Some people race for the pursuit of a trophy. Other people prefer to pursue the relaxation found in cruising. But all of us have something in common – the desire to be on the water and just sail!
The Tall Cactus regatta is meant to bring us all together – cruisers and racers, dinghy and keel boat sailors – both on water and on land. This year’s regatta, which has been an AYC staple since 1987, will be held Saturday, April 11th at Lake Pleasant, with the first start at 1pm, and will be a pursuit race.
What is a Pursuit Race?
First, if you don’t like racing, don’t let that name scare you. This is meant to be a fun event. It’s even written into the Sailing Instructions that way. Yes, there are prizes; one for the winning monohull, and one for the winning multihull.
Normally, when we hold PHRF races, everyone starts at the same time, and your finish time is calculated based on your boat’s rating. In a pursuit race, it’s the opposite – your start time is calculated based on your rating, and everyone, in theory, finishes at the same time. The slowest rated boats start first; the boats with the fastest ratings, last. So you are “pursuing” the boats that started ahead of you – get it?
In a pursuit race, we know who wins based on who crosses the finish line first. No waiting around for scores to get calculated. PRO Rob Gibbs will do all that calculation ahead of time (which means he can get to his beer faster). All you need to know is when your boat’s start time is – which will be communicated by 8 am race day. If you are the only one with your kind of boat, it’s possible you’ll have that start line all to yourself! Details are in the race documents.
Need crew for the event? Check out our Crew Connections page!
AYC Tall Cactus Regatta
Saturday, April 11th
Deadline to Register = 5 pm on April 10th
- 11:30 am – Skipper’s Meeting at 11:30 am in Spring Canyon
- 1 pm – 1st start; check our racing page at 8 am on Saturday to find your boat’s specific start time.
- ~5:30 pm – dinner in Spring Canyon
Cost: $10 for AYC members, $20 for non-members
After the race (~5:30pm) everyone gathers for dinner at Spring Canyon. We’ll have roasted chicken, green beans, potatoes, Gary’s famous beans, and dessert. BYOB.
So if you’re in pursuit of a good time, come join us!!
