August 2012 Papoose Article

The Gabor Cup, our first open Regatta for 2012 was postponed several times and finally took place on June 18^th. The wind was very light and only one race was held because, during the second race, the boats were unable to make the windward mark within the required time. Only Lightnings competed and John Marx served as race official. The results were Richard Miner in first place, Perry Anderson second and Hank Jelinek third.

The following week, June 25^th, started out looking like another cancellation due to light air. However, we were able to hold one race, with Don Okner and Ed Snook on the committee boat. Rich Miner and Perry Anderson raced head-to head and Rich took another first. Fortunately things picked up on July 1^st and with Constance Gill and Angela Hopkins running the race and four Lightnings competed in race one with Rich Miner in first place, followed by Perry Anderson second, Don Okner third and John Incantalupo fourth. Three Lightnings sailed in race two with the Miner, Anderson and Okner boats finishing in that order. Two Snipes, skippered by John Marx and Jeff Urbanski, competed in the first race with Jeff taking the honors. Michael Mackey also capably sailed the course, unopposed in his Laser.

On the morning of July 4^th, a team of adult and junior sailors, led by Chuck Chute, turned Chuck’s Lightning into an impressive Native American, birch bark, war canoe. As the sides and bow were assembled, the Sparta High School Band, including Haley Chute on drums, marched by and the parade got underway. We still had to cut and install the thwarts, the mast and the sail. With the LMYC’s golden arrowhead logo for the bow and a compass rose for the stern, the war canoe was ready to roll out into its proper place on time. It left the Yacht Club filled with the Junior Sailors in their “Wind Warriors” t-shirts, sporting head bands with pheasant feathers and carrying paddles specially decorated by Ian Oldridge. Mitch Romine, sitting in front wearing a fantastic Eagle’s head, capped off the scene. As the war canoe rolled down the East Shore Trail behind John Miller’s van, the crowd showed the LMYC and its sailors enthusiastic praise. The judges agreed and awarded the LMYC's float first place. The war canoe appears in the photo with this article, taken by Ian Oldridge.

Back at the Yacht Club, preparations were underway for the annual July 4^th picnic party. Lots of helping hands, especially Perry and Margaret Anderson and Margaret’s twin sister Mary, set up tables and got things ready for the enthusiastic crowd that showed up bearing food donations shortly after 6 p.m. The chefs, Perry and Commodore Rich, cooked up burgers and dogs all evening finishing just in time for the spectacular fireworks show visible so clearly from our docks. This fundraiser for our Junior Sailing Program was very successful. Thanks to those who baked pies for our pie contest, which Margaret Anderson won for her delicious blueberry-peach concoction. Gail Miner, this year’s party organizer, said it was a piece of cake to get volunteers to judge the pies.

Our Marine Base Regatta was held on July 8^th . We had a nice turnout that included four Lightnings, three Snipes and a Laser. John and Margie Incantalupo set an Olympic course in light to moderate and shifty winds that allowed for two races. Jeff Urbanski took first place in his Snipe and John Marx, in another Snipe, was second. Rich Miner in a Lightning came in third. Don Okner edged out Perry Anderson in a tie-breaker for fourth place. We socialized and enjoyed burgers, dogs, soda and beer as well as other treats after the racing.

Here are some upcoming events that you will not want to miss:

ñ Jack Robertson Memorial Day – August 11

ñ Commodore’s Cup Regatta and Party – September 2

ñ Finish Line Party – October 27

ñ Awards Banquet – December 2

Race Official assignments are posted on the website, on the buoy room bulletin board and for this month are as follows:

ñ August 5--Rich Miner/Gail Miner

ñ Aug 12--Hank Jelinek / Howard Gooblar

ñ Aug 19--John Marx

ñ Aug 26--Constance Gill / Angela Hopkins

ñ Sept 02--John Miller / Commodore’s Cup Regatta

LMCC members are invited to join our club so you can sail and socialize with us. There are still plenty of things scheduled for 2012. You can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org. For more information about membership in the LMYC or, if you want to learn to sail, just call our Vice Commodore, Gail Miner at (973)729-5283, email us at our NEW EMAIL ADDRESS lakemohawksailing@gmail.com or write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner