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MC Sailing Association 
 
The MC Sailing Association originally formed in Shreveport LA, 1971 to promote the sport and sportsmanship of one-design yacht racing in general, and the MC Scow in particular. Prior to 2003 it was known as the International MC Class Sailboat Racing Association (IMCCSRA). Since then, the MC class has grown to be one of the top one-design sailboat racing classes in North America. The scow design maximizes speed yet provides unmatched stability. There are more than 115 active fleets nationwide. An original design by the Melges family in 1956, it is unique in the fact that you can sail single-handed or double-handed. Sailing solo is easy, taking a crew is fun! The MC class is not just about racing -- it has also been described by many people outside of the class as a very enjoyable and fun group to spend a weekend with!

Please look around and explore the activities taking place at a nearby lake (over 115 fleets can be found here: (MC Active Fleet Finder) and see why we're so enthusiastic about this one-design racing sailboat.
 
MCSA monitors the development of the MC and closely guards the one-design integrity of the class. Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws set up a Board of Governors with a Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Treasurer, and Secretary. The Board of Governors meets regularly on-line and at the National Championship Regatta. The Annual Meeting of the Membership is held at the National Championship Regatta.
 
Fleets are chartered according to the By-Laws. There are currently 115 fleets chartered in the U.S. in 40 states and 1 fleet in Canada. The one-time chartering fee is $85. Fleets participate in the governing of the class, are eligible to hold sanctioned regattas, and get free publicity and access to the MC Membership.
 
Individuals may join the association independently of chartered fleets for $35 a year.

As a Member you will:
 

Support a top one-design Class attracting top notch sailors. Support its website and social media platforms. MCSA monitors the class rules, the development of the MC, and closely guards the one-design integrity of the class which maintains the value of your boat. MCSA provides structure for MC sailing around the country and upholds high racing standards.

 
  • Receive a discount when registering for some regional regattas on-line
  • Be eligible to race in MCSA sanctioned championship regattas: Nationals, Masters, Midwinters, Womens, & Bluechip.
  • Have your boat weighed & recertified using the class scale at MCSA sanctioned regattas.
  • Receive our e-blast, the Tell-Tale
  • Access to the members only section which includes:
  •   Education Center: Videos, Articles, Pro Blog. To help you learn the MC & improve your scores!
  •   Placing MC-related classified ads on-line
  • Forums with maintenance tips!
  • Be eligible to vote on MCSA business
  • Be eligible to serve on the Board of Governors
  • Its fun! MCSA connects you to your sailing friends.
“The value of your boat depends on the success of your class”
 
 
MC Classes/Trophy Divisions

On March 13, 1999, on April 5, 2003, on Aug 19, 2004, June, 2007, and August, 2021 the Board clarified the following age/trophy divisions for use in MC regattas (age on first day of scheduled racing).

  • Youth (Y) - less than 25 years
  • Open (U50 or blank) - sailor between 25 and 49 inclusive
  • Woman (W) - no age designated
  • Master (M) - 50 to 59 years
  • Grand Master (GM) - 60 to 69 years
  • Mega Master (MM) - 70 to 74 years
  • Old Salt (OS) 75 years or older 
 
MCSA Sailing Instructions and Host Guidelines
(Download from the Members Only => Regatta Mgmt. section.)
 
The MCSA Sailing Instructions (SI) are available in PDF and Word format. The MCSA Host Guidelines are in PDF format. We encourage you to use and adapt these SIs and guidelines for your own regattas. By having identical, or very similar, SIs for all regattas we 'level the playing field' and improve the overall consistency and quality of MC racing around the country.
 
 
Great Ideas to Try in Your Fleet

The September 1999 issue of Sailing World mentioned "The Fleet 55 Starting System". Here is an expanded description supplied by Peter Van Kampen that details the key elements that made their sailing club a success story. They were:

  1. Strong leadership, especially Rod Nystul, the commodore for several years, who is very enthusiastic.
  2. Well-organized social events (3) throughout the summer months.
  3. Fun Races during the season that race around the islands and through some narrow channels rather than around the buoys, and
  4. A unique starting system that accomplishes the goals of competitive club sailing.
    The Fleet 55 Starting System has helped achieve these results:
    • new members joining every year, some just for the social events
    • members staying with the club for a very long time
    • sailing members, sailing most of the races
    • all sailors improving every season
The full story is in this: Fleet 55 handicap system .
Building an MC Fleet  by Jack Kern
 

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