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This past weekend, we wrapped the summer's racing for the Abercrombie & Fitch Trophy. It's always a bittersweet moment! Scores for the summer and some pictures from last weekend's racing (Thanks Tiernan O'Kane!) are posted below. This Labor day weekend Saturday at 10a we race for the Anderson Trophy. Weather depending, we'll honor the past tradition of setting our course off the pier, to maximize the viewing (and cheering!) opportunity for spectators.
For this post, a particular objective: to encourage kids (and adults!) in our community who may have aspirations to race in Lasers or 420s, or Wiannos - or anything - to come race with us on the weekend. Three reasons: racing in any boat is how you get better, the Sunfish is an ideal boat to learn in, and we have boats you can try, and buy if you want to stick with it.
We run approximately 25 races each summer at HPYC. We sail in light winds and heavier ones, in flat water and chop, in fleets sizes you'll see in high school and college, or in club racing along the Cape. The races are short enough to remain tactically interesting and not be too taxing physically (for the most part; there are some days...). The racing is competitive, but we welcome all levels of experience and there's plenty of sharing and learning. You will be amazed at how much you can progress; even if racing isn't ultimately your thing, your sailing skills will improve a great deal.
The boat accommodates a wide range of sizes, making the Sunfish ideal for tall and short, old and young, light or heavy. The national champion two years ago stands 5'3" and weighs 110 lbs, and walks away from bigger folks in a breeze. One of the top sailors in the world is 6'2 and 220 lbs. Many of the best sailors in the class are in their 50's and 60's. The youngest sailors in the Hyannis Regatta were two ten-year-old girls who sailed well in breezes that pushed 30 knots. The boat is very easy to rig, and is inexpensive to own and maintain, and easy to transport. Beyond local club series like ours, there are larger regional and national regattas to try (we had 40 boats on the line at Wequaquet this year, and 81 boats on the line at last year's NA's at Hyannis), and while these feature high-level racing, the vibe is very relaxed and friendly.
Through the generosity of members, the Club owns a number of late-model Sunfish. The deal is, try one a few times, and if you find you'll use it more than a few times, buy one at an attractive price that helps us fund maintenance and buy new boats. My Sunfish, "Nutmeg Of Consolation", was originally an HPYC club boat. (A favor, please: if you do use a club boat, please treat it as if it were your own. Wash it thoroughly, get help to store it properly, and let us know promptly if anything broke so we can fix it!)
So, please come join us -- Sunfish sailing and racing is a great way to build skills, friendships, and make even more out of the awesome HP summer experience!
