SPSA – Happy Thanksgiving 2023 and other news

Hello Sailors,
Two important items to cover in this post. First and most important – Happy Thanksgiving! I don't usually take the time to write down what I am most thankful for but keep them in my thoughts on a daily basis, but since I am sending out this email blast here goes a short list. I am sure most of you will share these same gratitudes (some are a little tongue-in-cheek too)
I am thankful for: my family, friends and community – especially the community of sailors I so love to be a part of. I am thankful for the past and present mentors that have guided me in the many aspects of my life. I am Thankful for my good health, and for opportunities for hard work. I am thankful that my loving husband said YES to buying a boat 😊. I am thankful that we can rally crew for an impromptu KOB at the first sign that the wind is up, and although I could go on, one more item – I am thankful that SPSA has been around for over 50 years keeping sailboat racing alive in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay!

 Second important Item – Race Committee.  We can't race without a race committee. We need boats to commit to doing Race Committee for the remainder of our Series Races beginning with the December 2nd races and all of the Spring Series races. The good news is that we have a few folks who are experienced at doing race committee that can assist on any boat. If you have never volunteered your boat for RC or it's been awhile since you did, now is the time to make that commitment. Send an email to secretary@spsa.us and let us know which race dates you want to do. Thank you!
Here's what coming up:
  • Full Moon Regatta – this Saturday November 25 at 1700. This is a pursuit start race. The course and start times for all boats in our fleet will be published late Friday afternoon or early Saturday. Full Moon sails are always magical. Don't miss out. Register at https://spsa.us/racing/regattas/ Post race meet-up at the Marina Southdock pavilion, bring your own snacks and drinks.
Note: The Santa Parade starts at 6:30. There will be some road closures prior to the parade starting but access to Demens Landing will be permitted at all times but only when it is safe to allow vehicles across the route prior to the start of the parade. Once the Parade Begins the delays will be significant

  • SPSA Series Races 7 & 8 will take place on Saturday December 2nd. Start time 1100. These are the last two races in our Fall Series. Plenty of opportunity here to take the series. Post race meet-up at Localz.

  • The next SPSA Board of Directors meeting will be held on Tuesday December 5th at 1800 hours. All SPSA members are invited. Let us know if you plan to attend.

  • KOB – There are still plenty of days left in November to take a run at taking the KOB flag. Report your times to commodore@spsa.us.

I previously mentioned that there have been some changes to the SPSA website landing page. We have received very positive feedback about our more welcoming landing page from folks looking for sailing opportunities in St. Pete. Thanks to our VC and Marketing and Media chair for recognizing that some updates were due and for making them happen. On another note: you can view this email by going to the Members drop down at the top of the landing page and clicking on News.

See you all out on the Bay!