The Prince Henry NOR has been updated to correct a typo on the date.  23 August is the correct date.  The Prince Henry Sailing Instructions are also posted.  This now includes an optional field for wind speed and direction in the race log that will be used to describe race conditions as seen by boats so an article may be created for publishing in various sailing and local periodicals.

Final Block Island race results are also posted.

I just reviewed the weather which has slightly improved (gusts down to 25), but tides and sea state remain constant. 

Participation became a dominant factor.  We only have 3 spin boats and 1 cruising class boat that are willing to race.  It looks like we can get 10 boats for July 25 (equally split between spin/non-spin).  I apologize for stepping on the Solo-Twin race.

The NOR, SI and web site will be updated shortly to show the date change.   

I appreciate all the input  received. 

An automatic reminder will be sent one week before where you may update your availability (racing or not), PHRF rating and Spinnaker or Cruising class.

Nick Bowen, Commodore

Cuttyhunk Racers,

A quick update on Saturday’s race. We currently have 23 boats on the scratch sheet which is a record for Cutty. It looks like we are going to thread the needle on a storm late Friday and forecast is for nice SW winds all the way to the island on Saturday.

The million dollar question I get is “where do I stay?” The preferred choice are the mooring balls inside the harbor. I confirmed that they are allowing 3 boats to raft on each mooring. These are first come, first serve. I have a HUGE favor to ask of the faster boats. If the 7 boats all rated <86 each grab a solo mooring ball the we can get all all racers on moorings. The favor is that if some of the faster boats are planning to raft with other fast boats, just grab the balls and once slower boats start coming in we can move around. Let’s coordinate this discussion on Channel 72.

The second choice is the marina. They can accommodate 6 or 7 foot drafts. As of this morning there are 30 slips available on Dockwa. Their rates are $2-3 per foot. The last choice is to anchor outside the harbor. Good weather protection, but a long way to shore.

We will have an RC at the start, but the about half the fleet should beat the RC boat to Cutty so please read the SI’s on how to record your finish time.

EC and I did an exploratory trip last Friday. There are 3 food places on the dock that are open: a taco stand, seafood place, and a breakfast place. There is also a pizza place and another seafood place about 100 yards from the dock. The Fishermans Inn is closed. There were signs that there is a $300 fine for not wearing a mask. Remember, we are in Massachusetts so the rules are different.

We will announce the results at Twenty Hundred hours on the town dock.

Finally, I want all sailors to be aware that Vella may sail with a junior crew from TYC (all wearing PDFs). They should be close to the rear of the fleet but let’s keep an ear open if they need anything.

See you Saturday!

Nick

The final scratch sheet at this link for the 2020 Around Aquidneck Island Spring Race is posted. 

• Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no post race event held at the Tiverton YC.  
• Sailing Instructions are available at this SI link – please be mindful of the COVID-19 information provided in SI paragraphs 4, 16.3, 16.4 and 16.5
• The starting area and starting times for each class are per SI 6 and 7. The Race Committee will monitor VHF 72 during the race.
• The Finish Line & Time Limit – SI paragraphs 11 and 12 list the time limit and finish line.  The RC boat will be located to the West of Red Nun 12.  SI paragraph 12 provides the procedure for self recording GPS finish time when RN12 bears 090 magnetic and self reporting the finish time should the RC boat not be on station. Since there is no event at the Tiverton YC after the race, any self reporting will be done via VHF 72.
• Have fun and enjoy the time on the water!