Page 38 - 2020 Yachting in Chicago

MORF This season did bring some drawbacks, of course.

The shortened season and cancellation of regatta
parties were the most obvious losses. A few of our
regular participants chose to sit this season out
as well, though their absence was balanced by
increased participation elsewhere. Less apparent
The Midwest Open Racing Fleet is but more significant was the impact on novice
proud to have completed its 62nd racing season! and aspiring race crew. With the passenger limits
in effect this season, there was less opportunity
MORF is an all-volunteer organization to non-members to join us for no fee. We closed the for newer crew to get out on the water. As a fleet
focused on low-cost, mixed-PHRF racing. season with the perennial MORF Open, again with we likely lost a year of getting the curious out
an open invitation to the Chicago racing community. on the race course and of developing them into
The 2020 season proved successful by any impassioned racers. In this strange year where
measure but especially in the face of many Along the way, we hosted or co-hosted a total of so many discovered or rekindled a passion for
changing plans and necessary adaptations. 26 races on 18 different days over 13 weeks all nature, the team aspect of this sport hindered our
Despite the late start to the Chicago boating as part of our single-fee schedule. Included within ability to share it with beginners.
season, MORF still ran about 80% of the number that blitz is our Lady Skipper series, which remains
of races in a typical annual schedule. Our race free to all racers. Looking ahead to 2021, MORF will be back with the
participation this year was in line with recent While MORF is a self-sufficient unit, we enjoy same objective: to offer competitive handicapped
years and up slightly on 2019 as we added a partnering with other area organizations to keelboat racing organized by volunteers. We will
handful of new members. expand the reach and quality of our events. We again offer a full slate of buoy and long-distance
racing for a single fee, and we’re committed to
MORF’s structure as purely a racing organization are grateful for our partnerships with Columbia bringing new sailors and racers into the sport as
served us well this year. We were able to organize Yacht Club, Jackson Park Yacht Club, Burnham either skippers or crew. We hope to see friends
racing quickly without many concerns for on-shore Park Yacht Club, Michigan City Yacht Club, Port old and new on the race course, and hopefully
restrictions and, as a result, were the first on the of PHRF, and the Chicago Maritime Museum who, at a rum party or two as well! Please visit us at
Chicago lakefront to offer organized racing this collectively, have acted as race committee, hosted morfracing.net for more information.
year. We opened our season on June 28. Unable to on-shore events, and co-hosted or collaborated
contain our excitement, we extended an invitation on races with MORF.

Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2020
By Thomas Mullally, Commodore, U S Coast Guard Auxiliary 9th Western Region

(Continued from page 8)
You can request a VSC in the usual manner
via safetyseal.net, and either be in your
home while reviewing the safety check form
or at your vessel with the Auxiliarist on a Member Training
mobile device. We cannot issue the decal, We have found this to be a great time to
but we can still make sure that your vessel work on our own member training so that
gets its annual check. we can keep our skills and knowledge sharp
Online Public Education information and brochures with the business for you. Much of our training resources were
We provide the same full-length classes who would share them with the public. Now, already online, though not all, and many of
with live instruction, but now you can take by using a computer and web camera at us have taken this time to learn new skills
the class from the comfort of your home. the maritime business, the Auxiliarist can and improve our current ones. All to better
You still receive the benefits of customized interface with the business, and be live with serve you during this virtual time and when
instruction with a real person to answer your the customers to answer questions and talk we can meet in-person again.
questions. The only difference is that you will safety. (Brochures can be mailed, or QR Like you, we look forward to meeting in-
need a web camera so that the instructor(s) codes scanned for electronic copies.) person again and understand the value that
can monitor you while you are taking a test Live patrols, with face coverings & has for both you and us. We understand,
online (if applicable to the course). For the social distancing however, the risks inherent in those activities
About Boating Safely course, you will receive Part way into the boating season, the Ninth and the limited number of Auxiliarists (and
the same boating safety education ID card Coast Guard District allowed Auxiliarists to training we go through to be proficient)
when you pass the test. start maritime patrols again. So, do not be makes us hard to replace. As always, you
Virtual Marine Dealer Visits surprised if you see us out on the water. can reach us through our website, and we
Typically, this is an activity where an While on patrol we have to maintain social will follow-up via phone, email, or virtually!
Auxiliarist visits a business that supports distance from other boats/boaters, wear We greatly appreciate your patience during
maritime safety. This could be a boat dealer, face coverings, and exercise extra safety this challenging time and understand that we
a bait and tackle store, or even the local precautions, but we have been back out on remain Semper Paratus. Be safe and know
insurance office. Normally, we would share the water. that we are still here for you.

38 2020 yachting in chicago