Our friends at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron took a big 1-2 punch over the past few weeks from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, resulting in significant damage to the club, its grounds and the community. The Squadron has been a wonderful host of our Winter Series for 10 years, and is scheduled to host our North American Championship December 13-15, 2024.
The North American Executive Committee met tonight to discuss the viability of the NAs and the 2024-25 Winter Series. Long-time Sarasota Viper Regatta Chair, Travis Yates, updated us on the condition of the Squadron and the status of planning. He commented that it will be a bit more rustic, but that he believes it can be done and done well. He also commented that holding the regatta and Winter Series as planned actually may help the Squadron in a number of ways.
The Class Executive Committee voted unanimously to proceed with Sarasota, subject to final approval by the Board of SSS. A number of ideas were also proposed as to how we can help the Squadron. We expect to propose a plan on that shortly.
To fully confirm, we are waiting for a final sign-off from the Squadron Board, which we expect by early next week, at which point we will send another note to the Class. In the interim, if you hoped to sail this winter in Florida, better get your team together and finish any fall boat repairs!
Peter ILL, NA Pres
