August 2021 Papoose Article

The LMYC got off to a good start this year with our first races on May 23, 2021 followed by racing just about every Sunday in June except for June 13 when we had to cancel racing because of insufficient wind, coupled with rain.

On June 6, we held our Gabor Cup Regatta, open to all members of the LMCC with a sailboat. Hank and Beth Jelinek served as race officials. The wind was out of the Southwest and strong enough so that everyone was wearing a life jacket. Three Lightnings, two Snipes, a Vanguard 15 and a Sunfish, sailed by Graham Iussig, participated in the Regatta.

Despite, some confusion at the start of the first race, Perry Anderson, with crew Margaret and Shirley Miller, and Don Okner, with Karl and Susan Hauck as crew, in Lightnings and Tim Mackey, with son Christopher, in a Snipe got off to good starts on starboard tacks, and Perry appeared to be in the lead, but to leeward. Rich Miner, with crew Gail and Bob McNamara, was further back, but to weather. As the boats tacked back to port, they were fairly close together, and Don Okner appeared to be in the lead. Then as they tacked back to starboard, Don still appeared to have the lead, but Rich’s windward position allowed him to round the weather mark first, followed by Perry, Don, Mark Marussich with daughter Catherine, in a Vanguard 15, Tim Mackey in a Snipe and Constance Gill, with crew Ernie Ommundsen, in a Snipe, sa well. After some hard fought racing, they finished in that order.

In the second race there was some confusion on the starting time, but some of the boats were able to adjust. Rich was able to get a good start at the pin, as the starting horn sounded and rounded the weather mark first, followed by Perry and the others. Rich was able to maintain his lead and finish first, followed by Perry, Tim, Mark and Constance.

Since the Regatta was scored based on the Portsmouth handicap system, the results varied from the “Line Honors.” On the adjusted time, Rich was able to hang to two firsts. However, as the scoring was done, on adjusted time Perry had a second and a fourth. Tim had a fourth and a second. Mark had two thirds and Constance had two fifths. This meant there was a three-way tie for second, so the tie had to be broken by the overall adjusted time, which put Tim second, Perry third and Mark fourth.

On June 20, three Lightnings competed. Don Okner’s son Marty and grandson Lukas joined him as crew, Rich Miner had Gail Miner and Bob McNamara on board as his crew and Perry Anderson’s crew were Margaret Anderson and Shirley Miller. Two races were sailed in a 6 to 8 mph wind out of the Southwest. Both races ended with Rich in first place, Perry in second place and Don third. There was good competition, with tacking duels that added to the competition and overall fun.

The month ended with two races on June 27. There was good wind out of the Southwest and race officials Joe (father) and Joe (son) Fleming set a triangle course with marks to starboard. Three Lightnings, skippered by Rich Miner, Perry Anderson and Don Okner respectively, and their regular crews as well as a Sunfish sailed by John Trela, competed in two races. Both races ended with Rich first, Perry second, Don third and John fourth.

July began with a float (Ernie Ommundsen’s wooden sailboat) and members of the LMYC in pirate garb, marching in the Independence Day parade in July 3. Later in the day there was a party followed by the Sparta fireworks viewed from our docks. Sunday racing was rescheduled for Monday, July 5, 2021. More to follow next month.

Remember, the LMYC is open to any LMCC members who are interested in sailing. Therefore, plan to join us. For up-to date information, you can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org. Also, you can email us at lakemohawksailing@gmail.com, or write us in care of PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ.

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner