By Airwaves Writer Paige Hoffman
It’s safe to say that the most difficult aspect of spring sailing in the Northeast is facing the cold. Knowing how to keep yourself warm on frigid days makes all the difference in staying up to speed during practice and competition. Getting uncomfortably cold may seem like an inevitable part of spring sailing, but it certainly doesn’t have to be.
The cold weather has significant effects on your body, which in turn has a big effect on your performance on the water. Cold and stiff muscles are especially harmful when paired with the explosive kind of body kinetics involved in dinghy sailing. All the work you have put in at the gym in the winter offseason is useless if you’re wasting energy shivering and can’t even feel your fingers.
The most important approach to staying warm is having the right clothing. In 2017, sailors have more choices than ever for cold weather gear. Unfortunately, sailing is an expensive sport, and you may be tempted to try to save money on gear. However, if there’s one thing that you should splurge on, it’s having the right kind of equipment to sail efficiently. You wouldn’t go skiing wearing a tshirt and jeans under your pants and jacket, so why sail in the same kind of clothing? Base layers are the most important kind of clothing to invest in. As far as drysuits go, as long as your seals work properly it doesn’t matter what brand of drysuit you wear. Some may be more comfortable than others, but drysuits are designed to keep you dry, not warm. It’s what’s on the inside that counts, literally.When I first started high school sailing my freshman year, I thought I would never be 
able to learn how to stay warm and sail efficiently like the upperclassman could. As a newcomer to spring sailing, I had no idea how to keep myself warm, and it took a lot of trial and error to figure out what worked best for me. I ended up getting frequent colds that kept me out of class and off the water. Over the years I’ve picked up a few techniques that help me stay warm and comfortable while sailing.
I have found my favorite line of base layers to be Patagonia. Although it’s an expensive brand, you really do get what you pay for. At every regatta in March and April, I still wear the Patagonia R1 Pullover I got when I was a freshman sailor. I’ve worn it sailing, skiing and horseback riding, and it’s held up it’s held to the test of time. It’s soft and comfortable on the inside and does wonders keeping me warm.
PATAGONIA MEN’S or WOMEN’S R1® PULLOVER
Patagonia also has the benefit of being very in-style right now, so when you’re not sailing you can wear just about any of your base layers wherever and however you want to. They also have a number of discounts available for high school and college sports teams. Patagonia base layer pants which run between $30 and $60, are an invaluable investment.
Patagonia Women’s Capilene Lightweight Bottoms (my personal favorite for under a drysuit or spray pants.)
Other popular brands, Helly Hansen and Musto, have the same advantage of being focused on multiple sports. While they do make plenty of sailing gear, I have found that the skiing base layers from these brands work best. They’re warm and form-fitting without being restrictive. It’s hard enough to stay flexible in a drysuit alone, so having gear that fits properly is an absolute must.
Musto Active Base Layer Zip-Neck Top, one of my favorite mid-weight base layers.
I prefer wearing one or two thick layers as opposed to many thin ones. Getting dressed for sailing is definitely a quality over quantity situation. It’s much easier to stay mobile on the boat when your joints are not hindered by excessive layers of clothing.
With high performance base layers and a good pair of wool socks you will be much happier and warmer than anybody else on the water. While you may have to spend a bit more money initially, investing in quality clothing will save you money and provide invaluable comfort on the water.
About Paige Hoffman, Northeast/High School Sailing Airwaves Reporter
Paige started sailing at age ten at Duxbury Bay Maritime School. By age twelve, she was competing in Optis and transitioned to 420 sailing when she was fourteen, becoming a member of the Duxbury High School sailing team as a freshman in high school and racing through club programs at Duxbury Bay Maritime school in the fall and summer seasons. In the summer, she works as a Junior Sailing Instructor at Duxbury Bay Maritime School, teaching younger sailors the fundamentals of sailing. In 2016, she helped her team win the Mass Bay League Team Race Championship and was named co-captain of her team for the 2017 spring season.
Club Profile: US Sailing Center Martin County
News Flash: USSCMC is Hiring a Full-time Sailing Director/Head HS Coach
The USSCMC Story
In 1992, a small group of community leaders envisioned the possibilities and opportunities that a community sailing center could provide to children and residents of Martin County. Later that year, US SAILING, the National Governing Body of sailing in the United States, authorized them to develop a “small boat training facility” in Martin County.
The Center had modest beginnings in a trailer located on the Jensen Beach Causeway. With hard-working volunteers and donated sailboats, the Center began to grow. In 1998, it was recognized as the nations, “most creative and innovative community sailing program.” In April 2002, the Center moved into a new home at the north end of Indian Riverside Park. This facility is the culmination of ten years of hard work by numerous volunteers and supporters of sailing. It was made possible with the cooperative assistance of the Martin County Board of Commissioners and the Parks and Recreation Department
The US SAILING Center of Martin County is not a yacht club, we are a 501(c)3 community sailing center. All operating and capital funds are generated by direct user fees and fund- raising events. The USSCMC is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who are active throughout the Treasure Coast Community.
USSCMC Mission Statement
“The US Sailing Center of Martin County is committed to broadening the base of the sport of sailing through dedicated, affordable, community sailing programs for youth and adults, and providing support for the development of future champions and Olympic racers.”
News Flash: USSCMC is Hiring a Full-time Sailing Director/Head HS Coach
Cape Cod Sea Camps is Hiring!
Check out CCSC’s 420 Race Coach & Instructional Sailing Position Opening
The Cape Cod Sea Camps Mission
Through personal commitment and dedicated to the development and guidance of youth we will provide a unique educational environment in which individuals have fun and realize their worth and potential.
Working Philosophy
The Cape Cod Sea Camps are preeminently dedicated to the guidance of youth and founded on the principles of love for fellow men and appreciation of God’s world and people. Camping is a joyful educational experience carefully designed to allow children to develop all aspects of their personalities – physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. Children at camp are viewed not merely as “miniature adults”, but as youngsters who need constant care and attention to help them develop into happy, productive, sensitive men and women. Camp provides a microcosm in which a child’s attitudes will be greatly influenced and in which he may “experiment” with new types of behaviors in a controlled, responsive environment. Camp helps children learn about themselves as they learn about people and natural beauty around them. As each child is respected as an individual, so he is encouraged to become sensitive to the unique aspects of humanity in others. Children are helped to overcome the insensitivity inherent in categorizing individuals by group associated through living, working, playing with others of both sexes, and various ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds.
The Cape Cod Sea Camps are “people places” where the needs of children and abilities of the staff determine the program; no tradition is so entrenched that is wisdom cannot be scrutinized and no proposed innovation is too radical not to merit serious consideration. The essence of the camp is the multifaceted composite personality of every person who has influenced it throughout more than three quarters of a century, and the substance of its future has yet to be determined by those who will give of themselves tomorrow. Everything that happens at Cape Cod Sea Camps, however, is strongly imbued with the moral consciousness that it takes time for a child to grow and a deep conviction that camping is indeed an educational experience, and unlike any other anywhere.
- Camping is an Educational Experience
- Camp develops all aspects of a camper’s personality-physical, mental, spiritual, emotional
- Each child is respected as an individual and encouraged to become sensitive to the diversity in the world around us
- Camp is a “people place”
History of Cape Cod Sea Camps
The history of the Cape Cod Sea Camps, Camp Monomoy for Boys and Camp Wono for Girls, is the story not only of two children’s camps, but also of a family, the Delahantys. More than any other single individual, Robert J Delahanty created and crafted the essence and character of the Sea Camps. It was his vision that came to life in 1922 and which still endures today. With the inestimable assistance of his wife and partner, Emma Berry Delahanty, and later, their daughter, Berry Delahanty Richardson, Captain Del gave substance to his dreams, founding a business and embarking on a calling.
Captain and Mrs. Del dedicated themselves to serving youth. From the beginning of his career, Captain Del passionately believed in the educational and spiritual value of properly constructed recreational activities. His brilliance shone through in his camp program offerings, and also in his innate sense of what was good and useful for children. He understood that every child needs to be best at something, whether hitting a baseball the furthest, sailing a course the quickest, swimming a distance the fastest, or simply having the most perfect bed in camp.
Today the Delahanty tradition not only endures, it flourishes! Captain and Mrs. Del’s granddaughter, Nancy Garran, now steers the ship with the same commitment to excellence laid down by her grandparents and her Aunt Berry.
Check out CCSC’s 420 Race Coach & Instructional Sailing Position Opening
ICSA News: Exciting racing in SAISA and MAISA!
March 6, 2017 — Sub-freezing temperatures and gale-force winds kept NEISA from racing, however, team racing is heating up elsewhere in the first weekend of March.
Photo by Chris Klevan
The weekend was headlined by the Bob Bavier Team Race. 10 teams made the trip to Charleston for a refreshingly cool weekend of sailing. After 102 races, The College of Charleston Cougars came away from their home event victorious with an 18-3 record. The Georgetown Hoyas were a close second with 17 wins and 4 losses, including a 2-1 record against the home team. Mike Callahan, head coach of the Hoyas said of the event, “Charleston did a great job organizing and running the Bavier. The conditions were very tricky with lots of wind shifts, velocity changes and strong current. All the races were close and I’m happy that we were able to pull out some wins on the last beat but we have a lot of work to do if we are to qualify for the National Championships.” The US Naval Academy finished third while the Dartmouth College Big Green rounded out the final four. Clearly a great start to the major team race season.
The inaugural ODU Women’s Interconference was sailed at Old Dominion University. The Yale University Bulldogs were the victors of this event with 89 total points. “ODU stepped up and created a much needed quality early season women’s interconference regatta. The Bulldogs are proud to win the inaugural event after a great back and forth battle with the Charleston Cougars. “Although it was quite cold, the Monarchs did a great job running a flawless event,” said Yale Coach, Bill Healy. Charleston finished second overall with 91 total points. First year skippers won both divisions; Yale’s Louisa Nordstrom (‘20) and Isabelle Rossi De Leon (‘17) dominated A-Division with 28 points. Charleston’s Alie Toppa (‘20) with Annabel Carrigan (‘19) and Caroline Bracken (‘19) tandeming the crew spot, finished first in B-Division with 47 points.
Hobart and Williams Smith Colleges won the GW Team Race with a 13-2 record while Jacksonville University won the Eckerd Interconference with 77 total points.
Youth Sailor of the Year Charlotte Rose 2nd at Laser Midwinters East!
Charlotte Rose, recently crowned the S1D/KO Sailing Youth Sailor of the Year, continues to impress, recently finishing 2nd overall at the Laser Midwinters East. Wow, what a great accomplishment!!! As much as we’d like to think our award spurred Charlotte on, we know she’s been working toward finishes like this for a long time. Go Charlotte!!
TOP 25 Regatta results FULL RESULTS HERE
Pos,Sail, Skipper, Yacht Club, Results, Total Points
1. 210685, JOSEPH HOU[B1][Y2][G], NHYC/ABYC, 3-1-1-2-11-1-4-1-9-13- ; 33
2. 211540, Charlotte Rose[Y1][Y2][G], Houston Yacht Club, 3-3-13-9-3-2-2-3-10-16- ; 48
3. 195664, Carrson Pearce[Y1][B2][G], LYC/SCYC, 1-1-15-1-16-4-5-13-30-1- ; 57
4. 207144, Chase Carraway[Y1][Y2][G], Lauderdale Yacht Club/ CYC-NC, 2-2-23-3-4-6-1-16-6-19- ; 59
5. 208574, Hallie Schiffman[Y1][B2][G], Lauderdale Yacht Club, 5-4-20-6-12-5-3-15-14-4- ; 68
6. 209313, Sophia Reineke[Y1][B2][G], Lauderdale Yacht Club, 10-16-5-9-8-6-6-8-25-6- ; 74
7. 157851, LEO BOUCHER[B1][B2][G], Severn Sailing Associatoin, 2-2-11-7-7-12-14-14-12-17- ; 81
8. 210636, Talia Toland[B1][Y2][G], Royal Vancouver Yacht Club/Seattle Yacht Club, 8-12-5-10-25-4-28-6-16-3- ; 89
9. 206111, Luke Arnone[B1][B2][G], MYC/CERT, 29-35-20-8-3-1-10-11-11-2- ; 95
10. 208049, Hanne Weaver[B1][B2][G], SYC,RVYC, 11-13-14-2-2-52/UFD-8-12-31-9- ; 102
11. 198678, Corinne Peters[B1][B2][G], RNSYS, 16-5-2-13-15-8-24-4-20-25- ; 107
12. 204109, Ricky Welch[B1][Y2][G], Long Beach Yacht Club/GCYSA, 10-9-3-1-10-52/UFD-7-18-46-8- ; 112
13. 196117, David PEREZ[Y1][B2][G], Coconut Grove Sailing Club, 7-6-9-34-9-10-20-32-2-18- ; 113
14. 177265, Connor Nelson[B1][Y2][G], DIYC, 7-10-27-6-2-3-12-27-40-22- ; 116
15. 196834, Dana Rohde[Y1][B2][G], Coast Guard Academy, 20-17-7-4-1-9-29-36-1-42/SVA*- ; 124
16. 193347, Ryan Anderson[Y1][B2][G], Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, 14-10-45-16-5-2-11-7-44-16/SVA*- ; 125
17. 210105, Maura Dewey[Y1][Y2][G], RVYC, 12-11-11-5-1-52/UFD-26-23-13-26- ; 128
18. 195429, Carrter Pearce[B1][B2][G], SCYC / LYC, 4-6-4-14-35-14-17-34-4-38- ; 132
19. 209688, Cameron Giblin[Y1][B2][G], SSYC, 35-19-1-5-4-3-9-31-29-45- ; 136
20. 209338, Malcolm Benn Smith[B1][Y2][G], SPBC, 1-3-12-28-19-14-22-38-27-15- ; 141T
21. 206054, Marcus Huttunen[Y1][Y2][G], MBYC/SDYC/GCYSA, 11-8-3-8-7-10-33-28-50-33- ; 141T
22. 209349, Lillian Myers[B1][Y2][G], SYSP/Gulf Coast Youth Sailing Assn, 15-52/RET-13-4-5-5-16-21-41-27- ; 147
23. 197044, Carly Broussard[B1][Y2][G], none, 22-7-6-13-9-19-18-19-37-36- ; 149
24. 203632, Coralie Vittecoq[Y1][B2][G], Hudson Yacht Club, 22-9-39-12-52/RET-11-15-9-7-28- ; 152
25. 206614, Christian Ehrnrooth[Y1][Y2][G], LYC, 16-18-16-52/RET-8-7-32-44/SVA*-3-14- ; 158
ABOUT KO SAILING
KO Sailing is a premier provider of performance and recreational sailboats, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and accessories for the competitive one design racer or the water sports enthusiast. Whether it’s a pair of hiking pants for your Laser sailor, kayaker, or your child’s first Optimist, KO Sailing will ensure your water experience is a success. KO Sailing offers three convenient ways to shop. Visit the retail store in Seabrook, Texas, visit the KO Sailing support trailer at a race event or shop online catalog at kosailing.com.
College Sailing kicks off its Spring Season!
College Sailing kicks off the Spring Season! Boston University Terriers charge to the win at College of Charleston Women’s Regatta, the UCSB Gauchos pull out a gritty win over Stanford at the McIntyre Team Race, and the USF Bulls won the Mendleblatt Team Race at home. For full details visit (link to article on collegesailing.org)
February 26, 2017- The functional opener for the college sailing season was quite the success. Many teams made the annual pilgrimage south to compete in the palm-tree filled, warm weather that February can present in South Florida and Charleston.
College Sailing kicks off its Spring Season!
College of Charleston ran the Charleston Women’s Interconference Regatta. One of the warm-ups to the spring National Championships, this edition of the regatta was filled with quality women’s teams. The Cooper River sailed as it typically does this time of year; choppy, light to medium with the current being a major factor. Boston University came away with the victory, scoring 100 points after 10 races in both A and B division. Brown University and Stanford University finished second with 114 and third with 115 points respectively. Maeve White and Meg Gerli of Stanford University won A division with 38 points while Margaret Kilvert and the combined effort of, Audrey Giblin, Mia Steck and Lisa Genthner of Dartmouth College won B division with 45 points. “We were happy to get all of our women sailing this weekend,” said Dartmouth Assistant coach Ali Blumenthal, “It was one of our goals going into this regatta. Peggy, Mia and Lisa had a great run in B and it was great to see first year Audrey Giblin contribute to the divisional win with the last four races of a 4, 2,1,1.”
The Mendelblatt Team Race, hosted by South Florida, helped to kick off the college team race season. Six teams competed in the event and five full round-robins were completed. The host school, University of South Florida, won the event with a 20-5 overall record. Eckerd College finished a close second with a 19-6 record. Brian Clancy, head coach of Cornell Sailing, said of the event, “The Mendelblatt was a fantastic event… perfect team race conditions and a great early season tune-up. USF did a great job with race management, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
Photo provided by Brian Clancy
Elsewhere in the conference, University of South Carolina won the USC Gamecock Invitational with 33 points in 8 races in both A and B division.
The other Interconference Team Race held last weekend was the McIntye Team Race, hosted by Stanford University. Eight teams showed up for the event. 2 full round robins as well as a final four were sailed. Stanford University, University of California at Santa Barbara, University of Hawaii and University of California at Berkeley qualified for the final four. Stanford University and University of California at Santa Barbara finished tied at 15 wins and 2 losses with Santa Barbara winning the tie breaker going 2-1 in 3 tight races against the host school, Stanford. Stanford Assistant Coach, Clinton Hayes said, “Tight racing at the top!” This was clearly the case and could be something to look forward to in future PCCSC team race regattas. Perhaps there is a new force stepping forward on the West Coast.
Club Profile: Park City Sailing Association
News Flash: Sail Park City is Hiring
When the town of Park City is mentioned it brings to mind the 2002 Olympic Games, 3 world class ski resorts and an eclectic funky community. Just outside of the town and under the slopes of the Deer Valley ski resort the State of Utah constructed the Jordanelle Reservoir within a State Park. This created a 6 square mile body of water at 6200’ in elevation. South east of the reservoir is Provo Canyon and the city of Provo. The summer heat in the valley creates a reliable thermal breeze and the combination has become the ideal setting for Park City Sailing.
It turned out that Park City is the home of a large number of sailing refuges who relocated to live a unique mountain town lifestyle. With the creation of the Jordanelle the pieces began to fall into place during the summer of 2008. The rest is history.
Park City Sailing sails at the Jordanelle State Park – between Park City and Heber City, Utah. The lake is about a 10 minute drive from downtown Park City. The lake is 6 square miles at 6200’ elevation. The Jordanelle was created in 1995 as a future water supply for Utah.
The laser fleet sails out of the Personal Watercraft Ramp (PWC) area – there’s a 40′ storage container and fenced area for laser storage. The Jr. Sailing Program operates out of the Beach House.
The Park City Sailing Association’s fleet has grown each season. From a borrowed power boat in our first summer 2008 the membership has worked tirelessly to raise funds to develop a fleet that will permit us to expand our sailing programs to met the wide needs of our community.
8 x Elliot 6m’s in 2013
During the spring of 2013 PCSA received a donation of a fleet of 8 Elliot 6 Meter boats. The donor was the Sailing Educational Association of Sheboygan (SEAS). The Elliots are identical to the boats used during the 2012 Olympic Games in London. So far the fleet was been used to support Wounded Warrior programs as well as a Thursday Night Racing Series.
1 x Rhodes 19
Through the generosity of one of our families, PCSA received a donation of a Rhodes 19. This sturdy 19 footer became a popular family boat as she is stable and very comfortable. She also sits on a mooring to keep her user friendly for intermediate sailors. For 2016 we have expanded our Rhodes fleet to 4 boats. They are undergoing an extensive renovation and each of the boats will be rigged identically with the latest fittings.
2 x J22 Sailboats
In the summer of 2011 we acquired our first J22 keelboat which permitted us to establish both our Charter Sailing Program and our Adult Sailing Program. Due to the popularity of both programs we acquired our second J22 keelboat for the 2012 season. The J22’s also permit us to host special day and weeklong sailing camps for other summer youth programs in our community. For 2015 the J’s were given new sails through a donation of one of the PC Sailing families.
13 x Optimist Dinghies
Our Junior Sailing Program is supported by our 14 club owned Optimist sailing prams. The “Opti” was selected by our Board due to its ideal trainer characteristics as well as the fact that in any given year there are over 150,000 Optis being sailed in over 100 countries. In addition to our club owned boats, there are 8 privately owned Optis in our program. For 2015 all of the club owned boats received new sails through a donation from one of our families.
6 x Club 420’s
For the 2012 season we acquired four Club 420 sailboats. These 14 foot two person boats are ideal for teenagers and they are one of the most frequently raced boats on the inter-collegiate circuit. Our 420’s are rigged with a trapeze and spinnakers that provide both a physical and advanced experience for the intermediate young sailor. In 2014 we acquired 2 more Club 420’s to support our expanding program with group such as the University of Utah and the Park City High School Sailing Club.
50+ Lasers sailing on the Jordanelle
Our adult sailing members privately own 42 Laser Class Olympic sailing dinghies. The majority of these boats are stored in our secured facility on either racks or owner provided dollies. The spars and sails for the Lasers are stored in our 40’ cargo container, which is 100 yards from our paved launching ramp.
PCSA’s 17′ Boston Whaler + Others
Our primary race committee and safety boat is a 17 ‘Boston Whaler Montauk. Complementing it are our smaller power boats which are three 13’ Boston Whalers and a 11′ Boston Whaler. These fast and unsinkable boats support our Adult Racing Program as well as our Junior Instructional Programs.
Fathom: CNU’s Sailing Leadership On and Off the Water
| Sail1Design would like to welcome our newest sponsor & Airwaves team member, FATHOM. This program sounds like a great opportunity for young aspiring sailors, and we are proud to have CNU join our team! Christopher Newport University (CNU) is an up and coming varsity program in MAISA (Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association) located in Newport News, VA at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay. Over the past five years the program’s leadership, under Head Sailing Coach, Maxwell Plarr, has revitalized their sailing center, installed new docks, procured a new fleet of eighteen 420s from Whitecap Composites, and had their first debut at the ICSA Women’s National Semi-Finals in 2016. There is an energy and leadership at CNU, a strive for excellence that is visible in the team and at the university. CNU has a population of roughly 5,000 students on a gorgeous 260-acre campus. It’s a four-year public institution that prides itself in small classes where professors know their students and help prepare them to pursue a life of significance. The university has spent more than $1 billion in new construction over the past twenty years and has built a beautiful campus with world-class facilities. This summer the university sailing team partnered with the Tyler Patnaude Foundation to provide a unique  opportunity for high school sailors titled Fathom, or “First at the Mark.” Advertised as a Sailing Leadership Institute, this clinic is an all-inclusive experience focused on fleet racing, team racing, sailing leadership, goal setting, self-awareness, team work, and character development. This is not your traditional summer sailing camp!The program will take place June 18-25, 2017. Participants will get a taste for living life as a college sailor in CNU’s award winning residence halls, attend a morning session on “sailing leadership” with Dr. Elizabeth Gagnon and working on the water in 420s, lasers, and Sonars with Coach Maxwell Plarr every afternoon. The combination of sailing focused academic leadership training and physical application is to help high school sailors improve their skills and better understand their strengths so they can achieve their personal and team goals. During the evenings Fathom will provide interaction with industry professionals such as Britton Ward, VP of Farr Yacht Design credited for the Volvo 65, the class chosen for the 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race, and extensively was involved in the 2003 and 2007 Oracle Campaigns. Lyles Forbes will be coming back from Bermuda to talk about the systems and foil designs unique to the current America’s Cup foiling yachts and modern catamaran developments; other speakers include sail makers and pro sailors that will be giving presentations to help understand what it takes to be a leader in our sport and what pathways one may want to pursue from campaigning for the Olympics, to building sails, or crossing oceans. Other unique opportunities will also be provided by The Mariners’ Museum for the finals of the 35th America’s Cup in the new America’s Cup Gallery that will open in May 2017. The gallery will feature the AC72 Oracle Team USA that defended the 34th America’s Cup held in San Francisco and will provide participants and guest speakers a unique back drop for presentations. If you can’t be in Bermuda, this is most likely the second best place to watch! The best part of this clinic is the low price tag, only $1000 for the week, including lodging, meals, coaching, charter fees, speakers, etc. Fathom is open to high school sailors ranging from rising freshmen through senior year but have not graduated. Registration is open until June 1, 2017. To register or to find out more information please visit www.cnu.edu/fathom or contact CNU head sailing coach, Maxwell Plarr at sailingteam@cnu.edu
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Profiles in Pro Sailing: Kyle Gross & Annapolis Performance Sailing
By Airwaves Writer Taylor Penwell
Known to those in the sailing world as APS, Annapolis Performance Sailing is the capital sailing store in the United States that does business around the globe. The core values held close have been to stock a wide selection of products 
and their accessories, to have stock of hard to find items, and have a staff of active sailors who are able to help customers solve problems and make purchases with confidence. A team of up to 32 members in season calls APS home today and enjoys being able to walk out the door at the end of the day and be on the water sailing not too long thereafter. APS prides itself on its staff and their extensive sailing knowledge, this being the main reason it sets itself apart from other sailing stores. APS just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016.
APS was founded in 1991, by company president Kyle Gross, the year he graduated from college. After competing on the St Mary’s College Sailing team and working at the college’s sailing center, he recognized the need for a business that would supply dinghy racers with everything they needed, from foul weather gear to obscure boat parts that seemed impossible to find.
Original APS Store
With a clear strategy, lots of slog, a small bank loan, and help from his employer and friends, he opened the first location in Eastport, an area adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay, in the historic city of Annapolis, Maryland.
The first collection of hardware, line and apparel here at APS was limited. With no employees, Kyle worked seven days a week, and sailed in the evenings building the business, and relationships within the sailing community. He was quick to realize that the only way his business would grow would be if he had a direct relationship with his key vendors. So he bought a plane ticket, jumped the pond, and rented a car in England. Driving around, getting lost on narrow back roads, he managed to locate and introduce himself to the primaries of companies who were making equipment and gear for dinghy racing. Visits to many chandleries provided much insight. It didn’t take long for him to realize, there’s a big difference between the US and England in terms of the geographical spread of sailing.
In 1992, Kyle decided to produce a mail order catalog to bridge the gap between sailing locations and connect with customers nationwide and around the world.
APS Founder and President Kyle Gross
With technology being far from what it is today, the product photos were taken, trips to a photo shop to turn film into half tones were made, and actual cutting and pasting was the method for creating the catalog. Friends helped by modeling for apparel photos and were enticed with beers and pizza to stick address labels on finished catalogs. The initial circulation was around 3000.
The APS catalog grew in size and distribution year after year establishing APS as a serious mail order company. The addition of a dedicated and knowledgeable call center team increased customer service, further helping the company grow into an international presence.
APS catalogs were expanded to over 100 pages, full color with a distribution in excess of 100,000. The retail space increased in size twice, the APS website was launched, the rigging department was created and the product offering became much larger.
In 2003, Kyle designed and built the current 6000 square foot APS storefront and fulfillment center. Since then, our product offering has been expanded beyond 15,000 items, staff size increased and the Crugear department for decorating team gear was added.
APS Current Store
APS became known as the first-to-market sailing retailer by developing relationships with innovative vendors outside of the US and exclusively introduced new brands including: Zhik gear, Optimum Time Watches, Holmotro tools, Polilite rope, Rooster clothing and hardware, Sea Australia gear, and others. The company also has the most extensive offering of one design parts here in the United States. Another quality part of the store is its Rigging Shop staffed by top quality riggers who have the skills to help you with whatever technical needs and jobs you require.
APS continues to change, adapt and thrive as a sailing retailer in the digital age. In 2015 a new enterprise website was launched to further improve the customer shopping experience and the APS Advisor was introduced as the source for sailors to access the knowledge and information that is the hallmark of APS and its employees. The Advisor houses the hundreds of videos, articles and photographs developed by the APS team in-house. Be sure to check out Advisor for all your sailing needs and questions.
http://www.apsltd.com/aps-advisor/
Nothing represents the stores metamorphosis over these past 25 years than the catalog covers. They clearly show the evolution of a company that started out in dinghies, moved to keelboats, was an early adopter of online retail focusing effort exclusively on sailing rather than boating and water activities in general, and will continue to provide the widest selection of quality sailing specific products and services for apparel, line, hardware, and rigging at competitive prices. 
For all your sailing and racing needs APS is the store that is two legs ahead of the competition. Their friendly staff members can help you with your order over the phone, in their new websites online chat, and of course in person in the storefront.
Follow this link to check them out online,
http://www.apsltd.com/
A special thanks to APS Create Content Function Owner and friend Claire Davidson Yoste, and President Kyle Gross for supplying the information for this article.
APS is located at 104 Severn Avenue in Annapolis, MD. We can be reached at 800.729.9767 during business hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm US EST, Monday – Friday. Our Sales & Customer Service Center is closed on Saturday and Sunday – you can reach us by email by clicking here. Our storefront is open on the weekends from 8:00am – 5:00pm EST for walk in customers.
Herreshoff 12 1/2 "H Class"
H Class Association
The Herreshoff 12½ footer was designed in 1914 by Nathanael G. Herreshoff, and the first boats were launched in Buzzards Bay in 1915. Way back then, no one could have foreseen the cultish popularity and longevity of his design — which has remained unchanged for more than 100 years! She is widely considered to be one of the finest, if not the finest, small sailing yacht designs ever created.
The H Class Association hosts an annual regatta each summer, with between 30-40 boats participating. In addition there are very active racing fleets in the Buzzards Bay area (Marion, Quissett, Wing’s Neck) as well as on Martha’s Vineyard (Edgartown and Menemsha), and Shelter Island, New York. There are fleets all throughout Maine, down to Annapolis, and one in Saudi Arabia.
Please visit the H Class website for more information: http://www.herreshoff12.org
International Viper 640 Class Becomes the Newest World Sailing Class Crowning First Viper World Champions
February 21, 2017 For Immediate Release
In November 2016, World Sailing approved the International Viper 640 Class’s application to become a recognized World Sailing class. The International Viper 640 Class Association, at the same time, adopted an international constitution and signed a contract with World Sailing confirming the Class’s international status. World Sailing has accredited Zeke Horowitz, Ian Coleman, and Brendan Healey, all from Annapolis, MD, as Viper 640 World Champions, following their win last November at the first World Championships in Bermuda.
Commenting on the completion of this process, Viper 640 Class International Chairman Justin Scott said, “We have fleets in three continents and a circuit of destination regattas over the next three years that span spectacular locations across North America, Australia and Europe. The Viper 640 is now truly an international one-design class.” Jason Smithwick, World Sailing’s Director of Technical and Offshore, added, “The Viper 640 combines an excellent boat and a solid international organization with great sailors that enjoy each other’s company both on the water and off. We are delighted to have the Viper 640 class join the World Sailing family.”
Perth 2018 – World Championship
The International Viper 640 Class is pleased to announce its next World Championship Regatta from February 17 to February 23 2018 at South of Perth Yacht Club, Western Australia. SoPYC is one of the largest yacht clubs in Australia with more the 2,300 members and truly magnificent world class facilities. They have hosted several national championships, they co-hosted the World Sailing Team Racing World Championships in 2009 and the Sailing World Championship in 2011.
February will provide ideal sailing conditions on the Swan River estuary with the infamous southwesterly “Doctor” blowing in the afternoon from 15–25 knots.
Viper 640 Australian Class president Graeme Monkhouse stated, “We are aiming to host the largest Viper regatta ever outside of North America with 20 Western Australian Vipers eager to go up against some of the best Viper sailors coming in from around the World.”
Long Beach 2019 – World Championship
The Class is also announcing that , Alamitos Bay Yacht Club, Long Beach, CA, USA, will host the 2019 Viper 640 World Championship. Alamitos Bay Yacht Club Commodore Chuck Clay said, “We’ll make sure Viper sailors have spectacular racing on the water while enjoying our special southern California hospitality ashore.”
For more information contact Viper 640 Class Association Administrator Ed “Buttons” Padin (epadin@padesta.com) or Rondar Raceboats, the Class builder (www.rondarboats.com)
2017 Club 420 Midwinters Results & Report
February 18-20, 2017 Results at: http://www.club420.org
Jensen Beach, FL – A 103 boat fleet was treated to a spectacular weekend of racing that saw conditions that delivered each day and certainly kept the competitors on their toes from shifty light conditions to full trapeze planning conditions, we had it all. The regatta format was two days of a qualifying round, where the fleet was divided into two fleets and seeded by a formula. The final day was a medal round where the top 52 boats were in gold and sail for the championship and the next 51 boats sailed in silver. 
The regatta was close all the way through with Jack Johansson and Jack DeNatale from “Team Chill” showing off some commanding speed at times leading the regatta through the qualifying round with their worst score as a 2. On the second day of racing Jack and Jack swept the day with all firsts. Not to be out done Tucker Weed and Olivia de Olazarra stayed tight with the Jacks by scoring no lower than a 3 and staying extremely consistent through the qualifying round and setting up a show down with Jack and Jack on the last day trailing by just 4 points. Ivan Shestopalov and Claudia Loiacono stood in third after the qualifying round 10 points back of Tucker and Olivia and in a tight battle with local hero’s Emily and Katie Bornarth from the USSC Martin County.
On the Final day Tucker Weed and Olivia de Olazarra from Coral Reef Yacht Club showed their mental toughness and overcame the deficit to beat Jack Johansson and Jack DeNatale to win the 2017 Midwinter championship. The local ladies Katie and Emily Bornarth also battled today finishing 3rd overall. It was a fantastic weekend of racing with 11 races in Gold and 10 races in silver fleet. The PRO Campbell Rich and his team did a fantastic job keeping the racing going and keeping it fair in sometimes tough conditions. The class thanks Alan Jenkinson and his incredible group of volunteers for another great Midwinter championship in Martin County, we look forward to next year!
Top 5- Gold Fleet
Tucker Weed/ Olivia de Olazarra 18pts.
Jack Johansson/ Jack DeNatale 22pts.
Emily Bornarth/ Katie Bornarth 50pts.
Jack Reiter/ Tanner Chapko 54pts.
Boyd Bragg/Aisling Sullivan 61pts.
Top Junior Boat
Luke Arnone/ Mariner Fagan
About The Club 420 Class Association
The Club 420 Association was established in 1980 to promote, foster, encourage and sponsor one-design sailing. The Association sponsors a class North American Championship, US and Canadian National Championships as well as regional championships for the class across North America while promoting the class to all ability and experience levels of youth sailing. Since 2006, the class membership has more than doubled from 300 to its current 715 members. The class offers many regional, national and North American championships in both fleet and team racing formats as well as clinics across North America. Our Nationals / North Americans have had 175 boats attend, with all levels of sailors competing in some of the finest and socially fun regattas you will attend.
About The Club 420
The Club 420 is a two person dingy which forms the base of many local, high school and collegiate programs in North America. Simple for beginning sailors and yet challenging enough for collegiate champions. The Club 420 offers more learning opportunities than any other double-handed boat you can find. Over 5,000 Club 420s are sailed in youth, high school and collegiate programs all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
For more information please visit our website at www.club420.org or visit us on Facebook
Contact:
John Vandemoer, Executive Director
Email – ED@club420.org
