Blessing of the Fleet and Opening Day Regatta 
Saturday, April 18, 2020

We welcome all racers, cruisers, their families, and guests to this family-friendly event to kick-start a great year of sailing.  A great tradition at Fishing Bay Yacht Club, Opening Day begins with an Offshore Regatta.

DESCRIPTION This regatta will consist of one race for PHRF (A, B, C, NON-SPIN) sailboats holding a valid PHRF of the Chesapeake certificate, one-design classes, and CRUISING Class sailboats having a handicap rating assigned by FBYC.

The format for all boats will be one medium distance race around government and drop marks. PHRF NON-SPIN will be sailed allowing only one (1) headsail downwind.

SKIPPERS' MEETING There will be a Flag Raising and Skippers’ Meeting at 0900 hours at the flagpole adjacent to the Jackson Creek parking lot to review any changes to the GSIs and SIs for the offshore races.

HANDICAP RATINGS The race committee will determine whether to use PHRF of the Chesapeake Bay Circular Random (CR) Handicaps.  If so determined, the RC will notify the fleet by radio prior to the start of the race. 

WARNING The warning signal for the first start will be at 1100.

STARTING AREA The Committee Boat will be in the general vicinity of Piankatank R. Lt. R “2” Fl R 4s (FBYC “F”).

TIME LIMIT If one boat in a class finishes within five (5) hours of the actual start time of the race for that class, then the race will be valid for all boats in that class.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY Competitors participate in any race or regatta entirely at their own risk as instructed in RRS, Rule 4, Decision to Race. The organizing authority will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the race or regatta.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
0900: Flag Raising & Skippers Meeting
1100: Warning for the first start
1630: “UPBar” and Porch Bar open.
1720: Bars close (to reopen following Blessing of the Fleet)
1730: Blessing of the Fleet
Post Blessing: UP Bar and porch Bar will be reopen followed by delicious dinner and live music.  Details will be published on the web as the event approaches. 

Please note that on line registration for social events is mandatory. Registration will remain open until 10 am the day of the event with "early bird discount " cut off being Wednesday April 15 at 8pm. Party/dinner price for registration after April 15 8pm will be regular price.  No registration at the door.

 Entertainment provided by a live acoustic duo from Charlottesville “No Charge”

Interested in volunteering?  Sign up to help us out by clicking HERE!