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December  2020 e-Starlights
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Honoring the Past, Leading the Future

 

President's Message

Dear Star sailors,
I hope you, your family and friends are well and safe. A very exceptional year comes to an end.
Our sailing activities has been standing in the background due to the impact of Covid 19 virus regarding our health, professions and social life.
This year we had to cancel our World Championship, almost all Silver Star events , sometimes on very short term, because the pandemic situation changed very quickly:  very frustrating for both sailors and the organizers of the regatta , who worked hard to present us a perfect championship.
The good news: end of October we sailed a fantastic European Championship in Riva del Garda/Italy. This time we had a smaller but super competitive fleet -  all Top 10 teams had the skills to win! The sailing conditions were great and the comradeship of the competitors as well. I had the feeling that everybody appreciated it in a special way to meet again  friends and have the chance to race a major championship.
Congratulations to our new European Champions Piet Eckert/Frederico Melo, who sailed a very respectable series. Second place on the podium was our European President Diego Negri/ Ciccio Lambertenghi ahead of Hans Spitzauer/Christian Nehammer(2nd European Vice President).  Our big graditude goes to the organizing club Fraglia della Riva and SSL Sport Director Frithjof Kleen, who organized a great championship with high level health-protective measures.
Also the majority of our other Star events had to be postponed or cancelled this year. Nevertheless some smaller local regattas that were sailed after the reopening saw even more entries than the last years.
For 2021 we worked out again an attractive schedule of regattas in premium locations. In the moment the situation regarding the Covid virus next year it is hard to predict but I expect that we will have to deal and live with it for a longer time. Nevertheless we have to be optimistic and flexible and will do our best to run the events, while the safety and health of the competitors and organizers is our priority!
 
Although there was less sailing this year there was even more work for the Central office, the class committees and officers. My gratitude goes to all of you for the work and time you dedicate for the Star Class.
I am happy to confirm that we have really high level experts in the ISCYRA-boards:
-In detail “Professor” Carl Schellbach, racing manager and master of the rules
-the Judiciary board with Dough Smith and his team
-TAB with John MacCausland and Co-Chief  measurers Guido Sodano, Jim Ryan and Peter Moeckl and the whole team
Great to have now 3 young-generation Star sailors and their input in the IGC and CMC: thank you Kilian Weise, Nicolaus Pro and Bobby Lippincott, who is also our International Secretary!
Thanks to our treasurer Mark Reynolds, who had not an easy time while handling with our finances affected by the pandemic situation.
Our gratitude goes to the Star Class Legacy Foundation under the guidance of Larry Whipple for their support!
Finally I want to thank Jerelyn Biehl and the team of the Central Office  and  our Executive Directors  Jon VanderMolen and his successor Mike Hecky. You are doing a great job!
Thank you to all ISCYRA officers for their  excellent work and the good cooperation. It's a great privilege to work with you together for our beloved Star Class!
So the final question is: was there something positive from the Covid virus this year ?
I would say: YES, maybe we learned again what is most important: life, health, family and friends – and Star sailing!
Please stay all healthy and tuned , I wish you a happy and blessed Christmas and love to see you all on the race course next year!

Yours sincerely,

                  

Hubert Merkelbach  
Star Class Ballot Results
The members have spoken!  The final tally is in for the ISCYRA ballots and the results are as follows (officers and rules take effect 1 January 2021)

FINAL TALLY FROM MEMBERSHIP
Vice Commodores:  Sune Carlsson & Christoph Gatuschi
Rear Commodores: George Szabo, Hal Haenel and Rick Burgess

  Passed did not pass
#1-2020 - U30 YES  
#2-2020 - U30 YES  
#3-2020 - U30 YES  
#4-2020 - weight limit   NO
#5-2020 - rocking   NO
#7-2020 - starting line  
YES  
#8-2020 - communication YES  
#9-2020 - compass Withdrawn  
#10-2020 - compass YES  
#11-2020 - compass Withdrawn  
     

 


From the Executive Director
Star Sailors, 
 
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect on the recent balloting and the 2020 resolutions for 2021.
I would like to extend the opportunity for you to consider the outcomes of the voting and how we move forward into 2021.  There has been a lot of spirited discussion on both the Team Weight rule 31.1.3. and Permitted rocking RRS 42.2(b).  As I am writing this prior to the results being published, let's use this momentum and discussion to guide us in continuing to fine tune your ideas, and let's not wait until the deadline for new Proposals to take action if you would like to see change.  I would like to encourage you to participate and take an active role in this process.  Please contact me directly at office@starclass.org if you would like to discuss these or any of the newly passed resolutions.
 
Best,


 
Mike

2021 Major Regatta Calendar

It's been a hectic and frustrating year for all Star sailors and the class office as well.  While everyone is anxious to get back on the water, scheduling, cancelling and rescheduling events has been a constant throughout the year.  Here is the calendar for 2021.
 
2021 World Championship Gold Sept 4-11 Kiel, GER
2021 Junior World Championship- Gold Aug 31-Sept 3 Kiel, GER
2021 Western Hemisphere Silver June 19-21  Lake Sunapee, NH, USA
2021 Eastern Hemisphere- NOT HELD

Silver

 not held  
2021 European Championship Silver May 24-29 Split, CRO
2021 North American Silver August 18-21 Newport Beach, CA, USA
2021 South American Silver Nov 11-15 Ilhabela, Brazil
ISCYRA Dues 2021
Dues are now being accepted for the 2021 racing year.
 

Members you can now set your dues to AUTO RENEW--------

  • Star Class members - click here and follow the instructions for Returning Star Class Members.  when you select member type, you can opt in (or not) to a subscription for your membership, then pay for 2021. It will auto-pay next year in December for 2022.
  • For NEW members - click here and follow the instructions. 
  • Check Membership through this link
Dues remain at:
  • Active & Isolated Active: $90
    • choose your age category:
      • Senior: >=30 yrs < 50 yrs
      • Master: >=50 yrs < 60 yrs
      • Grand Masters: >=60 years < 70 years
      • Exalted Grand Master: >=70 yrs
  • Junior Active (>20<30 yrs) skipper/boat owner:  $45
  • Associate & Isolated Associate: $35
    • Choose your age category - same as above
  • Associate Youth: < 20 years: $22.50
  • Associate Junior: >20 yrs < 30 yrs: $22.50
 
SCHOONMAKER - November 14-15, 2020 - RESULTS
COMMODORE'S CUP - December 5-6, 2020 - no racing
LEVIN MEMORIAL CUP - January 9-10, 2021
**ZAGARINO MASTERS - February 7-8, 2021
WALKER CUP - February 18-19, 2021
MIDWINTERS - February 18-21, 2021

Coral Reef Yacht Club Covid Rules for Regattas

**not part of Star Winter Series overall 
March 7-13, 2021
Register now for the 94th Bacardi Cup  Regatta!
Sunday, March 7 - Registration, happy hour
Monday, March 8-13 - Racing
Wednesday, March 10 - Midweek party
REGISTER HERE

Bacardi Cup Updates
Bacardi Cup website
Bacardi Cup Facebook 
 
Star Sailors:  with the situation evolving daily it is impossible to predict the situation come March 2021. Here in Miami, the Organizing Authority is holding regular discussions on how to organize the 94th Bacardi Cup to keep everyone safe and there are many scenarios and options that we are working through to modify the event. Adjustments will have to be made to the usual Bacardi Cup event format and we will all need to work together to embrace the covid-19 protocols we put in place. 
Over the coming months we will keep monitoring the situation and will regularly inform you (directly to past competitors and via ISCRYA) on how we plan to adjust and refine the event format. The safety of our sailors and event team as well as the community is our highest priority and we will do everything possible to deliver a safe event for all.
Please also keep an eye on the event website and Facebook for updates - links at the top
We really hope to be back for the 94th Bacardi Cup and welcoming you all to the starting line in Miami.
 
Welcome ISCYRA's newest Fleet

Flotilha Santa Catarina in Brazil, District 7.  The new fleet officers are Luiz Augusto Gonzaga and Jorge Bhering de Mattos. The fleet has 5 boats and will host their first regatta the end of January 2021. 

Welcome FSC - Flotilha Santa Catarina!
Regatta Wrap-Up
PIET ECKERT AND FREDERICO MELO ARE THE
2020 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

The only Silver Championship of the Year
 
Piet Eckert (SUI) and Frederico Melo (POR) are the 2020 European Champions after a great week of sailing in Riva del Garda, Italy, that translated into a winning scorecard. The silver medal goes to Diego Negri and Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA), who didn’t start the week at their usual pace, but were able to come back winning two of the three final races and claiming a second in the very last one. Bronze to the Austrian duo Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer, thanks to a very consistent week in which they have always been among the leading pack of the fleet.
 
“It’s been a very fun week of sailing – says European Champion Piet Eckert – we sailed well but mostly we had a good time finally sailing altogether here in Riva del Garda. We want to thank everyone who made this possible in such difficult times!” Eckert was teaming with young Portuguese crew Frederico Melo, who has been sailing the Star Class for years and his great experience is very valuable for any skipper he sails with.
 
Every day of the Championship the wind from the North (Peler) blew strong and the Fraglia Vela Riva Race Committee, with PRO Giancarlo Crevatin, set flawless courses adjusting by the metre. In the fleet everyone was so eager to race that a few general recalls were in place, but all in all the jury did not have to work extra hours to solve protests.
 
Among the best teams of the week undoubtedly Enrico Chieffi and Nando Colaninno (ITA), particularly strong on the starts and first beats, but also Juan Kouyoumdjian and Fernando Rivero (ARG). The yacht designer Juan K was there racing onboard his newly designed Folli, that stole the attention of the whole fleet as the last interesting arrival in the family.
 
Piet Eckert won also the Master category title, Jorgen Shoenherr (DEN), sailing with Markus Koy (GER), claimed the Grand Master – and finished seventh overall – while young German Finn sailor Philip Kasueke is the best Junior skipper, and 13th overall.
 
The one and only Star Class Continental Championship was sailed in Riva del Garda, Italy, filling some of the hunger of the starving sailors in this pandemic year. Everyone is already making plans and looking forward to a full schedule of racing for 2021, particularly intense in Europe with both the Worlds and Junior Worlds in Kiel, Germany, in September.
PIET ECKERT AND FREDERICO MELO ARE THE 2020 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS
The only Silver Championship of the Year
 
Piet Eckert (SUI) and Frederico Melo (POR) are the 2020 European Champions after a great week of sailing in Riva del Garda, Italy, that translated into a winning scorecard. The silver medal goes to Diego Negri and Sergio Lambertenghi (ITA), who didn’t start the week at their usual pace, but were able to come back winning two of the three final races and claiming a second in the very last one. Bronze to the Austrian duo Hans Spitzauer and Christian Nehammer, thanks to a very consistent week in which they have always been among the leading pack of the fleet.
 
“It’s been a very fun week of sailing – says European Champion Piet Eckert – we sailed well but mostly we had a good time finally sailing altogether here in Riva del Garda. We want to thank everyone who made this possible in such difficult times!” Eckert was teaming with young Portuguese crew Frederico Melo, who has been sailing the Star Class for years and his great experience is very valuable for any skipper he sails with.
 
Every day of the Championship the wind from the North (Peler) blew strong and the Fraglia Vela Riva Race Committee, with PRO Giancarlo Crevatin, set flawless courses adjusting by the metre. In the fleet everyone was so eager to race that a few general recalls were in place, but all in all the jury did not have to work extra hours to solve protests.
 
Among the best teams of the week undoubtedly Enrico Chieffi and Nando Colaninno (ITA), particularly strong on the starts and first beats, but also Juan Kouyoumdjian and Fernando Rivero (ARG). The yacht designer Juan K was there racing onboard his newly designed Folli, that stole the attention of the whole fleet as the last interesting arrival in the family.
 
Piet Eckert won also the Master category title, Jorgen Shoenherr (DEN), sailing with Markus Koy (GER), claimed the Grand Master – and finished seventh overall – while young German Finn sailor Philip Kasueke is the best Junior skipper, and 13th overall.
 
The one and only Star Class Continental Championship was sailed in Riva del Garda, Italy, filling some of the hunger of the starving sailors in this pandemic year. Everyone is already making plans and looking forward to a full schedule of racing for 2021, particularly intense in Europe with both the Worlds and Junior Worlds in Kiel, Germany, in September.
Dear Star Sailors,
Hope you, your family and friends are safe. 
To anyone that has lost someone to this terrible pandemic I send my sincere condolences.
Never has we experienced such a worldwide event, but working together we must control and defeat this devastating virus.
Where I live in New Hampshire, USA, we have been fortunate, somewhat spared from large outbreaks.  Our beloved sport of Star sailing has been dramatically curtailed with very few regattas and/or fleet sailing.
In an effort to keep in touch and as a way to pass on and to discuss all aspects of our sport, Carl Schellbach, Star Class Race Regatta manager and myself, along with a number of sailors are planning to host virtual meetings with all Districts.  We are prepared to answer your questions and concerns to the best of our ability.
When a meeting is planned an you plan to take part, please make the effort to include any and all potential Star skippers and crews.
On another positive note the Miami Midwinter sailing regattas are scheduled as well as the Bacardi Cup in March.  The Western Hemisphere U30 and Western Hemisphere Silver Star championships are schedule for June 2021 at Lake Sunapee, NH (about 100 mi north of Boston).
We hope to see and speak with you at our planned meetings and look forward to a virus free and prosperous 2021.
My very best regards,

John Chiarella
Commodore
cell: +1 603.249.6478
email
Harald Wirth - Star Life Member
celebrates 60 years
One of the well known of the Carinthian Star sailors, life member of the ISCYRA, celebrated his 70th birthday with family and friends at his Castle called “Schloss Frauenstein”. Harald Wirth began sailing - inspired and supported by his father - back in 1961.
In the almost six decades that Harald Wirth sailed, he started for the Carinthian Fleet and the Sailing Club “KYC Ossiachersee” in the 17th District, also he was meanwhile the owner of nine star boats. If his first Star in 1415 was still a wooden boat, Harald climbed with the number 5579 to GRP. The Carinthian sailor currently owns the star boat with the number 8486.
Harald Wirth took part in many international and national regattas; The highlights of his sailing life were definitely the world championships in Marstrand, Sweden (1979), Porto Cervo / Sardinia (1989), San Francisco (1992), Laredo (1995), Rio (1996), Medemblik in the Netherlands (2001), Cadiz ( ISAF WM 2003), Miami (2008) and Malcesine / Lake Garda (2014). He is a well known sailor all over the world.
 In 1996 he also sailed the South American Championships. The European and District Championships took him to the waters from San Diego to Los Angeles, from Cascais to Cannes and Gaeta to Kiel. Dipl.-Ing. Harald Wirth is well informed about the development history of the star boat and knows all the greats of the star boat scene from the past and present.
His sailing motto could certainly be taken from the song line "Little Starboat o'mine", which was written for the inventor of the Star boat George A. Corry:"For the wind and the sun, and the race lost or won, you're the joy of my days, and I keep you always ... "
Harald, you are one of the greatest among the stars!            



 
LOANER BOATS NEEDED
 
We are in need of donated competitive boats for several new sailors.  One father and son team are extremely excited about having joined a fleet and the prospect of sailing and learning together.
We have recently placed a Star Class loan boat in Ohio, one in Florida and one in Rhode Island. More women are skippering and crewing which was the norm when i joined th Class a few years ago ...(60)..

In addition, if you or if you know of any wooden boats tucked away in barns or in salvageable condition, there is a number of sailors interested in restoring this part of our dynamic history.

In a recent letter i received from Dennis Conner; "I still consider my greatest accomplishment in life was winning the Star World Championship with 5 first place finishes in Kiel.  GOD BLESS THE STAR CLASS!"

That sums it up for all of us, to think of our commitment, like Dennis to the boat and Class we love.  
May the future bring fair winds to all

Commodore John Chiarella

FUN WITH RULES

As I’m sure you’re aware, the Racing Rules of Sailing are due for their quadrennial update effective January 1, 2021. There are a whole bunch of changes from the existing rules, many inconsequential in the grand scheme of things and quite a few that are relatively big deals.
 
Some of the less important changes involve things like the organization of the rulebook itself - many rules have been moved or otherwise renumbered, and others have a wider range of effects. The Study Version of the new rules with all the changes and reasoning for them can be found at the World Sailing website here for those who really need some sleep aids. Some of the highlights that affect sailors’ interaction with each other and race managers follow:
 
For an International Class such as ours, it is good to know that the Introduction to the RRS now has an entry for the term Hails, which states that a language other than English may be used for any hail required by the rules if it is reasonable to be understood by all boats affected. Of course, English remains always acceptable, and now it will be legal to hail in languages familiar to the competitors. Certain elements of sign language, while universal, are still considered poor taste.
 
The Definition of both Start and Finish have taken the reference to “crew and equipment” out (and in the case of Finish, “in normal position” also). This means that the hull is the only thing that matters when starting (e.g. being on the pre-start side of the line) or finishing (e.g. no longer does the first jib across the finish line plane win in courses 1 or 4).
 
The importance of the NOR has risen dramatically. Significantly, per new RRS 25 the NOR now must be available to a boat before they enter (previously only before the first race). This means that regatta organizers need to have the NOR published prior to entries being accepted, although Amendments may still be posted in a timely manner. Some items have been moved from the NOR or SIs to the NOR only, others that were in the SIs can now also be in either the SIs or the NOR. It is recommended that any Rule in either not be in both, so be sure to read your NOR carefully and keep it handy! This was done to give greater advance notice to competitors of any items that may require prior preparation, such as Class Rule changes (per the new version of RRS 87).
 
RRS 28.2 (Sailing the Course) has been moved to the Definitions as well. It was done since the phrase Sailing the Course appears frequently in the RRS, so defining the term in italics instead of constantly referring to the Rule number made sense. Notably, Sailing the Course appears in…..
 
… New 3-letter score NSC - meaning “did Not Sail the Course." Previously, the Race Committee was required to protest a boat that failed to comply with RRS 28.2, now the RC can score the boat NSC (usually entrants + 1) without a hearing, and a boat would have to file for redress if they felt the score was in error. It’s surprising how often the offset is cut, or both gate marks are left to the same side! Of course, I’m easily surprised.
 
Needless to say, there are tons more changes. We are currently updating the NOR and SI templates to reflect the changes both to the RRS and to the STCRs, and will follow that up with changes to the Race Management Policies and Procedures document and the Championship Event Handbook that are maintained on the StarClass.org website. In the interim, watch this space for more exciting discussions of the new rules and how it affects your racing!
 
Fair winds,

L. Carl Schellbach, Jr.
Regatta Manager, ISCYRA
Copyright © *2020* *ISCYRA*, All rights reserved.

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