PPYC offers a multitude of on-the-water activities including Kayaking, Lunch Cruises, Inshore and Offshore Fishing, Group Cruising to various ports, and the Sailboat Racing Program. One important fact you may not be aware of is that you don’t need a boat to be a member of PPYC, nor to participate in the Sailboat Racing Program. Actually, most of our members do not own a boat. There are many more socializing and fun events always available, that take place within the club itself, that aren’t on the water and the club also supports community outreach. This month, we focus on the PPYC Sailboat Racing Program (SRP), an integral part of our nautical tradition.
The regular PPYC sailboat races take place on Mondays, starting in late October and continuing through to the first part of April. They are split into a fall and spring series. The SRP is open to any boat moored in Burnt Store Marina with payment of a fee. In between the two Race Series, PPYC hosts the annual Golden Conch Regatta, first run in 1983. This regatta is also open to any and all racers who wish to register and pay the entrance fee. Some boats come from as far away as Fort Myers and Punta Gorda.
The sailboat racing program would not take place without the support of the volunteer race committee. These are folks who show up weekly to perform all of the tasks that make this program possible. Some are certified by US Sailing, either as Race Officers, who can run races, or Judges, who adjudicate the rules of racing. We have a number of members who have completed this certification.
Signal boats, and Mark and Pin boats with crew, are also involved. The Signal boat anchors at the starboard end of the Start Line, which is normally also the Finish Line. The Race Officer(s) on this boat, start and finish the race using flags and other VHF radio communication. The Mark and Pin boats are responsible for deploying inflatable marks, which define the start line and the other rounding marks. All boats also function as Safety Boats, with two or three volunteers on each plus the Captain.
There are currently seven boats with crew racing regularly. If anyone is interested in spending a day on the water, extra crew is sometimes appreciated. Depending upon the task, various levels of training may be required. You don’t have to be a PPYC member to participate in racing or the race committee.
If you have a power boat, you may also enjoy anchoring downwind of the Mark Boat with a bagged lunch while observing the sailboats crossing the start and finish line.
If you enjoy sailing, please consider participating in the racing program, either by entering your sailboat in the races, or volunteering in another capacity. Either way, a wonderful experience awaits you. If you are interested in further information, please contact the PPYC Office at 941-63-0733. They can provide you with contact information for the Sailboat Race Committee.
