August 2017 Papoose Article

The Gabor Cup, our first open regatta of the year, sponsored by the Lightning Fleet, was raced on June 11 followed by the Makani Fest Hawaiian Party. The regatta consisted of two races with five boats, four Lightnings and one Snipe, competing. The races were scored using the Portsmouth yardstick with Perry Anderson taking the honors for first place, Richard Miner second, Joe Fleming third, Brent Cherry fourth and Tim Mackey in fifth position.

On the following Sunday, June 18, Constance Gill served as race official and set a nice triangle course for four Lightnings that completed two races in an 8 to 10 mph wind out of the south. Perry Anderson came in first in both races with Don Okner and Brent Cherry swapping for second and third position and Joe Fleming in fourth position in both races.

A heavy rainfall followed by unsettled wind forced a cancellation of racing on June 25 but, we were back on the course on Saturday, July 1 with Don Okner and Joe Fleming going head-to-head for two races in an 8 mph wind out of the south. Constance Gill volunteered to take Joe’s place as race official so that he could sail. Don, with crew Ed Snook on board, took two firsts and Joe, accompanied by his wife Julie was second in both races. Thanks go to Constance for setting the course and running the races!

Our annual Independence Day family picnic and fireworks watching party took place on Sunday, July 2^nd and a great time was had by all. Thanks to those who made the event possible. On July 9 we will hold our second regatta of the year, the Marine Base Regatta sponsored by the Snipe Fleet and we have one more regatta scheduled for 2017, the Commodore’s Cup on Sept. 3. Remember, our regattas are open to all LMCC members, with a sailboat of any kind. The races are timed and handicapped so that slower class boats can often win over the classes that are generally faster. If you have never sailed in a race, this is a great opportunity to give it a try—you may just want to join as a member once you do.

The LMYC also participated in Sparta Township’s Independence Day Parade. The Mackey family supervised the decoration of a club Snipe by some of our junior sailors. The photo accompanying this article is the LMYC Kids Sail float, with the juniors who participated on board. We are proud of our junior program and those who run it. The young sailors who take the classes get to learn skills that will provide fun for a lifetime.

The following are the Race Official assignments for August:

Aug 06 R. Miner / G. Miner

Aug 13 B. Cherry

Aug 20 P. Anderson / M. Anderson

Aug 27 J. Marx

We have two, well used Sunfish and one Snipe for sale, as well as a double deck Sunfish trailer. John Marx is also selling his Lippincott Lightning. If you are interested in any of these boats or the trailer, call John at (973) 729-0313.

Whether you are an experienced sailor, a novice or if you are interested in social events, we offer it all! There is still a lot of sailing to do this year. Come join us and get in on the fun! You can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org. For more information, email us at lakemohawksailing@gmail.com, or write us care of PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ. Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner