The Regatta Committee of the Essex Yacht Club (EYC) in Essex, CT, is pleased to announce the first meeting of the EYC Ocean Racing Forum on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:15 pm. The forum will be hosted by EYC three times per year, featuring speakers and discussion sessions of interest to ocean racers and those sailors who may be interested in becoming ocean racers. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Marine Weather and Forecasting: The Art—The Science
The first forum topic, “Marine Weather and Forecasting: The Art—The Science, ” will be presented by renowned oceanographer, meteorologist and ocean racing navigator W. Frank Bohlen, PhD. “Frank is well known to ocean racers on the East Coast,” said EYC Regatta Committee member Phil Dickey, owner of the Swan 46 Flying Lady. “He has taught at multiple Safety at Sea seminars and other ocean racing events. He is Professor Emeritus at UConn in the Department of Marine Sciences and has participated in twenty Newport Bermuda Races. He’s sailed across the Atlantic five times, mostly as navigator, including three Transatlantic Races. Frank has served on the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee since 1998 and is most recognized for his presentations at the pre-race Skipper’s meeting in Newport regarding the structure and conditions of the Gulf Stream.”
“We intend for the forum to provide learning opportunities for both ocean racers and inshore sailors who want more exposure to ocean racing,” Dickey continued. “EYC has had a longstanding commitment to ocean racing—five EYC boats competed in the 2018 Newport to Bermuda Race—and we want to create a venue where ocean racers can share ideas. Hopefully we can also introduce potential crew to owners and skippers.”
Essex Yacht Club is located at 13 Novelty Lane in Essex. “Please RSVP to EYC Office Manager Ellen Kelly at ellen.kelly@essexyc.com or 860-767-8121,” Dickey added, “and please park in the sailor parking area, the gravel lot just southwest of the EYC Clubhouse.” ■
