Greetings FWC Members!
 
It’s hard to believe the year is almost half gone. Where has time gone? There is a TON of sailing yet to be done this year, and I’m excited for many of our upcoming regattas, including the Wave 100 and the FWC Championship. The Key Largo regatta should also be excellent again – much to be excited about!
 
What’s been going on?
We are continuing to make progress in our Wave 100 planning. The finishing touches are being done, and we are excited for this unique event to kick off. If you have questions about this regatta, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask, or read through the documents on Regatta Network. We know this is a unique event with some different quirks, but we are trying to make it an easy process for competitors.  
 
Regatta Recap
The Midwest Regional was held in early June, with 11 competitors gathering in Storm Lake for the three day regatta. Competition was close, and three different sailors earned a bullet. That said, Xander Wessels sailed brilliantly the whole regatta, and came away with his first FWC Regional regatta win! Congratulations! Full results are here:  https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27538#_newsroom+results
 
Schedule
Please take time to pre-register for any of our Regional regattas so organizers know who is coming. Dates and links are below, as well as on our website.
 
 
Wave 100 Distance Race, Lake Michigan – August 12-15
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/26842
 
FWC Championship Regatta, Ocean Springs MS – October 21-23
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/28115
** Clean Regatta, with our Sailors for the Sea Partnership

2024 Florida Keys Regional, Key Largo, FL - December 6-8
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/28127
 
 
Don’t forget to check out our Tier-3 Regattas as well!  Members earn season points at any of these events!


Katrina Memorial Regatta/Club Wave Championship, Ocean Springs MS - August 24-25

Tulsa Catfight, Keystone Lake, OK - Oct 5-6
 
 
Membership
If you haven’t paid your 2024 membership yet, I would invite you to do so now. It’s a great item to have checked off your list before you head to your first regatta of the year. Membership can be paid online quickly at this address: https://www.paypal.me/FormulaWaveClass OR, if you’d prefer to mail us a check, send us an e-mail so we can get mailing address information for you.
 
Our referral system remains in place, so don’t forget that you can earn money off next year’s membership by referring a brand new member to the FWC!
 
Please remember you must be an FWC member for participation at any of our Tier 1 or Tier 2 regattas. Membership is not required at Tier 3 events, however only members will earn season points at Tier 3 regattas.
 
Thank you in advance for your new or renewal membership – we are happy to have you as part of the FWC!
 
   
Resources
I want to make sure you are aware of all other resources we have for you to stay connected and informed.
 
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for updates, information, and sometimes just for fun pictures and all things Wave sailing.
 
Forum
This is a user content generated forum for you to start conversations, ask questions, or discuss whatever is on your mind when it comes to Wave sailing and racing! Check it out if you haven’t yet!
 
 
Thank You
As always, Thank You to everyone who supports and sails with the FWC. It’s truly an honor to be part of this amazing class and fun group of sailors. See you on the water soon!
 
Ben Wells
FWC - President

Greetings FWC Members!
 
Spring is almost here, and the sailing season is gearing up to be in full force soon!
 
What’s been going on?
We are continuing to work on plans for the Wave 100 and making sure our regionals are ready to go!  26 Sailors have signed up so far for the Wave 100, and we really think this is going to be a unique and epic event. We hope you will consider sailing with us if the distance race interests you!
 
We had our first regional of the year in Arizona, and we are happy with the foundation started there. We only had 5 sailors this year, but it’s a great start in a location with a lot of opportunity. We think next year will be even better, and we are thankful to the Arizona Yacht Club for hosting us and going on this journey with us. We are also thankful for our friends at Murrays who help organize this and make it a reality!
 
We are happy to announce that we have filled the vacant treasurer position. Michael Gent of Oklahoma has volunteered to fulfill the rest of the term. Michael is newer to the class, but not to sailing. He has a lot of positive energy, and will be a great addition to the board. Welcome Michael!
 
Lastly, if you haven’t seen it, I would encourage you to read through this posting by our own Jane Sherrod. Rules are an important part of sailing, and she shares some great thoughts on things she’s seen and areas we can collectively focus on. https://www.formulawaveclass.com/news/ruminating-on-rules
 
Membership
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year.. membership renewal! We are proud to be able to continue offering our membership fee for only $25 for adults, and $10 for youth sailors. We will also continue our referral system, where you can earn money off next year’s membership fee by bringing brand new members to the FWC! Membership can be paid online quickly at this address: https://www.paypal.me/FormulaWaveClass OR, if you’d prefer to mail us a check, send us an e-mail so we can get mailing address information for you.
 
Please remember you must be an FWC member for participation at any of our Tier 1 or Tier 2 regattas. Membership is not required at Tier 3 events, however only members will earn season points at Tier 3 regattas.
 
Thank you in advance for your new or renewal membership – we are happy to have you as part of the FWC!
 
Schedule
We have registration open for several regattas. Early registration helps encourage more sailors, so don’t delay if you are headed to one of these events.

2024 Mid-South Regional, Shreveport, LA -April 19-21
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27776
 
2024 Southeast Regional, Charleston, SC – April 26-28
https://theclubspot.com/regatta/lnEc54AHO1

2024 Midwest Regional – Storm Lake, IA – June 7-9
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/27538
 
Wave 100 Distance Race, Lake Michigan – August 12-15
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/26842
 
FWC Championship Regatta, Ocean Springs MS – October 21-23

2024 Florida Keys Regional, Key Largo, FL - December 6-8
 
 
We are also working on setting up several Tier 3 regattas. Please check the website periodically as we will add them as soon as able. You can see them at: https://www.formulawaveclass.com/regattas.html
  
Resources
I want to make sure you are aware of all other resources we have for you to stay connected and informed.
 
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for updates, information, and sometimes just for fun pictures and all things Wave sailing.
 
Forum
This is a user content generated forum for you to start conversations, ask questions, or discuss whatever is on your mind when it comes to Wave sailing and racing! Check it out if you haven’t yet!
 
 
Thank You
As always, Thank You to everyone who supports and sails with the FWC. It’s truly an honor to be part of this amazing class and fun group of sailors. See you on the water soon!
 
Ben Wells
FWC - President

Reflecting on the 2023 sailing season, and looking forward to the 2024 season, the Formula Wave Class and it’s members have much to be proud of.  We also have some things that could be improved upon.
 
The FWC is one of the better one-design classes in sailing.  The Wave is decently available and affordable - both new and used.  It is easy to sail and maintain.  The FWC organizes and promotes its own 3-day Tier 1 and 2 regattas, as well as 2-day Tier 3 regattas all over the US.  The FWC has been awarded Silver Level status by Sailors For The Sea.  Events such as the 2024 Wave 100, and the 2025 US Sailing Alter Cup will provide even more exposure to the FWC from the sailing community.  We are both in the spotlight, and under the looking glass.
 
One of the areas I think we can improve upon is our attitude towards the Rules.  On the beach, and around the campfire, you hear so many stories about “getting screwed by a barger” at the start, “losing 4 places while avoiding” a give-way boat, or some equipment infraction.  I often ask them - did you protest?  The answer is almost always - “Nah - too much trouble”.  This does not help our class, and is something to improve upon in the future.
 
All too often, we witness, or are a participant in, rule breaking - especially at the start and mark roundings.  Voicing your displeasure (at yourself or another) is part of racing. At the start, we yell at those who spoil our strategy, who are aiming for the same hole we were aiming for, those to leeward, those to windward, bargers, those in irons, and ourselves.  How do you know when that yeller is actually serious at YOU about an alleged foul?  When they say the magic word - “PROTEST”.  According to the Rule 61.1(a), the exact word ”protest” is required.  “Do a circle”, “you fouled me”, “don’t try that”, “don’t go there”, and the perennial favorite “WTF Jane!” are meaningless.  A corinthian sailor uses that magic word “protest” to signal their belief that a rule has been broken, and they expect someone to pay.  If the rule-breaker does not exonerate themselves, the corinthian sailor does not just complain and bitch.  They fill out a Protest Form, turn it in, prepare, and attend the Protest Hearing.  When the hearing is over, they shake hands (or hug), and get everyone a beer.
 
The alleged rule-breaker can exonerate themselves for most fouls by doing a circle.  If they think they were the one wronged, they can protest back.  If they think they did nothing wrong, or there was no foul, they can do nothing.  However, they should fully expect to explain themselves at a Protest Hearing.  This is not happening.
 
The follow-through is where we are failing - on both sides.  Sailors have the mentality that no one ever files a protest, and it appears to be true.  If no protest is filled, the rule-breaker gets the idea that they were actually in the right.  The urgency of learning and following the rules is low if there is little chance of consequences.  In fact, there is no better way to learn the rules than to be in a protest.  The number of sailors learning and following the rules, and doing circles during a regatta would increase dramatically after a few protest hearings had been held.  Being part of a protest should be a normal part of racing.  We can all do better. 
 
Learning and applying the racing rules is a lifelong task.  Look them over this winter.  I highly recommend the book Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2024, by Dave Perry.  It is easy to understand, and uses examples that everyone can relate to.  The rules also evolve and change.  You might not know the rules as well as you think.  Take a look.
 
Racers can be turned off by the Class being too uptight, or too laid-back.  The FWC, and Wave racers in general, are much more towards the too laid-back end of the spectrum.  As the FWC gains respect and exposure, we all need to shed the “plastic boat mentality” of “if you’re rubbing, you’re racing”.  Expecting a higher standard will not be less welcoming, or more intimidating, or less fun.  It can strengthen our class.  Let’s do better for 2024 and beyond.
 
Jane Sherrod
FWC Measurer

Greetings FWC Members!
 
I hope you have been staying warm this winter – it’s been a cold one, especially these last few weeks! It’s the new year and time to start making sailing plans for 2024!
 
What’s been going on?
The FWC Leadership team has been very busy working on putting the schedule together for this year and making sure we are providing you with a plenty of opportunities to race in many different areas of the country. We have most of our regattas confirmed, and you will be able to see the schedule below as well as on our website. We have also been continuing to work on planning for the big event in 2024, the Wave 100 distance race! Lastly, we have been making a few tweaks on how we collect information for Tier 3 regattas. We are not changing the structure or points system in any way but implementing a more formal system to track them and have good contact information for Tier 3 hosts. If your local club wants to host a Tier-3 regatta, please contact us at [email protected] to see if your event is a great fit!
 
Membership
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year.. membership renewal! We are proud to be able to continue offering our membership fee for only $25 for adults, and $10 for youth sailors. We will also continue our referral system, where you can earn money off next year’s membership fee by bringing brand new members to the FWC! Membership can be paid online quickly at this address: https://www.paypal.me/FormulaWaveClass OR, if you’d prefer to mail us a check, send us an e-mail so we can get contact information to you.
 
Please remember you must be an FWC member for participation at any of our Tier 1 or Tier 2 regattas. Membership is not required at Tier 3 events, however only members will earn season points at Tier 3 regattas.
 
Thank you in advance for your new or renewal membership – we are happy to have you as part of the FWC!
 
Schedule
Here is how the schedule is shaping up for 2024. Events noted with an asterisk are not yet confirmed, but we will put them out here so you can get an idea of when and where regattas are happening.
 
2024 Southwest Regional, Lake Pleasant, AZ - February 16-18
https://arizonayachtclub.wildapricot.org/event-5455586?fbclid=IwAR2sNC7zK-WWh8bXEojclWTm5FyaXNjCwkoR2l1PL6vOTAS6CqpS7dfKFms

2024 Mid-South Regional, Shreveport, LA -April 19-21
 
2024 Southeast Regional, Charleston, SC – April 26-28 **Tentative**

2024 Midwest Regional – Storm Lake, IA – June 7-9
 
Wave 100 Distance Race, Lake Michigan – August 12-15
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/26842
 
FWC Championship Regatta, Ocean Springs MS – October 21-23

2024 Florida Keys Regional, Key Largo, FL - December 6-8 **Tentative**
 
 
We are also working on setting up several tier 3 regattas. Please check the website periodically as we will add them as able. You can see them at: https://www.formulawaveclass.com/regattas.html
 
Treasurer Update
I’m sure you are all well aware by now that our friend and FWC Treasurer Andy Humphries tragically passed away. We are all saddened by this, and like any loss, no words will fill the void left in our lives by his passing. As the FWC board re-groups from this unexpected vacancy at the treasurer position, we will work together to cover Andy’s duties in the interim. We will eventually look to fill the board position, and once we have found and appointed someone, we will communicate that out.
 
Resources

I want to make sure you are aware of all other resources we have for you to stay connected and informed.
 
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for updates, information, and sometimes just for fun pictures and all things Wave sailing.
 
Forum
This is a user content generated forum for you to start conversations, ask questions, or discuss whatever is on your mind when it comes to Wave sailing and racing! Check it out if you haven’t yet!
 
 
Thank You
As always, Thank You to everyone who supports and sails with the FWC. It’s truly an honor to be part of this amazing class and fun group of sailors. See you on the water soon!
 
Ben Wells
FWC - President

This year, we celebrated our 5th year anniversary in various ways - Shirts, stickers, and more. All of us on the FWC Board are so proud of everything we have accomplished thus far, and we recognize none of it would happen without our members who support the FWC and race with us each year. In honor of our 5th year anniversary, a list has been compiled of sailors who have been a member every year. A very special THANK YOU to the people on this list for being with us on this ride the entire time, and we look forward to many more years ahead!

5 Year FWC Members
 
Page Anderson
Steve Banker
Kenny Boudreaux
Eric Dorschner*
Bob Everson*
Ken Farber*
Rod Haglund*
Michelle Harmon
Bob Henderson
Jim Hildebrandt*
Robbie Holstead*
Andy Humphries
Slim Johnson*
John Kidder*
Andy Larson*
Jake Larson*
Ray Matuszak*
Teri McKenna*
Michael McNeir
Wendy Rice-Larson*
Ryan Richardson*
Danny Robertson
Doug Seib*
Jane Sherrod*
Roger Taha
Krista Vind
Ben Wells*
Chris Wessels*
Xander Wessels*
 
*Members since our 2018 sign-up

Greetings FWC Members!
 
Happy Halloween! I hope the fall has treated you to some beautiful sailing weather! Enjoying the changing colors while out on the water has always been a favorite activity of mine during this time of year. Here is your October newsletter!
 
Regatta Recap
 
The Deep South Regional was held October 13-15 in Ocean Springs, MS, and the regatta did not disappoint! 25 sailors showed up for three days of racing. What a great turnout! Unfortunately, the first day saw no racing due to no/low wind, however some sailors did venture out in the late afternoon for a little practice. Saturday brought four races in lighter air, building to more moderate air during the day. Three more races were completed in moderate/heavy air (and cooler temps!) on Sunday. All in all, everyone was smiling and happy at the end. It was a great time connecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and getting in some very tight racing. Four different sailors earned a bullet, but ultimately Bob Curry walked away with it, finishing with 8 total points for the regatta. Mark Ralph and Jane Sherrod were separated by only two points for second and third, and Ben Wells and Mark Ederer were separated by two points to round out fourth and fifth. Full results can be seen here.
 
Additionally, this was one of our Clean regattas, held as part of our partnership with Sailors for the Sea. The yacht club did a wonderful job promoting this and making many sustainable choices that we hope will continue on in their club for future events. We are proud to be on track for a Gold certification, which is the second highest certification level we can achieve.
 
One final special item of note. At the awards ceremony (combined with the Shearwater regatta), the Carlton Tucker Sportsperson award was announced, and went to a very deserving individual. For those not familiar with this award, it is one of the highest honors a Hobie sailor can achieve and is awarded annually by the HCANA. While this person has been active with the HCANA and Hobie sailing for many years, we are very proud to have her as a valued FWC member as well. She is a strong competitor, and truly a friend to all. You can read her nomination here. On behalf of the FWC, congratulations Sheila Holmes!
 
What’s going on/coming up next?
 
We have the throttle full ahead for the Wave 100 distance race planning. This is really going to be a unique and exciting regatta. Registration is open now, and your starting position is determined by the order you register.. so.. the sooner you sign up, the better position you will start in! We are capping this regatta at 50 sailors. Please take some time to read through the uploaded documents on Regatta Network to understand what this regatta is, and what it isn’t. There will be some unique requirements of sailors we typically don’t ask for, but it’s all in the name of safety and making sure everyone has an enjoyable regatta. The Wave 100 link is here!
 
There will be much more to come on this down the road, but please save the date for our return to Corpus Christi for the US Sailing Multihull Championship in 2025. This will be the first week of November, just like it was in 2021. Our goal is to have 100+ sailors, so mark your calendars now!
 
The end of our calendar year is coming up, and that typically means annual meeting and voting. There are no officer elections this year, however there could be voting on any proposed rule changes. If you have a rule change in mind, please send it to [email protected] so our rules committee can discuss and consider it. Our annual meeting will be held via Zoom in early December. Please be on the lookout for a specific time and meeting link as the date gets closer.
 
Regatta Calendar
 
We have one more Regional for 2023, and that’s the Florida Keys Regional, down in Key Largo! Due to space, this regatta is capped at 30 sailors, and 25 have signed up so far. If you are going to go, the time to register is now! The Keys in December will be beautiful, and they have a really fun event planned. Don’t miss out, register here!
 
Please be sure to check out our website for additional Tier-3 regattas! Coming up yet this year are:
 
Dinghy Days Regatta, Arizona Yacht Club - November 4-5

Wildcat Regatta, Lake Eustis FL - November 18-19
 
Resources

I want to make sure you are aware of all other resources we have for you to stay connected and informed.
 
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for updates, information, and sometimes just for fun pictures and all things Wave sailing.
 
Forum
This is a user content generated forum for you to start conversations, ask questions, or discuss whatever is on your mind when it comes to Wave sailing and racing! Check it out if you haven’t yet!
 
 
Thank You
As always, Thank You to everyone who supports and sails with the FWC. It’s truly an honor to be part of this amazing class and fun group of sailors. See you on the water soon!
 
Ben Wells
FWC - President

Put-in-Bay 2023 Regatta Report.  August 4-6 2023
 
Put-in Bay Yacht Club (Ohio) on Lake Erie is the site of the annual FWC North Coast Regional.  Held in conjunction with the I-LYA Bayweek, competitors on boats from 13 foot Hobie Waves to large 56 foot monohulls compete in many different classes over several different racecourses for this year’s bragging rights.  The town is actually on an island a couple of miles off Port Clinton, Ohio, and you get there by a nice ferry ride.  I had no wait to catch the ferry on the way over, but quite a long wait for the ride back to the mainland - all part of the adventure.
 
This is my 2nd time to attend this long running and well known regatta.  As before, I elected to tent camp on the yacht club grounds, especially since other accommodations are rather expensive for my frugal tastes.  Campers have a nice grassy area, with 24 hour access to yacht club restroom facilities, which includes good hot showers.  Boat setup and storage was roomy, on the freshly mowed grassy area right next to the yacht club patio.  Launching each day is via a single wide ramp, which can get a bit tricky in some winds, but there is usually a helper there to assist you - so no problem.
 
Each day begins with an 0730 competitors meeting - yes 0730!  Area winds generally die in the afternoon, so getting an early start is important.  Also, due to heavy boat traffic, both regatta participants and abundant (and large) powerboats - the Wave course is set up several miles from the launch site.  For the scheduled 0900 first start, you needed to leave a little bit after 0800 - practically the middle of the night for me.  Local expert Doug Seib brought up the tail end out to the race course each day to make sure everyone found their way.
 
Friday’s races started in about 10 knot winds.  Race Committee set up Course 5 - A B C A C Finish with long legs from A-B, and B-C.  The 1st race featured Jim Hildebrandt winning by a big margin, with local expert Doug Seib (uncharacteristically) at the back.  However, after that, Doug got his groove back, and didn’t finish worse than 3rd the rest of the regatta.  Old hands - Bob Everson and Jane Sherrod (that’s me) also found themselves with bad races and poor finishes, including Bob’s boat being particularly fond of A-mark on 2 different races.  New FWC members - Sam Falter, Michelle Harman, Ken Farber, and Steve Goodyear showed off their local knowledge and skills with lots of crowded mark roundings, tight finishes, and exciting starts.  Excellent work by the signal boat and chase boats yielded 5 races for the 1st day, with the last race in much lighter winds.  It was a long sail back to the yacht club, with abundant large powerboat traffic, making for a slow and bouncy ride.
 
Friday evening featured the Mount Gay Rum sponsored party - rum punch! - as well as a couple different beers.  The yacht club offered a reasonable pasta and salad dinner option - which I gladly bought.  There are pretty much unlimited entertainment and dining options, many within walking distance, but I was content to stay right where I was at the regatta site..
 
Saturday began with the usual 0730 competitors meeting, long sail to the race course, and early 0900 first start.  Course 2’s - A C A C Finish were the main course choice of the day.  Starts were competitive, with crowds at the signal boat end every race.  A-mark continued to be crowded as well.  Four races were finished before the winds diminished for the afternoon, with another bumpy sail back.  Bob Everson had a much better day - with 2 bullets - including 1 where he was practically a whole leg ahead of the 2nd place boat.
 
Saturday evening featured the Tito’s (from Texas) Vodka party - hard lemonade - and some different beers.  The yacht club offered a Taco Bar, which I bought, and it really hit the spot.  Except to buy some ice, I never had to leave the yacht club at all.  Put-in-Bay is known as a real party town - the “Key West of the North”, but I was fine with all the variety from the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club.
 
Early Sunday morning brought rain and winds from a bad direction, with unsettled weather forecast for much of the day.  Regatta organizers cancelled further races, allowing me to pack up my tent and boat in scattered rain showers.  Trophy presentation took awhile due to the many many different classes - such as PHRF A, B, C, D, Singlehanded A and B, as well as something called JAM A and JAM B.
After a quick hot shower, I left the yacht club around 1230, but sat in line for the ferry for almost 2 hours.  While waiting, I finished my Book-on-tape - Mr Mercedes by Stephen King - and tidied up the van for the 1450 mile drive home.
 
The Put-in-Bay Wave Regatta is perhaps the oldest Wave regatta around - with its roots in the old IWCA (International Wave Class Association).  The options of “party party hearty” within walking distance, or “relax and chill” make for an attractive trip to a fun location.  The race committees know their stuff, and set good race courses, especially if you like those triangle A B C courses.  I encourage all you Wave sailors to attend the Put-in-Bay Regatta next year.
 
Jane Sherrod

Yankton 2023 FWC Championship regatta report
 
I arrived in Yankton Wednesday evening, and set up my tent on the freshly mowed big grassy area, and set up my boat by the nice sandy beach.  Rod and Lorie Haglund, the Bommersbachs, and the Fleet 291 people made everyone feel welcome while we caught up with old friends, and told sea stories to our new friends. 
 
On Thursday, I hoped to get in a short sail, but winds were rather fickle, so I ended up spending the rest of the busy day in my dorky sailing outfit. A few sailors managed a little sailing despite the light winds.  Arriving sailors participated in measuring of all sails.  In all, 22 sails were measured on site, with all being within the FWC sail specs.  Class Measurer Jane Sherrod (that’s me), along with approved measurers Andy Larson and Eric Dorschner had plenty assistance as they marked and measured the 7 specific sail measurements of each Formula Wave or Hobie sail.  For some sails, the luff curve was also measured - after Bob Curry showed us how.  By late afternoon, almost everyone was hanging out around the measuring area - helping when asked, visiting, and perhaps imbibing in a few adult beverages.  A lively Intro to Racing “chat”  by Ryan Richardson (teacher and illustrator extrordinaire) and Jane Sherrod (that’s me) was fun and informative.
 
Friday brought early gentle winds.  Skipper’s meeting, led by PRO Dick Graves, with his merry band of able assistants - Paul, Mary, Lorie, and Wendy - with new trainee Kylar Wessels - gave us all we needed to know about the day’s racing.  After a short postponement, Race 1 started with a square starting line and a nice 8-10 knot breeze.  Course 2 - A-C-A-C- Finish.  A wind shift on the 2nd A to C leg meant you could go around the Course Right Gate, immediately tack, and close reach to the finish in the best wind of the day.  Provided lunches were consumed on the water while the race committee reset the course.
 
The signal boat posted another Course 2 for Race 2.  Winds were lighter - about 5-8 knots.  About the time the leaders rounded A the 2nd time, the wind died to a whisper.  Keeping your boat moving was a challenge.  Watching everyone’s unique downwind techniques- from sitting on the “wrong” or “right” side, standing, leaning, on your belly - none seemed to be an advantage over the other.  Thankfully, the race committee shortened the course to lessen the sailor’s misery.  The race committee then sent us ashore to wait for wind - which had completely died.  After waiting a while, the PRO cancelled racing for the day due to lack of wind.  However, the forecast was for much better winds on Saturday, and very strong nuclear winds for Sunday.  Forecasts also showed good chance of thunderstorms during each night, with 10-20 knot winds.  Many sailors staked down their boats - just in case.
 
Friday evening saw a delicious Taco Bar with all the fixins.  Wendy and her minions really outdid themselves.  Rave reviews from everyone.
 
Around 0345 Saturday morning, I woke to a sudden increase in the wind.  My tent was well staked and I wasn’t worried.  Very suddenly (as I remember), the wind increased violently, my tent (with me inside) was picked up and slammed upside down violently.  Suddenly, I was outside but still in my sleeping bag.  My tent had literalIy blown up.  I waited a few minutes for the unbelievable winds to lessen, crawled out of my sleeping bag, and scampered to my van for shelter from the rain.  Arriving at my van, I found a big limb from somewhere had busted out a window, and my van was now full of limbs and tons of broken glass.  As the rain dwindled, I made a few trips back the the tent wreckage for my 2 duffel bags of clothes.  A potential disaster was averted when I finally found my only bra later that morning.  Never found a trace of my lawn chair.  The smarter campers took refuge in the bathroom.
 
The rain stopped in less than an hour, and I thought to go check on my boat - in the dark.  The area right off the beach where everyone left their boat was EMPTY!  Where were the boats?  I found mine with it’s mast broken and jammed against Mike’s motorhome.  Other boats were jumbled together in piles and amongst the trailers. Most tie downs did not hold.  Lots of broken masts, especially comptips. Rudders castings snapped.  Hulls folded over.  Squashed mast bobs and mangled brackets. 
 
Daylight brought everyone together to untangle the boats and trailers.  It was obvious there weren’t enough whole boats to race, so dazed sailors began packing up boats.  A short skippers meeting confirmed the cancellation of further racing, and set the Awards presentation for later Saturday afternoon, to be followed by the usual yummy dinner held in conjunction with the friendly yacht club group.
 
Trophies were beautiful 3D etched glass, presented by FWC president Ben Wells.  Lots of thanks to FWC organizers, Fleet 291 members, yacht club members, chase boat and signal boat workers, and all other volunteers.
 
Yankton SD, and Lewis and Clark lake are a great place to sail.  The lake is quite scenic and pretty.  Regatta site has tons of room for boats and trailers with a soft sandy beach for launching.  There is good tent camping, and nice bathrooms with hot showers. For racing, there is a well trained and knowledgeable race committee.  The Taco Party was great and the Saturday dinner and special desserts were delicious.  Although this year experienced some tragedy and a shortened racing schedule, I can’t wait to come back next year.
 
The Formula Wave Class is a friendly, welcoming and competitive group of sailors.  We welcome both new and experienced racers at our events.  Join us!
 
Next stop - Ohio and the Put-in-Bay Regional FWC Regatta.  The Key West of the North!

Greetings FWC Members!
 
I hope all of you have been enjoying the summer and getting all the sailing time in that you want! Here is your June newsletter!
 
What’s going on?
 
We have been hard at work with the preliminary organizing of the Wave 100 distance race on Lake Michigan next year, and we have the goal of opening up registration in August. This is a different kind of regatta, and we want to be thorough with the information and make sure you are crystal clear on what the race is, what it isn’t, and what the expectations are of you as a sailor participating in this event. I think we have a lot of great things in the works and are making safety a number one priority. We will continue giving out more information as we have it!
 
I’m excited to announce we established a partnership with the Sailors for the Sea organization and will be an official Clean Class as part of a new program they have launched. This means we will be designating a portion of our regattas each year as clean regattas and will be making efforts to have sustainability be a focus for the regatta. You can read on our website more about the Clean Class designation and can find links to the Sailors for the Sea website to learn more about our partner for this endeavor.
 
Schedule
 
Our full schedule can be found on our website here, but to showcase a couple of the next events..
 
The FWC Championship is only a week away from this writing! We have 18 sailors signed up (and may get a couple of last minute entries?) I believe this will be a really fun regatta, and we have some great things planned in addition to the racing. The Championship this year will be held as a clean regatta, in line with our clean class designation.
 
Thursday evening will feature a clinic hosted by Jane Sherrod and Ryan Richardson for newer/novice sailors to learn more about the race course, boat handling and setup, and how to have a great race!
 
Friday will feature a taco bar with lawn games available after racing, and Saturday will be a party held in conjunction with the local yacht club.
 
There is still time for last minute entries – come join the fun in Yankton, South Dakota!
 
Our next regional is in Put-in-Bay (aka Key West of the North). If you are planning on attending, please be aware of ferry times and lodging, as the island fills up very quickly. This is a really unique and fun venue, and everyone enjoys their time there.
 
Website Showcase
 
This month on the website showcase, I want to highlight the News page. Essentially set up like a blog, it’s the place where we add these monthly newsletters and other writings of interest. It’s a great place to check back and read previous information or check up on something you might have missed.
 
Membership

Membership remains at $25 for the calendar year and is required for our Tier 1 and Tier 2 regattas. It is optional for Tier 3 regattas, however only FWC members will earn season points at Tier 3 events. If you have completed your 2023 membership – thank you! If you haven’t yet, I would encourage you to do so by following this link (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FormulaWaveClass) or sending an email to [email protected]
 
Our referral system is still in place! Refer a brand new member to the FWC and earn $5 off next year's membership cost (max of $25)! If you have questions about how this works, please contact us to ask any questions!
 
Our youth membership is only $10, and we strongly encourage any younger sailors to jump on a wave and come race!
 
Resources

I want to make sure you are aware of all other resources we have for you to stay connected and informed.
 
Social Media
Follow us on Facebook for updates, information, and sometimes just for fun pictures and all things Wave sailing.
 
Forum
This is a user content generated forum for you to start conversations, ask questions, or discuss whatever is on your mind when it comes to Wave sailing and racing! Check it out if you haven’t yet!
 
 
Thank You
As always, Thank You to everyone who supports and sails with the FWC. It’s truly an honor to be part of this amazing class and fun group of sailors. See you on the water soon!
 
 
Ben Wells
FWC - President

Jane’s Lifejacket Quest
 
So, it’s time for a new lifejacket, better known now as a PFD - Personal Floatation Device.  My current one is pretty worn out, over 10 years old, and the pocket zipper broke.  It also has some features I don‘t like so much.
 
Jane’s new PFD requirements:
USCG approved
Comfy, with unrestricted arm movement
Center front zipper - not a pullover or side zip
Full thin back floatation - not the thick chunk of foam below the neck that kayaker’s like
Not too thick in front
Pockets for radio, snack, and lip balm
Full or bucket trapeze harness friendly
Not ugly
 
Of course, I want my PFD to be USCG Approved.  With a previous “floatation device”, I would have to ask everyone in my racing class if they were OK with it - meaning they would not protest me.  Lots of people still wear this well known (and very comfy) side zip jacket, but it’s just not worth the hassle.
 
Many racers today sport those minimal PFD’s, very sleek and smooth, some with minimal (not USCG approved) floatation, which they wear cinched down tight, and under a rashguard to minimize snagging on stuff.  Some are “impact rated”.  Minimal pockets.  One even has a sleeve for a 10 minute air tank in case you get trapped under the boat.  I am way past that stage.  I sail mostly in hot weather.  I consider myself a competitive sailor, but comfort, air circulation, and convenience top my list. 
 
Lots of PFD’s these days are pullovers or have a side zip.  I prefer a front zip, that I can leave open on really hot days, and is easier to put on.  The “valley” made by the center zip helps me find my trapeze hook, unlike the side zip/pullover - where the trap hook is “down there somewhere”.
 
Many of the nice PFD’s today are made with kayakers in mind.  They can be very thick in the front, with a  thick block of foam behind your neck in the back, then sometimes a mesh back below that.  The back thick block of foam is meant to ride above the kayaker’s seat back.  However, when sailing, that thick chunk by your neck catches on the sail/boom as you go under.   A kayaker paddles with their arms spread wide.  Thick front panels can interfere with sailing motions (sheeting) where your upper arms are closer to your body, and also make it hard to hook up to the trapeze .  I wanted a smooth full back panel with thin back floatation that doesn’t catch, and front panels that do not restrict movement.
 
The thin full back PFD design works well with full trapeze harnesses too, worn either under or over the harness.  PFD’s with those short thick backs might be good for half harnesses.
 
Pockets.  I now carry a radio on my person, instead of in my tramp pouch.  I was recently working a regatta where a competitor called out on his radio to inform the RC that he had capsized and was separated from his boat.  A radio in his tramp bag wouldn’t have done him much good.  With it’s floaty mast bob, my Hobie Wave can easily get away after a capsize.  I also carry a whistle, some lip balm, a spare watch, and an energy bar in my life jacket.  Sometimes a knife too.  You need pockets for that.  There are some excellent Fisherman PFD’s out there with gobs of great pockets - but watch out that those pockets aren’t too thick.  Some pockets are actually constructed with a radio in mind - with 2 zipper pulls that meet around the radio antenna.
 
Choosing the contenders
 
More than half of the PFD’s I looked at lost out in the 1st round.  Mostly because they were a side zip/pullover, or because they utilized the thick high back foam.  This included the Hobie side zip (side zip, back), Stohlquist Edge (side zip, back), Zhik USCG Approved (side zip), Astral EV-Eight (back), Forward WIP (not USCG approved), and Magic Marine center zip (not USCG approved).  All the side zip models had crappy pockets, except the Zhik, which has a huge center pouch pocket.
 
I took lots of pictures of the top 2 finishers, but the PFD manufacturer’s websites have better ones.  Check the back and front designs, zipper placements, pocket layouts, and colors of ny PFD you are interested in buying.
 
Finalists
All these PFDs had center zips, full thin backs, were super comfy, unrestrictive, and USCG approved.  Pockets were good. If pockets are not important, you have a much larger pool of choices. Go for it!
 
I would like to have tried the Hobie Thinback and/or the Hobie Women’s Thinback PFD’s.  They appear to check all the boxes, but nobody seemed to have any in stock.  I didn’t like the colors offered too much either.
3rd place went to the Astral E-Linda (REI, online) - a woman specific model designed to cup and support “the girls” instead of mashing them down.  It did accomplish that, but it’s pockets were a bit too small for my full size radio.  Very comfy.  Colors were not my favorites.  It looks like the Stohlquist Betsea is very similar.
2nd place went to the Astral E-Ronny (REI, online) - which easily checked all my boxes, and was the best looking PFD of them all.  The ventilated split back (Thin Vent) should help dissipate heat.  My radio (or phopne) fit easily in the left zipper pocket or the left elastic mesh pocket.  I loved the brilliant Fire Orange color, but it is also available in Space Black, Soil Tan, and Water Blue.
1st place - Winner, winner, chicken dinner - went to the NRS Odyssey (NRS, online) - which also easily checked all my boxes.  The inside back features raised mesh bumps - the Cool Flow System, designed to improve ventilation.  Both left and right outer pockets are designed to hold a VHF radio (or phone), so there are 2 zipper pulls which meet at the antenna.  There are also zip pockets behind the radio pockets.  You can get most of your hand inside that inner pocket, which could even take a handwarmer (I needed those a few times this year).  I also liked the simple bottom clip, which would allow me to safely unzip the PFD to ventilate between races on really hot days, and is meant to keep the PFD from riding up.  A final big plus for the Odyssey was that the shoulder straps had a place to fully tuck the ends away.  No more shoulder straps flappin’ in your face.  Those pockets might be too much for some, but they are just right for me.  Available colors are Red, or Charcoal with bright green accents.
 
Test fitting any PFD
Loosen all the side straps and the shoulder straps.  Put the PFD on, and zip it up.  1st tighten the lowest straps, and work up.  Go easy there, it’s not a straitjacket.  Unless it’s blowing 20+, or you are sailing far from shore, or you are in the Olympics - you probably don’t need the straps overly snug.  The PFD should be comfy and un-binding.  Last, tighten the shoulder straps.  To test - sit down in a sailing position, squat, kneel and crawl.  Windmill your arms and making “sheeting” motions.  The PFD should not chafe your inner arms, interfere, or ride up.  Take the PFD off, put it back on, and tweak your strap adjustments.  Try the PFD over your trap harness, or possibly under your trap harness.  Does it ride up and irritate your chin?  Can you lay on your belly - for those light wind days, or on your back - for between races resting.
 
Just like my foot protection, hat, sunglasses, and gloves, I never leave the beach without my PFD.  Wearing my PFD at all times gives me a sense of security and safety, plus it is easier than tying the thing down on the boat.  I encourage all sailors to wear their PFD all the time, every time, no exceptions.