Jet-14 West River Fleet Withdraws from Racing Program

West River Sailing Club in Galesville, MD has hosted Fleet 46 for decades.

(By Chris Hennon)

On November 21, 2006, Randy Bruns reported to the Jet-14 listserves that the West River Fleet has withdrawn from racing activities at the West River Sailing Club after several years of a "significant amount of discord between the One Design program and some of the members of the board at WRSC."

"It has got to the point that it is no longer fun to sail there", Bruns said in his email.  Bruns says that several people will relocate to Severn Sailing Association, including the Kennedy's, Bay's, and himself.  Several other Jetters will remain at WRSC as daysailors, including Ditraglia, Elliot, and Saunders.  

The news sparked some discussion as to how the decision will impact two popular regattas (Irey and Konigsberg) that are hosted by WRSC.  After some discussion by members, it was decided to tentatively keep these regattas on the schedule.  Tentative dates are June 9-10 2007 for the Irey and Sept. 15-16 2007.  Bruns will confirm these dates soon.

Although the news is sad on several levels, hopes were expressed by several Jetters that a consolidated Jet-14 fleet at SSA will enhance the growth potential of the Jet-14 in the Chesapeake region.

January 3, 2007