FALL MEETING AT THE BESSLERS ON MONDAY AT 10 AM

5 September, 2009

M Scow Regatta highlights    

The three-race MScow Regatta was won by the Emmetts with two first and one second place for four points.  John Bessler and crew Matthew Bastinck finished second with one first and two seconds for five points.  Runners-up were Peter Aguila with crew Tom Nieman in third place; Eric Vanderhaeghen & crew placed fourth.

Drew & Drew Emmetts SW15 round C Mark ahead of John Bessler and Matthew Bastinck in SW20

John & Matthew finish the first race on a run and cross the finish line just ahead of Drew & Drew

photos by Jim Bastinck

4 September, 2009

M Scow Racers prep for Saturday Regatta at 2pm    

This Regatta is OPEN to all, members and non-members
 
Prizes!!  1st Place  $25 Gift Certificate to Boathouse Restaurant
              2nd Place $15 Gift Certificate to Boathouse Restaurant
   
######################################################
 
SYC Fall Series Begins Sunday at 2pm    Mixed Fleet, two races
                                      Monday at 2pm    Mixed Fleet, one race

These three races will comprise a Fall Regatta with three Prizes awarded
 
Prizes!!!

1st Place  $25 Gift Certificate to Lowes ("Let's Sail Something Together")
2nd Place $15 Gift Certificate to Lowes
3rd Place $10 Gift Certificate to Lowes
 
Prizes awarded Monday at the Bessler's deck
 
Weather Report:   A Ten!      

By Special Arrangement:  Full Moon Sailing Saturday Night Optional

3 September, 2009

Hello All,

It looks like we will have at least 4 M Scows starting at 2pm on Saturday Sept. 5th.


Drew Emmetts (Sailing from "......." from the Emmetts compound)
John Bessler (Sailing "My Mistress" formally Geydoshek's boat (who named that boat???))
Peter Aguilla (Sailing  "Spirit" formally Gary Murch's boat)
Eric Vanderhaeghen (Sailing from North Shore with some parts from John Murphy's old Scow)
?Mike Geydoshek
?Lindner Boat
?Anyone else?

Winner buys beers at the Boat House after the race?????

Bob Korn mentioned he might be able to Skipper a boat if there was one for him. I'm not sure of his schedule.


Lydia Bessler will be on Committee (no favoritism)


Looking forward to a great sailing weekend!


FALL MEETING AT THE BESSLERS ON MONDAY AT 10 AM.


All the best,

John Bessler


A note from Mike Killen:

Hi All,

Jim's last racing report included a mention of a mysterious photographer tracking the fleet.  Well, his name is Patrick Drennan; his parents have a cottage near the old Hendershot boat launch, site of recent SANJL staging area.


Take a look at his posting below, I am sure a few of you will like what you see.  Although Kevin, there is a sequence of Jim taking the inside line around C, and a position as well.

At any future opportunity, please consider inviting Pat's young son Brian along as a third hand on a day sailor this fall.  After witnessing the action last weekend, he is excited to experience the fun we are having.

See you on the water Sunday,

Mike


Patrick Drennan's Photos


31 August, 2009

Season Change

The calendar still reads August today, but fall made an early appearance at yesterday's final races of the Summer Series.  Crisp air and breezes gusting near 20mph made for exhilarating sailing more typical of fall conditions.

The imaginative Mixed Fleet course of A-G-C three times was certain to give every racer their fix of sailing.  The only thing missing was John Bessler's (on vacation) whooping while sailing on the edge.  There may, in fact, have been whooping & hollering from the lead boat with the Korn family aboard.  It is just that they were so far ahead I was fortunate just to be able to still see them!

Dana Pillai got his capsize over early in the race and got back on for the ride.  Dale Canfield gave up racing time to stand by Dana until he was righted.  In the "no good deed go unpunished" category: Good Samaritan Dale, between races near Dove Island, struck a rock…twice.  Ugh!

The Korn's Thistle raced the course to cross the finish line first over ten minutes ahead, but finished second on Handicap Corrected time to Drew in the Sunfish.  Drew, back from a family cruise to the Caribbean, exhibited strong heavy weather skill & boat handling to win both races.

Kevin & Jim sailed a "race within a race" in both events.  They took turns edging each other by less than a minute in both races.

Mike Killen served Race Committee with able help from Nan Canfield.  Mike then did a fine job hosting the ARS from the deck of his attractive lakeside cottage.  Lucy & Meghan Korn provided a special treat to the ARS attendees when they delivered a warm home-baked apple cinnamon cake.  Mike brought out a cutting board and knife and everyone enjoyed the delicious surprise.

An interested boater parked his pontoon boat near C Mark to record images of the racing.  ESPN ?....Wide World of Sports?.....Americas Cup Scouts?......hmmm.

From Mike Killen:

ESPN shots here

Aguila's and Killen's the night of the moonlight sail party hosted by Peter and Michelle

Serious Stuff:  Next weekend not only is the start of the Fall Series, but also features the first annual M Scow regatta open to all on Saturday!  Help revive the M Scow Fleet sailing at Swartswood by participating as a racer or crew.  Race Committee volunteers are also needed to help make this event a success.  Prizes will be awarded.

On this Sunday, September 7, the Fall Series commences with the first two races of a Mixed Fleet Regatta.  Starting time for all Fall Mixed Fleet Races is 2pm.  The third and final race of the Labor Day Weekend Mixed Fleet Regatta is on Monday at 2pm. Prizes will be awarded at the Bessler's after Monday's Race.

All three races of this weekend series will also count as part of the Fall Series.

Race Committee for Sunday is Dale & Nan.  Race Committee for Monday is Tom Nieman & Steve.  There are no ARS after Fall Series races.

E Mark was retrieved from the Campers Boat launch area

jim


24 August, 2009

Gone With the Wind!

Mixed Fleet racers received a surprise Sunday when they approached the first leg of the race.

E Mark had vanished!

Best guess is that Friday's storm and strong winds separated E Mark from its ground tackle and carried the barrel ashore at the campground.  The Mixed Fleet regrouped at the committee boat for a new start without E Mark.

Winds of the power exhibited Friday were not evident for Sunday's races that carried on in very light breeze, rain showers, and lots of menacing cloud cover.  Despite the light breeze, Bob Korn, w/crew Lucy & Meghan moved well in their Thistle, finishing five minutes and 20 seconds ahead of the nearest boat.  They then turned back to the last mark to photograph the fleet still heading to the finish.  Meghan then displayed these captured images on a laptop at the ARS.  What a neat surprise and treat to see the photos that quickly!  Thank you!

Numbers Game:  Bob's Thistle, with a tough handicap rating of 83, dropped to second place in the final results as Jim's racing Sunfish w/Hdcp 99.6 eked out first place.

Kevin added some interest to his finish as he came close to slipping off and capsizing his Sunfish as he crossed the line….hmm, would it count if his Sunfish crossed without Kevin, or if Kevin crossed without his Sunfish?

Dana Pilai continued to show improvement as he finished fourth in the seven-boat Mixed Fleet.

A solitary loon was observed in the midst of the Mixed Fleet's first leg.

Winds were so light before the Sunfish Race that Race Committee John Bessler cancelled the first pre-start countdown when it was apparent several nearby boats still had no chance of getting near the starting line.  Assisting John on Race Committee were Matt Bastinck and Carolyn Inga.  Two days earlier, Matt & Carolyn starred in the wedding party of Matt's sister Stefanie.

Winner of the Kohaut Award was Lydia Bessler.

John, Lydia, and Saffron, after hosting the ARS, left Sunday to New England for vacation and family visits.  John emailed a report of their safe arrival in New Hampshire at 1:30 am.  Tom & Maggie are due back from New England this week.

This Sunday, August 30, is the final week of the Summer Series.  R/C is Mike Killen and Mike and Barbara are hosting the ARS.

jim

17 August, 2009

Dale and Nan Canfield Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

Over 100 friends and family of the Canfields helped Dale & Nan commemorate their Golden wedding Anniversary on Sat. August 15th.  The attendees included longtime friends, church members, choir members, and SYC members.  Their daughter Eloise, a former SYC Sunfish racer, their son, noted nature videographer Doug, and Nan's sister were instrumental in making it a special day along with the many church members who worked as hosts.

Dale created a continuous slide show highlighting and reviewing their half-century of life well lived.  Many scenes of Swartswood Lake included sailing, children growing up, and Greenwood Point neighbors.  Certainly, the event was highlighted when Nan performed a solo medley of love songs to Dale!

The celebration was a fitting tribute to a wonderful giving couple.

WELCOME NEW RACING MEMBER BOB KORN AND FAMILY!

A warm welcome-back to racing member Bob Korn who competed in his Thistle with daughter Meghan and her friend Alice as crew.  Bob's sailing skills were previously on view when he guest raced twice this summer.  Bob, Mrs. Korn and Meghan attended the ARS, met members and reminisced about sailing events on Swartswood Lake.

As luck would have it, now that this race would count, Bob's Thistle suffered a broken rudder during the final leg to the finish line.  A true competitor, Bob manned a paddle substitute for the rudder as he directed the girls in sail trim, before eventually retiring from the race.

Eight boats competed in the Mixed Fleet Race won with a strong performance by Bill Shannon in his Sunfish.  Bill earned a close victory over MScow sailed by Drew & Drew.  Another new tandem team was Mike Killen and his mother-in-law crew Stephanie!

The Sunfish Race was won by Lydia Bessler who made a good decision in a wind shift at the start of the race.  Lydia took the lead by sailing the middle and continued to add to her gain by sailing the puffs.

Nice to see the Four Deckers back participating at the lake after a busy schedule.  Tom assisted  Race Committee Dale when he was not caught napping on the Shady Lady.

Susan Inglima and Bill Shannon hosted the After Race Social (ARS) on the Bessler's deck.  The gathering of over twenty enjoyed Susan's gracious hospitality and varied delicacies.  Saffron awoke from her nap in time to enjoy one of Susan's cupcakes.

Reminder:  SYC MScow Regatta Saturday, Sept.5th
 
jim

10 August, 2009

Despite overcast skies, and predicted thunderstorms, Sunday's races took place in challenging light winds.  Race Committee Peter Aguila conducted the races that featured the first use of SYC's new race starting marker that replaces the deflated, faded hippity-hop.  No one can fail to spot this bright, tall marker from a distance.

Becky Haszko won the Mixed Fleet Race.  Becky's performance was a "Horizon Job" victory by 10 minutes over the fleet!  Becky returns to NC State University next week to complete her senior year.  Interestingly, Becky was racing with an old restored Sunfish hull and had no added racing line controls on the boom.

Ray of Sunshine on a Cloudy Day: A very welcome sight to the racers rounding Greenwood Point was Eberhard Lindner in a paddle boat!  Eberhard reported he has completed his chemo treatments and is starting to feel better.  All of your friends at SYC wish you and Inge the very best, Eberhard.

Bill & Margaret Emmetts hosted the ARS indoors when light rain began.  Racing member Dana Pillai introduced his parents who are visiting from Fiji and renting a cabin on Commodore Point.  No strangers to the lake, this is their second visit.

Mike Geydoshek has launched his MScow and joins new scow owner, Peter, and Scow sailors John & Drew as the potential for the fleet to participate in SYC's Invitational Scow Regatta scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5th at 1pm.  Trophies will be awarded.

Terror at G-Mark:  Racers were a buzz with comments about the "massive" cricket perched atop G-Mark.  Could it have been placed there to startle the Rabbit?!?  How did it get there?....yes, they can jump, …..but, to G-Mark?

Racing next Sunday, August 16th has Race committee by Dale Decker and ARS hosted by Bill and Susan at the Bessler's.

4 August, 2009

SYC Picnic a Huge Success!

Over thirty members, family, and guests gathered Saturday afternoon for the annual SYC picnic hosted graciously by Lydia and John Bessler.

Perfect weather and a smorgasbord of delicious food combined to make the event extra-special as everyone relaxed in casual conversations while watching the Washers competition.

New member Mark Chamut met the group and reported on his one-year restoration of a Luger Leeward 16 Daysailer.  Later, Mike Killen offered his experience and joined Mark in a training sail out of North Shore.  They sailed well under main & jib as they tacked their way down the lake.  This was only the second time Mark had sailed and he is definitely hooked! 

Flash! ….Boat-of-the-Month sailor Peter Aguila did it again.  Another boat for Peter, this time an MScow…..and just when Peter & Mike had gotten the hang of flying a spinnaker on the CL15.  But Wait, There's More!!......Michelle &  Peter have just purchased a second home in Morristown, closer to their jobs.  Photos of their soon-to-be new home show a beautiful residence, in the kind of good taste we have come to expect from Michelle.  Congratulations to Peter & Michelle.

Sunday Racing was called off at 11:30 am due to rain, thunder, and a menacing radar report.  Then, in a turnaround, by 2pm and thereafter, rain & thunder had ceased and dark clouds had lessened.  That was enough encouragement for sails to go up and Sunfish appear on the lake skippered by Bill Shannon, Lydia, Dana, and Maggie.  Also out sailing was Tom Nieman in his Cyclone and John in the CL15 and Peter on a Sailfish.  What a great example of sailing enthusiasm!

Nice to see Howard and Carol Caton at the picnic.  We hope we will continue to see them at future SYC events after selling their cottage at Greenwood Point.  Late news is that Howard has also sold his pontoon boat. 

Monday Night Madness:   Tom Nieman performs in a barbershop quartet named July Four.  The group is making appearances this week at the State Fair.  Adele &  Jim were treated to a two hour impromptu outdoor concert by July Four on their patio under an almost full moon.  At the same time, the Besslers enjoyed the songs from the water as they sailed with Saffron and Maggie under the stars.  What a splendid surprise!  Thank you July Four.  Catch this group at the State Fair if you can.

26 July, 2009

 Don't miss the SYC picnic scheduled for this Saturday afternoon!
 
Please confirm your attendance (and how many in family attending) by email to:
 Commodore John Bessler

Your response will facilitate the correct purchase of hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls, napkins, etc. by SYC.  Attendees are invited to bring a salad, casserole, or dessert.  Also, please bring your own beverage.
 
Sunday Racing Notes: 

The weather cooperated to allow both scheduled races with fair breezes and no threat of lightning.  One area of concern developed when eight boats started the mixed fleet race and only seven returned!?!  Race Committee Kevin organized a search of the lake led by the Shady Lady to locate the missing Tom Nieman.  After reaching & searching the south side of the lake, Tom was located in the safe hands of the Girl Scouts!  Tom had capsized twice after jibing and swamping the Moth.  A non-humorous part of the second capsize was when Tom was trapped under the sail and his life jacket caught on the shrouds.

After Tom and his Moth were safely towed to land (Girl Scout Camp) by a pontoon boat, unconfirmed rumor has it that Tom volunteered to be a CPR dummy for the scouts to practice on!  :-)
 
Peter and Mike surprised everyone by flying a Spinnaker from their CL15.  Quite an unusual sight on Swartswood Lake!

Hounds & Rabbit Update: 

The mixed fleet race saw the rabbit employ a new strategy: trail back in last place for half the race...and then win by a whisker (pun intended) over Lydia in second place.  Dana sailed well to take fourth place.

Sunfish Race was competitive with all finishers crossing the finish line seconds apart.  Dale Canfield finished strong to take Second place to Drew in First.
 
Kohaut Award went to John & crew Matt.  Howard Caton attended the ARS and confirmed he and Carol had sold their cabin at Greenwood Point.  The Catons will still have their pontoon boat on the lake and we look forward to continue seeing them. 

Steve Bastinck hosted the After Race Social (ARS) attended by 20 members at Commodore Point.

    Swartswood Sailing Club