LICSA98history

Long Island Catamaran Sailors' Association

History and Goals Sometimes it helps to know a little bit about an organizations history and goals before you make the decision to become involved. What follows is an overview of LICSA's History and Goals. We hope you will consider joining our association after reading about who we are and where we would like to take our organization.

Nacra 6.0 NA #149, Great South Bay, Heckscher State Park Modified Sailcraft Tornado, 8.5' Beam, Double Trapeze
Long Island, New York, Summer, 1994 Boomless Rig, Heckscher State Park, Summer 1993

History

Established by a small group of active catamaran sailors in 1989 as The Long Island Catamaran Association (LICA), our mission was to provide racing for all types of catamarans here on Long Island. The idea was moved forward with our first race, the Around Robin's Island Regatta, a one day event on the Peconic Bay. The enthusiasm generated by this event helped to launch LICA. This was followed by an increasing number of events which were well attended and generated a great deal of camaraderie and fun. We were able to meet the racing needs of all of our members very successfully. For the next 6 years LICA continued to sponsor events both large and small favoring the one day format for both round the buoys and moderate distance racing.

In the fall of 1994, LICA merged with Hobie Fleet 109 and Hobie Fleet 143 to become The Long Island Catamaran Sailors Association - Hobie Fleet 143. Neither of the Hobie fleets were very active at that time and it just seemed like the right thing to do since both of these fleets and their volunteer members had contributed so much for catamaran sailing on Long Island. Several of the members of LICA were also members of the Hobie Fleets. This merger was very successful. It immediately increased LICSA's membership. In addition, we became volunteer members of Division 12, a very active and well organized part of the North American Hobie Class Association.

At the present time LICSA members continue to volunteer their time and talent to organize and run various events. Our two major events for Division 12 are: The Mid Summer Classic in July and new for this year The Great South Bay 60/60/120 in August. We also run local events on almost every weekend from April through October. The most rewarding event has to be the The Day In the Sun , providing an opportunity for physically challenged children to sail. If you are interested in joining us, check out our schedule and get involved.

Goals LICA's original goal, way back in 1989, was to provide catamaran sailors on Long Island with a format for racing which would include the largest number of boats possible. It seemed as if everyone had a different boat and that it was difficult to get more than two or three of one class of catamaran on the starting line at the same time. The open fleet format allowed us to race together as a group in larger numbers. LICA accomplished this original goal with a variety of activities including around the buoys and moderate distance racing for mixed classes using handicap numbers. Today, as LICSA, we continue to provide a very active schedule of sailing activities for both one design and open class sailors on Long Island. Our next major goal is to establish a permanent home base. We will keep you posted.
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