Cortez Racing Association

 A Non Profit Corporation

Membership Information FACT-SHEET (11/2022)

 

What is CORTEZ RACING ASSOCIATION?

Cortez Racing Association (CRA) is a sanctioned Sailing Association organized to promote Corinthian sailboat racing and other sailing related social activities in and around the San Diego area. CRA is an affiliate member of the Southern California Yachting Association, and an Associate member of the San Diego Association of Yacht Clubs.  CRA also maintains membership in the United States Sailing Association.  It is CRA policy to encourage all CRA members to be members of the US Sailing Association.

 

CRA was formed in January of 1980 under the guidance of Founding Commodore Barry Cohen, and held its first race in April of that year.  The Association throughout the years has filled an important need in the San Diego yachting community by broadening participation in racing and by adding interesting Race Events and social activities to the yearly Yachting calendar. Modest annual dues and a small one-time initiation fee provide the club’s financial support. CRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

 

How many members do you have and who runs the Association?

CRA has over 200 active members who keep their boats at various locations throughout the San Diego area. Many members are also members of other Yacht Clubs throughout Southern California. CRA’s elected Board of Directors meet monthly to discuss racing matters, organizational logistics, and to plan future events. The Board’s goal is to continually improve the quality of CRA through competitive family style racing and other “on the water” activities. Board meetings are open to all CRA members.

 

Where does the Association hold its meetings?

Monthly board meetings are held at San Diego area yacht clubs, on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30PM. All CRA members are welcome to attend these meetings. After race functions are held in various yacht clubs, marinas, sail lofts and restaurants in the area. 

 

How often are races held?

Races are held every three to four weeks, generally on San Diego Bay.  In the summer, CRA sponsors the Wednesday Evening Beer Can Series, with races held on the bay, followed by great post race parties.  In addition, CRA sponsors several ocean races of longer distance and organizes a raft-up in Mission Bay for the annual Commodore's Cup.

 

When are race results announced and trophies presented?

Race results are announced at all post-race meetings and can be found on the CRA Web site at www.cortezracing.com.  The post-race meetings also allow for protests to be arbitrated, along with announcements of up-coming events.  These post-race parties are, however, primarily social gatherings and provide CRA members and guest racers with an opportunity to meet one another.  Trophies are presented at the conclusion of each series and regatta, and at the Annual Meeting (a dinner in the late fall). The fall meeting is the only formal general membership meeting for CRA.

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How much does it cost to join CRA?

The one-time initiation fee to join CRA as a Regular member is $75.00.  Annual Regular membership dues are currently $200.00. No initiation fee is required for members in good standing of recognized SCYA yacht clubs. In addition, Associate membership is open to non-boat owners and crew members who desire to participate in club-sponsored events.  Annual Associate membership dues are currently $50.00. There is no initiation fee for Associate members.  There is also a Junior Membership for any person 16 to 20 years of age who intends to participate in CRA and other yacht racing events; annual Junior membership dues are currently $60.00 and there is no initiation fee. All dues are billed in November with the membership period running from January 1-December 31.  THERE IS NO PRO-RATING OF MEMBERSHIP DUES.   Regular members are encouraged to belong to US SAILING ASSN. Please send CRA a copy of your present membership card for our files with your application. If your boat is a partnership, all partners who plan to race must be members of CRA, or be members of a SDAYC affiliated organizations.  

 

What do I have to do to join CRA?

Join online at www.cortezracing.com/membership.html.  Upon receipt of the online application and payment, your name will be forwarded to the Board of Directors for review.  New members are issued a membership card and any other current information available.  

  

For further information, you may email us at cortezracing2020@pobox.com

Join us soon!