Non-Racing Sunfish Events

Over the years some of the more memorable Sunfish activities haven't been traditional racing, but the events with no marks. Never did the Ct River Races, those two-day trips down from Hartford with camping gear on board. But the 26-mile Around Shelter Island race, the 'race' around Jamestown Is in Narragansett Bay, and some non-traditional sailing on the Hudson - submerged logs, island stops, and all - were a lot of fun. And certainly memorable.

Much of this type of sailing is certainly possible to do alone, but probably not particularly smart, and certainly not as much fun. But in groups it was a pretty good time, and certainly memorable.

Is there any interest in this type of sailing activity anymore? Or do the non-triangular sailors just want to do their own thing now?

Bill, yes, we used to have several popular recreational sailing events, but unfortunately, things have slipped away over the yrs. For interesting viewing, check out the old 1990 Sunfish Class promo video, submitted elsewhere on the forum and eventually on YouTube. There is, however, some new interest in fun/recreational events, and hopefully in the near furure we will see more options available. Hang in there, and pls. voice your suggestions/comments to the Forum and Class officers.

Thanks Mr O -

The reason I brought this up is that as we know (1) the great majority of Class members don't actually race in Regionals or the other member-only racing events, and (2) there is a lot more Sunfish activity and many more dedicated and proficient Sunfish sailors than there are Class members. Many serious distance or adventure-type sailors aren't Class members, perhaps for good reason.

The Sunfish Class itself may or may not be the appropriate focal point for these non-triangular events. I think eventually it could be again, but only if there's a ground-swell of new interest. While I'm sure it's controversial to say this, there seems to have been an image problem with these alternative activities in recent years, in a Class that wants to be taken more seriously as a Laser or Radial racing alternative. That's a good mission, and there's a place for that.

The thing that's often overlooked is that there's not necessarily a difference in talent in the sailors that race short-courses vs other sailors, but there is a difference in specific skill-sets and interests. (I might never cross Buzzards Bay or NY harbor alone in a Sunfish, but people have done it.) Maybe there's a place for that group somewhere, too.

So the question is still out there - is there an interest in distance and other alternative events? Now's the time to start thinking about possibilities for next year. Any ideas?

Would be nice to have "coordinated" get togethers to sail different locations recreationaly.