Redesigned Website for 2010 SCYC Hospice Regatta

by Ellen Sanpere on 6 Oct 2009
A redesigned website, free online registration and instantly available race results are some of the new features of the 2010 St. Croix Yacht Club Hospice Regatta, according to Julie San Martin, regatta director. The annual party with international racing is scheduled for February 19-21, 2010, at the club in Teague Bay.

'Skippers and crews of keelboats, cruisers, Optimists and multi-hulls should find the improvements to their liking,' she said, 'and regatta management will be better able to put on a good race.' The web address remains, www.stcroixregatta.com. 'Sponsors will like the direct links to their websites, too,' San Martin added, 'Visitors can access the sites by clicking on a logo for more information.'

The web designer, Luiz Kahl of Interactive Creations, used visually appealing graphics, organizational tabs, and links to island resources, regatta sponsors and racing management functions to make the user experience functional and easy. Past results, photos from the 2009 regatta, extensive information about hospice services and sponsorship opportunities, and access to online race management and information are also just a click away.

Yacht Scoring, Kahl’s widely recognized yacht racing management and scoring system provides essential capabilities for participants, regatta organizers, and observers worldwide. The scoring service has been an integral part of the St. Thomas Yacht Club’s International Rolex Regatta since 2006, allowing organizers to post race results from multiple racing circles and classes, even before the crews get back to the clubhouse. St. Croix’s regatta organizers and participants can now enjoy online registration, downloadable event documents, such as Notice of Race and up-to-the-minute scratch sheets, crew/boat sign up board, and easy, instant communications to competitors.

Regatta followers ashore can see how their favorites are doing simply by clicking on the website, thanks to real-time 'Current Standings.' Results (race and cumulative) and competitors’ data are available immediately to the media and e-mail subscribers in a variety of formats, from detailed to summarized. Unlike some scoring programs, registrant information is entered only once to a single web-based data source, preventing errors caused by transferring or re-entering data for scoring, and again for publication. Individual passwords preserve data security while allowing access to authorized users.

'Racers are encouraged to register now - pay later,' San Martin says, as entry fees aren’t due until February 19, 2010. However, early registration will help organizers plan a terrific party and competitive racing for all.

Volunteers are also encouraged to sign up early and should see the website for complete information. 'The St. Croix Yacht Club Hospice Regatta is run entirely by volunteers,' according to San Martin, 'At least 40% of St. Croix Yacht Club’s 500 members are directly involved in February’s regatta. Fifty-six years ago, our club was formed for this very purpose!'

Sponsors will like having their logos and website links posted on the site for all to see. Seaborne Airlines, SailProud Apparel, and West Marine are already on board and online. San Martin was pleased to sign on Premier Wine & Spirits and Cruzan Rum as returning regatta sponsors. She and Tracy Sanders, director of St. Croix hospice, Continuum Care, Inc., continue to look for individuals and companies to help raise funds and awareness for hospice care on St. Croix.

Over one-third of the island’s population has inadequate insurance coverage for end-of-life care, though Continuum Care provides its services regardless of ability to pay. Funds raised are U.S. tax deductible per 501(c)(3) provisions. Sponsorship opportunities are listed on the regatta website, or from Julie San Martin, 340.690.9040, and Tracy Sanders 340.772.2273.