Registration Form below...

May, 2009

Hi Folks ~

This year's BALA sailboat race event will take place Saturday morning, July 11th. The "rain/wind" date will be set for the same time on the following Saturday (the morning of the BALA Bash) if needed. This event is open to all Big Alum residents and their guests. Anyone who has a sailboat is encouraged to enter. This is a novice event. Matt Kibbe assisted by Joel Casaubon will organize this recreational event in an effort to encourage more active involvement in family fun type activities on the lake.

Regatta Scenario:

There will be one class of sailboat racing for sailboats 16 feet and under (providing that there are at least three entries). To make it fair, boats over 14' in length can only use their main sail. All boats will race simultaneously. All contestants will meet near the starting gate with their sailboats and safety gear ready to go at 10:00 A.M. A judge's party boat will be anchored near the starting gate buoys. At that time there will be a brief update regarding the event, rules, safety, and possible course changes due to wind conditions. The race should start at 12:00 Noon. It will be a two point course using large red buoys. In essence, contestants must circumnavigate a counter-clockwise course first passing through the staring gate, then around a far buoy, finishing back through the starting gate. The gate buoys will be located about 100 yards out from the Italian American Club. The 2nd lone buoy will be located off the island on the main body of water near the north cove. The first to make it completely around the course and back through the starting gate with the best time wins. Good sportsmanship is expected. Sail boaters must keep a reasonable distance from each other to avoid physical contact. Stealing one's wind is OK, but cutting someone off is not. Boat numbers may be assigned and affixed to the sails or hull for judges' identification purposes if needed.

I will try something different this year to make it more interesting. Instead of clocking each boat one at a time through the gate we will start all boats through a wider gate opening. At the beginning of the race, we will use a fog horn to give exactly a five minute warning (two short blasts) allowing boats to jockey for position before entering the starting gate. This will be followed by one long blast to actually start the race. In qualifying, no sailboat should cross the staring gate prior to the second horn blast. A stop watch will be used to record the first sailboat entering the gate. That will be the official start time for everyone. The finish times will be recorded for each boat passing through the gate at the end of the race.

We will have pick up boats available to monitor the race and to provide assistance if needed. We will request that the Sturbridge police be on site during the event for safety reasons and to help keep power boaters in check. There will be a posting of the activity at the boat ramp to advise non-resident boaters of the activity.

Awards will be as follows: 1st Place, 2nd Place, and the "Dub Award" for anything unexpected or humorous that happens during the race.

Awards will be presented during the BALA Bash.

If interested, please call me to register at 413-575-5760 or email at mkibbe@charter.net at least 3 days prior so that we can better plan for this event. Registration forms will be available at the BALA meeting on the morning of the race as well.

Anyone who wants to volunteer as a pick-up boat driver or as a judge's helper should let me know.

Matt Kibbe

Sailboat Race

Registration Form

Please print.

Name(s): _______________________________________________________________

Lake Address:____________________________________________________________

Phone Number:______ _____________

Type and size of sailboat: i.e. - 12' sunfish, 14' O'Day, etc…______________________

(Judges only) assigned race number if needed: _______________

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Cost: Free

This top of this registration form can be copied into an e-mail and filled out online. E-mail it to Matt Kibbe at mkibbe@charter.net at least 3 days in advance. It can also be printed and sent as regular mail (at least five days in advance, please) to the following address: 324 The Trail, Fiskdale, MA 01518.

Note:
This is a novice class, recreational, family activity. It is open to anyone that has access to a sailboat. You can even team up with a friend if you wish. It should be fun. All sailboat race participants should meet in front of the Italian American Club at 11:30 AM on Saturday, July 11th (rain date 7/18/09) for an expectations- briefing by the judges. Be sure to have all your safety gear including life vest(s) and a paddle. I will call everyone if a postponement is necessary due to poor weather conditions. Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and if there are more than 10 entries, 3rd place will be awarded at the BALA Bash. The race should start at about 12:00 noon, weather permitting. Please contact Matt Kibbe (cell phone 413-575-5760) if you have any questions.