Our youth sailing programs, here at SYC, have been off to a great start this season The Race Team is gearing up for some amazing events later in the season and they have begun preparations for the St. Pete s YC Valentine’s Day Regatta later this month. Our Race Team has been focusing on speed, no matter the wind conditions, and learning how to implement dry land workouts into their sailing routine. We are looking forward to continue to pushing our racing abilities during this season.
Our Green Fleet sailors have also been off to a strong start to the season. They are continuing to grow comfortable with the boat and the sailors are focused on proper body positioning and holding the tiller correctly Our 420 sailors are also starting this season strong and they are gearing up for a regatta at FYC early next month
Start of the Winter season
Winter Conditioning
Gearing up for the Sunfish Frostbite Series
All about the Jens Rig
Sunfish Frostbite: Race Day Recap
Upcoming Events
Sunfish Frostbite Series Edition:
WINTERCONDITIOING
During our winter season, the SYC racers are greatly impacted by the colder weather and harsher conditions. On these winter days, we rely on “on-land conditioning” to make sure we are keeping our bodies performance ready.
Our race team has started implementing some on-land conditioning to stay strong in the off season. In this demonstration, Coach Martin is showing racers how to strength train in order to improve his tiller control and sheet in/out the mainsheet on the race course.
GEARINGUPFORFROSTBITE
In preparation for our winter sailing season, our racers have been getting their cold-weather gear ready and making sure they are prepared to race, no matter the conditions. The first race of the Sunfish Frostbite series was a great kickoff to the season As we continue to see colder temperatures on the horizon, we caution our sailors to pack plenty of layers and bring an extra change of clothes for race day.
This season, we have adapted our Safety Plan to accommodate colder weather The plan now features a “cold weather protocol” to help ensure our sailors stay safe if they happen to capsize while sailing. Race committee and mark boats can access our updated Safety Plan before each event in the Frostbite series.
ALLABOUTTHEJENSRIG
Why does the Jens Rig help lighter sailors & in stronger wind?
When the wind gets to be around 12 knots or more, the Sunfish generates a lot of power. For lighter sailors, that power can become difficult to control with the traditional rig.
The Jens Rig allows:
More luff tension, which flattens the sail
Better depowering, so the boat heels less
Easier adjustments while sailing, without stopping or struggling
This means lighter sailors can:
Stay flatter and more balanced
Hike more effectively without being overpowered
Maintain better upwind speed and control in stronger breeze
In short, the Jens Rig makes the boat more manageable, safer, and faster for lighter sailors and in winds above about 12 knots, without taking power away in lighter conditions.
Photos by Colby Longely
RACEDAYRECAP
Our Sunfish Frostbite Series had a strong kick-off on Sunday, January 11th. We are seeing excellent registration numbers and are expecting some great racing as the season continues This year, we have 15 registered sailors, which is an impressive turnout.
The series began with windy conditions on the opening day After careful consideration, the Race Committee under the direction of PRO Steve McCarthy decided to proceed and run a few races
While the breeze was strong, our sailors rose to the challenge and performed exceptionally well during the races we got in. A special congratulations goes to Charlie Usher for his outstanding performance in the opening races. Close behind him were Martin Borrallo, Andrew McIntosh, and Shane McCarthy, making for a very competitive and exciting start to the series
