The Fleet Challenge fundraiser (Oct 1, 2011)

[Update: The 1st Annual Fleet Challenge was a huge success. 14 teams spent a sunny day on the water and raised nearly $20,000! Thanks to the J24 Fleet for earning "Top Fundraising Fleet." Congrats to the Ensign Fleet, J80 Fleet, and Keel A Fleet for winning 1-2-3 overall.]

This year’s Governor’s Cup Regatta at the Austin Yacht Club will include a “Fleet Challenge,” a special event and fundraiser, in addition to the normal races. Proceeds support the UT Sailing Team’s purchase of a new fleet of 18 FJs, which will be in place by next June when UT and AYC host the 2012 US Collegiate National Sailing Championships.

Given the low-water conditions (630 ft and falling), the club went for a one-day event (Sat Oct 1) to ensure a good turnout. On the AYC site, you can register, check out who’s entered already, or download the flyer. Can’t attend? You can still support the cause by donating online.

¿Quien es mas Macho?

Which fleet has what it takes to win the Fleet Challenge at this year’s AYC Governor’s Cup?

With bragging rights on the line, we have confirmed entries from the Ensign, Catalina 22, Laser, RoadRunners (Juniors!) and J-22 Fleets, with more to come.

  • Collegiate-style short course racing in the FJ s.
  • Each fleet (eg., Ensign, Laser) has one entry.
  • Racing includes 1 fundraising race + 4 races on the water.
  • The fundraising “race” is based on that fleet’s donation level to the AYC Fund.
  • All donations are tax deductible and help support the purchase of 18 new FJs by the UT Sailing Team. In June 2012, UT and AYC are hosting the US Collegiate National Sailing Championships.

Don’t forget to register today. Can’t attend? You can still support the cause by donating online.

Gov Cup Wrap-Up and Race Results

80 boats showed persistence this weekend on Lake Travis this weekend, waiting out Saturday morning’s light-air postponement for beautiful (cool!) breezes the rest of the weekend.  And best of all, the event raised more than $13K for the AYC Fund to continue supporting Texas sailors in the future.

Here are the results:

Gov Cup Beach Cats (4 boats)
Gov Cup C22 (10 boats)
Gov Cup Centerboard (7 boats)
Gov Cup Ensign (3 boats )
Gov Cup F18 (7 boats)
Gov Cup J29 (3 boats)
Gov Cup J80 (5 boats)
Gov Cup Optis: Red/White/Blue Fleet(6 boats)
Gov Cup Optis: Green Fleet (8 boats)
Gov Cup PHRF A (4 boats)
Gov Cup PHRF B (6 boats)
Gov Cup PHRF Non Spin (8 boats)
Gov Cup Viper (9 boats)

Silent Auction: Early Bidding is Now Open

You can get a head-start on the silent auction items by bidding online now.  Online bidding closes at 5pm CST Friday Sept 24, and the bids will carry on to the in-person bidding which begins 7:30pm CST Friday Sept 24, at AYC.

Don’t miss a chance at taking home a deal while supporting a good cause — the 30+ items represent more than $23,000 in list value, and include a week in Crested Butte, a “Speedpuck”, and the ever-popular buy-a-sailor listings.

Governor’s Cup Notice of Race

We’ll have three race course at the Governor’s Cup regatta, including keel-boats, centerboards and Optis.  Check out the details on the event page, including the Notice of Race.

Save the date: Governor’s Cup Sept 24-26

Join us at the AYC Governor’s Cup Regatta on the weekend of September 24-26.  Proceeds from this year’s event will support the AYC Fund.

Here’s a pdf flyer.