It’s that time of year again…

• Time to reminisce about another fantastic sailing season.
• Recognize the great skippers and crews of our fleet.
• Vote on the 2012 slate of Fleet 43 officers.
• Enjoy our favorite fleet 43 beverages.
• And compete in the Crazy Crock Pot Cook-Off!

2012 Slate of Officers: Thank you to the nominating Committee for finding us these three wonderful volunteers; Andrew Carey (Fleet Captain), Jeff Smith (Race Officer), Erik Hayward (Treasurer.) We will have a quick vote on the slate before we present awards.

Crazy Crock Pot Cook-Off: This year we are putting a new spin on our potluck, everything must be prepared and served in a crock pot!  Apps, Main dishes, Dessert all in a pot.  Prizes will be awarded for the masters of the following titles:
Most Meaty
Very Vegetarian
Decadent Dessert
Brilliantly Bites Size
Over The Top Original

If you would like to be a judge in any of these categories or have any other questions please contact Molly White at mollyfrommaine@yahoo.com

Beverages: The fleet will provide Sailor Jerry Rum, Stoli Vodka, and Gritty’s Beer.  If you have other beverage preferences, please feel free to bring them.

Please list the type of dish you plan to bring when you RSVP the to facebook event or evite (ie Main Dish, App, Dessert.)

Jessica Harris and Rich Ketchum are hosting this year’s awards party at 241 Foreside Road, Falmouth, ME

Friday November 4th starting at 6:00 pm

See you all soon!

Reminder that Saturday October 15th is our 2nd and last fleet haul out at Handy Boat Service.  Haul out is $50 and begins at 8:00 am.

Hey Fleet 43,

Just a reminder that there will be no fleet haul out after the Downeast Regatta on Sunday the 11th.

We have a fleet haul out scheduled the following Saturday, September 17th starting at 8:00 am for $50.

There is a second haul out for those of you who plan to race fall series on October 15th. Starting at the same time/same price.

Hard to believe the season is coming to an end.

Another quick reminder that racing begins at 5:30 pm this week and next.

Also the fleet and friends of the fleet have housed 10 boats for the Downeast Regatta.  I am in need of housing for two more people on a boat from Florida.  They have an air mattress so basically need 1 bed and floor space.  If you know of anyone who can house them that would be wonderful.  Please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

We are up to 35 boats as of today and are expecting at least 2 more entries!  Our entries reach from Florida to New Brunswick to Minnesota.  Word of our event has gone far!  Great job everyone!

Please remember that the next two (last two) Wednesday night will start at 5:30 pm.  Don’t be late.

Dear Fleet 43 Skippers and Crew,

Your Fleet Needs YOU!

Fleet 43 is looking for energetic, enthusiastic and organized individuals (with a little fiscal responsibility mixed in) for the following positions:

• Fleet Captain
• Treasurer
• Race Officer

Individuals do not have to be a PYC member or own a J/24 to be considered. Membership to Fleet 43 is required.

Read the fine print:

Molly White has graciously offered to Co-Chair the Down East Regatta for next year to help transition the Fleet Captain position. This is a tremendous amount of support being offered this year, for the low, low cost of fun, friendship and perhaps some Mt. Gay.

Please submit nomination/volunteer suggestions to:

Rich DeGrandpre (richarddegrandpre@comcast.net)

Meg Fenderson (fenderson@comcast.net)

Rich Ketchum (rrketchum@yahoo.com)

We’d like to have a slate announced at the Down East Regatta awards ceremony.

Thank you for your consideration,

The Nominating Committee

Shorthanded and Family Sailing Fun!

Fleet 43 is hosting the 2011 J24, PHRF, and Family Fun Double handed Regatta on Sunday August 7, 2011 at the Portland Yacht Club

OPEN TO ALL BOATS!!

Come take on the challenge of sailing “double handed” on the shores of Casco Bay.

This is a great opportunity to show off your J24 skills, prepare for the Double handed division of the Monhegan, and spend quality time with family and friends.

There will be three different classes:

• J24 Double Handed Championship – this event is a part of the Fleet 43 Tonini Series and will use main, jib and spinnaker. (Windward Leeward Racing)

• 2^nd Annual Family Fun Race - Double handed or with your family, using main and jib only, racers will sail a distance course around Chebeague Island. This is a “just for fun” race, with only three marks to round – perfect for Novice Sailors – No PHRF Certificate is required. (Approximate Race Length – 15 Miles)

• NEW! 1^st Annual Casco Bay Race – A PHRF Double Handed Distance Race – Using Main, Jib and Spinnaker, the sailors will sail a longer distance course around Casco Bay and will help prepare participants for the upcoming Monhegan Island Race Double Handed Division. (Approximate Race Length – 30 Miles)

Casco Bay Race Starts at 10:30 am, Family Fun and J24 racing starts at Noon. Registration begins at 8:30 am for the Casco Bay Race and 10:30 am for the Family Fun and J24 Races. Registration fee is $20 ($25 for crews of more than two) and a side dish or dessert for the pot luck BBQ.

After racing enjoy Fleet sponsored “Sailor Jerry Rum”, burgers, dogs and other potluck items at the Portland Yacht Club. Looking forward to seeing everyone there! For More information or to register your boat, contact Molly White at mollyfrommaine@yahoo.com.

Hello Everyone,

Hopefully a member from each boat (or more) is planning to attend our Race Management Night.

It will begin promptly at 6:00 pm at PYC so please be on time.

We plan to do a rotation of three groups, each rotation lasting about 20 minutes, having all three end by 7:00pm.  At which point we will have drinks, snacks and questions in the Captain’s room.

If there are any particular questions you may have that you wish to have addressed or things you want to make sure we review, please email me (mollyfrommaine@yahoo.com) before 3:00pm on Wednesday and I will pass them on to our presenters.

I have broken the fleet up into three groups, they are listed below as well as the station that they will be starting with at 6:00pm.

Group 1: At PYC Dock
Flying Circus, Draco, Steve, Pit Party, and Second Chance

Group 2: On PYC Porch
Mr. Hankey, Flying Chicken, Bouncing Betty, Impetuous, and Wabi Sabi

Group 3: In Captain’s Room
Denali, McGee, Al, Barkin Spidah, and Bad Apple

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Molly

Hello Fleet 43 Sailors,

It is time once again to start thinking about J24 sailing and to pay your fleet dues and Wednesday Night Registration.

Unfortunately we did not have enough boats interested in the Wednesday Night Food plan so there have been some changes please share them with your crew.

Fleet 43 Dues for 2011 will be $100
Wednesday Night Series Registration will be $30 per series ($60 for the entire summer)

Please send your checks to Shelly Paules on or before June 1st. Dues and Registration must be paid before June 1st in order to be scored for the first race.

Shelly Paules
81 Carlyle Street
Portland, ME

Wednesday Night Series Registration will include Sailor Jerry Rum drinks after races and in hopes to maintain some fleet mingling and the fleet will provide basic snacks (nothing fancy).
Anyone is welcome to eat at the PYC dinning room, they accept credit cards so non-members are able to eat off the menu.

Also please remember that fleet launch is at Handy Boat Service on Saturday May 21st and be prepared to have your boat scanned before launching.

Lastly, don’t forget to send at least one crew member to the Race Management Seminar hosted by the fleet on Wednesday May 25th it will begin promptly at 6:00 pm, should only last 1 hour and will be followed by drinks and questions for those who want to stick around.

Please check the fleet calendar for important upcoming dates and RC duty.

Thanks,  Molly