The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is for people that would like to race their sail boats in a relaxed environment with other boats that are primarily cruising boats. It is also open to race oriented boats. Members are primarily sailors from Cobb Island, Colonial Beach and Dahlgren. This is a new sailing association on the Potomac River; we are going into our sixth season. MPSA was started with the intention of bringing together sailors from the immediate area and to increase the interest of the general public in the sport of sailing.

At this time there are no dues, no plans for a club house and we do not require a PHRF Certificate to come out and race. We are working to expand and grow our racing events with other nearby yacht clubs. We have plans for cruises to nearby marinas and raft-ups at many of the protected creeks along the Potomac River.

This site will be used to post schedules of planned events, pictures from these events and race results.

This is a new web location for this group; everything is under development, so expect changes.

Pictures from past events are posted at http://picasaweb.google.com/dw.mpsa.

Please remember to send in a “2015 Standard Yacht Race Entry Form”. This helps us keep you guys straight and get results completed without guessing boats and names. Funny thing is we often know the boats but struggle with owners. I guess that is a sign you have the bug bad when you know more about a boat than the owner. This is also a release form that any organization would appreciate having in case there is ever a mishap.

The form is now a Word document was Adobe in the past which will make a bit easier. It is located https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents thanks.

MPSA Updates

September 2, 2015

Hello all, the sailing season for MPSA has been a washout. Most of the boats that have participated over the past few years have moved on to different boats, different hobbies or moved out of the area. We will just play future events by ear if there is interest from a few boats we will put something together. Otherwise without at least 3 emails of interest there will not be a race. Enough of that, it has been fun, who knows maybe some new boats will come along.

There is a race coming up September 19 – 20 the St Clements Race. This race is sponsored by Dahlgren Yacht Club. There is a new format this year there are 2 marks a start and a finish, there is no mention of PHRF ratings just a race down the river. This maybe just what is needed to bring this event back.

If you are planning to do this event you need go to http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org/race/invitrace/StClementsSI.html

Please let me know also this may help get a few others that are sitting on the side line involved.

Dw.mpsa@gmail.com

July 11, 2015

We will be canceling the MPSA race scheduled for today July, 11. We will make efforts to reschedule. Sorry for the short notice.

Dwight

July 7, 2015

The Notice of Race for the July 11 MPSA/PYRC Race is posted under MPSA Documents.

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is hosting a race Saturday July 11. The race is one of the qualifying races for the Potomac Yacht Racing Council Series. The NOR is posted at

The Notice of Race for the July 11 MPSA/PYRC is posted at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents/ MPSA_NOR_RI_20150711

On-water rendezvous at 1130 in the vicinity of Potomac River Y N “N” off of Colonial Beach with a start time at 1200 between Potomac River Y N “N” and the Race Committee Boat. A yellow sphere will be used in place of the Race Committee Boat if a RC boat is not on station.

The current forecast is for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the upper 80’s. If you plan to attend please let us know by email, if you have not submitted a 2015 Standard Yacht Race Entry Form.rtf please do so.

June 8, 2015

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is coming up on the second schedule race of the series. The race will be held off Cobb Island with a 1:00 start. If you have been thinking about coming out get together with a friend or family and spend some time on the water. If you are going to come out Saturday you will need to send me an email dw.mpsa@gmail.com so that we can get a head count. I will need this email by noon Friday.

See https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/ for course

Local Sailing

There is big boat headed in our direction making its way to Old Town for its three-day visit to Alexandria. The French tall ship Hermione has crossed the Atlantic for a 12-city tour along the East Coast. It’s sailing to Alexandria from Mount Vernon. It arrived in Yorktown a few days ago. The ship is a replica of the boat that took 5,500 French troops to fight the British during the American revolution in 1780. Construction of Hermione began in 1997 based on its sister ship, La Concorde.

The ship should see perfect weather while it is docked in Alexandria, Friday is the last day the ship is docked before it sails to Annapolis

If you would like to follow travels of the Hermione you can do that here.

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/details/ships/shipid:180670/mmsi:228052600/imo:0/vessel:LHERMIONE

http://www.hermione2015.com/

The Sailing Center Chesapeake is having a funraiser on the Potomac to support youth sailing in the region. Along with some great dinghy sailing there will be a keelboat course to go along with it.

Event website

http://www.foresail.org/

Saturday, June 27th, 2015

Sail in one of two events to help support youth sailing and boating safety in St. Mary's County.

All proceeds benefit the educational programs of the Sailing Center Chesapeake and the Southern Maryland Sailing Foundation.

Keelboat racing starts at 10:00am off St. Clements and ends at Tall Timbers.

Dinghy racing in FJ's starts at 12:00pm at the Sailing Center Chesapeake, Tall Timbers.

Awards Ceremony and Beach Party for participants on Saturday evening at Tall Timbers.

April 7, 2015

The schedule for 2015 season is posted. Take a look there is a big change all of the races will be held off Cobb this year. There are 2 posted courses for Cobb I will make efforts to come up with another course or two. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. The plan is similar to past years with each race being on the second Saturday of the month. The start is 1:00 with the races being held off Cobb and nearly all of the participants from Cobb there is a possibility we could move the start time up, suggestions please.

Make efforts to come out, mark the date, grab some family or friends and spend some time on the water .

October 5, 2014

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association has it last race of the season scheduled for Saturday October 11. This race is listed as a Colonial Beach Race with an 11:00AM start. We will be relocating this to a Cobb Island Race with 11:00 start. If you want to get out for a race this season this is it. If you plan to come out please send me an email at dw.mpsa@gmail.com. If I do not hear from at least 2 other boats by Thursday I will cancel. I will post on MPSA web site Thursday evening if we will have a race Saturday. I am sorry for the short notice but due to the end of season and the recent participation we need a head count before making the effort to pull this off.

I hope everyone has some plans to enjoy the last weeks of the sailing season. We will look at this program next year to see if there is enough interest to continue these races.

There are a couple of events in the area Dahlgren Yacht Club will be hosting the Under the Gun Regatta Sunday October 12. The NOR is posted at http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org/a_race_invitrace_invit.shtml . On Saturday The Barnacle Cup Sailor hosted Bless of the Fleet Regatta. Saturday was a pleasant breezy fall day. The racing was competitive with a changeling course of many marks. The results are posted at http://barnaclecup.com/2014Blessing/2014Blessing_race1.html .

I raced with Denis Besette on Shadowfax. He sent out the following write-up on the race and the journey home.

We won the regatta, as expected, since the strong competition sails in non spinnaker. The two challenges were competing against Tenounce a very well sailed Ranger 33, Moovin a fast Olsen 911 but most of all, not running aground! The course was a tricky round Heron Island. I underestimated our ability to find the marks. Many were not a visible as expected and with many buoys around it was confusing picking the ones we need to honor and what to ignore. We had many problems on the first race but luckily flew the spinnaker reasonably well as we zigzag around trying to find the proper direct to a mark and at the same time avoid running aground. Our worst one was having to double back and go around a mark I didn't know existed. That gave Tenounce a chance to catch up and we had tough completion from them all the way to the finish.

Second race the sail handling improved but or navigation was still way off. Worst mistake was taking our spinnaker down when we thought the next leg was up wind and it wasn't! So we had a rather long and slower downwind than was necessary and that allowed Tenounce to pass us one more time. Then again there was the long up wind zigzag looking for mark, but Tenounce and Movin did provide some interesting competition.

The real even was the sail home. We were prepared to spend the night, because the forecast called for strong winds on the nose. But as we did the last race and attended the post race Blessing of the Fleet event the wind was dying. So we elected to head out for home, in what were expected to be moderate headwinds. BIG MISTAKE. As we cleared St Clements the wind and seas built from 10-12 knots to higher and higher wind and more steep waves. The waves sometimes slowed us down to 2 knots. We finally got a decent angle on the wind an put up reefed main. That got the boat steadied out and our speed to 4.5 to 6 knots depending on gusts and lulls. After sunset the wind suddenly built to higher and higher speeds, creating larger waves, getting cold as well. We were overpowered, and really needed the second reef, but I had not yet tied the reefing line into the leach. In the rough conditions that attempt, could lead to falling overboard. So I decided to turn around as we were getting toward the north side of Colonial Beach and head into Monroe Bay. We parked the boat for the night there. So now Ed Allen got to experience firsthand the curse of the Potomac for PYRC ferry operations. So Jim Roehl, it was good one for you to miss.

When I got home, I check the winds on the Baber point station. They were showing gusts over 30 and averaging 25. It had to be greater off shore.

September 24, 2014

The St. Clements Race was held Saturday Sept. 20. The weather was sunny and warm but with a definite lack of breeze in the morning. The start was delayed due to the lack of breeze. There were 6 boats that started the race 3 of these boats were DNF due to dropping out shortly after the start. With a little patience you could see a wind line working its way up river. This was the beginning of the wind which continued to build throughout the day.

Once making it past G29 the wind filled in. It was not long before you could see white caps with winds in the low to mid teens. With temperatures in the upper 70’s, clear skies and a building breeze it made for a great day of sailing. As with a lot of sailing it often seems the winds wants to blow out of the direction you are headed. This made for a challenging sail down river.

Of the 3 remaining yachts Avonna extended while My Whole in the Water and Rheaulthien battled it out in the back of the 3 boat fleet. Rheaulthien had a late start due to sailing in to the DYC Marine to pick up 5 gallons of gas my son brought out to me. I really need to get that gas gauge fixed. Rheaulthien and Hole in the Water began trading tacks half way down the course. Rheaulthien pulled ahead while Hole in the Water was busy checking crab traps. The course was shortened to J due the late start and the extra miles sailed. Rheaulthien and Hole in the Water headed back to Cobb Island while Avonna continued on to Canoe Neck Creek. Thanks to Avonna for handling RC and Hole in the Water for sticking it out for a fun day on the water. For those that dropped and took a DNF you missed a good sail down river.

The next race of the MPSA Series will be held off Colonial Beach, October 11. The start time will be 11:00. Check MPSA site for courses. Please send me an email if you plan to attend. Any announcements will be posted on the web site also prior to the race.

August 25, 2014

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association will not be hosting the next race. Dahlgren Yacht Club will be hosting the St. Clements Race on September 20. MPSA has piggy back on this race every year it is often one of the most well attended race. This has been a popular event for both the race and the raft up. The raft up is a good time for everyone to meet and share a race story over dinner. If you have not come out for any other race do not let this stop you.

If you plan to participate in this race you need to send a race entry form to sail427@yahoo.com. The entry deadline for this race is September 18. The start for this race will be Red nun “2” off Black March between Barber Point and Stoney Point. The start time is 10:30 the sequence will begin at 10:24. The NOR and the sailing instructions are posted at DYC web site http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org/a_race_invitrace_invit.

Even if you have submitted a race entry to MPSA you will need to submit a race entry to DYC for this race. The entry form is located at http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org/race/RaceEntryForm.pdf There is no entry fee so get busy and send in your race form. There is a Word version of the RaceEntry.pdf under MPSA Documents.

As we start to move in to fall racing season there are few other event in the area you may be interested in.

Kinsale Regatta, September 20.

The Northern Neck Sailing http://www.nnsa-sailing.com/

Blessing of the Fleet Regatta at St. Clements Island October, 4

Barnacle Cup Sailing https://barnaclecup.shutterfly.com/

Under the Guns, October, 12

Dahlgren Yacht Club (DYC) http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org/

The last race of the MPSA series will be held on October 11 off Colonial Beach

August 8, 2014

The Sat. Aug 9, MPSA Race off Cobb is canceled due to lack of participation.

I have not heard from anyone that is planning to come out for the August 9 race. If I do not heard from at least 2 other boats we will cancel this event. I will post later this evening if the race is on or canceled.

August 3, 2014

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association will be holding their next race on August 9. This is a Cobb Island event with a rendezvous off GC a start time 13:00. Courses are posted at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/courses. If you plan to attend please send an email to dw.mpsa@gmail.com letting us know your intention.

The 41st Maryland Governors Cup was Friday August 1, there was a total of 19 boats that registered for the Potomac leg. This is a 46 mile race that starts just outside Dahlgren at 6:00 PM. The weather on Friday was wet; the weather on Friday night was wetter and chilly. The fleet had a close hauled run down river in building breeze and chop. This all made for a cold wet night. Result are posted at https://www.smcm.edu/govcup/Results2014/PotomacResults2014.html

The following is Denis Bessette Governors Cup Report

Governors Cup Report

We are back from the Governor’s Cup Potomac leg and still recovering. The NOAA weather report called for light winds out of the southeast no more than 5-8 knot s shifting to NE after midnight. Seem to indicate a long slow race. However the Chesapeake Bay Operation Forecast System (CBOFS) called for winds staying in the southeast and increasing to 15-20 knots near the mouth of the Potomac... What really happened in a four word summary was a WET, WET, WET and WINDY race. It was the wettest race I and any of my crew ever participated in. That feeling was echoed by all the participant we talked to. Before 8:00 PM we had the forecast light showers, but at 8:00 it started raining seriously. It did not let up all night. It rained light and it rained hard but it kept raining, The CBOFS forecast turned out to be right. After passing Ragged Point the winds really picked up and so did the rain. The waves were steep and choppy with many breaking over the bow. Somehow I found myself as the most forward crew position. How did that happen? As skipper and old man I should have been in the cockpit. I sure got outmaneuvered. Wes Marshall was helmsman after Ragged Point and earned iron man honors as the rain was now coming in vertical. It stung your eyes looking into it. But he kept the boat driving at top speed pounding our way toward MOA “A”.

The race started benignly enough in light 5-8 knots SE as predicted. Shadowfax and Rogue, an Ultimate 24 from DISC, were first across the line and we held the lead for a while. The Ultimate slowly pulled ahead and pointed better. After a while though we noted that we were going faster but lower. They tacked first and we and the rest of the fleet kept going on port. Luckily we waited for a new wind line to hit us and tacked. The wind now was at ten knots and provided us with a lift that soon got us in the lead. However some of the bigger faster boats, especially Dark Star, pulled ahead. As darkness fell the wind kept building and we had none of the ideal wind direction and glorious sunset of last year. It was tack after tack, guessing at wind shift and best wind locations.

After turning at MOA “A” we had a very fast beam reach for about six miles to the mouth of the St. Mary’s River. With the high wind and the wind direction chances of flying the spinnaker successfully were slim. So we stayed with the Genoa. We saw a couple of Annapolis boats with spinnaker, but I think they were gennakers.

Finally we had the always tricky St Mary’s river. We had to tack our way up, fighting off the fast boats out of Annapolis. We finished just after 5:00AM.

We managed to trophy with a third place, behind a couple of tough competitors from DISC – Dark Star and Rogue.

Doug Savage skipper of Darkstar related to me that he shredded his #1 when hit by a gust that took the wind speed from 14 knots to over 30. We fortunately didn’t see that. Others reported gusts in the 20s which seems about right. It was hard to tell in the dark and rain.

After the race all boats had the look of laundry day with clothes and equipment being hung on lifelines and booms. Every skipper I talked to said their boats were completely wet. Not a dry compartment anywhere.

Now that I reported all the good stuff, I would encourage other DYC member to participate in the race. It can be challenging but very enjoyable as well. You’ll also find a nice family atmosphere to the post race activities. This year we had some entries from Fishing Bay Yacht Club so race interest is growing. Being home port for the start of the race, we should have more local representation. So consider putting it on your calendar for next year.

I’d like to thank Dennis Hannick and his crew for providing another excellent race committee for the start. Our race committee did a great job as usual.

July 21, 2014

The results from July, 12 race are finally posted. Sorry for the delay sometimes it takes a bit of time to get everything sorted.

The day started out with light winds as we were making our way to the race. It really looked as this was going to be a non-event but the weatherman’s prediction for the winds to build throughout the day came true. As we got to start time the winds were blowing in the 5 to 10 range. The course was the Colonial Beach short course run counterclockwise. This was as close to an up wind start as possible but was really a reach, a long downwind leg, and long upwind leg back to the start finish. Everyone had a good start even with Shadowfax being over early and making back around the mark with the fleet. It did not take long for the fleet to spread out. Moovin and Shadowfax extended on the long downwind leg.

This being a 2 lap race the winds continued to build through the race. The winds moved into the low teens by the start of the second lap. It was not taking long to get around 5.2 mile course. By the time we got on the last up wind leg the winds had moved into the mid to upper teens.

We had 6 yachts turnout with We Few coming down from Washington to participate Potomac River Champion Series Race. Thanks to everyone coming out also thanks for your patience in getting the results out.

If anyone has pictures from the race can you send them to me I will post them on the MPSA web site.

The Notice of Race for the July 12 MPSA/PYRC Race is posted under MPSA Documents.

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is hosting a race Saturday July 12. The race is one of the qualifying races for the Potomac Yacht Racing Council Series. The NOR is posted at

The Notice of Race for the July 12 MPSA/PYRC is posted at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents/ MPSA_NOR_RI_20140702

On-water rendezvous at 1130 in the vicinity of Potomac River Y N “N” off of Colonial Beach with a start time at 1200 between Potomac River Y N “N” and the Race Committee Boat. A yellow sphere will be used in place of the Race Committee Boat if a RC boat is not on station.

The current forecast is for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the upper 80’s. If you plan to attend please let us know by email, if you have not submitted a 2014 Standard Yacht Race Entry Form.rtf please do so

July 2, 2014

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association held a race off Colonial Beach on Saturday June 14. The day started out with winds in the upper teens and white caps blowing down the river. The sail from Cobb over to Colonial Beach was a good test of your main sail reefing system or abilities. It was a up wind sail for the 2 boats that sailed over from Cobb. We were able to pinch our way over without tacking too often.

By start time it was a pleasant day on the water, the winds dropped to a more manageable level. We were able to shake the reef out of the main and roll the jib out a bit more. We did a 5.2 mile course with the first 2 boats finishing in just over an hour and a half. The course gave us a long upwind and downwind leg with a short reach to the finish.

For anyone from Colonial Beach this would have been a nice race. You could have come out as the winds were starting to lay down and raced right off the Colonial Beach water front. It was a pleasant sail home with the winds beginning to build again as we reached Cobb Island. Thanks to those that came out I hope you enjoyed the day on the water.

The next race of the MPSA series is July 12. This race is one of the Potomac River Series Races for more information on the Potomac River Series see https://pyrc.shutterfly.com/. The course for this race are posted under the heading Courses. This should be one of the bigger races in our area. For boats above the 301 bridge boats that need two races below the bridge will likely be attending. This race and the Potomac Leg of the Maryland Governors Cup are 2 of the closer races. We will have a NOR posted in the next day or so. Sorry about the delay that is one of problems of

being a 2 person show.

June 12, 2014

The MPSA Race for Saturday June 12 is on. We have 4 boats registered for the race. If you are still interested in coming out it is not to late make it. If you do plan to come out please send me an email so that we can make sure we score you correctly.

The weather for Saturday is looking good the current forecast

A mainly sunny sky. High around 80F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph.

If you have not submitted 2014 Standard Yacht Race Entry Form please do so. dw.mpsa@gmail.com

https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents

June 9, 2014

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is sponsoring a race Saturday June, 14 off Colonial Beach. The start time will be at 1:00 with a rendezvous YN. If you plan to attend please send an email to dw.mpsa@gmail.com. If there is a change it will be posted on the MPSA web site.

The weather prediction for Saturday is 84 and sunny. There is a chance of a storm but it will be that way through late September. Then again can is any weather forecast accurate for more than 12 hours out?

Sorry about the short notice.

May 9, 2014

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association Race planned for Sat. May 10 is canceled, due to Mother’s Day. No, not really I did hear from 4 folks that said they could not make it and one that said they could. Without 3 boats that indicate they plan to come out we will cancel. Enjoy the weekend and Mother Day, maybe take a Mom sailing.

The next race is scheduled for June, 14 off Colonial Beach.

May 3, 2014

The first race of the Middle Potomac Sailing Association Series is coming up Saturday May 10. If you plan to attend this race please send an email to dw.mpsa@gmail.com with a release form. The release form and courses are located on the MPSA web site. The start time is 1:00 with a rendezvous – G C “19”.

These are casual races all of the participants are generally racer/cruiser types. Most of these races are non-spin. We do have a few boats flying spinnakers. If you are new to this get a couple of friends together bring some snacks and enjoy some time on the water.

March 3, 2014

As we look out at an early March snow surely there is warmer weather coming. There has been maybe one warm weekend otherwise it has been winter. It is now spring the average temperature should be in the mid 50’s. We are looking at another week of winter after that we will fast forward to spring. Now is the time to get those spring projects lined up. Get them started and done, so you are not there in mid May sweating in the yard with your boat on the hard. Get that bottom paint, maybe take a look at the water base paint, much nicer to use and clean up.

The MPSA 2014 race/event schedule is posted. We are going to move the start times up to 1:00. Many of the other yacht clubs start at 10:00 to 10:30. We all travel a bit to get to the race course in Cobb, Colonial Beach or Dahlgren, which is really just Colonial Beach north. If there are others that would like to look at moving the times up more let me know we can look into it.

The race/event schedule has other races in the area many of these races are part of the PYRC Series. This series has continued to grow if you are interested in getting involved take a look at http://potomac-yacht-racing.org. These races always turnout an addition boat or two which improves the racing. We picked up some interest from a couple of Dahlgren boats last year there at least one new boat Cobb that plans to come out. Now if we can get another boat out of CB.

October 17, 2013

My apologies for a mistake in the rating for Avonna which make for changes in the non spin class. The corrected results are posted. Congratulations to Avonna for taking first in the non spinnaker class. It was a great day on the water we will make efforts to do better on the after race result in the future.

Regatta results are posted https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home under Race Results.

There is one more regatta on the Potomac I am aware of. The Frostbite Regatta at Quantico Yacht Club, is on October 26. This is one of the classic regattas on the Potomac they always have a good turn out from other nearby yacht clubs. This is one of the more hospitable clubs on the river there is always a good feed after the race and often slips are available for traveling yachts. I was once a member there so I have fond memories of racing there.

Don’t put that boat way yet there is some good fall sailing ahead, enjoy

October 15, 2013

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association sponsored a PYRC Regatta off Colonial Beach on Saturday October, 12. The conditions were classic for mid October with cool temperatures and brisk winds. After 3 to 4 days of rain prior to the regatta the rain gave us a break to get a great race in. There was a mix of reefed and not reefed mains and heads sails of different sizes. We were able to get in 2 laps of the Colonial Beach Course “A” for a 10.4 mile course.

We had a turnout of 10 yachts with 4 boats in the spinnaker class with 6 boats racing non spin. Congratulations to Tom Owen and crew of the Catalina 27, Blue Heaven for taking first overall and first in the spinnaker class. Congratulations to Bob Donaldson on Evergreen for taking first in the non spin class.

Regatta results are posted https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home under Race Results.

Sorry there is an error in the rating for the Kirby 25, Karken. Will have it fixed shortly.

October 10, 2013

The scratch sheet for the MPSA Colonial Beach Regatta is posted on the MPSA Web site under https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents MPSA-CB2013 Scratch Sheet.pdf

The NOR and Colonial Beach courses are posted here also.

If you are not filmier with the MPSA starting and finishing procedure all starts are done over the radio monitor channel 68. There will be one start. Boats will be scored spin and non- spin classes. There will not be a RC Boat. Announce your finish time over the radio. It is helpful if the first boat that finishes sits at the finish line and take times. We will make efforts to get 2 races in.

As in all sail boat races it is always a good idea to write down the time of the boat in front and behind you in case there is a disagreement. Hope everyone makes it’s out and does not get scared off by the current weather.

See you on the water

September 24, 2013

The NOR for the October 12 race off Colonial Beach is posted under the heading MPSA Documents MPSA_NOR_RI_20131012.pdf. This race is one of the Potomac River Series for more information on the Potomac River Series see http://potomac-yacht-racing.org/. The course for this race are posted under the heading Courses. This should be one of the bigger races in our area there are boats that need two races or an a throw out will likely be attending. The Under the Guns Regatta, Sponsored by Dahlgren Yacht Club is the following day. If you want to get in one or two days of racing as the sailing season is winding down this is the place to do it.

See you on the water

September 18, 2013

The St. Clements Race scheduled for Saturday September 21 is canceled due to lack of participation. The next event on MPSA schedule is Oct. 12 . This race will be held off Colonial Beach with a start time of noon.

If you are interested in racing this weekend; The Northern Neck Sailing Association will be hosting the Kinsale Cup Regatta on September 21 and 22 off Coles Point. The NOR is located at http://www.nnsa-sailing.com

August 24, 2013

Fall sailing season is approaching it sort of feels like it is here now. There are a number of upcoming events many of you may be interested in.

On September, 14 is the 6th Annual Leonardtown Wharf Regatta. The 1st race will be held at Noon on Saturday, September 14th at the HI buoy outside the mouth of Breton Bay. This year there will be no entry fee, but contributions to the Leonardtown and Ryken High School sailing teams will be accepted. There will be as many races as time will permit and a happy hour and award ceremony at Fitzie's Pub afterward. The Noticed of Race is located under MPSA Documents titled 2013-lW-NOR. https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents

This next race on the MPSA schedule is the St. Clements Race on September 21, the race is sponsored by Dahlgren Yacht Club. This race has been a popular race; it is our one distance race. This start is just outside Dahlgren with a finish in St Clements Bay. This is a good chance to use your boat overnight and enjoy company of fellow boaters overnight in a secure anchorage. You are also welcome to come do the race and head to your home marina after finishing.

If you plan to do this race you need to submit an entry form to DYC an email address is on the form or Denis Bessette at <dbessette@va.metrocast.net> . Additional information is located at http://www.dahlgrenyachtclub.org The Notice of race is also located at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home under MPSA Documents.

On October, 12 MPSA will sponsor one race of the Potomac River Championship Series. The race will be held off Colonial Beach using one of the standard MPSA Courses.

The Northern Neck Sailing Association will be hosting the Kinsale Cup Regatta on September 21 and 22 off Coles Point. The NOR is located at http://www.nnsa-sailing.com

Dahlgren Yacht Club will be sponsoring a PRCS event on the 13^th. The race is the Under-the-Guns Regatta. This should be a good turnout of sailors that need 2 races below the 301 Bridge to compete in this series.

This is an opportunity to get in 2 days of race just as the sailing season is winding down. There are slips available is both Colonial Beach and Dahlgren if you want to stay nearby for the second day of racing.

See you on the water

July 13, 2013

We are planning to have a race today we will be using Dahlgren Courses. Short(A) & Long(B). Rendezvous – Y N “P” start time is 2:00 this gives boats with a little distance to travel time to get there. Please be on time which is half hour before the sequence begins.

June 23, 2013

Dahlgren Courses. Short(A) & Long(B). Rendezvous – Y N “P” start time is 2:00 this give some of the boat with a little distance to travel time to get there. Please be on time which is half hour before the sequence begins.

If you plan to come out please drop me a email at dw.mpsa@gmail.com. This will give us a better idea of what to expect.

Happy and Safe July 4 to everyone

Here are a couple of other events in the area you may be interested in.

The Independence Race

July 6, 2013

1100 hrs

Near Coles Point on the Potomac River

The Northern Neck Sailing Association will host a “round the buoys” race of a length to be determined by conditions but no more than 5 Nautical Miles in length. There will be two fleets, PHRF Spinnaker & Non-Spinnaker boats with sufficient entries.

Headquarters for the race will be Coles Point Marina. Overnight slip fees will be $1.25/ft for July 5^th & 6^th. Regatta registration will be $45/boat. Friday evening there will be a skipper’s meeting at 1900 hours.

Registration forms and Sailing Instructions will be on the NNSA website HYPERLINK "http://www.nnsa-sailing.com"http://www.nnsa-sailing.com on or about June 24th. Registration deadline is July 1st. Questions: Mike Geissinger, mikeg@mikegphotos.com

2013 Governor's Cup Race

Registration is now open for the 2013 Governor's Cup Race.

http://www.smcm.edu/govcup/

Last year we had 16 boats in the Potomac Leg.

June 7, 2013

Regrettable the race for June 8 is canceled due to a number of events in the area that some of the regulars are involved in.

There are a few boats that indicate they do not race due to lack of crew. Lets see what we can to help solve this. It seems to be more of a Colonial Beach issue at this time but is pretty common in this game. The racing we do is pretty casual most is non spin, but spinnakers are welcome. Get 3 people on a non spin boat and you are good to go.

The next race is scheduled for July 13 this is scheduled as a Dahlgren event.

Dahlgren Courses. Short(A) & Long(B). Rendezvous – Y N “P” start time is 2:00 this give some of the boat with a little distance to travel time to ge there. Please be on time which is half hour before the sequence begins.

Happy and Safe July 4 to everyone

June 3, 2013

The next race of the Middle Potomac Sailing Association is right around the corner. Our last race was success with conditions that kept a number of boats at the dock. Yes there was a little rain yes there was a bit of breeze but I feel that is one of the points of casual racing we do. If you even plan to go for a cruise it may be a beautiful day when you left the dock. But now it is another day and the weather man called for another beautiful day but all know how that goes. The next day is raining of course the wind is on your nose for the 25 mile trip home. This is one of the advantages of coming out with a group of friends doing a casual race. This is an opportunity to sail in conditions you may not be comfortable but with a sometime on the water sailing on a reach then a run and upwind leg. You will gain experience and confidence in your boat and your skills. Bringing your family home from that weekend cruise will be safer and more pleasant with additional experience sailing in adverse conditions.

Our next race is June 8 this is a Colonial Beach Event. The Rendezvous – Y N “N” with a 2:00 start time. You need to be on station at least 30 minutes in advance. Most like to there and hour is advance this gives you and the crew time to be prepared get a little practices in and allows for some extra time for motor issues, crew issues or possible beverage issues.

Pictures from our last race are posted at https://plus.google.com/photos/115706028306818375074/albums/5883193086637845985?banner=pwa

May 11, 2013

MPSA is postponing today's race due to violent weather forecast for this afternoon.

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR THE MARYLAND PORTION OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY...TIDAL POTOMAC RIVER...AND ADJACENT COUNTIES IN CENTRAL MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF THE WATERS THROUGH THIS AFTERNOON. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED AHEAD OF AN APPROACHING COLD FRONT TODAY THROUGH THIS EVENING. THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WIND GUSTS AND LARGE HAIL. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SUNDAY THROUGH FRIDAY A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE WATERS SUNDAY. A SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY MAY BE NEEDED FOR THE WATERS MONDAY.

http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=VAZ057&warncounty=VAC099&firewxzone=VAZ057&local_place1=&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook

We are postponing to next Sat. same place same time. Check the MPSA web site for updates

Be safe

May 2013

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to have that boat in the water. Yes it may be a little cool on the water get the jacket on and enjoy a spring sail. The views from the water are unlike any others. Now is the time to get out and see things you will not see at any other time of the year

We also need to get out there and get everything working. A few spring sails will help. Now is also a good time to get that Coast Guard Inspection. This is a nice sticker to have and to reassure yourself that you are operating a safe vessel. There is always a light that is hard to get to or the wire is running through the anchor locker just asking to get pulled loose. Of course there is always that fun job of making sure your marine head is legal. These little jobs could save you some headache and $$ later if you get inspected by the CG. There has been and increased presence in Cobb last year. I am sorry if I do not have my CG or DNR straight.

MPSA is looking forward to the 2013 race series. We are seeing interest from some new boats and from neighboring yacht clubs. I know of a couple of new boats in Cobb that are interested and there is one other boat in Colonial Beach that came out once last that has expressed interest. If you know anyone that may be interested in taking part of this casual racing take a minute to talk it up. I know there are a good number of Catalina 27’s in the area; this could make for some good competition if we could get 3 or 4 of you out.

Pirates Den Marina has supported MPSA by maintaining a link to the MPSA off their site. Also remember Bob has a nice restaurant at Pirates Den that is open on Friday and Saturday nights. So if you are looking for something to do sail over and enjoy the quality food and beverages at The Riviah. Slips are available or anchor in Neal Sound. There is link to the MPSA site off the Pirates Den site. I know the MPSA web site is not always an easy site to find.

http://www.piratesdenmarina.com/Events/events.html

The first race of the MPSA Series is scheduled for May 11. This is a Cobb Island Event the standard rendezvous for a Cobb Event is GC #19. Start time is 2:00 try to be there at least half hour in advance. This way we can get the race started on time plus it gives you and your crew time to prepare for the start and the race. Courses are under the heading Courses on the MPSA web site. This year we would like to have you send an email if you plan to race. This would be a big help in planning these events. Please send an email to dw.mpsa@gmail.com. No need to say anymore than see you there. Also please fill out a 2013 Standard Yacht Race Entry Form even if you have submitted a form in the past. The form is located on the MPSA web site under MPSA Documents.

I am sorry to say I will not make the first race. I am recovering from minor back surgery due to a bulging disc in my L5. The recovery time is expected to be 3 to 4 weeks. See you at the next race.

https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac

March 2013

Sailing season is not too far off. I am getting sale notices for bottom paint, the days are starting to get longer, the first day of spring is fast approaching, yacht clubs are posting their event schedules and I have gotten a few emails from folks looking for the MPSA schedule. All of this has gotten me motivated to update this web site with the Middle Potomac 2013 Schedule.

Seeing as we are more of a non conforming yacht club things here do not happen like they do at some on the more organized yacht clubs. But then again they have elected officers with titles like commodore, yearly dues, and clubhouses. If you know anyone that may be interested in joining MPSA point them to this web site.

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is going into our 6 season. We will continue with a one race per month schedule. We will also continue to rotate the races between Cobb Island, Colonial Beach and Dahlgren.

MPSA has been successful in helping bring sailors together from other nearby yacht clubs. MPSA will sponsor one race of the Potomac River Championship Series. This race is scheduled for October 12. Dahlgren Yacht Club will be sponsoring a PRCS event on the 13^th. This should be a good turnout of sailors that need 2 races below the 301 Bridge to compete in this series.

As I was saying earlier get that bottom paint. That will be Pettit Hydocoat for me. Now is the time to start planning your sailing season. Take a look at the MPSA schedule mark your calendar to make these events. These events are a good place for some casual racing while spending time with friends and family on the water. Now get that boat in the water and ready for our first race on May 11.

October 12

The MPSA Race scheduled for Saturday, October 13 is canceled. Some members of our group are heading up to Quantico Yacht Club for the Frostbite. This race is one of the races of the Potomac River Championship Series. To qualify for this series you must attend at least one race north or south of the 301 bridge and this is the closest race for the sailors on the southern end of the Potomac.

For more information on the Potomac River Championship Series go to; http://pyrc.shutterfly.com/

Dahlgren Yacht held the Under the Guns Regatta on Sunday October 7. There was turnout of 5 yachts with 2 from Breton Bay, 1 from Kinsale, 1 from Quantico and 1 from Dahlgren Sailing Center. The rains held off and left a cloudy day with shifty winds ranging for 5 to 10 knots.

As the sailing season winds down there are still some good days to be on the water. It nearly always beats being at work. Get on the water and enjoy the fall colors.

September 30

As the fall season approaches The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is coming to end of its sailing season. There are still a few races in our area. The fall season is considering by many the best sailing of the season. There is still one more race on the MPSA schedule it is a Colonial Beach event on October 13 the start time will be noon at yellow N.

Other races in the area; the Dahlgren Yacht Club will host the Under the Guns Regatta on Sunday October 7 . The start is 12:00 near Back Channel Red Nun #2. The race is the last down river of the Potomac River Championship Series. There should be a good turnout with boats coming from up river and down river. This should be one of the bigger races of the season in our area. Additional information is located at http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org/ .

If you are following the Potomac River Championship the Quantico Frostbite is also in October 13. There will be few yachts that compete in the MPSA Series that will be making the trip up to Quantico. DYC/MPSA skipper Dennis Bessette of Shadowfax is in first place in the Spinnaker Class. Additional information on in the Potomac River Championship Series is available athttp://pyrc.shutterfly.com/ .

DYC hosted the St Clements Race on September 15 this is the 5th race in the MPSA series. As usual this turned out to be one of the better races of the season. This is our one long distance race of the season. Getting to the race may have been the toughest part of the day with winds in the upper teens as we beat to get to the start. But this made for pleasant run down the river. We had 3 MPSA boats and 3 DYC competing. The yacht Avona lead everyone down the river with ULLR taking the lead on the last leg and finishing 4 minutes ahead. The remaining 4 yachts all traded positions with the last leg deciding the race. There was nice lift in some very light air of the right coming into the finish. Vento and Night Moose struggled through with Vento correcting to second.

MPSA made the October issue of SpinSheet, page 97 http://www.spinsheet.com/. SpinSheet will soon be available in Cobb Island at Shymansky's

If you plan to sail the MPSA races on October 13 send me an email at dw.mpsa@gmail.com.

September 8

This next race on the MPSA schedule is the St. Clements Race on September 15, the race is sponsored by Dahlgren Yacht Club. This race has been a popular race; it is our one distance race. This start is just outside Dahlgren with a finish in St Clements Bay. This is a good chance to use your boat overnight and enjoy company of fellow boaters overnight in a secure anchorage. This will be a new moon weekend so the star gazing should be excellent. You are also welcome to come do the race and head to your home marina after finishing.

If you plan to do this race you need to submit an entry form to DYC an email address is on the form or Denis Bessette at <dbessette@va.metrocast.net> . Additional information is located at http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org The Notice of race is also located at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home under MPSA Documents.

August 25

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association held their 3 race of the season on August 11. This was a Cobb Island Race. Yacht racing on the Potomac in August can be very hit or miss. Wind is often lacking or more than you need with a passing thunder storm. We were fortunate this Saturday with good winds, moderate temperatures and thunder storms that held off until the race was over.

Getting boats on the start line can also be difficult at this time of year with end of summer vacations and school preparing to start back. We had a respectable turnout of 5 yachts, with 2 boats coming up from Breton Bay, 2 from Colonial Beach and 1 from Cobb. We were able to do the 8.2 miles long course. The start was competitive with 4 yachts getting a good start everyone stayed close through first mark. The 2nd leg was close hauled with multiple lead changes due to a couple of large shifts. The 3rd leg of the course was down wind with a reach to the finish on the 4^th leg of the course. Race results are posted under the heading Race Results on this page.

This next race on the MPSA schedule is the St. Clements Race on September 15, the race is sponsored by Dahlgren Yacht Club. This race has been a popular race, it is our one distance race. This start is just outside Dahlgren with a finish in St Clements Bay. This is a good chance to use your boat overnight and enjoy company of fellow boaters overnight in a secure anchorage. This will be a new moon weekend so the star gazing should be excellent. Additional information is located at http://dahlgrenyachtclub.org

Saturday September 8 is the Leonardtown Wharf Regatta http://barnaclecup.com/2012-lW-NOR.pdf which is the Barnacle Cup Sailing entry in the the Potomac Yacht Racing Council (PYRC) race series. The

starting area for the races is near St. Clements Island.

Sunday October 7 is the Under-the-Guns Regatta which is the Dahlgren Yacht Club entry into the Potomac River Racing Council events. It is expect several boats from other clubs will attend. This is a good opportunity to see how boats from other clubs are sailed.

Pictures of the start of Potomac Leg of the Maryland Governors Cup will be posted shortly at http://picasaweb.google.com/dw.mpsa.

August 9, 2012

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association will be holding a race of Cobb Island on Saturday August 11. The start time for this race is 2:00 the courses are posted at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/courses If you have not attended any of our other events do not let this stop you from coming out. Race entry forms are also located at the MPSA Web Site. If you do plan to come out please send me an email at dw.mpsa@gmail .com this will help give us a better idea of what to expect. The weather for Saturday is looking promising; Overcast in the morning, then mostly cloudy. Fog early. High of 84F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 15 mph.

The Potomac Leg of the Maryland Governors Cup was held Friday night August 3 with a turnout of 14 yachts. This is the first year of this leg of the race and it was considered a success with the number of entries and pleasant conditions. Result are posted at http://www.smcm.edu/govcup/Results2012/GovCupPotomac2012test_race1.html

The next race of the Potomac River Championship Series will be on September 8, start time 12:00. This is the Leonardtown Wharf Regatta it will be held off St. Clements Island, HI buoy. This event is sponsored by Barnacle Cup Sailors. Addition information on this event can be found at http://barnaclecup.shutterfly.com/ .We had a turnout of 9 yachts at the last PRCS Race this should be a good event.

July 22, 2012

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association held their second race of the season on July 14, the first race was canceled. This race was also one of the races that are a part of the Potomac River Championship Series. This was one of our better races in which we had wind and boats. There was a turnout of 8 yachts with one yacht from DISC, one from DYC, and 3 yachts from the Barnacle Cup sailors out of Breton Bay, with the remaining yachts being MPSA regulars.

The race started in light air of 5 to 8 knots with a slack tide. The breeze remained light to the first mark, but it then began to build to a steady 10 knots. The second leg became a close reach with spin and non-spin boats having close to equal speed. Three of the spin boats pulled ahead a bit with one non-spin closely behind and a third spin boat shortly behind. The jibe mark was again a reaching leg. The winds were beginning to build as dark clouds began moving in. The leg became as close reach with the spin boats no longer able to carry their spinnakers. The final leg of the race was close hauled with building wind. The dark clouds had moved in, and the wind had built to low teens. It was not long after this when the winds continued to build to mid-to-upper teens with reefs being put in main sails and roller fullers being taken in a bit.

The July race was planned for 2 races but due to the storm with the threat of pouring rain and building winds, the second race was canceled. This race had 4 legs without a real downwind leg. Each leg was either a close reaches or up wind. The results for the July 14 race are posted at: https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/2012-race-results/mpsa-2012-race2-1

Photographs from the race are at the link: https://picasaweb.google.com/115706028306818375074/July142012 or use the link http://picasaweb.google.com/dw.mpsa under July 14, 2012

The next race of MPSA series will be held on August 11, this is a Cobb Island Race. The start time is scheduled for 2:00, but watch for updates. We started the last race at noon and this seemed to work well for all involved. So we may look at moving up the start time.

Other upcoming events on the Potomac in our area include the Potomac River leg of the Maryland Governors Cup on August 3. There are 11 boats registered for this leg of the race. The race is 46.7 nautical miles which starts off Yellow P outside Dahlgren and finishes at St. Mary’s College. You can follow this race on line go to http://www.smcm.edu/govcup/ look for on line tracker.

The Barnacle Cup Sailors recently had an article in the Southern MD News it can be viewed at:

http://www.somdnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120622/NEWS/706229754/1059&template=southernMaryland

July 3, 2012

Hello all,

I hope your summer is going well and you are getting some time on the water. The recent weather has been a little tough although it is a good time to take a dip and look at your prop and bottom. I was surprised the other day to find the bottom of the boat looking great but the prop was a mess after being in the water for 2 months.

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association will be hosting the second race of the Potomac River Championship on July 14. The NOR is is located under MPSA Documents. Course are locate at https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/courses under Dahlgren Course.ppt. We are expecting a good turnout with boats from Brenton Bay, Dahlgren and possibly from up river. We will score this event with separate classes for spin and non spin. This would be a good race to make.

We are also looking for a dedicated Race Committee if someone would be interested in volunteering for this it would be greatly appreciated. If you have not done this before no worry we will assist you over the radio. We would mostly like to have someone taking the finish times and possible shorten the course if the wind drops out, again we will talk you through this. Please send Josh or I an email if you are interested in doing this.

It would be great if we can get some pictures from this race to post, if you do let me know and we will work out getting them transferred. If you are can make it we would like to have you. If you are looking to crew we will do what we can to get you a ride.

See you on the water,

June 24, 2012

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association held their first race of the season on June 9 off Colonial Beach. We had a turnout of 5 yachts with 3 from Cobb and 2 from Colonial beach. As typical with many Potomac River days we started out with 8 to 10 knots winds which then slowly dropped out to nearly nothing. With the good wind prior to the start we chose to go with the longer course. Of course we also had an outgoing current that was ripping down the river. The yacht ULLR had a great start and pulled ahead of the fleet while the rest of the fleet struggled in a dying wind. This did not last long the rest of the fleet began moving down the course.

After rounding the first we had a repeat of the start with the winds again dying. But the current had turned as we were attempting to go the next downriver mark. We were now sailing more typical Potomac River summer days, which is disappointing considering we have had great wind for the spring sailing season. As we struggled along the course was shorten to GC. Shortly after this the winds began to fill in again, of course to a losers wind as we call it. ULLR was working their way to the finish as they watched the fleet move up. The Catalina 30 Rheaulthien worked their way up to ULLR and was to windward after a short battle of ULLR taking us up we were able to roll over and finish ahead. Night Moose also rode in on the new breeze and corrected over ULLR.

We then all had steady winds for the sail home, go figure. Results are located: https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/2012-race-results

The next race of the MPSA season will be on July 14. This race is slated as a Dahlgren Race meaning the course set up will be closer to Dahlgren at least a little upriver of Colonial Beach. This race will also be the second race of the Potomac River Challenge. We should expect the quality of racing to pick up a bit with yachts from other clubs coming out that are participating in this series. Check the MPSA web site for any possible time and course changes; we are currently working out the details.

Other sailing news in the area the GICO Cup was held on June 9^th and 10. This race was the first race of the Potomac River Challenge results https://sites.google.com/site/disc2014/race-results/2012-race-results/geico-cup-2012.

The Potomac River leg of the MD Governors Cup will be held on August 3. If you are interest more information is located at http://www.smcm.edu/govcup/

Bring out your yachts, friends and family for the next race. If you have not submitted an entry/release form please do, forms and courses are located https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home

See you on the water

June 2, 2012

Hello Everyone

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association will be holding a race off Colonial Beach Saturday June, 9. The start time will be at 2:00 with a rendezvous at YN which is our standard Colonial Beach Starting area. We are looking for a good turn out I have heard from a few boats owners that plan to attend. We have had good wind the past few weekends lets hope the weather holds through next weekend. The forcast for next Saturday is Partly cloudy. High of 82F. Winds from the NNW at 10 to 15 mph.

I hope everyone and their toys are safe after yesterday storms. Southern Bay Race Weeks is taking place this weekend. They were not as lucky in Hamptom here is a news report from Hampton Yacht Club [ http://www.wavy.com/subindex/news. I know of a few local sailor that are there this weekend, fortunately there were no injuries reported. This is a one of the best regattas on the bay I highly recommend it if you get a chance to do it. I have been there the past 3 years but did not make it this year.

There is a regatta next weekend at Daingerfield Island Sailing Club http://sites.google.com/site/disc2014/. The is the GEICO Cup it is a two day regatta in Alexandria VA. There are a couple of local boats that plan to make the trip to do this regatta. If you plan to take part in the Potomac River Sailing Championships this is one of the sanctioned events.

Get your crew and put next Saturday on the calendar for racing off Colonial Beach. As always there are no entry fees, no PHRF Certificate required.

See you on water

May 11, 2012

The race scheduled for Sat May 12 ,2012 is being cancelled due to lack of participation as only a single boat has indicated their intent to race. A separate email has been sent to the MPSA distro group.

April 3, 2012

The first race of the Middle Potomac Sailing Season is quickly approaching. The first race is May 12 with a start off Cobb Island. As in the past we will have a 2:00 PM start. We have new courses for the Cobb Island Races they are posted https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home under Courses. I believe these will be easier to follow. The rendezvous and start is between G C “19” R N “20”. There are two courses each course can be run in either direction. We will make efforts to have a windward start. If you plan to race please submit a entry/release form, it is located under MPSA Documents.

Now get that boat out the slip.

There is quite a bit going on in our local Potomac River Sailing Community. There is a new sailing organization The Potomac Yacht Racing Council www.potomac-yacht-racing.org . PYRC was founded by 6 Potomac River sailing clubs to promote opportunities through joint club events and to administer a Potomac River Sailing Championships. The member clubs are:

• Barnacle Cup Sailing

• Dahlgren Yacht Club

• Dangerfield Island Sailing Club

• Middle Potomac Sailing Association

• Northern Neck Sailing Association

• Quantico Yacht Club

The plan is for a 6 race schedule with each participating club hosting a race. Visit the PYRC web site for the details and race schedule. To qualify for the championship you will need a PHRF Certificate. You do not need a PHRF Certificate to participate.

The first race of the series will be the GeIco Cup on June 9-10 at Dangerfield Island Sailing Club http://www.discsailing.org/ The Geico Cup and Leukemia Cup which are held at DISC are likely the 2 biggest sailing events on the Potomac River. These are both well run regattas with a good turnout.

Other news which was in the last MPSA update is there will be a Potomac Leg of the Maryland Governors Cup. If you have plans to do this race visit http://www.smcm.edu/govcup/ for more details.

Mark you calendar for MPSA Races, the sailing season is always to short.

See you on the water

Dwight

dw.mpsa@gmail.com

March 30, 2012

The Middle Potomac Sailing Association is preparing for another season. This will be our sixth season. We will continue with a schedule of a 6 race series with one race per month on the second Saturday of each month May through October. The 2012 Race schedule is posted on the MPSA web site. Mark these dates on your calendar these events are open to all sailors no PHRF Certificate is required no dues are required. There is really nothing else like this that I am aware of. Please take the time to fill out a 2012 MPSA entry/release form.

There will be a Sock Burning on Saturday March 24, 2012 sponsored by Cobb Island Yacht Club. Sock Burnings are long standing traditions in the Sailing Community. They are a great way for everyone to get out and talk boats for an hour or so. This will be a held on Cobb Island at Pirates Den Marina and The Rivah at 3:30PM with a Social Hour and Networking with the Sock Burning at 4:30PM. The Cobb Island Yacht Club has been around for many years they are making efforts to become more active in the local sailing community, this is a good start. The invite is below and under https://sites.google.com/site/middlepotomac/home/mpsa-documents FirstAnnualCobbIslandSockBurningFlyer V2.pdf

There will be a new race on the Potomac River this year. It is being called The Potomac River Maryland Governors’ Cup. As many of you know there is a race on the first weekend of August from Annapolis to St Mary College this is a 70 mile over night race. There will now be a race from just outside Dahlgren to St. Mary’s College this race will start on the evening of August 3. It is expected there will be a turnout of boats from further up the Potomac and the local area. It is quite likely we will see 25 boats or more. I am sure there will be an equal number of spinnaker and non- spinnaker boats. If you are interested in participating you will need a PHRF Certificate and meet all of the safety requirements. The Barnacle Cup Sailors out of Breton Bay were instrumental in getting this race started.

The weather has been good there is no reason for not having that boat ready for a new sailing season. The sailing season is always shorter than expected so get out there and take advantage of this weather.

First Annual Cobb Island Yacht Club Sock Burning

Saturday March 24, 2012

We would like to invite all of our members (new, old, and prospective) to help us ring in the 2012 boating season with our first annual “Sock Burning”. Join us for our first boating season social of the year.

Location: Cobb Island Marina Pirates Den and The Rivah

3:30 p.m. Social Hour and Networking

4:30 p.m. Sock Burning Ceremony

Feel free to view this video of Eastport’s annual sock burning ritual.

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/video/1237612036EastportBurningoftheSocks

A Potomac River sailor has passed.

A Potomac River sailor has passed. He was an active sailor on the Potomac River from the mid 1980 through 2011. He was a member of Quantico Yacht Club where he began racing in the Potomac River Racing Series in the mid 80’s. At that time there were active races in Quantico with regattas at the different Yacht Clubs between Quantico and Washington DC. Each weekend in the spring and fall there were regattas at each of these locations. There we would all be with family on the boat his two brothers and I making the 1 to 3 hour trip to these races. During this time we took the boat to Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa FL for the MORC Mid Winters.

We continued sail boat racing in Quantico and at the upriver clubs through the mid 1990’s. It was around this time racing was slowing at these clubs and we were involved in other activities. In late 1990’s we moved our race boat to Dahlgren. There was an active sailing program in at Dahlgren Yacht Club we all began racing there on Monday afternoons. This was a great move we continued racing there through 2011.

We raced Frigate a Lindenberg 22 all of these years from Washington, DC to Dahlgren, VA. We all became involved in sail boat racing again the boat and crew was always competitive. During this time we went through many crew members who are all still friends today. We raced at Dahlgren Yacht Club and also began racing at other events on the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay. We took the little boat to The Screwpile Regatta in Solomons Island, MD a few times. We went to Deltaville a time or two while remaining active at DYC.

It was doing this time Ben and his brother David purchased J24 that was damaged in a storm. The family continued racing together on the J24 Pegasus with his other brothers Pete and David and another son in law Mike and I.

After a few years of this he gave his Lindenberg 22, Frigate to me so that we could get more boats on the water for the Monday afternoon races. Again more family sail boat racing now with and against each other. A year or two he went off and purchased another Lindenberg 22, Papaya. We then had three different family boats with family members crewing on each boat racing against each other. This included his son, 2 son-in laws, 2 brothers a grandchild or two and a daughter from time to time

Ben ventured off into a cruising boat during all of this he purchased a 48 foot Morgan Out Islander. We brought the boat down from Chester, Md on a cool April night. This led him to Cobb Island there he lived on this boat for a year or two with plans of heading south at some point. He later married Jane and moved back to land.

While in Cobb he and his brother purchased a 41 foot Tartan TOCK. Around this time I purchased a Catalina 30 which is also at Cobb Island, Pirates Den Marina. Here we are again 3 separate family members with separate boats in the same marina. This all lead to many weekends of his 2 daughters his son and their children, his grandchildren all spending time sailing or just time on the water.

This is where this this story ends, Ben Kelsey passed away on February 25 at his home in Lake of the Woods he was 75 years young. He was a friend to many. There are a lot of fond memories for 3 generations of spending time on sailboats. He helped each of us on any number of occasions there are more boat projects between us all than we can keep track of.

Fair Seas old friend.