Current weather predictions call for strong winds on Saturday as a cold front passes through the Annapolis area. High pressure will build slowly on Sunday, so the winds could be lighter for the second day of racing. We will have some clouds both days, possibly a little sprinkle on Saturday morning. High temperatures will be in the low 60's Saturday and Sunday. Be prepared for a long day of sailing on Saturday.

Local Knowledge

A strong Northerly will delay high tide at the Severn and will cause a stronger, longer duration ebb. The current may vary significantly over the course. Watch for foam on the water running from the Naval Academy breakwater going southeast . This is a current sheer, and the current on the east side of this line will be stronger. In a Northwesterly during an ebb tide, you must decide if its better to go for stronger wind and more adverse current on the right or less current and less wind on the left. The left tends to have larger, more frequent shifts, especially as you approach Spa Creek. The wind can also get light on the left as you approach the breakwater. Either side could be favored in these conditions. The left can win out when a strong left shift filters down Spa Creek. The right can pay big with more wind and more predictable wind shifts. The key is to watch the water for the puffs. If there is consistent wind on the left, that is the way to go as you approach Spa Creek. This rule applies more at the end of the beat when the Creek is a factor.

With the air temperatures in the 60's, water temperature at 51, strong winds and a long day of sailing, I'm inclined to vote for the dry suit over a wet suit on Saturday. The call will probably be the same on Sunday with an early start before things heat up. A wet suit will still work well, but I would wear a spray top to keep the wind off. I don't think you will need frostbite gloves unless you have poor circulation or get cold easily.

Are you still on the fence??

How does 15 knots under sunny skies and 75 degrees sound? It sounds great to us but unfortunately we do not have much control over the weather. The long range forecast looks good for the weekend - perhaps a little colder than optimal, but warm for frostbiting. I can guarantee that the beer will be colder than the outside temperature, and there will be plenty of beer. We are all revved up for this event, so if you're on the fence, jump off and head down to Annapolis with your IC this weekend.

Practice racing will begin on Friday, April 16 at 3 pm. Multiple practice starts and races will be held.

Preliminary long range forecasts indicate that we are in for some good weather this weekend. It will be windy and in the low 60s on Friday, clearing as the cold front moves through in the afternoon. High pressure will build on Saturday and through the weekend, with temperatures around 60 both days. We will probably have good winds as the high pressure builds. If you are holding out for the weather, there may not be any reasons not to come now. Here's a link to a local forecast office:
 
http://wxnet4.nbc4.com/chap1/showForecast.html

   Low Tide:  Sat 1999-04-17 12:16 AM EDT  0.06
  High Tide:  Sat 1999-04-17  6:57 AM EDT  1.51
   Low Tide:  Sat 1999-04-17  1:22 PM EDT  0.09
  High Tide:  Sat 1999-04-17  7:18 PM EDT  1.04
   Low Tide:  Sun 1999-04-18  1:01 AM EDT  0.05
  High Tide:  Sun 1999-04-18  7:47 AM EDT  1.54
   Low Tide:  Sun 1999-04-18  2:16 PM EDT  0.12

Thirty eight boats are preregistered, but there are many other people expected to show up this weekend. Here are the people that have said they are definitely coming: Ben Cesare, Bob Monro, Tom Stout, Allan Freedman, Jonathan Lange, Latane Montague, Ralff Steitz, Mark Hillman, Mergenthaler, Allan Carscaddon, Ray Wulff, Tony Parker, Rhett Simonds, Geoff Moore, Geoff Marshall.

We are endeavoring to get housing for all those that requested it. However, there are limited slots. Please contact our housing coordinator, Kimberly Brickell, for housing conformation (301 270 2797).

That all depends on the temperature. Last week when it was 80 degrees, people were out sailing in shorts. Today I was sailing a 505 in a drysuit. My suggestion is to bring a drysuit and a wetsuit. The drysuit may be better if the temps drop back to the 50s and 60s.

Our illustrious PRO, Alden Bugly, will run practice starts and races on Friday, April 16th starting at 3 pm. This is a great opportunity to tune up with your friends and familiarize yourself with the racing area.

Regatta Format Change!

The 1999 IC Nationals will now be scored as a round-robin for both Saturday and Sunday. There will be no division of the fleet on Sunday based on Saturday's scores. Updates to the draft Sailing Instructions on this web page will be posted shortly.

A bonus for those who actually look at the web site:

Karl Anderson and the Annapolis IC Fleet are selling a new Karl's Boat Shop IC tiller to benefit the regatta for $100 (retails for $150). These are the best IC tillers made - they curve up to avoid hitting the rail and are very stiff. Price non-negotiable. First to contact me gets it for that price! E-mail Jesse Falsone at american505@erols.com.

Sorry to the rest of you as Don Lovelace of Indian Harbor was first to respond! You snooze, you loose.

The 1999 IC Nationals is under two weeks away! Pre-registration ended on April 1. There are 37 boats that have pre-registered at this point and a few more expected to sneak in through the mail tomorrow, taking us close to 40. Fleets represented include Annapolis, Hyannis, Indian Harbor, Larchmont, Manhasset Bay and Winthrop (c'mon Scituate!). Many people from numerous fleets have expressed intent on coming, so I'm still optimistic that we will easily break the 60 boat barrier if the weather is good.

The Annapolis IC Fleet had its final day of series sailing last Saturday. It was a spectacular spring day with southeast winds at about 10 knots with higher gusts. A southeaster is pretty typical in the spring when fair weather is forecast, and winds from that direction allow us to set long courses in the mouth of the Severn River. The trick in a southeaster is to watch for wind-driven chop coming from the bay and to watch for current, especially as you approach the leeward mark near the Naval Academy.

Remember that registration and measurement are open on Friday, April 16 from 1300 to 2000. People wanting to sail will be allowed to do so on Friday afternoon. Crash boat coverage will be arranged if conditions warrant. People sailing on Friday should do so at their own risk, however. We will endeavor to have a short course set up with a starting line.

The SSA Snack Bar will be open for breakfast and to make lunches both days. This will be the most convenient place to get lunches for on the water!

Don't miss this opportunity to sail during the best time of the season in Annapolis!

A few people, including some members of the IC Technical Committee, have expressed dissatisfaction with allowing a hiking line for the 1999 IC Nationals. I have decided to remove the hiking line allowance for this regatta. The Technical Committee will vote on the merits of allowing the hiking line under the IC rules.

The Technical Committee has approved, a priori, the use of the crew adjustable vang system. To be sure, this system has been in limited use for many years by a few people, so there is ample precedent for its acceptance. I apologize to anyone inconvenienced by this last minute ruling.

Reminder - Pre-Registration for the 1999 IC Nationals ends on April 1. All pre-registrations must be post-marked on or before April 1. Registrations post-marked after April 1 must be accompanied by a $15 late fee.

Sailing Angles is our most recent addition to the long list of sponsors for the 1999 IC nationals. Sailing Angles clothing is designed for the performance sailor. Every entry will receive a gift certificate for Sailing Angles gear redeemable at a local dealer. Check out their web page at www.sailingangles.com.

The 1999 IC nationals will feature on-the-water judging. Our Chief Judge, Ray Gauthier, is an experienced, certified judge with a practical philosophy regarding dinghy kinetics. Other judges include three former ICYRA coaches; Ned Jones (USNA), Mike Mergenthaler (USMMA) and Jay Stern (SUNY Maritime). Prior to the skippers meeting, competitors will be briefed by the judges on what they will and will not consider a kinetics foul. An open discussion between competitors and judges will be encouraged. With any luck, there will be plenty of wind and kinetics will not be an issue.

I am truly excited about this event. I think the Annapolis IC Fleet has put together an incredible regatta. We have covered every base from racing, to socializing, to raffle prizes to event organization. All that is needed now is your participation!

Annapolis Performance Sailing, located around the corner from SSA in Eastport, has signed on as a sponsor for the IC Nationals. APS has sponsored the Annapolis InterClub Fleet in past regattas. APS is the best local sailing chandlerey for all those specialty dinghy parts and gear at very competitive prices.

The 1999 IC Nationals will use a round-robin regatta format on Saturday, April 17. The top half of the sailors from Saturday will be placed in a Championship division that will race together on Sunday (we call it the "Hot Fleet"). The bottom half on Saturday will go into another division (we call it the "Cold Fleet") for racing on Sunday. Prizes will be given for both divisions. At least 3 races (one complete round-robin) will need to be sailed to split the fleet on Sunday. Otherwise, the round-robin will continue for both days.

We decided that dividing the fleet would make it easier for us to police the starting line (always a problem with 60-80 aggressive ICs). Also, we felt that fewer numbers racing would allow us to shorten the course a little, making it possible for us to sail nearer the Severn River (USNA area) and the SSA docks. Lastly, many of us liked the idea of pitting the top sailors against each other on Sunday for every race. We realize that there are possible problems associated with this type of regatta format, but we feel that reliable spring winds and excellent race management will overcome any problem.

Expect to see tough starting line enforcement for this regatta! Duputy PRO, Steve Podlich, has this high on his priority list.

The Notice of Race (NOR) is in the mail and should be at your door this week. There are two pieces of information not included in the NOR. The first is about babysitting for those of you with children. Lisa Pline will be coordinating this effort. Please see the sidebar of this menu for information on babysitting. The second is about bow numbers. If you need them, bow numbers will be provided free of charge through North Sails. Please indicate whether you need them or not. The on-line entry form does include this information.

he sailing instructions will be finished soon and posted on the web site. There has been some talk over a ruling on the crew adjustable vang system on the discussion forum. Some people feel it violates RRS 49.1. The IC Technical Committee will not be able to make a ruling on this for the 1999 IC Nationals. Therefore, to avoid needless protests, the SI's will stipulate that RRS 49.1 is deleted and the following is added:

A boat may rig a hiking line that the crew can hold onto while sailing. The hiking line may not be attached to the mast, boom or any standing rigging.

What are conditions like in Annapolis during April? Expect the water temperature to be about 50 degrees and the air temperature to be in the 60's (although it could be much warmer). The spring bloom should be just about here, and April can be a spectacular month. Winds average about 11 knots, but may also be stronger with warmer weather and a sea breeze. A strong southerly will bring considerable chop to the course while winds from all other directions are basically off-shore, with calmer seas and larger, more frequent wind shifts. A Northwester funnels down the Severn River but shifts west as you approach Spa Creek. This can make for some very interesting tactics if the windward mark is set near the Naval Academy. There's all sorts of climatic data for the Annapolis area available here:

Also, Annapolis Sailing legend, Stuart Walker, has written a 20-30 page manual on the Annapolis sailing weather called "The Sailor's Wind" available at Annapolis Performance Sailing for $8.00.

Its snowing pretty hard right now in Maryland, but things warm up pretty quick down here!

I'm pleased to announce that Zephyr Spars a division of Cape Cod Shipbuilding (www.four.net/~ccsb/ccsbhp.html), has signed on as a sponsor for the 1999 IC Nationals. Zephyr has been building high quality aluminum spars for decades, and the light Zephyr #1 section is the most popular Interclub mast section. Zephyr will be donating a boom section and special Cape Cod Shipbuilding 100th Anniversary hats to the raffle.

Veteran race official, Ray Gauthier, has accepted the job of Chief Judge for the 1999 IC Nationals. On the water judging will help assure that racing is fun and fair for everyone.

Kinder Industries (www.kinder-industries.com) has signed on as a sponsor for the 1999 IC Nationals. Kinder makes top quality custom boat covers and canvas. Kinder's IC covers are made from the best materials and the fit is perfect. Kinder places an emphasis on detail and craftsmanship with everything they make. Kinder will be donating 2 bow covers to the raffle. See his new web page for details on all his products.

If there is a need for babysitting, we will attempt to match you with friends of our regular fleet sitters. If interested, please contact Lisa Pline (LPline@snipe.org) for more info.

Congratulations to Ned Roseberry, the first to preregister. A free hat coming your way for the honor.

Organization for the 1999 IC Nationals is still on track. More sponsorship deals have come through recently. Guck, Inc. will be donating a gift certificate, Layline will be sending some gear, West Marine will be donating a life jacket and probably a fleece, and Townsend Culinary will be supplying soups for after sailing. Mount Gay Rum will be providing drink specials at the Clipper Cantina and there may be some other special giveaways from this stalwart reggata supporter. Even more sponsorship deals are in the works to make the raffle quite attractive.

The official NOR will be mailed out in the beginning of March along with an entry form. You can also print out these documents online from this web site.

We're doing everything possible to make this the best IC Nationals. We have all the ingredients for a first-class regatta, so its up to you, the competitor, to make it memorable by rallying all your local sailors to make the trip. Remember, housing is available on a first-come, first served basis.

So, get the word out - come to Annapolis for the IC Natioinals on April 17&18!

Sponsors are now signing on for the 1999 IC Nationals. Harken Yacht Equipment was the first to sign on, promising to send a shipment of great Harken gear. Karl Andersen, of Karl's Boat Shop, will be delivering a new curved tiller to us. These are the best IC tillers - strong, well designed and attractive. Local Chesapeake sailing magazine, SpinSheet, will be covering the event. Shore Sails will again be donating one of their new IC sails for the raffle. The Bagel Connection, a long-time sponsor of the Annapolis InterClub Fleet, will be supplying us with those terrific bagels everyone has become accustomed to at the IC Midwinters. Numerous other suppliers/sponsors will be signing on soon to further add to the raffle loot!

The IC Nationals Executive Committee has been hard at work planning the event and finalizing the arrangements. The Notice of Regatta is now up - check it out! On-line registration forms are also available. The sailing instructions will be posted in a few weeks. Our race committee will be filled out with additional sailors from the SSA Laser Fleet. Laser and Thistle sailor, John Quay, will be running the leeward gate.

The 1999 InterClub Nationals Organizing Committee is on track with regatta planning. The IC Nationals will be a superb event and I urge all of you to make plans to attend. Without question, some of top one-design sailing talent in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic will be in attendance. Additionally, the April weather in Annapolis can be fantastic!

We have an excellent RC staff led by Alden Bugly and Steve Podlich. These two pros have many years of one-design race management between them, and you can be sure that they will provide the best championship sailing. Your Regatta Chairman, Jesse Falsone, has instructed race management to place an emphasis on strict starting line enforcement and rapid turn-around starting time. Courses will be windward-leeward with a windward offset and a leeward gate. A provision for multiple laps will be included.

Since SSA does not have the facilities to handle dinner for 120 we have made tentative arrangements to have the dinner party at the Clipper Cantina, the new after-regatta home to Annapolis sailors (someone HAD to pick up the slack when, whimper, Marmadukes died). The Clipper is a short walk from the club in Eastport. The restaraunt will be open only to IC sailors and regatta personell until 9 pm when the band (possibly Mama Jama - remember their performance at the 1995 Snipe NA's - without power!) cranks out its first set. Food and beer will be inclusive and a cash bar will be available for those wanting stronger stuff.

Sponsors are now signing on, and donated items will go toward the raffle. Expect raffle items as good as they were at Winthrop last year.

Our measurement committee will pick-up where Winthrop left off last year. We urge all ICers to have a valid measurement certificate signed by their fleet measurer and submitted to the IC Nationals Measurement Committee to save time.

Look for weekly regatta updates on this page!