One of my goals this year is to increase participation in the Corinthian class of racers. These are the people who don't have the newest sails, and might get the bottom cleaned a couple times a year, but would like to go out and compete against similarly prepared boats to gauge their skill level and hopefully improve. It is through this fleet that we will grow our future competitors in the more competitive fleets. We all have a responsibility to welcome these new racers and help them to feel comfortable on the race course as well as the socials afterward.

The Commodores Regatta and Awards Banquet is to be on February 24. This should be a great race followed by a fantastic dinner to cap off a year of racing. Please see the NOR at Commodores_Regatta_NOR.pdf. Please make your reservations early for the 2007 NYRA Commodore's Ball as we came very close to reaching the limit at The Chelsa restaurant last year, and more boats were racing this year than last. The format will be like last year, with a cash bar, buffet and finally the year end awards including the Boat of the Year, Crew of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and the highly coveted Dr Crash award. There are tight races for both Spinnaker and Non-spinnaker boat of the year, which will most likely be decided by the outcome of the Commodores Regatta, so come find out the results from a year of racing.

Of final note, due to scheduling conflicts in the area, the NYRA invitational will be held the weekend of March 24-25 this year, which is considerably earlier than in the past, but will give everyone a good tune-up before heading down to Charleston. Please mark your calendars now for this event.

I am looking forward to another great year of racing. If you have any ideas on how to improve either the racing participation or the actual races, don't hesitate to contact myself or any of the other board members.