Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2003 10:55:51 -0500
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004 -- Update #0
Just a quick note about BIRW 2004 (June 20-25). If you want your name taken off this list, just let me know. I'll have about 10 Updates orso leading up to the event. (You are on this list because you sailed last year or because you have expressed interest in being on the list.)
There's an event site at http://blockislandraceweek.org/.
There's a J/105 event site at http://j105.org/BIRW2004/
You can express your interest in attending at http://j105.org/BIRW2004/entries.php. There are already 16 boats on this list and it is updated immediately when you fill out the form (very easy).
Finally, don't forget to make your housing and ferry reservations early in January.
Cheers,
Nelson
------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 09:59:51 -0500
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004, Update #1
Block Island Enthusiasts:
You're on this list because you sailed last year or because
you have asked to be included. If you want off the list,
just reply saying that you'd prefer not to be included this
year.
There is undoubtedly plenty of housing still available, but
don't wait until the last minute. Make your reservations
early. Since many owners "do not rent to crews" during race
week, when you make your inquiry you need to make it clear
that your "group" is not likely to be partying and tearing
the place apart like all the other sailors do. You're in a
family-oriented racing class!
It is harder to get are ferry reservations. If you have not
done that yet, you need to get to it quickly if you are
bringing a car over. The best sailings are probably booked.
It is never a problem for passengers only.
Bookmark the 2004 Block Island web site. It has pointers to
the stuff that you will need: http://j105.org/BIRW2004/.
You can also access it from the main menu under National
Events and under Racing Event Info.
You can express (or change) your level of interest under
"expected entries". Just make sure that the last name you
enter matches what is on the main owners list. Here are the
18 boats already on the list:
ELMO, JOYSEA, KETCHUPLESS, KEEMAH, KIMA, WET LEOPARD, WET
PAINT, RIGADOON, MORNING GLORY, PICANTE, JATO, VIGILANTE,
BOHICA, TRUE NORTH, INDEFATIGABLE, TENACIOUS, SAVASANA,
GHOST.
Looks like the winners from the last three years may not be
back, so chances are good we may crown a new winner in 2004.
We have a great new battle flag as a perpetual trophy.
I will be looking for help in the following areas:
1. Planning and executing a party (Jim???)
2. Weighing people in (great job for the significant others???)
3. Measuring duties (we usually do a spot check of boats)
Please volunteer!
Cheers,
Nelson ------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2004 15:41:21 -0500
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week Update #2 -- Please Respond
Block Island Enthusiasts:
We have only three months before we start racing at Block.
Now if this snow would just melt to put us more in the mood.
Fleet #14 held its annual meeting last Saturday and we
decided that we would have a weigh-in and do random
measuring again. Hugh McLean volunteered to organize the
weigh-in. If some of your shore party could help, please
let me know and I will hook you up with Hugh. We are still
looking for someone to host a party. Things tend to work
out better on the racecourse after you have a beer with your
fellow competitors and you can hail them by name. I could
use some help with measuring as well.
Let's remember the following: 1. Weight limit is 1045
pounds with the owner/driver maxing at 220. 2. All sails
registered with the national class. 3. Level A, meaning at
most one Group 2 crew. 4. All drivers required to be
members of the national class.
Here is the current list of possibles, probables, and firms
(which can be updated by you on the web site):
ELMO, ECLIPSE, ALL RIGHT, TERN, PHANTOM, JOYSEA, IF ONLY,
LIQUID COURAGE, KETCHUPLESS, LAST TANGO, KEEMAH, KIMA, WET
LEOPARD, WET PAINT, RIGADOON, MORNING GLORY, PICANTE, JATO,
VIGILANTE, BOHICA, TRUE NORTH, CASEY, TENACIOUS, SAVASANA,
GHOST, AJAX, TASTES LIKE CHICKEN.
If you know of boats that are coming, but not on this list,
please let me know. Conversely, if you are on the list, but
not coming, please let me know that as well.
As always, everything you will need at:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/. You can also access it from the
main menu under National Events and under Racing Event Info.
Please volunteer to help out!
Cheers,
Nelson
------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 30 Apr 2004 11:03:10 -0400
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004, Update #3
Block Island Enthusiasts:
Less than two months before we start racing at Block. Is
your boat in the water yet?
Your deadline for the entry fee is June 1, buy why not take
care of that right now so you don't forget:
http://blockislandraceweek.org/
I will have forms for you to fill out for crew lists and
sails. If you haven't checked lately, you should make sure
that all the sails that you will be using are listed on the
Sail Tag List: http://www.j105.org/sailreglist.php Jot down
the numbers and the Delivery date for later.
You need to be a member of the National Class Association to
race. Check your membership status on the owner list:
http://www.j105.org/newlist.php
There hasn't been much addition and deletion from the entry
list on the J/105 site. Here's the current list of 28,
quite a few of whom are not listed as "firm" (this can be
updated by you on the web site):
http://www.j105.org/BIRW2004/entries.php
ELMO, ECLIPSE, ALL RIGHT, TERN, PHANTOM, JOYSEA, IF ONLY,
LIQUID COURAGE, KETCHUPLESS, LAST TANGO, KEEMAH, KIMA, WET
LEOPARD, WET PAINT, RIGADOON, WOODY, MORNING GLORY, ACHIEVER
V, JATO, VIGILANTE, BOHICA, TRUE NORTH, CASEY, TENACIOUS,
SAVASANA, GHOST, AJAX, TASTES LIKE CHICKEN.
As always, if you know of boats that are coming, but not on
this list, please let me know. Conversely, if you are on
the list, but not coming, please let me know that as well.
As always, everything you will need at:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/.
Still looking for volunteers -- party, measuring, paperwork,
etc.
Cheers,
Nelson
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 17 May 2004 14:59:00 -0400
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004, Update #4
Block Island Enthusiasts:
Only a month before we start racing at Block. Have you been practicing yet?
They have started listing the entered boats on the Block Island web site:
http://blockislandraceweek.org/
Currently entered (15):
IF ONLY, LIQUID COURAGE, KETCHUPLESS, LAST TANGO, KEEMAH, KIMA, WET PAINT, NBX,
MORNING GLORY, ACHIEVER V, JATO, CASEY, TENACIOUS, ROE RAGE, AJAX.
Not entered, but expected (13):
ECLIPSE, ALL RIGHT, TERN, PHANTOM, JOYSEA, WET LEOPARD, RIGADOON, WOODY, VIGILANTE,
BOHICA, SAVASANA, GHOST, TASTES LIKE CHICKEN.
The registration deadline is fast approaching, so please get your name moved
up to the top list.
We have volunteers for a party. Andy Gillis and Pam Morris of JATO will be hosting
(probably Monday night). Now we need some volunteers for buying some of the
soda, beer, burgers, ice, munchies, etc. Please contact Andy (adgillis@yahoo.com)
if you can help.
Let's remember that this is an owner-driver class and the "long-term shipmate
and friend" rule will be in effect. If you have any doubts about what a
LTSF is, please read rule interpretations RI-02-17 here:
http://www.j105.org/ruleinterpretations.html
For those of you on the sidelines, consider this. Suppose you didn't have to
worry about a crew. Further, suppose you didn't have to worry about housing.
All you have to worry about is bringing your boat to Block and sailing with
a good bunch of competent sailors (they might even deliver her for you in a
pinch). Too good to be true? Well if you are interested in such an arrangement,
please contact Carl Gitchell (Carl.Gitchell@us.army.mil) who will be sailing
TENACIOUS, but may be able to connect you with a crack Annapolis crew with a
house. Totally turnkey.
Here's where to look for anything related to the Regatta:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/
Cheers,
Nelson
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 1 Jun 2004 11:24:08 -0400
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week, Update #5
Block Island Enthusiasts:
Less than three weeks to go before we start racing. Do you have all the i's dotted and t's crossed?
The entries on the Block Island web site were updated this morning at:
http://blockislandraceweek.org/
Currently entered (23):
ECLIPSE, TERN, PHANTOM, JOYSEA, IF ONLY, LIQUID COURAGE, KETCHUPLESS, KEEMAH,
KIMA, WET LEOPARD, WET PAINT, WOODY, SAPHINA, MORNING GLORY, ACHIEVER V,
JATO, SCREWED UP, CASEY, TENACIOUS, SAVASANA, ROE RAGE, GHOST, AJAX.
Not entered, but expected (5):
ALL RIGHT, LAST TANGO, RIGADOON, BOHICA, TASTES LIKE CHICKEN.
The first registration deadline is June 2, so please avoid the late penalty and send in your registration today.
Andy Gillis and Pam Morris of JATO firmed up the dinner party for Monday night. We still need some help for buying some of the soda, beer, burgers, ice, munchies, etc. Please contact Andy (adgillis@yahoo.com) if you can help.
There are now on-line sail and crew declarations for you to fill out at:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/. Before you go there you will need to know your sail
tag numbers (available at: http://www.j105.org/sailreglist.php) and who will
be on your crew, their occupations, and how many are coming to the party.
If you are logged in to the web site, you will have some of the information
on the forms pre-filled in for you. Kendra Muenter of JBoats is collecting
and organizing the on-line forms for me. Declarations are not part of the
Rules, but it will reduce your chances for an inspection if you fill them
out and they also serve to keep you informed.
I've attached an e-mail from Jen Scaring who is looking to crew. There are plenty more at the http://blockislandraceweek.org/
Here's where to look for anything related to the Regatta:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/
Cheers,
Nelson
--------------------------------------------------------------
On May 24, 2004, at 12:09 PM, Jennifer Scaring wrote:
Hi Henrik,
I would like to be put on the crew list for Block Island Race week. I am from Long Island but currently living in San Francisco. I have been racing a J105 on the SF Bay for 2 years (other boats on the bay for 4 years.) I usually do pit but can also do foredeck. I'll be in Block Island during race week and would love to get a spot on a boat. I realize this is a long shot, but I thought I would try. Any suggestions??
Thanks.
Jen Scaring
Date: Tue, 25 May 2004 00:20:37 -0700
Subject: Re: Crew List
From: Jennifer Scaring <scaring@sacred.sf.ca.us>
To: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Hi Nelson,
Yes, I agree, pretty useful information! I am 5'6", 135 pounds, and 30 years old. I usually spend most of my time in the pit, but I am pretty comfortable on foredeck. I have never done spin trim on this boat, but I am familiar with the job. As for housing, I will not be needing any accommodations and I will be sailing there ahead of time on my parents' boat. So, no housing, no transportation.
Thanks for getting back to me.
Jen
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2004 09:49:59 -0400
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004, Update #6
Block Island Enthusiasts:
In two weeks we'll be sailing. Can't you smell the salt water yet?
The entries on the Block Island web site have not been
updated so we're still at 23 plus four expected (TASTES LIKE
CHICKEN being a dropout):
http://blockislandraceweek.org/
The following have sent in declarations (6):
KEEMAH, KIMA, WET PAINT, CASEY, SAVASANA, TENACIOUS.
The rest of you have not (17).
Here are the direct links to the declarations:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/docs/sails.php
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/docs/crew.php
From the six that have submitted we have five crews
attending the party on Monday with 36 people. It promises
to be a great turnout. More details with directions next
time.
Let me say a bit about inspections. We don't have an
inspection team (any volunteers out there want to help?), so
we will be doing spot checks. They will probably be Sunday
morning and Monday immediately after racing. You can be
inspected in one of four ways:
a. Volunteer to be inspected (already have one)
b. Win the lottery (more next time)
d. If you don't submit declarations
c. Finish in the top three on Monday
The inspections are to help owners to comply voluntarily,
not to force owners to comply reluctantly. We will be
checking headstays, floatlines, lifelines, and floatline
certificates. While there is no class rule about lifelines,
the RRS say they have to be "taut" and we will try to have
everybody using similar definitions of what "taut" means.
JBoats personnel (Kendra and Marilyn) will be checking us in
at registration. Thank them for helping out.
Here's where to look for anything related to the Regatta:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/
Cheers,
Nelson
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 17:45:09 -0400
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004, Update #7
Block Island Enthusiasts:
We're heading to Block this weekend. Pray for good weather!
I just learned that the defending champion, PRETTY SKETCHY,
will be joining us at Block. And just to show they are
human (after last year's rout), they put in a fifth place
finish at the NYYC Regatta this past weekend. So with two
more dropouts (RIGADOON, BOHICA), this brings our final total
to 26 (unless there are more last minute surprises).
Here are the names:
ECLIPSE, ALL RIGHT, TERN, PHANTOM, JOYSEA, IF ONLY, LIQUID
COURAGE, KETCHUPLESS, LAST TANGO, KEEMAH, KIMA, WET LEOPARD,
WET PAINT, WOODY, SAPHINA, MORNING GLORY, ACHIEVER V, JATO,
PRETTY SKETCHY, SCREWED UP, CASEY, TENACIOUS, SAVASANA, ROE
RAGE, GHOST, AJAX.
I currently have 15 crew declarations and 12 sail
declarations, so there is still work to do for more than
half of you.
Declarations must be sent in by Friday, June 18, at noon.
Here are the direct links to the declarations:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/sails.php
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/crew.php
Now for what you've all been waiting for. How does the
lottery work? If the last digit of your hull number matches
the last digit of Thursday night's RI lottery drawing (6
p.m.), you "win". For example, if the ping pong balls come
up with 4-9-2, then hull numbers 212 and 442 get the
inspections. I'll send one last e-mail on Friday morning
with the winners.
Inspections will be held Sunday 9 to 12 and 4 to 6 and
Monday after racing. Reminder of who gets inspected:
a. Volunteers (SAVASANA, AJAX, KEEMMAH so far)
b. Win the lottery (results next time)
d. If you don't submit declarations (lots of candidates so far)
c. Finish in the top three on Monday (if not already inspected)
Boats being inspected need to have their jibs removed from
the forestay.
Weigh-ins will be at the same times on Sunday (9-12 and 4-6)
in a 10x10 privacy booth under the big tent. These will be
conducted by volunteers from ALL RIGHT with their calibrated
scale, so be nice to them! We'll also try to provide
weigh-ins for crew arriving late at 8:30 a.m. each morning
at the same place. I'll let you know Friday if ALL RIGHT is
all right with this schedule.
Here are the party details from Andy and Pam:
When: Monday June 21 beginning at 6 p.m.
Where: Terrell House, Fire # 248
What: beer, drinks, bergers, etc.
Directions:
The Terrell house is less than a 1/4 mile from
the intersection of Old Town Rd. and Ocean Ave. This is the
4 way intersection just south of the Yellow Kittens bar.
Head south from this intersection on Old Town Rd. Proceed
past Chappel St. and take a left into the second driveway.
This driveway is marked on either side by rocks and flowers.
A small sign on the rocks should identify this driveway as
Mill Pond Lane. The Terrell house is the second on the
right. While on Old Town Rd, if you pass the Adrianna Bed
and Breakfast (on the left), you have gone past Mill Pond
Lane. If you have questions, we can be reached at
914-980-3162 (Andy) or 914-707-0391 (Pam).
If you'd like to bring anything, I'm sure that any
appetizers or deserts that you might bring would be quickly
consumed. Feel free. Cut up into small servings.
It would be awfully inconvenient if we had a lot of protests
heard on the first day of the regatta. For this reason, I
would ask that a) if you protest someone, be pretty doggone
sure that they are in violation of a Rule and b) if you get
protested and you think you might be guilty of a violation,
take your penalty turns on the water. After Monday (and
after you meet all the competitors), there should be no
further need for protest hearings (he said optimistically).
In a new twist, we will send a large yellow "leader's brag
flag" out with the leader of the regatta each morning
(SKETCHY, gets it on Monday). This is analogous to the
yellow shirt of competitive bicycle riding and the Regatta
winner keeps it until next year's BIRW Regatta. Also, I
have a few red J/105 battle flags available for sale at the
incredibly low price of $75. See me if you would like to buy
one. Supply is very limited.
Here's where to look for anything related to the Regatta:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/.
As has been my usual practice, I will try to have daily
commentary for your friends and relatives as well as for
owners who wish they were here. Point them at:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/commentary.php
Cheers,
Nelson
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 08:26:08 -0400
To: block2004:;
From: Nelson Weiderman <nhw@ids.net>
Subject: Block Island Race Week 2004, last update
Block Island Enthusiasts:
The time is nigh. Take a deep breath and go. Careful of
fog on the way over, but Monday is predicted to be sunny
and 80 degrees. Iwindsurf.com is calling for "transient
ridge of high & WSW to W flow with sun. Holding modest
gradients w/ a chance for WSW sea breeze enhancement."
The RI ping pong balls came out 0-8-3-7, see:
http://www.rilot.com/
This means that WET LEOPARD (307) and ROE RAGE (567) have
won the lottery to be inspected. We'll take them first and
then the volunteers: SAVASANA, AJAX, KEEMAH, & PHANTOM on
Sunday morning (9 to noon) and get the remainder on Sunday
afternoon (4-6). Please have your jib off the forestay and
your sail tags easily accessible for us to check.
The Regatta Measurers will be Nelson Weiderman and Andy
Gillis from the National Executive Committee, Jeff Sammis,
the Fleet 23 measurer, with Jeff Johnstone of the National
Executive Committee for backup.
Of the 22 boats that have submitted crew declarations so far,
we have 125 party goers. We have ordered accordingly, so
please show up if you have signed up. For those who are
better at maps than directions, we have a map that locates
the Terrell house at:
http://www.j105.org/BIRW2004/Terrell.jpg
Here are the twenty six:
ECLIPSE, ALL RIGHT, TERN, PHANTOM, JOYSEA, IF ONLY, LIQUID
COURAGE, KETCHUPLESS, LAST TANGO, KEEMAH, KIMA, WET LEOPARD,
WET PAINT, WOODY, SAPHINA, MORNING GLORY, ACHIEVER V, JATO,
PRETTY SKETCHY, SCREWED UP, CASEY, TENACIOUS, SAVASANA, ROE
RAGE, GHOST, AJAX.
Declarations must be sent in by today, June 18, at noon.
Here are the direct links to the declarations:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/sails.php
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/crew.php
I'm sure to forget some, but thanks to all the volunteers. I
mentioned the measurers above. Thanks to Andy and Pam for
hosting the party. Thanks to Hugh McLean and his crew for
conducting the weigh-ins. Thanks to John Taylor (CASEY) for
the beer. Thanks to JBoats (Kendra and Marilyn) for
checking us in. Thanks to Don McClusky for the map. Thanks
to Fleet #6 and Fleet #14 for kicking in for the party.
Thanks to all the unnamed who are helping Andy and Pam with
logistics for the party. And thanks in advance to the as
yet unnamed burger flippers and cleanup crew.
All the BIRW 2004 links are at:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/
In particular, my commentary will be at:
http://j105.org/BIRW2004/commentary.php
My parting shot? There is one thing that is worse than waiting
around for a protest hearing (covered last time). That is
having contact with damage. Whether you are the hitter or the
hittee, whether you are at fault of the other guy is, is just
sucks pond water. Let's be safe out there. You will notice
that all the boats tend to come together at the marks. It is
just not worth it to "stick it in there" for small gains, when
you can lose big time. And enjoy yourselves out there!
Cheers,
Nelson
-------------------------------------------------------------------
For last year's e-mail, check here.