Page 13 - Kwasind Nov-Dec 2019

in race clinics, private lessons, CanSail courses and opportunities to learn from some of the RCYC’s best sailors.
More than 80 women enrolled in the Women’s Sailing programs this year. The immensely popular Women’s Social Sailing on Monday evenings offered the basics of sailing in a fun social atmosphere. On
In September, four RCYC teams competed at the Annual Ideal 18 Championships at the Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich Connecticut. Eleven yacht clubs in Long Island Sound competed in the regatta, bringing 30 Ideal 18s to the start line for each hour- long race. With light winds and strong tidal currents, it was a proud moment as Ian Brown and Dale King from RCYC placed first, and the RCYC team’s cummulative results put them in second place overalll. RCYC has been invited by Larchmont Yacht Club to participate in the North American Ideal 18 Championships which is held every two years, and hosted by the reigning champions, in Long Island Sound.
The Fleet pulled out all the stops at its first Ideal 18 Fall Celebration with awards being presented to regatta winners as well as top sailors in each of the fleet’s sailing programs. Thanks to the hard work of Rachna de Koning and Deborah Elias, the air was sweet with spices from India in a spectacular buffet, and a silent auction raised funds for the Ideal 18 program.
Usually this is where the fleet packs up for the season, but good news for keen sailors: there are currently plans in the works to move several Ideal 18s to City Station for a new frostbite race series! Provided there’s enough interest and good weather, sailors from around the Club can race from Cherry St through to December- stay tuned for details. RCYC Members can also get involved with special events, speakers and plenty of opportunities to join this vibrant fleet.
Tuesdays, women who wanted to skills participated in a rigorous training program that welcomed a consistent turnout of more than six boats every week. With every Thursday night race and weekend regatta, there are more and more women taking the helm, hiking out in heavy winds and hauling up that spinnaker. Jenny Farrand and the coaching team continue to encourage all sailors to strive for their own personal best.
Wednesday evenings were devoted to the CANSail and Intro to Sailing program, which is becoming an increasingly popular program for new Members to the RCYC. With a self-tacking jib, a sturdy keel and simple rigging, the Ideal 18 provides an ultra-safe environment to learn.
hone their racing
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 • KWASIND 13
SAILING