Volunteers for 420 National Championships still needed

Registrations are already pouring in for the Club 420 National Championships in Jamestown. “There could be as many as 150 to 180 boats registered by the first gun,” according to Nancy Lush, co-chair for the event. “Each boat has a crew of two, and, counting coaches, family members and spectators, there could be as many as 600 to 1,000 people on the island for the three-day event.”

The Conanicut and Jamestown Yacht Clubs are cohosting the Club 420 Association National Championships, which will take place on July 27, 28 and 29 in West Passage. Fort Getty is featured as the venue for this event, with boats arriving on Sunday, July 26 and departing Wednesday, July 29. Developed over two decades ago, the 420 is the predominant two-person boat of the high school and collegiate racing circuits. It is 13 feet, 9 inches long and features a spinnaker and trapeze gear.

Samira Hakki, the JYC co-chair said, “Everyone that we’ve talked to on the island has responded with great enthusiasm. The town and especially the Recreation Department are working very hard with us to prepare Fort Getty for the event. The campers at Fort Getty were mailed a notice of the event last month, and many have responded by volunteering to assist. The Jamestown Chamber of Commerce has met with the Event Committee and is preparing special attractions and discount booklets for the event.”

According to the co-chairs, there is still a need for volunteers both at Fort Getty and on the water. Some of the positions still open include mark pullers, registration personnel, dock hands and ambassadors at Fort Getty to help with breakfasts, lunches, launch ramp and parking management. Anyone interested should e-mail club420@conanicutyachtclub. org or call CYC at 423-1424. Time is getting short, but there are still openings for event sponsorships.