Our SYC team includes nationally recognized racers and regular 'ole racers that often claim the prize. There are even categories for first-year, or Novice, competitors. Races are scheduled throughout the year. If you have questions regarding the program or wish to find out more, contact the Race Chairman, Gerry Johnson. Log racing classes for new racers are in January and February - join us!

SYC STIMSON TROPHY RACE 2006

The prestigious Annual SYC Stimson Tropy Race took place on Saturday, September 23rd, 2006. The navigation contest was hosted by SYC and staged from the SYC outstation at Port Madison.

This is always a great event on the International Powerboat Association race calendar. SYC is recognized as a gracious host and the Port Madison Outstation provides a perfect venue for the weekend festivities.

Behind The Scenes: Roni and Bill Grady chaired the race this year. The theme was "Under Construction" - setting up the Port Madison outstation to look like a highway construction site.

Gerry Johnson served as Racemaster for the event and he crafted a challenging course. Gerry Johnson served as Scoring Chair for the race and he was ably assisted by Scott Strandjord.

Roni and Bill Grady, assisted by Todd and Sarah Prodzinski, provided support for the event that was well beyond the call-of-duty in the areas of contest check-in, decorations, prize coordination, dinner arrangements and they did this in the same year they organized the Powerboat Rendezvous! They've contributed in this way for a number of years - and their volunteerism and dedication to Seattle Yacht Club are recognized and appreciated.

We also had terrific support in the area of Observers (without them, there is no race). I highly recommend that if you are "in the learning mode" or don't have a powerboat to compete with, that you sign up to observe at any or all of next year's Predicted Log events. You'll be fully trained for the job (it's easy) and you get to ride along aboard a boat with a competitor to help keep track of their actual progress. No better way to contribute to the event and meet members involved in this sport, while learning what it's all about. Besides, your lunch and dinner free; on us! Thanks to Scott and Linda Strandjord for helping to round up this year's Observers.

Anyway, thank you to all for a tremdous team effort!!

When all was said and done, SYC had a good day on the water. Here are the member scores:

Redemption - Scott Strandjord w/Kirk Strandjord, 0.9951% 2nd Overall

Thor - Bill Grady w/Todd Prodzinski, 1.8111% 2nd Class II

Endurance II - Tom Yarington/Barb Yarington, 1.8838%, 2nd Class III

Tireless - Kim Lorenz w/Gerry Johnson, 1.6175%, 3rd Class IV

We had a great day of racing and a fun weekend! Many thanks to all of those who made this a great event! We will wrap up the season with one more race in November, but please get involved next season.

PREDICTED LOG RACE CLASSES

Wanna Race?: If you are new, take the Predicted Log Racing Class and you'll be racing in no time! You take three classes over three weekends.

We cover: An overview of the sport, Racing plotting strategy, Boat calibration techniques, the mysteries of local currents and Prediction calculation & theory. Trust us, your boat will never arrive anywhere for anything late (or early) again!

Please join us as we take the mystery out of this obsessive sport! Contact Scott Stradjord for details or just sign up! And for more about SYC Powerboating activities and events, be sure to check the Binnacle and the Powerboat Committee area of the SYC website for information.