MIDSUMMER 2000 NEWSLETTER 

What an exciting season it has been so far! Particularly with the new merged Regatta Series course. While we have lost a few yachts from earlier years ( mainly boats sold or owners transferred ) we have had an exciting influx of new participants, particularly in the J105 class, the resurrection of a number of J35’s, and some interesting new participants in the PHRF fleets. The number of participants registered so far this year is already ahead of last year’s total with two major regatta weekends and two offshore races still to go. Enclosed is a summary of standings to date for the regatta series. As you can see there is a close contest at the top of a number of the divisions, so it could still be anyone’s series. And remember, in fleets where five or more yachts have enough races to qualify for a season’s placing, overall trophies will be awarded to the second place finishing yachts as well. So come out and participate, and remember to support your host clubs for the next two regattas: Etobicoke Yacht Club on August 26th and 27th - great food and fun on Saturday night; and the fabulous “away” weekend at Bluffers’ Park, hosted by BPYC on September 9th and 10th. For more details about individual race results or offshore standings, please refer to our website at www.lorc.org 

TROPHIES To all the lucky trophy winners from last year; it is very important that the Regatta Series and Offshore Series Overall Trophies (that’s first place and second place) be returned to National Yacht Club before the end of September. To clarify some of the confusion from previous years, trophies won for the individual offshore races, i.e. the Blockhouse Bay, the Susan Hood, the Argosy, and the Summerville, are awarded by the sponsoring clubs ( IYC, PCYC, NYC and ABYC in that order), are the property of those clubs, and should be returned to those clubs, also before the end of September. If for some reason you have difficulty complying with this latter part, contact Jane Treacy (364-3251), and I’ll make special arrangements to receive these at NYC as well. It is really important that we get these trophies back to the proper locations in good time to have them engraved for the awards banquet. Please help us prevent any disappointment or misunderstanding. 

COMMENTS FROM VICE-CHAIR, RACING 

Question: How will shortening the course be handled under the new format 

Answer: Taking into account the definition of Finish Finish : A boat finishes when any part of her hull, or crew or equipment in normal position, crosses the finishing line in the direction of the course from the last mark either for the first time or, if she takes a penalty, after complying with rule 31.2 or rule 44.2 And the race signal “S” Shorten Course Signal : No later than the warning signal; Sail the short course as prescribed in the sailing instructions. At a rounding or finishing mark: finish between the nearby mark and this boat. (Two sound signals when raised ) Then, it’s possible to station RC vessels at both windward marks to shorten the course for the respective division. To shorten at the leeward gate, the practice is to place an RC vessel right at one of the marks of the gate. Actually one of the marks would be tied to the RC vessel. Thus, if you’re sailing downwind and see one of the gate marks tied to or on an RC vessel flying code flag “S”, then it’s a shorten course. 

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES 

LORC DELEGATES’ AND PARTICIPANTS’ MEETING -This will be held in the Chart Room of National Yacht Club on Monday, September 25th, starting at 7:30 pm. This meeting is open to all racers and we welcome your attendance. This is your chance to express your views about the new format or any other matters of concern or interest. 

LORC AWARDS BANQUET – To be held on Friday, November 10th at the Old Mill. – Come collect your trophies and flags. 

LORC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – To be held at National Yacht Club on Monday, December 4th, starting at 7:00 pm. All Club Delegates are urged to attend.