March 2016 Papoose Article

Despite the relatively mild weather that we experienced during the first half of winter, by January 31 the lake was sufficiently frozen to allow two International DN class iceboats to skim across the lake. These twelve foot long, single person “boats” have a narrow cockpit, three steel blades and a raked mast. With no drag, they move along at high speed in only moderate wind. The “boats,” sailed by unidentified skippers, are shown in the photograph that accompanies this article.

After a week’s delay due to the snow storm, the Yacht Club held its first Board of Governors’ meeting on January 31^st at the Miner’s house. Our former member, Mike Kelly, attended the meeting and was re-elected to membership and elected to the Board as a Trustee. Mike had greatly strengthened the Snipe Fleet and is now interested in reestablishing the Laser Fleet.

The Yacht Club is planning its Cleanup and Prep Signal party to kick off the season on April 30^th. The Mast Raising and Cinco de Mayo party will be May14 at the Yacht Club. The LMYC has scheduled the first day of racing for May 22, so that the racing will not conflict with the Dragon Boat Racing, which is scheduled for May 15. At least one of our Board Members is planning on participating in the Dragon Boat Races. The LMYC’s barbeque and fireworks watching party is scheduled for July 4^th. Our Gabor Cup Regatta, open to all LMCC sailors, and related Makani [Hawaiian for wind] Party are scheduled for June 5^th. In addition, we are planning our Marine Base open Regatta for July 10^th. Stay tuned for updates and possible changes in dates.

The Lake Mohawk Yacht Club will be running Junior Sailing Classes after school is out on Sunfish for first time students, while more advanced students will also receive lessons on Snipes. We are delighted to have two returning US Sailing certified instructors, Haley Chute and Matt Gomez, as well as Haley’s very experienced sister Hannah, teaching the classes. The junior program will run from early July until early August. There will be three levels of instruction. Look for the particulars in next month’s Papoose and plan to sign up as soon as possible as openings sell out quickly.

Plan to join us for our 2016 activities. Whether you are an experienced sailor, a novice or if you are interested in social events, we offer it all! 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