Racing

OWSA exists to promote and facilitate the participation of women in all aspects of sailing and nothing will help you gain and hone your skills faster than racing. We provide opportunities to learn racing rules and strategies and practice starting and rounding the mark through our Racing Tactics Class, Basic Racing Clinic, Women's Regatta, and Beer Can races. Racing events are a fantastic forum to learn or advance one's sailing skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Many OWSA members participate in formal and informal races throughout the year.

Racing provides opportunities to learn and grow on several levels. The finer points of sailing—sail trim, racing tactics, and boat handling—are thoroughly tested while racing. In addition, effective communication, team dynamics, and individual confidence building are direct benefits as well.

OWSA Racing Committee Your 2012 Racing Committee includes: Mary Hartel, Race Captain Sally Jo Edward, Vice Race Captain Paige Berry, Lieutenant Race Captain Leadership in the OWSA Racing program is built through our Race Management Training Program. This program offers 3-4 OWSA members the opportunity to plan, run, and officiate races. For more information, email the Race Captain.

Race Official Program This unique program affords an opportunity for those in OWSA Racing leadership for additional training to plan, run, and officiate races. Pacific International Yachting Association (PIYA) encourages and fosters the development of sailboat racing across the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. PIYA supports the development and use of common racing standards for sailors to use within their respective yacht clubs and organizations and provides race management seminar opportunities. Some choose not to test, others test, the end result is that we have a great group of folks who will be out on the water running quality events. A race management seminar is scheduled for February 2012 in the Portland area. For more information contact racing@owsa.net

OWSA Friday Night Beer Can Races Friday Night Beer Can Races offer a fun introduction to racing or a great way to end the busy week. There are no protests or official winners in Beer Can races but bribing the Race Committee is highly encouraged! OWSA sponsors at least one race per year with post-race socials. Check the calendar to find an OWSA-sponsored Beer Can race. Click here to find a calendar of all races on the Columbia River.