Buzzard's Bay Regatta for a noob?

[EngagRelyt]

I have sailed on and off for the past 7 years or so, opti, capri, sunfish, and my laser. I have never raced but I live less than a quarter mile from the New Bedford Yacht Club, next to Concordia and I have wanted to enter the BBR.

If I continued practicing and learning rules and techniques could I race in it this year? I dont plan on placing anywhere, I would be fine with last.

I have the basics down, I just need some course navigation skills.

Is my mind even clear or am I crazy?

 

[mlemieux1978]

If you know the racing rules, there is no reason why you couldn't enter BBR. I've never done it in a laser, but with the strong sea breeze that sets up in August, as you well know, its sure to be a marathon event. The RC tends to do really long beats, so make sure you're in good shape. I remember doing bbr in a j22 and watching the laser fleet do 2 mile upwind legs in 20 kt. I've never tried to do that in my laser before.

 

[torrid]

I dont see why not. You've certainly been sailing long enough. I would maybe find a couple of local regattas first just so you get familiar with starts.