Racing Forum – A Member’s Thoughts

Mac/Hank,

Unfortunately with the change in dates, we cannot make the meeting.
As you may know, Hot Water races IRC under LORC and we have competed in many races in Lake Michigan, Newport and Florida.
We have been long-time members of RCYC and this will be our 1st year at EYC.
We are disappointed that we cannot make the meeting.
We’ve outlined our thoughts below.

Decline of participation in Racing

  • The decline in yacht racing is an industry trend and there is nothing that EYC can do to stop it.
  • Think back to the 70’s & 80’s with one design C& C 34 & 41 fleets. We were actually building “Canada Cup” boats. All of this simply isn’t coming back.
  • In 2013, RCYC had a record number of 40+ foot boats – only 3 raced. The balance were large cruising boats

The only chance EYC would have to generate a  racing fleet would be to embrace the new smaller racing boats (M20, J-70).   An opportunity exists with the J-70.

  • EYC members would need flip M24’s, C&C 27’s and others to get a core J-70 one design fleet.
  • Then by offering some incentive to new members, build a strong Lake Ontario north shore fleet
  • Even at $60,000 USD it will tough to build a fleet such as this.
  • There is an interesting review of the J70 by a chap from Dublin’s National Yacht Club; read more…

Adding cruising boats to the racing events

  • Realistically, this is all EYC can do.
  • Offer some different race courses, different events with an emphasis on fun.
  • There has been a lot of chatter about this in Scuttlebutt this year.

TGIF

  • One thing that could be added is a Friday Night TGIF “master-minded” by the cruising fleet.
  • Emphasis on participation.
  • EYC has bands most Friday nights – what could be better than a fun sail beforehand.
  • Hopefully a number of boats stay for the band…

RCYC’s TGIF was the most attended weekly event.

  • It was a great mix of racing and cruising boats.
  • The race boat that took line honours rarely got a prize.
  • They gave out 4-5 beer mugs as fun prizes for participation.

Dinners on race nights to make it worth the caterer’s time:

  • Add online reservation – if you book online (or by phone) in advance then you get more selection and a discounted price
  • Otherwise the selection is limited and the cost is higher.

WHIS “House League”

  • The Mimico/Lakeshore/EYC house league events were one of the reasons we joined EYC.
  • Coming from RCYC, we think EYC is doing a great job.
  • RCYC had it’s Tuesday night racing and that was about the extent of it.
  • We feel that EYC has an exciting program to be proud of.

John & Sybil McLeod

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