Posts tagged: dave perry

November 25, 2008

Dave Perry Match Race Clinics

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I am going to be working hard, along with many of you, over the next few years to help grow the interest and skill level of match racing in the U.S.

 

As we know, it is not only a great discipline within sailing, but the tactics and techniques used in match racing are directly transferable to fleet racing, whether one is fighting for the same piece of water on the starting line or coming into mark, or waging a full-on attack or defense in a Medal Race of an Olympic class.

 

In an email I just sent to many U.S. sailors, I said this: “Match Racing Regattas have become very organized and are a lot of fun. You just show up with your Team and enjoy several days of non-stop battle. The organizers provide the boats and arrange for the umpires. And to be successful in match racing requires a very high level of precision in boat handling, communication, tactics, strategies, rules knowledge, boat speed and mental toughness. Everyone who participates in match racing comes out a better sailor and team; and to win is very difficult – that is why it is so much fun. And of course, there is a national and international match racing circuit, with cash prizes, etc. for those who are really into it!”

 

One of my goals is to help organize as many Clinics as possible in the U.S. so sailors can learn more about this game. As these get scheduled I will be working hard to get the word out, and I would love your help in spreading the word.

 

!!! The first Clinics in 2009 will be in Miami, right before and after the Olympic Classes Regatta. The one before is Women’s Only (as a lead-up to the women’s MR event in the OCR); that is Jan 21-23. The one following the OCR is Open; the dates are Feb 2-4. The idea for the Clinic after the OCR is to get as many already talented sailors there and teach them about the specific moves in match racing. This will also be a great Clinic for sailors (men and women) with match racing experience who want to take their game to a higher level. LaserPerformance is sponsoring the Clinics and we will be using the SB3 (their 20′ 3-person sport keelboat). Sailors can come on their own or in teams of three. Local hotels are giving discounted room rates, etc.

 

Thanks,

Dave

September 29, 2008

Perry Wins USMRC..cont

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It seemed impossible that the fourth day of the United States Match Racing Championship, hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, could end in early afternoon because there was not a breath of air over the entire LI Sound, north to Connecticut and south to Cold Spring Harbor. The first three days had seen heavy to moderate wind staging the racing field in West Harbor, Oyster Bay. Today’s venue was moved to Lloyd Point, at the mouth of the harbor into the Long Island Sound

Continuing the semi-final round, which got off one flight yesterday afternoon, were four boats: Brian Angel’s team (King Harbor Yacht Club), Taylor Canfield’s team (St. Thomas Yacht Club), Dave Perry’s team (Pequot Yacht Club) and Jon Singsen’s team (N.Y. Yacht Club/Larchmont Yacht Club).

Racing started at 1000 and into the fourth flight, the Race Committee hoisted a postponement as the breeze died. Hauling up anchor, they made way further out into the Sound, looking for what ever breeze that was never going to come. Constant radio contact with other L.I. Sound race committees trying to start their races and weather bands provided no positive news.

At this juncture, the standings were: Brian Angel at 3-0 against Jon Singsen, winning his place in the finals. Circumstances were different with the second team as Dave Perry was 2 races to Taylor Canfield’s 1 race.

While it felt wind was starting to build, storm clouds encased the entire Sound at about 1300 and light rain came in fifteen minutes later.

Races were called at 1435, and all competitors were towed into Seawanhaka for the final ceremonies of an amazing four day drama.

Head Umpire, for USMRC 2008, Steve Wrigley explained how the final results, in this situation are decided using Appendix C, Rule 11, which is the fundamental way to decide ties.

FINAL RESULTS: FIRST – Dave Perry, David Moffet, Chis Museler; SECOND – Brian Angel, Payson Infelise, Micheal Delanty; THIRD – Jon Singsen, Ben Jarashow, Robert Bardwell; and FOURTH – Taylor Canfield, Nathan Rosenberg, Cy Thompson.

Steve Wrigley commented, “We are delighted to be back at Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club; they have great membership support. I am so pleased at the decision to run the two round robins, which provided 22 flights of racing results. We had as much fun as the sailors! And we are here to support Match Racing”.

 In front of the majestic Prince of Wales trophy, Bruce Cook opened the award ceremonies at a little after 1600, welcoming all and commenting on this terrific event, in large part due to the competitors and umpires (who came from many places and distances), but citing all the behind the scene volunteers who organized and made the event happen, from spectator boats, to Race Committee (particularly the PRO Commodore Al Constants, housing hosts, and Regatta Chair, Commodore Bill Denslow). Also thanked was the SCYC staff, for their great efforts, and umpire Eric Johnson (thanked by every recipient for his incredible service in maintaining the Seawanhaka Sonars). Special mention was given to the sponsors, Rolex Watch USA, Dry Creek Vineyards and Harken. Next year’s USMRC will take place in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The competitors were asked to come up: Fourth – Taylor Canfield’s team; Third – Jon Singsen’s crew, receiving bronze medals who thanked, particularly his super crew, New York Yacht Club, Larchmont Yacht Club and Hunt Lawrence for promoting match racing; Second – Brian Angel’s team, receiving silver medals, who thanked the host club for getting so many races in and his appreciation of the umpires dedication; First – Dave Perry’s team, receiving gold medals, thanked many of the before mentioned people, who have done so much to promote match racing; the competition for being so close and so good; and his crew, which he said wins the race because of boat handling and psychology.

Dave’s team now qualifies for the Nation’s Cup regional qualifier in Charleston, SC next month. If he wins that, he will move on to the Nation’s Cup World Event to be held in Malaysia in December.

Also by wining the USMRC, Perry receives an invite to the Ficker and Knickerbocker match race events. Both of these events award their winner an entry into a Grade 1(Congressional Cup) and WC (Bermuda Gold Cup) events. Of all the US Sailing Championships, is the only event which provides so many additional opportunities.

 

September 29, 2008

Dave Perry Wins 2008 US Match Racing Championship

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On the last day of the USMRC, the wind did not cooperate and the final results fell back to the completed double round robin.

1st Place Dave Perry

2nd Place Brian Angel

3rd Place Jon Singsen

 

Results

 

September 29, 2008

USMRC Day 3

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Early morning fog encased Oyster Bay harbor threatening a delay on the third day of the United States Match Racing Championships, hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and sponsored by ROLEX, Dry Creek and Harken. But, as it gradually lifted, the competitors, in a still veiled West Harbor, continued the last 6 flights of their second round robin, finishing the round by late afternoon. Winds were between 5-10, easterly and some what variable. Dave Perry’s team (Pequot Yacht Club) was first and Brian Angel’s team (King Harbor Yacht Club) was second. Taylor Canfield (St. Thomas Yacht Club), Scott DeCurtis (King Harbor Yacht Club) and Jon Singsen (New York Yacht Club/Larchmont Yacht Club) were tied for the third and forth place slots.

 

The three-way tie was determined by the umpires imposing the rules for deciding such situations in a run-off race. The results of this tie-breaker moved Taylor into third place and Jon into fourth place, qualifying them for the semi-finals scheduled for that afternoon. Scott took a non-qualifying fifth place.

 

Race Committee was able to get off the first flight of the semi-finals, concluding the day at about 4:30, as competitors in this round must change boats after each flight.

 

Glenn Oliver, one of the umpires who officiated the tie-breaker said, “You can’t resolve ties until the end, and it looked like we were going to have a lot, based on the level of competition; close racing means ties. Three to four ties are unusual, but you go by the rule book and it all takes care of itself”.

 

Taylor Canfield who won a third place finish to compete in the semi-finals, commented,“ It all came down to our boat handling and the crew work; this made it all happen for us in the end”.

 

And, while Ned Jones ( John Loe’s team, Southern Yacht Club) won’t be competing further, he offered some comments on the regatta as it comes to a close,”I was very impressed with how Seawanhaka handled the very difficult format that this Championship requires, as it is under assault from weather, competitors and a variety of factors; the Race Committee made a very good decision to complete the two round robins, and go immediately into the semi-finals. In the end, cream rises to the top; and that’s what happened here”.

September 29, 2008

USMRC Day 2

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After a morning of soaking rain and strong easterly winds at 20-30 with gusts to 35 knots, the second day of the United States Match Racing Championship got underway just before noon. Hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, and sponsored by ROLEX, Dry Creek and Harken, the racing was once again staged in West Harbor, Oyster Bay. But, the flatter water advantage gave way to some rougher seas.

 

The day remained windy and very grey with occasionally light rain. Weather improved gradually until the late afternoon.

 

This was another long day, ending at 6:30p.m., as three flights from the first round-robin and 5 of the 11 flights of today’s second round-robin were completed.

 

Final results from the first round-robin have Dave Perry’s team (Pequot Yacht Club)  as the winner, in what is a remarkably competitive field. Cumulative scores after 5 of the 11 flights of the second round-robin have Brian Angel (King Harbor Yacht Club),  Scott DeCurtis (King Harbor Yacht Club) and Dave Perry sharing the top scores.

 

Tomorrow is forecasted to bring lighter, but variable winds. A few periods of showers are predicted, and some may be heavy, but likely not raining all day.

 

Asked about today’s racing, Brian Angel commented,” We had a tough start and lost the first two races, but we finished strong and won the last two races. We corrected our issues and we feel confident looking forward”. Brian added with great admiration, “I think Race Committee did an amazing job of getting in 8 races facing today’s conditions.”

 

Additional perspective was provided by U.S. Sailing Match Racing Chair and Umpire Bruce Cook, “We have had some very great sailing over the last two days. The events are going very well, and we intend to finish the second round-robin on Saturday and go into the semi-finals in the afternoon.”

September 29, 2008

USMRC Day 1

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The first day of the U.S. Match Racing Championship, hosted by Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club and sponsored by ROLEX, Dry Creek and Harken, got off to a fast and furious start this morning, as the wind built to 18-20 knots, gusting to 27, under heavy grey skies. The competition, anticipated to be close, was compelling. Racing was staged in West Harbor, Oyster Bay to take advantage of somewhat flatter water under the wind conditions.

 

The first round robin was not completed, and is expected to do so Friday morning. However, tomorrow’s weather is forecasted to bring heavy rain and stronger wind, all building tonight.

 

 The day ended at about 6 p.m. after nearly eight hours of racing and eight flights of the eleven scheduled were completed.

 

Today’s results favored Brian Angel and Dave Perry who ended with the same amount of points. “Flat water, shifty winds make for great match racing conditions”, said Dave Perry. He added, noting the unpredictable weather expected, “As a competitor, I take one race at a time, and just go racing”.

September 9, 2008

Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Hosts the 2008 USMRC

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Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club Hosts the 2008 USMRC!

 

From September 25 to the 28th, S.C.Y.C. will be hosting the 2008 United States Match Racing Championship in Sonars at the historic venue of Oyster Bay on Long Island Sound.

Protest! Match racing involves tactics and knowledge of the rules.

 

Participating in this event will be the best match racers in the country, selected from qualifying events around the country.  Already registered are Taylor Canfield, St Thomas, VI; John Loe, Baton Rouge, LA; Mark Johnson, Appleton, WI; Jon Singsen, Greenwich, CT; Donald Wilson, Chicago, IL, David Dellenbaugh, Easton, CT; Carson Reynolds, Newport Beach, CA; Scott DeCurtis, Redondo Beach, CA; Geoff Becker, Arnold, MD; Dave Perry, Southport, CT; and Brian Angel Manhattan Beach, CA;

 

This is a VERY prestigious event, worthy of your interest and participation. Twelve team entries are expected and close racing anticipated.

 

Seawanhaka is a prior winner of the Championship in 2004 and has a history in match racing that dates back to 1896, with the Seawanhaka Cup, the oldest Corinthian, international match racing regatta still alive!

 

Spectator boats will be available so that members, the local press and other interested parties can watch the action up close.  

 

April 15, 2008

Congressional Cup The 20th year of on-water umpiring — where it started

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Congressional Cup

The 20th year of on-water umpiring — where it started

LONG BEACH, Calif.—Before Dave Perry could claim the second of his consecutive Congressional Cup championships in 1984 he had to suffer an agonizing couple of hours waging his case against two-time champion Dick Deaver in the protest room and then forlornly pacing under a full moon outside the Long Beach Yacht Club while the jury made up its mind.

Those were the bad old days of match racing. The 44th Congressional Cup presented by Acura April 29-May 3 marks the 20th anniversary of how the event changed the face of the game by replacing protests ashore with instant justice on the water. Since then it’s been: competitor protests opponent, umpires rule yes or no; if no, opponent does penalty turn; race goes on.

The 1988 Congressional Cup was the first major match racing event in the world to feature on-the-water umpiring, which immediately became the standard.

Perry returns this year, competing against younger guys who never knew any other way so, as a rules author and lecturer, he appreciates the transformation more than most, especially when he recalls that night in ’84.

“I’ll never forget it,” he says now. “That was not a nice one. Very unpleasant.”

Deaver gave Perry credit for his presentation in the protest room, noting, “He was very good.”

But that, Perry says now, misses the point. His second match racing career is a lot more fun than the first.

“The game was being held back by not having umpires,” he says. “You couldn’t do the match racing game now without umpiring. The tactics are much more aggressive now. The boats are much closer together most of the time. In the days before [umpiring] you dreaded getting near somebody because you might have to go to the room. Having the umpires there means you can play the game.”

Competition starts Tuesday, April 29, with a double round-robin running through Friday, with the best-of-three semifinals and finals Saturday and a fleet race for non-qualifiers. The 10 six-man crews will sail Catalina 37s owned by the Long Beach Yacht Club Sailing Foundation, rotating boats daily.

The field has two former winners—Perry in 1983 and ’84 and New Zealand’s Gavin Brady going for his fourth title after wins in 1996, 1997 and 2006, plus Chris Van Tol, the highest-ranked American, and, in order of international ranking, France’s Damien Iehl, Pierre-Antoine Morvan and Philippe Presti; Russia’s Andrew Arbuzov, Sweden’s Johnie Berntsson, New Zealand’s Simon Minoprio and Scott Dickson, a New Zealand native but a longtime Long Beach resident and Congressional Cup regular.

The seeds of on-the-water umpiring were planted in the 1986-87 America’s Cup at Fremantle where the dusk-to-dawn protest hearings marked Australia’s defense as an extreme example of taking the fun out of the game. But it was the only protest system match racing knew. From there, the frustration and foresight of certain people who knew there must be a better way took the bold steps to make it happen.

Tom Ehman, now head of external affairs for the BMW Oracle Racing America’s Cup team, was instrumental. As a racing judge and rules advisor for the New York Yacht Club’s America II team at Fremantle, he knew the dysfunction firsthand.

“We figured that if juries were right 75 per cent of the time [in settling protest hearings], if umpires could do that well it would be great,” Ehman said recently. “It turned out to be better than that. It has led to instant decisions and made television practical, which in turn brought in sponsorship.”

After Dennis Conner won the America’s Cup back for the San Diego Yacht Club in ’87, Ehman rounded up enough support later that year to try the scheme in the match racing finals of the Maxi Worlds fleet racing regatta hosted by Sail Newport. It worked.

The next major full-on match racing event was the ’88 Congressional Cup. Ehman later wrote in the UK’s Seahorse magazine that he agreed to serve as jury chairman on one condition: “That you let me do the umpiring thing.”

He recalled, “The whole thing was risky at best, having never been tried in a high-level match racing event—and Congressional Cup is the granddaddy of them all.”

The late Chuck Kober, an LBYC member, former US Sailing president and a senior racing judge, exerted his influence to persuade the elders to at least try an experimental event a few weeks earlier. That trial swayed any skeptics.

Ehman said. “It changed the relationships among the sailors themselves. Once the umpires made a call and, if necessary, somebody did a penalty turn, everyone went back to racing. Long Beach Yacht Club deserves an enormous amount of credit for having the vision and the gumption to try the system. And after the ‘92 America’s Cup there was no question about it. But LBYC was the incubator.”

As for the degree of penalties to be imposed, Ehman said, “We discussed dropping the headsail or [doing] 360 and 720 [circles]. We wanted to make it a meaningful penalty without making it a killer. Two loops was too much, the drops not enough. We settled on a single turn that evolved into a 270—a jibe upwind or a tack downwind.”

One of the umpires for that event was Kirk Brown, an LBYC member and international judge who last year served as an on-the-water umpire for the America’s Cup at Valencia.

“In ’88 I was the jury secretary,” Brown said, “but they quickly found that they needed more umpires, so I got pressed into service.”

So it started then for him, too. Brown also will be officiating on the water this year, along with Jan Stage, chief umpire; Alfredo Ricci, deputy chief umpire; Henry Menin, Flavio Naveira, Dave Pyron, Angelo Buscemi, Pete Ives, Eduardo Porto, Gary Shoemaker, Doug Sloan, Stephen Van Dyck, Charlie Arms-Carfee, David Blackman and Serge Jorgensen.

Since the Congressional Cup was launched in 1965 by a Deed of Gift recorded in the U.S. Congress, other world-renowned sailors such as Ted Turner, Dennis Conner, Rod Davis, Peter Gilmour, Peter Holmberg, Dean Barker, Ken Read and Chris Dickson have won the Crimson Blazer emblematic of victory in the prestigious event.

Event sponsors are the Port of Long Beach, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Catalina Adventure Tours, the Long Beach Press-Telegram, West Marine, Jones Lumber, Union Bank of

California, Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Newmeyer & Dillion attorneys at Law, Mount Gay Rum and Gladstone’s Restaurant of Long Beach.

A high level of organization has been maintained over the years by a volunteer force of some 300 club members and their families.

The Long Beach Yacht Club, founded in 1929, has from its beginning sought to encourage future generations of sailors and power boaters. Located on a promontory of Alamitos Bay in the Long Beach Marina, it has a dynamic junior sailing program whose members compete in various youth regattas. There is also a junior swim team and an enthusiastic big game fishing program.

Last year’s video highlights produced by t2p.tv and 2007 photo gallery available for viewing.

MORE INFORMATION

Official Congressional Cup website

Long Beach Yacht Club

(562) 598-9401

www.lbyc.org

CHAIRMAN

Merle Asper

merleasper@verizon.net

PRESS OFFICER

Rich Roberts

310.835.2526

cell 310.766.6547

richsail@earthlink.net