Lansing Sailing Club Annual Regatta
August 20, 2011
Story and Results by Doug Carlson
Even with cloudy sky’s and a forecast of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day, 34 Laser sailors from two countries and three different states showed up to participate in the 2011 Lansing Sailing Club District 19 Laser Regatta.
The morning started with light winds from the south with the fleet sailing Olympic courses. Not having sailed on Lake Lansing since 2003, Ken Swetka from St. Clair Shores, MI got off to a slow start posting a 7th in the first race. But he soon found his way posting a 2nd and then winning the next three races to earn his first LSC Regatta title. Olav Messerschmidt from East Lansing, MI also started slow, but his consistency paid off in the remaining races earning him 2nd place overall and finishing the highest finish among LSC members. The only other racers to post 1st place finishes in the regatta were Jim Meyer from Pinckney, MI and Chad Coberly from Grand Rapids, MI who finished 3rd and 4th for the day.
There was special recognition again this year for both women and junior competitors. Susanna Tellschow from Haslett, MI and a LSC member finished 9th in the regatta to top the woman’s group. Isaac Kremers from Ada, MI fresh off of his recent win at the Western Michigan Yachting Association Championship finished 8th overall to lead the juniors.
John LeFevre led the Race Committee for the second year in a row with assistance from, Jonathan Ahlbrand, Merrick Hurlbutt and Stephen Wagner. The team did a great job of keeping the day moving along under the threatening weather conditions and got five races in before the poor weather arrived forcing the participants off the water early to begin socializing under the cover of the LSC pavilion.
Once the rain passed the grills were fired up and the “you cook-it” BBQ began. This year, grilled corn on the cob was added to the menu of huge steaks, chicken, baked potatoes, ice cream and beverages provided by Michigan Brewing Company. No one left the regatta hungry! LSC members Julie Pierce and Jim Fletcher took charge of purchasing and getting the food ready for what was one of the best BBQ’s ever seen at LSC. Along with trophies being awarded to the top finishers, door prizes provided by Avon Sailboats were awarded to the lucky ticket holders.
As always the regatta was supported by many LSC members before and during the regatta in getting the facilities ready for hosting this annual event. Everyone was especially appreciative of our regatta sponsors, Avon Sailboats and Michigan Brewing Company, whose contributions continually make this regatta a special event for everyone that attends.
Visit the Lansing Sailing Club site for complete race results and our Flickr site to view over 450+ pictures of the event taken by LSC Photographer Stephen Wagner.
Thank you to all our participants and sponsors. Without you we could not have had such a great day!
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Notice of Race - click here
Location - Lansing Sailing Club - 6039 E. Lake Drive Haslett, MI 48840