The Detroit Yacht Club is located on its own island off of Belle Isle in the Detroit River, and is a remarkably ornate facility in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1868, it describes itself as the largest and one of the oldest most prestigious private Clubs in North America. It certainly is one of the nicest.
The club hosted to the 2024 U.S. Adult Sailing Championship in their fleet of Flying Scots, and competitors Kevin and Kendall Kunz put together a list of the ten things they learned:
1. Don’t Judge a Sailor by Their Boat
Just because the top sailors weren’t familiar with the Flying Scot didn’t mean they were pushovers. These folks came ready to play! No matter what boat they’re handed, champions adapt fast. Underestimate them at your peril.
2. The Detroit River Doesn’t Mess Around
Two knots of current? Yeah, we felt it—especially when trying to figure out the perfect lay line to the windward mark. Then came the leeward mark, where the current and wind decided to team up against us. If you don’t prep early, you’ll end up scrambling to drop the centerboard and douse the chute like we did!
3. Club Boats: Same Same, But Different
Rotating through club boats is supposed to level the playing field, but each boat has its quirks! One boat had a spinnaker turtle, another didn’t, and those jib sheet block placements… well, let’s just say it felt like the boats were playing their own version of hide-and-seek with our roll tacks. Adapting fast is the name of the game.
4. Redress: Your New Best Friend
When you’re racing in boats that aren’t yours, equipment failures happen. Jeff Whiteway knew this when his mainsheet broke, and filing for redress helped him stay in the game—and eventually win the whole regatta! It’s a good reminder: know your rights and don’t be afraid to use them.
5. To Protest or Not to Protest, That Is the Question
Before filing a protest, ask yourself: will winning this actually help me? Sometimes it’s better to let it slide or withdraw if it won’t boost your standings. Being right is great, but sometimes not rocking the boat is even better.
6. Watch Out for Debris—No, Really
Nothing like some grass stuck on your centerboard or rudder to ruin your race. It’s like dragging an anchor behind you! Before the race starts—or at least during the 5-minute sequence—check for debris and make sure you’re sailing smooth.
7. The MarkSetBots Are Cool, But Watch Your Back
MarkSetBots are a nifty bit of tech, but don’t get too cozy with them. If a bot gets hit and then adjusts its position right into your boat, guess what? It’s your fault, not the bot’s. Yep, you’ll be taking that penalty.
8. Stamina is Key
Six races in a day? No problem… if you’ve been training for a marathon. Sailing demands stamina—physically and mentally. Those long days on the water can wear you down if you’re not ready, so make sure you’re fueled up and focused from start to finish.
9. Sailing’s a Team Sport—Don’t Let One Mistake Sink You
One bad tack? A little too much sheet? Don’t let it get you down. A race isn’t over until it’s over. Like a wise competitor told us, “Don’t let sailing ruin your regatta!” Pick yourself up, shake it off, and work together as a team to turn it around.
10. The Detroit Yacht Club is a Stunner
Last but not least, the Detroit Yacht Club? Wow! From the gorgeous grounds to the historic clubhouse to the amazing people who run the place, it’s a first-class operation all the way. The staff, volunteers, and leadership made this regatta a truly special experience. We felt like royalty!
Source: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/10/14/ten-things-we-learned/
