J. Thornton Pocher Trophy

Emblematic of excellence in race management, the J. Thornton Pocher Trophy has been awarded since 1994. It is presented to a MAYRA club in order to recognize Race Committees whose work exhibits the highest proficiency in conducting races. The recipient is selected primarily based on the evaluation of USSA and MAYRA trained observers. Factors considered in the evaluation include quality of notice of regatta and sailing instructions, course design and layout, on-water communications, reaction to changing weather conditions, and safety considerations.

Here are some additional comments from sailors involved in past regattas that the Observers have considered in the evaluation process: "good, safe fun", "committee changed venues each day to ensure an exciting regatta", "races started on time and the waiting between races was limited to the time needed to move marks", "plenty of help (safety boats) for those in need", "course conditions were very challenging, and the RC was on time with no delay between races", "very efficient", "took extreme measures to ensure safety", "laminated course sheets were very helpful".

Administrative Information: The regatta may have any number of yachts entered; consist of at least three closed-course races, and have nonprofessional race management. The 2002 award will be for events conducted between September 1, 2001 and August 31, 2002. Regattas commencing after August 31, 2002 will be entered in 2003. The host club must comply with the application requirements including submitting the Club Entry Form, no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the first day of racing.

Observer's Ballot: The Observer's Ballot will be given to each USSA and MAYRA trained observer assigned by the MAYRA Race Management Committee with an envelope to be returned (sealed) to the MAYRA Secretary after the racing is completed. Additional comments by the observer will be reviewed to assist in evaluating the event.

Report of the Protest Committee Chairman: The Protest Committee Chairman's report of the event must be filled out and returned sealed to MAYA in the sealed envelope provided.

Closing Date: To be judged in the current year's competition, the following must be returned to the MAYRA Secretary no later than ten (10) days after the event:

Send the above enclosures within ten (10) days with "J. Thornton Pocher Trophy Competition" marked on the envelope to: MAYRA: Sally Streibig, Secretary, 2059 Kenmore Avenue, Glenside, PA 19038.

Entries will be judged by a review group of the MAYRA Race Management Committee and the trophy presented at the MAYRA Annual General Meeting.