Greetings, PPYC
Race Academy
Our March & April Low-Lake Race Academy has been received well by all. We started off in March with two Saturday Windward/Leeward course practices for our J22 and non-spinnaker fleets. As we moved Race Academy to Wednesday’s in April with the low lake level, we’ve held three weeks of Windward/Leeward course practices with great success. Many members enjoyed the opportunity to experience the fun and thrill of racing as our fleets practiced for the upcoming events of the season.
Race Academy has been a work in progress with the help of several dedicated club members volunteering their time and energy to make this happen. Our team of George H, George B, Sam, James, Ian, Ricardo, Bill, Jackson and Brad have been amazing with helping to organize the Race Academy events and run the Windward/Leeward race practices. We could not have kicked off this program without them. Having received great input from our various members, this Race Academy addition to our sailing programs has been super fun with everyone wanting more. We will keep you posted about future events and practices.
Wednesday Night Racing
As the lake level rises, we will soon transition our Wednesday dates to our traditional WNR distance course format. As one of our most important weekly club traditions, WNR remains a cornerstone of PPYC. We all look forward to the great times of friendly competition among all of our fleets out on the water and our famous post-race club gatherings at La Hacienda on Bell Road.
The Race Director is monitoring the lake level and weather conditions and will make the call at noon on each Wednesday.
A “Race Day Notice” will be posted to both WhatsApp chat groups for the WNR Skippers group and the Nashville Sailing group. We will also try to do a better job of also posting a “Race Day Notice” to the WNR calendar on the PPYC website. So, be sure to check those chat groups and the PPYC website shortly after noon on Wednesdays before you drive out to the lake. Currently, we are in need of a WNR crew coordinator. Those who register to crew, please be patient as we try to fill this important position.
Learning at the Helm (LATH)
LATH continues to serve as one of our most important sailing programs to the strength and development of our club membership. The public response continues with high demand. Our first few sessions have been packed. So, we’ve added a few new LATH Skippers to the roster. There really is nothing more rewarding than sharing the joy of an evening sail on Percy Priest lake. If you are interested in participating as a LATH Skipper or regular Club LATH Sailor, don’t hesitate to contact our LATH leadership team of George, Ron & Reggie.
UPCOMING CLASS
Line Splicing & Whipping Class, Saturday, April 25
We will be holding our very popular Line Splicing Class this Saturday from noon to 3:00 pm. Jackson Miller will be teaching this hands-on class about the basics of lines, splices and knots. Spots remain open. This is an invaluable class to learn and practice these important sailing skills.
UPCOMING MAY REGATTAS
The Club has two one-design regattas scheduled for May, including the Vanguard 15 Exodus Regatta on May 2 and the J22 Galen Freeman Regatta on May 16-17.
Calling All Dingy Sailors:
The May 2nd Exodus Regatta is a one-design Vanguard 15 dingy race that kicks off our Summer Sunday Small Boat Race Series for the V15 fleet and other dingy classes. With this event just two weeks away, we need those registrations in as soon as possible. Come on Dingy Sailors, get registered.
Sunday Small Boat Series
And, if you are interested in experiencing the thrills of dingy sailing this summer as the water warms up, be sure to check out the PPYC webpage, where you can complete your required crew waiver and registration for the Sunday Small Boat Series. Our Small Boat program coordinator Brad Barth is available to answer your questions and get you connected with this dingy sailing program.
Galen Freeman J22 Regatta - May 15-17
The Club will be hosting our premier one-design Spring Regatta for the J22 fleet on May 15-17. It is our big Spring multi-day racing event with J22 boats from across the region. There will be a pre-race training event on Friday, May 15 and racing planned for Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17. Breakfast will be served each morning. The will be a Saturday evening social event to celebrate the J22 fleet. Awards will occur on Sunday after the races. Register early.
Volunteers Needed
As our major one-design spring race, volunteers are needed over the GF-J22 multi-day event. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the many intricacies of a One-Design Regatta out on the water. Those PPYC beginners with an interest toward racing are highly encouraged to volunteer. You definitely will learn what it is about. See Galen Freeman Regatta Volunteers and please email Regatta Chair, George Heintz at ghheintz@aol.com for coordination.
Welcome to our Newest Members!
Please give them a warm welcome when you meet them at the club or on the lake!
- Jacob Balfe
- Sean Clare
- Kerry Degman
- Amos J. Gaston
- Rick Alexander
- Lance & Tricia Smotherman
- Sam Giarratana
- Gray Chase
- Ken Mouton
- Cheyenne Alley
- Bradley Schaubert
- Jeff Bryant
- George & Becca Darling
Happy Sailing!
Brian Dougherty
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