FROM MISSA, April 11, 2008:

Over the past few days I've been talking with Mark and Gordy Bowers about the Int'l School of MN's Team Race regatta. This regatta is currently scheduled for next weekend, April 19 in Wayzata, MN. The issue we are concerned about is the ice still on Lake Minnetonka. Despite a few warm days and even some rain, there is a substantial amount that I consider a hazard for our student sailors.

I initially asked Mark and Gordy to consider relocating the regatta to a warmer, ice-free venue. We made inquiries at Lake Forest, the Columbia Yacht Club and Sheridan Shores YC and even considered contacting the Univ of WI (Lake Mendota) but they have ice, too. Each of the others has graciously offered to help out and make accommodations to host the regatta. However, in changing the venue to a Middle Section club, the travel budgets and time commitments on several West teams will increase to a point that it may become too much for them to make the trip. And given the option of attending their own regatta in a new location or making the Mallory Qualifier the next weekend at the Chicago Yacht Club, many families have indicated they would opt to miss the ISM regatta. I don't think we, as a District, want to force a host school to make that decision. So,our current thinking as of late afternoon Thursday is that we will postpone the regatta.

The decision to postpone the regatta has not been made final. Mark, Gordy and I will have a conference call at Noon on Monday, April 14 to make that call. We have eliminated the option of relocating the regatta and will consider rescheduling the event, hosting it at LMSS as planned.

The two dates we are considering are May 10 and May 17. May 10 is the date for the Mallory Nationals in Annapolis so two of our teams will miss the ISM regatta; May 17 is the weekend before the Baker National at LMSS.

NOTE WE HAVE NOT MADE A FINAL DECISION. WE WILL DO SO ON MONDAY AND WILL ANNOUNCE THE DECISION BY 3PM THAT DAY ON THE MISSA WEBSITE.

As always, please call with any questions or comments.

DS