catamaran racing association of michigan

 

 Catamaran Racing at it's Finest!   

who we are

 
  • A group of sailors ranging from first year beginners to National Champions.
     
  • Geared towards having fun through racing
     
  • An open club, which means any beach catamaran is welcome race with us
     
  • An organization consisting of many fleets, including Nacra, Hobie, etc.
     
  • A family oriented group. Sailors ranging from teenagers to seniors (kids and dogs are in no short supply)

We are a non-profit group of catamaran sailors who get together 8 to 10 times a year for weekend regattas. We do not have a clubhouse or any of the furnishings, but do own all gear required to run a top notch regatta (including a Boston Whaler committee boat). We sail in some of the most beautiful areas of Michigan including Tawas Bay, Muskegon, and Higgins Lake just to name a few. We normally sail out of state parks and camp, although motels are typically close by. Motorhomes are popular with the club.

The atmosphere is conducive to fun for the whole family. If you are new to racing, come on out. We have plenty of members who are more than happy to help you through the learning process. You will cut years off the learning curve. Our regattas are two day (weekend) events. Saturday nights the group gets together for some sort of cookout. CRAM typically provides the majority of the meal, with club members bringing a dish to pass. Theme parties are big. The annual Luau is a "must attend" event (and the sailing isn't bad either)!

If you have a beach catamaran, you can race. A typical weekend will see Hobies and Nacras as well as many other brands sailing with us. Four or more of the same type of boat (i.e. Nacra F17) is considered a fleet for the regatta. CRAM also runs a Formula 18 fleet which complies with NAF-18.  Each fleet is scored separately. If less than four boats of the same type come to race, they race in our Portsmouth Fleet. In this fleet, all boats start together and are timed for each race. Your score is corrected using a correction factor called a Portsmouth number. Each boat has a unique Portsmouth number which is assigned by US Sailing. Think of it as a handicap, like bowling. Using this system, a Hobie 14 can race against an RC27 and win. It may sound complicated, but it is actually quite simple. You don't do anything but show up and race. Your Fleet Captain does the rest.

CRAM publishes an electronic newsletter and handbook during the year. The handbook is the CRAM "bible", consisting of club rules and bylaws, regatta notices, regatta schedules, and anything else you need to know about the regatta season. The newsletter is published via the CRAM website and covers current events, regatta stories, tuning tips, upcoming regattas, etc. CRAM membership includes a subscription to the newsletter and handbook, as well as reduced regatta fees and voting rights at club meetings.

The Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan is a laid back group of people who gather to enjoy the competition and social aspects of catamaran racing. I hope we have enticed you into experiencing the great sailing and camaraderie of our club. If you would like more in-depth information about CRAM, please feel free to call or e-mail (see Contacts).