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Date: 5/14/2026
Subject: May Mainsheet
From: Grande Maumelle Sailing Club


The Mainsheet Header 1450 x 500

Commodore's Corner

 

Typically, The Mainsheet begins with a word from our Commodore.

This month, we thought it was only fitting to turn the helm around for a moment and celebrate the man behind the message.

May brings Commodore Yates’ birthday, and on behalf of GMSC, we want to wish him fair winds, smooth sailing, and a fantastic year ahead. Thank you for the time, energy, and steady leadership you bring to the club and our community.

Happy Birthday, Commodore!
An update from the Handicap Committee:
 

All,

After review by the Handicap Committee and Board, we have decided to transition our club handicap system to ORR-EZ (Offshore Racing Rule EZ).

ORR-EZ is becoming the preferred alternative as PHRF becomes less practical for many clubs. With the growing variety of newer boat designs and the decline in updated PHRF data submissions, maintaining fair ratings under PHRF has become increasingly difficult. ORR-EZ uses boat measurements and characteristics to generate ratings and also factors in variables such as wind speed and course configuration.

To learn more about the ORR-EZ certification program, please review the information here:  

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Please note that Offshore Racing Rule does not issue ORR-EZ certificates directly. Each boat owner will need to obtain an ORR-EZ certificate through the RegattaMan portal. To create an account and submit your application, use this link:

Kevin Bank, chair of the handicap committee for the Gulf Yachting Association, has endorsed this platform, and their committee supports the transition.

We plan to begin using ORR-EZ this fall for the start of the new keelboat season. To ensure your boat is ready, please begin the certification process as soon as possible.

We still need to discuss and finalize scoring procedures under the new system and your fleet will need to do the same. For example, we need to determine how often competitors will be required to renew their certificates if no changes have been made to their boat or sails. While those details are being finalized, members should move forward with obtaining certification.

We will schedule an informational meeting soon to explain the decision in more detail and answer any questions.
Thank you,
Ben
Memorial Day Regatta - 5/23/2026
Hawg Wild Regatta
This is the first year that we have held the Hawg Wild Regatta on our opening centerboard weekend instead of Memorial Day.  We made the change thinking that we could get more out of town boats to attend.  It worked!  We had 4 visiting skippers with 12 boats overall.  The wind was great both days.  We combined the Saturday night dinner with the Spring Fling and had a fun time with excellent food.  Thank yous  the Race Committee, headed up by Drew Daugherty, with a strong support team.  Drew Daugherty and Elizabeth Smyers were our Regatta Chairs and Mary Michaels gave us a wonderful Spring Fling Party.
Membership Update
We welcome Timohy and Ariel Snow. They join as regular members with a Hobie 20.
Leo Zambrana is upgrading to a regular member. He has a San Juan 21 and has purchased Mark George's slip on B-Dock, (slip B4)

Steve Perry is upgrading to a regular member.  He purchased the  Folkboat 26 and slip B8 from Art Speckels.

Lena Scarpulla and husband Alex would like to downgrade to Associate. They sold their Mutineer.

Grande Maumelle Sailing Club is a non-profit organization formed to promote sailboat racing through educational, social, and competitive racing activities.

Please visit our website to find out more about our events and volunteer opportunities.

Mailing Address: PO Box 55237, Little Rock, AR 72215 USA

Physical Address: 12000 Maumelle Harbour Road, Roland, AR 72135 USA

 
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