2022 Helly Hansen Sailing World Race Committee
by Luke Shingledecker
The 2022 Helly Hansen Sailing World regatta was held on May 13-15. You may know this regatta as the Annapolis NOOD. One of the things that makes this a unique event is the number of competitors and fleets participating, and the number of clubs and other organizations involved to make it all happen. As in past years, SSA provided a race committee for one of the 4 racing circles, along with AYC, EYC and the Storm Trysail Club. SSA fielded a great race committee, with the same members serving duty on all three days of the event.
While hundreds of sailors and volunteers descended on Annapolis, the wind and sun did not. Each day, the morning started with fog and very light wind. Despite numerous delays and significant current on our Whitehall Bay/Hackett’s race course, we were able to complete 5 races for the J22, J24 and Alberg 30 fleets, and 7 races for the Etchells. 2 of those races were on Friday, when no other courses got in any races. The other courses completed no more than 3 or 4 races. When the conditions were too light, SSA’s committee was patient but ready, and set our course quickly when the conditions improved. Setting the course was particularly challenging, with marks and boats streaming with the current, instead of the light and fickle breeze.
Our success was driven by two factors. First, our race committee is staffed by active racers, who know the racing area and are acutely aware of how much the sailors want to race whenever possible. Every member of the RC actively provided observations and recommendations about the weather and race course. Second, our consistent staffing from day to day meant that everyone was ready to go, doing their jobs well, and communications were consistent. I strongly encourage members to consider getting your required days in on the same weekend, so you can enjoy the same opportunity to experience great race committee teamwork. This gets your obligation done in one weekend, and also helps the RC be the best it can be!
The other great thing about SSA race committee is seeing all your friends: the ones you haven’t seen in years, the ones you can’t get enough of, and the ones you haven’t met yet. Thanks to our entire race committee team, as well as the SRC and other great people who make high quality RC possible by maintaining our boats, gear, and the club’s physical infrastructure!
HH SW SSA Race Committee staff:
Barbara Vosbury
Luke Shingledecker
Greg Cukor
Matt Lynch
Missy Lynch
Jim Fisher
Gray Jones
Alex Stout
Chris Lewton
Rob Emmet
Jim Urban
Bonnie Urban
Tip Clifton
Steve Jahnige
