posted and distributed Friday @ 1500 hours

BAYS Winter #3 Participants,

We have been watching the developing weather closely and need to plan Saturday's activities and sailing accordingly.  As of now there looks to be a cold front passing over the area in the 10 and 11 o'clock hours in the morning with substantial rain and wind in the 20-40 knot range out of the SSW, which can be higher in the SFYC cove area.  We intend to hold the Competitor's Meeting as scheduled at 10 o'clock in the Cove House, which is the large buidling at the north end of the parking lot.  The large Regatta Room will be available all morning for shelter and has a max standing capacity of 381.  I anticipate the front to pass as scheduled and then the wind to moderate to the 16-22 knot range for the afternoon, and thus be able to race.  The "outside course" will likely be run in Richardson Bay due to the extreme conditions, and there will be an ebb running all afternoon, so coaches and sailors will need to be careful sailing and towing back around the point.

Please forward this on to your coaches, as they are not on the registrant list and will not receive this communication, although it will be posted on the event website as well.  It is imperative that parents and coaches play a role in their sailors' decision to race, since RRS rule 3 states "The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone."  When applied to kids this requires parents and coaches to assist in making that decision.

The weather will not be nice when you arrive in the morning, a good forecast is provided below.  All trailers must be parked in the south end of the SFYC lot and non-SFYC member cars must be parked off site.  There is ample street parking on Community Road just past the police station, about a 3-minute walk to SFYC.  PLEASE DO NOT PUT UP SAILS IN THE PARKING LOT OR ON THE DOCKS PRIOR TO THE DROP OF THE AP FLAG.  THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE IF IT IS BLOWING 40 KNOTS THROUGH THE PARKING LOT.  If the weather improves around midday the AP flag will be dropped and boats that decide to race should launch as quickly as possible.  420s only fit down the south ramp and should assemble in that area of the parking lot.  Please to not park boats on the dock and ramps and then leave them, beucase you will be blocking everyone else.

There is no on-site registration or check-in. If you have sail number additions or changes please see Helen in the Race Office.  There is a fee for this, per the NOS and NOR, which will be invoiced to your ClubSpot account.  To avoid this fee please make changes by 5pm Friday.

At the end of the day we will have BBQ food indoors in the Cove House.  Sailors are included and others may purchase food for $20 at the event.

Thank you,

Forrest Gay - PRO