After a Covid hiatus, the annual Intro To Yacht Racing seminar at Del Rey YC was back in action on March 18.
Co-presented by South Bay Yacht Racing Club, 40 participants, most of whom had never raced before, attended a full day of on the water demonstrations and practice followed by a race exhibition.
Prior to Covid, this event had introduced hundreds of beginners to the local racing scene and trained them just in time for the local beer can races and weekend regattas.
Without health restrictions, we were back at it with ten boat owners who generously dedicated their time to teaching participants how their boats worked and what to expect on the race course. These boats ranged in size from the club’s J/22 to BRAVURA, a Farr 44, and included cruisers such as two Catalina 42s (DUCHESS being one of them) and higher performance boats like a One-Design 35, Mex-D.
Luckily for us, this sunny event occurred between storms and gale warnings with snowy mountains in the distance.
Following the friendly competition, participants gathered back at the club for the usual post-race social event and exchange stories while learning from the more experienced racers. Many secured invitations to race this spring, and event organizers are staying in touch with all participants with information about upcoming seminars, regattas, and crewing opportunities.
For those interested in racing, a good way to get connected is via our Facebook group, DRYC Racing Group. Or, consider volunteering to assist the race committee on our race days. Email me at bhuffman33@gmail.com if you are interested!
