May 2021 Papoose Article

Vice Commodore Rich Miner announces that the Lake Mohawk Yacht Club is delighted to welcome some new members to the Yacht Club. First, Ernie Ommundsen took our sailing class two years ago and owns a 14-foot sailboat that he will be sailing out of the club. Ernie has also shown an interest in crewing on Snipes and Lightning Class sailboats.

Next, Keelin Reekie, who recently moved to Sparta from that sailing hot spot of Newport, Rhode Island, has joined with her daughters McKaela and Shealyn. Keelin sails a Hobie Wave and wants to get checked out on the LMYC’s Snipes, so that she can enjoy sailing and racing with us. The Yacht Club normally keeps eight club owned Sunfish and five Snipes in good condition for use in its sailing classes. These sailboats can be used by Yacht Club members, who have been checked out and qualified to sail them, when these sailboats are not being used in the sailing classes.

Speaking of sailing classes, we are offering private and family group lessons this year on flexible schedules to meet your needs. To make arrangements please contact Perry Anderson at perry533@outlook.com. If Covid conditions permit, our regular Junior Sailing program may be back this summer as well. Please contact us if you are interested.

Commodore Gail Miner reports that we have planned several sailing seminars for this summer, covering topics such as crewing, handling a spinnaker, and the new Sailing Rules of Racing from USSA. The Racing Rules are updated every 4 years and it's always a good time to review the basics as well as what's new.

On the social scene, following through on Julie Fleming's suggestion, we encourage our members to come down to the club on Friday evenings for a casual 'happy hour' and to watch the sunset (see the photo with this article). This was a highlight of last year when we had to begin social distancing and stay outdoors.

And here is this month’s Yachting Trivia question (See our website for the answer): When a boat is beating, it is:

a) ahead in a race

b) heading to windward

c) sailing about 45 degrees off the wind

d) all of the above

We are also looking for contributions from our readers: "What is the difference between a skipper and a scupper?" The best (funniest?) answer will be published, so remember this is a family magazine! Send your answer to: LakeMohawkSailing@gmail.com.

Remember, the LMYC is open to any LMCC members who are interested in sailing. Therefore, plan to join us. For up-to date information, you can visit us on the web at www.lakemohawksailing.org. Also, you can email us at lakemohawksailing@gmail.com, or write us in care of PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ.

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner