December 2011 Papoose Article

There's good news and then, there is always some bad news. The good news is that, despite a paucity of good sailing winds for our Fall Series, we did get in eight races and had a great time when we were able to sail. The bad news is that our last scheduled racing day, Oct. 16, was without wind so we did not get that last day of sailing that we had all wanted. The Fall Series ended with Rich Miner first in the Lightining class, followed by Don Okner in second place and Hank Jelinek in third position. In the Snipe class, which sails one series, John Marx took first place and Constance Gill was second.

As reported last month, our Annual Meeting was held on Oct. 15 and we elected a slate of officers for 2012. Hank Jelinek, who will be our Rear Commodore, declined the nomination to also serve as a One Year Trustee so, following a nomination from the floor, John Miller was voted in by our members. Therefore, the Officers for 2012 are: Commodore, Rich Miner; Vice Commodore, Gail Miner; Rear Commodore, Hank Jelinek; Treasurer, Perry Anderson; Secretary, Bambi Newton; Lightning Fleet Captain, Chuck Chute; Snipe Fleet Captain, John Marx; Three Year Trustees, Dave Newton and Constance Gill; Two Year Trustees, Ian Oldridge and Ken Potts; One Year Trustees, Jeff Urbanski and John Miller.

Our last official event for the year was the Awards Party on Dec. 3 at the home of Rich and Gail Miner that included a pot-luck dinner. At that time awards for Fleet Champions were presented and the all important special awards for Most Improved, Crew of the Year, Service and Sportsmanship were given. The results will be announced in next month's Papoose along with more about the party.

This past October, LYMC member, Hank Jelinek had the opportunity to sail a 45’ Hunter Sloop to Florida along with the owner, a Coast Guard licensed Captain and another crew. Although Hank got off the boat at Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina the seven days were memorable. A more detailed account of Hank's experience will appear in a Papoose article in early 2012.

Remember to visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org and consider joining us so that you can sail and socialize with us! 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 sail@lakemohawksailing.org or write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871

Smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner

Round the Mark