Yacht Racing Association records, 1948-1986

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Summary

Title:
Yacht Racing Association records
Dates:
1948-1986
Creators:
Yacht Racing Association
Abstract:
The Yacht Racing Association records, 1948-1985 (SAFR 5321, HDC 644) is comprised of business records, meeting minutes, correspondence, race applications and results.The collection has been processed to the file unit level and is open for use without restrictions.
Extent:
42.2 linear feet
Language:
In English.
Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0644 (SAFR 5321), Yacht Racing Association records, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Background

Scope and content:

The Yacht Racing Association records, 1948-1985 (SAFR 5321, HDC 644) is comprised of business records, meeting minutes, correspondence, race applications and results.The collection has been processed to the file unit level and is open for use without restrictions.

Biographical / historical:

In 1935, the Yacht Racing Association (YRA) was formed as an association of yacht clubs. In 1937, the Sun, Moon and Snipe dinghy fleets formed an association that was formalized in 1938 as the Small Boat Racing Association (SBRA). It provided racing for small one design dinghy and keelboat fleets on the protected waters of the Bay and the lakes of Northern California. The YRA and the SBRA provided programs of racing that satisfied the yachting community for the next twenty years.

Then, in 1957, the International 110, Clipper, Mercury and Zephyr fleets, having tired of the SBRA traveling to so many distant lakes, organized seven races on the Bay. In 1958, this group formally organized itself as an association of yacht clubs calling itself the Small Yacht Racing Association (SYRA). The SYRA grew rapidly during its first few years and then stabilized throughout the 1960s with entries ranging between 130 and 160.

In the 1960s, growing pains were caused by prosperity and fiberglass and created problems between the three associations. Even though the associations were comprised of the same yacht clubs, there was no method of coordinating the increasing demands for the same dates, places and sponsors for races.

In 1966, the first major effort to solve the problem of rapid growth and the changing mood of the competitors was the formation of the Chartered Associations of the YRA. These groups were formed to represent the respective demands of one design, handicap and measurement racing rules. However, the YRA By-Laws and Standing Rules reinforced isolation from the other associations and prevented rapid response to changing needs. As the larger and senior association, the YRA exerted the most influence over the control of yachting activities and policies.

In the early 1970s, conflict between the associations increased as they were operating in isolation from one another and other craft were competing for the water.

In 1975, a small group of individuals accomplished what is now taken for granted. Accomplishments included the creation of one set of yacht club sailing instructions on waterproof paper, the establishment of definitive courses, an increase in the number of sponsoring clubs, the making of an inclusive Master Racing Calendar scheduling process, a merger of all offshore activities into the Offshore Yacht Racing Association, the arrangement of a signaling course system, a commitment to promptly mailing race results, increasing responsiveness to membership, formation of the Race Management Committee and the realization of sound financial status. Final steps in the unification process were revising the By-Laws and Standing Rules.

The new YRA became an association of individuals, represented through their clubs by Delegates. These Delegates plus Charter Association Directors, elected the Board of Directors.

Today, the primary role of the Yacht Racing Association (YRA) of San Francisco Bay is to organize and support competitive racing in Northern California. It promotes, coordinates and administers organized racing and functions as sponsor of nearly 30 races a year. The YRA ensures races happen in a fair, safe, fun and competitive way for racers at all levels. It records, coordinates and schedules over 800 individual races on the San Francisco Bay.

In addition to race management, the YRA maintains buoys, addresses appeals through a committee, processes Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Certificates and acts as the liaison for the United States Coast Guard and local government organizations.

The YRA is a membership organization for individual sailors and businesses that serve and support the sailing community. The YRA acts as an advocate for sailing in the Bay and is responsive to the racing needs and desires of its members. It can organize lobbying efforts as necessary in the interest of all racing sailors. Members can also belong to one of four different charter associations each of which represents a specific type of racing or types of boats: Handicap Divisions Association (HDA), the One Design Class Association (ODCA), the Offshore Yacht Racing Association (OYRA) and the Wooden Boat Racing Association (WBRA).

Acquisition information:

SAFR-00225

This collection was donated to the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park by the Yacht Racing Association in 1990.

Processing information:

Note on Description: The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide. P lease cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in chronological order.

Physical location:
San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard .

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Processed by: Historic Documents Department Staff (Bailey).
Date Prepared:
2012
Date Encoded:
Machine-readable finding aid derived from ICMS database and converted into xml from a template revised and updated by San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department. 6/27/2012 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.

Terms of access:

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Preferred citation:

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], HDC0644 (SAFR 5321), Yacht Racing Association records, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Location of this collection:
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123, US
Contact:
415-561-7030
Website