May 2025 Papoose Article

On March 6 th , John Miller gave a presentation called “Introduction to the Racing Rules.” Every four years US Sailing updates its “Racing Rules of Sailing.” Since the rules were just updated for

2025-2028, it seemed like an appropriate time for John, who taught sailing with Steve Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School, to give a talk on the Racing Rules. Using model sailboats, as shown in the nearby picture, John was able to illustrate the rules that he was discussing so that the sailors in the room could more easily follow his explanations of tricky situations that happen on the race course. John concentrated on the Start, Mark Roundings and the Finish. In each case there was at least one rule that was cleared up that had previously caused some confusion.

Lively questions from the attending sailors made the presentation interesting and exciting. A worthwhile time was had by all.

On April 2, the LMCC Marine Services Committee gave an excellent talk on boating rules, led by Todd Muth and Scott Heckenberger, complete with a slide presentation, that included rules and issues involving both powerboats and sailboats on Lake Mohawk, as well as other types of watercraft. In particular, for sailboats, they mentioned that sailboats have the right of way over powerboats, and that powerboats should stay clear away from sailboats and not assume that the sailboat can maneuver out of harm’s way. In addition, concerning the sailboat races held every Sunday afternoon in season, they mentioned that powerboats should not power through the racing area or drive near any mark of the sailboats’ race course. However, what was not covered was that sailboats need to tack and jibe and often need to change course quickly. But still a great program, which was very well received by the attending audience.

Our Race Committee Chairman, Bob McNamara, has sent out a Race Schedule for 2025, which shows racing will start on May 18 th and run through the end of September. The races are scheduled to start at 2:00 PM with all the sailboats starting together. A handicap scoring

system is use to decide the finishing positions. Members should let Bob know when you are unavailable for RC, so he can start filling in the RC spots. Bob listed potential dates for our three special regattas: the Gabor Cup, the Marine Base and the Commodore’s Cup. Here’s to a great sailing season!

John Trela, our Vice Commodore and Membership Chair, is planning on leading a team of LMYC members at the LMCC’s New Members Reception scheduled for April 6 th just after we go to press. John’s team is planning on manning our table and exhibit at the Reception, which will include a Poster Board with pictures of our sailboats racing, the junior sailing program and our social activities. The LMYC team hopes to be able to meet and talk to many of the LMCC’s new members about sailing and the LMYC.

Commodore Rich Miner