Valcour Sailing Club

                                                                              March 24, 2010

Hi Folks,
 
I just finished a delightful 2 hour meeting with the folks at CCC and it looks like this Regatta has the potential to be the runner up to the Mayor's cup.
 
Here are a couple of items discussed and I would like some feedback on them.
 
First Item: In years past some skippers had sponsors on their boats in some capacity to be determined by the skipper (# and working or "tourist"). We would like to do that again this year with the added incentive of a trophy to the boat finishing best with a sponsor aboard. This gives the sponsor "bragging rights" and a trophy to display at their business for the next year.
 
This opens some options: 1 VSC members could choose to sponsor their own boat.
                                       2 VSC skippers participating in the race could have sponsors aboard.
                                       3 Limit the sponsor participation to the JAM fleet. (easiest method)
                                       4 Some other idea I have not thought of.
 
Sponsors who want to sail are at the $500 and up level.
 
Sponsorship levels (last year, subject to change, possibly)
$250 (Skipper)
Recognition on Sponsorship Wall
Two tickets for Dinner
Two Regatta T shirts/promo items
 
$500 (Captain)
Recognition on Sponsorship Wall
4 tickets for Dinner
4 Regatta T shirts/promo items
 
$750 (Admiral)
Recognition on Sponsorship Wall
6 tickets for Dinner
6 Regatta T shirts/promo items
Access to VIP lounge
 
$1000 (Commander in Chief)
Recognition on Sponsorship Wall
8 tickets for Dinner
8 Regatta T shirts/promo items
Access to VIP lounge
 
 
Second Item: CCC will be providing coffee and Doughnuts at 0800 at PBB for all participating boats.
 
Third Item: The race will be held off CCC again with a 1000 start time and every attempt will be made for the race to be no more than 2 hours to allow crews to attend the party at CCC which is scheduled from 1-4 pm. Toward that end, the regatta committee will be making a discounted meal price for all participating sailors, if bought as a group. Skippers can poll their crew and decide on how and if they want to come to eat. The meal this year will be a choice of lobster or ribs and all the sides. They will make a larger "legal beverage area" so crews can eat and drink in comfort. There will be drink tickets available for purchase at the time of registration if the skippers want to treat their crews without going to the expense of the meal. (crews can kick in to purchase meals at the discounted rate by giving the money to the skipper and ordering them at the time of registration). Sponsors get perks as outlined above.
 
Fourth Item: The IT department at CCC will be experimenting with a live video feed from the water, either from the committee boat or onboard one of the racing boats (or both) let me know if you are interested. We will also be looking for a "off water" commentator to call the action from the  vantage point of the Community College. If you know of someone who will not be racing and has some knowledge of the sport, have them get in touch with me. 
 
Fifth Item: We would like to make this regatta a fun regatta, and really encourage all VSC boats to participate even if it is just in the JAM fleet. The college is going all out and is very happy to have the VSC as a partner. Next year we are thinking of making this even larger by including a 5 k running race, kayak race and bike race with a team trophy to the best combined group. Any ideas or offers of support are greatly appreciated, please email me if you have any contributions.
 
Sixth Item: CCC expects to have the tickets, T shirts, ball caps etc. available in time for our Spring Sail Measurement Party. Please try to make this Regatta a part of your summer and commit early so we know the regatta will be off to a good start.
 
Cheers,
 
Andy