August 27, 2003   

Now that was a lot of racing!  In a single weekend, several of the fleets nearly doubled the number of club races they had been in for the last month.  It was a fitting end to the Fleet Championship Series.  In fact 3 fleets did not have their champion decided until the weekend’s racing was over.  As a result, the E Championship was decided by .015, the C Championship by a tie breaker, and the MC Championship by one boat winning all 4 races.  How’s that for excitement?!!? 

LABOR DAY REGATTA……is this weekend, so don’t be surprised to have back-to-back races on Saturday or Sunday.  And as many of us know, the real racing starts right after the regatta is over, to see who can get the most sailboats into the barn before sundown. 

JUNO CUP REPORT…..Because the year-end Awards Dinner will be Saturday night, and because it’s more fun to hand out Juno Cups (for last place in the last race) in front of a hooting and hollering crowd, (but really because the “winners” of these fine trophies would never pick them up unless they were absolutely forced to) this year the Juno Cup for each fleet will be awarded to the last place boat in the last race held on Saturday. So, if you’re going to have a bad race this weekend, I would suggest you do it on Sunday. Don’t ask me what happens if we don’t have any races on Saturday…maybe we’ll have UPS make deliveries to those who see the sterns of everyone’s boats on Sunday. 

FINAL BOARD MEETING OF THE SEASON….is this Saturday, Aug. 30, at 8:00 a.m. at the Yacht Club. 

FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE YEAR END TROPHY DINNER…….If you’ve been in coma for the past month you may have missed the umpteen notices we’ve sent out about this year’s year-end dinner.  I think the only advertising we haven’t tried is telemarketing.  You can read last week’s Crow’s Nest; you can read the attachment to it; you can look on the CLYC Web Site (www.clyciowa.com).  One more time (repeat after me):  Saturday, August 30, 5:30 p.m., Outing Club Dining Room .  $10 for everyone over 12, boat over if you can, eat, watch the slide show, get your trophies……….and, no running on the porch. 

GET YOUR TRAVELING TROPHIES TO JEFF NICHOLAS….so they can travel on to the next person. 

PAY YOUR INTERLAKES DUES TO MARY LOU FITCH……or else your trophy(ies) will be donated to me for my personal collection. 

BRING ANY OF YOUR HISTORICAL YACHT CLUB STUFF….to the Trophy Dinner and you can talk directly to Anjie Cayot or Margaret Oz about reproducing or presenting it. 

SUBMIT YOUR BLOOPER AWARD STORIES…..to Stu Oltrogge (357-8957 or oltrogge@clyciowa.com) so he can embarrass someone at the Trophy Dinner. 

THE HOBIE DIVISION 7 CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE HERE…..September 5-6.  There should be a bunch of boats.  Let Mark Tesar (357-8642) or Stu Oltrogge know if you would like to help them judge the races.  If you would like to help out in other ways, you might try contacting Chris Wessels (357-4577) to see where he can use some assistance.  And good luck to all of our Clear Lake fleet who will be competing. 

THANKS….to all who made last weekend’s party at the Yacht Club another fun one.  Particular thx to Margaret Oz (for preparing) to Jeff Bergo (for grilling) and to Barb Nicholas (for serving) all that great shrimp. 

THANKS ALSO…to the Langharts and the Bergos for hosting the X Fleet Party last Sunday.  Even though my Blue Team lost the boating scavenger hunt (by a mile), it was still a good time. 

SPECIAL THANKS….to Bill at Larson Printing, to Harry Alcorn, and to Rick and Mary Lou Fitch for making sure again this year that you all get a chance to read the boatloads of misinformation I send out each week in the Crow’s Nest. 

Later, OZ

********************************************************************************************************************************************
August 20, 2003 

If you raced Saturday morning and Sunday morning last weekend you got lots of races in….4 to be exact…….the winds weren’t great, but they were bearable.  If you were planning on racing only Saturday afternoon, you got shut out.  The good news is that we’ve had lots of “Chamber of Commerce” weekends this year………the bad news is that means there isn’t much wind and there is a ton of motorboat chop.  I guess you can’t have everything. 

THE “SHRIMP AND SAIL” YACHT CLUB PARTY…..is this Saturday, 6:30 p.m. at the Yacht Club.  Sail your boat over to the sailing school dock, if you can, and join us.  Shrimp will be provided……soft drinks, mixers, cups and ice will be provided…..hors d’ oeuvres won’t be provided, so the MCs, Cs, Hobies and Past Commodores need to bring them……”stronger” beverages won’t be provided, so you will have to BYO. 

X BOATERS – DON’T FORGET YOUR FLEET PARTY….Bring your crew(s) to Bergo’s, 901 South Shore Drive, this Sunday, Aug. 24 at noon (or right after the race).  Fleet Captain Chase Langhart promises a great time….except for the half hour intermission when he wants the entire group to sing rap music. (How could you, Chase?) 

THE COUGAR REGATTA CHAMPIONSHIPS…..were held at Clear Lake last weekend.  Once the participants figured out how to use their alarm clocks so they could show up on time for the race, they got lots of racing in.  Apparently, the godfather of Cougar racing hasn’t lost his touch…..Rudy Wieck took the honors.  The results are:

            1.                  Rudy Wieck
2.                  Bob Krogh
3.                  Ken Hanus
4.                  Andi Ludwig
5.                  Scott Curtis
6.                  Vince Tomlinson 

A BELATED THANK YOU…..to John and Carolyn Hanson and to Charlie and Kathy MacNider for donating the scow models that are now hanging in the Yacht Club building.  They look maaaahhhvelous!  A fellow named Kyle Metzloff of Madison, Wisconsin actually built all the models, so if you want to tell him what a great job he did, or want to buy one for yourself, or want tips on how to build one, or if you’re just lonely and want to talk to strangers, you can reach Kyle at 608-238-8923 or at metzkofk@uwplatt.edu. 

MC CHAMPIONSHIPS AT LAKE MENDOTA…..last week sounded challenging.  The winds were even shakier than when the Cs visited earlier that week.  Stu Oltrogge and Mark Tesar finished 16^th and 25^th respectively out of the 50 boats competing.  Don’t ask Mike Risewick how he ended up, because it wasn’t what we usually see from him….must already be focusing too much on college studies…..or that other stuff that goes on at college. 

 HOBIE UPDATE……….Our own Harrison Southwick, Jordan and Alexander Wessels traveled to Sailorville Lake in Des Moines on August 15 for Hobie Youth Day.  They all made it through the qualifying heats and Harrison and Alexander ended up 2^nd and 5^th respectively.  Good going……All 3 of these guys will also be sailing in the upcoming Division Championship in a couple of weeks.   

THE HOBIE DIVISION 7 CHAMPIONSHIP IS COMING TO CLEAR LAKE…..on Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6.  Chris Wessels with help from our own Fleet 10 and a bunch of other wonderful volunteers are in the midst of organizing the Regatta with a theme of “Fiesta On The Lake”.  A record number of 60-80 boats are expected from the nine Hobie fleets in Division 7 that spans 5 states plus Canada.  It should be quite the event, so get out and join the fiesta! 

CLYC HISTORY PROJECT UPDATE…….For those of you who haven’t wanted to just drop items into the “History Bin” that’s in the Yacht Club, this weekend’s party or the year-end party will be a great opportunity to bring any of your historic CLYC materials and relics and discuss them with either Anjie Cayot or Margaret Oz.  They are good at figuring out how to make copies, etc.  So don’t be bashful…we’ll take good care of your treasures. 

YEAR END DINNER….is approaching.  An informational sheet is attached to this newsletter, with the date, time, location and schedule.  Remember it’s 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 (not Sunday) and it’s at the Outing Club Dining Room (not Camp Tanglefoot).  Kids 12 and under eat pizza and dessert…….for free.  Everyone else gets a chicken entrée, potatoes, bread, salad and ice cream from Chandler’s…..for $10. 

Please come by boat, if you can.  We have permission to park at the Outing Club’s swimming dock as well as their boat dock.  For those without boats, there will be greeters to direct you to the parking areas.  The Outing Club members have been kind enough to let us use the Dining Room, but they have asked us to make sure that we aren’t running or milling around the porch areas, so please use only the main doors on the lakeside leading to the Dining Room (if you arrive by water) or the main double doors by the kitchen driveway (if you arrive by land). 

By the way, there will be a slide show………so email any photos, incriminating or otherwise (incriminating is better), to Liska Johnson at liska@mn.rr.com as soon as you can, so she can arrange them for the big screen presentation. 

Later, OZ

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

August 13, 2003 

There was not a breath of air on Clear Lake all day Saturday and into Sunday morning, except that we were able to sneak in one race on Sunday during the only 2 hour stretch that wasn’t the great vacuum Clear Lake had become. 

I THINK THE BREEZES WERE BETTER AT THE ILYA CHAMPIONSHIPS….on Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin, so the A Boats and C Boats could at least get around the course.  I know 57  Cs and 25 As showed up.  I know the Cs got all 6 races in.  I know Bill Nicholas and Steve Swift were there.  But past that, I’m totally in the dark. 

HOPEFULLY OUR MCs CAN GRAB SOME HARDWARE….at Mendota this week.  We are sending at least 3 boats (Stu Oltrogge, Mike Risewick and Mark Tesar) and possibly more, although it is entirely possible that Randy Kotz is staying home in order to perform his nightly rain dance ceremony to appease whatever gods are in charge of much-needed precipitation.  The upshot of all of this is that MC RACES DON’T COUNT THIS WEEKEND. 

WE GOT A ONE WEEK REPRIEVE……on submitting the names of your crews to Jim Larson so he can put them on trophies.  That’s because I missed a letter in his email address in the last issue of the Crows Nest (for which I have severely beaten and chastised my editorial staff……and I have the lumps to prove it).  You now have until this Friday, August 15, to get crew names into Jim at (let’s try this once more) jrlcl@netins.net. 

X BOAT FLEET PARTY……..is coming up.  So X Boaters, round up your crew(s) for some fun and games on Sunday, August 24 starting at noon (or right after the Sunday morning race) at the Bergo residence, 901 South Shore Drive.  Your host for this memorable occasion will be your honorable Fleet Captain, Chase Langhart.  If you have any questions, you can give Jennifer Langhart a ring at 641-423-4205. 

THE AUGUST YACHT CLUB PARTY……is also coming up.  It will be held Saturday, August 23 at the Yacht Club with a 6:30 p.m. kickoff.  We’re calling it “Shrimp and Sail” just so you will know what you’re supposed to do.  Those of you who have sailboats should sail down to the sailing school dock, and everyone (even those who don’t sail over) should enjoy the shrimp that will be provided.  Now just because we’re having shrimp doesn’t mean the MCs, Cs, Hobies and Past Commodores are off the hook – you guys still need to bring the usual cornucopia of hors d’oeuvres.  And, because we’re at the Yacht Club building, it’s BYO if you’re interested in something stronger than soda. 

ALREADY LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON……..Denni Erickson is asking for pictures you might want to share for next year’s Yacht Club yearbook. 

And there has already been a meeting to start planning the 2004 X Inlands which we will be hosting next July 28-31…………No procrastinators in this group!!! 

CLASSIFIEDS………… 

            Mike Risewick is parting with his 2001 MC#2084 and his 2001 Z-Max sail, if you are willing to part with $7800.00.  Call him at 515-264-4321 or 515-480-3031 to see if your parting will be mutual. 

            We normally don’t advertise off-lake boats that are for sale, but since we’re always trying to get more X Boaters out there, we do make occasional exceptions.  There is a 2001 X Boat from Lake Geneva, complete with trailer, full envelope, deck cover and 2 sails that is on the block for $7400.  I don’t know who it belongs to, but I guess you’ll find out real quickly if you pick up the phone and call 847-452-5688. 

Later, OZ

**********************************************************************************************************************************

August 6, 2003 

I’m afraid the end is getting near.  I can count the number of sailing weekends on one hand.  College kids (and even high school kids) are heading back. But for the rest of us, it’s time to enjoy the end of the summer season (and the beginning of fall, when some of the best days are). 

ILYA CHAMPIONSHIPS…….begin this weekend at Lake Mendota in Madison, Wisconsin.  Races for the Cs won’t count on Clear Lake this weekend, because I know at least one C Boat (Bill Nicholas) is heading to the regatta.  Everyone else’s races should count for the weekend.  Next weekend will be a difference story, at least for the MCs. 

INTERLAKE REGATTA….at Lake Minnetonka last weekend is over.  It was actually a red letter regatta, if only because they got every single race in as scheduled.  Light to medium winds and mucho weekend motorboat chop greeted all those who attended.  Clear Lake wasn’t able to muster any super team results, but did pull off some fine individual performances.  The MC team missed bringing home the team trophy (which would have been its 6^th year in a row) by a measly 3 points, due mainly to some poor sailing by yours truly.  But some hardware still changed hands……….Stu Oltrogge garnered 3^rd overall in the MCs;  Bill Nicholas won a race and came home 4^th overall in the C Fleet.  And judging by some of the fine performances of our young X team, there will be some hardware coming home with them in the near future.  We also had 2 teams of 420s who sailed….get this!…17 races over the 3 days……and from the looks of it had a ton of fun. 

Oh, and by the way, those of us who sailed at Interlakes need to cough up some dough to Rick Fitch (Cs: $70…..MCs: $60……Xs: $55) or you could very possible have trouble finding your trophies come the year-end trophy dinner. 

LATE, LATE, LATE REMINDER……..the Sailing School is having another potluck and IT’S TONIGHT.  The sailing school students and their families got notices about it, but the rest of you did not.  It’s the same format as the potluck they held in July.  Anyone who wants to have some fun should show up at the Yacht Club about 6:00 p.m., bring a dish you can share, along with your own main course and a beverage.  Grills will be provided and there will be Opti and X Boat racing out in front of the Club. 

JACK MACNIDER MEMORIAL REGATTA RESULTS ARE IN……Read ‘em and weep: 

            X                                             MC                                          C

1.  Z-6  Taylor Zachar              1.  2062 Tom Birdsall               1.  Z-3  Bill Nicholas

2.  Z-21 Nathan Kotz               2.  2091 Stuart Oltrogge           2.  Z-1  Mark Tesar

3.  Z-84 Jon Oz                        3.  2000 Brad Oz                     3.  Z-55 Don Taylor, Jr. 

            E                                              Cougar                                     Hobie

1.  Z-5  Mike Lundberg            1.  US-282  Andi Ludwig         1.  105343  Bill Wilson

2.  Z-6  Lori Zachar                  2.  US-265  Rudy Wieck          2.  12728  Paul Eliason

3.  Z-16 Tom Erickson             3.  US-8   Ken Hanus               3.  12499  Doug Southwick     

I’M STILL WAITING FOR A REPORT……on the E Fleet party held 2 weeks ago.  Who exactly dressed as whom and who gets the prize for best impersonation of some famous or infamous Yacht Club character?  A reward (albeit very small) may be offered to anyone who has relevant information (i.e. good dirt on someone).  However, you may check out the pictures of the party on the CLYC web site and click on Photos.   

REMINDER….if you want to have crew names added to your trophy, you need to email the name(s) to Jim Larson at Jrcl@netins.net by this Friday, August 8.  Also, it’s about time you started collecting up any traveling trophies and quickly getting your name put on it, so you can return it to Jeff Nicholas for the year-end trophy dinner. 

ALSO, IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT…..dumb things that happened to you or someone else this year, because the annual Blooper Award will be handed to some unlucky soul come August 30. 

CLASSIFIEDS……..Jeff Nicholas (357-2630) has a 1995 X-Boat with galvanized trailer for sale for $3500.  Give him a ring if you have any interest. 

Incidentally, since I have the podium, I would like to announce that I have a 1995 MC with trailer, 2 sails and 1 year old mast for sale for $4100.  You can contact me at any of the numbers or emails at the end of this newsletter or you can call 357-5513. 

Later, OZ

***************************************************************************************************************************************
July 30, 2003 

Even though the wind was not dead solid perfect last weekend, I find it hard to complain when we can get all the races in, including (unfortunately for me) the annual Dad/Lad Race. 

LAST WEEKEND WAS THE JACK MACNIDER MEMORIAL REGATTA…..for all fleets except the X Boats.  As soon as I see the results, I’ll get them in the newsletter. 

THIS WEEKEND IS THE INTERLAKE REGATTA…..at Lake Minnetonka.  I know we have MCs, Xs and a C going.  But as I understand it, this weekend’s races will only count for Hobies and Cougars.  NOTE:  There will be no Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning races this weekend.  There will only be 2 races Saturday morning at the usual 9:30 start time 

IT WAS ALSO THE INFAMOUS DAD/MOM/LAD/LASS RACE….It was the best of times; it was the worst of times……..depending on where you ended up.  Actually all 11 skippers and crews were winners for making this a fun event.  Heck, there was even a photo finish -- Nancy and Drake Lundeen aced out Randy and Nathan Kotz at the line.  I think I can speak for several of the rest of us also-rans that (1) we have supreme appreciation for the kids who know how to make those X Boats go, (2) we are so darn glad we’re over 16 years old and can sail something else.  Just for kicks, we decided to add a slice of history and compare this year’s results with the results from the 1960 Dad’s Day Race (I’m not sure if that name means the race was held on Fathers Day, or, more likely that it was just plain politically incorrect). See if you can recognize a name or two from 43 years ago: 

            2003                                                                            1960 

1.         Nancy and Drake Lundeen                               1.         Sondrol
2.         Randy and Nathan Kotz                                     2.         Iles
3.         Karl & Chase Langhart                                      3.         Ward
4.         Parker Zanios and Jack Maschka                   4.         Evans
5.         Stuart and Emily Oltrogge                                 5.         Casey
6.         Bill Nicholas and Eddie Schick                        6          Perkins
7.         Jamie and Taylor Zachar                                   7.         Brush
8.         Andi Ludwig and Taylor Diehl                           8.         MacNider
9.         Brad and Jon Osmundson                                 9.         Taylor
10.       Bill and Megan Casey                                       10.       Hanes
11.       Steve and Grant Holbrook                                11.       Bowen
                                                                                         12.              Coonley
                                                                                         13.              Stuart
                                                                                         14.              Schultz 

Whichever Hanes it was who finished 10^th in ’63 now has defer to Nancy’s bragging rights.  By the way, I hope you noticed the Caseys’ “blast from the past” 1963 X Boat out there on Sunday (I’m sure Bill will blame his finish on the equipment, but we all know better!). 

SPEAKING OF ‘BLAST FROM THE PAST’……We are starting “Project CLYC History.” Please help us create a history of the CLYC from 1935 to the present.  We are looking for photographs, yearbooks, letters, certificates, etc.  Anything you are will to donate would be appreciated.  If you want to donate something, you can drop it at the Yacht Club in the containers marked “Project CLYC History.  We understand that in some cases you may not actually want to part with your memorabilia.  In that case, you can contact either Angie Cayot (357-0864 or 515-988-3839) or Margaret Osmundson (357-5513) to figure out how to make good copies of what you have.  This should be a lot of fun to see what people have stashed away in their homes or cottages.  We’re setting a deadline for the first cut as Labor Day, so start digging through your piles now…… 

NOT TO BE OUTDONE…..the Sailing School is putting together a framed photo layout for each of the years starting with 2001, to be hung at the Yacht Club.  Please help us collect photos of your kids/grandkids, instructors that have been a part of the sailing school program.  You can drop the photos off in the “Sailing School Photo” box at the club or contact Angie or Margaret (see above) to deal with making good copies of your photos. 

TROPHY NOTICE…..Jeff Nicholas is working on our CLYC trophies.  Apparently he has found a way to include crews’ names on trophies.  So, any skipper that wants to have his or her crew’s name(s) on their trophy needs to email the names to Jim Larson at Jrcl@netins.net by Friday, August 8.  That is a firm deadline, so get on it right away. 

CLYC TROPHY DINNER REMINDER……Remember it’s Saturday (not Sunday), August 30 at the Outing Club Dining Room (not Camp Tanglefoot).  The schedule will be:     5:30     Happy Hour

            6:00     X-Fleet Trophy Presentation
            6:30     Dinner
            7:30     Commodore Commencement, Annual Meeting & Tropy Presentation 

Later, Oz

**************************************************************************************************************************************
July 23, 2003 

In short, Saturday was good for racing and Sunday wasn’t…. On the other hand, the entire weekend seemed just fine for get-togethers, parties, and even concerts at the Surf with aging rockers……….. 

FRIDAY NIGHT’S SAILING SCHOOL POTLUCK…..was really a lot of fun.  It was a great chance for the kids to play around at the Yacht Club without having to actually take classes, and it was a great chance for the rest of us to meet and see folks that we don’t always run into at our other events. 

SATURDAY NIGHT’S PARTY…….was more fun for the second night in a row.  Margaret and I were a little disappointed that nothing got trashed…..so maybe we still owe a party or two for total paybacks.  Thanks to all who brought hors d’ oeuvres and helped dispense your favorite beverages.  And special thanks to Bob Swanson, Mark Ebeling and Chris and Kelly Wessels for really going the extra mile to make it all come together. 

SUNDAY NIGHT’S CONCERT….made for a clean sweep of evening fun, and not just because Alice Cooper brought his boa constrictor on stage at the Surf. 

DAD/MOM/LAD/LASS………is this Sunday, July 27 at 2:00 p.m.  We’ve been struggling with the weather….and now we’re struggling with schedules.  In any event, kids get your folks out this Sunday and see what happens. 

JACK MACNIDER MEMORIAL REGATTA….is this weekend for all fleets, except the Xs.  Last weekend was the Jack MacNider Regatta for the X boat sailors, to allow them to travel to Lake Delavan this weekend for X Inlands, if they wanted to. 

C/MC COMBINED FLEET PARTY…..is this Saturday, July 26, from 6:30 p.m. until who knows when at the Tesar/Oltrogge compound, 705 and 707 North Shore Drive.  Meat and beverages will be provided.  Bring a side dish or dessert.  Unlike the E/A Fleet party which will be occurring at the same time, no costumes are required.  But clothing is preferred. 

A/E COMBINED FLEET PARTY…..also this Saturday at the same time, but not the same place.  Details were in last week’s Crow’s Nest. 

SAILING SCHOOL WILL BE RUNNING A 3^RD SESSION…. for the week of Monday, August 4 thru Friday, August 8.  If you or your children or your friends are interested in attending this final session, please send in a registration form (which can be copied from the CLYC Web Site) or contact Mark Tesar at 357-8642. 

X RESULTS FOR JACK MACNIDER REGATTA…..
1.                  Taylor Zachar
2.                  Nathan Kotz
3.                  Jon Osmundson
4.                  Chase Langhart 

OPTI NO TEARS WEST…..regatta was held this past Monday at White Bear Lake.  3 of our young Opti sailors traveled to the Twin Cities to see how regatta racing works. From the sound of it, Tommy Schick, Drake Lundeen and Emily Oltrogge all had a great time, got some good experience and brought home hardware.  Thanks to Sailing School instructors Mike Risewick, Nathan Kotz and Jon Osmundson for helping to coach and to Margaret Oz and Stu Oltrogge for driving the boats up and back and supporting the kids. 

C INVITATIONAL RESULTS………2 of our C sailors, Mark Tesar and JC Risewick traveled to Pewaukee to take part in the C Invitational Regatta along with 55 other boats.  Amazingly enough, they got in all 5 races in fairly decent air…and no rain.  JC got the road dust out of his boat when he tipped over during a Thursday evening practice session. Mark finished 26^th overall with his best race a 12^th;  I don’t know how JC ended up overall but had a best race of 15^th. 

THE SAILING SCHOOL WANTS YOU TO KNOW…..that it has a competitive MC and a competitive X that are available for racing on weekends.  If you or someone you know would like to try racing, but don’t yet have a boat, call Mary Risewick at 357-5155 and she will help make arrangements.  You should probably call a week in advance 

Later, OZ

***********************************************************************************************************************************

July 16, 2003 

Last weekend seemed a bit quieter, what with the carnie gone and the Es and MCs at their Invitational Regattas.  But the Cs, Xs and Hobies got in all the racing they needed; and a few E and MC racers were wise enough to go out and get some practice tiller time……needless to say I was not one of them (Slippery Elm golf course in Klemme was calling).

THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS WEEKEND…………

1.                  THE SAILING SCHOOL POTLUCK…..is Friday, July 18 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Yacht Club for all sailing school students, their families and any YC members who want to have some fun.  Bring a dish to share, plus your own main course and beverages.  Grills will be there for you to use.  And there will be short Opti and X boat races out in front of City Beach. 

2.                  YACHT CLUB PARTY…..Saturday, July 19 at Brad and Margaret Oz’s house, 507 S. Shore Drive.  Festivities commence at 6:30 p.m.  The As, Es, Cougars, Board Members and X Parents bring the food.  Refreshments will be provided.  

3.                  LASS/DAD/LAD/MOM RACE…..(not necessarily in that order) is Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (not 1:00 as I wrongly reported in last week’s Crow’s Nest).  Remember your son or daughter does not have to be registered for you to go out and make a fool of yourself…….er, I mean, to go out and prove your skills.

INTERLAKE REGATTA….is August 1,2 and 3 at Lake Minnetonka.  If you made the team and are planning to go you need to pay the following fees to Rick or Mary Lou Fitch:          Es: $90 Cs: $70            MCs: $60         Xs: $55.   If you are a US Sailing Member, give your membership number to the Fitches and earn a $5 discount.

COMBINED A/E FLEET PARTY………This just in:

“That’s right folks…this year we have a theme! This is your chance to pay tribute to those personalities and ‘characters’ that we all love at the Lake and the subjects of all those great sailing and lake stories.

What:   Come as your favorite laker and BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat)

When:  6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26

Where: Yacht Club 

We will have the grills fired up and the rest of the meal will be covered.  And since we’ve become a competitive bunch, there will be a prize for the best costume/imitation! 

Please pass this on to your crew and let us know if your boat will attend (so we can get a rough estimate on numbers), that would be great! 

Your fleet captains,

            Liska & Derrick Johnson (952-285-7998, liska@mn.rr.com)

            Russ & Ann Schurtz (641-424-1604 or 641-357-5744, chaos@netins.net)

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE……….I’m sure you know by now that is extremely, extremely, extremely rare for me to make even a single teeny tiny mistake in the newsletter. Well, last week I made a couple.  Todd Larson, who made sure we had a vehicle to pull the Sailing School Float in the July 4^th parade is the owner of Larson Marine Storage (I wasn’t even close on that one…).  And I failed to cite the author of last week’s fine piece on the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake as our own Bill Nicholas (not bad for a C Boater…). 

E AND MC INVITATIONAL REGATTA RESULTS…..I haven’t received any word on how our Clear Lake boats did at Gull Lake in Minnesota and at Lake Geneva in Wisconsin, but I do know that there was a grand total of 5 races between the 2 regattas.  That’s pretty much the way regatta weather has been for the past few years…..c’est la vie! 

WANTED……..Candace and Don Kropf are looking for an X Boat in the $4000 range if you have one or know of someone who does.  The Kropfs can be reached at 641-357-1670 or you can knock on their door (with boat in tow, presumably) at 2906 N. Shore Drive in Clear Lake. 

Later, OZ

*****************************************************************************************************************************************
July 9, 2003 

The 4^th of July weekend was a great 3 (or 4) days…………..unless of course you wanted to race your sailboat (that’s got to be the first July 4^th regatta in a long time where we haven’t gotten a single race in) or you were unfortunate enough to be a target for Thursday night’s straight line winds (there was quite a bit of boat and lift damage along the north shore and in Tanglefoot, and a lot of trees and limbs were down in town).  On the other hand, the fireworks set a new standard of excellence,  the parade again was one of the best small-town displays you’ll see (especially that cool CLYC Sailing School float), and the carnie was the same carnie you’ve grown to love…..or not.  

NO FOURTH OF JULY REGATTA RESULTS……..because no 4^th of July regatta….Duh! 

THANKS……to Bridget Casey for coordinating the Yacht Club sailing school float for the parade, and to Todd Larson of Clear Lake Boats for providing the truck to pull it (because the kids would have been a bit winded if they had to push the float for 3 miles AND throw candy). 

MC INVITATIONALS AND E INVITATIONALS……..are this weekend at Lake Geneva and Gull Lake, respectively.  I know we are sending boats from both of those fleets, so MC and E races won’t count this weekend.  Good luck to those of you traveling to both of those beautiful lakes, and bring back some hardware. 

INTERLAKES REGATTA….at Lake Minnetonka is still a few weeks away, but qualifying for your fleet teams is over.  You should be hearing from your Fleet Captain if you qualified………….did you hear that Fleet Captains???  I do know that we have held a block of 8 rooms at the Fairfield Inn in Eden Prairie, which you can reserve with a simple phone call to 952-903-9444, making certain to use the magic words “Clear Lake Yacht Club”. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE JULY 19^TH YACHT CLUB PARTY HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS……..Margaret and I have decided that it is about time we pay people back for trashing their houses at various Yacht Club parties in the past.  So, the Saturday, July 19^th  party will be at the Osmundson residence, 507 South Shore Drive, 6:30 p.m.  And for those of you (like me) who may have been mistakenly concerned that the party would interfere with attending the Alice Cooper concert at the Surf ……worry no longer, the concert is actually Sunday night, July 20^th………whew!!….but what’s Monday going to feel like? 

SAILING SCHOOL POTLUCK………for all sailing school participants and their families (and for any other Yacht Club members out for a good time) will be Friday evening, July 18, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the CLYC Headquarters.  There will be some fun Opti and X boat races out in front of City Beach.  Grills will be provided by the Club…….you just have to bring your own main course, utensils and beverages, plus a dish to share with the others.  This was a lot of fun last year and I’m glad it’s being repeated. 

DAD/MOM/LAD/LASS REMINDER……In an effort to make certain you don’t run out of things to do during the weekend of the 18^th thru the 20^th, remember that the annual Dad/Mom/Lad/Lass race will be at 1:00 on Sunday, July 20.  Even if your laddie or lassie doesn’t regularly race or isn’t registered, you should plan on showing up with your X Boat so you too can display just how much of an embarrassment you can be to the younger ones. 

DO YOU WANT TO HELP SAVE OUR LAKE FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR CHILDREN’S CHILDREN?????……….The Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake has a way for you to do just that: 

“For a half-century the Association for the Preservation of Clear Lake has initiated and sponsored projects that have been instrumental in protecting a precious asset without which our club would not exist.  In many cases members of our yacht club have played pivotal roles in the leadership of the Association and made contributions that will enhance our enjoyment of the lake for many years to come.  Our membership has always been generous in donating to Association causes when asked and that has always been appreciated.  Now the Association is engaged in an important lobbying effort to secure government funds to implement the recently completed lake study and our participation is needed more than ever.  As with many government spending proposals "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and a showing of local interest in projects often can be the factor that determines the extent to which government is willing to commit funds.  To that end we can be a positive part of the Association's efforts by attending their annual picnic Friday August 8th and showing the DNR brass in attendance that we as yacht club members are interested in the health and long term viability of our lake.  Mark your calendars with the date, the APCL will be mailing you order forms for picnic tickets in a couple weeks.  If you wish to make a donation that is appreciated but your voice and presence are what is really needed now.” 

I’m in………..and I hope you are too……. 

Later, OZ

******************************************************************************************************************************
July 2, 2003 

Get out your orange life jackets and your white captain’s hats………the Fourth of July is here!! 

THE FOURTH OF JULY REGATTA……will be this Saturday and Sunday with back-to-back races on Saturday, Mother Nature permitting. 

THE C AND MC COMBINED FLEET PARTY………will be Saturday, July 26 at the Oltrogge-Tesar compound on North Shore (more details in later Crows Nest issues).  Apparently, the old feuding between the Cs and MCs is now just a distant memory, primarily due to a significant amount of inbreeding between the fleets.  Plus, a party is always a good excuse for a cease fire. 

EARLY REMINDER FOR THE YEAR END PARTY………It will still be on the Labor Day weekend, but this year we will hold it at the Outing Club and it will be on Saturday night, August 30.  As you can see, we’ve decided to change a few things, including the format of the event, to make it more fun for more people……….and we will keep you updated as the date approaches. 

AQUATENNIAL REGATTA……is coming up at Lake Calhoun.  I understand that Cs, MCs, Lasers and M-16s will be racing Sat. and Sun., July 26 and 27.  Registration is on Friday evening before the races.  If you have any questions you can check www.lakecalhoun.org or contact Steve Woldum at 612-825-0312 or scwoldum@juno.com. 

SPEAKING OF REGATTAS……..I managed to pull Judge Gil Bovard away from his legal judging duties just long enough to share his thoughts on some non-legal judging.  Here are his musings: 

"I love regattas here at Clear Lake.  Not because I sail, but because I have all the fun.  I am fortunate enough to be A REAL JUDGE!!  Yup, that means I can take off my "black nightshirt" and put on a floppy hat, a lot of sunscreen, grab my "brief-case" (containing anomometer, wind pointer, angle of line protractor, rule book, and an abridged version of my 'child's garden of curses' which tells what the new system of horns, guns, flags and flurry involves).   Then I have the pleasure of boarding "The Gunboat"---and that's where the fun begins!!!

 Actually, it began a long time ago.  In pre-historic times (like the late ''70s) I was privileged to follow Tom MacNider as Head Judge.  HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED!!!   We no longer have to fight, find, fix and float bouys of dubious visibility!  We no longer have to hope that we can communicate with the guysngals who are out there wondering what the course will be!  We no longer have to "fight the good fight" with the DNR or repel the incursion of the Ames Squadron of the U.S.Coast Guard Auxillary (who were sent in to "patrol and supervise" a regatta and nearly....ahh, but that's another story!!).  We no longer have to wonder if the Judges Barge will: (a) float, (b) motor start, (c) anchor hold, be suitably populated with able-bodied associates.   [And for those of you who are strong of stomach, ask about the afternoon I ran the E,C,Yand X fleets single handed while experiencing the fun of nephritis attacks.....I almost used the last shell on myself!!!]  [Yet another story].

    What Clear Lake has today is the World Class level of Yachting Judging.  I am not sure that our sailors really understand and appreciate the quality of the people who go out and set courses, bang guns and oversee the conduct of the race.  We have people in our Association who have experienced and excelled in race course management up to and including Pre-Olympic levels.   The same people who go out and set up the courses, establish the lines, bang the guns, fly the flags and oversee your fun and games (and in doing so in a highly professional manner) make sure that if you ever aspire to higher echelons of sailing competition, you will know how it should be done.

    The reason I started this Commentary with reference to my having FUN is because of the wonderful people that I get to work with whenever I have the good fortune to go out on the course.  Some 21+ years ago, I had the smarts to urge Craig Caslavka to "ride shotgun" with me.  [It took some "Golden Cadillacs" and other amenities to convince him]---but he sure as heck has been a Golden Glove winner ever since....probably because Reece supervises.  Those two are the absolute epitome of  co-operative excellence.  They blend knowledge, experience, skill and good judgment to give you---and many others, on many other lakes---really rewarding sailing. Over the years, I have had the privilege of getting to know the son of one of my good childhood friends:  I refer to John Toepfer, who descends from the line of Pat and Bud Toepfer.  { Bud is another one of those VERY high calibre International level judges---and is a fun guy to work with}.  

    When Helmsman John, Exec. Off. Reece, and whoever else may have the good fortune to be aboard "The Gunboat" are functioning, it's fun to watch.

    This is not to minimize the equally exquisite timing and funtion of Boat 2, which is normally commanded by Charlie MacNider (Charlie--I remembered!!!) and various scurrillious characters.  They do the specific and demanding job of setting a proper windward mark (distance and direction are totally within their highly discriminating --and invariably good--judgment).   In addition Boat 2 checks all the "fun and frolic" happenings at the windward mark and gives invaluable assistance to Boat 1 when the "zipper" crossings at the finish line make calling the crossing order a real headache.   Neither am I forgetting the totally essential function of Boat 4!!  This is manned by one of the most self-effacing, most productive, nicest guys in CLYC...John Hanson.   It is up to him to determine the length of the line, the angle of the line; call the shots at the lee end and worry about whether wind changes demand a Charlie Flag and all the rigamarole that goes with it.  Boat 4 always seems to be "on station" and relaying information, long before the rest of the fleet has gone into active mode.  In addition, Boat 4 (actually, I suspect Carolyn) play a wonderful rendition of Host/Hostess--with the Most/Mostest.

    WHY DO I LIKE REGATTA's?  Because of the wonderful people I get to work with. 

PS: The last time I tried one of these recollection blurbs, I forgot one of my dearest and most deserving of recognition friends.   Anyone who feels overlooked this time:  (a) shoot me;  (b) I just got home from a long day sentencing "bad guys"...so forgive me for not getting back into normal mode; (c) cancel your subscription; (d) volunteer to help Oz continue to produce one of the really great publications. 

Amen ! 

Later, OZ

***************************************************************************************************************
June 25, 2003 

Last weekend’s racing finally felt more like what Clear Lake is supposed to feel like.  There was plenty of wind and it was actually blowing out of the south…….Imagine that!!  Although it kept the X Boats off the lake all day Saturday, they did get their turn on Sunday to try some windier stuff.  The C Boats started it all off on Saturday morning with a race that was great to watch from the sidelines (if only it could have been like that during C Nationals).  And it just kept going like that for the next day and a half.  The Sunday morning race just got squeezed in before some storms hit……. good timing Craig.  Anyway, it made for some good old-fashioned hard racing; and was a lot of fun. 

SAILING SCHOOL HAS STARTED……..The first session is underway.  I know the weather hasn’t been entirely cooperative, but I suppose that’s a good sailing school lesson in itself……..you don’t have any control over Mother Nature. 

THE SAILING SCHOOL FLOAT….will again be in this year’s Fourth of July parade.  The more sailing school students who can hop on or walk along side the float, the better.  And it doesn’t matter whether you are in the first or second session of classes.  You are invited.  Those who are in the first session that is going on now will get all the information they need during classes.  For those of you who will be in the second session call Bridget Casey at 357-7876 by next Tuesday to find out how you can be a part of the parade. 

BOARD MEETING REMINDER….The midsummer board meeting will be this Sunday, June 29, 1:00 p.m. at the Yacht Club building. 

DAD/MOM/LAD/LASS…….This was originally scheduled for this Sunday afternoon, but, since we were going to be short several X Boats, the date has been changed to Sunday, July 20.  This year we are asking that any YC members who have an X Boat, even if it’s not registered, to be part of the race.  I know there are several of you out there who have X Boats at your dock, but your young sailors haven’t quite developed the confidence to race on a regular basis.  This race is a good way to help them build some of that confidence………and at the same time laugh at their parents’ feeble attempts at racing their kids sailboats. 

CREW LIST……..It seems there have been more calls from skippers scrambling to find crew this year.  Remember to check out the CLYC Web site.  Some more names have been added recently………..and I know there are 5 or 6 people on there who would love to help you hold your boat down and make it go fast, or help you tip it back up if you end up going for a swim. 

E AND A FLEET PARTY……The E and A fleets are planning a combined party this year, to be held at the Yacht Club on Saturday, July 26.  More details to follow……. 

Later, OZ

***************************************************************************************************************************
June 18, 2003 

The 2003 C Nationals Regatta is now history, and not only did the Clear Lake Yacht Club show once again that it is tops at putting on big regattas, but Mother Nature actually showed she could be ruly (that’s the opposite of unruly) when the event is important enough.  With 5 races in the bag by the end of the day on Saturday, no one was overly dismayed when the breezes took a breather on Sunday…….and everyone was able to get out of town on time.  And wouldn’t you know it………..Augie Barkow, the ILYA’s Youth Director, who showed up early to tune up our sailing school instructors and anyone else who was interested, ended up tuning himself up enough to win the regatta. 

The racing was great……… the people were great………… the parties and lunches were great…………….. the lake was great…………… the judging was great………….the spectating and taxiing were great………….registration and put-in went great…….the T-Shirts were great…………but the awesome CLYC volunteers were by far the greatest !!!  Thanks to Barb Nicholas and Denni Erickson for making sure it all happened like clockwork.. 

And Barb and Denni just wanted to say: “To all of you who were jet lagged and worn out on Monday, Thanks for all your help!  To those who were just tired, and a Sunday nap cured it, Thank You! And to everyone that “just said YES” to anything Barb and Denni asked you to do, Thank You!  The volunteers and city of Clear Lake all make sailors want to come back.” 

I also thought it was fun to see so many of our “20 something” members getting so involved in making this regatta work.  It’s always nice to know the future is in good hands……….. 

BACK TO OUR NORMAL RACING SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND……………. 

PICK UP A COPY OF THE JULY ISSUE OF SAILING MAGAZINE………I hear there’s an article on sailing through the generations on Clear Lake written by Julie Oltrogge’s sister. 

AT LEAST THIS DIDN’T HAPPEN HERE………….and hopefully nothing like it ever will. We had excitement during the C Nationals Regatta, but nothing like this………….During the practice race before the Tornado Fleet European Championships, the German team was nearly killed and their boat destroyed after one of the race committee boats hit them broadside and ran over them halfway up the first windward leg.  A race committee boat was taking pictures of the Australian team when they suddenly turned off, and sped broadside into, and over the German Tornado, hitting the German team on the leeward side at a 90 degree angle while the team members were both trapped out on the wire.  The power boat proceeded to go right through them, the boom, the sails and the mast before coming to rest on the windward hull.  The only injuries were a dislocated shoulder, and minor cuts and bruises………but getting the totaled boat ready for the next morning’s racing was looking well nigh impossible.

 Later, OZ

*****************************************************************************
June 10, 2003 

SPEAKING OF C NATIONALS……….The weekend has arrived.  Co-chairs Barb Nicholas and Denni Erickson have it all under control.  We still need as many of you as possible to taxi and spectate….especially Friday, which is always a tough day to get help (because, believe it or not, some people are actually working that day).  But every day is important……..it’s funny, but one of the biggest impressions sailors have of a lake is how easy it is to get to and from their boats before and after races and how easy it was for their friends and family to get out to watch the races.  Whenever you’re heading out to watch, please take a swing by City Dock to see if anyone is standing there waiting to catch a ride. 

Also, remember to attend the Friday and Saturday night regatta events, if you can.  The only catch is that you have to sign up for them on Thursday during regatta registration down at the YC headquarters building.  Details on the dinners were in last week’s Crows Nest……Friday/6:30/Docks/Buffet………Saturday/6:00/Yacht Club/Pig Roast 

REMINDER, THE AUGIE BARKOW VISIT……is still scheduled for this Thursday, June 12.  Until 2:00, he will be working with our sailing school instructors.  But, from 4:00 on he will work with anyone who brings their boat down. 

AS PROMISED LAST WEEK, HERE ARE THE MEMORIAL DAY REGATTA RESULTS……… 

            E                                              C                                             MC 
1.  Z-15   MacNider                 1.  Z-3       Nicholas                 1.  2079   Taylor
2.  Z-5     Lundberg                  2.  Z-100   Swift                       2.  2091   Oltrogge
3.  Z-6     Taylor                      3.  Z-55     Taylor                    3.  2036   Price
4.  Z-1     Paulsen                     4.  Z-1       Tesar                      4.  2178   Tesar
5.  Z-22   Child                        5.  Z-74     Risewick                 5.  2204   Risewick (JC) 

            X                                             Hobie 

1.  Z-4   Langhart (tie)              1.  105343       Wilson (Bill)
1.  Z-21 Kotz (tie)                    2.  105448       Wilson (Todd)
3.  Z-6   Zachar                        3.  94425         ??????
                                                4.  105377       ??????
                                                5.  77602         Southwick 

Sorry about the question marks on the Hobies, but I wasn’t able to get on to the YC web site and those particular boats don’t appear in the yearbook. 

AND, SPEAKING OF YEARBOOK………I assume that, by now, you have all had a chance to peruse this years edition.  It is really good.  Good enough, that those who really make it happen (Denni Erickson, who manages the entire process, Dawn Southwick and Val LaFrenz, who get all the ads, the Fitches, who get all the the information together) were presented with flowers at the first YC party.  Maybe we should have presented Jim Larson with flowers, as well……….he was responsible for the cool yearbook cover this year…….and he did a ton of work with Larson Printing to make sure it looked just right……anyway a big thank you to Jim. 

FOR SALE…….I have been reminded to remind you that CLYC burgee stickers are available at the unbelievable price of 2 for $5……….and you won’t see this deal advertised anywhere else !!!!!!!!!!……………contact Rick or Mary Lou Fitch (357-1985). 

Let’s hear it for our C boats this weekend. 

Later, OZ

**************************************************************************************************************************************
June 4, 2003 

So far, believe it or not, the Memorial Day weekend, is still the best one we’ve had this season.  Not that last weekend was all that bad.  It just wasn’t overly warm.  The Saturday morning races were called off due to high winds, cold air and cold water.  Because all but the cold water improved by the afternoon, we were able to get those races in.  I hope everyone is getting accustomed to summertime north and east winds, because that is about all we’re seeing. 

THE YACHT CLUB PARTY…….held at the headquarters building last Saturday night was a lot of fun.  It’s easier to stay later when you aren’t interfering with bedtime at someone’s home.  The food and appetizers furnished by the Social Members were outstanding, as usual.  We were a little short on mix beverages, but we’re learning as we go.  Even the movies and videotapes of vintage Clear Lake sailing went great. And finally, I am happy to report the building survived both the party and Bob “Bull in a China Shop” Swanson’s efforts to destroy it. 

C NATIONALS………..will be here in a week.  Remember that all YC members are welcome (even encouraged) to attend the various regatta “events”.  The only catch is that if you want to join in the “events” you have to sign up and pay for them during regatta registration on Thursday, June 12 down at the YC building.  Just so you know, Friday night, June 13 will be a buffet at Docks, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for $20 with a cash bar; Saturday night, June 14 will be a pig roast at the YC building, starting at 6:00 p.m. for $15.  If you want, you can also purchase lunches for $8.00. 

PRE-REGATTA TUNE UP, INSTRUCTION, COUNSELING, ADVISING…….Augie Barkow, who the ILYA appointed to lead the Scow Sailing Promotion Campaign, and who has been a very successful sailor in Xs, Ms, Lasers, MCs, Cs and Es, will be here Thursday, June 12 as part of his teaching and instructional tour through our inland lakes.  From 10:00 a.m. thru 2:00 p.m he will actually be working with our sailing school instructors.  BUT from 4:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. that day he will work with anyone who brings their boat down to the YC building………..just talk, go sailing with you, tap dance, whatever you’d like.  It sounds like a great opportunity to pick up a little more “go fast” knowledge from someone I understand is a pleasure to be around and who really knows his stuff. 

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER……or is it “better never than late”……….Anyway, the Memorial Day Regatta results have just come in, but I think I’ll have to keep you in suspense another week, cuz I’m out of time. 

Later, Oz

****************************************************************************************************************************
May 28, 2003 

WHOA NELLY !!!!  Now there was a memorable Memorial Day weekend worth framing.  That has to be the finest we’ve seen in at least 10 years.  No freezing temps, no gale force winds, no rain, no sleet, no flurries, no wind chill.  Granted, the east/ northeast breezes were a bit squirrelly (is that a word?)……just ask the E Fleet which experienced a mini-tornado right at the start of the second race on Saturday, with several boats barely surviving to tell the tale.  But, heck, for the first time in recent memory, we easily got all the Memorial Day Regatta races in. 

C NATIONALS REGATTA…….is fast approaching.  In 2 weeks we will be hosting hordes of C Boaters, all seeking that elusive “National Champion” title.  Regatta cochairs, Barb Nicholas and Denni Erickson, have been working all winter on the event and it looks like we’re very ready.  But, as always, we can use any volunteers who would like to help out in any way, especially for lunches and for spectator and chase boats.  Please give Denni Erickson a ring at (641) 357-7342 or at ericksn1@netins.net if you would like to chip in. 

A TIP OF THE HAT FROM THE BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE……to those who helped prepare the YC building for another season of sailing school, regattas, parties and get-togethers.  Chairperson, Mark Tesar notes: “A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who was able to come down to the building on Monday morning and help clean.  You all did a great job.  The highlight had to be seeing Tom Erickson on the roof cleaning the “eyebrow window” while Denni was calling her insurance agent.  Also, a special thanks to Dave Miller for helping put up the new sign in front of the building, and to Jeff and Joann Nicholas who worked with the sign company to get the sign made and shipped here……..Now, it’s time for a party !…………..” 

SPEAKING OF PARTIES………the first YC party of the season is this Saturday, May 31, 6:30 p.m. at the Yacht Club headquarters building.  We all will be treated by the always awesome hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Social Members.  Nonalcoholic beverages and mixes will be served, but if you want liquor or alcohol you have to go BYOB and make sure you keep it on the lawn around the building.  I know the rules make it a little more of a hassle, but just pretend we’re reenacting the days of Prohibition. 

Also you should know that, during the party, our Commodore, Margaret Oz, will be showing action-packed old Clear Lake sailing movies in the loft.  Here’s your chance to see yourself and your friends back in the good ole when they used to kill trees to make sailboats. 

Newly minted YC yearbooks will also be at the party for you to pick up……if you’ve registered this year. Denni Erickson, Val LaFrenz, and Dawn Southwick need to be congratulated on another fine job putting it all together again this year.  So please do so. 

MC NATIONALS………is this weekend in Shreveport, Louisiana and 2 of our MC sailors, Stu Oltrogge and Eric Protzman, are heading south to do battle in Cajun country.  Don’t despair MC Sailors.  Races will still count this weekend. 

SPEAKING OF MC NATIONALS…….I understand Clear Lake has been awarded the 2005 MC Nationals.  We’ll have to see if we can top the 111 boats who made it here for the same event in 2000. 

RACE OFFICER JOHN HANSON…..will continue to use the horn system for the Saturday afternoon races, so we can test its effectiveness under all different conditions.  He and the other race officers are looking for feedback on how the sailors think it is working.  I am told the name of the system is the “Ole” system;  members of the fairer sex might wonder why it’s not named the “Lena” system.  I don’t know……….but that’s just the kind of feedback John and crew are looking for……..so ask him. 

Later, OZ

*******************************************************************************************************
May 20, 2003 

HEY!  WAKE UP OUT THERE!  Memorial Day is THIS WEEKEND, even though it doesn’t feel like it.  It’s coming at us a little early this year.  Maybe Mother Nature will be fooled, too, and forget to attack us with the usual crummy Memorial Day Regatta weather….One can only hope……… 

MEMORIAL DAY REGATTA……….will be this weekend.  Just in case you’ve forgotten, the Saturday morning group (Xs, Cs, Cougars and the Sat.a.m. MCs) races at 9:30 a.m.; and the Saturday afternoon group (MCs, Es and Hobies) races at 1:30 p.m. Everyone should be on the lookout for back-to-back races Saturday.  Then, on Sunday all fleets race at 10:00 a.m. 

You all remember the new starting sequence we began using last year, don’t you?  Yeah, neither do I………so review your notes from the 2002 season. 

A NEW EXPERIMENT BEGINS THIS WEEKEND……….When John Hanson is the PRO on Saturday afternoons, he will be using a starting horn instead of a shotgun (apparently the price of shells in the post-Iraq war era continue to climb).  The only difference in the normal sequence will be the “Attention Grabber” – 10 seconds before the very first warning signal there will be 5 short horns (one each second), then 5 seconds of silence, then one horn blast for the first warning.  At 2 minutes there will be a horn; at 1 minute there will be a horn; and at the start there will be a horn. Subsequent starts won’t have an “Attention Grabber”.  John tells me the horn is PLENTY LOUD.  He’s thinking that the only downside may be there is no smoke from the shotgun. 

BOARD MEETING IS THIS SUNDAY AT 1:00 P.M. at the Yacht Club.  Note it’s Sunday, not Saturday………and the time is in the afternoon, not the morning. I think this eliminates the infamous “I overslept” excuse for nearly all of our current Board of Directors.  The only reason I say “nearly all” is because I’m still on the Board and I don’t trust myself. 

LAKE HARRIET SPRING REGATTA REPORT……..The Lake Harriet regatta was all that I hope our Memorial Day Regatta will not be.  The water was cold; the air was cold; and there wasn’t any sun.  Saturday was really light wind (with 2 races);  Sunday was a nasty gale (with no races).  Even with all that, 3 Clear Lake MCs braved the conditions taking 4^th (Stu Oltrogge), 5^th (Mike Risewick) and 10^th (Mark Tesar).  Congrats guys…you can turn off your hot showers now. 

SPRING CLEANING AT THE YACHT CLUB…….The chair of the Buildings and Grounds committee is looking for volunteers to do some spring clean-up at the YC building.  There isn’t much to do….just some dusting, floor cleaning, etc.  How does 10:00 a.m. on Monday the 26^th (Memorial Day) sound? 

2003 FLEET CAPTAINS…………In case you don’t know who you are, here’s the list of this season’s fleet captains: 

A Class            Russell Schurtz
            E Class Derrick & Liska Johnson
            C Class            Bill Nicholas
            MC Class         Stu Oltrogge
            Cougar             Andrea Ludwig
            X Class            Chase Langhart
            Hobie               Doug Southwick 

FIRST YACHT CLUB PARTY OF THE SEASON…..is only a week and a half away.  It’s Saturday, May 31 at the YC Headquarters.  And the best part is that the Social Members are in charge of hors d’oeuvres……and they always take the cake for best munchies. 

Congrats to Brandon Conway, who not only got married last weekend, but also achieved the near-impossible feat of (a) picking a weekend (oh… and wife) that’s a 10, and (b) not interfering with any sailing events. 

Later, OZ