Finally! We get to go racing!!

Without minimizing the seriousness of this year's COVID-19 pandemic, we at ERCU are celebrating that it's almost -- finally -- time to go racing!

With Cowlitz and Thurston Counties currently in Phase 2 of the State's Safe Start plan to restart the state's economy, and expected to enter Phase three next week or the week after, Longview and Lacey are both going to be viable race sites this year. Snohomish County is expecting to be in Phase 3 by the time we need to race at Twin Lakes Park, so we should be good to go there, too. With that, ERCU Race Coordinator Jerry Dunlap has completed a new 2020 racing schedule that the board of directors approved unanimously via email today.

The full season schedule can be found by clicking here.

The season will start in Longview with a doubleheader. We'll run the Champion Spark Plug Regatta on Lake Sacajawea on Saturday, June 27. On Sunday, June 28, we'll run the Jack Regas Memorial, also at Lake Sacajawea.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, July 11, we'll run the Diamond Cup in Lacey.

It's also our plan to make sure there is a Seafair Cup this year, even if H1 Unlimited won't be running on Lake Washington. We're scheduled to run the Seafair Cup on Saturday, July 25 at Twin Lakes. Stay tuned for more information on that, as we plan to make a big deal out of it, while keeping within our size of gathering restrictions.

The board of directors has also unanimously approved a set of Safe Start Guidelines that will direct our compliance with the state's restrictions. Please make sure to read the guidelines so you're aware of them, and well-prepared, before arriving at the pits.

In appreciation for your patience for the 2020 season, and your membership and participation in our club, ERCU will provide free first-boat in each class entry fees for the first race you attend in 2020.

Please take a moment to check out the 2020 schedule and make your plans to come racing.

I can't wait to see you all at the races!

-Nellie