Race Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of this event?
The mission of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race is to promote public awareness of the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime heritage & to encourage the preservation & improvement of the Chesapeake’s natural resources.

Who benefits from this year’s race?
Proceeds from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race 2007 will support children’s education programs at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation & other charitable organizations.

How big is the event?
Last year there were 38 entries. Over 150 schooners have participated over the last seventeen years.

How did it start?
The first annual race was in 1990, with seven entries. Every one has returned; two, Patricia Divine & Norfolk Rebel, have raced every year. Forty schooners have raced five or more times.

Who can participate?
Entry is open to all schooner-rigged vessels. The Race Committee reserves the right to reject entries for reasons of safety.

Can I talk with a skipper who has raced in the past?
Just ask us for contact information.

I may not race until next year; how can I check it out?
Owners & captains of non-participating schooners are invited to contact us to arrange admission to land events.

What if I can’t get away for the whole event?
If your schedule will not permit participation in all events, we still want you to come. Contact us to make arrangements.

Can my friend’s classic wooden ketch sail in company?
Sorry — only schooners. No spectator fleet.

What's the deadline for entries?
The cut-off for the 3,000-foot fleet limit will be determined on a first-paid, first-entered basis. Captains who submit an entry package immediately have the best chance of inclusion. The date & time when you send your entry will be used to resolve any ties. Only complete entries will be considered. If your entry is incomplete, the Race Office will call you. Schooners planning to join only the Baltimore festivities do not count toward the 3,000-foot limit.

What happens if I miss the cut-off date?
A waiting list will be maintained once the limit is reached. We will contact wait-listed vessels.

After I have entered, do I just show up at the start?
Please refer to the events schedule for activities on Wednesday, October 10. The mandatory safety meeting is 0800 Thursday, October 11 — schooners not represented shall be disqualified. Captains unable to attend in person must arrange official representation & notify the Race Committee. Also, we request that you arrange for your Baltimore arrival with the Baltimore Race Dockmaster.

Do I have to do the Parade of Sail?
Parade participation is optional, but encouraged, as it helps develop public awareness of the event, is good for race publicity, & helps generate future financial support. If you have room on board for a guest or two, please consider embarking some race sponsors or volunteers.

Can I invite my family and friends to the land events?
Unfortunately, the sheer numbers of crew members & sponsors make this impossible.

Why do I pay extra for my paying passengers?
Race expenses grow in direct proportion to the number of people on board participating schooners. We expect commercial vessels would pass this cost on to their customers.

Why do you request a donation from participants?
The race is a grassroots event: the same volunteers who donate work, donate money. Where possible, we hope that schooners, as primary beneficiaries, would also be willing to share the cost. Many captains, even those not participating, enjoy making a contribution to assure the continued success of this event & support its mission. We want the event to be affordable for all schooners; donations are strictly voluntary. Net proceeds from the race are donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation & other charities. Donations to the race are tax-deductible under 501(c)3 & qualify for employer matches. We list each donation under the boat’s name on our promotional materials unless you instruct otherwise.

When do I have to be in Baltimore?
All schooners are expected to dock in Fells Point no later than 1200 Wednesday, October 10. You are welcome to arrive as early as you wish; docking will be arranged.

What if my plans change after I send the entry forms?
Please contact us at 757-480-4402 or race@schoonerrace.org.

Is my entry fee refundable?
Your entry fee & donations are a major part of our contributions to our selected charities. The fee is not refundable.

How do I contact the Race Committee?
Before & after the race, get in touch with us at 757-480-4402 or race@schoonerrace.org for matters having to do with your entry. For anything related to special needs in Baltimore (crew changes, hotels, etc.), please contact Paul Schaub, the Maryland Race Chair, before the race at 410-245-4357 or Maryland@schoonerrace.org. During race week, all volunteers are at the race. You may contact the Race Chairs during race week as follows: Tuesday & Wednesday: Paul Schaub at 410-245-4357; Friday through Sunday: Susan Cocke at 757-650-3052.

Where do I dock in Baltimore?
Arrange for docking by notifying our Baltimore Dockmaster, Paul Brabazon, of your ETA in Fells Point as far in advance as possible. (Alert us if your plans change.) We will help you arrange transportation, provisioning, ice, etc. Early arrivals are welcome & can receive free docking beginning on Friday, October 5. Hail “Schooner Race Dockmaster” on VHF 16 as you enter the harbor. You may also contact Paul Brabazon at 484-553-9932 or pbrabazon@yahoo.com; or Paul Schaub at 410-245-4357.

What do I do when I get to Fells Point?
Please fuel your vessel & pump your holding tank before docking. We encourage all participants to take a turn around the Inner Harbor under sail before they tie up to promote the race to the public.

How can I receive mail, packages, and faxes during race week?
Contact Paul Schaub at 410-245-4357 regarding deliveries before & including October 10. Use the Norfolk address for deliveries after October 10. Please notify us if you are expecting something so we will be looking for it, & specify the schooner’s name on each item.

May I open to the public for tours?
Yes, in both ports. Send us a press kit. If you sell souvenirs, keep this activity aboard the vessel, please.

What do I put on my Float Plan?
Expect to arrive in Norfolk/Portsmouth between Friday morning & Saturday morning, depending on the weather & your speed. Make sure your family knows how to communicate with us in event of personal emergencies.

Do I have to complete the Entry Form? Everything’s the same as last year.
Yes.

Do I have to complete the Handicapping Data Form?
Yes! Even if you have raced with us before & measurements, prop, sail inventory, etc. remain unchanged, we need you to send your information. If rated under the 1974 Off Soundings Club Rating Rule for another event, please submit that rating along with your measurements. Please measure your vessel & mail or fax this data to us as early as you can. We strongly advise you to measure your boat, not her plans.

Must I order your shirts? I don’t need any more shirts.
Yes, they admit you to all festivities.

Why do you want so much information about my schooner?
We put a picture & a short write-up about every entry in our souvenir skipper’s handbook. This year, as was the case last year, every schooner’s picture will be featured along with a short biography as an insert in the Annapolis Boat Show issue of Spinsheet magazine. We’d like to know how long you’ve had her, where you have been sailing her, what you know about her history, & anything about her that makes you love her. The more you tell us, & the better her picture, the more you will like the handbook biography. If possible, please email her picture to race@schoonerrace.org, as well as attaching it to your entry form.

What do I tell the cook?
We will assist with transportation for provisioning in both ports. Sixteen pound bags of ice will be available in Norfolk at cost. We feed you on Wednesday night & Saturday afternoon. Other meals on your own. There are great places to eat within an easy walk of our docks.

Who organizes this race?
The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Inc. is a Virginia nonprofit corporation under 501(c)(3). About 100 volunteers in each port, led by Race Chairs, provide the hard work.

	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the purpose of this event? The mission of the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race is to promote public awareness of the Chesapeake Bay’s maritime heritage & to encourage the preservation & improvement of the Chesapeake’s natural resources. Who benefits from this year’s race? Proceeds from the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race 2007 will support children’s education programs at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation & other charitable organizations. How big is the event? Last year there were 38 entries. Over 150 schooners have participated over the last seventeen years. How did it start? The first annual race was in 1990, with seven entries. Every one has returned; two, Patricia Divine & Norfolk Rebel, have raced every year. Forty schooners have raced five or more times. Who can participate? Entry is open to all schooner-rigged vessels. The Race Committee reserves the right to reject entries for reasons of safety. Can I talk with a skipper who has raced in the past? Just ask us for contact information. I may not race until next year; how can I check it out? Owners & captains of non-participating schooners are invited to contact us to arrange admission to land events. What if I can’t get away for the whole event? If your schedule will not permit participation in all events, we still want you to come. Contact us to make arrangements. Can my friend’s classic wooden ketch sail in company? Sorry — only schooners. No spectator fleet. What's the deadline for entries? The cut-off for the 3,000-foot fleet limit will be determined on a first-paid, first-entered basis. Captains who submit an entry package immediately have the best chance of inclusion. The date & time when you send your entry will be used to resolve any ties. Only complete entries will be considered. If your entry is incomplete, the Race Office will call you. Schooners planning to join only the Baltimore festivities do not count toward the 3,000-foot limit. What happens if I miss the cut-off date? A waiting list will be maintained once the limit is reached. We will contact wait-listed vessels. After I have entered, do I just show up at the start? Please refer to the events schedule for activities on Wednesday, October 10. The mandatory safety meeting is 0800 Thursday, October 11 — schooners not represented shall be disqualified. Captains unable to attend in person must arrange official representation & notify the Race Committee. Also, we request that you arrange for your Baltimore arrival with the Baltimore Race Dockmaster. Do I have to do the Parade of Sail? Parade participation is optional, but encouraged, as it helps develop public awareness of the event, is good for race publicity, & helps generate future financial support. If you have room on board for a guest or two, please consider embarking some race sponsors or volunteers. Can I invite my family and friends to the land events? Unfortunately, the sheer numbers of crew members & sponsors make this impossible. Why do I pay extra for my paying passengers? Race expenses grow in direct proportion to the number of people on board participating schooners. We expect commercial vessels would pass this cost on to their customers. Why do you request a donation from participants? The race is a grassroots event: the same volunteers who donate work, donate money. Where possible, we hope that schooners, as primary beneficiaries, would also be willing to share the cost. Many captains, even those not participating, enjoy making a contribution to assure the continued success of this event & support its mission. We want the event to be affordable for all schooners; donations are strictly voluntary. Net proceeds from the race are donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation & other charities. Donations to the race are tax-deductible under 501(c)3 & qualify for employer matches. We list each donation under the boat’s name on our promotional materials unless you instruct otherwise. When do I have to be in Baltimore? All schooners are expected to dock in Fells Point no later than 1200 Wednesday, October 10. You are welcome to arrive as early as you wish; docking will be arranged. What if my plans change after I send the entry forms? Please contact us at 757-480-4402 or race@schoonerrace.org. Is my entry fee refundable? Your entry fee & donations are a major part of our contributions to our selected charities. The fee is not refundable. How do I contact the Race Committee? Before & after the race, get in touch with us at 757-480-4402 or race@schoonerrace.org for matters having to do with your entry. For anything related to special needs in Baltimore (crew changes, hotels, etc.), please contact Paul Schaub, the Maryland Race Chair, before the race at 410-245-4357 or Maryland@schoonerrace.org. During race week, all volunteers are at the race. You may contact the Race Chairs during race week as follows: Tuesday & Wednesday: Paul Schaub at 410-245-4357; Friday through Sunday: Susan Cocke at 757-650-3052. Where do I dock in Baltimore? Arrange for docking by notifying our Baltimore Dockmaster, Paul Brabazon, of your ETA in Fells Point as far in advance as possible. (Alert us if your plans change.) We will help you arrange transportation, provisioning, ice, etc. Early arrivals are welcome & can receive free docking beginning on Friday, October 5. Hail “Schooner Race Dockmaster” on VHF 16 as you enter the harbor. You may also contact Paul Brabazon at 484-553-9932 or pbrabazon@yahoo.com; or Paul Schaub at 410-245-4357. What do I do when I get to Fells Point? Please fuel your vessel & pump your holding tank before docking. We encourage all participants to take a turn around the Inner Harbor under sail before they tie up to promote the race to the public. How can I receive mail, packages, and faxes during race week? Contact Paul Schaub at 410-245-4357 regarding deliveries before & including October 10. Use the Norfolk address for deliveries after October 10. Please notify us if you are expecting something so we will be looking for it, & specify the schooner’s name on each item. May I open to the public for tours? Yes, in both ports. Send us a press kit. If you sell souvenirs, keep this activity aboard the vessel, please. What do I put on my Float Plan? Expect to arrive in Norfolk/Portsmouth between Friday morning & Saturday morning, depending on the weather & your speed. Make sure your family knows how to communicate with us in event of personal emergencies. Do I have to complete the Entry Form? Everything’s the same as last year. Yes. Do I have to complete the Handicapping Data Form? Yes! Even if you have raced with us before & measurements, prop, sail inventory, etc. remain unchanged, we need you to send your information. If rated under the 1974 Off Soundings Club Rating Rule for another event, please submit that rating along with your measurements. Please measure your vessel & mail or fax this data to us as early as you can. We strongly advise you to measure your boat, not her plans. Must I order your shirts? I don’t need any more shirts. Yes, they admit you to all festivities. Why do you want so much information about my schooner? We put a picture & a short write-up about every entry in our souvenir skipper’s handbook. This year, as was the case last year, every schooner’s picture will be featured along with a short biography as an insert in the Annapolis Boat Show issue of Spinsheet magazine. We’d like to know how long you’ve had her, where you have been sailing her, what you know about her history, & anything about her that makes you love her. The more you tell us, & the better her picture, the more you will like the handbook biography. If possible, please email her picture to race@schoonerrace.org, as well as attaching it to your entry form. What do I tell the cook? We will assist with transportation for provisioning in both ports. Sixteen pound bags of ice will be available in Norfolk at cost. We feed you on Wednesday night & Saturday afternoon. Other meals on your own. There are great places to eat within an easy walk of our docks. Who organizes this race? The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race, Inc. is a Virginia nonprofit corporation under 501(c)(3). About 100 volunteers in each port, led by Race Chairs, provide the hard work.