TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager or designee, to approve a fee waiver for the Long Beach Yacht Club, in an amount not to exceed $8,250, for use of dock space in Alamitos Bay Marina for visiting/participating vessels during the 2023 Ficker and Congressional Cups, for the period of April 13 through April 22, 2023, and the United States Open Sailing Series for the period of July 14 through July 16, 2023. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Ficker Cup and Congressional Cup are World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) sailing race events hosted by Long Beach Yacht Club (LBYC). On December 13, 2022, the WMRT announced its 2023 World Championship season with a schedule across twelve countries. The 2023 WMRT season will comprise of “World Tour” and “World Championship” events, opening with the Ficker Cup and the 58th Congressional Cup hosted by LBYC. Match racing consists of identical boats racing against each other. These head-to-head duels require tactical strategy and the ability to maneuver a vessel to take advantage of wind and sea conditions. WMRT draws global competitors, many of whom go on to race in the America’s Cup and or become Olympic champions. These world-class annual sailing regattas for keelboat match racing and national youth sailing are considered prestigious national and global race competition, and in the case of the Congressional Cup, only surpassed in stature by the America’s Cup.
LBYC has requested that dock fees, in an amount not to exceed $8,250, be waived for these events from April 13 through April 22, 2023 and July 14 through July 16, 2023. Events scheduled between April and July include:
• Ficker Cup: April 13 - 16, 2023
• Congressional Cup: April 17 - 22, 2023
• U.S. Open Sailing Series: July 14 - 16, 2023
These regatta events spotlight boating and sailboat racing in our marinas. They also generate additional tourism revenue for local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, boating supply stores and other retail establishments. These benefits outweigh the revenue loss resulting from the waived dock fees. These events are consistent with the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department’s partnering policy to support organizations that provide a service to the community and its residents by promoting the Long Beach Marinas.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on February 28, 2023 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin on February 23, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 21, 2023, to reserve required dock space in Alamitos Bay Marina for the events.
FISCAL IMPACT
The value of the fee waiver will not exceed $8,250. Additional revenue specifically related to dock fees for these events is not anticipated as part of the current budget within the Tidelands Fund Groups, and revenues within this marina area are restricted to the Tidelands area and are not associated with or deposited into the General Fund. Therefore, the fiscal impact associated with the fee waiver is minimal. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER