Over the past several years the Governor’s Cup Race from Annapolis to St. Mary’s College of Maryland has been losing money for the college. Attendance has dwindled from 400 boats in the mid-1980’s to just over 120 boats in 2010. The college needed to find a way to return this race to financial viability and fast. A group of College trustees, staff and members of the sailing community met to develop recommendations to secure the future of this mid-summer classic.
The committee explored ways to improve the race itself, expand participation and increase shoreside activities to maximize participation. They have proposed changes for the 2011 edition of this race and are now seeking comments. Below is a summary of several of these changes. A full breakdown is available on their website. After reviewing these proposed changes please take the time and e-mail your comments or concerns.
Summary of Proposed Changes
- Add a cruising class similar to other long distance races on the Chesapeake.
- Reverse the starting sequence with the slower boats starting first to ensure that they get to the College sooner.
- Have two starting sequences: One at 3 p.m. Friday for cruising, non-spin and PHRF C/D and the other at 6:00 p.m. for PHRF A-2, A-1. A-0 and multihulls. PHRF B start time has not been determined.
- Increase shoreside activities to encourage more sailors to participate in the race and stay for the festivities. Options being considered are adding family friendly waterfront activities, increase the quality and variety of the food vendors and enhance the musical entertainment.
- Welcome alumni to stay in on-campus housing to encourage sailors to stay for the shoreside activities.
- Increase the race registration fee from $75 to $100 per boat.
- Eliminate the formal dinner.
- Adjust the housing rates to $180 for a four-person townhouse and $45 per person for a traditional residence hall room.
Consideration is also being given to change the race format for 2012. One proposal is to use a pursuit format where start times are unique to each boat based on its rating. In theory this would result in most boats finishing in a small window of time. Supporters of this type of racing believe it adds to the excitement at the finish.
Please send your comments about these proposed changes or any other suggestions you may have. St. Mary's College of Maryland looks forward to seeing you on August 5, 2011.
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