Blackwater Yacht Racing Association

            Many people think of sailing as a summer sport, but any member of the Blackwater Yacht Racing Association will be quick to correct that assumption.

            “Boat wakes can make summer sailing dangerous,” said
Gil Miekina, commodore of BYRA. “Plus, there’s just not that much wind [during the hot months].”

            BYRA, which meets at Pelican Point Yacht Club, was formed in 1985 as an alternative to private sailing clubs with high costs and long waiting lists. Miekina said BYRA’s mission is simple – for members to enjoy racing and the fellowship that comes with it.

            The group organizes two major regattas each year as well as numerous smaller races throughout the spring and fall. BYRA members also meet for social activities such as a wine tasting or a “pub race” to meet for drinks.

            While sailing may seem like a relaxing activity to enjoy on a lazy day, Miekina stressed that it is a physical sport that demands hard work and willingness to work as a team.

            “Sailing definitely requires some physical strength because it can get very tiring. The crew gets a great workout with everything they have to do. There’s a lot of teamwork and coordination involved, so the crew is very important. Teamwork is the secret to success in racing,” Miekina said.

            He added that racing can be competitive, and those who don’t follow the rules can be penalized by having extra time added to their final scores. Despite the competitive nature of the sport, Miekina said there’s nothing more important in sailing than being safe and helping other boats that may be in trouble.

            “We have a very sportsmanlike racing approach; we are competitive, we race to win, but boat safety is the most important thing,” he said. “If there’s a potentially dangerous situation, like very high winds, it’s just too dangerous to sail. We love to race and we enjoy it, but we also have to be safe in what we do so if the crew is in danger, we’ll withdraw from the race.”

            Races usually run smoothly, but accidents occasionally happen, Miekina said. That includes a man overboard or “turtling” of a boat, a situation where the vessel is capsized and completely inverted so the hull is above water and the mast is pointing down. He said BYRA encourages crew members to wear life preservers and to take boating safety courses to prevent accidents.

            BYRA welcomes new members, but Miekina recommended that they have some sailing experience or instruction at SML Sailing School. There are three fleets comprised of members with various experience levels and boat sizes “so there’s something for everyone,” Miekina said. Those interested in joining can check out a race and serve as a crew member before deciding to join BYRA. Dues for new members this year are $100, but those joining after mid-season only pay $50.

            “Anyone interested in sailing is welcome at BYRA,” Miekina said. “We’re sociable, and we have a great mix of people. It’s a nice organization that offers something enjoyable for everyone.”

For more information, visit BYRA’s Web site at www.byrasailing.org.