August 2008 Papoose Article

In June we raced on every weekend with no cancellations. On June 15th four Lightnings and two Snipes competed in a 5 to 7 knot wind out of the north with Rich Miner taking two firsts in the Lightning class followed by John Incantalupo. Jeff Urbanski lead both Snipe races. June 22nd brought only two Lightnings skippered by Rich Miner and Don Okner to the line but there were three Snipes. Jeff Urbanski won both races in the Snipe class as did Rich Miner in the Lightning class. The race was held in 5 to 7 knot breezes that shifted from south-south-east to south-west. Our final races in June were on June 29th in light air with Rich Miner once again taking two firsts in the Lightning class while John Incantalupo and Don Okner swapped for second and third place position. John Marx edged out Constance Gill in both races in the Snipe class.

The highlight of July was the Independence Day weekend, filled with wonderful events of all types. We kicked things off on July 3rd with our Annual Family Picnic, held at our club. We had a great turnout for the party that featured those good old favorites, hot dogs, hamburgers, soda and beer followed by a view of the firework display over the lake. Although the weather looked threatening, the storm did not come until the fireworks ended. We are already looking forward to next year’s picnic.

On July 4th our club participated in the Sparta Independence Day parade. John Incantalupo rigged his Lightning with a short mast and decorative, nautical flags and John Miller towed it down East Shore Trail accompanied by a “crew” attired in tee shirts that were made for the occasion.

The final event for the weekend was the Marine Base Regatta on July 6th. Light air occasioned a delay in the start but the wind picked up and

six Lightnings, four Snipes and three Sunfish completed two races in light air that prevailed out of the southeast. The regatta was won by Jeff Urbanski in a Snipe with John Marx, also in a Snipe, in second place and Perry Anderson and his crew, Margaret Anderson and Ali Brown, taking third. Kudos also to Sunfish skippers Haley Chute, Sabina Incantalupo & Claire Incantalupo who sailed their first regatta.

Following the racing we finished off the hamburgers and hot dogs that were left from the picnic and Snipe Fleet Captain John Marx awarded the trophies. Thanks go to race officials Howard Gooblar and Jorge Cardiellos for their time and effort in setting the course and running the races.

Other featured fun events for this year are as follows:

July 3: Family Picnic

July 6: Marine Base Regatta

August (date t/b/a): Jack Robertson Cruising Day

September 7: Commodore’s Cup Regatta and Cocktail Party

October (date t/b/a): Finish Line Party and Annual Meeting

November (date t/b/a): Awards Brunch

Race Official assignments are posted on the Buoy Room bulletin board. Please be sure to check the list and contact Race Committee Chairman Hank Jelinek if you need to change your dates. Race Official assignments for June are as follows:

Aug. 03 Marx/Keyvanie

Aug. 10 Incantalupo

Aug. 17 Miner/Braendle

Aug. 24 t/b/a

Aug. 31 Anderson

You can visit our web site at www.lakemohawksailing.org for up to date information. You can also write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871.

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Miner and Anderson Lightnings - battling spinnakers!