April 2001 Papoose Article

Although Spring has already “sprung” and we are close to the beginning of our 2001 sailing season, here’s a report submitted by Hank Jelinek which gives us one last memory of this Winter:

Who says the winter has to slow intrepid sailors down? Lake Mohawk proved to be the perfect venue for the cold weather sailors of the sport of ice boating. Two Lake Mohawk residents Jack Parker and Jeff Tinsen sailed their D/N, (circa 1937 sponsored by the Detroit News newspaper) iceboat in almost perfect weather this past February in 5 to 7 knot breezes. Those winds seemed to propel their 14-ft craft with 60 sq. ft of sail to speeds up to 20 miles an hour. Although the ice wasn't as smooth as South Mountain Arena, it did not spoil their enjoyment of the sport! Our two iceboaters spent as much time on the ice as the weather permitted and it was quite the spectacle to see their craft fly by.

If the cold weather does not stir your interest in the outdoors try the liquid type of the sport this spring. The Yacht club will start its spring racing program in May and I bet there will be need for extra hands to sail. If interested call Rich Miner at 729-5283 for details. We have a full racing program, social affairs with the PowerBoat Club and a junior sailing program to teach youngsters the difference between a sheet and a boom. So if interested call Rich or stop by on Sunday afternoon to participate.

I wish to thank Hank for his article. If anyone has even seen, no less sailed an iceboat, you know that unlike ordinary sailboats they actually exceed the speed of the wind. Remember, if you have something to report or an article to submit, please do so and be sure to get it to me by the 10th of the month so that it can be incorporated in our column in the Papoose which must be submitted by the 13th of the month.

Until next month, smooth sailing!

Don Okner

Jeff and Son