2013's New Regatta Chair And Schedule Of Events

Debbie Cycotte at the 2013
Typhoon Spring Awards Dinner

Debbie is directing the 2013 Typhoon Nationals, taking over from Ron Mihills who started the Nationals with the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association in 2011. “Debbie has had solid experience running regattas in the past and a history of sail racing that goes back to her childhood.” “She’s also one of the hardest working volunteers at the Rappahannock River Yacht Club and volunteers at Fishing Bay Yacht Club in Deltaville, too.” Said Ron.  

She, and partner Mosby West, serve as regular race officers; have managed RRYC’s website; RRYC Ship’s Store, and more. “We’re so lucky to have them in our Club and community.” Said Tommy Asch, RRYC’s Commodore. “I’m confident that RRYC’s hosting of the annual Typhoon Nationals helping us build sail racing in the area.” “Typhoon boats are being acquired from across the US and rennovated throughout the lower Chesapeake Bay. There are over 70 with racing competition growing at area yacht clubs”. He added.

Debbie Cycotte has a lifelong love of boats and the water which started at a very early age on the South Shore of Long Island. After a move to North Carolina, her dad built her first boat, a Blue Jay sloop, and taught her how to sail. A few years later they acquired a Flying Scot and began racing competitively. She is still involved with the Flying Scots as their Class Historian. Debbie enjoys One-Design Racing, particularity Flying Scots and Typhoons.

She works at Ullman Sails in Deltaville for Jerry Latell, West Marine in Deltaville and does CAD work for local engineers, architects and realtors. Debbie has served as Regatta Chair for the Flying Scot Capitol District Championship in 2005 at Fishing Bay Yacht Club; the Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championship in 2006 at Fishing Bay Yacht Club; and the Flying Scot Capitol District Championship in 2010 at Rappahannock River Yacht Club. 

The Rappahannock River Yacht Club is building on its previous successes making this year’s National Regatta offerings even more extensive. A new educational component gives sailors, who enjoy competing in these classic boats, more opportunity to test their skills against others before the Typhoon Nationals, September 27th-29th.

Three races are planned, for Wednesday evening September 25th at 6pm. Debbie Cycotte, along with Jerry Latell and the crew of Latell/Ullmann Sails Virginia, will be out on the water videotaping the racing. Jerry will use it to teach racing techniques on Friday, September 27th prior to racing beginning the next day. This free course runs from 1PM - 5PM at RRYC’s Club house, following that morning’s launching and registration set for 8am-12pm. “I’ve been racing a Typhoon and have had the opportunity to watch other Typhoon racers. It’s allowed me to see examples of excellent racing skill that I’d love to showcase for the newer racers on the Friday before the horn goes off Saturday.” said Jerry Latell.

“We’re really excited to build on some of the great lessons Jerry taught us last year.” Said Regatta Chair, Debbie Cycotte. “It’s also wonderful to have Latell/Ullmann Sails agree to again hosting the Welcome Party and Cookout.” She said.

This season, the Nationals racing action starts at the Rappahannock River Yacht Club Saturday, September 28 with an 8am breakfast followed by a Skipper’s Meeting at 9am. Racing begins on the Rappahannock River at 11am sharp. Three races are planned for Saturday the 28th, followed by a reception and dinner for all involved that evening at 5pm at the Clubhouse.

All races are planned as drop mark triangular courses on the Rappahannock River between the Norris
Bridge over the Rappahannock River and Towles Point. Scoring will follow the Low Point System. (One race completed can constitute a regatta.) Each boat’s series score shall be the total of her race scores. No score will be excluded.

Sunday, Sept. 29th will host breafast again at 8am followed by the Skipper’s Meeting at 9am. The Warning for races 4 and 5 begins on the water at 11am. The Awards and Closing Ceremony will be held at the Clubhouse Sunday, 4pm.

Racers can access the NOR and registration information online. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Debbie Cycotte at dcycotte@yahoo.com. Here's the link to the NOR and registration information on RRYC's site.  Additionally, registration paperwork will be available Friday, September 27th and on the morning of the Saturday, September 28th.  You can follow the action on Facebook.