AMERICA'S CUP RACING BEGINS THIS FRIDAY - REALLY!  Watch for it on ESPN 2.
Friday, February 14th, America's Cup Preview (5 pm) and America's Cup Race #1 (7 pm).  Saturday, February 15th, America's Cup Race #2, (7 pm) (Fishing Bay Yacht Club enthusiasts are convening at Baileys in Richmond.).  Remember, for the Cup coverage, it's Gary Jobson on "The Deuce"!

PHRF Spinnaker Fleets splits for 2003 for Region 4 (southern Bay):  PHRF A: Up to 109;  PHRF B: 110 to 160; PHRF C: 161 and above.   These are different from 2002.  And, remember to get your PHRF valid rating for 2003 early.  Most clubs now require a copy of your current (2003) valid rating certificate in order to complete registration for races and/or series in the coming season.  To request forms contact Stew Buckler at (410) 414-3270, or PO Box 3169, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, or check the web site at   http://www.phrfchesbay.com

The Yngling class competition at the Rolex Miami Olympic Class Regatta was turned on its ear by a team two thirds of which bleeds ODU blue - Sally Barkow and Debbie Capozzi.

Latest WORLD rankings show the Hunt-Miller 470 Team as top USA competitors, 36th out of 247 national teams.

IT'S A MARINA THING! The March issue of SpinSheet Magazine will include sailors' input regarding Chesapeake Bay marinas.  If you have marina likes and dislikes, legends, or special info, let SpinSheet know.   Just zap your comments to   dave@spinsheet.com    Do it now, deadline time is close by.

Heart of Your Heart!  Friday is Valentine's Day - take her or him to the nearest pub showing Race #1 of the America's Cup finals!

CCV - HYC RACE MANAGEMENT SEMINAR:  March 15, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, Hampton Public Library (Main Branch - Victoria Boulevard). There is no charge; open to all.  Donuts, coffee, and 2003 Race Committee Manual provided to participants. Pre-registration assures that your copy of the RC Manual  is reserved for you at the Seminar.  For additional information or to pre-register, contact John McCarthy at (757) 850-4225 or email at   mcbear@earthlink.net

Laser District 11 Championships - May 31 - June 1.  Contact George Panayides  at  gpanayid@wrsystems.com

CCV 2003 Racing Guide  publication deadlines drawing near.  If you want to be listed in the membership section (everyone who's anyone is there), or if you are responsible for getting your organization's race circular(s)  or an ad published in the Guide, you need to hop to it. This Saturday, February 15, is the first deadline. Race circulars and ads must be camera ready.  POC for Race Circulars:  Dave Bouchard, 757-484-8388;  POCs for ads: Larry Bryant, 484-4966, or Bob Archer, 622-5566 (h) or 446-5881 (w).  Membership POC is Dave Taylor, 723-0625.

2003 Southern Bay Race Week Tweaks:  Tentative plans for SBRW call for a separate venue for the PHRF Non-Spin and Cruising Class fleets.  They'll be in the same area of the Bay as the Spinnaker fleets, but will have their own courses and race management team.

Getting Ready to Race:  On Saturday, racing minded sailors attended the North U. Racing Trim Seminar at  ODU's  Sailing Center and OPCYC "Pointers" kicked off their racing workshop series with John McCarthy's "Racing Rules Made Easy" at their clubhouse on Fort Monroe.

Non-Spinnaker racers will compete for a new trophy in 2003.  The Benjamin S. Owens perpetual trophy will go to the winner of the CCV Founders Race PHRF Non-Spin fleet.  Ben Owens, remembered as a long time non-spin racer (Insolvent) on the southern Bay, passed to Fiddler's Green earlier this winter.

MURPHY'S LAW:  It is closer than we think - the Boat Yard Blitz.  It won't be long before parking near the boat becomes one of life's major accomplishments, weekend nourishment is limited to cold beer and hot pizzas (sheltered in the car trunk to keep bottom paint dust from becoming the umpteenth topping), and after dark socializing is reduced to standing in line at the local marine supply store.  NOW is the time to stock up on winch grease and super fine steel wool.  This is a great time of year - we are all undefeated!  Living to race, racing to live./s/ Murphy The Racing Beagle

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               SOUTHERN BAY RACING NEWS YOU CAN USE, Lin McCarthy, Editor