From the Chairman:
Once while standing on the beach at Cape Hatteras, N.C., getting ready to windsurf, I was approached by a fellow windsurfer and he asked me what part of Massachusetts I was from. I said South Dartmouth and he responded with a hint of dismay in his voice, “oh Buzzards Bay?” and I said yes. He then snidely postulated, “what the &%$# are you doing here, Buzzards Bay has the best consistent winds and conditions in North America?” He was right, I had gotten so used to the conditions of Buzzards Bay that I had taken it for granted. Buzzards Bay is known through out the sailing world for its conditions. I have sailed in many places and people know: great winds, great conditions, great Buzzards Bay.
This year, like every odd numbered year, the New Bedford Yacht Club (NBYC) is providing its facilities for the venue. The NBYC is, and has been, the quintessential venue for three primary reasons: first, its on the water location is right at the mouth of Buzzards Bay where the traditional afternoon southwester kicks up through the narrow opening and accelerates right onto the racing area; secondly, the BBR through the NBYC, its membership, co-hosts and connections, provides outstanding, recognized race management; and third, the NBYC and its neighbors’ land side resources include state of the art water access, convenient parking, excellent food and entertainment and generous hospitality facilitates a central event for camaraderie, story telling and socializing.
With all the sailing and racing I have done throughout my life, there is no place like home, especially when home happens to be on Buzzards Bay at the New Bedford YachtClub.
Kenneth D. van Colen, BBR Chair.