Welcome to the Regatta Promotions Sailing Marketing Blog

We are now carrying the Regatta Pro Starting System for Race Committee Supplies in our online store. The system takes away all of the human error that can occur when people are trying to get sound blasts off during a starting sequence. While serving Race Committee duties, I have wrestled with a shotgun and not been able to get the blasts off at the right time, at which point you abandon the sequence and start again. This is embarrassing, not to mention a waste of the racers time. We will have them in stock next week and will be writing a review on the product once we test it out. This summer, the Portland Yacht Club will be using the system for their events, thanks to a donation from the local J-24 Fleet 43. If you have ever raced in an event that uses this system, let us know how you liked it from the racing perspective. If you would like to know where to get your own Regatta Pro Start System, follow this link Regatta Pro Start.

 Want to buy a boat, well after watching this video I asked where do I sign!

Yale Cordage is back at it again! They have recently re-dedicated themselves to the marine market, developing some new and interesting lines. We recently got our hands on some of this new experimental product which we used at the BVI Spring Regatta on the IC 24 we were sailing. The product was built with a spectra/dynema core with a new Maxi-Jacket HP coating with their new “Wave” cover. The real development here is the “Wave” cover with a strong core. The cover is built to have a very soft hand that matches well with the core which makes a line that performs well in every condition.

We found the line to be very stiff and kinky when we first received it and were a bit sceptical about how it would perform. However, we soaked the line and roughed it up a bit by working four foot sections of the line through a ratchet block. After this initial break-in the line was perfect - soft and flowing but strong enough to handle high loads.

We used the line for the main, spinnaker and jib sheets. The conditions over three days were 35 to 20 knots and big waves. With only a four to one on the main sheet the line was under constant stress and work. The mainsheet trimmer was very pleased with the line as well as the driver. The line doesn’t absorb too much water and stays light.

We will continue to use this line which should hit stores this fall. We will keep you posted on an acutal release date and how it will wear over the summer. Stay tuned!

As spring approaches, with the sun shining and weather warming up, it is time to start thinking about our getting our boats in the water. But before you splash your boat in the water for the season, think about what she has on her bottom. Your paint choice will help to keep her clean through the season and hopefully smooth allowing your boat to travel fast while under sail.

One paint that is widely used for racing sailboats is VC Offshore, with a healthy amount of thinner added to the mix. Once the bottom is sanded, prepped, washed and dried you are ready for the paint. First, you want to thin the paint out with paint thinner. As you apply the paint with a brush or roller, it dries very quickly, which allows you to apply multiple coats without waiting hours for the paint to dry. Because we like to thin out the paint, 5 to 6 applications should be sufficient. It is recommended that you use 2 to 3, but that is without adding thinner to the mix. The bottom can be finished by wet sanding for an exceptionally smooth finish.

Another option for your bottom is to use the environmentally friendly, copper-free, antifouling bottom paint called E Paint 2000. This would be an easy green option for those that have a clean slate to paint on, as it is not compatible with other existing antifouling paint. It is recommended that you prime with the EP 2000 primer to protect the fiberglass from water and blistering. It seems to work well and now that copper prices have gone up, the price doesn’t look so bad either. The manufacturer says not to apply the paint in temps below 60° F so it looks like until the weather warms up some more, bottom painting will have to take a backseat to your other boat projects for now.

This exact boat will be sailing in Maine raced by Jon Randall with family and crew during the GMORA circuit. His competitors - Frers 41, Beneteau 367, Farr 39, Flying Tiger 10M, Tripp 41, Andrews 36 will be chomping at the bit to cross tacks.

The boat is pictured here with a super fast carbon wheel. Sorry Jon dealer says its just for show, although the actual wheel will be larger in diameter. The interior is cool with ultra-leather and nice wood trim. Not sure the line package will last long. Sta-Set for main and genoa sheets might be too stretchy. Anyways a cool-fast boat that is sure to be fun to watch and sail.