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Commodore’s Report

Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to call attention to the
Mission Statement of any organization, as a reminder of
purpose, for evaluation and needed focus. The ECA’s
Mission Statement calls us to:

• Promote and develop Ensign Class racing under
uniform rules;
• To rigidly maintain the one-design features of the Ensign;
• To promote use of the Ensign as a family boat for recreational sailing;
• To educate the public, particularly the youth, in sailing and sailboat
racing, with emphasis on safe boat handling and the use of the proper
equipment for sailboats.

For many years now, the ECA has successfully pursued and achieved these
goals through the efforts and contributions of a dedicated membership…a group
of people who might’ve never known one another absent the incredibly durable,
affordable and versatile design of the Ensign. We can never count the number of
friendships, racing experiences, warm memories, and exciting adventures
afforded to so many by this boat. The Ensign has been, and is, an incredible
blessing in our lives, and so the effort to sustain and grow this class continues.

Looking back, 2023 was a very successful year of racing. A quick review of the
2023 ECA regattas locations and winners:

• The Ensign Midwinter Championship was held at Columbia Sailing
Club, SC and was won by Robin Durrschmidt.
• The Region 1 Championship, hosted by Toms River Yacht Club, NJ,
was won by Bud Brown.
• The Region 2/3 Championship, hosted by Bucks Harbor Yacht Club, ME
was won by James Knowlton.
• The Region 4 Championship, hosted by Houston Yacht Club, TX, was
won by George Dahmen.
• The Region 5 Championship, hosted by Edgewater Yacht Club, OH was
won by Jon Gorbold.
• The ECA National Championship, hosted by Pentwater Yacht Club, MI,
was won by Mike Derusha, and the event was awarded US Sailing’s
One Design Club Award!

Also in 2023, the Rules Committee (Steve Heinzelman, chair) produced seven
rule changes destined to improve the class including:

• The ability to refurbish and build boats with more modern materials.
• A wider sheeting angle for the Blade headsail.
• Recognition of the launching ease provided by lifting eyes.
• Removal of whisker pole length restriction (headsail’s foot dimension
provides the proper length.)
• Through-deck jib cunninghams banned.
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