October 2022 Papoose Article

On Sunday, September 4, the Lake Mohawk Yacht Club held the Annual Commodore’s Cup Regatta. Despite stormy weather conditions in Pennsylvania moving our way, several intrepid sailors ventured out on the course: John Trela on his Laser, John Hirschey on his Hobie Wave, the Miner’s in their Lightning and three Sunfish sailed by Shirley Miller, Martha Boonshaft and Alex Fox, headed for a triangle course set by John Miller on Race Committee duty. The radar indicated the storms should pass to the north of Sparta, and the sailors thought they could sail a quick race or two. John watched the storms’ progress on his phone, and when they started to cross the Delaware he shortened the course to the four-leg minimum necessary to count as a race. The sailors got off to a good start with the Miners opening an early lead in their Lightning. Ken Kolkebeck joined the race in progress in his Capri 14. The Miners went on to finish first, followed by John Trela in his Laser. By that time thunder could be heard and racing was cancelled for the day. The boats headed back to the dock, and the sailors quickly secured them. As the gusts increased, lightning was spotted and then the rainstorm descended. The sailors took shelter under the Yacht Club roof, while continuing to enjoy each other’s company and the festivities.

The Commodore’s Cocktail Party was held that evening at Commodore Gail Miner’s house, with a large turnout of members and friends. Former members Dave and Bambi Newton and Jeff and Jill Urbanski joined the fun. People brought something to share, resulting in a plentiful and wide variety of food and desserts to enjoy. The crowd spilled out onto the deck, when the weather improved. John Miller presented the race awards, which were tote bags decorated by Shirley Miller with the Club Burgee and the number flag for the finishing place. First place went to Rich and Gail Miner, who will keep the rotating Commodore’s Cup for another year. Second place went to John Trela, pictured here on the right with John Miller. Alex Fox, sailing a Sunfish, was awarded the third prize. Many pictures of this event and others are on our website.

As we go to press, plans were being made to hold the re-scheduled Gabor Cup Regatta on September 18. Our regular sailing season extends into mid-October, so we hope you will see us out there on Sunday afternoons, along with some more weekday late afternoon sailing parties which have proven to be popular with our members (see the sunset picture here from our Aug. 25^th sail & dine). Our Annual Meeting and election of officers for 2023 is planned for October 22, when we will have our Finish Line party wrapping up the sailing season. We welcome new members and those who want to check us out at all our events – just let us know you are coming. Send emails to LakeMohawkSailing@gmail.com. Our website is www.LakeMohawkSailing.org and it is full of information.

Until next month,

Smooth Sailing and God bless America!

Submitted by Rich Miner