December 2019 Papoose Article

The Lightning Fleet had a very good 2019 season. For starters, we had two new skippers join the Fleet. Karl and Susan Hauck began crewing for other Lightning skippers during the 2018 season and purchased their own Lightning over the winter. After practicing in the Spring, they started racing with the Fleet part way through the Spring Series. John Hasselmann and his children Liam, Brenna, Claire and Shea took adult sailing lessons. Then they purchased a Lighting and are gaining experience.

The Lightning Fleet sailed twenty races and each of the Lightning Skippers won one or more races. In addition, the Lightnings participated in all three of our special regattas, taking first place in each regatta. The finishing places in the Spring Series were Rich Miner first, followed closely by Perry Anderson in second, Don Okner in third and Commodore Joe Fleming in fourth.

The Fall Series results were very close. Rich Miner finished first with a 1.0 average, Karl Hauck was second with a 1.667 average and Joe Fleming finished very closely behind Karl with 1.714 average. Results for the overall season were close again: Rich Miner was the Fleet Champion with a 1.0 average, Joe Fleming was Runner Up with a 2.083 average and Karl Hauck was Second Runner Up with a 2.1 average. Many thanks to Hank Jelinek for filling in as Race Committee multiple times, so that we could have more sailboats on the starting line.

The Mackeys, Tim, Chris and Katy, with Mary Beth cheering them on, as well as Constance Gill have been working hard to keep the Snipe Fleet going. Tim took the honors as Fleet Champion followed by son Chris. However, with the passing of John Marx and the loss of other Snipe sailors who have moved on, the fleet could use more members. When the LMYC was incorporated in 1938, it was essentially comprised of Snipe class boats. Until the 1990’s the New Jersey State Snipe Championship races were held at our club and, in the 1930’s, the LMYC was homeport to Snipe Class world champion Charles Gabor. We have a great history with the Snipe class!

We are already looking forward to a great season in 2020 and are hoping that the Snipe Fleet will gain more sailors. Remember, the LMYC is open to any LMCC members who are interested in sailing. Plan to join us! For more information, you can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org . Also, you can email us at lakemohawksailing@gmail.com , or write to us care of PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ.

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner