AMIDSHIPS:
Scuttlebutt & Race Yarns

 We tease, embellish and exaggerate, so don't take anything you read here too seriously. Click-able list of prior posts at bottom of port column.

June 29 Race: NEXT GENERATION OF SAILORS JOINS US ON THE RACE COURSE!

Photos by Sandi Miller 

We were absolutely delighted to have Lily and Molly Garrett race with us! As the next generation of the Voelz family sailing dynasty, they've already long been a part of the camaraderie among our sailors, volunteers, and their families. We now extend them a warm welcome to the race course itself and all the excitement, thrills, chills, and spills that comes with it. 

 

Ben give chills and almost spills to his dad, Tom

Our race day was fun and eventful. The “gourmet” volunteer crew of Jack and Sandi Miller, Steve and Gretchen Fisher, and Harry and Sandy Meshberger were joined this time by Steve and Gretchen’s sons, Brett and Cole Fisher. The crew officiated perfectly, as usual, and in their spare moments also dined on an array of delicious treats: cheese with various toppings, meatballs, shrimp with various dips, fresh fruit salad, grapes, and brownies. Thank you all for flawlessly running our race!

The next best thing to sailing

Enthusiastic cheers greeted Lily and Molly as they sailed out to the course. Variable wind velocities and patterns kept the races interesting, and of course frustrating as well.  You know, like golf.  We even had a capsize or two, as well as a "turtled" Y-Flyer. Doug Hale lent an invaluable assist in righting it along with a pull on a line from the safety boat—thanks!

 

Jim checks in with the Committee Boat

 

Tom and John Finish close to the Committee Boat

The protest meeting was very well attended, and it was wonderful to have even further future generations of sailors joining us and providing us with plenty of smiles.

Arlene and the next "next generation" sailor

 

Catey Hale set up the course into the wind from the South, with help from Tom Schroeder. Beth Auld and Kevin Preuss organized the race, and Arlene Truex kept the busy "race central” port humming efficiently from morning until evening.  Thanks every one!

Arlene sends the Committee Boat out to the race

 

Race Results: 

 

June 22 Race: Heat Escape

 Well into the 90’s It didn’t feel hot out on the water in the decent winds we enjoyed for two good races.  The race was followed by our storm-delayed ritual of sock burning and poetry to celebrate barefoot weather (see separate post- coming soon).

John and Levi Gall set up a fine course for the wind out of the west.  Cindy Bartlett, Nate Schloss, Margaret Powers and her guest June did a flawless job of officiating.  Beth Auld and Kevin Preuss organized the race and the volunteers.  Arlene Truex’s “Race Central” was buzzing with activity as usual. Thanks to all!  

Race Results:  

 

June 1 Race: Sail On, Sail On Sailor.

We cancelled our first scheduled race while Grandview residents were still in shock and without electricity, sewer service, etc. after the May 16^th tornado.  But two weekends later on June 1^st, we were finally able to get hands back on the tiller, main and jib sheets,  and engage in a “normal” summer Grandview event.  That felt good - a sailing race with seven boats competing.   Not that it was as normal as we would have liked it to be.  Three of our fleet’s boats have been trashed.  One broke in half, one was flung into the trees, destined for the landfill, and another left in disrepair.  Of course, our sailing disruptions are small potatoes compared to the massive amount of  recombobulation work ahead that many lake residents are facing. So, our sailing bug is kept in perspective, we count our blessings and empathize with our fellow lot owners.  Speaking of blessings, post-tornado it was especially great to gather again for our post-race “protest meeting” and share stories and each other’s company. Some more "normal".  Thanks, Arlene, for hosting us as usual.

Beth Auld, Cindy Bartlett, Jack and Sandi Miller and Jim Riffle were our Committee Boat and Safety Boat volunteers for conducting the race. Jim Voelz and his crew set up the race, Kevin Preuss organized the sailors, and Beth Auld organized the Committee Boat.  Thanks everyone for a great race!

Winds were typical Grandview: generally light, with some periods of faster wind in unpredictable locations and directions.  Sure beats a tornado though.  We had two good races with good starts, extremely close quarters at the marks, and in the second race all the boats finished within seconds of each other - see the elapsed times for the second race below.  Quite a sight.

Race Results: