapolis last weekend for a Sailing Yacht Symposium where there were smart people from all over the world presenting papers on research.  As in most of these things you learn as much in the halls as you do in the presentations. 

Ironically on the America's Cup we were talking about how the hulls don't matter if they are never in the water because you are foiling.  Here is a video Oracle just released called Fund with Foiling.  Also the wing shape doesn't seem to matter but they are a pain in rear end.  Here is a link to proof re: the difficulty of wing handling.

This research as well as some other papers on skiff weight placement are improving our knowledge base for when the 49er's and the Nacra's arrive later this summer.  Also if anyone wants to get a little bit nerdy I have all of the presentation papers at Oakcliff which you are welcome to peruse.

A quick note - I'll be discussing the latest with the America's Cup at City Island Yacht Club on April 10 and at the Port Washington Public Library on May 2 both start at 7:30 and are open to the public.

Many of you will have met author Bruce Knecht at Oakcliff and he may have mentioned he was working on a book.  Well it is out and I can definitely recommend this peek into the world of huge power yachts.  Many of the names are friends from the industry but Bruce was able to get way inside the process from the pipe-fitters to the financiers.  It is a relatively easy read and very enjoyable look into how a boat of this size goes from idea to reality. 

The boats are going in the water NEXT WEEK.  Now might be a good time to start scheduling your sailing.  While you are there, the Grade 2 and 3 match race events are your opportunity to help us out by hosting a visiting team of sailors.  If you are looking for more of a long term relationship, we have Saplings actively looking for a room for the summer.  Email Bill with any offers of help or questions.

 

 

 

Great Article on The Art Show
Thanks to everyone who came and sorry Newport but the gauntlet has been thrown down :-)