NEWS
2024 Town Hall Meeting & End of the Year Party
November 14, 2024
Thank you to everyone who attended the CASRA End of Year Party and Town Hall on Friday! A special thanks to the Chicago Yacht Club for hosting the event. It was a great opportunity to celebrate a great season of sailing. Congratulations to all of the Series Winners. A list of the winners is included at the end of this email.
Check out some pictures from the party on our Facebook page as well as our Google Photo album.
A special thanks to everyone who contributed photos for the slide show we presented at the party. Here they are again on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
While the 2024 season is "in the books" CASRA is already working hard on putting together the racing schedule for 2025. We will send an announcement once it is published. We will also send out announcements for various off-season events hosted by any CASRA yacht clubs. So, plenty is still to come before the first boats launch in 2025.
Boat of the Year Series Winners
Buoy
Eagle Shawn/Jerry O'Neill
Mojo - Scot & Yvonne Ruhlander
Exile - Andy Graff
Port to Port
Suspect - Bryan Sims
Sealark - Clark Pelett
Eagle - Shawn/Jerry O'Neill
Nearshore distance
Ravn - Jamie Downing
Xuberance - Jeff Barton
Exeter - John Notch
Doublehanded
Painkiller 5 - Alice Martin
Rookie Regatta
Kraken - Nick Drake
Never Better - Daniel Pyne
Komokwa - Alan Summers
If you are a CASRA series winner and were not able to attend the End of Year Party to claim your flag please email info@chicagosailracing.org and we will make arrangements for pickup/delivery of your flag(s).
Let's Get Together for the End of the Year Party!
October 21, 2024
Come to CASRA's annual Town Hall Meeting on Friday, November 8 at Chicago Yacht Club Monroe Station to discuss survey results, and hear comments about the season and ideas for 2025. Town Hall will begin at 6 pm followed by the awards party with food, drink, and flags.
But first, CASRA needs your input! Please complete our Survey and make sure to forward it to your crew as well.
Everyone responding to the survey will receive a FREE DRINK at the end of year party.
Please RSVP to the party by Wednesday, November 6.
CASRA WANTS YOUR PHOTOS
Please help us honor and celebrate the Chicago Area Sail Racing from the 2024 season! Submit your racing photos and videos from your boat, the fleet, and/or crew comradery (quirks and all).
Images will be shared following the Town Hall Meeting at the End of Season Party.
Boater's Resource Guide to Safe Boating In Chicago
APRIL 18, 2024
The first rule in the Racing Rules of Sailing is Safety. Not only should all competitors practice safe boating during the conduct of a race we strongly encourage that safe boating is practiced at all times.
Chicago Harbors, managed by CASRA Sponsor Westrec Marinas, and the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee have prepared an informational pamphlet with a number of great resources related to safe boating.
We encourage everyone to download and read the pamphlet. Below, we have also included some of the key links in the pamphlet.
We have also provided a link to the Chicago Harbor Lock Safety Guide prepared by the US Army Corps of Engineers. We recommend anyone transiting through the Chicago Harbor Locks as part of their Spring delivery download and read this pamphlet as well.
Laws and Responsibilities
A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats(published by the United States Coast Guard)
Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities (published by IL DNR)
Boat Safety Courses
Safety Tips and Videos
2024 RACING SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
DECEMBER 18, 2023
Welcome to the 2024 Racing Season! The schedule of races is available below with full schedule details available HERE. The Rookie Regatta race dates are still in the works and will be added to the calendar when available. We will announce when registration is open a few weeks into the new year.
2023 Town Hall Meeting & End of the Year Party
NOVEMBER 20, 2023
Thank you to everyone who attended the CASRA End of Year Party and Town Hall on Friday! A special thanks to Columbia Yacht Club for hosting the event. It was a great opportunity to celebrate a great season of sailing. Congratulations to all of the Series Winners. A list of the winners is included at the end of this email.
We have posted some pictures from the party on our Facebook page as well as a Google Photos album.
The photo slide show that we presented at the party is available on YouTube. A special thanks to everyone who contributed photos.
While the 2023 season is "in the books" CASRA is already working hard on putting together the racing schedule for 2024. We will send an announcement once it is published. We will also be sending out announcements for various off-season events hosted by any of the CASRA yacht clubs. So, there is still plenty to come before the first boats are launched in 2024.
Boat of the Year Series winners
Buoy
Eagle - Shawn/Jerry O'Neill
Nyctosaur - Mark Fruin
Erica - Brian Kaczor
Nearshore Distance
Xuberance - Jeff Barton
Skye - Jeff & Jane Hoswell
Ohana - Robert Smetters
Port to Port
Sagamore - Bob Zeman, Laura and Tone Martin
The Asylum - Jon Weglarz
Kinship - Josh & Laura Lutton
Doublehanded
Exile - Andy Graff
Painkiller 5 - Alice Martin
Reject - Matthew Rubsam
Rookie Regatta
STEEL Dreamin’ - Patrick Wilson
Never Better - Daniel Pyne
Tranquillite - Mark Miller
Charity Challenge
A special thanks to those who participated in two or more of the charity events this year. The following will receive a Silver level commemorative flag at the End of Year party.
ARIA - Jim Banovitz & Gary Feracota
Bloody Mary - Dan Cooley
KAZE - Darren and Kristina Beck
Minister - Blane & Cindy Boynton
Mise en Place - Paul Thompson
If you are a CASRA series winner and were not able to attend the End of the Year party and claim your flag please send an email to info@chicagosailracing.org and we can work to get your flag to you.
Congratulations to the 2023 BOAT of the Year Winners!
NOVEMBER 10, 2023
Buoy
1. Eagle - Shawn/Jerry O'Neill
2. Nyctosaur - Mark Fruin
3. Erica - Brian Kaczor
Nearshore Distance
1. Xuberance - Jeff Barton
2. Skye - Jeff & Jane Hoswell
3. Ohana - Robert Smetters
Port to Port
1. Sagamore - Bob Zeman, Laura and Tone Martin
2. The Asylum - Jon Weglarz
3. Kinship - Josh & Laura Lutton
Doublehanded
1. Exile - Andy Graff
2. Painkiller 5 - Alice Martin
3. Reject - Matthew Rubsam
Charity Challenge
A special thanks to those who participated in two or more of the charity events this year. The following will receive a Silver level commemorative flag at the End of Year party.
ARIA - Jim Banovitz & Gary Feracota
Bloody Mary - Dan Cooley
KAZE - Darren and Kristina Beck
Minister - Blane & Cindy Boynton
Mise en Place - Paul Thompson
Awards for the Boat of the Year series will be presented at the End of Year Party.
CASRA Wants Your Photos!
OCTOBER 20, 2023
We want to get some highlights and an "insider's glimpse" of the 2023 sail racing season. Help us relive the fun at the Town Hall Meeting & End of Year Party. Submit your photos and short video clips from the 2023 season using this Google Form >
Let's Get Together for the End of the Year Party!
FRIDAY, November 17 th @ 6 PM — COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB
OCTOBER 20, 2023
Join us at Columbia Yacht Club for our annual Town Hall Meeting to discuss survey results and hear comments about this season and ideas for the 2024 season, followed by a terrific party, food, drink, and awards from the Clubs.
BUT FIRST… Respond to the Survey. The Clubs need your input about this year’s racing. NOT JUST OWNERS! The survey is for crew as well. Skippers, make sure you forward the survey to all your crew. EVERYONE RESPONDING TO THE SURVEY WILL RECEIVE A FREE DRINK at the End of the Year Party on November 17th.
THEN… RSVP to the party. One free drink ticket will be given for each RSVP response. RSVP by Wednesday, November 15th to secure your free drink ticket!
NOTICE: In order to receive your second free drink ticket, you must provide your name and email address to the last question of the survey asking you to provide your email to claim your free drink ticket.
CASRA Distance Races to Offer New Double-Handed Format
MAY 8, 2023
New this year, CASRA distance races will offer a scoring overlay for double-handed (DH) competitors. This means DH racers will start in the section (either one-design or MWPHRF) their boat would normally be in and scored in both that section and against all other DH boats in the race.
This will ensure DH racers will always have plenty of competitors, prevent traditional fleets from being fragmented, and give DH racers an opportunity to see how they perform against both fully crewed and DH competition. DH boats will also provide flexibility to race even if losing crew at the last minute. Entry to DH can take place before the race without a section change. Sailing DH is action-packed fun and a great opportunity to take your skills to a new level! See amended Distance NOR and Double-Handed NOS on the documents page for more details.
CASRA Welcomes Chicago Marine Rigging as Gold-Level Sponsor!
MAY 3, 2023
CASRA is proud to announce Chicago Marine Rigging is our newest Gold Level Sponsor for the 2023 Racing Season. Owner Don Massey brings years of experience to provide Chicago sailors with a full range of services, from standard lifelines, sheets, and halyards to custom solutions for your racing needs. Check out his flyer below and keep CMR in mind for your next rigging project.
2023 Registration is Now Open!
MARCH 3, 2023
Racing season is just a few weeks away, and registration is now open for most CASRA events.
Notes on our 2023 schedule:
Fees remain the same as last year:
One-day regattas $40 early entry (30 days prior) and $60 regular
Two-day regattas $60 early entry (30 days prior) and $80 regular
Due to popular demand, we have brought back Chicago Race Week. Check out the Notice of Series here.
We have expanded the Rookie Regatta to include 7 races this year! Help grow the sport and spread the word to your novice friends.
Please contact us at info@chicagosailracing.org with any questions.
Announcing the 2023 Racing Schedule & Off-Season Events
January 9, 2023
Happy New Year and welcome to the 2023 racing season! CASRA’s schedule has been published and can be viewed on our website. We will announce when NORs are available and registration opens in a few weeks. Meanwhile, the CASRA clubs offer several off-season educational and social events to keep you occupied while we’re on the hard. All of the events are free and open to the public.
CASRA Town Hall Meeting & End of Year Party - Friday, November 11th
October 17, 2022
Join us for a review and discussion of the annual survey results at our Town Hall Meeting at 6:00 pm. At 7:00 pm the party starts with food, beverages, award presentations, and a season celebration.
Town Hall Meeting
6:00 pm at Chicago Yacht Club - Monroe Station in the Main Dining room
End of Year Party and Boat of the Year Awards
7:00 pm in the Main Dining room
One free drink ticket to all who RSVP and a second free drink ticket to all who fill out the survey.
$20 Buffet, $6 Mount Gay Pours, $3 Beer specials
Awards will be handed out for the CASRA Boat of the Year Series, The Charity Challenge, and The Rookie Regatta
Any flags from the season that were not handed out or picked up will be available to claim.
Please forward this to your crew, and RSVP by 11/9/22 to secure your free drink ticket!
New Rookie Regatta Series for Novice Racers
June 20, 2022
Have you ever considered racing but don’t know where to start? Well CASRA (Chicago Area Sail Racing Association) has a new series just for you. The CASRA Rookie Regatta Series.
It is designed to get those new to racing sailboats an opportunity to try their hand at racing in a more relaxed environment. You will not be racing against “serious racers”. You will have easy-to-follow instructions and courses. You will have a “starting window” to ease tensions at the start. No spinnakers are required or allowed. Just a fun time and opportunity to “hone” some sailing skills.
To add to the fun, we will have dock parties at the various sponsoring yacht clubs following each race. Awards will be handed out and experienced racers will be on hand to answer any questions.
Still want some help? We have started a mentor program where you can get an experienced racer to ride along and coach you before and during the race.
The first race is on July 2nd so don’t delay. Please read the attached flyer for details. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions.
Dave Dickerson
Chairman Rookie Regatta Committee
CASRA
Dave@Dickerson1.com
CASRA Introduces Ahoy! Insurance as Newest Sponsor
Boat Insurance for boaters by boaters!
June 6, 2022
CASRA is proud to introduce Ahoy! Insurance as its newest Gold Level Sponsor.
Ahoy! Is a new breed of insurance company designed by people who understand and care about boating as much as you do. Innovative boating insurance, leveraging proactive, risk-reducing technology to keep the most exciting aspect of your life stress-free!
Ahoy! Insurance coverage provides:
Insurance policies tailored to the 21st-century boater's needs
Coverage for your cell phone in case it falls overboard
Mobile App focused on increasing safety and enjoyment while boating, including its patented Safe Navigation technology
Boat recovery Assistance Tag
On-water towing
Check out Ahoy! Insurance by clicking here for a quote today!!
CASRA Introduces Yacht Vitals as Newest Sponsor
Need work done on your boat?? Now you know who to call!!
APRIL 6, 2022
CASRA is pleased to introduce Yacht Vitals as its newest Gold level partner.
Yacht Vitals is a full-service company in Chicagoland which focuses all the repair, maintenance and service needs for your sailboat. Yacht Vitals has expertise in rigging, fiberglass, mechanical, electrical—virtually everything you need to keep your sailboat sailing!!! Yacht Vitals will also help make any modification to your boat, whether she’s a cruising or racing yacht. You need a boat delivered? Yacht Vitals has extensive experience delivering boats all around the world and would be happy to take care of yours.
Taking care of your boat just got easier with Yacht Vitals. You need some work on your boat? Now you know who to call.
Check out Yacht Vitals at yachtvitals.com. Or call at (312) 508-3158.
2022 Registration is Now Open!
APRIL 1, 2022
Racing season is finally just a few weeks away, and you can register today for most CASRA events. We’re still working on adding the final few links, and will keep you updated as we bring more races on-line for registration.
Some notes:
Fees remain the same as last year:
One-day regattas $40 early entry (30 days prior) and $60 regular
Two-day regattas $60 early early (30 days prior) and $80 regular
MWPHRF (formerly LMPHRF) Rating Certificates are now required for all distance racers, including One Design. To facilitate this new requirement, MWPHRF is offering new one design applicants a special rate of $20 through May 31, 2022 (normally $50). See below for details and coupon code.
We will provide double handed classes (given 4 or more registrants) for all distance races
We will provide single-handed classes (if petitioned by 4 or more registrants) for all port-to-port distance races
More to follow. We look forward to seeing you on the water soon. Please contact us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions.
MWPHRF Certificates for One Design Racers
APRIL 1, 2022
As outlined in the CASRA Distance NOR, an MWPHRF* rating certificate is now required for ALL racers including One Design classes. To facilitate a One Design boat obtaining an MWPHRF certificate for the first time, a special discount has been offered by MWPHRF. The current fee for obtaining a new certificate of $50 will be reduced to $20 for new applicants through May 31st of this year only. The application process for One Design is much easier than for a regular certificate – you are not required to provide measurements or sail certs – only to attest that you are racing your boat in compliance with the Class Rules of your OD.
To apply for your certificate email MWPHRF with the subject line “New OD Certificate” and you will receive a response with a login for the website, www.MWPHRF.org. Once logged in, use the coupon code “CASRA” in the online application process to receive your discount.
Please note, this only applies to the following MWPHRF designated OD classes: Ben36.7, Ben40.7, Cal 25OD, Catalina 22OD, Etchells, J109 LMod, J111, J22, J24, J70, Melges 24, S2 7.9 OB, S2 7.9 OD, Sonar, Star, Tartan Ten, Tartan Ten PHRF.
* Lake Michigan Performance Racing Fleet (LMPHRF) has expanded its coverage and is now known as Midwest PHRF (MWPHRF)
FREE Racing for 2022 Season? Help CASRA Identify Sponsors
FEBRuary 8, 2022
CASRA is looking for a few more select sponsors for the 2022 racing season, and would like your help.
As you probably know, CASRA is proud to have several sponsors to help us make racing in Chicago more fun and less expensive for all of us. North Sails, Skyway Yachtworks, Wintrust and Westrec have all been loyal sponsors of CASRA. For 2022, we are looking for a few more!
If you know anyone in the Chicagoland area that might benefit from an association with CASRA and its sailors, please let us know. If the lead turns into a CASRA Gold Level sponsor, we will waive your race fees for CASRA races for the entire 2022 racing season!
Some examples of product categories that might make sense are pizza restaurants, beer distributors, liquor companies, and/or any company who makes and sells gear for sailors!!
If you have any potential leads, please forward them to Tom Dickson at tdickson@prosportsmarketing.net.
Thanks in advance for your help!!
2022 RACE SCHEDULE
January 12, 2022
CASRA Sailors,
Happy New Year and welcome to the 2022 racing season! CASRA clubs have been busy over the holidays, planning the calendar for the upcoming year with an eye to providing Chicago racers with a full and varied season of events.
Our current 2022 schedule is now available. In response to your feedback last year, we’ve included a new Port-to-Port event and increased opportunities for shorthanded racing, in addition to our traditional races and regattas. We encourage you to review the schedule and make plans with your crew to join us often in 2022.
CASRA clubs will continue to collaborate, and we expect to add events in upcoming weeks. Look for further updates in the weeks to come, as well as notification when registration has opened.
Finally, racing in Chicago is planned, run, and scored by volunteers. Consider joining your Club’s race committee, Regatta planning group, or educational committee in 2022. You can help keep sailboat racing strong in Chicago.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Winter Seminar #1
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and the Chicago T-10 Association
Webinar “Moving On.” with sessions on how Marksetbots are changing racing and a session with Nick Fugate on safety equipment
Saturday, January 15
9:00 am to Noon
Nautical Education Series
Chicago Yacht Club
At Monroe Station and via Zoom
Open to members and non-members alike at no cost.
Saturday, January 15: Race to Mackinac Basics
2:00pm Session: So You Want to Do the Race to Mackinac?
3:00pm Session: ORC for the Race to Mackinac
Saturday, January 22: What’s New in Safety for the Mac Race
2:00 pm Session: What’s New in Safety for the Mac Race
2:30 pm Session: Life Jacket Clinic & Gear Expo
Chicago Yacht Club Safety at Sea Seminar: November 13-14
NOVEMBER 5, 2021
Start your preparations for the Race to Mackinac! Chicago Yacht Club is offering a Safety at Sea course next weekend, which will satisfy the Mac safety requirements. There are still a few spots left!
CASRA Town Hall Meeting& End of Year Party THIS FRIDAY!
NOVEMBER 1, 2021
Join us for a review and discussion of the survey results at our Town Hall Meeting. At 7:00 p.m. the party will move to the tent on the upper deck for food and beverages, live music, award presentations, and a celebration of the season to come, generously sponsored by Skyway Yacht Works and Juneshine Hard Kombucha.
Town Hall Meeting 6:00 pm on the Rail Deck
Free Revolution Beer/$3 Goslings & High Noons
End of Year Party 7:00 pm on the Aft Deck
Free Revolution Beer/$3 Goslings & High Noons
$20 Fajita Buffet
Live Music
IT’S YOUR TURN TO TELL US WHAT YOU WANT
OCTOBER 19, 2021
CASRA’s yearly racers’ survey is here -- your opportunity to lay it out for us. Please take a few minutes to let us know how we did this season and what you’d like to see next year. Your reward: better sailing in 2022 and everyone wins!
TAKE THE SURVEY >
CASRA Town Hall Meeting& End of Year Party
Presented by Skyway Yacht Works
Friday, November 5th
Columbia Yacht Club
Join us for a review and discussion of the survey results at our Town Hall Meeting. At 7:00 p.m. the party will move to the tent on the upper deck for food and beverages, live music, award presentations, and a celebration of the season to come, generously sponsored by Skyway Yacht Works and Juneshine Hard Kombucha.
Town Hall Meeting 6:00 pm on the Rail Deck
Free Revolution Beer/$3 Goslings & High Noons
End of Year Party 7:00 pm on the Aft Deck
Free Revolution Beer/$3 Goslings & High Noons
$20 Fajita Buffet
Live Music
CASRA Welcomes JuneShine as Gold-Level Sponsor!
July 8, 2021
CASRA is proud to announce JuneShine Kombucha is its newest Gold-Level sponsor — Honest alcohol for a healthier planet.
JuneShine started with a question: Why do we know so much about the food we eat, but not the alcohol we drink? There was a sustainable and transparently-produced option in nearly every consumer category--except alcohol. JuneShine grew frustrated by the lack of options that suited a healthy, active lifestyle, so they decided to brew their own. JuneShine is committed to offering better-for-you alcohol that supports a healthy, active lifestyle while positively impacting the environment.
JuneShine's purpose is to quench the thirst of the active, healthy, and adventurous spirit, while positively impacting the environment. How are they doing that? By brewing the highest quality hard jun kombucha.
Here's what makes JuneShine unique: These are their four key values
Transparency: Unlike most alcohol producers, JuneShine discloses every ingredient and publish nutrition facts for all of our products. They’re honest about what’s in our alcohol.
Quality: JuneShine never compromises on the quality of its ingredients. They always use real, whole, organic ingredients--never fake syrups, sweeteners, preservatives, additives, or colorings.
Sustainability: JuneShine incorporates the environment in everything they do. They donate one percent of sales to environmental nonprofits, are 100% carbon neutral, and their brewery runs on renewable solar energy.
Taste: Because JuneShine uses jun kombucha (green tea and honey) as the base for their hard kombucha, their product has the smoothest taste of any hard kombucha out there. Jun kombucha is nicknamed “the champagne of kombuchas” because it lacks that vinegary, acidic bite that many kombuchas are known for (due to their use of black tea and sugar).
JuneShine will be providing FREE SAMPLES of their products for sailors at 100 Boats on a Beer Can parties and the CASRA end-of-season party!
Important Racing Updates for the Next Two Weeks!
June 25, 2021
Sailors, please note the following updates regarding the Chicago racing schedule:
The Gold Star Regatta will be held this Sunday, June 27th. The Gold Star Regatta is designed to show support for the surviving families members of our fallen Chicago Police Officers. The distance portion of the Gold Star Regatta will occur as planned, but the buoy portion of the race has been cancelled. Please note change—and come out and enjoy the distance race this Saturday.
The Third Coast Cup for the weekend of July 3 and 4 has been cancelled. While the racing has been cancelled, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club will still be hosting an epic party on Saturday night, July 3 at CCYC, featuring Lurrie Bell, the legendary Chicago Blues guitarist. Come by CCYC for a few Independence day cocktails and some great music. What a great way to celebrate the holiday.
Finally, don’t forget to sign up for the RailDeck Rally on Saturday, July 10. The RailDeck Rally is the first of the series of three Rally races. These casual races feature a distance format and no-pressure starting sequence designed to be fun and stress-free. And, there is NO FEE as long as the participating boat has a slip in the Westrec system!! Sign up now for the first of this great series of fun racing.
2021 registration now open
MAY 18, 2021
Welcome, racers, to the 2021 racing season. We are excited to announce that registration is now open for you to sign up for racing. Please go to the Register page on the CASRA website and pick the races for which you want to register and click the link. You will be taken to Yachtscoring.com to register and pay for racing. Don’t forget to download race documents.
Please keep our sponsors in mind — CASRA cannot serve the racing community without their help. These friends of racing in Chicago are Westrec, Wintrust, North Sails, and Skyway Yacht Works.
We are up and running for the season because of the hard work done by Holly Kawula, Charles Chlipala, John Madey, Ted Jones, Matt Gallagher, and Ben White. Racing in Chicago is, largely, run by volunteers. Consider joining your Club’s race committee or other group and help keep sailboat racing strong in Chicago.
CASRA & Westrec Present The Rally Series
APRIL 19, 2021
CASRA Welcomes Skyway Yacht Works as Gold-Level Sponsor!
APRIL 8, 2021
Skyway Yacht Works came into being on October 1, 2004. They are located on the Calumet Ship Canal a little over a mile off of Lake Michigan on the southeast side of Chicago. With only 3 bridges to navigate, the trip to and from the yard is a snap. At 12 miles from Monroe and Dusable harbors, the trip can be made in an afternoon in a sailboat and about 40 minutes in a motor boat.
With a private slip off the Calumet, your boat is protected from ship traffic and the Skyway Bridge makes an excellent landmark.
Skyway offers heated storage and outside storage. For sailboats, there is no reason to step your mast, since the bridges all open and they open on demand 24-7-365.
Skyway is a family operation and has been from the beginning. They are Yanmar dealers, Kohler generator dealers, Certified Pettit applicators, and have extensive experience in diesel engine systems and Mercruiser drive assemblies.
Being a small yard, Skyway can be and is very responsive to customer requests with little or no notice. They have the ability to stop, drop, and roll in the event of an emergency or urgent work request, such as an upcoming regatta or family vacation.
Give Skyway a call at 773-734-7777 and see how they can help you make pleasure boating easier!
CASRA 2021 Racing Schedule Unveiled!
MARCH 2, 2021
Please find attached the racing calendar for 2021. The CASRA Board is planning for a normal racing season as we hope that the pandemic relents. We are pleased with the work the Board has done in trying to provide a variety of racing, buoy, distance, double-handed and racing for novice competitors.
The Clubs are presenting a mix of old favorites and some new events which we hope you enjoy. The CASRA Clubs have taken your comments, and comments from the one-design fleets, to build this season. We hope you enjoy it and continue to give CASRA your feedback.
Attend the CASRA Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration — Friday at 6:30 PM
NOVEMBER 3, 2020
We are looking forward to seeing you this Friday, November 6th at 6:30 PM for our Annual Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration. We are doing the event virtually this year. Zoom link and credentials are provided below:
Join Zoom Meeting >
Meeting ID: 881 7200 7970
Passcode: 382059
Please join us to hear about the 2020 survey results, what we have in store for 2021, and toast the winners of the major series events in 2020. Bring your favorite beverage!
As always, please share any questions or suggestions at info@chicagosailracing.org.
Virtual Town Hall Meeting – Friday, November 6
OCTOBER 13, 2020
Mark your calendar for the annual CASRA Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration, scheduled for Friday, November 6th at 1830 hours. We will run this event virtually via Zoom. We’ll share a recap of the season and the results of our annual survey, and give you a sense of what we are thinking about for 2021. We’ll also congratulate our Boat of the Year winners, which will be announced shortly.
Thanks to all of you who have taken our survey. If you have not yet done so, please take a few moments and share your thoughts. Click here to access the survey.
We look forward to seeing many of you virtually on November 6th. We’ll share the Zoom link in the coming days. As always, please share any questions via e-mail at info@chicagosailracing.org.
2020 POST-SeASON SURVEY
OCTOBER 9, 2020
Another racing season is in the books. Back in June, a lot of us wondered whether we would even have a season in 2020. We’re glad that many of you were able to get out on the water this year and enjoy some friendly competition. We are already planning for the 2021 season, which will hopefully not feature any COVID-related restrictions. To assist us in our planning efforts, please take a few moments to complete our post-season survey. We’ll present the results at our virtual Town Hall Meeting next month. Details to follow.
Those who complete the survey by Friday, October 23rd will have a chance to win a $25 Weather Mark Tavern gift card!
As always, please direct any questions to us at info@chicagosailracing.org. Safe travels to your boatyards, and we look forward to seeing you on the water next season!
100 BOATS ON A BEER CAN Photo Contest Winners
AUGUST 14, 2020
Congratulations to the winners of our 100 Boats on a Beer Can photo contest! All winners will receive a $25 gift certificate to Weather Mark Tavern. Winners will be contacted by e-mail re pickup of the card. Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to everyone for participating in the Second Annual 100 Boats on a Beer Can, presented by Wintrust!
Photo by Ben Marden
Photo by Hannah Weaver
Photo by Megan Stoll
Photo by Scott Eisenhardt
Photo by Steph Pelzer
CASRA SEASON UPDATE
JULY 9, 2020
We hope many of you have been enjoying the Social Distancing Series, and it’s great to see so many of you out on the race course again. There’s still time to sign up for the last three races of the series. Click here to enter. Burnham Park Yacht Club will publish an amendment with start times, section breaks, etc. shortly.
We know many of you are trying to plan your racing season. To that end, we are pleased to provide the following update:
Columbia Yacht Club will be hosting a combined COLORS/Columbia Cup event on August 1st and 2nd, which will feature both buoy and distance racing. CASRA will host 100 Boats on a Beer Can on Wednesday, August 5th. And Chicago Yacht Club will host the Offshore Verve Cup on August 7th, 8th, and 9th. Together, these races will comprise the second annual Chicago Race Week.
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club is still planning to host the Third Coast Cup on August 15 and 16. The current plan is to dock in North Point Marina, with each boat having their own slip in a socially distant manner.
Columbia Yacht Club is still planning to host the Leukemia Cup on Saturday, August 22nd. And Chicago Yacht Club will host the Inshore Verve Cup on the 22nd and 23rd.
Burnham Park Yacht Club and Jackson Park Yacht Club will host the Pursuit of Happiness weekend on August 29th and 30th. We are planning a socially distant event for the evening of the 29th in 31st Street Harbor.
With respect to the Tri-State, this event will proceed as a single race starting Friday night, rounding buoys in Michigan and Indiana, and returning to Chicago. No beach parties this year, unfortunately.
Chicago Yacht Club will host the Chicago Regatta on Saturday, September 12th and the Sheldon Clark Regatta on Saturday, September 19th.
Columbia Yacht Club will host the Three Crib Fiasco on Saturday, September 26th, and Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club will host the Red Flannels inshore event on the same weekend.
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club will host the Herb Kaczmarek Regatta on Saturday, October 3rd, with both buoy and distance racing. This will be the last CASRA race of the season.
Other notes for this season:
We will not use common race documents this year for buoy or distance races, given the differences between the various races this year.
We will not be offering the CASRA Inshore Championship this year, and will launch it in 2021.
We intend to offer a Casual series again in 2020, and will publish documents for those races shortly.
We are still working on developing a Charity Challenge series, and will update you as we finalize these plans.
We plan to offer a CASRA “Boat of the Year” Series in 2020, and will be publishing a Notice of Series for this competition shortly.
Watch for updates, entry portals, and race documents in the coming weeks. Thanks for your patience as we make necessary changes to the schedule and do our best to deliver the best possible 2020 racing season! As always, please share comments and questions at info@chicagosailracing.org.
REgistration open for CASRA SOCIAL DISTANCING SERIES
JUNE 30, 2020
Make plans to join us during the month of July for the CASRA Social Distancing Series. First race is Sunday, July 5th. Only $50 for four races! There’s something for everyone, including single handed, double-handed, casual, and handicap racing. Want a OD section? Get a bunch of your fellow fleet members to sign up, and we’ll hook you up with a one-design start. Sign up by clicking here.
Special thanks to North Sails and Manitowoc Marine for their support of the Social Distancing Series!
Sunday, July 5
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
Sunday, July 12
Burnham Park Yacht Club
Saturday, July 18
Chicago Yacht Club/Jackson Park Yacht Club
Saturday, July 25
Columbia Yacht Club
CASRA July Racing – It’s Happening
JUNE 25, 2020
July is right around the corner, and that means racing on Lake Michigan. Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club plans to kick off the beer can season with a pursuit-style tuneup race on Wednesday, July 1st. Please click here to learn more.
And on Sunday, July 5th, CCYC will kick off the CASRA racing season with the first Social Distancing Race. We are working on getting the entry system set up. In the meantime, the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions for the series are available by clicking here. Special thanks to North Sails and Manitowoc Marina for presenting these races!
We’ll send out a follow up e-mail with the link to the entry portal as soon as it’s available. As always, please direct any questions to info@chicagosailracing.org. See you on the water soon!
LET’S GEt RACING!
JUNE 17, 2020
As many of you know, the Chicago Harbors will open this coming Monday, June 22nd. We are excited to tell you that the first CASRA race has been scheduled for Sunday, July 5th, which will mark the beginning of CASRA’s new Social Distancing Series. We’ll have options available for short-handed crews, casual sailors, and everyone else looking to have fun on the water. There will be something for everyone! Watch for race documents, entry portals, and series race dates next week. We look forward to seeing you on the water soon.
Preliminary Plans for 2020 Racing Season
JUNE 9, 2020
2020 has proven to be a very challenging year. We want to thank everyone who completed our special 2020 Spring Survey. Your input has given us some great insight on planning for this season. At this point, we can now share some preliminary plans for 2020.
Like you, we have heard that harbors are opening “soon.” And we know that, based on your survey responses, many of you want to get on the water and have fun in a responsible way. Consistent with those goals, we plan to offer the First Annual (and hopefully only) CASRA Social Distancing Series, which will begin approximately two weeks after the harbors open and run through late July. All races originally planned as part of the 2020 CASRA schedule through Friday, July 31st will be cancelled or rescheduled. The Social Distancing Series will offer simple courses, single and double-handed sections, a casual section, simple start and finish procedures, brag flags awarded by contactless means, and prizes for the best masks. We will publish race dates, race documents, and further details as soon as possible after the City of Chicago announces a harbor opening date.
It is our hope that, during the months of August and September, we can develop a more traditional race schedule, which is likely to include race weekends, port to port races, and post-race celebrations to the extent possible. Moreover, we intend to offer racing well into mid-October, to give you all a chance to make up for lost time.
We look forward to seeing you on the water soon. As always, please share any thoughts, comments, or questions by e-mailing us at info@chicagosailracing.org.
2020 Spring Survey/Boater’s Pledge
MAY 19, 2020
The mooring balls are getting installed in Monroe Harbor, and boats are beginning to launch at Montrose and 31st Street. That’s some progress, right? Let’s hope that trend continues. We continue to plan for the 2020 season, and your feedback on our 2020 Spring Survey is helping us do that. To date, we have received over 250 responses! Thanks for your feedback. The survey will remain open until Thursday at noon. Please click here to access the survey. Some of you have advised us that the survey contains a “bad link.” This is actually not the result of the survey link, but of your e-mail server stripping out the content of the e-mail. If the link above doesn’t work, cut and paste the following address into your browser to access the survey:
Also, as many of you already know, our friends at Chicago Harbors have asked all boaters to take a “Boaters’ Pledge.” Some of you have correctly pointed out that the link to the pledge actually asks you to provide your e-mail address prior to showing you the text of the pledge. For your convenience, here’s the text:
I hereby affirm that I am a boater who is advocating for the safe and responsible opening of the Chicago Harbors. I recognize that due to the current public health crisis, recreation must be done in a conscionable manner incorporating the best current public health practices and policies. As a boater, I acknowledge that I have an enhanced social responsibility to enjoy the lakefront in a way that keeps my friends, family, and general public safe.
I understand that my actions affect others, and I pledge to recreate responsibly under the following guidelines once the harbors are allowed to open:
I will adhere to maximum capacity limits per vessel that are assigned based on boat size and current social distancing best practices.
I will practice strict hygiene procedures on the dock and on my vessel that include cleaning all touch points on my vessel with disinfectant before and after use, and otherwise adhere to current IDPH guidelines.
I agree to not raft my boat to other boats on the water and understand it will not be permitted until deemed safe to do so.
I will follow strict social distancing requirements while on docks, maintaining a safe separation with other persons, wearing a face mask when I cannot maintain that safe distance.
I will not engage in social gatherings while on the docks that are inconsistent with current maximum gathering policies set by the city and state.
I will recreate in a safe and responsible manner at all times and observe current local, state, and federal public health policies while doing so.
I further recognize that failure to observe municipal policies once the Chicago Harbors open may result in forfeiture of vessel mooring permits and other consequences.
Boating is a safe recreational activity and I look forward to contributing to a responsible 2020 Chicago boating season.
Please click here to sign the pledge. To date, more than 2,500 boats have signed on. Please consider joining them!
Currently, we are planning the first CASRA race for the weekend of June 20th. We will be touch with an initial schedule and information regarding race formats as soon as we know what will be allowed on the lakefront in the initial opening stages. We look forward to seeing many of you on the water soon!
2020 SpRING SURVEY
MAY 15, 2020
While the Chicago Harbors remain closed, the CASRA clubs are in the process of planning for the sailing season. We want to be as proactive as we can, and are interested in your thoughts regarding potential options for the sailing season. To help us plan for the eventual opening of the Chicago Harbors, please provide your feedback in a short survey, which can be accessed by clicking here.
We are giving away ten $25 gift certificates to the Weather Mark Tavern. If you would like to have a chance at winning one of these, please provide your name and e-mail in the survey response.
Thanks for your help. We'll do everything we can to provide you with the best racing season we can, and your input will help make that happen. Have a great weekend, and we hope to see you all on the water soon!
2020 SEASON UPDATE
MAY 4, 2020
Some of you may remember the Race to Mackinac in 2018. Many of us were sitting on the rail slogging to weather in 25-30 knots of breeze and 10 footers. A lot of us said “when is this going to end?” We find ourselves asking the very same question today. Earlier this week, we learned that the Chicago Harbors will be closed through the end of May. The CASRA clubs and our friends at Chicago Harbors have been in touch frequently to discuss impacts to the 2020 sailing season. Please check the Chicago Harbors website for updates at www.chicagoharbors.info/covid-19.
We know everyone is looking for some clarity, so here’s what we’re planning to do: First, all events on the 2020 CASRA calendar through Friday, June 19th will be cancelled or postponed. To the extent possible, we will attempt to reschedule these events for later in the summer. Second, we are prepared to modify, reschedule, and/or replace events scheduled after that date, so as to comply with requirements imposed by the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, or Chicago Harbors. Third, we’ll do our best to provide you with periodic updates. We may need to be creative, and try some new things, but we are excited for the challenge. And we’re pleased that many of our 2019 sponsors will be returning in 2020. We’ll share more information about our 2020 sponsors once the sailing season gets rolling.
During that Race to Mackinac, the winds and waves settled down, and we ended up with a nice ride to the Island. Let’s all stay on the rail, ride it out, and keep the boat moving as best as we can. As always, please share any thoughts or comments at info@chicagosailracing.org. We look forward to seeing you on the water soon!
2020 Season Update
APRIL 7, 2020
We’re glad to see that so many of you are still thinking about sailing – posting photos from prior years and hosting virtual crew parties. We’re doing the same, and we’re all looking forward to getting out on the water soon!
We’re preparing for the 2020 season, and have race documents loaded and ready for the currently-posted 2020 schedule. We have not yet published documents or opened registration, given the uncertainty surrounding what we’ll be able to do on the water this year. CASRA continues to monitor the current situation, including the status of local boatyards and the Chicago harbor system. We are considering all options, including cancelling, rescheduling, reformatting scheduled 2020 racing events, or creating new events. Whatever lemons we’re given, we’re going to do our best to make some good lemonade!
As always, we enjoy hearing from you. If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas re how the 2020 racing season should look, please e-mail us at info@chicagosailracing.org. We’ll provide additional updates in the coming weeks, and we look forward to seeing you on the water soon!
Update on COVID-19
MARCH 17, 2020
We know that many of you are getting bombarded with messages about the COVID-19 virus, along with long statements about their policies and procedures. We promise not to do that. We just want to share a few brief points:
Please stay healthy and safe, and do your part to keep everyone else healthy and safe too. Like a crew on a race, we are all depending on each other.
Not surprisingly, all of the seminars and events previously advertised are in “AP” mode. This includes the safety at sea course sponsored by CCYC, and the cruising safety and the race management seminars planned by CYC. We’ll be in touch with you and provide new dates once we have them.
We’re hunkered down like many of you are. Here’s the good news: We’re working on safety regulations, race documents, and sponsorship agreements, and are looking forward to sharing more details in the near future. We are planning for a great 2020 sailing season, and look forward to seeing you on the water often this season.
Stay tuned for more details, and contact us with any comments or questions at info@chicagosailracing.org.
Be safe on the lake this year!
FEBRUARY 27, 2020
Sign up today for one of these safety-at-sea seminars being offered by Chicagoland yacht clubs.
Sat, Mar 07 — US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea: One Day (COLYC)
Sun, Mar 08 — JPYC Safety at Sea Day 2 Seminar
Sat, Mar 14 — JPYC Safety at Sea Day 2 Seminar
Sun, Mar 15 — JPYC Safety at Sea Day 2 Seminar
Sat, Mar 28 — US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea: Session 1 (CCYC)
Sun, Mar 29 — US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea: Session 2 (CCYC)
CASRA Clubs offer over 20 seminars to get ready for sailing season. Sign up for one today!
JANUARY 27, 2020
Over the coming months, the five Chicago Yacht Clubs are offering seminars to help you become a better sailor. From racing seminars and safety-at-sea classes, to race management and first aid classes, there are over 20 opportunities in Chicago over the next few months to fine-tune your sailing skills to help you in the upcoming season. Check out the attached list and register today!
Sat, Feb 08 — T-10/CCYC Offshore Fleet Seminar
Wed, Feb 12 — North Sails Tactics on the Racecourse (COLYC)
Sat, Mar 07 — US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea: One Day (COLYC)
Sat, Mar 07 — T-10/CCYC Offshore Fleet Seminar
Sun, Mar 08 — PFD Clinic (CCYC)
Sun, Mar 08 — JPYC Safety at Sea Day 2 Seminar
Fri, Mar 13 — Dave Dellenbaugh Presentation (CYC)
Sat, Mar 14 — Dave Dellenbaugh Presentation (CYC)
Sat, Mar 14 — JPYC Safety at Sea Day 2 Seminar
Sun, Mar 15 — JPYC Safety at Sea Day 2 Seminar
Wed, Mar 25 — North Sails Distance Racing Strategies (COLYC)
Sat, Mar 28 — US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea: Session 1 (CCYC)
Sat, Mar 28 — Advanced Race Management (CYC)
Sun, Mar 29 — US Sailing Sanctioned International Offshore Safety at Sea: Session 2 (CCYC)
Sun, Mar 29 — Advanced Race Management (CYC)
Wed, Apr 01 — JPYC Sailing 101
Wed, Apr 01 — CCYC Crew School
Sat, Apr 04 — US Sailing Club Judge (COLYC)
Sat, Apr 04 — Race Management Refresher (CYC)
Wed, Apr 15 — North Sails Offshore One Design Racing (COLYC)
Sat, Apr 18 — US Sailing One Day Race Management (COLYC)
Thu, Apr 23 — CCYC Flare Demonstration
Sat, May 02 — Hands On Safety at Sea (CYC)
Sun, May 03 — Hands On Safety at Sea (CYC)
Sat, May 09 — First Aid/CPR/AED Certification #1 (CCYC)
Tue, May 12 — Crew U (CYC)
Fri, May 29 — Advanced Umpire Course (CYC)
Wally Cross coming to Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club for FREE racing seminar this Saturday!
JANUARY 13, 2020
Wally Cross, one of the premiere sailing professionals in the United States, is coming to Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club for a FREE seminar this Saturday, January 18, from 9:00 am-noon.
Wally will be covering a variety of topics including his exclusive “System Sailing” — a very analytic approach to helping you become a better racer! Wally will also be speaking about VMG and VMC sailing, as well as talking about his incredible experience in the 2019 Transpac race from California to Hawaii.
The weather may be cold outside, but it’s time to start thinking about some racing!!
2020 CASRA RACE SCHEDULE
JANUARY 8, 2020
Happy New Year! We are looking forward to seeing many of you at the boat show this weekend. We know that many of you will be reconnecting with your sailing friends, and begin the discussions about the 2020 season. So, we are pleased to publish the 2020 schedule for your review. Click here to access it on the website, and click here to download a PDF version. Here are the highlights:
CASRA will be offering inshore boats (including Etchells, Shields, Lasers, Rhodes 19s, Vanguard 15s, Tom 28s, Sonars, and Colgate 26s) the opportunity to compete in the CASRA Inshore Championship. The Inshore Championship will consist of four events: the Colors Regatta, the Red Horse Regatta, the Inshore Verve, and the Red Flannels Regatta. CASRA will award prizes to the overall winners in each section, and will also provide an overall award to the best performing boat in the entire fleet.
In response to your comments in the 2019 survey, CASRA is excited to offer a new port to port race. CCYC will run the new “Third Coast Cup” to North Point Harbor and back to Chicago during the weekend of August 15th and 16th. In conjunction with our Gold Level sponsor -- Westrec Marinas -- this event will feature slips for all participants and a great party on Saturday evening.
On the weekend of August 29th and 30th, Jackson Park Yacht Club and Burnham Park Yacht Club will offer the new “Pursuit of Happiness Regatta.” Saturday’s event will be a pursuit race, ending at 31st Street Harbor. Sunday’s event will be a distance race, which will end up downtown. The event will feature a terrific pool party at 31st Street Harbor, and all participants will be assigned their own slip, thanks to the support of Chicago Harbors. Each race (including the casual races) will offer overlay scoring for women skippers, with overall prizes for the best women skippers in each race and in the overall regatta.
The CASRA Casual Series will continue again in 2020, with five races in the series: the Ginny Waskel Casual Race; the Rail Deck Regatta; the Chicago Regatta; and both Pursuit of Happiness races. Casual racers, this will be a great opportunity to compete in some different kinds of events, and enjoy the post-race parties that keep so many sailors excited about our sport! Mark your calendars for all five of these events.
Building on the success of 2019, CASRA will offer Chicago Race Week once again, including the highly successful “100 Boats on a Beer Can.” We will be making some tweaks to the event, in response to the survey comments. Watch for race documents and further details in the coming weeks.
This year, at the request of shorthanded sailors, CASRA will be offering shorthanded sections in a number of races this year, including the Gold Star, the Michigan City race, the Leukemia Cup, the Bi-State, Colors, the Third Coast Cup, and the NOOD, Verve Cup, and Chicago Regatta distance races.
We encourage you to review the schedule, and make plans with your teammates to join us often in 2020. As always, please share any questions or comments at info@chicagosailracing.org!
CASRA Season Series Winners
October 31, 2019
Please join us in congratulating the winners of the CASRA Season Series. All winners will receive flags and Weather Mark Tavern gift cards at the Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration, to be held on Friday, November 8th at Columbia Yacht Club, beginning at 6:30 PM. Come and toast the winners, and hear about what we have in mind for 2020!
Chicago Race Week Awards
T-10
1st Place: Meat (Brian Kennalley, Edward Mui, Craig Roehl)
2nd Place: Water Works (Rick and Mary Ann Lillie)
3rd Place: Minister (Blane & Cindy Boynton)
Buoy
1st Place: Momentus (Kevin Saedi / Raman Yousefi)
2nd Place: Eagle (Jerry & Shawn O’Neill)
Distance
1st Place: Paradigm Shift (Dave Dickerson)
2nd Place: Valkyrie (Brian Bullock)
3rd Place: Mise En Place (Paul Thompson)
CASRA Casual Race Series Winners
Presented by Chicago Harbors
Spinnaker Section
1st Place: Exeter (John Notch)
2nd Place: Success (Kasey Iwasyk)
3rd Place: Paradigm Shift (Dave Dickerson)
Non-Spinnaker Section
1st Place: Solstice (Greg Bohmann)
2nd Place: Quicksilver (Vilia Sutkus-Kiela)
3rd Place: Jade (Mike Hoover)
CASRA Charity Challenge Winners
GOLD LEVEL
Flying Pig
Global Nomads
Jahazi
Lucy
Maskwa
Ohana
SILVER LEVEL
Archimedes III
Defiance
Heartbreaker
Ob La Di
Paradigm Shift
Spanker
Skye
End of Season Celebration — November 8th
October 24, 2019
Fellow racers, now that boats are stored for the winter, and before work begins preparing for the 2020 season, we look forward to sharing your survey results and raising a glass while awards are presented to relive the 2019 season. We hope to see you all at CASRA's 2019 Town Hall and End of Season Celebration starting at 6:30 om Nov 8th at ColYC.
We Need YOur Feedback!
October 4, 2019
Dear CASRA Sailors,
The end of the 2019 racing season is fast approaching. Thanks to all of you who came out and joined us on the water this year!
We are already in the process of planning for 2020. Please help us by providing your feedback. Click here to access the survey.
Also, please make plans to join us for the Annual Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration on Friday, November 8th at Columbia Yacht Club. We’ll present the result of the survey, tell you what we have in mind for next season, get your feedback and ideas, and then hit the bar. Awards will be on hand from CASRA clubs that did not present them in connection with the event, and there will be free beer and live music, thanks to the support of our CASRA sponsors. No cover charge for CASRA sailors.
Thanks in advance for your feedback, and we look forward to seeing you on November 8th.
Greg Miarecki
President
Chicago Area Sail Racing Association
info@chicagosailracing.org
Special Offer from LMPHRF
September 11, 2019
Some of you have asked us about how to obtain an LMPHRF certificate, including many skippers who have purchased new boats! Here’s a great offer from LMPHRF: If you wish to obtain a 2019 LMPHRF certificate, you can do so for no charge. This opportunity gives you the chance to see what your rating would be, and to get your boat into the LMPHRF system. In this manner, your renewal for 2020 would be that much quicker, and would qualify for a renewal fee rate. This offer is good through November 30th. Please visit www.lmphrf.org for more information.
Chicago race week is coming soon!
July 12, 2019
Good luck to everyone participating in the Mac Race this weekend. When you are talking with your watch mates during the light air portion of this race, talk about this: This year’s First Annual Chicago Race Week will run from August 3-11. Offshore boats will compete in the Columbia Cup, the 100 Boats on a Beer Can, and the Verve Cup Offshore Regatta. These races will be scored as a series, and overall winners will receive Chicago Race Week awards. Click here to review the Notice of Series for Chicago Race Week, and plan competing in all of these events.
And remember that CASRA Gold Level sponsor Manitowoc Marina is offering a special deal to all Mac racers returning from the race. For the first ten boats to make a reservation, dockage for one night will be FREE! For all other boats, dockage for one night will be 50% off! Call the Marina at 920-682-5117 for a reservation and use code MMCASRA19.
Join Us For the 100 Boats on a Beer Can!
Tuesday-Wednesday, August 6-7
JUNE 25, 2019
As part of the First Annual Chicago Race Week, CASRA and its member clubs are excited to announce that a new event – the 100 Boats on a Beer Can, presented by Wintrust, will run off Chicago’s lakefront on Tuesday, August 6th and Wednesday, August 7th. Tuesday evening will feature an evening “beer can” race, where you can pick one of three starting locations – off Montrose Harbor, Monroe Harbor, or Jackson Park Harbor. All three races will feature a single mass start. From the start, all three races will converge on the Four Mile Crib, and race the last leg together to the finish line off CASRA Area E – near the Monroe Harbor entrance. Each race will be scored separately. CASRA, in conjunction with Chicago Yacht Club, will host a post-race party at CYC’s Monroe Station. Overnight docking will be available at both CYC and Columbia Yacht Club. Winners will receive brag flags, and all participants will enjoy live music, food specials, and a free pour of Goslings Rum.
On Wednesday, August 7th, all boats will compete on a single race course off Monroe Harbor, using the Dever Crib and the Four Mile Crib as marks. This race will also feature a mass start, with all “100 boats on a beer can” (hopefully more) on a single line. After racing on Wednesday, plan on returning to Columbia Yacht Club, where CASRA and Columbia will host a post-race party with more food, live music, and a free pour from Goslings. Again, overnight docking will be available at CYC and ColYC. Winners of the Wednesday race and the two-race series will receive brag flags.
Through this new event, CASRA looks to get boats from across the Chicago lakefront in a fun, low-key event, with simple race courses, and some fun post-race parties. We are delighted to welcome Wintrust, a CASRA Gold Level Sponsor, back as the Presenting Sponsor of the 100 Boats on a Beer Can. And we are also pleased to welcome Goslings as a Bronze Level sponsor of CASRA, as a co-sponsor of the event. Thanks to the generous support of Wintrust, CASRA’s member clubs are pleased to offer this event free of charge to all boaters. Please click here to review the Notice of Series. Sailing instructions will be published by July 15th. Entry is now open, so please register today by clicking the link below, talk it up with your skippers, crews, and friends and plan to be one of the “100 Boats on a Beer Can” this year!
As always, please send us comments or questions at info@chicagosailracing.org. We’re looking forward to seeing you on the (very long) start line at this event!
Early Entry Fee for Upcoming Races Ends Tomorrow!
MAY 21, 2019
As a reminder, the entry system is open for our early season races. Come out and race the Spring Opener and Olympic Cup this weekend!
Enter the Spring Opener, Olympic Cup, Gold Star Regatta, Zukasky Memorial, and the Waukegan Races by tomorrow in order to take advantage of the Early Entry Fee – only $40! Click here to register.
Please e-mail us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions. See you on the water!
Pinnacle Yachts Returns as CASRA Sponsor
MAY 16, 2019
We are pleased to announce that Pinnacle Yachts has, once again, joined the ranks of CASRA Gold Level Sponsors in 2019. Pinnacle Yachts is the preeminent fractional ownership company in Chicago, and (like CASRA) works to get more people into boating in Chicagoland. Pinnacle has supported CASRA from its inception, and this year, you will see a number of Pinnacle boats on the water supporting our CASRA Race Committees. In addition, Pinnacle has donated a number of “river cruise” evenings, which CASRA clubs will offer as auction items to support its various charity regattas in 2019.
As part of the 2019 racing season, CASRA will once again feature the “CASRA Charity Challenge.” The Charity Challenge consists of three different events: the Gold Star Regatta; the Leukemia Cup; and the Chicago Regatta. All three events focus on raising funds for worthy charities making an impact in the Chicago area. CASRA racers can help support these charities by participating in this events. Boats competing in two of the three events will receive a Charity Challenge Silver Level brag flags. Boats competing in all three events will receive a Charity Challenge Gold Level brag flag. The Pinnacle Yachts river cruises will be offered as auction items for these events, and proceeds will benefit each event’s respective charity.
CASRA is grateful to Pinnacle Yachts for its support of racing in Chicago, and the charities benefitting from this year’s CASRA Charity Challenge. Please register for all three events by clicking here!
Exciting Racing and Events – Don’t Miss Them!
MAY 14, 2019
The weather is warming up, and so is the sailing season. Remember that registration for the 2019 season is now open! Click here to register for CASRA events. This year, we are offering an Early Entry Fee if you register for races more than 30 days I in advance. In order to take advantage of this discounted fee for the Spring Opener, the Olympic Cup, the Gold Star, the Zukasky, and the Waukegan Weekend, you must register by Wednesday, May 22nd. Remember, you can request a refund of entry fees if your plans change, so it pays to sign up ASAP!
We’ve got some other terrific things going on too:
This Thursday, May 16th, from 6 PM to 8 PM, Chicago Yacht Club will host an open house for all sailors interested in learning about CYC’s keelboat program. Both members and non-members can participate in CYC’s keelboat program, which will feature match racing, team racing, and fleet racing in CYC’s Sonars and Tom 28s. This event is free, and will take place at CYC’s Belmont Station. Please click here to learn more. No registration is required.
On Saturday, June 15th, from 9 AM to noon, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club will be hosting a PFD clinic. If you have not inspected your PFD yet, this is a great seminar to attend. Click here to learn more and to register.
On Saturday, June 22nd, Jackson Park Yacht Club will be hosting a Junior Safety at Sea seminar. This seminar is ideal for all kids doing the Race to Mackinac, and will satisfy Race to Mackinac Safety at Sea requirements. Click here to learn more and to register.
As always, please e-mail us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions. See you on the water soon!
Enter 2019 CASRA Races Today!
MAY 3, 2019
We’ve seen many of you in the boatyards recently, and kudos to those of you who have braved the elements to launch your boats already! The racing season starts in three weeks. We are pleased to announce that registration for the 2019 season is now open!
Click here to register for CASRA events. To date, we have registration links available for most races. We’re still working on adding the final few links, and will keep you updated as we bring more races on-line for registration.
You may recall that, in 2018, the standard CASRA entry fee was $45 for entries received by the end of May, and $55 thereafter. This year, we’re doing it a little differently. This year, the Early Entry Fee is only $40 (a price cut!) if you register within 30 days of a race, and the Regular Entry Fee is $60. And for the early season races in May and mid-June, we’re allowing everyone to get the Early Entry Fee if they sign up by Wednesday, May 22nd. Remember, you can request a refund of entry fees if your plans change, so it pays to sign up ASAP!
Notices of Race and Sailing Instructions for those CASRA races using the so-called “common race documents” are available. Click here to review them. Race documents will also be posted in each race’s Yacht Scoring page for easy reference.
This year, you will not need to upload copies of your LMPHRF certificate to Railmeets. Thanks to our friends at LMPHRF, certificates are now electronically available to us already.
For those of you racing in one-design sections, OD fleets are required to advise us which races they want a OD start by May 15th. We’ll contact fleet captains individually to remind them of this deadline, and will work with them to make sure you have the starts you want.
More to follow. We look forward to seeing you on the water often this year. Please contact us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions. Thanks!
Join a Race Committee in 2019!
April 2, 2019
We all love to race sailboats! But we couldn’t race without the help of our terrific Race Committees. Would you like to learn more about doing Race Committee work, and perhaps be part of a Race Committee team in 2019? All of our Race Committee love to welcome new people, especially sailors who understand racing. We have some great educational opportunities to learn about Race Committee coming up:
This Saturday, April 6th, the Chicago Yacht Club Race Committee will host its annual Spring Refresher. This session is great for new and experienced Race Committee volunteers. This event is free, and will be held at CYC’s Belmont Station, beginning at 10 AM. E-mail CYC Race Committee Chair Alina Dix at alina.k.dix@gmail.com to RSVP.
On Saturday, April 13th, Columbia Yacht Club will host its annual Race Committee class, with multiple speakers on topics such as race logistics, race documents, starting and finishing procedures, flags, timing, and scoring. This event is free, begins at 10 AM, and will be held at Columbia Yacht Club. E-mail Columbia Yacht Club’s Tom Hytry at tom@hytry.net to RSVP.
On Saturday, April 27th, Columbia Yacht Club will host a US Sailing One Day Race Management Seminar. A registration fee of $60 includes US Sailing course materials, on-line link for testing post seminar, and lunch. For more information contact Columbia Yacht Club’s Kurt Thomsen (kurt@colyc.org), or enroll by visiting ussailing.org. Spaces are still available.
Please consider attending one or more of these terrific events!
Best Boat Photo — Congratulations to Rick Reed, winner of a bottle of Gosling’s Rum!
Best Crew Photo — Congratulations to J.R. Thomas, winner of a bottle of Gosling’s Rum!
Best Photos of Kids Sailing — Congratulations to Lou Sandoval, winner of a North Duffel Bag!
Best Video — Congratulations to Tom Grove, winner of a North Duffel Bag!
Best Photo From a Race Hosted by a CASRA Club — Congratulations to Michael Platzke, winner of a season-long subscription of Honey Jug Service!
Upcoming Educational Opportunities
MARCH 12, 2019
Happy Tuesday, fellow sailors! CASRA Week worked! The weather is already warming up. We’ll be announcing winners of our various photo contests later this week. In the meantime, mark your calendar for the following great events:
This Saturday, from 9 AM to noon, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club is hosting a talk on the Racing Rules of Sailing by CASRA Chief Judge Ted Jones. Coffee and breakfast treats will be provided, and all are welcome. Please RSVP to: sfink26340@aol.com and add questions you’d like discussed. This is a FREE event. Click here to see the event flyer.
On Sunday, March 24th, from 2:30 PM to 4 PM, Chicago Yacht Club is hosting a Lifejacket Clinic. Come talk with industry professionals about lifejackets, and have them take a look at yours. Please contact the Chicago Yacht Club Front Desk at (312) 861-7777 to register. This is a FREE event. Click here to see the event flyer!
This April, Jackson Park Yacht Club will be hosting a four-session “Sailing 101” course. This is a great option for anyone who wants to learn the basics of sailing. Click here to see the event flyer and registration details.
CASRA Casual Series Presented by Chicago Harbors
MARCH 8, 2019
Happy Friday. Today, for “Casual Friday,” we’ll focus on the CASRA Casual Race Series, presented by Chicago Harbors. CASRA first launched this series in 2017, and it has gotten more than 40 new boats out racing. This year’s Casual Race Series will consist of six races: the Columbia Rail Deck Race; the Marty Finerty Casual Race; the Ginny Waskel Casual Race; the Verve Cup; the Lutz Regatta; and the Chicago Regatta. This year’s Casual Race Series will offer an easy and fun way to enjoy racing. Simple, short courses. An easy to understand starting sequence. Racing for both spinnaker and jib and main competitors. If you (or friends and family) are thinking about trying racing for the first time, or want to have newer crew members try some new roles, this is a perfect opportunity!
The race names you see above are part of our history. Some are named for Past Commodores of our respective clubs (Commodores Waskel and Finerty.) Others are named for iconic trophies (the Verve Cup and the Lutz Trophy), and still others are named for key areas of our clubs (the Columbia Yacht Club Rail Deck). One is part of a charitable fundraiser (the Chicago Regatta.) And while the names and clubs might differ – the concept is the same. We want you to come out and enjoy your Lake Michigan with friends and family!
The CASRA Casual Series will once again be free for all boats berthed in the Chicago Harbors, thanks to the generous support of Westrec Marinas. Westrec has been a CASRA Gold Level sponsor since the founding of CASRA, and will return as a Gold Level sponsor in 2019. “We are very pleased to work with CASRA once again, and are especially pleased to present the CASRA Casual Series in 2019,” noted Scott Stevenson, Executive Vice President of Westrec Marinas. “We’re planning on offering some terrific prizes for the winners again this year,” Stevenson added.
Today’s our last contest. Send us your favorite photo involving a CASRA race from last year. Photos submitted in response to previous contests this week are not eligible. One lucky winner will receive a full season of Honey Jug service, courtesy of Westrec Marinas! (Valued at more than $200!) No need to pump out in 2019. How great would that be? Please submit all photos by 9 AM on Monday, March 11th to info@chicagosailracing.org.
Finally, make sure your crew and sailing friends are signed up for CASRA e-mails by visiting www.chicagosailracing.org. One lucky new subscriber will win a $50 gift certificate to Weather Mark Tavern, as will the person who referred them!
Thanks to many of you for participating in our various promotions this week, and for your many kind notes and comments. We have more exciting announcements to share in the coming weeks, so please stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, send us any questions or comments at info@chicagosailracing.org. We look forward to seeing you on the water soon!
North Sails Named CASRA Exclusive Sailmaker Through 2021
March 7, 2019
Welcome to Thursday of CASRA Week! As many of you know, CASRA is fortunate to receive strong support from incredible partners in the boating industry. North Sails has supported CASRA from its inception as a Gold Level sponsor. Today, we are proud to announce that North will return as a Gold Level Sponsor, and will be CASRA’s exclusive sailmaking partner through at least the end of 2021. Greg Miarecki, CASRA President, commented that “CASRA is thrilled to expand its relationship with North, and greatly appreciates North’s commitment to helping CASRA grow and foster sailboat racing in Chicago.”
CASRA will work closely with Perry Lewis, Keith Church, and the entire North team to continue growing our sport in Chicago: Perry and Keith put it nicely: “North Sails Chicago is honored and excited to be the exclusive sailmaking partner with the Chicago Area Sail Racing Association. We have made a three-year commitment to bring our resources and expertise to help foster a future of competitive, educational and fun sailboat racing in the Chicago area.”
Thanks to all of you for your terrific photo submissions this week! We’ve enjoyed seeing them all, and are looking forward to announcing winners soon. Today, we’re switching it up: Send us your best video of sailing on your boat to info@chicagosailracing.org. One lucky winner will receive a duffel bag, courtesy of CASRA’s exclusive sailmaking partner – North Sails! Please submit all videos by 9 AM on Monday, March 11th to info@chicagosailracing.org.
And remember, during ALL of CASRA Week, you’ve got another chance to win. Make sure your crew and sailing friends are signed up for CASRA e-mails by visiting www.chicagosailracing.org. We expect lots of new subscribers this week. One lucky new subscriber will win a $50 gift certificate to Weather Mark Tavern. And better still, the person who referred them will ALSO win a $50 gift certificate! Send a note to everyone in that crew photo, and encourage them to sign up for Chicago racing updates at www.chicagosailracing.org.
Stay tuned for another CASRA Week feature tomorrow. Send us any questions or comments at info@chicagosailracing.org.
Chicago Junior Race Week
MARCH 6, 2019
Happy Wednesday. Yeah, it’s still winter. But forget about that, though. Yesterday, we told you about Chicago Race Week. We know you’re thinking “that’ll be a good time, and I’m definitely going to be there for that.” Here’s more good stuff: As part of Chicago Race Week, CASRA’s five member clubs are also offering the third annual “Chicago Junior Race Week.” Chicago Junior Race Week features six amazing days of racing up and down the Chicago lakefront for hundreds of kids from Chicago and across the country! On August 2-4, you’ll see 420s, Lasers, Optimists, and beginner racers competing off Belmont, Montrose, and Jackson Park Harbors. On August 5, the kids will compete in a junior distance race from Belmont to Monroe Harbors. Once arriving at Monroe Harbor, Optis, Lasers and 420s roll right into Columbia Yacht Club’s Skyline Regatta on August 6 and 7. Fun social events will be open to all, and we encourage CASRA racers to volunteer to help run this great event for the next generation of racers. For more information, visit www.chicagojrw.com or follow CJRW on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoJRW.
And, now for today’s chance for swag opportunity: Send us a photo of kids sailing on your boat. Actually, we’re not too picky – it doesn’t have to be your boat. Any boat is fine with us. One lucky winner will receive a sharp North Sails duffel bag, courtesy of our friends from North Sails. We need your photos by Friday, March 8th to info@chicagosailracing.org.
Chicago Race Week
MARCH 5, 2019
There’s ice floating in Lake Michigan, so it’s hard to believe that we are only five months away from the first annual Chicago Race Week. Chicago Race Week opens with Columbia Yacht Club’s Columbia Cup on August 3-4, and ends with Chicago Yacht Club’s Verve Cup on August 9-11. Midweek, CASRA clubs will offer the new “Hundred Boats on a Beer Can” series. On Tuesday, August 6th, CASRA clubs will run three separate races – one from downtown, one from the north side of the city, and one from the south, all finishing together off downtown. We’ll have a terrific party at Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Station on Tuesday night, and participating boats can dock at both clubs in Monroe Harbor free of charge. On Wednesday, August 7th, all boats will race on a single race course, with a post-race party and awards at Columbia Yacht Club. And on Thursday, August 8th, Chicago Yacht Club will host a Dragon Force 65 event in Monroe Harbor.
We will award Chicago Race Week prizes on Sunday, August 11th, in conjunction with the Verve Cup awards. We will outline series scoring in a Notice of Series that will issue alongside other race documents during the month of April. Mark your calendars for this new event, and stay tuned for additional information as the season gets closer!
Now for the contest of the day: Send us your best crew picture! How easy is that? One lucky winner will receive a bottle of Gosling’s Rum. Photos must be received by Thursday, March 7th via e-mail at info@chicagosailracing.org.
And remember, during ALL of CASRA Week, you’ve got another chance to win.Make sure your crew and sailing friends are signed up for CASRA e-mails by visiting www.chicagosailracing.org. We expect lots of new subscribers this week. One lucky new subscriber will win a $50 gift certificate to Weather Mark Tavern. And better still, the person who referred them will ALSO win a $50 gift certificate! Send a note to everyone in that crew photo, and encourage them to sign up for Chicago racing updates at www.chicagosailracing.org.
Stay tuned for another CASRA Week feature tomorrow. Send us any questions or comments at info@chicagosailracing.org.
Welcome to CASRA Week!
MARCH 4, 2019
Happy March, everyone! We woke up to below zero temperature readings today. We’re all tired of winter, right? Let’s start thinking about the sailing season, so welcome to CASRA Week! Each day this week, we’re going to highlight one aspect of the 2019 race schedule, and run some fun contests and promotions. Today, we’re going to focus on TWO new classes of racing in 2019:
30 and Under Class: This year, CASRA will offer racing for a new “30 and Under” class in select races. The “30 and Under” class will consist of all boats 30 feet or less LOA, and an LMPHRF rating no faster than 114. Do you have a J-24? A Kirby 25? Or maybe a Catalina 30? This new class is especially for you! We’re offering “30 and Under” classes in the Colors Inshore Regatta, the Gold Star Regatta, the Hobelman Inshore Regatta, the Stripes Regatta, the new “Jack and Back,” the Verve Cup Inshore Regatta, and the Chicago Regatta. If you have a qualifying boat, plan on participating in this new class! If you know of someone who’d be a good fit for this class, please encourage them to sign up!
Double-Handed Class: This year, we’re also offering double-handed sections in the Gold Star Regatta, the Leukemia Cup, the Bi-State (both legs), and the Chicago Regatta. Many of you have asked for such a section. Grab a friend (only one in this case) and plan on joining us!
Now for the contest of the day: Send us the best picture of your boat under sail! One lucky winner will receive a bottle of Gosling’s Rum. Photos must be received by Thursday, March 7th via e-mail at info@chicagosailracing.org.
And during ALL of CASRA Week, you’ve got another chance to win. Make sure your crew and sailing friends are signed up for CASRA e-mails by visiting www.chicagosailracing.org. We expect lots of new subscribers this week. One lucky new subscriber will win a $50 gift certificate to Weather Mark Tavern. And better still, the person who referred them will ALSO win a $50 gift certificate! It’s a great way to get your crew party started!
Stay tuned for another CASRA Week feature tomorrow. Send us any questions or comments at info@chicagosailracing.org. Stay warm!
CYC Race to Mackinac & Upcoming Seminars Information
FEBRUARY 25, 2019
Chicago Yacht Club has released its report concerning the fatality that occurred during the 2018 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. Please click here to access the report. Additionally, CYC has provided a presentation regarding “What’s New” with the 111th Race. Click here to check out the slides from this presentation.
During March, CYC is offering three different seminars, open to all CASRA sailors. Please review the information below. Space is limited, so please register ASAP.
Crew Finder Meet, Greet, and Learn
Sunday, March 3rd – 1 PM to 5 PM
Complimentary appetizers and cash bar during the event. Everyone is welcome, from any club, on any boat or anybody who wants to sail! The whole point is to put crew and potential crew, beginners to advanced, together with boat owners to exchange information and then enjoy a one- hour presentation on Downwind Heavy Weather Racing by Perry Lewis of North Sails. This is open to all sailors. Please invite anyone you know who may want to sail and who may need to find a boat to sail on. Click here to register.
Strategy & Tactics Seminar – Drones-Eye View
Friday, March 8th – 6 PM to 8 PM
$25 CYC Members, $30 Non-Members. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar during the event. This seminar takes a look at strategy and tactics around the racecourse through the eyes of a drone above the fleet. It examines and explains common situations at the start, first beat, windward mark, run, leeward mark, gate and finish. Covers strategic options, boat-on-boat moves and rules. Seminar presenter will be Dave Dellenbaugh, publisher of the Speed & Smarts newsletter, 4-time America's Cup competitor and multi-national champion. To register, please call CYC at (312) 861-7777. Click here for additional information.
Strategy and Tactics Seminar – Starting and Mark Rounding
Saturday, March 9th – 9 AM to 4 PM
$65 CYC Members, $75 Non-Members. Includes pastries & beverages in the morning and boxed lunches in the afternoon. These seminars examine the strategy and tactics of Starting and Mark Rounding. Starting topics will include starting philosophy, pre-start planning, picking a place to start, the importance of line bias, using a line sight, current, defending your hole, making a final approach, coming off the line, troubleshooting, evaluating risk and key racing rules. Mark Rounding topics include turning mechanics, boat-on-boat tactics, strategic vs. tactical roundings, exit strategies, rounding a gate mark, how to finish ahead of nearby boats and everything you need to know about mark-room. Seminar presenter will be Dave Dellenbaugh. To register, please call CYC at (312) 861-7777. Click here for additional information.
Exciting Updates About LMPHRF
FEBRUARY 18, 2019
During the past several months, CASRA clubs have been engaged in a good dialogue with a new management team at LMPHRF, led by Executive Director Keith Stauber. We can report that Keith and his team are working hard to make LMPHRF better. As part of this effort, you can apply for your LMPHRF certificate on-line in 2019! Some quick facts:
If your boat had an LMPHRF certificate in 2018, you should have received information about the new on-line application process. If LMPHRF had your e-mail, it attempted to send you this information via e-mail, which contained a login ID and initial password. Please use these credentials to go online and renew your certificate.
If your boat had an LMPHRF certificate in 2018, and you did NOT receive an e-mail, please contact LMPHRF via e-mail at lmphrf@lmphrf.org ASAP to request a login ID and password.
If anyone has a new boat or would like to apply for a LMPHRF certificate for the first time (or after a lapse), you can begin the process by sending an email to lmphrf@lmphrf.org requesting a login ID and password.
As part of the new on-line application or renewal process, you’ll be asked information about your boat. Please make every effort to ensure that your information is correct. You may wish to review other sisterships in the LMPHRF database if you are in doubt as to specific measurements.
You can pay for your 2019 certificate on-line through PayPal. Both renewals and new applications are $55 prior to March 15, and will increase to $75 thereafter, so don’t delay in renewing.
LMPHRF will begin issuing certificates after it has had a chance to review submitted data, which will take several weeks, so please be patient!
We strongly recommend that you check out the LMPHRF website for more information about the new on-line system. Click here to learn more about the process.
Want to learn even more about LMPHRF and how it works? CCYC is hosting an LMPHRF information session on Saturday, February 23rd from 1-3 PM. Click here to learn more.
Thanks to our friends at LMPHRF for listening to the sailors and making it easier to race in Chicago this year!
Upcoming CASRA Club Safety Training
JANUARY 28, 2019
We encourage you to take advantage of numerous safety programs offered by CASRA member clubs and US Sailing. As a reminder, the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac (“CYCRTM”) is requiring that 50 percent of all participating crew members hold a current certificate (valid for 5 years) in either the Safety at Sea basic course (“Day One”) or Safety at Sea Hands on Training course (“Day Two”). The CYCRTM is recommending that at least 30 percent of all crew members be certified in Safety at Sea Hands On Training course.
Note: A valid certificate in Safety at Sea basic course is required to enroll in the Safety at Sea Hands on Training course.
Additionally, the CYCRTM is requiring that “100% of minor crew members must have safety at sea training - either US Sailing Offshore or International Offshore with hands on training, or Storm Trysail Junior Safety at Sea training.”
The following information regarding these programs should be of use:
On-line — US Sailing
US Sailing offers the Offshore Safety at Sea basic course on-line. Click here to learn more and to take the course.
February 23 — CCYC
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club will offer a Winter Seminar featuring registered nurse and USGC 100 Ton Captain Shelly Galligan, who will speak about medical emergencies. Course will be held at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club from 9 AM to noon. Register by e-mailing Steve Fink at sfink26340@aol.com.
March 16 — ColYC
Columbia Yacht Club will offer a live Offshore Safety at Sea basic course on March 16th. Course will be held at Columbia Yacht club, and include a buffet lunch. Direct questions to Kurt Thomsen at (312) 938-3625 or at kurt@colyc.org. Register here >
March 17, March 23, and March 24 — JPYC
Jackson Park Yacht Club will offer Offshore Safety at Sea Hands On Training courses on March 17th, March 23rd, and March 24th. Courses will be held at JPYC and the IIT Keating Sports Center, 3040 S. Wabash, and will be moderated by Bryan Adams. Direct questions to David Ward at (773) 531-8037 or at jpycevents@gmail.com. Register here >
March 24 — CYC
Chicago Yacht Club will host a Lifejacket Clinic on March 24th at Monroe Station. Industry experts will be on-site to assist and review the mechanics of inflatable PFDs, and other safety equipment in this hands-on clinic. More details will follow in the near future.
May 4 and 5 — CYC
Chicago Yacht Club will offer an International Offshore Safety at Sea with Hands on Training. Enroll in this two-day course to cover all safety aspects of racing or sailing a boat offshore, including crew overboard procedures, use of PFDs, life rafts, flares, damage control, and heavy air sail trim. More details will follow in the near future.
June 22 – JPYC
Jackson Park Yacht Club will offer a Storm Trysail Foundation Junior Safety at Sea class on June 22. More details will follow in the near future.
2019 RACE SCHEDULE
JANUARY 9, 2019
Dear Sailors,
I am pleased to announce that the CASRA 2019 Racing Schedule is now available. Please click here to review the schedule. CASRA carefully studied your responses to our annual fall survey, and created a 2019 racing schedule that represents the most significant change in decades. Specifically:
This year’s schedule includes racing for four different fleets. The traditional racing schedule listed racing for offshore boats. Now, CASRA is also promoting inshore events (for smaller keelboats), junior events (focused on kids), and remote-controlled boat sailing events, given the strong uptick in RC sailing in Chicago.
In 2019, CASRA clubs will offer dedicated sections for double-handed racers in selected events. CASRA will also offer a new “30 and Under” Section in selected events. The “30 and Under” section provides competition for smaller keelboats looking for a competitive venue, but that do not have existing one-design “homes” elsewhere in Chicago. This new section will provide inshore racing for boats: (A) measuring 30 feet or less LOA; and (B) an LMPHRF rating slower than 114.
2019 will feature the First Annual Chicago Race Week. Chicago Race Week will be anchored by two traditional August events – the Columbia Cup and the Verve Cup. On Tuesday evening, three of our member clubs will offer “beer can” style races, finishing off downtown. On Wednesday evening, CASRA clubs will offer a “Hundred Boats on a Beer Can” event, with all Chicago beer can racing taking place on the same race course. Both Tuesday and Wednesday evening will feature parties for all participants. CASRA will offer overall prizes for winners of Chicago Race Week, in both the Offshore and Junior events.
CASRA clubs will be offering a race for female helmsman – the Zukasky Memorial, and a new pursuit-style race, the “Stripes Regatta.” For smaller boats, we are offering the new “Jack and Back” Regatta in July, featuring distance racing between Montrose and Jackson Park Harbors. And in conjunction with our friends in St. Joseph, we will offer a race from St. Joseph to Chicago, to give Queen’s Cup participants the opportunity to race back to Chicago.
Of course, CASRA clubs will continue to offer many of the same traditional events from prior years, as well as the Chicago Harbors Casual Series and the CASRA Charity Challenge. I am also pleased to report that all five clubs are working collaboratively to bring you the best possible racing here in Chicagoland. Specifically, later this month, on-water race officials from all five CASRA clubs will meet jointly to discuss how we can provide you with better race management.
I’d also like to offer a special thanks to our CASRA Gold Sponsors, including Wintrust, North Sails, Pinnacle Yachts, Manitowoc Marina, and Westrec Marinas for their support of racing in Chicagoland. Please visit our sponsors, as well as our five member clubs – Burnham Park Yacht Club, Chicago Yacht Club, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, Columbia Yacht Club, and Jackson Park Yacht Club – at the Chicago Boat Show this weekend. We will be in touch often with more details in the coming months. As always, e-mail us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you on the water (more) often in 2019!
Greg Miarecki
President
Chicago Area Sail Racing Association
Thanks and Congratulations to all 2018 Winners
NOVember 13, 2018
Congratulations to all 2018 winners, many of whom received their prizes at the CASRA Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration. We had more than 100 sailors join us for the Town Hall, and many more for the party at Columbia Yacht Club afterwards. Please see below some photos from the event, and click here to see the results of the 2018 survey that were presented at the Town Hall.
Special thanks to Mike Hettel, who served as President of CASRA for the past two years. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and passion for our sport!
CASRA is working on plans for the 2019 racing schedule. We appreciate everyone's feedback on the survey. If you'd like to share any additional thoughts or comments, please shoot us an e mail at info@chicagosailracing.org. The 2019 racing season is only six months away!
Greg Miarecki
President
Chicago Area Sail Racing Association
Planning for 2019, Awards, Free Beer and Music, and Fellow Sailors – Do It ALL Tomorrow!
NOVember 8, 2018
Plan to attend Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration this Friday, November 6th at Columbia Yacht Club. The Town Hall meeting begins at 6:30 PM and will end by 7:30 PM. The agenda will be as follows. Enjoy complimentary beer during the meeting, compliments of Anchor Brewing. After the meeting adjourns, we’ll all head up to the aft deck of Columbia Yacht Club to enjoy live music, compliments of CASRA.
We’ll have awards available for the following races:
CASRA Casual Race Series
CASRA Charity Challenge
Northerly Island Casual Race
Michigan City to Chicago and Return
Webb Memorial Regatta
Lutz Trophy Race
Bi-State (Chicago to St. Joe)
Tri-State Leg 3 (Michigan City to Chicago)
We’ll be presenting the Casual Race Series awards and the CASRA Charity Challenge awards at the conclusion of the Town Hall Meeting:
Casual Race Series -- Spinnaker
Rogue (Steve Valentor)
Paradigm Shift (Dave Dickerson)
Slot Machine (Boyd Jarrell)
Casual Race Series -- Non-Spinnaker
Exeter (John Notch)
Roisin Dubh (Joseph Curnyn)
Solstice (Greg Bohmann)
CASRA Charity Challenge – Gold
Golden Dream
CASRA Charity Challenge – Silver
Andale
Archimedes III
Dire Wolf
Heartbreaker
Jahazi
Lucy
Maggie Marie
Maskwa
Mise En Place
Providence
Water Works
Don’t miss the fun. See you tomorrow night at Columbia!
Attend the CASRA Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration this Friday!
NOVember 6, 2018
Don’t miss the CASRA Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration this Friday, November 9th at Columbia Yacht Club. The Town Hall meeting begins at 6:30 PM and will end by 7:30 PM.
The agenda will be as follows:
Review of CASRA Annual Survey
Discussion of Lessons Learned
Introduction of LMPHRF Executive Director Keith Stauber and LMPHRF Update
Questions and Answers
Presentation of Charity Challenge and Casual Race Season Awards
CASRA Leadership Changes
Adjournment
Enjoy complimentary beer during the meeting, compliments of Anchor Brewing. After the meeting adjourns, we’ll all head up to the aft deck of Columbia Yacht Club to enjoy live music, compliments of CASRA. If you won an award in a CASRA race this season (and have not already received it), you’ll be able to pick it up at the party.
Don’t miss this fun and informative evening. See you Friday at 6:30 PM!
Important CASRA Charity Event Update
September 21, 2018
We’ve had a great season so far, including a number of terrific charitable events, including our First Annual CASRA Veteran’s Cruise, Jackson Park Yacht Club’s Gold Star Regatta, Columbia Yacht Club’s Leukemia Cup, and the Chicago Yacht Club’s Chicago Regatta. Thanks to all who participated!
This year, we launched the CASRA Charity Challenge. Boats participating in least two of our three charity regattas, and who also donated to each regatta’s designed charity, were to receive a commemorative brag flag. Due to the abandonment of the Chicago Regatta (you didn’t really want to go out in 10 foot seas, did you?), we are modifying the requirements for this award. If you were registered for at least two of the three events, and make a donation to each regatta’s designated charity by October 1st, you will win a CASRA Charity Challenge brag flag. Please click on the following links to donate:
Additionally, Jackson Park Yacht Club has a special offer for you! Would you like a photo of your boat crossing the finish line on the Bi-State and Tri-State? If so:
Send an e-mail to fwitt1@comcast.net. Include “JPYC Photo” in the subject line. Provide your boat name and sail number in the body of the email message.
JPYC will send you up to three (3) emails with attachments of the best photos it has.
If you don’t like them, just delete them. If you like them and want to keep them, simply make a donation to the JACKSON PARK YACHT CLUB FOUNDATION. The amount is up to you.
The JPYC Foundation is dedicated to promoting sailing among out city’s youth and encouraging the next generation of racers and crew. To donate, go to www.jacksonparkyachtclub.org and click on the “Foundation” tab at the top right hand corner of the website. Click on “Pay Now” button on the left side and follow the directions to make your donation.
Photos are for your personal use only. If you would like to license these for commercial purposes, please e-mail fwitt1@comcast.net.
Thanks for helping us support some great causes this year! See you on the water.
LMPHRF Announces New Executive Director
September 17, 2018
Last month, the LMPHRF Council of Handicappers elected Keith Stauber as LMPHRF’s new Executive Director. Keith has been sailing for more than 40 years and is a seven time San Juan 24 North American Class Association champion. He currently campaigns The Papa Gaucho, a J-35 out of Duluth, Minnesota, and regularly participates in all major races on Lake Superior from Thunder Bay in Ontario to Sault Ste Marie for the Trans-Superior race, as well as major races in the southern Great Lakes, including the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac and the Bayview-Mackinac Race.
Please see a press release from LMPHRF announcing Keith’s appointment. CASRA is pleased to report that it has opened up a line of communication with Keith, and he has committed to maintaining open dialogue with CASRA sailors. To that end, Keith will be on hand to answer questions at the CASRA Town Hall Meeting & End Of Season Celebration November 9th at Columbia Yacht Club. Please plan on joining us then.
***
PRESS RELEASE
A Special Meeting of the Lake Michigan Performance Handicap Racing Fleet Executive Committee was held on August 6, 2018 to elect an interim Executive Director due to the untimely death of Paul Ansfield, who served as Executive Director of LMPHRF for decades.
Keith Stauber, a longtime member of the Council and Regional Handicapper for Area VIII, was unanimously elected as Interim Executive Director until 2020 to complete the term of Paul Ansfield.
Under Keith’s leadership, the executive board and council members are working to continue moving forward with a modernization of the LMPHRF operations including online applications and electronic payment capabilities prior to the 2019 season.
The new contact information for LMPHRF is:
LMPHRF, Inc.
P.O. Box 916
Marinette WI 54143
Phone: (773) 570-6924
Email: lmphrf@lmphrf.org
LMPHRF looks forward to providing continued handicapping services to the sailing community under the direction of Keith Stauber.
CASRA welcomes Manitowoc Marina as Gold-Level Sponsor
SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
PARTNERSHIP FEATURES SPECIAL OFFER FOR CHICAGO BOAT OWNERS — FREE BOAT PICKUP AND DELIVERY TO/FROM CHICAGO FOR INDOOR, HEATED STORAGE
CASRA is pleased to announce and welcome Manitowoc Marina as a Gold-Level Sponsor.
Led by Rich Larsen, a leading expert in marine maintenance and repair, Manitowoc Marina is the most comprehensive full-service boatyard on Lake Michigan. And as a special offer for Chicago boat owners, Manitowoc Marina offers FREE boat PICKUP and DELIVERY to/from Chicago for indoor, heated storage customers! Call or email Chris Marx at (920) 682-5117 or cmarx@manitowoc-marina.com for more information.
CASRA looks forward to a long-term relationship with Manitowoc Marina. We are proud to have them on board.
NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE FIRST-ANNUAL CASRA CHARITY CHALLENGE
AUGUST 15, 2018
To All Chicago Sailors!
It’s not too late to participate in the First-Annual CASRA Charity Challenge. This season, CASRA clubs are hosting three different charity-focused events. On Saturday, July 7th, 2018, Jackson Park Yacht Club hosted the Gold Star Regatta, benefitting the 100 Club of Chicago and the Brotherhood for the Fallen. The Gold Star saw more than 25 boats participating and raised more than $10,000!
The two remaining races are:
Leukemia Cup Regatta — Saturday, August 25th, 2018 Benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Chicago Regatta — Saturday, September 8th, 2018
Benefitting University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, SOS Villages Illinois, and the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
How does the Charity Challenge work?
Enter and participate in at least two of the three races in the series.
Make a donation to one or more of each race’s participating charities.
Receive a commemorative brag flag and verbal recognition at the CASRA Town Hall and End of Season Celebration. Those who participate in two of the three events will receive a “Silver” brag flag. Those who participate in all three events will receive a “Gold” brag flag.
If you enter and participate in the races above, you will be automatically entered in the CASRA Charity Challenge. There are still two races left in the Challenge, so sign up and join the fun:
Please help us make a difference. As always, please direct any questions to info@chicagosailracing.org.
CASRA Yacht Clubs Host Military Veterans
JuLY 2, 2018
Veterans Lake Front Cruise
A couple of hundred veterans enjoyed an afternoon on the water, courtesy of the collaboration among CASRA, MOUSA, and the five CASRA yacht clubs (Burnham Park YC; Chicago Corinthian YC; Chicago YC, Columbia YC; Jackson Park YC).
The 1st Annual Veteran's Cruise had been under development since October 2017 and July 1st the day had finally arrived, for the 1st annual Veterans Lake Front Cruise. More than 200 veterans and their family members & guests, were treated to an afternoon on the water, most in sail boats and some in power boats, by volunteer boat owners from the five CASRA yacht clubs.
Winds were brisk, seas were less than calm (Monroe outer harbor had a 3+ foot chop), and a squall line was forecast to arrive around 4 pm, yet the day came off perfectly. Choreographed like a Swiss watch, motor coaches full of veterans arrived at each CASRA yacht club between 12:30 and 1:00 pm. Following safety briefings, veterans were led to their assigned boat by the boat owners/skippers. Another safety briefing on board specific to each boat, then lines were cast and off all went.
Some sailboats hoisted sail, while others didn't (recall brisk winds, 3+ foot chop, and veterans totally new to sailing). On the power boats, all veterans opted to be out on deck in the fresh air to take in the sights of the harbors, Navy Pier, the Playpen, city skyline, etc. Four of the five veterans on the boat I was on had never seen Chicago from the water...needless to say it was a great experience for them all.
MOUSA (Military Outreach USA), a charitable organization dedicated to supporting veterans from all conflicts, did the heavy lifting of all shore side activities. CASRA clubs organized and coordinated all on the water activities.
A BIG THANK YOU to boat owners who volunteered their boats and their time, MOUSA and the five CASRA yacht clubs.
As racing sailors we all feel the passion of our sport, however, the feeling of being able to show those who've served our country a nice afternoon on the water is truly immeasurable. All owners are welcome to join the 2019 iteration.
FIRST-ANNUAL CASRA CHARITY CHALLENGE
June 20, 2018
To All Chicago Sailors!
CASRA invites you to participate in the First-Annual CASRA Charity Challenge. This season, CASRA clubs are hosting three different charity-focused events:
Gold Star Regatta — Saturday, July 7th, 2018
Benefitting the 100 Club of Chicago and the Brotherhood for the FallenLeukemia Cup Regatta — Saturday, August 25th, 2018 Benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Chicago Regatta — Saturday, September 8th, 2018
Benefitting University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, SOS Villages Illinois, and the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
How does it work?
Enter and participate in each of these three races
Make a donation to one or more of each race’s participating charities
Receive a commemorative brag flag and verbal recognition at the CASRA Town Hall and End of Season Celebration on November 9th at Columbia Yacht Club
Each of these three races will provide a great day on the water, a fun post-race party, and will raise money for some great causes. Please help us make a difference! Simply enter the Gold Star Regatta, Leukemia Cup, and the Chicago Regatta, and you will be automatically entered in the CASRA Charity Challenge!
Enter the Chicago Yacht Club's Chicago Regatta:
Buoy >
Distance >
Casual >
Please help us make a difference, and sign up today! As always, please direct any questions to info@chicagosailracing.org.
CASRA Casual Race Series
June 1, 2018
The Chicago Area Sail Racing Association is pleased to partner with Chicago Harbors once again to present a Casual Race Series. This year’s Series will consist of six races:
Northerly Island Casual Race: Saturday, June 23rd (BPYC)
Columbia Rail Deck Race: Sunday, July 15th (COLYC
Verve Cup Casual Race: Saturday, August 11th (CYC)
Hobelman Regatta Casual Race: Sunday, August 19th (CCYC)
Chicago Regatta Casual Race: Saturday, Sept. 8th (CYC)
Lutz Regatta Casual Race: Sunday, Sept. 16th (JPYC)
Each of these races is free to any permit holder in the Chicago Harbors. Each race will be scored separate, and winners will receive prizes for each race. Additionally, in a new twist for this year, these six races will be scored as a series – counting each boat’s best five finishes. Series winners will receive a brag flag, as well as some great prizes, compliments of Chicago Harbors:
First Place in Series — $500 discount on 2019 mooring
Second Place in Series — Complimentary harbor parking pass (good at all Chicago Harbors)
Third Place in Series — Season subscription of “Honey Jug” pump out service
Series prizes will be awarded for both spinnaker and non-spinnaker divisions. Please click the link below to learn more and to sign up. Get a crew together and make plans to join us for fun on the water this summer!
2018 Rating Certificate Storage
CASRA & RailMeets Partner
MAY 23, 2018
As outlined in the racing documents, all skippers must upload a copy of their LMPHRF certificate. For the 2018 sailing season, CASRA has partnered with RailMeets to store certificates. You can upload your certificate here or click on “Rating Validation” in the main navigation at the top of this page. This will bring you to the RailMeets site. If you are an existing RailMeets user you can log in using your current credentials. To create an account, enter your name, email address, and password or use Google + or Facebook to get started. Create your profile, add CASRA as your club then add your boat your boat to the system. From your boat’s profile page, upload your LMPHRF certificate.
Need detailed instructions? They can be found on the RailMeets blog.
We understand that LMPHRF certificates contain personal information, such as names and addresses. Please know that only race organizers have access to this information. Certificates are not posted for public viewing.
Please let us know if you have any questions – info@chicagosailracing.org.
The State & Future of Sailing
North Sails President Ken Read, May 24th
MAY 17, 2018
Ken Read, President of North Sails and world-renowned competitive sailor, has participated in many world-class events, including the Volvo Ocean Race, Sydney Hobart, and the Comanche project. Ken will speak on the state and future of the sport on Thursday, May 24th, beginning at 6:30 PM at Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Station. North Sails is a proud Gold Level sponsor of CASRA, and all CASRA racers are invited to attend. Please call the Chicago Yacht Club Front Desk at 312-861-7777 to RSVP. This is a free event!
Want To Do Some Good?
Join Us TO Clean Up MONTROSE Beach , May 18th
MAY 11, 2018
At North Sails we understand the importance of protecting our oceans, lakes and beaches. It can be the smallest change in your day to day lives or a grand gesture, but each and every act can help protect the places we love.
Join our crew alongside The Alliance Of The Great Lakes on May 18th for a beach clean up at Montrose Beach, followed by refreshments at Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club. Meeting point is at the Montrose Beach House, 3pm.
Start the season off the right way, the good way. See you there!
Montrose Beach I May 18th I 3pm - 5pm
Early Entry Deadline Approaching!
MAY 10, 2018
It’s almost time to go racing. Do yourself a favor and save a few bucks: Enter CASRA races by Tuesday, May 15th, and you’ll receive a $10 discount on each race. Go to chicagosailracing.org/races to register. As always, please e-mail us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions. See you on the water soon!
Sign Up Now and Save!
MAY 2, 2018
Do you want to race sailboats this year? Do you like saving money? Sure you do! Go to chicagosailracing.org/races to register for racing in 2018. If you enter by May 15th, you receive a $10 discount on all races. And, on the off chance you need to withdraw, you can receive a refund of your entry fee.
Talk to your crew, set your schedule, and sign up today. As always, please e-mail us at info@chicagosailracing.org if you have any questions!
Enter 2018 CASRA Races Today!
APRIl 19, 2018
We are pleased to announce that registration links for CASRA races are now live. Go to chicagosailracing.org/races to register for racing in 2018. Remember, if you enter by May 15th, you receive a $10 discount on all races. It pays to sign up early, especially since entry fees are now refundable this year!
A special note to all one design classes: Per the Notices of Races, one-design classes will be offered for each race, provided that: 1) each one-design class requests a one-design section via letter directed to info@chicagosailracing.org no later than May 1, 2018; and 2) at least four boats from that class enter that Race no later than one week prior to the Race’s start date. Make sure your fleet captains provide us with this information, and sign up early to ensure your one-design section will be offered in races!
Please direct any questions to info@chicagosailracing.org. See you on the water. Let’s hope the snow melts before the Spring Opener on May 27th!
CASRA Clubs Issue 2018 Notices of Race, Sailing Instructions, and Safety Regulations
APRIl 12, 2018
CASRA is pleased to announce that Notices of Race and Sailing Instructions for all CASRA races are now available. Please visit chicagosailracing.org/documents to review these documents. We will open race registration on or about April 17th, and will send a follow-up e-mail when registration is live. Some changes for 2018:
New Rating Certificate Functionality - To facilitate and enhance rating validation, owners will be asked to provide a copy of their LMPHRF certificate. Click on the Rating Validation tab at chicagosailracing.org to upload your certificate. This new functionality is Powered by RailMeets so if you are a current user the same ID and password will work here. If you're not a current user click on the "Add Me!" link at the top of the page.
Casual Series – This year’s Casual Races, presented by Westrec, will feature some new courses. We’ll also award series prizes at our End of Season Celebration. As was true last year, entry in this series will be free to all Westrec permittees.
Early Entry Fee Incentive – This year, you can save $10 off each race’s entry fee if you enter by May 15, 2018. So, please talk to your crew, plan your schedules, and take advantage of this discount!
Entry Fee Refunds – If your plans change, and you can’t race on a particular date, no worries. Entry fees are now refundable. See the Notices of Race for more details.
New Race Format – Burnham Park Yacht Club’s Zukasky Memorial will include a trapezoid course this year, in response to competitors’ desire for alternative race courses.
Simplified Safety Regulations – We have reviewed last year’s safety regulations, and have simplified them for this year. Please carefully review the 2018 safety regulations, as well as the changes.
Easier Protest Procedure – Need to protest? It’s now much easier. Simply e-mail your protest info to the address in the race documents.
Electric Winches Now Allowed in Distance Races – This seasons, we will allow use of electric winches in the Casual and Distance Races. Please consult the race documents for further details.
Get ready to race! We look forward to seeing you on the water soon.
Improve Your 2018 Racing Program
Two Seminar Presentations By Quantum Sails
APRIl 3, 2018
Just in time for your 2018 racing program are a couple of seminars presented by Quantum Sails, as part of the CASRA Off-Season Education program.
Quantum Sails Chicago presented two of the 2018 Quantum Seminar Series during March. In case you didn't attend, or would to review the material presented, both seminar slide decks, briefly reviewed below, are now available.
Building A Racing Playbook - is designed to give the skipper and crew the tools to move the team ahead in the standings, whether you're just getting started or need to reinvigorate your approach. Best practices employed building a strong racing team by creating a clear understanding of each position on the boat and their responsibilities are reviewed in this material. Download PDF >
10 Simple Rules For Winning Tactics - boils down the complexities of directing a team around the race course by implementing 10 simple rules. Whether a new or experienced racer, this material simplifies the approach and helps to place the boat in the right spot. Download PDF >
There's content in both of these seminar presentation files beneficial for everyone, irrespective of experience and skill. Enjoy!
We'll see you on the water.
Off-Season Educational Seminars
MARCH 7, 2018
All spring, summer and fall, virtually every weekend, the five yacht clubs that comprise CASRA offer top quality on the water racing for offshore racers in Chicago.
In the off-season, these same clubs offer training to racers, to help them be faster and safer on the water the following year, and to judges and race committee, to help run fun, fair races. The following training events, offered by CASRA member clubs, are open to all in the offshore racing community.
For sign-up details, see the link provided or check with the club offering the class.
March 10, 2018
US Sailing Safety At Sea Seminar
(One Day Offshore course offered)
Columbia Yacht Club
Website >
March 10, 2018
Offshore Medical Emergencies
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
pastcommodore@corinthian.org
March 15, 2018
Quantum Seminar Series-Build A Racing Playbook
(Evening seminar on best practices)
Columbia Yacht Club
chicago@quantumesails.com
Website >
March 17, 2018
Wind Seminar
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
pastcommodore@corinthian.org
March 17 & 18, 2018
Advanced Race Management Seminar
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
March 24, 2018
One Day Judge Seminar
Columbia Yacht Club
Website >
March 24 & 25, 2018
US Sailing Safety At Sea Seminar
(One Day Offshore or Two Day International Offshore with Hands On both offered)
Jackson Park Yacht Club
Website >
March 29, 2018
Quantum Seminar Series-10 Simple Rules For Winning Tactics
(Evening seminar on 10 rules to put your boat in the right spot)
Columbia Yacht Club
chicago@quantumesails.com
Website >
April 4 through April 25, 2018 (Wednesdays)
JPYC Sailing 101/ Crew U
Jackson Park Yacht Club
JPYC-Membership@sbcglobal.net
April 4 through May 9, 2018 (Wednesdays)
CCYC Sailing Crew Training Program
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
Website >
April 7 & 8, 2018
US Sailing Safety At Sea Seminar
(One Day Offshore or Two Day International Offshore with Hands On )
Wait list only – Sold out
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
April 14, 2018
Race Committee Training
(One Day RC Training)
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
April 14 & April 15, 2018
Offshore First Aid for Mac Race / Distance Racers
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
April 28, 2018
First Aid for Race Committee
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
April 28, 2018
Race Committee Training
Columbia Yacht Club
Website >
May 8, through June 26, 2018 Tuesday Evenings
Skipjacks Adult Learn to Sail
Columbia Yacht Club
Website >
May 8, through June 26, 2018 (Tuesdays)
Crew U
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
May 12, 2018
CPR/AED/First Aid
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club
Contact Theresa Benjamin
May 18 & 19, 2018
Advanced Umpire Seminar
Chicago Yacht Club
Website >
CASRA Releases 2018 Race Schedule
JANUARY 10, 2018
Chicago Area Sail Racing Association (CASRA) and founding member clubs, Chicago Yacht Club, Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, Jackson Park Yacht Club, Columbia Yacht Club, and Burnham Park Yacht Club are excited to announce the 2018 Race Schedule.
Development of the 2018 Race Schedule is again this year a complete collaboration by the five founding member clubs that also takes into consideration racers' input from the annual October 2017 Survey of Racers and the subsequent annual December 2017 Town Hall Meeting, as well as the One Design and PHRF fleets' input.
Building upon improvements and lessons learned from the 2017 racing season, the 2018 Race Schedule includes some key new features, per racers' requests. New formats to buoy races have been added. A New distance race has been added. The 2017 Casual Races have become a series that will be scored as such and see overall awards at the close of the new Casual Series.
Thank you to 2018 Gold Level sponsors North Sails, Pinnacle Yachts, Quantum Sails, Westrec Marinas and Wintrust. Their support of CASRA permits us to support you, the racing sailing community.
More frequent updates on News From CASRA will follow this one, as we will now stay in touch all year, including the winter season. Stay Tuned. Let us know what you'd like to see and hear by dropping us a note at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com. Thanks. We'll see you on the water.
CASRA Second Annual Town Hall Meeting:
Survey Participants Cite Positive Progress
NovemBER 30, 2017
We’d like to thank everyone who joined us for our Town Hall Meeting and End of Season Celebration. More than 100 sailors joined us for a recap of the season, and a total of 250 celebrated with us afterwards at Columbia Yacht Club. We enjoyed seeing so many of you, and hope you enjoyed the evening. If you missed the meeting, you can click below to see the results of the survey and our takeaways from it.
Like any new organization, we had some bumps along the way. But we are delighted with the results in our first year of operation. We saw an average participation increase of 5 percent from 2016. In addition, our Casual Race Series – generously supported by Westrec Marinas – was very successful. The six-race series saw an average of 14 boats on the start line, with more than 20 new types of boats joining our community. And our five member clubs collaborated to run a very successful inaugural Chicago Junior Race Week, with more than 100 junior sailors participating!
Survey results also showed progress in many other areas, including:
Substantial improvement in entry procedures, viewing of results, and communications
Improvements in scheduling coordination
Clearer and easier to understand race documents
Better section breaks for PHRF boats
In summary, more than 62 percent of our sailors believe that CASRA improved racing in Chicagoland. We are particularly grateful to the Chicago Yachting Association and all of its member clubs, which honored CASRA at its annual Yachting Celebration last month!
Of course, we still have more work to do. We plan to continue working to bring more people into sailing. We’re going to work to improve our race management and protest process, and work to get documents to you in plenty of time for you and your crew to process them. We are working on the 2018 schedule right now, and plan to publish it by the end of 2017.
We owe a great debt of thanks to our sponsors, who provided the support necessary to improve racing in Chicagoland. Thanks to Westrec Marinas, Wintrust, Pinnacle Yachts, North Sails, and Quantum Sails for their support. We encourage you to support our sponsors. Please visit them often, and thank them for supporting racing in our community!
We’ll be in touch with you often during the off-season with news and information about the 2018 season. Best wishes for a terrific holiday season. And as always, please share any comments with us at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com!
CASRA Supports Turn The Tide Hurricane Relief Effort Sailors Supporting Sailing Communities
NovemBER 7, 2017
The trauma, human suffering, and damage inflicted by hurricanes on the many Caribbean and Gulf communities has been devastating. Even more challenging has been the prolonged recovery of basic infrastructure.
While these are sailing venues frequented often by many from the Chicago area sailing and racing communities, the many islands and coastal communities are also home to friendly outgoing people who welcome visiting sailors and racers with warm hospitality.
CASRA supports the local Turn The Tide hurricane relief effort, initiated by the local sailing community, to aid rebuilding and restoration of the British and US Virgin Islands. Please offer any support you can. Looking forward to seeing you Nov 17th at Turn The Tide Virgin Islands Relief. More details are below.
Share your input on 2017 for 2018
OCTOBER 12, 2017
Dear Chicago Area Racers,
While responses to the 2017 iteration of the annual CASRA Survey have been great since the launch on October 4, 2017, your input is certainly desired to help CASRA and the member yacht clubs improve plans for 2018 over this year.
If you've not yet taken the survey please do so at your earliest convenience. We encourage you to forward this survey email to all your racing friends.
Survey results will be shared at the CASRA Town Hall Meeting on Friday, November 10th starting promptly at 6:30pm at Columbia Yacht Club rail deck. Come to the meeting, have a free beer, and hear what all racers have to say. Immediately following the Town Hall Meeting will be the annual CASRA End Of Season Celebration. More details on the Town Hall and Celebration will follow shortly.
Click here to access the survey >
If there are any questions please direct them to chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com.
CASRA End of 2017 Season Town Hall Meeting & Celebration TO BE HELD NovEMBER 10, 2017
September 6, 2017
Hold the date & mark your calendars everyone for the CASRA End of 2017 Season Town Hall Meeting & Celebration.
What: Town Hall Meeting immediately followed by 2017 End Of Season Celebration & Awards
Date: Friday, November 10, 2017
Time: 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Venue: Columbia Yacht Club
Details to follow shortly. In the interim, email questions to Chicago Sail Racing chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com. CASRA and the five clubs comprising CASRA look forward to seeing you all there.
Dear CASRA Racers,
Please make plans to join on Saturday, September 9th for the Chicago Regatta, presented by Wintrust. The Chicago Regatta is a Chicago Yacht Club event, consisting of five different events – a buoy race for smaller one-design boats, a distance race for offshore boats, a casual race for newer sailors (and those seeking a more relaxed event), an M-32 catamaran regatta, and a poker run for power boaters. After the on-water events, please join us at Chicago Yacht Club’s Monroe Station for a fabulous party, complete with a live blues band, a “Sweet Home Chicago” buffet dinner, and awards presentation. We’re also planning a great silent auction, where you’ll be able to bid on many terrific items, such as sailing gear, coaching sessions with world-class sailors, slips, deluxe Chicago river cruises, rides on M-32 catamarans, gourmet dinner packages, and much more!
The Chicago Regatta on-water events are free of charge. Tickets are required for the post-race buffet, entertainment, and silent auction, which are $30 each until next Wednesday, September 6th, While Chicago Yacht Club is not charging for its on-water events, we are trying to raise money for three great charities:
The University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital
SOS Villages Illinois
Chicago Yacht Club Foundation
Each of these organizations helps Chicago-area kids in different ways. If you can join us for the Chicago Regatta, please consider a donation to one or more of these great groups. To learn more about our Chicago Regatta charities, and to sign up and make a donation, please review the flyer below and visit www.chicagoregatta.com. I look forward to seeing many of you in St. Joe this weekend, and at the Chicago Regatta on September 9th!
Warm regards,
Greg Miarecki
Chair
2017 Chicago Regatta
greg@miarecki.org
CASRA AUGUST UPDATE
AUGUST 15, 2017
We’ve had a terrific August of racing so far! Congratulations to Vayu for winning overall honors in the Columbia Cup, and to Kashmir for winning overall honors in the Verve Cup Regatta. This week, we have two very special races planned. On Friday night, Chicago Yacht Club is running its annual Junior Night Navigational Race. It’s a quick race. Kids must drive and navigate. After the race, we’ll have an awards ceremony at CYC Monroe Station. Do you have some great junior sailors? Enter this race and put them on the helm! Click here to register.
On Sunday, Burnham Park Yacht Club and Jackson Park Yacht Club will run a Casual Air Show Race. What could be better than an air show and a race, all rolled into one? Enter the casual series (if you haven’t already), grab your friends, and watch the show while you enjoy the race. Click here to enter. Thanks to Scuttlebutt Sailing for its recent coverage of our new Casual Series. Click here to read the article.
As always, please share comments and ideas with us at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com. We hope to see many of you on the water this weekend!
CASRA Photo Contest Winners!
AUGUST 4, 2017
Thank you all for participating and congratulations to the winners!
FIRST PRIZE ($100) - Mike Evans
SECOND PRIZE ($50) - Joe Heneghan
THIRD PRIZE ($25) - Chris Albanis
ALL ENTRIES
Send us your pictures and win MONEY!
JuLY 7, 2017
Everybody knows that one of the best things about sailing is the beauty that we get to see every time we are out on the water. Now is your chance to share that beauty with CASRA—and win some cash too!
Announcing the CASRA photo contest. Here are the details.
Beginning today and running through July 31, e-mail your best sailing pictures taken during the 2017 racing season to us at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com. We will judge all the entries, and announce the winners in early August.
PRIZES
First prize — $100
Second prize — $50
Third prize — $25
Simple as that. We will publish many of the pictures on our social media sites and use them to populate our website throughout the rest of the year!!!
So get out your cameras (or most likely your phones) and snap away!!
Submitting your photo grants the Chicago Area Sail Racing Association (CASRA) a royalty-free, nonexclusive right to display the photograph on the CASRA website, social media platforms, and e-mail communications. Entries must be the original work of the entrant and not infringe on the rights of others
CASRA July Update
JuLY 5, 2017
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this past weekend’s night navigation race to Michigan City and back to Chicago. The storms missed the fleet, and the breeze held – mostly throughout the entire race. Click here to see the results.
This weekend is our final weekend of action before many of us head to Mackinac. Jackson Park is running its Lutz Trophy Race – both distance and buoy races – on Saturday. Click here to sign up.
And on Sunday, Columbia will run the second of our Casual Races, sponsored by Westrec Marinas. The first casual race was a huge success, with 15 boats hitting the start line, and several new racers coming out to join the fun. Kraken, a 1970 Cal 25 owned by John Coakley and Brendan Blewett, scored a third place finish last time and will be back again on Sunday. Coakley is excited to take part in the new series: “We sail every chance we get. We started beer can racing in the newbie section 2014. We were very happy when CASRA announced the casual race series. This is a great opportunity for cruisers to get involved in racing. The open start time is easier than having to stage for the start.” Coakley added that “the cribs as marks were very easy to navigate to as they can be seen from great distances.”
The Casual Series is also great for racing boats who want to bring new people into racing. Chris Albanis was at the helm of Providence for the Abe Jacobs Casual Race. “I felt empowered getting to be at the helm at the start, which is the most stressful part of a race. The more casual format also allowed me to bring friends who have sailed before, and are considering racing moving forward. I also love the clearly visible marks of the course. The Burnham Park Yacht Club race committee was great, and gave every finisher a cannon! The competitive spirit was definitely there but to a point that is comfortable for us non-hard-core racers”
Join the fun this Sunday. Click here to register for the Casual Race Series. Awards party for both the BPYC June 25th Casual Race and the ColYC July 9th Casual Race will be held on ColYC's Aft Deck under the tent, immediately following racing on Sunday July 9th. See you on the water.
And please keep comments and ideas coming to chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com.
See you on the water!
CASRA June Update
June 7, 2017
We’ve had a great season so far. Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club and Columbia Yacht Club have led off with the first two events of the season. Participation in these events is up approximately 20 percent over last year’s numbers! Thanks to everyone who joined us so far this year!
This week, Chicago Yacht Club is up with the Chicago NOOD regatta. There is still time to enter and join the fun – both buoy and distance races. Click here to enter this weekend’s races. And CCYC is getting ready for our first port-to-port race of the season, with the Waukegan race. Click here to enter.
Many CASRA clubs are using the CASRA Safety Regulations. We have made some slight modifications to the regulations, including provisions regarding requirements regarding carrying of knotmeters, depth sounders, emergency antennas, jacklines, flashlights, and reefing equipment. Please click here to review the current versions of the Nearshore and Offshore Safety Regulations. Please note that all clubs have the ability to amend these regulations as they see fit, and may use alternative safety regulations, so please consult race-specific amendments for updated information and requirements. Note also that, per the Sailing Instructions, only the Race Committee may protest a boat for safety equipment violations.
We are very excited about the new Casual Race Series, presented by our friends at Westrec Marinas. This series is free to all boats in the Chicago Park District system. It features an easy, low key start, a clear, easy to follow course, and a fun party at the end. Are you new to racing? Want to bring family and friends for a casual race? Click here to enter, and click here to review the Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions for the series.
We need your help in two ways. First, do you know someone who owns a sailboat, but doesn’t race? Get someone involved and win a prize with the CASRA Casual Race Challenge. Here’s how it works:
Encourage a boat that has not previously raced in a race sponsored by a CASRA member club to enter the Casual Series.
Tell us the name of the boat and skipper whom you encouraged at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com.
If that skipper enters the series and participates in one of these races, you will win a North Sails gift pack!
Second, would you consider helping out on Race Committee this season? We always need help. Please send a note to chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com if you’d be willing to serve on one of our race committees.
We’d like to extend a special thanks to our Gold Level sponsors for their support: Westrec Marinas, Wintrust, North Sails, Quantum Sails, Pinnacle Yachts, and Line Honors. Watch for more information about their participation in CASRA during the coming weeks!
We continue to meet regularly during the sailing season, and discuss how we can improve your racing experience. Please provide comments, questions, and feedback at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com.
See you on the water!
JPYC Past Commodore James Webb
June 2, 2017
We are sad to inform you that James Webb, the Immediate Past Commodore of the Jackson Park Yacht Club, suddenly passed away last weekend. Jimmy was a co-skipper of the T-10 Witch-Craft, and had competed in 43 Races to Mackinac, as well as hundreds of races across Lake Michigan. Jimmy regularly gave back to the sport through his decades of service to JPYC, and through his work as a CASRA Board member during this inaugural year.
Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to family and friends. All services will be held this coming Saturday.
Memorial Visitation
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ahlgrim Funeral Home
567 S. Spring Rd.
Elmhurst, IL 60126
For funeral info: 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com.
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
St. Peter's United Church of Christ
125 W. Church St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126
If you are interested in sharing about Jimmy during the service, please submit a written version of your speech to Kim Webb at jknacwebb@comcast.net by Friday, June 2nd at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a memorial donation to the JPYC Foundation for the "Jimmy Webb Junior Scholarship Fund." To make a donation, please click on the following link: www.jacksonparkyachtclub.org/jimmywebbjuniors.html.
2017 RACE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
MAY 16, 2017
We are pleased to announce that registration for the 2017 CASRA season is live. Please click here to sign up for CASRA events. Registration will use a slightly different process this year. Specifically:
CASRA is using “Yacht Scoring” as our registration platform this year. Many of you have used Yacht Scoring for other Chicago-area events, including the NOOD, Verve Cup, and Colors. The Race to Mackinac also uses a system that runs on the Yacht Scoring platform. If you have ever registered for a race on Yacht Scoring before, you can use your same login credentials to register for CASRA events. If you have never used it before, a simple one-time registration is required which will then carry your data forward to every event for which you register.
In the past, entry to these races has required membership in other organizations, as well as the payment of administrative fees. These requirements have been eliminated for most races. All distance and buoy events are $50, with no additional fees required by CASRA.
Entry deadlines for all races is 72 hours prior to the race’s start.
This year, most CASRA events will use LMPHRF “time on time” scoring. This is a change from prior years, which utilized “time on distance” scoring. For registration purposes, you can simply enter your current LMPHRF rating. The rating will be converted to a time on time factor for scoring purposes.
Because races are run by different clubs within CASRA, you will need to enter races individually. Once you enter a race, you will click the “return to event” link to bring you back to the CASRA landing page. From there, you will click on the next event you want to enter. While registration must be done on a race by race basis, the process is fairly quick – and can take less than a minute per race. Yacht Scoring will remember your boat and contact information, and populate your entry fields for you.
This year, CASRA clubs are offering a series of Casual Races, which are designed to be fun, easy, and friendly for new and experienced racers alike. Click here to review the Notice of Race for the Casual Series. Thanks to generous support from Westrec Marinas, this races are FREE (no, this is not a misprint) to all boats with moorings in the Westrec system. Boats will be assigned a “CASRA rating” for the purpose of these races – you will not need to purchase a rating certificate to participate in these races. Click here to enter your boat in the Casual Series (one entry will be good for all six races). Watch for additional information about the Casual Series in future e-mails.
Register NOW >
If you encounter any issues, please e-mail us at chicago.sail.racing@gmail.com. We will get back to you as soon as we can. The season will kick off on Saturday, May 27th, with Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club’s Spring Opener, with the Olympic Cup following on Sunday.
We are looking forward to seeing you on the water often this year.
2017 SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR NEARSHORE & OFFSHORE RACES
MAY 3, 2017
The five founding member clubs that make up CASRA place safety at the forefront of sailboat racing. Since the day CASRA was formed, safety has been integral to all work that commenced on improving and growing sail racing along the Chicago waterfront.
For the 2017 racing season, the five founding member clubs of CASRA have developed and adopted broad requirements for both nearshore and offshore races for which the clubs are the Organizing Authorities (OAs). The 2017 Nearshore Safety Equipment Requirements and the 2017 Offshore Safety Equipment Requirements are now available.
These safety requirements must be adhered to by all competitors participating in the races that are organized and administered under the Common NORs and SIs. Official documents will be published on yachtscoring.com with courtesy copies available on this site under Race Docs.
Enjoy the 2017 season that is about to commence, and above all, sail safe.
QUANTUM SAILS BECOMES CASRA GOLD-LEVEL SPONSOR & TITLE SPONSOR OF QUANTUM DISTANCE RACE SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP
April 27, 2017
CASRA welcomes Quantum Sails to the growing list of Gold Level Sponsors supporting sail racing growth in the Chicago Area.
In a nod recognizing the growing attractiveness of port to port distance racing, Quantum Sails has stepped forward to sponsor a new distance series as a Gold Level Sponsor of CASRA.
Quantum will crown a “Quantum Distance Race Series Champion" and award prizes to the overall winner from the following events. The Notice Of Series (NOS) will be published soon.
Chicago to Waukegan Race - June 17th
Waukegan to Chicago Race - June 18th
Michigan City Night Race - June 30th
Chicago to St Joe Race - September 1st
St Joe to Chicago Race - September 3rd
Quantum Sails will further support sail racing growth in the Chicago area with racing education seminars, post race debriefs, and practice starts for sailors new to racing in the CASRA Casual Series.
CASRA is excited to be partnering with Quantum Sails with the “Quantum Distance Race Series Champion" and welcomes them as a new Gold Level Sponsor for 2017.
WINTRUST IS CASRA OFFICIAL BANK AND GOLD SPONSOR
Wintrust Expands Their Long Term Support of Sail Racing in Chicago
April 19, 2017
CASRA is pleased to announce and welcome Wintrust as the Official Bank of CASRA, and a Gold Sponsor as well.
Wintrust's demonstrated commitment of supporting several Chicago area sports teams, sporting events, and programs make them an ideal partner with and sponsor of CASRA. With prior and current involvement in major sail racing regattas, Wintrust is known and respected by racers, yacht clubs, and the community at large.
Through it's network of community banks Wintrust has been serving Chicagoland communities for 25 years. As a strong supporter of Chicago based sports teams, sailing regattas, and community outreach activities, CASRA looks forward to a long term relationship with Wintrust. We are proud to have them on board.
CASRA YACHT CLUBS COLLABRORATE TO GROW YOUTH SAIL RACING
April 11, 2017
Following the creation of CASRA by the five premier yacht clubs in Chicago, over the winter representatives got to work on several topics. One being to determine how they could collaborate to extend this passion for sailing and improving the sport to junior sailing in Chicago.
CASRA club reps were joined by our friends at the Chicago Park District Sailing Program, who also run a youth sailing program in the city. Recognizing the need to encourage youth sailors and grow the sport, the five clubs decided to jointly organize and host a new event, Chicago Junior Race Week, this summer. The notices of race are published at www.chicagojrw.com.
This exciting multi-day event will draw youth sailors from ages 7 to 18 from all over the Great Lakes, and beyond, to Chicago for three days of high-caliber racing on Chicago’s beautiful lakefront this June and July.
In cooperation with the Sheridan Shores Sailing Schools, the event will kick off with the “Mini-Mac” - an 8nm distance race for Optimists, Lasers and C420s from Wilmette Harbor to just off of Chicago’s Belmont and Montrose Harbors. This distance race down the lakefront will expose youth sailors to distance racing strategy and tactics in a safe manner close to the Illinois shore, and will let them get a taste of what many of their families get to experience in the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac a few weeks later as well as during the many other distance races run by other clubs in Chicago and throughout the Great Lakes. The Mini-Mac is an optional part of the Race Week and will be particularly fun for those who participate in the Wente Cup at Sheridan Shores held June 28-29.
Following the Mini-Mac, on July 1 and 2 youth racers in Optimists, C420s, 420s and Lasers, as well as ‘Beginning Racers’ who may be attending their first regatta will enjoy two days of high-caliber, fun fleet racing in Chicago. Optimist sailors will race out of Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club in Montrose Harbor, while C420s, 420s and Lasers will be racing out of Chicago Yacht Club’s Belmont Station in Belmont Harbor. At the end of the regatta, an overall winner of the Chicago Junior Race week will be announced.
For those youth sailors new to racing, perhaps attending their first regatta or just dipping their toes into competitive sailing, Jackson Park Yacht Club will host a ‘Beginner Racer’ class in the protected waters of Jackson Park’s Outer Harbor. Sailors of almost any ability level, in any type of singlehanded youth dinghy, will get to try out racing and see what their older or more experienced friends love so much about the sport. This is another way the five Chicago yacht clubs are trying to share our passion for the sport of sailing with all sailors, of all ability levels.
The five clubs will bring their combined resources to bear to ensure that this event is world-class. These clubs have tremendous race committees and judges, dedicated volunteers both on the water and off, and great facilities on Chicago’s lake front, supported by top-notch professional staff. Our friends in the power fleets and cruising sail fleets of our clubs will be supporting this event, as they do all the racing events at our clubs, through their volunteer time and great support on the water.
Families of youth sailors will get to experience Chicago in the summer, over a holiday weekend, and all that it has to offer visitors. Members of the five organizing clubs will take families out on the water to help them see their kids race. Coupled with fun social events at the host clubs, this will be an excellent way for racers and their families to enjoy a fun weekend of racing in America’s greatest summer city.
Growing participation in the sport of sail racing has to include starting at the bottom - in the next generation of sailboat racers. By offering fun, competitive racing in a world-class city, the five clubs comprising CASRA are working towards providing a great experience for youth sailors, helping them to develop a life-long passion for the sport.
Registration for Chicago Junior Race Week is open now at chicagojrw.com or via yachtscoring.com. We encourage you to follow them at facebook.com/ChicagoJRW for the latest information on this great event which will certainly become an annual summer tradition.
CASRA & WESTREC UNITE TO GROW
CHICAGO SAIL RACING
April 5, 2017
CASRA is working to make our sport more accessible and fun. In its inaugural season, CASRA has partnered with Westrec Marinas to offer new Casual Races to the Chicagoland boating community. This new Casual Series will offer six races, including the following:
Abe Jacobs Regatta - Sunday, June 25th, 2017
Hosted by Burnham Park Yacht ClubColumbia Yacht Club Casual Race - Sunday, July 9th, 2017
Hosted by Columbia Yacht ClubVerve Cup Casual Race - Saturday, August 12th, 2017
Hosted by Chicago Yacht ClubAir Show Regatta - Sunday, August 20th, 2017
Hosted by Burnham Park Yacht Club & Jackson Park Yacht ClubHobelman Regatta Casual Race - Sunday, August 27th, 2017
Hosted by Chicago Corinthian Yacht ClubChicago Regatta Casual Race - Saturday, September 9th, 2017
Hosted by Chicago Yacht Club
These races are designed to be fun and easy for new and experienced racers alike. All races will start at 12:30 PM, to allow more time for racers to get on the water. Races will be approximately 7-11 miles, and will end by 4:00 PM. All six races will be free to all boats renting moorings from Westrec in the Chicago harbor system.
Starting procedures are simple and easy to understand. The start line will open at 12:30 PM and close at 1:00 PM, and boats may cross the start line any time during that half-hour period. The Race Committee will record each boat’s start time, and subtract it from its finish time. The Race Committee will use the resulting elapsed time to score the race. CASRA will offer informal ratings for all boats free of charge, so new racers need not pay for a rating certificate. Yacht clubs will separate new racers from experienced racers, to the extent possible. Each sponsoring yacht club will host a fun party and awards event after each race.
Easy. Fun. Simple. If you are new to the sport, this is a great way to try sailboat racing. If you are an experienced racer, this is a great chance to have some fun on the water, and introduce less experienced people to the sport. Watch for further information in the coming weeks at chicagosailracing.org, and special thanks to Westrec Marinas – CASRA’s first Gold Level sponsor – for making this new series possible!
LEARN TO SAIL & RACE WITH EXPERIENCED
SAILORS & RACERS
April 3, 2017
All five founding clubs that created CASRA (Chicago Area Sail Racing Association) have races scheduled all season long. See the 2017 race schedule at chicagosailracing.org. For those wanting to learn to sail and race in these events, check out the programs of the CASRA clubs below.
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club Sailing Crew Training PrograM
Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club’s “Crew School” is a hands-on training program for anyone who is interested in learning the skills to become a valued crew member on a racing sailboat. Crew School is held on six consecutive Wednesdays from April 5 through May 10. Experienced skippers at CCYC will introduce you to nautical terms, points of sail and sail trim, crew roles and responsibilities, behavior on board, what to wear, safety equipment, racing rules and more!! At the end of Crew School, graduates will be introduced to racing skippers at CCYC, and will have an opportunity to begin racing immediately!
Click here to learn more, email crewschool@corinthian.org or call 773-334-9100, ext 707.
Chicago Yacht Club Crew U
Chicago Yacht Club Crew U is a seven-week program that starts in May and goes through June. This class is led by members of the Chicago Yacht Club who offer their boats and wisdom to help you get the skills you need to crew on a boat. The course includes some classroom instruction, but the vast majority is taught on the water. The classes are held on Tuesday nights, and many students get additional practical experience racing on offshore boats during Wednesday night racing. If you are interested in being part of yacht racing on Lake Michigan, this is a great way to up your experience and build relationships that may yield a position all summer long on one of the boats.
Click here to learn more and to sign up >
Columbia Yacht Club Sailing & Crew Education
Columbia Yacht Club's Skipjacks program is a social introduction to sailing which takes place Tuesday evenings over the course of seven weeks with club member captains doing the on-the-water instruction on their own boats. The class sizes are appropriately sized allowing students to sail on many boats, meeting all captains and students. It’s a tremendously fun program and helps people get comfortable on boats and learn the basics of sailing and racing. Lifelong relationships begin here. Many Skipjacks participants become cruising and/or racing crew with the Columbia captains they meet in the Skipjacks program. This course runs May 9-June 27, 2017, Tuesdays at 6:30pm.
Columbia Yacht Club's Skipjacks Advanced program is an accelerated Keelboat Certification program for those having previously completed the Skipjacks program. This course runs May 23-June 27, 2017, Tuesdays at 6-9pm, or July 25-August 10, 2017 Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6-9pm.
Click here to learn more or email skipjacks@colyc.org.
2017 RACE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
March 22, 2017
Since the Dec 2016 Survey of Racers and subsequent CASRA Town Hall Meeting, significant work has been underway by CASRA and the five founding member yacht clubs in Chicago.
The 2017 race schedule is a thorough coordination by all five clubs. There are no overlapping events that conflict with others among these five clubs. Boat owners, racers, and crew are now able to race any/all events in the Chicago area without having to prioritize one event over another due to scheduling.
The prior 'dry spell' of buoy racing, brought to CASRA's attention by one of Chicago's largest and competitive One Design fleets, has been eliminated. The 2017 schedule has been reconfigured to eliminate clumping of buoy racing and thereby also eliminating buoy racing dry spells of prior years.
Addition of new distance races along the Chicago waterfront, and racing later in the season has been added per input from racers via the survey and at the town hall meeting.
CHICAGO SAILOR SURVEY RESULTS
DECEMBER 14, 2016
Recently, CASRA conducted a survey of sailors in the Chicagoland area. The purpose of the survey was to learn what sailor like and don’t like about the racing in Chicago. And most importantly, to learn what CASRA can do to make things better starting in 2017. Almost 200 sailors responded to the survey and provided some great input.
TOWN HALL MEETING SUMMARY
DECEMBER 10, 2016
On December 10, 2016, the Chicago Area Sail Racing Association (CASRA) sought input from racing sailors across the City. CASRA hosted a “town hall” meeting at Columbia Yacht Club at which CASRA leaders reviewed sailors' responses to a survey which had been distributed to sailors three weeks prior the meeting.
Approximately 100 sailors braved the bitter cold temps and early hours of the first winter storm of the season to attend. Interest in the survey results, posted here on the CASRA website, was significant. 29% of those polled responded to the survey. Given the significant response, sailors attended the meeting to voice concerns and learn what the 2017 sailing season may look like.
CASRA leaders fielded questions, comments and observations from participants on how to improve racing in 2017 and grow our sport. Sailors’ concerns will be addressed by each of the five clubs comprising CASRA’s Board as they work to complete the DRAFT 2017 Race Schedule which had been introduced at the meeting.
PROUD GOLD-LEVEL SPONSORS OF CASRA:
