It’s my turn to serve as CCVR Commodore, not just to lead this incredible 60+ year organization, but to help facilitate your fun and success in our “seriously competitive” races throughout the year. Like your boat, which relies on a strong team effort, CCVR thrives because of the dedicated individuals who plan races, organize race committees, secure unique trophies, and design post-race gatherings. All of this culminates in our annual Crew and Awards Party, set for Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Hampton Yacht Club.
We Need Your Help!
- Our current Board members have done an outstanding job, but they need relief. CCVR is your club, and we need YOU to step up and volunteer. Without more support and funding, we simply won’t be able to continue running the best races in the Southern Bay. Right now, we have three key Board positions open:
- Secretary – Records our monthly meetings and maintains club history.
- Membership Director – Tracks current members and recruits new ones.
- At-Large Board Member – Assists with various tasks and provides guidance as needed.
If you’re interested in learning more about these roles, please reach out to me at gcutter@odu.edu, and I’ll be happy to explain the responsibilities and time commitment involved.
Funding and Club Sustainability
- Running a racing club is more than just covering fuel costs for signal and mark boats. Rising expenses include trophies, racing equipment (inflatable marks, etc.), insurance, and beverages for post-race gatherings. Despite these costs, we are NOT increasing membership dues at any level. However, some adjustments are necessary:
- No more food at Day 3 awards for Spring and Fall Series or Founder’s Race.
- Limited beer and wine at events.
- Increased efforts to sell advertising in the CCVR Racing Guide.
One simple way to help is by growing our membership. If you haven’t renewed yet, visit ccvracing.us today. Encourage your crew and friends to join—especially since a $40 membership practically pays for itself! Consider this: if a crew member drinks just one beer or cup of wine at each race (Spring Series x3 + Fall Series x3 + Founder’s Race), that’s $5.70 per drink—cheaper than the HYC bar! And that doesn’t even include the thrill of racing, the fun of the events, or access to the Racing Guide, which provides detailed race info, course matrices, and more. CCVR membership is a fantastic value!
Growing Participation
We remain committed to running great races and increasing participation. Here’s what we’re doing:
- Encouraging PHRF Cruising and ORC Cruiser fleets (spin and non-spin) to join our middle-distance races(Spring and Fall Series Day 2, Moonlight Triangle, Founder’s, and Triple Tunnel Terror Race) by adjusting government mark courses for more triangular layouts.
- Relocating middle-distance races into the Bay (weather permitting) to make it easier for boats from Little Creek to participate.
- Hosting training courses:
- Beginner Crew Training (April-May): $95, includes CCVR membership. Perfect for your “maybe” sailing friends!
- Advanced Crew Training (July): For those looking to sharpen their skills.
With your support, we’ll continue to make CCVR racing the best in the Southern Bay. Let’s work together to grow our club, encourage new racers, and keep the spirit of competition alive!
See you on the water,
Greg Cutter
CCVR Commodore 2025