Greater Richmond Sailing Association News

2024 GRSA Frostbite Series

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 19:44:23 GMT

The GRSA frostbite series is almost here! Come out and enjoy some of the best racing all season! There will be four days of racing this year. They are scheduled for every other weekend, but we will be using the off weekends as tentative make up days in the event the weather does not cooperate.

Registration will open at 11:00 with the first warning at noon. Races will be held “in the cove” and are short, fast paced, and a bunch of fun!

The scheduled dates are:

Sunday, February 04

Sunday, February 18

Sunday, March 03

Sunday, March 17

With the tentative make up dates as:

Sunday, February 11

Sunday, February 25

Sunday, March 10

Sunday, March 24

As in the past, we are opening the series to non-members of GRSA, and will allow boat storage at our site for this series. We hope to see all of you on the water this winter!! Please contact Chris Cookson (ccookson.grsa@gmail.com) with any questions or if you'd like to help out.

Easter Egg Hunt

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 00:21:35 GMT

Please join us Easter Sunday. Meet at the pavilion and we'll send the kids out all together. Then join us for a little dessert and good company.

If any older kids would like to help hide instead of hunt we would love their help. Come at 2:15 to help hide eggs.

Invitation from Fishing Bay Yacht Club to Attend Race Committee Training Events

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 12:37:37 GMT

Wanted to invite our GRSA friends to participate in some Race Committee Training events FBYC is offering our members--one of which is happening in Richmond area

1--Murphy Rules--Race Committee Training (1/2 Day) by John McCarthy,, March 19, 2022 @1400 Horsepen Road, Richmond, VA, details/register at:

Murphy Rules: Join the Race Committee Training - FBYC

Note: This is a "best practices" course---does not lead to US Sailing Certification, but is good intro/review for club RC, and a good prep for the official US Sailing Course on April 9 (Item 2)

2---One Day US Sailing Club Race Management Seminar

Saturday April 9, 2022, 08:00 - 17:00 @ Fishing Bay Yacht Club, by Jerry Thompson

US Sailing Club Race Officer Training - FBYC

The FBYC event page will direct you to the US Sailing sign up page. This course can lead to US Sailing certification, which includes group insurance coverage for Certified Race Officers.

Regards

Ron Jenkins

Fleet 103 Captain

2022 Frostbiting Schedule

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 21:38:28 GMT

Hello Everyone!!

I just wanted to send out a quick note about the upcoming GRSA frostbiting season. There will be four days of racing this year. They are scheduled for every other weekend, but we will be using the off weekends as tentative make up days in the event the weather does not cooperate.

Registration will open at 11:00 with the first warning at noon. Races will be held “in the cove” and are short, fast paced, and a bunch of fun!

The scheduled dates are:

Sunday, February 06

Sunday, February 20

Sunday, March 06

Sunday, March 20

With the tentative make up dates as:

Sunday, February 13

Sunday, February 27

Sunday, March 13

Sunday, March 27

As in the past, we are opening the series to non-members of GRSA, and will allow boat storage at our site for this series. We hope to see all of you on the water this winter!! Please reach out if you have any questions.

Happy New Year,

Chris Cookson

804-986-3231

ccookson.grsa@gmail.com

From the Commodore

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 07:56:24 GMT

From the Commodore

Fellow GRSA Members,

Hello! I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving! As the end of the year approaches, there are a couple of things I would like to be sure you are aware of.

First, a reminder about the Annual Meeting and Holiday Party. It is a week away, on December 4^th, at the Brandermill Country Club. Registration for dinner is open until Wednesday night, so please don’t forget to sign up. Details are on the website. For those of you who are newer members and may not know, yes, it is a “meeting” and we do discuss club business (briefly I hope). It is an opportunity to hear about and discuss everything that is happening with your club, and we also have a few awards that we present. The event is also GRSA’s Holiday party, and a great chance celebrate the holidays with your sailing friends. It is open to all members.

I also would like to ask everyone to take a minute to think about their current membership type, and to consider whether changing to a Stockholder Membership or Social Membership is something that will benefit you.

GRSA Stockholder benefits include eligibility to serve as a GRSA club officer and the option to vote on issues that go before GRSA stockholders at the club’s annual meeting, the option of having up to two sailboats onsite, as well as reduced annual dues. Additionally, by purchasing stock, GRSA stockholders make both a financial investment in and a personal commitment to the club, and work together with our membership to advance the club for the benefit of all.

Current GRSA members in good standing may purchase stock by making a written request to purchase a share of stock to the GRSA Board of Directors to the attention of the GRSA Secretary at Secretary@grsa.org.

Upon approval by the Board, the Secretary will forward a Share Registration form for you to complete and return along with your stock purchase payment of $750. Once the Share Registration form and stock payment have been received, the Secretary will issue and mail the stock certificate. If you would like to be a stockholder for 2022, your request must be submitted by December 20^th.

Please note the following regarding stock purchase:

· The sale of GRSA stock is always at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

· A member must belong to GRSA for an uninterrupted period of not less than six months prior to application to become a shareholder.

Stockholders may redeem their stock by making a written request to the Board of Directors; however, redemption of stock is always at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Perhaps a Social Membership would be a good option for you. As a member of “the best club ever,” everyone reading this email is aware of what a special place GRSA is for the local sailing community. We want to ensure that the club continues to be a relevant and thriving hub for sailing for years to come. There currently are 53 individuals/families on our waiting list, eager to join and take part in sailing on Swift Creek Reservoir but our boatyard is full, and this limits the number of new members we can accept.

There are a considerable number of boats on the property that haven’t seen the water in a very long time. If you own one of these boats, have been a member at GRSA for at least 10 years and can no longer sail due to health or other personal reasons, please take a moment to consider the benefits of moving to a social membership. The clubs' bylaws state:

“Social Members shall be a GRSA member for at least 10 years, but due to health or other personal reasons wish to remain an active member of the club but with restricted rights as to storage of a boat on club property. There will be no boat storage of any type permitted on club property, this includes sailing and non-sailing craft. They shall enjoy all the other rights and privileges of the association except that of boat storage on the facility. Transition of existing active members into Social Members must be approved by the board. The dues for the Social members will be established by Board."

Currently these dues are a substantial discount over the active members' rate. It does require the removal of your existing boat(s), but the club is willing to help with the sale, disposal, or donation of your unused craft if you are unable to remove it yourself.

Social membership is an opportunity for those that qualify to retain access to the club that we all know and love, while enjoying significantly discounted annual dues. Additionally, anyone switching to a social membership is freeing up space for new members eager to get out on the water in their boats. This is critical for the continued health and vibrancy of GRSA.

The 2022 dues for GRSA memberships are:

Social Membership: $125

Stockholder Membership: $450

Non-Stockholder Membership: $600

If you are interested in, or have any questions relating to, a stockholder or social membership please reach out to a member of the board as soon as possible.

I look forward to seeing you at the Holiday Party next Saturday!

Chris

The Passing of Lyn Atherton

Sat, 20 Nov 2021 00:09:10 GMT

From the GRSA Board of Directors

It is with sadness that we must pass along to you the passing of Lyn Atherton.

The Athertons were some of the original members of GRSA, and are a large reason the club is what it is today. Lyn's son Bob, and grandson Robbie and their families are also members.

A Celebration of Life will be held 4 p.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Bliley's-Chippenham, 6900 Hull Street Rd.

https://www.blileys.com/obituaries/Lyndal-Hagood-Atherton?obId=23081296#/obituaryInfo#/obituaryInfo

GRSA Defends the Cup

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:15:09 GMT

GRSA DEFENDS THE CUP

Perhaps the cooler temperatures, overcast skis, northerly breeze, with a time change , was a factor but 5 stalwart GRSA sailors and crew took to the water Sunday against a lone participant from Brandermill in this years Swift Creek Cup.

While the air was a bit brisk, several sailors decided to test the waters to check the temperature differential. First Dave Stagney sailing with Chris Cookson suddenly found himself stroking for the stern of “Foot Off.” Chris was at a bit of a lose trying to figure out if he should slow down or try and reach the finish line before dropping behind any more boats. Dave grabbed the stern safety line and hoisted himself in just as Chris sheeted in to gather speed. (Chris, you need to finish with the same crew you started with). Not to be out done Steven Brown and daughter Sarah surfing down wind for the leeward mark under spinnaker, were caught by a rouge wind shift that took them over, Sarah who hardly got wet climbed to the board and finally Dad appeared over the rail to add enough weight to right the ship. They sailed on to finish the race as if this was a normal event. While everyone else was trying to stay dry, Nick Monday in his Sunfish splashed thru the waves.

In the end after times were calculated and computed by Lennert Stromberg awards were made. All Skippers and Crews were given participation mementos and finishing “in the money” were 3^rd Nick Monday in his Sunfish, 2^nd Chris Cookson /Dave Stagney in a Flying Scot (along with a couple hundred pounds of Hydrilla jammed in the centerboard box,) and taking top honors and the Cup, Pete Cookson and crew extraordinaire Grant Smith.

The actual times will be posted elsewhere on the web site as soon as I decipher my hand writing.

While this completes the 2021 Racing Season all boat owners are reminded to check their boats and to be current on the new site rules regarding boat storage. Hope to see you at the annual meeting in December.

Dave Upton RC Chair

2022 Officer Nominee Announcement

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:19:17 GMT

Fellow GRSA members,

I hope you all are doing well. The following are the nominees for the 2022 Board of Directors to be voted on at the annual meeting on December 4^th:

Commodore: Jill Reilly

Vice Commodore: Grant Smith

Rear Commodore: John Lew

Treasurer: Dan Walsh

Secretary: Joan Evans

Members at Large: Rocky Rochester

Michelle Leipold

Wayne Jennings

Chris Cookson

I hope to see you at the meeting and party.

Thank you,

Chris

Notice of Site Rules Admendment

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:18:37 GMT

Fellow GRSA Members,

The GRSA Board of Directors has unanimously voted to adopt an amendment to the club’s site rules. This amendment relates to the upkeep of members’ boats, trailers, parking spaces, and associated equipment, and will go into effect January 1, 2022. It does not change the current site rules but adds to them. Please take a few minutes and become familiar with the amendment below.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

Chris Cookson

GRSA Commodore

804-986-3231

ccookson.grsa@gmail.com

Boat Dry Dock (Dock) Parking

Prefix

Greater Richmond Sailing Association, Inc. (the “Association” or “GRSA”) owns and operates a variety of common areas within the facility grounds, including shelter, playground, boat slips, boat on trailer parking docks, (collectively “Common Areas”).

The Association has previously promulgated rules pertaining to boating and watercraft in the GRSA Common Areas.

This Rule is designed to promote the safe and efficient operation of all Common Areas.

While the Association’s operation of the Common Areas is intended to facilitate recreation, safety, and fairness, the GRSA endeavors to operate its Common Areas consistent with Virginia law and the governing documents of the GRSA, including, but not limited to, the By-Laws.

As such, GRSA has adopted this Rule to express its desire that Members and other individuals respect the limited availability of space In the Common Areas, and the need for Members to maintain their property in the Boat Dry Dock Parking spot (Dock) and pay all required fees associated with their use of the same.

In most cases, Members who are in good standing are allowed a boat parking spot within the Common Areas are assigned spaces for dry docking their watercraft

Members are also expected to complete all required documentation and pay all required fees before using the Common Areas for the purpose of using and/or storing their watercraft.

Policy

1. All boats on GRSA property must be seaworthy, shipshape, and trailer roadworthy.

a . "Seaworthy" means capable of being launched and operated on Swift Creek Reservoir without more than the reasonable and customary preparatory tasks:

rigging sails, installing drain plugs, proper safety equipment, and the like.

b. Owners may perform boat maintenance on GRSA grounds with the following provisos: maintenance tasks may not infringe on common areas for extended periods of time; projects requiring more than one day for completion shall be left neat, with all tools and materials stowed, whenever the owner leaves the Club grounds; the Club reserves the right to notify owners that a project must be completed or the boat removed from Club property within one week's time.

c. "Shipshape" means (by way of example and not of limitation):

covers and tarpaulins clean, without holes, and fastened down; paint clean and tight and free of mold; lines stowed or tied off; leaves and other debris removed; drains open; free of water, trash, etc.

d. The term “watercraft”(boat) is intended to include all manner of vessels, including sailboats, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, windsurfers, kayaks, inflatable boats, paddle boards, and any other allowed to be stored within the GRSA Common Areas.

e. All boats must have the annual GRSA registration number (decal) affixed at the proper location.

2. All trailers must be roadworthy. "Roadworthy" means: tires inflated and in good repair, bearings unseized, sound frame, working hitch, a tongue jack and wheel for rigs too heavy to move by hand.

2. a. loose equipment (see 2a(i) must be in good repair and have the owner's identification permanently affixed.

i. trailer dollies, spars, rudder, daggerboard, paddles, sails, et.al.

3. Parking spaces will be assigned by the GRSA Facilities Committee. No more than one boat may be kept in a space. Owners are responsible for keeping their boat within the assigned space. Owners are responsible for controlling vegetation under or around boats.

4. The Board may appoint a ‘Compliance” official as it deems advisable to enforce Rules.

a. An Owner / Member given written notice of a violation shall correct the conditions cited or remove the boat, trailer, or equipment from GRSA grounds within the time stated in such notice.

i. 1^st Notice 30 days to be in compliance – Member will be contacted:

1. phone call or voice mail, and

2. e-mail, and

3. regular USPS mail

ii. 2^nd Notice 30 days after 4.a.i – if not in compliance Member will be contacted:

1. phone call or voice mail, and

2. e-mail, and

3. regular USPS mail

iii. Final Notice 30 days after 4.a.ii – if not in compliance: Member will be contacted:

1. A USPS Certified Letter will be sent to notify of non-compliance
2. Boat may be moved to the inactive parking area of GRSA and if issues not subsequently corrected may be removed from the site.
3. Member will be billed $100 monthly storage fee, retroactive to the date of contact of 1^st Notice.

5. Members and their guests should not park in a boat parking place assigned to another member.

GRSA Invitational Crew and Helpers Needed!

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 04:20:56 GMT

GRSA Invitational Crew and Helpers Needed!

June 12th - 13th

If you would like to crew on one of the sailboats racing in the Invitational, please contact me. We have had a few folks who would like to race, but are in need of crew.

Or perhaps you would like to spend a couple of days out on the water and be close to the action, but are not sure you want to race. We are still in need of helpers on the Race Committee and Mark boats on one or both days. No experience needed, and it is a great way to learn how the races are conducted.

If you are interested in either crewing or helping out, please email me at ccookson.grsa@gmail.com or send me a text at 804-986-3231.

Thank you, and see you at the club soon!!

Chris

Message from the Commodore

Wed, 26 May 2021 00:24:00 GMT

Fellow GRSA Members,

The weather is warming up and sailing season is here! We have had a great Spring so far and have accomplished much. Member participation was exceptional on workday, with over 60 people coming out to help get the club ready for the season. We also had a sail camp workday to get the club boats cleaned up and ready for the students. Again, we had a great turnout and were able to get all the boats ready to go. The 420’s have never looked so good. THANK YOU to all who took the time to come to the club and lend a hand! It is genuinely appreciated! We held our first social event in over a year on May 1^st, and it was a tremendous success. Many commented that they were glad things are returning to normal and are excited to be enjoying the club again. Additionally, the fireplace has been repaired and inspected and is open once again. Even though it is warming up, the evenings can still be chilly, and I know many will be glad to be able to have a fire again.

We have a few events coming up, too. Our Memorial Day regatta and social is this Sunday and registration is open on the website. The GRSA Invitational Regatta is less than a month away, on June 12^th-13^th. The Notice of Race is posted on the website and contains a link to register on Regatta Network. Please register early if you are planning to participate, as many people from out of town often base their decision to attend on the number of boats registered. Remember, any class with at least three boats will have their own start and we will have a Portsmouth class for any classes with fewer than three. It promises to be a great event, and we would love to have a large turnout.

On the housekeeping side, just a couple of reminders. Please remember when your boat is at the dock to tie it up away from the ramps. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your boat in the water overnight. It should be at least 50’ from the main ramp, if possible. This allows our fellow sailors room to launch and retrieve their boats. Also, once you have launched your boat, please return your trailer to its parking spot, so other members’ boats are not blocked in with your trailer and car.

The year is off to a fantastic start, and I am excited for what is to come. Please keep an eye on your email and the club’s website for additional social and race events. We will be adding a few fun things.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about anything club related, please do not hesitate to contact me.

See you at the club soon!!

Chris Cookson

Commodore

Mobile: 804-986-3231

Email: ccookson.grsa@gmail.com

Frostbite/Spring Series

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 01:41:51 GMT

GRSA will hold a Frostbite/Spring series with 4 race dates and a make up date. The series will be held “in the cove”, pfds (life jackets) are required, 10 dollar entry fee per race date (exact change is appreciated).

First race is 12 noon, with a short skipper’s meeting at 11:15. Multiple races will be run per day weather dependent and are generally windward leeward courses. These races are quick and short and give racers the opportunity to work on starting tactics as well as mark rounding and spinnaker sets. In the event of a capsize that race is immediately cancelled and assistance is provided to that boat.

Race dates are Sat Feb 20, and 27^th and Sun March 7^th and 14^th with a make up date Sat March 20^th. These are open to all classes, and fleets will be formed based on the numbers. The course and length are ideal for even match racing. As in the past these are open events.

The Committee boat is currently manned for the first race. It is expected that racers will take their turn at this position throughout the season. For those who perhaps took the race committee seminar last year or before and would like the opportunity to go out and get some experience behind the wheel, please contact me thru the web site and I will be sure you are pared up with someone who is experienced. I do have room for you on FEB 20, again contact me if interested.

Updates will be sent via the clubs e mail list on Thursday or Friday prior to race weekend in the event the weather forecast is for non- sailable conditions.

2021 GRSA BOARD

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 14:25:20 GMT

At the GRSA Annual Membership Meeting, the following members were elected to the 2021 Board. Their terms begin January 1, 2021.

Commodore ------------- Chris Cookson

Vice Commodore ----- Jill Reilly

Rear Commodore ------ Grant Smith

Secretary----------------- Joan Evans

Treasurer ---------------- Dan Walsh

Members at Large------ Jay Malcan

Michelle Leipold

Rocky Rochester

Mike Keeler

2021 Nominated Officer Slate- FINAL

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 21:30:00 GMT

Nominated GRSA Officer Slate for 2021

UPDATE: NOMINATIONS CLOSED- NOVEMBER 1, 2020

At the October 12 meeting, the GRSA Board approved the following nominations for the 2021 GRSA Board of Directors.

Commodore: Chris Cookson

Vice Commodore: Jill Reilly

Rear Commodore: Grant Smith

Treasurer: Dan Walsh

Secretary: Joan Evans

Members At Large: Mike Keeler, Michelle Leipold, Jay Malcan, Rocky Rochester

Thank you to the 2020 Officer Nominating Committee for putting this slate together:

Mills Jones, 2020 Commodore

Jim Hudson, Past Commodore (2019)

Kirsten Sisco, Past Commodore (2018)

Eric Vugteveen, Member at Large (2020)

Chris Cookson, Vice Commodore (2020)

Due to COVID-19 and the limitations on live gatherings, the 2020 Membership meeting will be held on December 5, 2020 via electronic means. In order to accommodate the ability of members to make nominations from the floor, the Board is requiring that following process be followed.

1. Nominations from the floor will be accepted via email communication with both Mark Olszowy, Secretary (secretary@grsa.org) AND Mills Jones, Commodore (commodore@grsa.org).

2. Nominations must be received on or before Sunday, November 1. The Board will confirm that the person nominated is a Stockholding member in good standing.

3. The Board will post the updated nominations on November 5 to give the membership the required 30-day notice in compliance with the GRSA By-Laws.

4. The process for voting for Board officers will be sent out prior to the meeting.

Swift Creek Cup- New Date

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 12:10:11 GMT

The 2020 regatta for the Swift Creek Cup race will be held on Saturday, September 26 at the Brandermill Sailing Center near The Boathouse on Millridge Parkway. Registration starts at 10 AM and ends at 11:30 AM, and the skipper's meeting will be at noon, with the first race starting as soon as practical after. Notice of race will follow, but please spread the date and time with your membership.

This Regatta will use the Portsmouth Handicap formula and is open to all classes. Bring your Lasers, Albacores, Thistles, Sunfish, 420, etc. All boats race against each other in one fleet. The clubs are scored as a team. The individual regatta winner and winning club take home the Cup!

BOARD NOMINATIONS FOR 2021

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 15:25:21 GMT

2021 GRSA Board Nominations

GRSA is seeking persons interested in serving on the Board of Directors for 2021. Those that serve on the board must be a Stockholding member in good standing. The Board consists of the following positions:

Commodore: shall be synonymous and interchangeable with President, and the Vice Commodore shall be synonymous and interchangeable with Vice President.

It shall be the duty of the Commodore to preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors and to see to the enforcement of all rules and regulations of the Association. The Commodore or Vice Commodore shall sign all stock certificates of the Association and shall sign on its behalf all its contracts and other written obligations. The Commodore shall report on the condition of the Association at each annual meeting and shall also perform other duties as may be required by these By-Laws or the Board.

Vice Commodore: In the absence or disability of the Commodore, the Vice Commodore shall perform his duties and exercise his powers.

Rear Commodore: In the absence or disability of both the Commodore and the Vice Commodore, the Rear Commodore shall perform their duties and exercise their powers. Thereafter, the Board of Directors may designate one of its members to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Commodore.

The Secretary: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to sign all stock certificates of the Association, to maintain the stock transfer ledger and to perform or supervise (a) the keeping of the minutes of all meetings of the Association and of the Board of Directors in a book provided for the purpose, (b) a giving of notice of all such meetings, (c) the publication and filing of all notices, statements or reports as may be required by law, (d) the general correspondence of the Association, (e) the keeping of the burgee and seal of the Association, (f) the notification of members of their election, transfer, suspension or expulsion, (g) such other duties as may be required by these By-Laws or the Board.

The Treasurer (As revised January 2013)

The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of the funds of the Association subject to the general supervision and control of the Board of Directors. He shall perform or supervise (a) the giving, negotiation and endorsement of such notes, checks and bills of exchange as may be required in the conduct of the Association, (b) the collection of accounts of the Association and their deposit in such bank or banks as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate, (c) the keeping of proper books of accounts which shall at all times be subject to examination by the Commodore and members of the Board of Directors or any agent designated by them, (d) the preparation of a written statement and its submission to each meeting of the Board of Directors, which statement shall show the financial condition and operating results of the Association, (e) the preparation and submission to the annual meeting of the Association of a balance sheet showing the financial condition of the Association together with a detailed report on its income and expenses for the year last ended, (f) such other duties as may be required by the By-Laws or the Board.

Members at Large: Four members at large are elected to the board to represent the views of the membership and are voting members of the Board. Recently, members at Large have served on special committees as appointed by the Commodore to address special projects and issues which come before the Board and communicate directly with members who may have specific concerns about the club.

Who gets nominated?

Traditionally, the board seeks nominations of members who have volunteered in different areas of club life and wish to become more involved in the leadership of the club. Becoming a Member at Large or a Committee Chair is great way to become oriented in the business of running the club. However, any stockholding member can be considered for board positions. The list of Committee Chairs can be found on the website.

What is the Nomination Process?

A Nominating Committee is being appointed by the Commodore to assemble a nomination slate for 2021. Those interested in being nominated can contact the commodore at commodore@grsa.org. The Nominating Committee will develop a slate and present to the Board by the October 12th Board Meeting. The slate of officers (along with any additional nominations) will be voted on at the Annual meeting in December by the stockholding members present at the meeting.

If you have questions about particular board positions, you can contact me at commodore@grsa.org or the corresponding board member. I encourage you to review the GRSA by-laws on the website for further information.

RACE COMMITTEE CLINIC AUGUST 18 or 25

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 02:55:01 GMT

Your Race Committee, under Pete Cookson’s guidance, has put together a great & SIMPLE seminar on race operations. Serving on a Race Committee is fun and easy. There is nothing hard about it and, matter of fact, your own sailing will improve dramatically from the up-close observation of other skippers in action. You don’t have to be a racer, or even an experienced sailor, to enjoy a few hours on the lake on the pontoon boat.

This is designed for all interested to attend. We are targeting two date possibilities – Tuesday evening, August 18 or Tuesday evening August 25. The whole thing should be finished in less than two hours and volunteering for Race Committee is a great way to support your club and expand your know-how. You will get a new and different perspective of sailing, to say nothing of meeting new friends.

Here’s how simple it is. Areas to be discussed include:

· Getting the committee boat set up, in the water and it’s operation
· Registering the competitors
· Setting the course
· Order of starts and sequences – horn, flags, sign boards and such
· Starting the race
· Completing the race and recording results
· How to score

Please consider this easy learning opportunity and helping out your fellow sailors….take your pick of the dates. We’ll do our best to make this fun and worthwhile from many perspectives.

Please respond quickly if you are interested, Please RSVP to Pete peter.cookson@verizon.net or Tom Tomg14024@gmail.com with the date you prefer

Choice one - Tuesday, August 18, 6:30 PM

Choice two – Tuesday, August 25, 6:30 PM

Please note that GRSA will be practicing safe social distancing at this event due to COVID 19.

Thanks!!!!

Tom Gallagher, Race Committee Chair Pete Cookson, Facilities Coordinator

804-399-5009 804-909-9817

Summer Regatta Schedule

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 22:16:04 GMT

Notice of Race

The Greater Richmond Sailing Association will hold 3 days of Racing on Sunday June 14^th, June 28^th and July 5^th. Each race will be a separate event and will require a completed separate registration and fee payment for each day. These races are a closed events and registration and participation is open to members in good standing of the Greater Richmond sailing association. Crews may be guests, but boats must display current GRSA boat sticker and skipper must meet the criteria of the above.

While sailing involves certain risks, racers who enter these races understand, and acknowledge these risks and accept the possibility of harm and or damage. These risks, as sailors we try to mitigate thru training, carrying safety equipment, and following the Racing Rules as stated by RRS and GRSA. The decision to sail or not rests with the skipper and crew of each boat.

Sailing, in the midst of a pandemic, adds another layer of risk. These too must be individually weighed as to the dangers and possibility for infection, transmission of the illness to ourselves as well as to our fellow competitors. While certain steps have been taken to mitigate the possibility of transmission of the virus, by registering we acknowledge these risks. In holding these events all participants are asked to follow to the best of their abilities the guidelines as set forth by CDC and other health officials. Keeping appropriate distancing while on shore, use of masks in closer settings, frequent hand washing are just some of the recommendations. We ask that if you have a fever or any other symptoms such as loss of taste, smell, or have been in contact with a person who may have tested positive; that you be mindful of your fellow club members and not participate.

As part of the registration, you will need to attest to the wellness of yourself and crew.

Registration 10 AM; Fee: $10

Skipper’s meeting at 11am

First gun approximately 12 Noon.

Registration forms will need to be filled out and a $10 dollar entry fee paid. Checks are ok, but if paying in cash, exact change is required.

Registration will be held outside the pavilion as will be the skippers meeting. Following the race, results will be posted on the bulletin board, there will be no official gathering for results.

3 races each day are planned, a single race will constitute a series. Fleets of 3 or more class boats will be given a start. If deemed appropriate a handicap fleet may be formed.

Low point scoring, no throw outs.

Blessing of the Fleet

Sun, 24 May 2020 12:37:04 GMT

18^th Blessing of the GRSA Fleet

2020 -- 45th Anniversary

Opening Prayer:

O God, whose mighty hand rules both wind and wave, we thank you for your goodness and watchful providence. As we live by your grace, may our actions on both land and water always be favorable in your sight. Amen.

Seas Calmed:

In both Psalm 107 and several of the Gospels, we find stories of storm tossed waters being calmed. Just as God, by whatever name, guided those in peril to safety, the Lord watches over us during this time of worldwide pandemic and social isolation. Thanks be to God.

Memorial Day Tribute and Remembrance:

Pause now in a moment of silence for all those in each military branch who have died while in service to our country. Also remember each of the 25 club members who have died over the years. [silent pause] We celebrate their lives as we remember.

Blessing of Boats and Sailors:

Eternal God of heaven, earth, and sea take into your protection all those who use our facility and sail upon the lake. Preserve them both body and soul; benefit their efforts with enjoyment and accomplishment; protect them from any dangers of the waters and bring them safely back to shore. Bless now the many boats of GRSA, their skippers, crew, and families. May camaraderie and good sportsmanship be a mark of all those who sail for pleasure and possible competition. May we be blessed with another gratifying, though modified, season of sailing, learning, and fellowship. Amen.

Closing Prayer:

The Lord bless us, and keep us safe and well in the months ahead. Amen.

Welcome New Member Class of 2020

Thu, 21 May 2020 01:09:26 GMT

Welcome to GRSA the Class of 2020:

Tom Walsh

Mark Planting

Deirdre Turner

Ronald White

Joseph Haddad

Kira & Drew Routh

John Hossack

David Font

Bob Stringer

Drew & Andrea Gould

Laura Chessin

Earl Holloway

HYDRILLA UPDATE April 2020

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:25:24 GMT

The 2020 “Class” of Grass Carp Has Been Released

On April 14, 600 sterile triploid grass carp were released into the Swift Creek Reservoir to help control the growth of the non-native hydrilla plant. These carp represent the “Class of 2020” and they supplement the previous classes of carp added at various times since 2010.

The quantity of 600 carp was determined after studying the results of computer modeling runs using our best estimates of the amount of hydrilla consumed by carp of different sizes, carp predation/mortality, etc. The model indicated that adding more than 600 carp could “collapse” the level of vegetation in the reservoir, an undesirable result. Adding fewer than 600 carp could lead to higher levels of hydrilla than in recent years, also undesirable. This is consistent with the current approach of adding a relatively constant number of carp each year to achieve a balance between overgrowth and collapse of vegetation.

This year, rather than the normal, very “public” release of the carp along Genito Rd., the carp were released at the Addison-Evans water treatment plant in order to streamline the process during the COVID-19 pandemic. We owe a note of gratitude to the Chesterfield County Utilities Department for following through on their commitment to the residents around the reservoir to add carp this spring while they continue to supply high quality drinking water under difficult conditions.

We will continue to update you when important information becomes available and when public meetings are planned.

The Reservoir Hydrilla Management Group

John Cooling, Tony Giordano, George Hayes, Tom Hoekstra

Steve Menninger

GRSA Welcomes New Members

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 14:13:46 GMT

The Greater Richmond Sailing Association would like to welcome our newest members. A New Membership Orientation was held Friday, April 6th at the Pavilion. New members were welcomed by GRSA leadership and members during a networking reception before going over the GRSA Site Rules. New members were also introduced to their mentor (current GRSA members who will help guide the new members and their families through their first year. The following photo of new members (in attendance) and their families was taken during the evening.

Race Results Posted to Website

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 13:43:10 GMT

The race results for the Labor Day Regatta and the Swift Creek Cup have been posted to the GRSA Website under Racing and the Race Results.

Chili Cook-Off Summary

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 13:43:19 GMT

A Look Back at GRSA’s 2017 Chili Cook-off

Weather was clear, yet the wind was blustery, and the temperatures were down into the 40’s. The last race of the Frostbite was canceled due to the excessive winds of this winter season, however the Chili cook-off got the social season off to a resounding start.

There were 12 outstanding, stupendous, flavorful, hot, medium, and mild Chilies to sample. There was a flavor for every pallet!

The winner was Marty Cookson, receiving a $50.00 gift certificate to the Grill at Waterford. Congratulations to Marty!

Thank You for coming out and taste testing our Club’s master chief delights.

Cameron Richards – Social Chairperson

Notice of Proposed Change to GRSA By-Law Amendment

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:48:54 GMT

The GRSA Board of Directors are proposing the following amendment to the Membership section of the GRSA By-Laws. The proposed change is highlighted. The Board will vote on the amendment at the next Board meeting, Monday, March 13.

Article IV Membership

Section 11

"Membership shall be limited to those persons who own a sailboat to be used upon the waters of the Swift Creek Reservoir (SCR), with the exception of the Social members as noted in section 13. Individuals making application for membership must clearly indicate their intentions and purpose for wishing to have membership in the Association upon their application. Persons who are granted membership contingent upon purchasing a sailboat suitable for use on the SCR shall have until December 31st of the year they are offered membership to acquire such a craft. If they have not acquired a craft by December 31st, their membership automatically terminates. No other non-sailing watercraft may be stored or used at the GRSA site by such members who are admitted under this article until compliance is proven to the satisfaction of theBoard or with Board approval. Failure to comply with this article will cause the possible denial of membership renewal."

GRSA Board of Directors