FWC Update - June 2022

Greetings FWC Members! I hope this month’s newsletter finds you well!
 
Before a recap of upcoming events, I want to acknowledge that this year’s sailing season is shaping up to be more challenging than others in the past. Gas prices are significantly higher than they were a year ago, and there are other economic factors that are potentially impacting you and your decision to travel and participate at events.
 
The focus of the FWC from the start has been hosting quality regattas. The desire is that any sailor going to an FWC regatta can expect a quality start with several sailors in attendance.
 
Right now, regatta numbers are trending down. It’s not just our class – it appears to be widespread. Sailors are perhaps being a little choosier about which events they attend, and it seems are travelling a little less.
 
While we want as many sailors as able at our events, please know, we understand and respect your choice to not attend a regatta you may have normally gone to in the past. Everyone has to make a choice that is best for themselves and consider individual budgets and financial situations.
 
Currently, we are not planning on cancelling any of our upcoming regional regattas due to lower attendance. We are grateful for any and all sailors who race with us and will do what we can to make sure a great experience is given to those who do race.
 
That said, here’s my challenge to you.
 
If you are travelling less, and just sailing at your home lake this year – take time to do some fleet building. Make new friends on the beach. Give out some sailboat rides. Promote the Wave at your local club. Share your passion for sailing with others, and hopefully, when travel becomes more affordable, some new faces can join us and get in on the fun!
 
Upcoming Events
As you review the schedule below, I would ask you to consider which events you are likely to attend. Links are listed for regattas that have registration open now. Please take a couple moments to sign up if you know you will be racing at one of our regattas – it helps organizers to plan for the appropriate number of people, and it helps encourage other sailors who might be on the fence about attending or not. More sailors registered early typically makes for a bigger regatta. Thanks for taking time to sign up!
 
Midwest Regional – Yankton, SD, June 24-26
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/24197
 
Yankton is home to one of the favorite sailing lakes for many Midwest catamaran sailors. Between the beautiful scenery, consistent winds, and easy access, it’s a must-visit! Yankton has hosted several championship level regattas in the past, and offers on-site camping, a spacious beach, and good local scene for non-sailors to enjoy during the day.
 
Emerald Coast Regional – Fort Walton Beach, FL, July 8-10
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/24632
 
The Emerald Coast Regional will be held in conjunction with the Meigs regatta. Fort Walton Beach is a beautiful sailing location, and the Yacht Club is a first class organization. Beat the mid-summer heat by getting on the water and racing with the FWC!
 
North Coast Regional – Put-in-Bay, OH, August 5-7
https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=14993
 
Held as part of the I-LYA’s Bayweek Regatta, the North Coast Regional takes the FWC to an island on Lake Erie. Put-in-Bay earned the nickname “Key West of the North” and for good reason. The social scene is always busy, and for the non-partiers, there are wineries and other local attractions to check out. Of course, there will be three days of racing on historic waters on top of that! Haven’t visited Put-in-Bay before? Come sail with the FWC and see what the fuss is all about.
 
FWC Championship Regatta, Gulfport, FL, November 17-20
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/24713
 
The FWC sailing season will finish with the championship in Florida! Come test your skills with the best, and race for the title of FWC Champion!
 
Other Racing Opportunities –
*Please note – these are non-FWC regattas*
 
HCANA Wave North American Championship, Shreveport, LA – October 12-16
https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/23800  
 
Pensacola Yacht Club Regatta, October 28-30, Pensacola, Florida
 
The regatta will offer a start for Waves using FWC rules.
 
Stay Connected
We have several ways for you to stay connected to the FWC! Please follow us on Facebook, or check out our website from time to time! We have started a user-driven forum that is linked from the website as well. The forum is driven completely by you!
 
Election Year
2022 will be an election year for the FWC for all leadership positions. We are still a long ways out, but if you do have an interest in serving and participating in FWC leadership, consider where your time and talents could be best spent. Our by-laws detail the responsibilities of each role. As it gets closer, we will gather names of any interested parties, as well as existing board members who may choose to run again, and we will communicate what the election will look like.
 
Thank You
As always, thank you for your support and participation with Wave sailing. The class wouldn’t continue to thrive without you!


Ben Wells
FWC - President