Hello Sailors!

Here is the update for February.

SPSA  January Recap: 

SPSA Full Moon Pursuit Race:

With a cold front bearing down on Tampa Bay we changed the date from Saturday to Sunday.  This moon was the wolf moon, and it did not disappoint.  The bay was still at the start and you could hear the sailors howling and some were even singing. The breeze picked up slightly and the boats that sailed were able to complete the course under the moonlight.  Results are posted. Post-race activities were on Bumbugo. Be sure not to miss the next full moon race.

SPSA Dolphins Cruising:   

The SPSA Dolphins sailed away at the Clearwater sound.  Two boats and around 16 sailors enjoyed the concert and the iconic band STYX.   It was cold, but worth it.

SPSA Spring Series kickoff & Chili Cook-Off  

Nineteen boats showed up at the start line situated by the St Pete Pier, and put on a show for all to see.  Photos from the RC can be seen here, and race results at this link.  The post race Chili Cook off saw 13 entries, a record for entries.  58 votes later the chili champion was decided. 

King of the Bay:  January’s KOB had the most entries per month ever, with 8 times submitted. Check out the results and ask the sailors all about it.  There were some windy days on the bay this month, and the competition was close.  Alas, Bumbugo wins the KOB!, with the fastest time in January, beating Obsession by 37 seconds. This also knocked Obsession out of the 10^th all time , and Opal down a notch only one second behind Bumbugo’s January corrected time. Scores and info on the King of the Bay contest can be found at this link.

SPSA sails beyond the bay:  SPSA members took part in The Salt Pines Cup, a 100nm race from St Pete to Clearwater.  Rodion Luka (L30), and Jeff Lewis (Mirage 33) took first in their classes.  Other SPSA members  filled out crews throughout the fleet.   Team Obsession took 1^st in Spin C at the DIYC Commodore’s Cup, and with the best score among the boats up to 30 feet with a symmetrical rig on the Drop-mark course won the Frank Selph Memorial Trophy.

Upcoming Events:

SPSA Spring Series 2/8

This weekend join the fleet for round two of the spring series.  Post-race awards at Localz ~3pm.  If you can’t sail, you can still join the after party.  *No parking at Sailing Center* due to the Opti regatta.

The  Helly Hansen Sailing World ,  There are a few more Sonars and J70s available at SPSC  Register today!

The 60^th Annual TSS Gasparilla Regatta at Apollo Beach is not to be missed!

Here are some online resources for regional PHRF certifications, and the Tampa Bay calendar for more regatta opportunities. 

See you all out on the Bay!
Brian Conlin

SPSA Commodore

Happy New Year Sailors!

Here is the update for January.

SPSA  December Recap: 

Fall Series Races 7&8

This round of racing completed the SPSA Fall Series.  With light winds for most of the fall, this weekend provided a nice breeze to the delight of the fleet.  Tack Tick , Mojo, and Obsession went 1, 2, and 3 in the spinnaker class.  Charisma , Legacy and Endeavor made up the top three for the cruising spinnakers.  Another tie breaker in the JAM fleet saw Desiderata in 1^st, with Libelula in second, and Fantasea in 3^rd.  The post-race event at our club sponsor Localz was well attended, thanks to all who came to celebrate a great day of sailing!  See the results summary on the regatta page here.   Looking at the scoring you can see the potential for tight competition in the upcoming Spring Series.  Get registered today at this link.

SPSA Commodore’s Cup Regatta This Commodore’s Cup saw SPSA racers expanding their horizons with new courses and marks.  Well, some marks didn’t survive the hurricanes, but the sailors were still able to find their way around the bay.   The day started with light winds then building throughout the day. We added a fun class to the event.  The Sonar fleet came out and we saw 5 of 6 available boats, a great showing indeed.  SPSA burgees were handed out to the ‘new to the fleet boats’, Aldonza, and Hopscotch at the post-race event at the Big Catch.  Results are posted

King of the Bay:  December’s KOB winner is the Soverel 26, Obsession.  Two attempts were made to win the monthly crown by Fantasea, and Obsession, but the Soverel 26 prevailed. Who will challenge Obsession for the January KOB Crown?  Scores and info on the King of the Bay contest can be found at this link.

SPSA New Year’s Double Whammy!

If you weren’t there, you missed a real doozy at this year’s SPSA NYE anchor out, New Year’s Day Regatta and Holiday party.  There were sailboats, skiffs, and the SPSA committee boat rafted up on NYE.  There were sunset cocktails and dancing next to Cayennita IV’s boom box.  Some say they heard a conch shell being blown in the distance.  The next day’s pursuit race saw a bit of everything including a 180 degree wind shift in the middle of the race.  And exciting breeze on finish for the fleet.  Check out the great pictures from the RC boat, and results.  The holiday party continued with lots of food and fun complete with white elephant gift exchange. 

Upcoming Events: January is another big month for sailing events in Tampa Bay and beyond

SPSA Full Moon Pursuit Race: *date change to 1/12 Sunday*

This weekend, Sunday 1/12.  Register at this link.  Stay tuned for updated NOR & SI’s.  Course and start times will be posted to the regatta website, and emailed out to the membership.  Enjoy the thrill of sailing under the moonlight on Tampa Bay.  Post-race event TBD.

SPSA Dolphins Cruising:   

Come Sail Away!!! January 10-12, 2025. Cruise to see the band Styx play the iconic song “Come Sail Away” at Clearwater Sound.  Either anchor out and listen from the boat, get a dock slip, come by dinghy, but do not miss this outing! Host boat will be Hula Girl II, with pre-concert docktails around 5pm.   More details on concert tickets and dock reservations here.

SPSA Spring Series kickoff & Chili Cook-off 1/25/25

Don’t miss out on the sailing or the chili.  The competition has already begun as folks are talking a big game for on and off the water.  Register for the spring series here.  And be on the lookout for a RSVP chili sign up online. 

February 2^nd brings back our annual "Off the Wall" casual pursuit-style race is designed to introduce new racers to the joy of racing. Post-race event will be held at St Pete Sailing Center. Register today

Lastly, yes you can sail more! Check out online resources for regional PHRF certifications, and the Tampa Bay calendar for more regatta opportunities.   The John Jennings and Helly Hansen Sailing World Regattas are not to be missed!

See you all out on the Bay!
Brian Conlin

SPSA Commodore

Ho Ho Ho!

Here is the update for December.

SPSA  November Recap: 

Fall Series Races 5&6

This edition of the fall series saw light winds, again.  SPSA RC boat, Cayennita IV was on station and put on a couple of wind appropriate race courses.  The first race had to be shortened, then a second course was moved closer to the area with wind near the airport.   For the racing division 1 & 2 was TackTick, then J70 Bostick. .  3^rd was Sprite winning the 3 way tie for third place.  Cruising Spinnakers scored Charisma in first, Legacy second, then Endeavor third for the day.  The JAM fleet had 3 boats with a 3 way tie for first, it worked out with Desiderata 1^st, Libelula 2^nd, and Bumbugo 3^rd.   All this makes for some exciting racing and series scoring.  Don’t miss out on the last series races for this Fall!

The Annual Emerson Point Cruising Rendezvous:

Despite the cancelling of Kickoff Cruise due to hurricane damage, etc.  SPSA Dolphins Cruising Chair Steve Shortt rallied 8 boats to join in a fun-filled weekend at Emerson Point on the Manatee River.  Steve hosted the cruise on Hula Girl II, new members received SPSA burgees, they shared sailing stories and some rum.

King of the Bay:  November’s KOB winner is the Yankee 30, Opal.  Back to back monthly winner Darrell bested his last time by 9 minutes. Not only is that a remarkable feat, this corrected time made the ninth spot in the Top 10 fastest KOB’s of all time.  Who will challenge Opal for the December KOB Crown?

Scores and info on the King of the Bay contest can be found at this link.

Upcoming Events: December is a big month for sailing events

SPSA Fall Series Races 7&8:

This Saturday 12/7 are the last races of the Fall Series races. If you want to race you can still sign up here. Tony’s RC boat will be out there again to provide race management.  The post-race event will be at the Localz Sports bar around 3pm. Remember if you can’t sail the regatta, you can sail the bar and meet the membership.  Hope to see you there. 

Other things to note for this weekend:  

NO Parking at the Sailing Center (Local Laser District Championship).  Access to Demens Landing and Harborage Marina will also be difficult as:  The Salvation Army Angel Tree Toy Run 10K race will take place on Saturday, December 7th. The event will end at approximately 10:30 AM.  And if you’re feeling festive, the Downtown St. Pete Lighted Boat Parade (not an SPSA sponsored event) is also this Saturday at 6:30pm more info here. It starts in the St Pete Municipal Marina.

SPSA Commodore’s Cup Regatta starts at 1100 on 12/14/24.  More details will be emailed out soon.  Sign up on the scratch sheet at this link.

SPSA Dolphins Cruising:   

SPSA New Year’s Double Whammy!

NYE Anchor out 12/31/24. Join SPSA Dolphins Commodore Robert Kryger & Fleet for New Year’s Eve fireworks in St. Pete.  Sign up here.  

And the SPSA New Years Regatta  & Holiday Party happening the following day, 1/1/25  starting at 1400.  Post-race party at the sailing center.

This next  cruising opportunity requires some advanced planning:

Come Sail Away!!! January 10-12, 2025. Cruise to see the band Styx play the iconic song “Come Sail Away” at Clearwater Sound.  Either anchor out and listen from the boat, get a dock slip, come by dinghy, but do not miss this outing! Host boat will be Vicki & Jack Brennan-on SV/Sonas, with pre-concert Docktails on Hula Girl II.   More details on concert tickets and dock reservations here.

See you all out on the Bay!

Brian Conlin

SPSA Commodore

Hello Sailors,

Here is the update for November.

SPSA Fall Series Races 3&4 Recap: This session of the series debuted Tony Sanpere’s new SPSA RC boat.  With a light wind forecast, the RC was able to get one race in with the second race abandoned.  Tack Tick, Charisma, and Desiderata made it around 1^st in their respective classes.  Results can be seen here.  Rear Commodores Doug Jones and Connie Reichert put on an Oktoberfest themed post-race party to remember.  The club provides grilled beer brats & buns, and members brought the appropriate side dishes. The 50/50 raffle was a success with the winner generously donating the proceeds back to the club.

King of the Bay:  October’s KOB winner is the Yankee 30, Opal.  Darrell was able to propel her around the course and score a corrected time of 53:05.  Scores and info on the King of the Bay contest can be found at this link.  Get your crew together and sail for November's KOB prize.

Upcoming Events: 

SPSA Fall Series Races 5&6:  This Saturday 11/9 is the Fall Series races.  Tony’s RC boat will be out there again to provide race management.  The post-race event will be at the Big Catch at Salt Creek.  Many members are already talking about taking their boats there for the after race festivities.  Remember if you can’t sail the regatta, you can sail the bar and meet the membership.  Member packets will be there if you haven’t picked yours up yet. Hope to see you there. 

SPSA Dolphins Cruising: 

The Annual Emerson Point Cruising Rendezvous:   November. 23rd-24th. The storm damage report for this location is that the dinghy dock is gone after the hurricanes, and local knowledge reports mud on the beach too deep to land on.  Steve Shortt on Hula Girl II is hosting a modified version of the cruise to Emerson point.  This will be an on the water event, as the pavilion and restrooms are also closed.  This is an all club sailing fleet rendezvous for DIYC, Dolphins, SPSA, BCYC, TSS, and any other sailing fleet clubs that wish to join us.  Sign up and see more details here. 

This next cruising opportunity requires some advanced planning:

Come Sail Away!!! January 10-12, 2025. Cruise to see the band Styx play the iconic song “Come Sail Away” at Clearwater Sound.  Either anchor out and listen from the boat, get a dock slip, or come by dinghy, but do not miss this outing! Host boat will be Vicki & Jack Brennan-on SV/Sonos, with pre-concert Docktails on Hula Girl II.   More details on concert tickets and dock reservations here.

Historic Distance race: DIYC Egmont Key Race:  November 23rd, 2024.  This regatta dates back to 1935 and is the oldest running sailboat race on the west coast of Florida. NOR and race registration on this website.

See you out on the Bay!
Brian Conlin

SPSA Commodore

Hello Sailors,

The past few weeks have not been conducive to sailing in the Tampa Bay area.  I hope that you and your boats are well so we can get back to doing what we do best, sailing.

SPSA Fall Series Races 1&2 Recap:  Our first SPSA races of the season were held in September.  We were able to get two races off with a pre-race thunderstorm rain delay. The Race Committee was the Soverel 26 Obsession, as our new RC boat had mechanical difficulties.  Tack Tick came away with two bullets to win the racing division.  You should have been there to see them come from behind and cross before Gimmi Shelter in race one.  The cruising division saw some excitement as both the Cruising Spinnaker and Jib & Main classes were decided in tie breakers.  Congrats to Charisma & Slow Bell.  The post-race event was changed from Localz to the Big Catch, where sailors came by land and sea.  Results posted here.

King of the Bay:  Not surprising, but there haven’t been any KOB results submitted for October.  This weekend will be windy.  Be aware of potential post storm debris, and some red tide in Tampa Bay.  More info on King of the Bay here.

SPSA/SPYC Classic Regatta: We had lots of logistical complications planning a successful event, so we have elected to cancel the 2024 Classic Regatta.  We will pick up the pieces and have set the 2025 Classic date for Oct 10 & 11.  Refunds have been issued for your registration. Hope to see you next year. Event website: https://neighborly.org/events/

SPSA Dolphins Cruising: The Clearwater Jazz Holiday has been canceled for this weekend.  And the Halloween cruise to Boca Ciega Bay on Oct. 25-27 is also cancelled due to damage in Gulfport and at Boca Ciega Yacht Club, where we were planning to have a party. Boca Ciega bay itself may not be safe for anchoring as the bay is still full of hazards to navigation including debris and uncharted sunken boats.  

However, the annual All-Sailing-Clubs Fall Kick-Off Cruise at Emerson Point is still on schedule for Nov. 23-24. Here's hoping everyone is ready to sail by then! Find more updates on cruising on the website

Upcoming Events: 

SPSA Fall Series Races 3&4: We have next Saturday 10/26 set as a tentative makeup date for these races.  We have the Race Committee boat and team confirmed.  The plan is to have the races and the Oktoberfest after party at the Sailing Center.  SPSA BOD will make the call next week to confirm moving forward.  A separate email will go out to the fleet to gauge their readiness.  And the club members will be updated.

See you all out on the Bay!

Brian Conlin

SPSA Commodore

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