New GSBYRA Safety Initiative

For the 2021 season, despite continued concerns over COVID-19, GSBYRA and its member clubs were able to put on a nearly full racing schedule. Social aspects were scaled back; however, junior regattas, cruising races & events, many of our championship events, and club racing were held. Participation for the junior regattas approached pre-COVID levels. And GSBYRA was able to close the season with an in-person fall awards dinner meeting hosted by Sayville Yacht Club.

GSBYRA is hoping to continue recovering from the COVID-19 lockdown, and to have an even better season in 2022. Over this past winter, the GSBYRA Executive Committee members (i.e., officers and delegates) have been hard at work to put together a full schedule for the season. As I write this in early April, most of that schedule has been set up. I’m sorry to report that non-COVID health issues prevented me from full participation in the planning process. Many thanks to Second Vice President Jimi Grover for stepping up and leading when both Rob Gutmann and I were not available.

Over the past year during the executive committee meetings there were important items approved by the Delegates that I’d like to take this opportunity to mention!

Since the end of 1987 the Bay has had a sailing grant program, with awards from a trust fund being given to junior sailors who are accepted to or attending college. An amendment to the GSBYRA bylaws was passed to clarify the relationship between the GSBYRA Executive Committee and the Trust. Further, the delegates approved a transfer from the Association’s general fund to the Trust. This will allow the Grant Committee greater leeway in the size and number of grants made. Please check out the information on the sailing grant program on the GSBYRA website and in the yearbook.

The other topic that came up during the delegate meetings this year was safety. Safety has always been a primary concern in sailing on the Bay and elsewhere. With that in mind, I am pleased to announce an important safety initiative by GSBYRA. Delegates approved reimbursement of up to $40 for the purchase of a sailing helmet for no more than 100 members (both youth & adult) of GSBYRA clubs. Members seeking reimbursement should send their name, mailing address, email address, club they are members of, and a copy of their proof of purchase to Dave Hale, either by mail at 18 Lighthouse Road, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, or by email at dave@smart-sourcing.com.

Alphonse Guardino