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Please complete the following questionairre if you are interested in or would consider doing a 2009 Round the Island Race.

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"Charlottetown Yacht Club is in the process of trying to gauge the level of interest in putting on another 'Round the Island Yacht Race'. The event was last schedule to take place in 2000 but was cancelled when too few boats entered.  Unless we get a "firm commitment" from a number of skippers (10-12) to participate the committee is not prepared to begin organizing a race for next summer.  As you can appreciate a successful race will require good sponsors as well as good participation.  Organizing such an event requires a lot of work from volunteers and commitment from sponsors.

The event is the same distance exactly as Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race (360 n/m) and would be held at a time of year so as not to conflict with the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race and perhaps to attract some of those entrants to do the ‘Round the Island Race.

I am attaching a link to the old website http://www.cyc.pe.ca/roundtheislandrace/about.html to give you an idea of what the race is all about and what is involved.

What we need from you is feedback as to your interest in doing the race.

For planning purposes the following information is provided:

The race would not be conducted during lobster season. The most probable dates would be the week after Charlottetown Race Week. So the start could either be Monday July 20, 2009 or POSSIBLY Friday evening July 24 around 1900 HOURS to allow most of the race to take place over a weekend thereby making it easier to attract crew. Your comments on this would be welcomed and appreciated.

Since the race is close to land, the safety requirements would not be quite as stringent as for Marblehead to Halifax but none the less would be in accordance with the appropriate ISAF Regulations. Requirements are expected to be similar to a Category II and in some cases equipment from a Category III may suffice . http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/OSR2008_Complete-[4325].pdf

Minimum size requirements for vessels is expected to be 27' or 28'; however, some consideration may be made for smaller yachts on an individual basis. We all know that sea-keeping charchastics of yachts is not soley a function of length, so entries will be at the discretion of the race committee.  Your input is welcomed.

Start and finish would be in Charlottetown so you finish where you started which can lessen delivery times and simplify crew requirements. As well, other family members can enjoy PEI while you race and still be present at the start and finish.

Some advantages and highlights of the race are:

360 n/m which involves sailing on all points of sail as you must circumnavigate the entire Island and navigate currents and tides.

Traditionally a fog-free environment.

Close to land all the way around.

Numerous places to take shelter in if necessary, except along the north shore of PEI.

A big event for a smaller location will generate media interest during the entire race and thus promote yachting and yacht racing in the area.

The size of the yachts located in the Strait has increased considerably and it is felt that there are now more boats interested in doing the race locally than there was 10 years ago.

Will be considerably less expensive in terms of crew time and money than doing a Marblehead to Halifax race.

Will give experience to those who want to do an ocean race closer to home.

Could be considered as a NStYA event in 2009.

It would be appreciated if you could provide your input to the undersigned StrightR@eastlink.ca with a copy to island.small.craft@pei.sympatico.ca indicating:

1. If you are very interested, somewhat interested or not interested in doing the Round the Island Race in 2009.
2. The name, type and size of your boat.
3. Reason for interest or non-interest.
4. Other suggestion or comments.

Regards

Rod Stright

VP NStYA 902-444-0016
902-209-0829(C)