Happy New Year! I have a busy and exciting year ahead, so I’m hoping for a great 2013, and wish the same to everyone. I’ve updated my schedule here online and will report as the events unfold.

Following is a welcome letter I recently did as the new president of the Caribbean Sailing Association. Again, best wishes for 2013!
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Welcome to a new year, and a new slate of officers to the CSA. I write to you as the new president, but also as one who has been involved with the CSA for a long time. I was born in the Virgin Islands, and grew up racing in the “old days” of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s under the CSA rule. I have also served as a Vice President of CSA for many years, both in the 90’s, and then again these past few years. From this I hope to bring a knowledge and respect for our past at CSA, along with new energy and progress for our future.

Our CSA has evolved into a fantastic organization. My immediate predecessor Cary Byerly and her team of officers did an incredible job these past few years in growing and marketing the CSA into what it is today. She initiated an annual Regatta Organizers conference, where the real stakeholders of the CSA rule get together to share challenges, ideas, and strategies. I know of no other region in the world where this cooperation takes place.

I believe the Caribbean has the potential to become one of the premiere sailing regions of the world, for everything from dinghy sailing to grand prix racing. The CSA is the one organization that unifies us all and can help us reach this potential. Alongside a great team of officers from all the various islands of the region, we look forward to achieving great things for our CSA in the year ahead.

Peter Holmberg