The Star story began in
1910 with Commodore "Pop" Corry's dream of a bigger, more
comfortable and drier "Bug" a 17 foot keel-boat popular at
the time.
Francis Sweisguth's design of the
Star turned that dream into reality. In May of 1911, the first five
Stars races on Long Island Sound, and the Star has been sailing ever
since. Sweisguth's hull design was genius. It has withstood the test
of time and the application of new technology to remain at the
forefront international competition. The Stars numbered 110 and
counting in 1922 when dedicated sailors led by George Elder founded
the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association (ISCYRA). This
organization was the first one-design class organization and has
endured as one of the largest, strongest, most respected and dynamic
yacht class organizations in the world.
A cornerstone of ISCYRA success is
that it has been and will continue to be run by and for the sailors
in the organization. Class leadership comes from the ranks of the
sailors and virtually all of the major class officers are active
racers who continue to compete at the highest levels.
The Star Class works -
for the club racer as well as the international champion. The
uniqueness of this Class is its depth and breadth; the Star is
reached Worldwide in over 170 fleets by thousands of sailors. The
ISCYRA truly is international with class officers at the world,
continental, district and fleet levels. An international Governing
Committee comprised of sailors from Europe, North and South America
and Australia set Class policy which is carried out by an Administrative
Committee and the Central Office. STARLIGHTS, a monthly publication
and the annual LOG keep members informed about Class developments
and activities as well as current thinking on tuning and equipment.
Because of its breadth, the Star Class affords its members
unparalleled competitive opportunities. Many class members rarely
move beyond their local waters, simply because that's their
competitive appetite. But for those who want more, the higher
competitive challenges await. There are regional regattas that offer
stronger competition. Top finishers in Fleet and District championships
qualify for Continental (Silver Star) and World Championships - the
Gold Star.
The Star World Championship continues
to be recognized as one of the most cherished prizes in sailing. On
top of that, the Star has been raced in every Olympics but one since
1932. From newest novice to World Champion, the Star Class offers
much to enthusiasts. At every step, there are new sights, new
experiences and friendships; old ones renewed and new ones made.
Why should I join ISCYRA?
Association membership is required to
race your Star in Class events. ISCYRA members receive monthly
issues of the STARLIGHTS newsletter and can communicate on-line
using the world wide web. This medium allows all members to
communicate with the Central Office, distant Star Sailing friends
and to remain in contact daily with unfolding events and regattas
results. The challenge is on the course, because today you can get
the same equipment the champions have "right off the
shelf" and the racing is so close. In a major series, one
hundred Stars finish just minutes apart.
The recognition is there as well.
Today's Star Class Champions are the headlines in "World Class
sailing tomorrow."
Publications available through the
Central Office.
The Star LOG (annual rule book) and
the Starlights (monthly newletter).
you will receive automatically when you join in the Star Class
"A
history of the Star Class"
80 years history
Book written by Stan Ogilvy
Video
"Fine tuned for
excellence"
New 1996 video that describes the Star Class. Including interviews
with some of the top sailors and exciting footage from the 1994 Star
World Championship in San Diego, CA, USA and the 1995 Star World
Championship in Laredo, Spain. This 17 minute video is perfect for
fleet meetings, boat shows and any other gathers to introduce the
Star Class to potential members or interested supporters.
Video
"Star Class tuning
guide"
Gold and Silver Star winner Vince Brun divulges many tuning
techniques and methods and makes them easily understandable to both
experienced and beginning sailors in this 46 minute video.
Are you up for the challenge?
Call
the Central Office
Talk to over 3000 Star Class
members
Test sail a Star at a local
Star fleet
Join in the fun
Meet the challenge and set
up!
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