may 2012 sunfish midwest schedule

there are (2) upcoming Sunfish races in the Midwest Region during the month of May.  the full Midwest region schedule can be found as part of the entire Sunfish 2012 regatta schedule here (.pdf file).

Saturday, May 19th, Northern Warmups (Open)

the 1st Sunfish race of the year for the Midwest region will be held at Wolf Lake Yacht Club (map to lake here). I don’t see a NOR posted on their website yet, you can also follow the yacht club on Facebook for more updates.

Photo by Jeff Fenton

Sunday, May 20th, Just for Fun #1 (Open)

this is the 1st in the series of “Just for Fun” races held at Hueston Sailing Association (map to lake here).

(picture from Hueston Sailing Association)

greater detroit 2012 Sunfish race schedule

the Greater Detroit Sunfish Club (GDSC) has released their 2012 Sunfish race schedule (you can find it with additional information posted at their Yahoo Group).  you can also check them out on their Facebook page.

• April 29th – Watkins Lake
• May 6th – Maceday Lake
• May 20th – Watkins Lake
• June 3rd – Stoney Creek Metropark
• June 17th – Stoney Creek
• June 30th & July 1st – Lakeport State Park – a camping & sailing weekend with an Open Regatta
• July 15th – Stoney Creek
• July 29th – Stoney Creek
• August 18th – Portage Lake
  • this one is part of the Scowfish Invitational (Sunfish & MC Scows)
• September 1st & 2nd – Tawas Bay – a camping & sailing weekend at Tawas Bay on Lake Huron
• September 23rd – Watkins Lake
• October 7th – Big Lake

all Sunday races start at 12:30pm.

I’m going to do my best to meet up with this group for some races this year.

october 2011 sunfish midwest schedule

there are (2) upcoming Sunfish races in the Midwest Region during the month of October.  the full Midwest region schedule can be found as part of the entire Sunfish 2011 regatta schedule here (.pdf file).

Sunday, October 2rd – OktoberFast Regatta

the Hueston Sailing Association (map to lake here) was the site for the (4) “Just for Fun” regattas this summer, and they will hold their final Sunfish race – OktoberFast Regatta, on Acton Lake in Hueston Woods State Park, Ohio.

Racing 1:30pm to 4:00pm – no fees, no trophies, just fun!

Saturday, October 15th – Great Pumpkin Regatta (Open)

this is the last Midwest event of the year, and from what I’ve heard – it’s a pretty great time.  the event is held at the Johnson Slough Yacht Club, in Hinsdale, Illinois.

This is the one you’ve heard about! Loaner boats available. Sail it shore to shore. It’s just deep enough for Sunfish draft. If you capsize, stand up! Lakeside home serves as “host yacht club.” Six races, one day, coffee/donuts, hot lunch, post race snacks, libations, great fun! No matter the weather … 9:00 am registration, 10:00 am start, 5:00 pm packed up/on the road!

august 2011 sunfish midwest schedule

there are (9) upcoming Sunfish races in the Midwest Region during the month of August.  the full Midwest region schedule can be found as part of the entire Sunfish 2011 regatta schedule here (.pdf file).  the 1st weekend of August is going to be a busy day for Sunfish racers, with (1) race event on Saturday, and (4) different race events on Sunday!

Saturday, August 6th – Douglas Lake Regatta (Open)

this regatta is put together by the Douglas Lake Sunfish Fleet 700, and the event will be held on Douglas Lake in the northern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula (Google map).

Beautiful, large inland lake.  Good sized racing fleet.  Lots of room for launching and recovery.

Sunday, August 7th – Lake Charlevoix Open Regatta (Open)

this is fairly close to the race the previous day on Douglas Lake, so it’d be a great way to get 2 races in in the same general area.  Lake Charlevoix (“3rd largest inland lake in Michigan!”) is beautiful – I spent several vacations up there with my best friend back in the ol’ high school days, although back then we were cruising around on jet-skis.  the event is hosted by the Charlevoix Yacht Club, and racing will be held at the northwest end of the lake.

Sunday, August 7th – Lake Bluff Regatta (J Sheppard Memorial Regatta)

also on August 7th, this event will be held at Lake Bluff Yacht Club. additional information can be found at their Facebook page.

located in Lake Bluff, Illinois along the shore of Lake Michigan north of Chicago.  This provides an excellent place to enjoy sailing and learn in many varied sailing conditions.

Sunday, August 7th – Fun Sunfish Regatta #3 (Open)

this is the same day as the Charlevoix Open and Lake Bluff Regattas above, but will be down in Ohio.  similar to the Fun Sunfish Regatta #1 held in June and #2 in July, this race will be held at Kiser Lake State Park in Ohio (map of state park here, .pdf file) and is hosted by the Kiser Lake Sailing Club.  the lake is popular for sailing as motorboats are not allowed on the lake.

Sunday, August 7th – Just For Fun #4 (Open)

again, this is the same day as the Fun Sunfish Regatta #3 above (and the Charlevoix Open and Lake Bluff Regatta).  the Hueston Sailing Association (map to lake here) already hosted Just for Fun #1 (May) and the Just for Fun #2 (June).  this is their 4th race in the Just for Fun series.  once again:

Racing 1:30pm to 4:00pm – no fees, no trophies, just fun!

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Friday, Aug 12th to Sunday, Aug 14th – Midwest Regional Championship #1

the 1st regional championship for the Midwest Region will be held at Wawasee Yacht Club on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana (Google map).  Friday night begins with registration and a welcome party, with racing to begin on Saturday morning and continue on Sunday. the NOR can be found here (.doc file).

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Saturday, Aug 13th to Sunday, Aug 14th – GDSC Open

the Greater Detroit Sunfish Club (GDSC) is trying out a new venue for this regatta – Wolverine Campground (.pdf site map) in Genessee County near Columbiaville, Michigan. most of the club members are camping, but the park is available for day-only passes for those who don’t want to camp for the whole weekend.

Our late-season camping weekend will be on August 13 & 14 this year.  We are trying a non-holiday weekend at a new venue for the second regatta to see if more boats will participate…The site will be an easy 1-hour drive for most members. It features a large lake/reservoir, shaded campsites and a nice swimming area for families.

Saturday, August 2oth – Scowfish Regatta (Open)

this is a regatta for both Sunfish and MC Scow sailboats.  it will be the 6th annual regatta for the MC Scows, and the 10th annual regatta for the Sunfish.  the event is being held at Portage Lake Yacht Club in Pinkney, Michigan. the NOR can be found here (.pdf file).

Sunday, August 28th – Fun Sunfish Regatta #4 (Open)

same venue and general info as the Fun Sunfish Regatta #3 on August 7th, see above for more details.

july 2011 sunfish midwest schedule

there are (4) upcoming Sunfish races in the Midwest Region during the month of July.  the full Midwest region schedule can be found as part of the entire Sunfish 2011 regatta schedule here (.pdf file).

Saturday, July 2nd and Sunday, July 3rd – GDSC Open Regatta (Open)

this is the annual regatta held by the Greater Detroit Sunfish Club (GDSC) (also check out their Yahoo Group, it’s a bit more up-to-date) over July 4th, and for at least the last few years, it has been held at Lakeport State Park, located right on the shore of Lake Huron, only a few miles north of Port Huron.

this is usually one of the GDSC’s most heavily attended events, with most families camping at the state park for the weekend.  due to the late notice, if you would like to attend – your best bet is to probably join the GDSC Yahoo Group, and let them know, so they can get you visitor pass information for the state park.  last minute update: it looks like the lake level or all the spring rain has made several campsites un-usable… several of the GDSC members are still planning to camp, and most likely sail, though – so don’t let a little rained out campsites hold you back!

Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th – Sam Meyers Memorial Regatta (Open)

this is another 2-day regatta, hosted by the Pymatuning Sailing Club at the Pymatuning State Park in Linesville, Pennsylvania, to honor the late Sam Meyers.  this is technically a race in the Mid-Atlantic Region event, but is close enough to the Midwest if you’re willing to travel that far.  it is a multi-class event, with Sunfish, Laser, Force 5, Hobie 16 and Hobie 18 sailboats racing (if enough pre-register).

Sam Meyers Regatta

Sunday, July 10th – Just for Fun #3 (Open)

this is the same day as the Sam Meyers Regatta above — the Hueston Sailing Association (map to lake here) already hosted Just for Fun #1 back in May and the Just for Fun #2 back in June.  this is their 3rd race in the Just for Fun series (one more in August).  once again:

Racing 1:30pm to 4:00pm – no fees, no trophies, just fun!

Sunday, July 17th – Fun Sunfish Regatta #2 (Open)

similar to the Fun Sunfish Regatta #1 held in June, this race will be held at Kiser Lake State Park in Ohio (map of state park here, .pdf file) and is hosted by the Kiser Lake Sailing Club.  the lake is popular for sailing as motorboats are not allowed on the lake.  per the Midwest schedule notes:

2:00pm Start. Open to all, no fees.  There are trophies, relaxed atmosphere, short courses, numerous starts, FUN!

june 2011 sunfish midwest schedule

there are (5) upcoming Sunfish races in the Midwest Region during the month of June.  the full Midwest region schedule can be found as part of the entire Sunfish 2011 regatta schedule here (.pdf file).

Saturday, June 4th – the 6th Annual Chippewa Challenge: Sunfish – Laser Regatta (Open)

this race will be held at the Chippewa Yacht Club in Medina, Ohio (35 minutes from downtown Cleveland).  registration will be at 8:30am, and the race is open to both Sunfish and Laser sailboats, and juniors are welcome!  cost is $35/boat with the plan for 5 to 7 races.  the invitation/notice of race can be found here (.pdf file).

Saturday, June 11th – PBC Invitational Regatta (Open)

this race will be held on the Maumee River, and will be hosted by the Perrysburg Boat Club.

image from: Perrysburg Boat Club

Sunday, June 12th – Fun Sunfish Regatta #1 (Open)

this race will be held at Kiser Lake State Park in Ohio (map of state park here, .pdf file) and is hosted by the Kiser Lake Sailing Club.  the lake is popular for sailing as motorboats are not allowed on the lake.  per the Midwest schedule notes:

2:00pm Start. Open to all, no fees.  There are trophies, very informal, short courses, numerous starts, FUN!

Sunday, June 12th – Just for Fun #2 (Open)

this is the same day as the Fun Sunfish Regatta #1 above, but will be held at the Hueston Sailing Association (map to lake here).

Racing 1:30pm to 4:00pm – no fees, no trophies, just fun!

Saturday, June 18th – Lake Lansing Regatta (Open)

this race will be held at Lake Lansing by the Lansing Sailing Club, the same group that put together the sweet Google map showing all the lake features, including shallow areas and general wind directions.

may 2011 sunfish midwest schedule

there are (2) upcoming Sunfish races in the Midwest Region during the month of May.  the full Midwest region schedule can be found as part of the entire Sunfish 2011 regatta schedule here (.pdf file).

Saturday, May 21st, Northern Warmups (Open)

the 1st Sunfish race of the year for the Midwest region will be held at Wolf Lake Yacht Club (map to lake here).

Warm up on Wolf Lake! This regatta will be in conjunction with an open house at the club with plenty of food, refreshments and evening entertainment. This is the only Regatta planned at WLYC this Year. Hope to see you here!!

here is the official notice of race.

Sunday, May 22nd, Just for Fun #1 (Open)

this is the 1st in the series of “Just for Fun” races held at Hueston Sailing Association (map to lake here).

(picture from Hueston Sailing Association)

APS Sunfish recreational sails (misleading ad)

so, I was flipping through the 2011 catalog that I got in the mail a few days ago from Annapolis Performance Sailing (APS), and I’m a little frustrated with the way they show the new “practice” or “recreational” (so basically not class-legal) sails.  here is a scan from the 2010 catalog, but it is identical in the current 2011 catalog, other than minor price changes:

my concern is that looking at this page from the magazine, there is no indication that the significantly cheaper recreational sail (above the picture of the 2 sails) will be arriving at your doorstep without the Sunfish logo.  if you go onto the APS website, they have these practice/recreational sails shown correctly, without the Sunfish logo – but if you only looked at the catalog, you might assume the logo is going to be there.  here is a snapshot from the website:

if you’re looking for a cheaper Sunfish sail to replace your old, worn-out sail – this is a perfectly good option if you’re a recreational sailor, or if your local club will allow the non-class-legal sail for club racing – but just be aware that it won’t arrive with the Sunfish logo, as it is not the official class-approved sail.

but, you can always just buy some insignia cloth, and make your own logo if you’d really like to see that little Sunfish up there when you’re sailing.  that’s what I’m planning on doing!

greater detroit 2011 Sunfish race schedule

the Greater Detroit Sunfish Club (GDSC) has released their 2011 Sunfish race schedule (you can find it with additional information posted at their Yahoo Group):

• May 1st – Maceday Lake
• May 15th – Watkins Lake
• June 5th – Watkins Lake
• June 12th – Stoney Creek Metropark – Pot Luck & New Sailor Outreach
  • with introductory sailing lessons to interested potential new sailors
• July 2nd & 3rd – Lakeport State Park – a camping & sailing weekend with an Open Regatta
• July 31st – Stoney Creek
• August 13th & 14th – Wolverine Park/Holloway Reservoir – a camping & sailing weekend with an Open Regatta
• August 20th – Portage Lake
  • this one is part of the Scowfish Invitational (Sunfish & MC Scows)
• September 3rd & 4th – Tawas Bay – a camping & sailing weekend to explore Tawas area
• September 18th – Watkins Lake
• October 2nd – Big Lake

all Sunday races start at 12:30pm.

sailboat ballet [video]

this is a pretty sweet video of a high school regatta at Community Boating in Boston.

A single photograph was captured every three seconds during the regatta. In the video the frames are played back at a rate of 24 per second. The result is that two hours of sailing can be seen just over a minute and half, which means that time seemingly has been sped up by a factor of 72.

I visited a community sailing center in Traverse City this summer (TACS) and was very impressed with the facility and organization.  community sailing seems like such a win-win system for a community on/near the water, especially with all of the free or low-cost programs that they offer to teach younger children to learn to sail.

HT: tillerman over at Proper Course