It's getting to be "that" time. Our first race is quickly approaching as the weather seems to be cooperating well for sailing.&nbsp; We held our first race meeting in February where we set the racing schedule and discussed a few rule tweeks as well as some potential enhancements to the racing program.&nbsp; Here are a few highlights from the meeting.&nbsp; The schedule includes 13 races with 3 scheduled make-up dates: one each for the icebreaker and nutsfreezer and one additional date on Labor day weekend to take care of any races that were cancelled due to weather.&nbsp; As usual, our big events are the Division 11 Hobie Points Regatta on June 2/3 and the Statue of Liberty Race which will be the Sunday July 1&nbsp; since the 4th falls on a Wednesday.&nbsp; A few other notable events.&nbsp; We will team up with the Atlantic Highlands yacht club again to host the Blue Water regatta on.&nbsp; This is a two day event where we get to race among the big monos.&nbsp; Last years event was quite memorable and I look forward to another great event.&nbsp; Also, on the junior scene, The US Sailing Junior Olympic Festival has invited the catamaran "youts" to come an play for the third straight season.&nbsp; This time the event will be hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club in Annapolis Maryland, the weekend immediately following the 4th of July and is a 3 day event starting on Friday.&nbsp; The Hobie Class Association has also designated this event to be the Hobie Youth North Americans.&nbsp; SHBCC has had a good presence at this event and I expect that we will once again have our youth sailors (under the age of 21) compete. Outside the club, there are many opportunities to throw your boat on a trailer and go race.&nbsp; In addition to the many races hosted by the Hobie Class Association, there are a few races that are within a few hours drive.&nbsp; One very interesting event is Sail Newport in June in Newport Rhode Island.&nbsp; This event will be held in conjunction with the Americas Cup World series which features the 45 foot cats being raced by Americas Cup teams.&nbsp; I hope to have more details soon.&nbsp; Also, for you distance race lovers, the New England 100 will be held again in August.&nbsp; <br><br><b>Learn to Sail Program and Winter Instructional</b><br>We have penciled in 5 Learn to Sail events this season.&nbsp; This has been a hugely successful program over the last two seasons so come on down and take advantage of the free sailing instruction.&nbsp; The instructionals start next month with an indoor event at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club.&nbsp; Our first meeting will be on March 14th at 7:00 pm.&nbsp; I hope to see you all there.&nbsp; If you have any questions, suggestions, or want to help out, you can contact me at graybon@verizon.net <br><br>Greg <br><br>