The Shackleton Series
Almost every sailor has read about Ernest Shackleton and his crew’s adventure aboard the Endurance. A definite display of survival, bravery, and of course, endurance. Although our winters are a bit less harsh than those on an Antarctic adventure, we feel that we can at least show some type of honor and respect for Shackleton and his crew. Therefore, we are proposing a series of winter races– 8 in all. Those who have sailed on the mighty Chickamauga in the past know that winter conditions can range from balmy, 75 degree, slap on some Bullfrog, and crack open another Corona to bitter, the rudder post is frozen, break through the ice, tell me again why exactly are we on the water today when we can be at home in front of the fire? We will sail regardless of conditions* – wind, no wind, sunny, rainy, snow, ice, etc. Race dates are listed below. The point system used for this series is based on the number of boats racing. For example, say 10 boats are racing. The first place finisher receives 10 points, second place 9 points, third place 8 points, and so on. If you start the race and don’t finish, you will receive one point. If there are 4 boats racing, 1st place receives 4 points, 2nd place receives 3 points, etc. Basically, you are rewarded more for beating 9 boats as opposed to beating 3 boats. If you are the only boat to complete the race out of 10 boats, you still get 10 points while everyone else gets one point. Each boat that starts and sails a race in which the air temperature is less than 40 degrees or if there is precipitation at the start will receive an extra point. Less than 40 degrees and precipitation – 2 points. But you have to be on the course for the duration of the race to receive these points. Returning to the confines and warmth at port immediately after starting is not worthy of any type of bonus! Remember this series is not only about racing but also about endurance and taking what the elements give you. But most of all it is about fun - and yes, you can have a lot of fun sailing in the winter! Don't believe us? Click on some of the links below to read about it , Race as many times as you like, no prior race experience necessary! Dates for this year's series are listed below! Results and reports for prior years' races are also located below. Skipper's meetings will be at 10:00 each race day. Race start times will be announced based on weather conditions at the skipper's meetings.
*It took long enough, but over the past few years we finally gained some wisdom and are a bit more prudent in our decisions to sail or not sail in adverse conditions. That does not mean we will only choose to set sail on sunny days with 10-15 knot winds and 70 degree temps so don't throw away those foulies and parkas just yet!
