SOUTHERN BAY RACE WEEK and CROWNE PLAZA HAMPTON have tied the sponsorship knot.  SBRW 2010 announced the sponsorship which is aimed directly at making SBRW 2010 more inviting and less expensive for SBRW racers.  The Crowne Plaza is located in downtown Hampton on the waterfront and  is an easy walk to regatta headquarters. The sponsor's special  package for SBRW racers includes a basic rate of $109+ taxes, free parking, and complimentary breakfasts for two per room.  Get your SBRW 2010 entry in and then take advantage of  the special discount package available to SBRW racers from Crowne Plaza Hampton.   Website www.hamptonmarinahotel.com  Early reservations are encouraged – direct toll free line = 866-727-9990,  direct local line = 757-727-9700

Hampton Downtown Public Piers are located adjacent to the Crowne Plaza Hampton, truly only steps away, and are within site of and an easy walk to SBRW 2010 regatta headquarters (HYC). Contact Dockmaster Greg Harrison at  (757) 727-1276.  Tell Greg you are coming to SBRW.

Southern Bay racer Mark Wheeler was the navigator on Vela Veloce (Southern Cross 52, owned by Richard Oland)  in the Caribbean 600 last week.  They finished first overall in CSA and  2nd overall in IRC behind Beau Geste, a Farr 80.  Next for Vela comes the 30th St Maarten Heineken Regatta this week (March 4-7).  Wow, whatta deal!

 

The Old Coast Guard Station at 24th Street & Atlantic Avenue at the Virginia Beach oceanfront opens DAMES at SEA III tomorrow, March 2nd.  The maritime theme artwork show runs thought April 18th.  Ten of the finest female visual artists in Virginia Beach have works on display.  Contact the OCGS at (757) 422-1587  or email  education@oldcoastguardstation.com

 

New speed measuring gizmo:  Sailing World  (SW) says that Speedwatch@ connects (wireless) with an impeller mounted on the hull.  It provides "real-time boat speed information as well as standard countdown timer functions."  There is no drilling so it works well on small boats according to a review in the March issue (page 16) of Sailing World (SW).  Keep an eye on the SW website for the test results info at www.sailingworld.com/1003watch .

HAMPTON ROADS SUNFISH CHALLENGE & DINGHY DISTANCE RACE.  This is the September 25th race sponsored by Portsmouth Boat Club, that goes from Willoughby Bay up the Elizabeth River to a finish off the ODU Sailing Center. Event honchos, Jonathan Romero and Jimmy Schools say, "We have our first entrants . . . . They are Michael Austin of Virginia Beach, sailing a  Force 5 [and] in the Sunfish Class, John Comer of Suffolk Va., and Fred  Lacey, of Carrollton Va."  For info and to register, see  http://www.hrsunfishrace.com, or call Jimmy Schools at (757) 802-2394 or Jonathan Romero at (757)285-6017. 

 

NUTS & BOLTS RACE MANAGEMENT - March 20th, Saturday morning (9:00am - 12:30pm) at Hampton Yacht Club - FREE.  Sponsored by CCV.  This is a Basic Primer that will get you through your annual race committee assignment.  This is NOT "inside race management" material.  It is designed to keep you out of trouble when you go out to run club races. Registration opens at 8:30am; coffee and breakfast goodies are courtesy CCV.  Please do PRE-REGISTER, so plans can be made for adequate beverages, goodies, and seating,  Pre-register by email to

mcbear@earthlink.net  and say you want to attend the RC Clinic, or call  Lin McCarthy at (757) 850-4225. 

Burn your socks  for the Equinox!  Uncover the tootsies, officially.  Right now yacht clubs and sailing organizations of all stripes are organizing SOCK BURNINGS.  This is the way sailors, and particularly racers, show their belief that Spring is either here or very, very close. 

There will be a sock burning at the SpinSheet Crew Listing Party - South,  on Saturday, April 3, at  Marker 20 in downtown Hampton.  This event is OPEN TO ALL.  Here is a golden opportunity for crewbies to find skippers and vice versa.  Meet and hobnob with crew and skippers.  Racers, experienced and new-to-the-sport, also will be able to check out offerings of various southern Bay yacht clubs and sailing organizations which will have representatives at the party.  Find your ride or find your crew for the 2010 season.  All  you have to do is show up - no sign-up required.  OH, and wear socks you can burn!  SpinSheet Magazine is the organizer of this event.  For specific information please contact event liaison Dave Taylor at (757) 344-5292.    Racers, you do not have to wait  for April 3rd to list on the SpinSheet Crew Listing site - go to www.spinsheet.com,  click on crew listing, and get it done!