LCRC Adds Long Distance Series to 97 Line Up

by Ken Signorello

elegates to the Lake Champlain Racing Conference (LCRC) met on March 4th to finalize the 1997 LCRC race schedule. Other issues discussed included a new long distance series, advertising and PHRF measurement compliance. The LCRC committee decided to return to it's traditional two division, four class structure: Division I:(A, B) and Division II:(C, D). The J/24 Class, reintroduced in '96, was judged a dismal failure, and abandoned.

The LCRC committee is consists of delegates from the Malletts Bay Boat Club, Lake Champlain Yacht Club, and the Valcour Sailing Club. Sailboat regattas hosted by various Lake Champlain sailing organizations are used to form a series of races that sailors across the lake can participate in while not belonging to any boat club per se. All that is required is a Lake Champlain PHRF rating. Individuals wishing to race in the series can call the commodore, Bob Goodwin at (802) 425-4005 to request a registration, and PHRF rating form. "The Cannon" and "The Goose" are the traditional trophies for the regular series. In addition 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class (A, B, C and D) receive a trophy, as well as any boat placing in any one event. Of course boats must be registered with the LCRC in order to compete for these trophies.

The primary decision at the meeting was the 1997 schedule:

The warning gun for the first LCRC class at each event will be 10:30 AM. Also the MacDonough will be counted as though it were a two race regatta. This will make it possible for a team to make a significant gain by doing well in the last race, adding a sort of wild card to the series. A boat doing so well that it might not have to complete the MacDonough to win normally, would now be more likely to and have to do well.

Perhaps the most ambitious idea introduced a new two race series consisting of the MacDonough and the Lake Champlain Race. The Lake Champlain Race is "the other" long distance race on Lake Champlain hosted by the MBBC. This race starts on August 8th near Stave Island at about 1900. One trophy for the best combined two race score in each division will be awarded.

For the second year, changing the level of advertising allowed on boats in LCRC events was brought up. Most of the hosting clubs had already made this decision, but a check box question will appear on the LCRC registration form to gauge participant interest in changing this in the future.

"Lionheart" leads "Mohawk" during the 1996 Mayor's Cup.

Finally, the LCRC responded to rumors of boat modifications not compliant with their national PHRF rating in 1996. Clearer wording will be placed in the LCRC handbook with regard to PHRF measurements and just what can and can't be done to a boat within the PHRF rules. Also, the consequences of racing out of compliance will be spelled out. A quick review of the rules indicates that the only unilateral recourse available, if a violation is suspected, is for a competitor, a race, or protest committee member to file a protest at an event.