Welcome to the Frostbite Yacht Club - Connecticut Squadron, Inc. - Essex, Connecticut

Frostbite News


Amendment Posted -3/16/2024
Amendment Posted to Notice Board
Amendment effective starting 3/17/24

1.4 For the Ideal 18 class only, RRS 44.1 is modified by the adding the following paragraph: “(c) within the zone around a windward mark that is to be left to port, and unless Rule 18.3 applies, if a boat that entered the zone on port tack has contact with, or requires evasive action to avoid contact be taken by, a boat that entered the zone on starboard tack her penalty shall be to retire”.



Spring 2024 Season -2/2/2024
30 DAYS TO SAILING!!
2024 Frostbite NOR and SI's have been posted and registration is open
Work Party: Saturday March 2nd @ 1400 @ Essex Yacht Club - need help launching boats
Racing starts: Sunday March 3, 2024 @ 1300 w/ skippers meeting at 1200



Fall 2023 Season -9/18/2023
2023 Fall registration is open. Check out the NOR and SIs in the Notice Board link and Register on the online registration link!



Frostbite Yacht Club kicks off 90th Year of One-Design Racing - WindCheck -2/21/2023
Our friends at the Connecticut River Frostbite Squadron based in Essex, CT, better known as FBYC (Frostbite Yacht Club) are kicking off their 90th season of racing! .... Read the article CLICK HERE



Spring 2023 Season -2/21/2023
Let's go racing! 2023 Spring Season starts March 5, 2023. Check out the NOR and SIs in the Notice Board link and Register on the online registration link!

Work Party: Saturday March 4th at 10 AM at Essex Yacht Club - need help launching boats A $10 Coupon code will be provided towards next season for anyone who helps!



Fall 2022 Season -9/29/2022
Let's go racing! 2022 Fall Season starts October 9-December 11, 2022 (last day racing December 10th). Check out the NOR and SIs in the Notice Board link and Register on the online registration link!



Party for a Cause! -4/23/2022
The Gowrie Group CT River One-Design Regatta Party, April 30th, 2022. For more information CLICK HERE



Spring 2022 Season -2/15/2022
New this year - we're using Clubspot for Registration and Scoring. The NOR and SIs are also posted to Clubspot with links from our webpage to those documents.

When you go in to register there is initially only a full year option (spring and Fall) after you enter your information you have the option to sign up for only the spring if you would like. There's also an option to get a discount if you're a lifetime member.

There are helpful clues to guide you through the process but if you have any questions or something looks off please let us know. It's a new system to us and we're hoping that it makes everything quicker and easier.

See you all soon!

Liz Sistare
Commodore



Fall 2021 Season -9/24/2021
Let's go racing! 2021 Fall season is October 10-December 11. Check out the NOR, SIs, and registration!
EYC's COVID protocols can be found on the entry form.


End of Season Gathering -4/30/2021
There will be an outdoor gathering after racing this Sunday! 4:00-6:00pm. Racing will end early to give time for break down and clean up of boats. There will be food and a limited bar set up outside the club. Daily awards and seasonal trophies will be presented. Please send in your nominations for the polar bear award! fbyc1933@gmail.com


Sailing Instructions Posted -2/25/2021
The Sailing Instruction for the 2021 Spring Series (including Amendment 1 2/24/21) are posted.


Ask Dave! -2/12/2021
Ask Dave is a session where Dave will explain the significant changes in the new racing rules that go into effect on January 1, 2021, and then will answer the participant’s rules questions/issues for the remainder of the time.
Fee: - FREE to all skippers and crew of boats registered in FBYC & EYC members!
Registration is limited. To Sign Up, email Sue Wyeth (swyeth@centerbrook.com) by Sunday, February 14, 2021.
Link to notice


Fall 2020 Racing -9/15/2020
Ahoy Frostbite sailors - See special notice below for Fall Racing...

2020 Fall Series: October 4th - December 6th

Addendum # 2: Special Instructions during Pandemic
1. All FBYC sailors, Race Committee members, crashboaters, and volunteers will abide by State requirements during the pandemic.
2. Masks must be worn on the grounds of the Club until on the boats and away from the docks. All must be socially distant as much as practical on site.
3. Do not come to race if you have symptoms of Covid 19.
4. Only EYC staff will run the tractor for launching the Etchells - with help hitching etc. from the boat owners.
5. Boat storage as always on the grounds - with a reminder to remove same at the end of the season.
6. Access to the Club House is not permitted.
7. As always, NO personal liquor may be consumed on the Club property. Food may be consumed as long as we 'leave no trace' and pack out whatever we bring in.
8. Heads may be used in the launch office as long as the season permits. We understand that when the weather turns and the building plumbing systems are drained for the winter, we will no longer be able to use them. We will request that sailors clean up after each use before leaving, using paper towels and spray bottles provided. We will have a member of the Frostbite team help oversee the heads.
9. Sailors racing in the Ideal 18's will adhere to the Club protocols for cleaning the boats after use and wear full-finger gloves while on the boats.
10. There will be no gathering before or after racing during this period. We will calculate and post scores on the website over the next few days after racing and hand out glasses, without the usual in-person fanfare, at the following Sunday.



Racing Cancelled -4/22/2020
Ahoy Frostbite sailors-

After much consideration and discussion with EYC, we are cancelling the 2020 Spring Series. Because of the conditions placed on everyone due to Covid-19, we are unable to reconvene within our stated schedule per Notice of Race, nor is a reasonable extension of the timeframe possible.

We are looking into being able to extend our Fall series by a week and to include some Saturdays to make up for this disappointing turn of events.

Please contact Mark Kondracky at mrk399@aol.com if you wish to receive a refund. Give Mark your name & address and let him know how you paid (paypal, cash, or check). We will refund your registration fee prorated for the weeks we did have normally. We will not unfortunately be able to shift refunds in the form of discounts for the Fall Series.

Here's hoping for smooth sailing in the Fall,

Sue Wyeth Commodore


Racing Suspended! -3/18/2020
Dear Frostbiters,

We made the decision today to suspend Frostbite Racing for this weekend and next weekend as we collectively work to halt the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We are committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment, as well as upholding our responsibility to follow directives from the Federal and local governments.

All options are being explored in order to maintain our schedule of racing for the month of April. We will continue to keep you updated as this rapidly changing situation evolves.

Stay well and let us know if you have any questions,

Sue Wyeth, Commodore
Liz Sistare, Vice Commodore

Racing Notice -3/14/2020
We're still on for Sunday!

However, we are canceling our normal after racing social at EYC. Results will be posted online and glasses can be picked up the following week.

We want to again remind everyone to use common sense and stay home if you feel sick. We also highly recommend 'social distancing' and hand washing.

Spring Racing -2/20/2020
Registration is open and racing is less than two weeks away!

Reminder: you can register for both the Spring and the Fall seasons and lifetime members get a $10 discount per season, so please consider becoming a lifetime member!

Our Work Party will be on Feb. 29th at 2pm - come down and help get Fair and Square and the mark boats ready!

Saturday February 22, 2020 @ 1800 hours,
Essex Yacht Club. (All are welcome for cocktails at 1730). Reservations requested. Please call the office 860-767-8121 or email Ellen Kelly (ellen.kelly@essexyc.com) to ensure seating.
Presented by the Regatta Committee of the Essex Yacht Club

Connecticut River Leukemia Cup Regatta: May 2, with Rain date of May 3.


Last Day of Fall Racing -12/4/2019
Just a reminder that the last day of the Fall Season is this Sunday 12/8. First gun at noon.

Season results will be read and perpetuals will be awarded at EYC following racing.



Racing Cancelled 12/1/2019 -12/1/2019
Racing is cancelled today, Sunday 12/1/2019. See you all next week!



Fall 2019 Season -10/2/2019
This Sunday is the first day of racing!!! Sailor's meeting will be at noon in the launching area.

If anyone is available Saturday from 9-11am come down to help get Fair and Square ready.

Attached are the SIs and course diagrams. Registration is available online at fbyc.org or you can pay by check/cash on Sunday. For any registration questions I'll be in EYC Sunday morning before racing.



Spring 2019 Season -02/19/2019
Our Spring Season is just a few weeks away! Racing will begin on March 3rd. No racing on March 20th due to Easter, races will be held of Saturday the 20th instead. Season ends on April 28th.


Our Spring Season is just a few weeks away! Racing will begin on March 3rd. No racing on March 20th due to Easter, races will be held of Saturday the 20th instead. Season ends on April 28th.


Fall 2018 Season -10/01/2018
The FBYC Fall 2018 Series is schedule for October 14th - December 9th.



Spring 2018 Season -02/03/2018
GET READY!!! The spring season for Frostbiting is planned to start March 4th with a skippers meeting at 12pm. As always weather permitting, but we'll have our fingers crossed the conditions will allow for some great sailing on the river. Go and sign up on line at www.FBYC.org,
** Don't forget about the lifetime membership to recieve a discount on each season's dues. Conact any of the board members if you have questions.

When: Sunday, December 10th 4-6pm
Where: Essex Yacht Club, Wetmore Room (downstairs)


Fall 2017 Season Party -12/07/2017
Please join us this Sunday at Essex Yacht Club to celebrate another successful year of Frostbiting on the CT River. Toast (or roast) our fleet champions, applaud our amazing volunteers, and raise your glasses to this year’s perpetual award winners.

When: Sunday, December 10th 4-6pm
Where: Essex Yacht Club, Wetmore Room (downstairs)


Fall 2017 Season -10/06/2017
Sailing Instructions have been posted! See you on Sunday...



Fall 2017 Season -09/01/2017
The FBYC Fall 2017 Series is schedule for October 8 - December 3 (9 weeks of sailing). NOR and additional details will be available shortly.



Racing for Week 9 -04/26/2017
A friendly reminder that we will be racing on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Please note the start times below:
SATURDAY: 12pm start, daily awards at ECYC - Earlier start with earlier finish. All Frostbite sailors are invited to the EYC annual "Burning of the Socks" afterwards.

SUNDAY: 1pm start, seasonal awards at EYC



Spring 2017 Frostbite Racing, Week 4 -03/23/2017
Well after the first 3 weeks have been cancelled due to weather conditions, commodore Bill feels this may be the week. Plan on a skippers meeting at 1200 in the parking lot and sailing to start at 1300. Enjoy!



Spring 2017 Frostbite Racing -02/01/2017
All - Frostbite Spring Series racing starts March 5!! Mark your calendars, NOR available soon....



Fall 2016 Frostbite Racing -10/03/2016
All - Frostbite Fall Series racing starts October 9!! NOR and Sailing Instructions are posted. Press the "Online Registration" link to register now.


Spring Series a Go! -03/2/2016
Ahoy Frostbiters! A friendly reminder that we do indeed start THIS Sunday, March 6th. Boats are starting to show up at EYC, registrations are rolling in, and the River is NOT FROZEN this year...

Skippers meeting at 12, first warning at 1pm.

Check this website for NOR, SIs, & Registration.

See you on the water.

Commodore Bill.
Claudia Anne Kondracky -02/15/2016
Claudia Anne Kondracky Claudia Anne Kondracky died peacefully at the CT Hospice in Branford on February 13, 2016 after a courageous, well-fought battle with diabetes. She was born on November 15, 1960 in Middletown Connecticut and was the daughter of Richard and Rita Kondracky.

Claudia received a BA in History from CCSU and remained a perpetual student of the subject throughout her life. She loved visiting historical civil war sites; Fort McHenry and its ramparts being among her favorites. Claudia had a passion for carrying on conversations and telling stories with her friends or with perfect strangers. While waiting for a transplant match, she counseled and consoled a young man about to have a kidney transplant, explaining to him what he could expect.

Claudia, as an avid boater and tactician, served on the Board of ECSA as the Secretary. She had a special gift for helping new sailors learn and love the sport of racing. She enjoyed books, reading everything in sight. Claudia was skilled at needlepoint and kitting as well as being a generous and kind-hearted person. She crafted over a thousand hats for newborn infants in need, and then hundreds more to raise money for the Leukemia Society.

Claudia is survived by her mother Rita, her brother, Mark Kondracky, her sister and brother-in-law, Judie and Gary Brooks, her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Joel Sevick, her cousin, Richard Siedzik, two nieces, Leanne Brooks and Michael Sevick, and a nephew, Greg Sevick. She also leaves behind her beloved Myers parrot, Echo. Claudia's quick wit and warm nature will be missed dearly by all of her family and friends—feathered or not.

At Claudia’s request a donation can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in lieu of flowers, http://www.leukemiacup.org/pages/ctwhv/ct16/Mentor .

The family will receive friends from 4pm to 7pm on February 19 at Swan funeral home in Clinton. A mass will be held on at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Clinton on Feb 20th at TBD.



OLD NEWS...
Amendment 1 - Fall 2015 -10/11/2015
Sailing Instructions Amendment

Amendment to Sailing Instructions - Click Here
Racing is a GO! -10/02/2015
FROSTBITE SAILORS AND RC

With today's latest update of Joaquin's status going well off-shore we are a GO for Day 1 of the Fall Season on Sunday 10/4 !

Skippers Meeting Promptly at NOON at the launching area. 1st Gun at 1PM.

NOTE: Ideal 18's won't be sailing this Sunday due to the current NorEaster passing over today and tomorrow. Etchells can feel free to block the Ideal Trailers as Marcus will sort it out next week.

Steve Adkins
Commodore

For more information email Commodore Steve at steve.adkins@cbmoves.com

Fall 2015 Registration Open -9/15/2015
The Fall 2015 Notice of Regatta, Registration Form and Sailing Instructions are now available. First Warning Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 1300

A brief meeting for all skippers/participants will be held Sunday, October 4, 2015 1200 at the EYC launch area to discuss the Series

For more information email Commodore Steve at steve.adkins@cbmoves.com





OLD NEWS...
Saturday Racing for all Classes -3/31/2015
All classes sailing this Saturday (tradional pre-Easter Sunday) including Keelboat classes. Crane dock is in operation.

NOTE: 12 NOON START
AP Heading DOWN -3/25/2015
FROSTBITERS

The AP flag is coming down!

Let's go SAILING!

Racing for all RAMP launched classes will commence on Sunday March 29th - 1 PM Start! 11:30 skippers meeting.

Lasers, JY15,MCScow,420

Steve Adkins
Commodore
Sailing and Growing the "Pie" -3/19/2015
Essex Yacht Club 2015 Winter Talk Series, "Sailing wand Growing the "Pie"". Speaker, Nancy Nickerson, Executive Director, New England Science & Sailing Foundation, Thursday, March 26th at 6PM. Click Here for Brochure.

Spring Season Update -3/19/2015

1. Ice free approaching the crane. Quite thick at the ramp though.

2. Cove entrance still frozen

3. Fair and Square still firmly held.

Racing for Sunday the 22nd. Cancelled

Sunday the 29th we are planning to Race the centerboard boats one way or another! Marcus and EYC want us back! Keel boats if possible! Start digging!

Steve Adkins
Commodore


Spring Season Update -3/14/2015
We are still locked in by ICE and therefor Postponed another week to the 22nd and promise to let you know by Tuesday the 17th!

Essex Yacht Club has graciously offered 2 Saturdays in April and May 3rd to help us get more sailing! APRIL 11..........APRIL......18

REMINDER WE SAIL ON SATURDAY APRIL 4TH NOT ON SUNDAY (EASTER)

Commodore Steve
Spring Season Update -2/22/2015
Fellow Sailors and Volunteers. Mother Nature continues her onslaught letting OLD MAN WINTER continue his icy grip on our sailing venue. Just like last season, the cove is frozen solid, keeping Fair and Square and the docks out of use. The FBYC Board met on Saturday and agreed to postpone our Start Date to March 8th with the promise that we will keep you updated weekly, on the inevitable Spring Melt. We do encourage you to send in your entries and want to remind you that if you want to take advantage of the Dual Season Discount you need to do it this month as we only offer it in the Spring.

The Board also voted on the following changes to the SI’s & NOR’s.
Notice of Race 1.4 Appendix T “Alternative Procedures for Dispute Resolution” Section C Expedited Hearings will be implemented this season along with the streamlined “Protest Hearing Procedures”
1.5 All yachts with be registered and scored by sail number (note 1.3 in the SI’s)
2.5. A minimum of 5 registered boats is required to qualify as a class.
4.4 Easter Sunday we will race on Saturday 4.4.15 with a noon start
5.3 MCSCOWS are now required to carry a VHF and anchor

Sailing Instructions
1.3 All registrants are scored by registered sail number. If a skipped wishes to sail with a different number the RC must be notified prior to leaving the dock. The only exception will be a sail damaged while racing then the skipper must notify the RC upon returning to the course.

A side note, the RC will be enforcing the 13.5 Safety Regulation of checking in and out with the RC.
Spring 2015 Registration is Open -2/14/2015
Spring online registration is open. NOR will be posted soon.
Racing Cancelled -11/02/2014
PRO's and Commodores agree to CANCEL RACING for today!

Safety concerns abound, even though there are willing sailors. (Crazy Lasers mostly )

Stay safe and see you next Sunday!
Fall Week 2 - PRO Stanley -10/14/2014
Our second Sunday of racing was a beautiful sunny day. It started rather cold but ended warm. The turnout was quite good with even a good showing for the MC Scows and 420's. the breeze was a nice Northerly that was predicted to go Southeast.

And go it did, without filling back in until after 3:00. We were able to get four of the six classes started when the wind decided to start dying. The strong incoming current made it impossible to go downwind against the current and the four classes expired the time limit.

We reluctantly decided to abandon the days racing at 2:40 and the crash boats started towing boats in. some of the more seasoned sailors had already read the telltales and had there boats hauled before we abandoned for the day.

The club provided a tasty turkey soup and those that chose to stay were able to enjoy their soup and beverages on the deck of the clubhouse. This afforded a great view of the filling breeze and many commented on how it always fills when we get to the Bar.

We look forward to seeing everyone back out this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for good winds.
Carnot Dennis Posey - Eulogy -9/19/2014
Attached is a Picture of Dennis  in a craft he built himself.  Charlotte has given FBYC permission to post Dennis's eulogy and a picture.  Click Here,,,
Fall 2014 Frostbiting -9/15/2014
NOR and Registration forms have been posted:
- NOR
- Race Application
- On line Registration

JY15, 420 & Laser Races -9/15/2014
There are two one design events in the area, for which JY15’s and Lasers are invited:
- Stamford Yacht Club Regatta on 9/20-9/21
- DIYC One Design Regatta being held on 9/27

Dennis Posey - Memorial Service -9/6/2014
It is with a sad heart that we report the passing of Denis Posey. He was an avid sailor who both raced and cruised his sloop Firebrand. He was part of the Frostbite Yacht Club family and EYC for decades and always had a passion for racing, was an excellent competitor, and had a warm smile as well. He raced JY-15's, Blue Jay's and Ideal 18's to name a few. Thoughts and prayers are with his family and especially with Charlotte.
Dennis Posey - Memorial Service
Sat Sept. 6 at 11:00 am
Valley Bible Church
220 Turkey Hill Rd. Haddam Ct

Racing Saturday due to Easter -4/15/2014
FBYC Sailors, racing will be held to Saturday, due to the Easter holiday. First warning will be at 1200 (one hour earlier than normal). See you all on Saturday!
Week 5 Racing - PRO Stanley -4/2/2014
Our second week of sailing is under our belt now. The weatherman was partially wrong to our benefit. The rain was basically over with a few sprinkles and a lot of drizzle during the afternoon. The wind was as predicted north 10-20. It probably averaged about 18 with some higher gusts and a few lulls around 10. All the rain meant the tide didn't start dropping till 2:00. The current started really ripping at that point.

The racing was good with some really good starts using most of the starting line. The current made the racing challenging. Those who came out early and sailed the beat found there was no way to avoid the current. The trick was to figure out where the velocity was a little less. (And there were few areas that showed less current). The beats were close and when the reaches started boats would spread out due to the current. The leeward mark saw the classes compress again for a challenging beat home.

Congratulations to the 420 class for having 5 boats on the starting line. Keep it up and spread the word, we hope to see this class grow. There was a fair amount of attrition with the Laser class seeing the most boats go in. One Laser had a mast seperate in a capsize. We are not sure if it broke or the two pieces came apart. One 420 went in early as did one JY15 leaving the JY15's with 3 boats. One Ideal18 went in with a torn jib and one Etchell that was borrowed for the day went in early.

All in all it was a good afternoon, competition was hot even if the weather was not. Some boats have not registered yet. Please do so as soon as possible. Remember to check in and stay clear of classes in their starting sequence. Frank will be running the races with some guest stars while I attend a race management seminar. Fair winds and clean racing this week.
420 Fleet to Race -3/28/2014
Spread the word, the 420 Fleet has enough boats for a start! 420 Fleet will be racing this week.
Week 4 Racing - PRO Stanley -3/25/2014
Well, after three long cold weeks we finally got started. Saturday was a beautiful day for setting up the crash boats and making sure Fair and Square II were all ready for the day Sunday. Sunday came cloudy and 20 degrees colder. Wind was predicted to be 10-15 from the northwest, we saw 15-20 instead. Setting the course was tricky until 12:55 when the wind settled into the northwest. We saw a westerly at first that tried to kick southwest when the sun tried to peak out. We had a westerly course set when it went northwest with 5min to go to first gun. Quick work by the crash boaters got us started on time. The only course adjustment came after 2 general recalls for Lasers, we lengthened the starting line and there were no more recalls.

The racing was good with 7 races for the Etchells, Ideal 18's and JY 15's. The cold and wet Laser sailors got 6 races. 2 420's made it out for three races. There was one protest in the Ideal 18 class but that was resolved in the parking lot instead of the protest room, no blood was drawn.The freshet has not started yet and surprisingly there was no current influence to play into tactics. I'm afraid that will change when all that good skiing snow melts and flows downriver. It was rumored that a seal was seen In the river by one sailor but there is question as to whether it was a seal or a Laser sailor!!! A delicious soup and spirited conversation was had by all after racing.

A quick reminder to all sailors to please check in with the race committee before your first race of the day or when returning to the racing area. It is equally important to let a crash boat or the RC know if you have to go in for any reason. If you can not notify us on the water please ask a club employee to contact us. When a boat goes in without notifying us we worry and start looking around for seals!!




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