October 2010 Papoose Article

August was not a particularly good month for racing due primarily to uncooperative weather conditions. Thunder storms forced a cancellations on August 1st and August 15th and racing was canceled due to lack of wind (we need that to sail) on August 22nd and August 29th. On August 8th the Lightnings did not race but John Marx and Constance Gill match raced their Snipes in excellent conditions with John taking two firsts.

Things finally turned around for our final open regatta for the year, the Commodore’s Cup, which was held on Sunday, September 5th. The winds were strong--too strong for a few--out of the west-southwest and our race official, John Miller, set two great courses. In the first race we sailed two triangles and finished on a windward leg while the second race was an Olympic course. We had six Lightnings and two Snipes at the line. One of the Snipes was skipperd by Matt Gomez, one of our junior sailors.

Despite a few capsizes (we have all done that at some point) everyone had a great time competing on one of the best sailing days on Lake Mohawk that we have ever had. The Lightinings lead the way in this handicapped event. In first place overall was Rich Miner and his crew Gail Miner and Ken Potts with Perry Anderson and crew Margaret Anderson and Richard Hodges taking second place. Don Okner and crew Josh Oldridge and Ed Snook came in third followed by skippers Chuck Chute, John Marx, John Incantalupo, Hank Jelinek and Matt Gomez in that order.

Tacking Duel (Photo by Ian Oldridge)

Following the racing, Constance Gill “conducted” a naming ceremony for three of our club Snipes. In keeping with her musical theme, Constance dubbed the first boat Intermezzo and the second Glissando. The third boat, which had been donated to our club by former member Ellen Herr was appropriately given the moniker Herr Majesty. Later in the evening, Commodore Perry Anderson and Margaret Anderson hosted a wonderful cocktail party at their home to top off the day’s events.

Sept. 12th brought more rain and calm wind so racing was canceled. However, there are still a few more race days before things come to a close and we have more social events planned. Our Finish Line Party and Annual Meeting will be held on October 16, 2010 at the LMCC and our annual Awards Brunch is scheduled for November 21, 2010--details to follow.

If you want to join the LMYC, if you want to learn to sail or if you want more information, just call us at (973)512-8867, email us at sail@lakemohawksailing.org or write to PO Box 29, Sparta, NJ 07871.

Until next month, smooth sailing and God bless America!

Don Okner