Canandaigua Yacht club started a GO fleet (Genoa only- no spinniker) 4 or 5 years ago. It is held on wednesday evening, and we billed it as recreational racing. It was all about having fun, lots of award certificates given each night, everyone gatherd for dinner afterwards. Our thought was that it would groom people for the sunday racing. Mostly monohulls, but a few cats play as well. Experienced racers run the course for practice. Kindness and rule explinations can be heard at each mark rounding.

The past two years we have begun the season with four wednesday nights of CYC institute while the water warmed up. Racing rules were taught, Sail trim, boat maintenance and Racing tactics were all covered by a variety of volunteers. It has been great for growing all fleets.
Last year we had 17 boats start on the first race of the season- and it was still cold out!

Also, I like the fun sails that peple organize. My personal favorite was the full moon sail that we had a while back. Unfortunately, the organizer didn't realize the moon was not scheduled to rise until 3AM! Still had fun, though.

Rob Turbett
Canandaigua Yacht Club