At this point in time, we are considering keeping the Mardi Gras regatta on the same weekend as J/22 MidWinters - March 10-11, 2007.

Early on, we picked this date while working with the GYA scheduling team simply because we wanted to get the word out earlier to build attendance. Marketing material and such has already been printed and distributed to YCs across the country with a theme "New Orleans Needs Sailors/Tourists". The regatta dates announced included the 2006 Sugar Bowl, 2007 Mardi Gras and Leukemia Cup regattas.

It is unfortunate that we do not have a valid process which works to prevent scheduling conflicts. Obviously, GYA events are not as important as national regattas, so we are faced with two options (1) keep the regattas on the same date or (2) move the Mardi Gras regatta to an alternate date. At this stage in the game, moving the date would be difficult.

SYC has completed an extensive study to statistically verify that March 10-11, 2007 is the date to provide the best possible weather as mentioned by a previous post.

So now for the question, how many YCs would be impacted if we kept the regattas on the same weekend? NOYC and SYC are pretty deep and would not be impacted. I am curious how many would want to race in both regattas.

Of course, I am sure that scheduling the races to occur at different times in the day might be an option as well and a good story to tell.

We need some feedback as quickly as possible. Let us know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Dave@noyc.org