Monday, June 28, 2010

Thanks

On behalf of the 2010 505 North American Championship organizers I would like to extend several well deserved thank yous.

To the 505ers that travelled to Chicago to make the regatta and the racing possible and competitive, thank you. We hope you enjoyed sailing in Chicago and we hope you will come back next time and bring others with you. We look forward to seeing you at future 505 regattas.

A great deal of thanks is due to the Chicago Yacht Club for supporting this event. 505s are not yet an established fleet at the club, but thanks to the club's support and the showcase for 505s that the event offered, we are on our way. CYC's Special Regatta Chairman Leif Sigmund has been particularly supportive of this event; thanks Leif.

I think I can speak for all of the sailors when thanking the R/C, our PRO Erik Schneider, our Assistant PRO Olof Anderson, our R/C chairwoman Janet Crabb, our fleet representative and 2010 Dennis Surtees Service Award winner Dave Ellis, and the many CYC volunteers for the tremendous and excellent job they did running races. I think the R/C gave us a great 10 race series across a range of conditions. The efforts of this R/C are appreciated and will be remembered by 505 sailors.

Our event Jury Chairman Russ Burke did us a great favor in updating our SI's to follow the ISAF template and in adjudicating our rules situations. Now we need Russ to get a boat and join us!

Chicago Yacht Club's Belmont Station Manager John Cummings and his staff did a great job feeding the ferocious appetite of the 505 fleet. Many thanks to John for his help.

Lynn Walls and her waterfront staff have been working with us for some months and they did a flawless job preparing R/C equipment and volunteers which was a great aid to the organizers.

Thanks to the Chicago Match Race Center for loaning us several RIB's for the duration of the event.

Thanks to Evan Thompson and Matt Clark for driving the Gate Launch and giving their time to the event.

We were able to provide many competitors with housing thanks to Carl Brummel, Mark Teborek and Libby Christy, Mimi Turney, Mel and Owen Thompson, Jen Curtin, and Matt Clark.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our event partners and their support for 505 sailing:

3 Floyds Brewery for keeping everyone hydrated with their delicious brew.
APS for t-shirts and prizes.
Glaser Sails for their support of Saturday's dinner.
Harken for race and event awards.
Layline Photography for capturing everyone in action.
North Sails Gulf Coast for supporting young 505 sailors with a jib.

Finally, a hearty congratulations to Augie Diaz and Parry Barclay for winning the 2010 505 North American Championship.

Great sailing Augie and Parry!

Final Results

505 North American Championships
Chicago Yacht Club
505 North American Championships
June 24-27, 2010
Series Summary
Pl Sail Crew Tot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 8953 Augie Diaz & Parry Barclay 25 1 1 2 3 4 1 4 4 (6) 5
2 8930 Parker Shinn & Doug McKeige 29 2 2 (11) 2 6 2 3 3 3 6
3 9003 Mike Martin & Jesse Falsone 33 3 7 (8) 4 2 4 2 8 1 2
4 9042 JB Turney & Ned Turney 40 7 6 5 1 1 3 (13) 1 9 7
5 9002 Mike Holt & Carl Smit 53 6 (14) 1 8 5 6 9 13 4 1
6 8012 Henry Amthor & Dustin Romey 59 9 5 7 9 8 5 5 (18) 8 3
7 8830 Ramsay Key & Drew Buttner 70 8 9 6 13 (16) 11 10 2 2 9
8 7875 Jeff Miller & Pat Diola 71 (13) 3 10 5 7 12 8 11 11 4
9 8264 Jeff Boyd & Dave Adams 82 4 (19) 4 6 3 14 16 12 15 8
10 7346 Craig Thompson & Ricky Turner 84 (14) 8 3 10 14 10 12 5 10 12
11 8441 Katrin Deinhardt & Olav Schluter 97 17 10 13 11 11 (18) 7 6 11 11
12 8821 Katherine Long & Stephen Long 98 5 13 (16) 14 15 8 6 9 14 14
13 8919 Mike Komar & Russ Miller 100 12 11 9 16 13 7 1 7 (24\DNF) 24\DNC
14 7606 Brendon Connell & Chris Brady 100 (18) 4 15 12 12 9 15 10 13 10
15 8715 Lin Robson & Erik Boothe 118 15 12 12 7 (18) 17 11 16 12 16
16 8194 Tom Kivney & Gordon Russell 132 16 (21) 18 19 19 13 14 17 5 11
17 8850 Doug Watson & Gabe Watson 139 11 20 20 15 10 15 (22) 19 16 13
18 715 Zack Marks & Mike Renda 155 19 16 17 18 17 (21) 18 15 17 18
19 8753 Pierre Jeangirard & Loic Bleuez 156 20 15 (21) 17 9 20 20 20 18 17
20 7605 Renka Gesing & Adam Gesing 157 10 18 14 20 20 16 21 14 (24\DNF) 24\DNC
21 8939 John Wyles & Gareth Fletcher 170 21 17 22 21 22 22 (23) 23 7 15
22 8600 Graham Alexander & Wes Harnish 189 23 23 19 22 21 19 17 21 (24\DNC) 24\DNC
23 8822 Dave Burchfiel & Josh Gray 201 22 22 23 23 23 23 19 22 (24\DNC) 24\DNC

Friday, June 18, 2010

Regatta Welcome Letter

JB put together a nice welcome letter with some pertinent information for all competitors who will be attending. Download this document HERE.

Sailing Instructions

To view/download a copy of the Sailing Instructions, CLICK HERE.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Local Knowledge

I wish there was more. With predominantly gradient winds, Chicago does not exhibit what I consider ‘formula’ type sailing conditions. This is generally not the kind of place where you go only left/right in a given condition. As mentioned in some of our preliminary event information, we anticipate three different conditions.

ESE 5-11kts: this is our thermal breeze that typically establishes itself when there is a high pressure system stalled over the region. There is often little wind near shore, but in the sailing area the breeze is usually well established with calm seas. Locals feel that there is often more breeze ‘out in the lake’ (left side of the course) from this direction. Shifts typically develop slowly and in the range of 5 to 15 degrees with subtle changes in pressure.

NNE 10-20kts: cool ‘clipper systems’ of high pressure bring what is known as a three day northeaster to Lake Michigan. Air temperatures drop into the low 70s during the daytime and the strong winds on the leading edge of the high kick up great sailing conditions. Waves from 2 to 6 feet are typical. The breeze is strongest on day one of the system and usually moderates over the next two days. This can make for a light and lumpy third day. The direction is typically very stable with 5 to 10 degree shifts.

SW 12-25kts: hot, humid, and blustery breezes arrive with low pressure systems. This offshore breeze is both shifty and puffy. We will be sailing well offshore in this direction if possible to allow the wind to stabilize after it passes through the city. Velocity can vary by 5kts or more in the puffs and shifts are usually in the 10 to 25 degree range. There can be some skew to the racecourse in this condition as the breeze may favor a particular lane through the city’s buildings.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Getting from Airports to Harbor via Public Transportation

If you haven't been to Chicago before, the elevated train system, commonly referred to as "The L", is a great way to get around town. You can get to the harbor using only the train and your legs, which can spare you a $30+ cab fare. Both Airports have train stations for easy access to the system.

From O'hare: Take the CTA Blue Line into "The Loop" (The circuit of elevated tracks marking the center of downtown Chicago). Note that the Blue and Red lines are subway in the loop. Transfer to the Red Line(Northbound to Howard) at Jackson. Note that the Red Line is subway where you get on at Jackson, but transitions to elevated before you will exit. Exit the Red Line at Belmont. Walk East on Belmont Ave to the harbor.

From Midway: Take the CTA Orange Line(Elevated) towards the loop. Transfer to the Red Line Subway(Northbound to Howard) at Roosevelt. Note that the Red Line is subway where you get on at Roosevelt, but transitions to elevated before you will exit. Exit the Red Line at Belmont. Walk East on Belmont Ave to the harbor.

See attached transit map:

Belmont Harbor Event Map / Directions By Car

Getting into the Harbor is fairly simple. Once you are on the access road you are home free. Take a look at the image below. THIS LOCATION LINK can be used to find driving directions to the site via Google Maps.

It is very important to keep in mind that CHICAGO YACHT CLUB HAS 2 LOCATIONS. WE ARE SAILING AT THE BELMONT HARBOR LOCATION WHICH IS NORTH OF DOWNTOWN. DO NOT SHOW UP TO THE DOWNTOWN LOCATION WITH YOUR 505!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Beverage Sponsor - Three Floyds Brewing Co.

We are pleased to announce that Munster, IN based Three Floyds Brewing Co. is going to join the 2010 505 North American Championship as our beverage sponsor.

Three Floyds brews a variety of fantastic craft ales and lagers. If you were not already pumped for this event, the promise of a 3 Floyds brew after racing should be enough on its own to bring you to Chicago. These beers are a real treat and we could not think of a better partner for our event.

When you are coming in to town from the East, the Three Floyds Brew Pub is a great spot to stop for lunch and a pint of great beer. The Brew Pub opens at 11:30 AM on weekdays and the food is delicious. The location is pretty close to the freeway that you will be coming in on. Check it out!

219.922.3565
9750 Indiana Pkwy
Munster, In 46321

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Nominations for Surtees Service Award and Cahn Sportsmanship Award

Nominations for the Dennis Surtees Service Award and the Dave Cahn Sportsmanship Award are requested. They will be awarded at the North American Championship in Chicago at the end of June.

More information on Dennis and the Dennis Surtees Service Award can be found here. More information on Dave and the Dave Cahn Sportsmanship Trophy can be found here.

All nominations must be in writing. Nomination letters should adequately describe why the nominee is deserving of the award, and specific examples of the nominee's service should be cited in the letter. The nominating committee shall not accept nominations that only include a name, or a name and a vague description of service. Nominations may be submitted to Drew Buttner, Macy Nelson, or Aaron Ross.

2010 American Section AGM

As noted in the schedule, the 2010 AGM will follow racing on Friday, June 25.

Here is the agenda:

President's Report
VP's Report
Secretary/Treasurer's Report
Information Officer's Report
Regional Reports
Election of President
Election of Information Officer
2011 NA's Progress Report - American Yacht Club
2012 NA's Progress Report
Vote on 2012 NA's Location
2013 NA's and Worlds site proposals and bids
New Business

Monday, May 24, 2010

Additional Event Partners

We are pleased to announce that Harken, the world leader in sailboat hardware, has joined as an event partner for the 2010 505 North American Championships. Harken will be providing some awards and other competitor giveaways for the event. Harken is a long time supporter of the 505 class and their global headquarters is located only a few hours north of Chicago.

1251 East Wisconsin Ave
Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072-3755
Phone: 262-691-3320
www.harken.com

Additionally, Glaser Sails has also joined in their support of the Championship. Glaser Sails is the west coast USA builder of 505 sails. Teams equipped with Glaser 505 sails took 1st and 2nd at the 2009 SAP 505 World Championships. Glaser is sponsoring the Saturday night dinner that will be held on the CYC patio. Please keep them in mind when you are eating "505 Crew Sized" portions.

15339 Pipeline Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone: 714-892-6700
www.glasersails.com

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Event Photography

Layline Photography will be on the water during the 2010 505 NAs. Please check out their website to see their portfolio.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Event Partners

We are excited to announce that North Sails Gulf Coast will partner with the 2010 505 North American Championship as an event partner. Our friends in St. Petersburg have graciously donated a dacron jib that will be awarded to the top under 25 team. This is a fantastic contribution to our event; we hope some young teams will look to capture this prize and fill out their sail inventory.

1320 20th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone: 727-898-1123

Additionally, LaserPerformance Sail+Sport Chicago will be on-site with gear and parts available for purchase. Formerly Hedlund Marine, LaserPerformance Sail+Sport Chicago has been serving Chicago's small boat sailors for over 50 years. We are excited to have their chandlery services available in the dinghy park.

2112 Jackson Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Phone: 847-866-7765
Fax: 847-866-7784

In order to illustrate the excitement of 505 sailing, we will be working with sailgroove.org to capture video of the racing. Sailgroove will also be around to conduct competitor interviews during the event; hopefully everyone who wants to can get their mug immortalized on the internet.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Charters Available

There are two boats that are available for charter: USA 8351 and USA 8464.

These boats should be able to make it to Chicago at a very reasonable cost. If you are interested, please let me know via e-mail and I will coordinate arrangements with the owners.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Race Committee

We are happy to announce that our PRO for the 2010 505 North American Championship will be Chicago Yacht Club's Erik Schneider. We have been in communication with Erik who is psyched about the event.

We are also happy to say that joining Erik is great friend of 505s, Dave Ellis. Dave has done a great job running our Midwinter Championship and we are stoked to have his help and experience with 505s at the NAs.

Lastly, the Chicago Match Race Center has graciously offered us the use of some of their RIBs during the event. This help is greatly appreciated by the organizers and we encourage those of you interested in match racing to check out the CMRC and the very cool things they are doing.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Special Event Rate at 3 of the Closest Hotels to the Venue

We are pleased to offer a special event rate for the following three hotels:

City Suites Hotel
933 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL

The Willows Hotel
555 W Surf St, Chicago, IL

The Majestic Hotel
528 West Brompton Ave, Chicago, IL

The rate is $120/night for single queen rooms or $150/night for suites(king suites or double rooms).

Contact Jennifer Manguino to book rooms at this discounted rate for any of the three hotels:

Email: dos@cityinns.com
Direct Line: (773) 404-3499

Please tell Jennifer that you are competing in the 505 North Americans.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Diversions - things to do off the water

Taste of Chicago - June 25th - 27th, food from all over Chicago, live music. Grant Park

Chicago Summerfest - June 26th - 27th, art show, live music, food vendors. Clark and Armitage

Cubs at White Sox - June 26th - 27th, the crosstown classic. U.S. Cellular Field

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Registration is Open

We are using the Compete-at product that many are familiar with from Midwinters and other events. If you do not already have a profile on the Compete-at website, please take the time to set one up and get your team registered. You will need a PayPal account to complete payment on-line. If preferred, you may send payment via post and a check.

If you have any problems that their support cannot address, please let JB know.

Late fees kick in after May 31st. Please get your registrations in. We are looking forward to a great event!

2010 505 North American Championship Registration

Friday, February 26, 2010

Notice of Race

Document can be VIEWED/DOWNLOADED HERE. Online entry and snail-mail entry form will be posted soon.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

CYC Blinker Article

The 505 Class was featured in the Winter 2010 issue of The Blinker, the Chicago Yacht Club's member publication. This issue was recently distributed at the Chicago Strictly Sail boat show. This article provides us with some great exposure to the club members, many of whom have never witnessed a major 505 regatta first hand.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Preliminary Housing Information

PROVIDED HOUSING:

There will be a limited amount of provided housing for the regatta. We are working hard to find as much provided housing as possible for those teams that are interested. In addition to local 505 fleet members, Chicago Yacht Club members may be volunteering to host some teams. More information will be availible over the next few months. Please email Craig Thompson if you are interested in provided housing. A priority list has been established and housing will be made availible based on "first contact/first serve basis".

Please, only request housing if you are serious about attending. Note that provided housing may require a vehicle for getting to/from the Yacht Club. If you are shipping your boat and flying, consider a hotel or apartment rental within walking distance of the club so you do not have to rent a car.

HOTELS/APARTMENTS/ETC:

For those of you traveling with families/wives/girlfriends who would prefer a more private housing arrangement, there are several options availible:

1. Craigslist - Furnished apartments on Criagslist are a great way to enjoy Chicago for the week. Fleet 13 members rented an apartment for the 2009 Worlds in San Francisco and it worked out great. The neighborhood where the event is being held is called Lakeview, and there may be vacation/furnished apartments within walking distance from the club. A larger unit is great for a group of sailors and can often be cheaper and nicer than a typical hotel.

CLICK HERE to view search results for Lakeview vacation rentals on Craigslist.

2. Hotels - There are 3 hotels that are within a 15-20 minute walk from the club. Book early to lock in a low rate. Summertime in Chicago is busy and rates/availility may become an issue as the dates get closer. The following information is from Hotels.com:

Best Western Hawthorne Terrace - Rates about $135 per night
3434 N Broadway Avenue, Chicago, United States
Hotel Info: 866-539-0036
Guest rating 4.3 / 5
100% Recommend

City Suites Hotel - Rates about $99 per night
933 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, United States
Hotel Info: 866-539-0036
Guest rating 4.3 / 5
90% Recommend

The Willows Hotel - Rates about $90 per night
555 W Surf St, Chicago, United States
Hotel Info: 866-539-0036
Guest rating 4.3 / 5
92% Recommend

There are hundreds of other hotels that would be within driving distance, but traffic can be prohibitive during weekdays. Also be weary of "to-good-to-be-true" rates, as some areas may not be as safe as others. Contact us if you have any specific questions about neighborhoods/saftey.

There may be more options availible. Housing is a high priority for us right now as we do not want this to be a cost-prohibitive aspect for everyone who will be attending. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you have.