Western Lakes Region Regatta -
1/4/2013 10:15 Friday evening
We depart Point Place, Ohio and trek Westward toward Wisconsin. Erica is along for this trip, and being a night-shift worker assumes the helm of the green van (Van-Diesel). A bearing squeal that revealed itself to us in Minnesota just a month before was just fixed a few hours earlier so we are off to the races!
Erica takes us all the way through Chicago where we stop just east of Rockford for fuel. After a driver change the last couple hours goes easily until there is some navigation challenges and Erica and Mike wake me up to ask what the name of the hotel was...
I lean up and try and focus as we brake to a stop in a snow-filled parking lot. "AmericInn", I croaked hoarsely from the back of the van. About that time I could see we were at Ameri-Host. I lay back down as they navigated their way between parked cars and snow piles.
10 minutes later we arrive at the right hotel. Its 4:30 and I already called the front desk to see if we could slip in an early check-in. The clerk is very friendly and wishes to accommodate us, but due to the automation of the hotel computer system, we cannot get in any earlier than 6:00 without paying an extra night. She welcomes us to use the lobby where breakfast will be served soon. Erica and i take turns laying by the fireplace while mike gets some shut-eye in a nearby pleather chair. Jody and Rich stay in the van, but since its only 15 degrees out, they end up starting it back up to keep the heat going. Luckily by 5:30 the nice lady at the desk is able to issue us our key cards. We all crash for about an hour, then its up for some breakfast.
As always we begin to see lots of old and new "DN'er" friends. After a while, we head to the launch site on Lake Kegonsa. Julie Jankowski and the good people at 4 Lakes Ice Yacht Club have carefully orchestrated a team of 4-wheelers to take our trailers the 1/4 mile from the public ramp to in front of the waterfront restaurant called "Springers". This fine establishment featured lots of parking, great lake views, and lovely bartenders - an important ingredient to any business trying to appeal to cold-weather sportsmen.
We get rigged up, each of us taking a moment to help out Mike as he is using a borrowed boat this weekend after his old "Nancy's Nightmare" took a turn for the worse and suffered a broken plank and sideboard. There is about 1/2" of stiff snow on what is otherwise nice hard smooth ice. Rich and I have marveled at how a new guy can show up to a regatta with a $1000 boat, wreck it. Then return a week later with an up to date $5000 program - all borrowed! Such is the generosity of the Ice-sailing addicts looking to hook a new one!
First race for me isn't all that impressive. 11th place. On the positive side, its better than my worse races the previous weekend. Sticky hard snow and lighter air prompt me to change to my thin-T runners. They are slightly thinner than my standard-issue 3/16" thick runners, but are also sharpened to 100 degree angle instead of 90 degrees. This decreased the friction of the runners substantially, but also decrease much-needed lateral stability, making the boat harder to control.
Second Race, I have a great start, and feel the boat power up as soon as I am in and sheeted. I am hiking and accelerating in clear air. John Dennis is right next to me and we sail to the lay line together, he tacks first and I tack just after him gaining some weather position behind him. About 100 yards to the weather mark the wind dies and JD has now understood the mark. I am barely making it, then I get a new shot of wind before Ron Sherry and Mark Christensen can cross me from the other side of the course. I am first around the weather mark with a shot of speed!
What I didn't see behind me is that Christensen shot around the top mark passing Sherry who was forced to get out and push! What I also didn't see is Christensen jibed immediately finding more air on that side of the course. By the time I got over there he had extended a lead on me, but the rest of the fleet was getting smaller behind me. The next two laps were almost a solo effort. While "the doctor" Christensen extended his lead slightly on me, I did the same to the rest of the fleet having learned from my mistake of the first downwind leg that cost me my first position. Second Place!!! Now that's more like it!
Third race, the wind was up a bit. I still had my T-runners on, and I never quite got up to speed. It felt like I couldn't track well in the increased wind. I was passing boats downwind and loosing them upwind. I fought hard and barely clinched to 15th place, passing 4 or five boats in the last 100 yards.
Fourth race I switched back to the reliable insert runners. Just not feeling fast. I again fought my way into 15 place. And with that disappointing yet probably well-deserved result, the first day was over. Afterward I learn that my travel buddy, Jody Kjoller had flipped his boat in that race. His helmet was cracked and tiller broken, but he said the only thing that really hurt was his ego. Lou Loenneke had a similar experience in the same race, which he attributed to hitting a crack at the wrong angle. Cracks in snow-covered ice come up very quickly at 40 mph! Most are safe if crossed perpendicular, but if you hit them anywhere close to parallel, bad results are bound to happen.
Back at shore we put our sails and runners away and hastily head to Springers. It is fun to meet a few of the local sailors, and enjoy a few adult beverages and a warm buffet meal. It is still fairly early when we leave for the hotel with the hot-tub as the next goal for the night.
Back at the hotel the sign by the tub stated: "Hot Tub Capacity: 10 people" I think we easily doubled it that night.
In the room later, the Packers - Vikings game was on, and gradually we all fell asleep. All 6 of us crowded as it was, slept well!
Day 2 -
Well I dont remember a lot of detail. But finishing another 11th place in the days first race, I knew something needed to change. Everytime a puff hit me I was popping up on a hike and loosing potential acceleration. already loose in the stays, I loosened the forestay a half-turn, then decided to sail more physically. This meant hiking hard out the back side of the boat, just like they used to do in the old days of DN sailing. The results were, my mast bent sooner, and the boat accelerated better. I was barely able to get in the boat once I hit speed, so I settled on just staying hiked out 90% of the upwind legs. It seemed strange to sail this way, but a pair of 7th place finishes showed the effort paid off.
Back at the club, Jim McDonagh showed me the results as posted on his phone. He got me by a point! But when the awards were announced I got him!?! Well my place in the last race seems to be off. Erica says I got 7th but one set of results says 9th. Who knows, its not really important, but I told Jim that I will gladly trade him if they settle the results.
Back at shore, we pack up, and ready the trailer. Mike and I drive the van to the launch and meet a 4 wheeler there. After some struggle with the jack and the hitch ball barely fitting, we head to the bar.
Back at Springers there are lots of smiling faces. A buffet lunch is served and then we file into the corner of the place where the awards take place. Upon receiving my 8th place mug, I take the opportuntity to plug the upcoming Worlds. There is no reason (other than lifes responsibilities) that anyone at that regatta couldnt sail the worlds. Hopefully I convinced at least one person to try it. I know I was hesitant my first time.
Drive home was easy. Chicago area was annoying as always, but we were home at 11:30.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Central Regatta - Just in Time!
For the second year in a row, we held our Central Lakes Region Championship Regatta in the time between Christmas and New Years Holidays. It wasn't looking to favorable with thin ice reported everywhere. Boats were sailing on last years site - Lake Missaukee, but it was reported to be a small plate of ice and many ice-fishermen all over the place.
As luck would have it - Glen Betzoldt, from Sand Lake, MI was up sailing Thursday at Lake Missaukee and thought he would have a look at Houghton Lake on his way home. He called me from the ice and said "Hey I think its good here!" Unfortunately, it was getting dark, and I was not about to call a regatta on new unsailed ice. Glen could hear my pessimism, an offered to stay the night to give a thorough check in the morning. (Glen did not plan to stay overnight and did not have a change of clothes or toothbrush for that matter!).
I was not feeling well. Captain Cough was back. I was of the mindset just to save us all the trouble and cancel the 2012 Centrals for good. I looked at the box of shiny new trophies - the date of 2012 stamped clearly on each plaque. I breathed a sigh and said to myself: "We can do this"!
My friends from Rhode Island, "T" (who incidentally gave me my "Captain Cough" nickname last year in Sweden) and Ollie were well on their way. Their plan was to go to the Grand Slam regatta in Madison, WI unless I had something else closer for them. After calling them and describing to them what was going on, they made the decision to take a right-turn at Toledo, Ohio and meet Glen on Houghton Lake Friday morning to do an ice check.
9AM - I get the phone call. The sound of track shoes crunching on hard ice was predominant as "T" exclaims "Hey Baker What the $%^ were you thinking there's nothing but water up here on this lake!!" Well I wasn't fooled. I heard the crunch of the spikes, and knew the weather was cold. And most of all I trust the word of Glen, an accomplished ice scout for the Toledo group. I could hardly talk as I had taken an extra dose of NyQuil just 3 hours earlier and my throat was full of nastiness. Regardless it was time to rally the troops!
Rich, Jody, and Myself could not get anyone else to tag along. The JMJ sailing team (the newbies John, Mike, and Jon came separate, as well as the Duo of Reis and Holman.
Upon arrival at the hotel, I got our room cards and went straight to the Bar where I found the usual suspects from Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club already gathered. I was able to collect regatta fees there and get several sign-ups completed. After 10PM the registration was officially closed, and I headed to the room. Everyone else went to the pool and hot tub. The warm moist air might have felt good on the lungs, but i knew my body couldn't handle the dehydration of the hot tub. Instead I took advantage of the windless clear night to go outside and rig my boat. It was the first time I rigged at night, and it was surprisingly comfortable on my bare hands with no wind. It was definitely a good move as I knew I would be busy trying to organize a regatta in the morning.
6AM time to get some breakfast. Leisurely chats with some other sailors, then off to get ready. I put up the sail and runners on the boat. Then I make rounds collecting fees and signing people up. Its kind of fun to see everyone right away. The wind is too light to sail, and our scorekeeper, Loretta is not on site yet. So all is good.
The wind begins to increase around 11 AM. And we start moving equipment out to the course. We have no 4-wheelers to use due to the ice being too thin for heavier equipment, so everything (including personnel) must be carried out there.
Racing commenced an hour late around Noon. Wind was light to medium and sailing was pretty easy. Perfect for early season racing while some peoples skills need some sharpening.
We had 4 races for each of the Gold and Silver Fleets, and managed to do that with only 2 course changes when the wind shifted for about a half hour, then promptly went back to where it started.
Back at the hotel, it was clear that we overwhelmed the kitchen. Food was late and dry or overcooked. Waitresses confused their orders, but we are a fun group. Keep the drinks flowing and a positive attitude. Life is good!
6AM Breakfast Again. Sitting with "T" and coffee there is lots of laughs and stories shared over instant scrambled eggs and recently-frozen sausage patties. My hope is to get the regatta going earlier today. We are not on time for the 10AM goal, but we still manage to get 3 races off.
It is stickier, dry snow today and the wind is up just a little bit. The first race of the day I get my best finish, a 3rd! I even caught up to the leaders a few times (though just for a little bit). Once finished, I thought I must have my tuning dialed in and didn't need to change anything, even if it was a struggle to keep the boat down. WRONG! the following races, were both 12th places. I probably would have been okay if I had moved my plank forward, but lack of mast bend was putting me out of contention in the sticky conditions and puffy breeze. Oh well, its all about learning right?
Back at the hotel I quickly put away the boat, and run inside to organize for the awards. Its always tough to have awards quick enough after a regatta as many head home right away.
All who stayed had a great time enjoying pizza and beer specials (and much better service than the night before). Our group stayed perhaps a bit too long, but had nothing special planned at home anyway.
This regatta is DONE!!! Stay tuned for the 2013 Central Lakes Regatta at a lake in Michigan or Ohio near you!
Results: http://iceboatracing.com/2012centrals.pdf
Congrats to Ron Sherry for winning the Centrals, and to Hal Bowman for taking Silver Fleet honors!
As luck would have it - Glen Betzoldt, from Sand Lake, MI was up sailing Thursday at Lake Missaukee and thought he would have a look at Houghton Lake on his way home. He called me from the ice and said "Hey I think its good here!" Unfortunately, it was getting dark, and I was not about to call a regatta on new unsailed ice. Glen could hear my pessimism, an offered to stay the night to give a thorough check in the morning. (Glen did not plan to stay overnight and did not have a change of clothes or toothbrush for that matter!).
I was not feeling well. Captain Cough was back. I was of the mindset just to save us all the trouble and cancel the 2012 Centrals for good. I looked at the box of shiny new trophies - the date of 2012 stamped clearly on each plaque. I breathed a sigh and said to myself: "We can do this"!
My friends from Rhode Island, "T" (who incidentally gave me my "Captain Cough" nickname last year in Sweden) and Ollie were well on their way. Their plan was to go to the Grand Slam regatta in Madison, WI unless I had something else closer for them. After calling them and describing to them what was going on, they made the decision to take a right-turn at Toledo, Ohio and meet Glen on Houghton Lake Friday morning to do an ice check.
9AM - I get the phone call. The sound of track shoes crunching on hard ice was predominant as "T" exclaims "Hey Baker What the $%^ were you thinking there's nothing but water up here on this lake!!" Well I wasn't fooled. I heard the crunch of the spikes, and knew the weather was cold. And most of all I trust the word of Glen, an accomplished ice scout for the Toledo group. I could hardly talk as I had taken an extra dose of NyQuil just 3 hours earlier and my throat was full of nastiness. Regardless it was time to rally the troops!
Rich, Jody, and Myself could not get anyone else to tag along. The JMJ sailing team (the newbies John, Mike, and Jon came separate, as well as the Duo of Reis and Holman.
Upon arrival at the hotel, I got our room cards and went straight to the Bar where I found the usual suspects from Grand Traverse Ice Yacht Club already gathered. I was able to collect regatta fees there and get several sign-ups completed. After 10PM the registration was officially closed, and I headed to the room. Everyone else went to the pool and hot tub. The warm moist air might have felt good on the lungs, but i knew my body couldn't handle the dehydration of the hot tub. Instead I took advantage of the windless clear night to go outside and rig my boat. It was the first time I rigged at night, and it was surprisingly comfortable on my bare hands with no wind. It was definitely a good move as I knew I would be busy trying to organize a regatta in the morning.
6AM time to get some breakfast. Leisurely chats with some other sailors, then off to get ready. I put up the sail and runners on the boat. Then I make rounds collecting fees and signing people up. Its kind of fun to see everyone right away. The wind is too light to sail, and our scorekeeper, Loretta is not on site yet. So all is good.
The wind begins to increase around 11 AM. And we start moving equipment out to the course. We have no 4-wheelers to use due to the ice being too thin for heavier equipment, so everything (including personnel) must be carried out there.
Racing commenced an hour late around Noon. Wind was light to medium and sailing was pretty easy. Perfect for early season racing while some peoples skills need some sharpening.
We had 4 races for each of the Gold and Silver Fleets, and managed to do that with only 2 course changes when the wind shifted for about a half hour, then promptly went back to where it started.
Back at the hotel, it was clear that we overwhelmed the kitchen. Food was late and dry or overcooked. Waitresses confused their orders, but we are a fun group. Keep the drinks flowing and a positive attitude. Life is good!
6AM Breakfast Again. Sitting with "T" and coffee there is lots of laughs and stories shared over instant scrambled eggs and recently-frozen sausage patties. My hope is to get the regatta going earlier today. We are not on time for the 10AM goal, but we still manage to get 3 races off.
It is stickier, dry snow today and the wind is up just a little bit. The first race of the day I get my best finish, a 3rd! I even caught up to the leaders a few times (though just for a little bit). Once finished, I thought I must have my tuning dialed in and didn't need to change anything, even if it was a struggle to keep the boat down. WRONG! the following races, were both 12th places. I probably would have been okay if I had moved my plank forward, but lack of mast bend was putting me out of contention in the sticky conditions and puffy breeze. Oh well, its all about learning right?
Back at the hotel I quickly put away the boat, and run inside to organize for the awards. Its always tough to have awards quick enough after a regatta as many head home right away.
All who stayed had a great time enjoying pizza and beer specials (and much better service than the night before). Our group stayed perhaps a bit too long, but had nothing special planned at home anyway.
This regatta is DONE!!! Stay tuned for the 2013 Central Lakes Regatta at a lake in Michigan or Ohio near you!
Results: http://iceboatracing.com/2012centrals.pdf
Congrats to Ron Sherry for winning the Centrals, and to Hal Bowman for taking Silver Fleet honors!
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| The "Backup Plan" Rich's van was making suspect noises, so we used the "Searcher". |
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| Jori Lenon, of Madison WI "photobombs" the Central Trophy |
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| Craig, Rich, Jody, and Skip take over the room. Its always fun to watch someone else stone runners. Rich seems to have a cramp in his finger... |
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| Early Morning - boats await a fun day! |
Pre-Season opener!
First week of December every year we have the Great Western Challenge Regatta put on by our friends in Minnesota. I have been lucky enough now to attend 3 years in a row. For those who drive the extra distance, it may extend their season by a month or so. The regatta is free to enter, and is intended as a tune-up session. Friday is scrub racing, and Saturday and Sunday is scored like a traditional regatta.
This year we met at Pelican Lake, near Ashby, Minnesota. Beautiful ice was barely 4" thick. There was a nice plate on the North end of the Lake that was marked by an easily underestimated crack to its south.
About 80 boats competed in Gold, Silver, and Opti Fleets. Mark Christensen ("The Doctor") lead the Gold Fleet, Peter Orlebeke edged out Junior Sailor Griffin Sherry for Silver Fleet first. Griffin won the Opti fleet. Full results can be seen here: http://www.iceboating.net/node/3729
The TIYC group started as 4 of us, picking up a Madison, WI area sailor on the way. A 6th to our group, newbie Mike Beresni flew in to Minnapolis to visit his mom, then met us at the ice where his boat had the 6th spot in the trailer. It is fun to have a new guy to pick on, but also fun to see the excitement in his eyes as his performance continues to impove each race! Mike managed to sail into some shell ice and get the ol "wetfoot" but that didnt dampen his spirits. Perhaps it was a good thing he flew home, as he might not have had much tolerance for our groups taunting the whole way home. We can be brutal at times. Thats why we keep Jody around...
This year we met at Pelican Lake, near Ashby, Minnesota. Beautiful ice was barely 4" thick. There was a nice plate on the North end of the Lake that was marked by an easily underestimated crack to its south.
About 80 boats competed in Gold, Silver, and Opti Fleets. Mark Christensen ("The Doctor") lead the Gold Fleet, Peter Orlebeke edged out Junior Sailor Griffin Sherry for Silver Fleet first. Griffin won the Opti fleet. Full results can be seen here: http://www.iceboating.net/node/3729
The TIYC group started as 4 of us, picking up a Madison, WI area sailor on the way. A 6th to our group, newbie Mike Beresni flew in to Minnapolis to visit his mom, then met us at the ice where his boat had the 6th spot in the trailer. It is fun to have a new guy to pick on, but also fun to see the excitement in his eyes as his performance continues to impove each race! Mike managed to sail into some shell ice and get the ol "wetfoot" but that didnt dampen his spirits. Perhaps it was a good thing he flew home, as he might not have had much tolerance for our groups taunting the whole way home. We can be brutal at times. Thats why we keep Jody around...
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| Mike Beresni all smiles after a day of ice boating |
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| Cant beat early-season ice! |
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