Be advised, the SPSA mark "F" which is the "Cut G Channel Range Front Light" has been replaced.   It is still in the same spot, it just looks much different.   Also the single exposed piling that had been about 50 yards NW of this range marker for several years is now gone.  

The picture on the SPSA Mark charts is now incorrect.   This is the new mark:

The 36th Annual Commodore’s Cup will be November 5th, 2016 @ 1200.

SPSA first introduced the “Vice Commodore’s Cup” in 1980.  In 1996, the race became an open invitational to encourage interclub racing.  The following season, it was renamed to the “Commodore’s” cup and designated as an inter-club challenge between SPSA and the Tampa Sailing Squadron.  Subsequently this popular event was opened to all who wished to participate.  Please join us this November  5^th to continue this great tradition.

The Awards Dinner and Party will be held at the St Petersburg Sailing Center immediately following the race.  Dinner for the skipper and 1 crew, is included with the entry fee.  Additional dinner tickets ($12.00 each) can be purchased online or at the door.

Online registration is now open:

http://www.spsa.us/racing/commodores-cup/

I look forward to seeing you there!

Steve Shortt

SPSA Commodore

The poker run was great fun Saturday!  Thanks to past Commodore Richard and RC Chairman Robert for being dealer boats.   Best hand went to Kelsey on Hula Girl, 2^nd best hand to Dan on Last Tango, and worst hand to yours truly.

This coming Saturday is series races #3 & #4 with the Octoberfest cookout at the sailing center following the races, around 4:00.  Brats, kraut and sides provided.  BYOB.  Everyone start doing a wind dance now!!   Feel free to come to the cookout even if you’re not sailing.

 Here’s a pic of past Commodore Richard showing his club spirit at the Poker Run Party at Courigan’s yesterday.   (I don’t think anyone told him these take a week or so to wear off!!! )

SPSA is hosting its 2^nd annual sailboat poker run Saturday 9/24 @11:00 am.   This is not a race, rather we will be playing a hand of poker as we have a fun sail around the bay.  We will meet at the picnic tables at the eastern point of Demens Landing to register (look for the SPSA banner) and get the locations of the dealer boats.  There is public parking in the “A” spots by the picnic tables.  After picking up all of your cards at the dealer boats, rendezvous at Courigan’s to draw the final card, have some dinner and drinks.   This event is open to non-member sailboats as well, so feel free to invite your friends.  The entire crew can participate, and you are welcome to play more than one hand.  Entry fee is $20/hand (cash only).   1^st place 50% of the pot, 2^nd place 25%, and 25% for the worst hand.  If you don’t want to play poker, you are welcome to just come sail around with us and hang out for dinner.

**** We have one “dealer” boat so far, but could still use two more “dealer” boats!!   Please let me know if you would like to do this! ****

11:00     Kickoff meeting at Demen’s Landing Picnic Tables.  Register, get instructions, draw first card

12:00 – 3:00 Sail to card stops.  It’s not a race… Take your time, have fun, eat some lunch, enjoy the sail.

4:00        Rendezvous at Courigan’s to draw final card

5:00        Winners announced

Please RSVP to commodore@spsa.us so we have a head count for cards and tables at the restaurant.

If you want to come but don’t have a boat, talk to our membership.chair@spsa.us to find a host boat to crew on.

Last year’s winners were:

Best hand – Desiderata – Charlotte Frasca

2nd Best hand – Desiderata – Bob Boler

Worst hand – Wild Kat – Harvey Ford

Thanks!

Steve Shortt

SPSA Commodore

PS:   For a refresher on poker hands, the order of winning hands is:

• 2.1 Straight flush
• 2.2 Four of a kind
• 2.3 Full house
• 2.4 Flush
• 2.5 Straight
• 2.6 Three of a kind
• 2.7 Two pair
• 2.8 One pair
• 2.9 High card