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Chase the Tall Cactus

By Mike Ferring on March 14, 2018 in Cruising News, Racing Updates, Sailing News

Ready to chase the Tall Cactus? The race is Saturday, April 28, with the first boats starting at 9 am. This is a pursuit race, in the style of the Governor’s Cup, which attracted over 50 boats in December. Okay, it’s a carbon copy, except that this time everybody will find all the islands and the finish line. Or they should.

The course takes you from a start line in the middle of the lake (exact position will vary depending on wind strength), north to take Horse and Balance Rock islands to port, then heading south to leave Bobcat Island to port and then finishing at Scorpion Bay Marina, where we’ll celebrate with club-provided nibbles and a cash bar. (Be sure to tip well; apparently some of you didn’t in December.)

Now, what was that about “Bobcat Island”? It’s the chunk of land that we’ve been calling “No Name Island” up to now, but Event Chairman Tom Errickson has learned it’s actually and officially called Bobcat Island. How to recognize it? It’s very hard to see until you’re right on top of it, since it blends into the hills behind. After rounding Balance Rock, if you set a course for about 150°, you’ll be pointing in the right direction. Aim to the right of the cell phone towers on the hill. You’ll need to clear the point at Two Cow Cove, near where the Sheriff’s station sits, and then head a little to the right.

The GPS coordinates are (approximately) 33°51′17″ N 112°16′50″ W or, in decimals, 33.854853 N 112.281728 W.

After Bobcat, go to Scorpion Bay Marina, round to the north of all the breakwaters and sail toward the shore. You’ll spot the finish line. Finish and then tie up and join us for adult beverages. Here’s a satellite picture of Scorpion showing the finish line.

Here are pictures showing Bobcat. The pictures were taken in early March, with high lake level.

That little island with a tuft of vegetation is Bobcat Island. Picture was taken from the Discovery Center looking north. Photo: Mike Ferring

Bobcat Island is hard to see, even when you’re close. It blends in with the background. Photo: Mike Ferring

As you begin to round Bobcat, it emerges from the background. Photo: Mike Ferring

Martin Lorch Lugs Off Governor’s Cup

By Mike Ferring on December 3, 2017 in Cruising News, Racing Updates

Martin Lorch.

Martin Lorch and crew managed to out-race 50 other boats to take the gigantic Governor’s Cup at Lake Pleasant Saturday (12/2).

The wind was fairly typical for the lake, with moderate northerly wind until close to noon when it shut down completely, rising again as a light wind from the south an hour later. It’s a pattern that favored the early-starting boats in the pursuit race and George Tingom made it pay off for him, sailing solo in his Capri 14.2. George had a big lead in the race but made a fateful error when he rounded the wrong “unnamed island.” George contends that the race chart was too vague, so he didn’t know which small island to round. As far as we know he was the only one to make this mistake, but it’s always most difficult to know which way to go when you’re leading the race!

Jim Tomes was the fastest and first multi-hull entrant to finish, capturing that fleet’s award. First multi-hull non-spin was Chris Picknally. First monohull non-spin was Richard Krebill in a Capri 14.2. Tony Krauss was the first of four Hobie 16s to finish.

In addition to the big trophy, winners in three divisions (spin, non-spin, multi-hull) won sailing bags donated by SLO Sail and Canvas, makers of sails, boat covers and other canvas products.

The race ended at the Scorpion Bay Marina Grill with a post-race party.

Thanks to Race Organizer Tom Errickson and his volunteers, Tom Ohlin senior and junior and Bill Cunningham. Dave Christensen consulted his well-worn chicken bones to come up with the handicap ratings and start times for the pursuit race.

Here is a picture of the handwritten finishing order at Scorpion.

Almost as big as he is: Martin Lorch hefts the Governor’s Cup, flanked by crew James Morphis and Katie Yearley. At right: Event Organizer Tom Errickson. Photo: Mike Ferring

Event Chairman Tom Errickson. Photo: Mike Ferring

Governor’s Cup winners aboard the Santana 20. Martin Lorch, Katie Yearley (behind the sail), and James Morphis. Photo: Mike Ferring

A happy member of Brandon and Jessica Rawlings’ crew. Photo: Mike Ferring

Rear Commodore Sharon Bell. Photo: Mike Ferring

Boat buddies. Kevin Edwards and Rick Johnson. Photo: Mike Ferring

The Shazam team poses in the team shirts. Photo: Mike Ferring

Tom Errickson to the rescue. Photo: Bill Cunningham

Rolling in the Deep slips along behind the islands as the morning wind disappears. Photo: Bill Cunningham

2016 Governor’s Cup & Triple Crown

By Mike Ferring on November 16, 2016 in Cruising News, Racing Updates, Sailing News

The 2016 Governor’s Cup Regatta will take place on December 3rd at Lake Pleasant and this year introduces something new, different and exciting.

Here’s the scoop. There are two categories: A pursuit race much as we’ve done it the last several years and a straight-up PHRF race.

The Pursuit Race is an informal twice-around-the lake long distance sailing event starting at 10 am. The winner takes home the traditional really big trophy. Info and registration here. Registration is $10.

The Other Race is a full blown PHRF twice-around-the-lake race. Two sections will be scored, Monohull boats (starting slower-rated boats at 10:30 and faster-rated ones at 10:35) and Multi Hull (starting at 11). Registration is $25.

The 2016 Governor’s Cup is also the first of three regattas that comprise the AYC TRIPLE CROWN. The new Triple Crown combines our three non-series regattas: The Governor’s Cup, the Leukemia Cup-Birthday Regatta and the Tall Cactus. Further information and registration for all of these regattas will now happen at a new AYC website, www.aycregattas.com.

The new site is intended to help promote these three events outside of Arizona, throughout the Southwest and Pacific Coast.

None of the things the club does can happen without the dedication and commitment of members and volunteers. Thank you to all involved.

Tony Krauss Takes Multi, Emory Heisler & Tony Chapman Mono in the Tall Cactus

By Mike Ferring on April 23, 2016 in Cruising News, Events

On a windy, puffy, shifty day, Tony Krauss of Tucson sailed a Hobie 16 to the multi-hull win and Emory Heisler and Tony Chapman took the mono-hull in an 18-foot Buccaneer—and it wasn’t even close.

Here’s a drone video of the event, produced by Duane Darling.
And here’s some on-board video of Chris Smith fighting his Laser in heavy wind.

This was the spring pursuit race, where all boats start based on their PHRF rating, with the boats with the biggest PHRF number heading off at 11am and then boats with lower numbers trickling off the line after them. If the PHRF ratings are right, if the conditions match the handicap, and if everyone sails skillfully, all boats finish at the same time.

Emory and Tony started at 11:27, put up the ‘chute and started passing boats. By the second lap of the course (dam-> Horse-> Balance-> Vegetation island-> and do it again), they were well in front and completed the 14-mile race in under 2½ hours. But Tony Krauss was even faster, finishing in just over two hours.

Crossing the finish second in mono was Steve Kusic and the Merit 25 Runaway team. In third was Mike Ferring and the J/80 Melissa Kay crew. Charles Landis aboard Circuitous finished fourth.

Emory Heisler and Tony Chapman aboard the winning Bucc. Photo: Tom Errickson

Chris Reinhard and crew at the Tall Cactus Regatta. Photo: Tom Errickson

Why (and How) You Should Race Your Cruising Boat

By Mike Ferring on October 14, 2015 in Cruising News, Member Interest, Sailing News

A good day to be pushed downwind on a non-spin. Peter Burgard’s O’Day. Photo: Chris Smith

Sometimes it seems as if cruisers and racers are different breeds. One values comfort and a cocktail at anchor while the other wants screeching heel angles and screaming mark roundings. But some of us think both things are a kick and would like to see more cruisers try racing. But how? And (of course) why?

Sail magazine is offering excellent information on sailboat racing for cruisers, including an explanation of “why” that boils down to:

It’s fun.
It makes you a better sailor.

Scuttlebutt‘s Craig Leweck says he tells people that, “To race is only to ‘sail with a purpose.’ Much like most forms of exercise, you begin with a plan to test yourself, and racing is not so much a competition as it is an opportunity to assess one’s sailing skills.”

Sail magazine takes it from there, quoting renowned naval architect and yachtsman Uffa Fox, saying “Once you race every fault is pointed out in the way other boats sail away from you, and when you do anything well this too is revealed as you start sailing away from the rest of the fleet.”

Here’s a link to that excellent Sail magazine introduction to racing for cruisers.

AYC offers several entry-level races for cruisers who want to try out racing. There are “pursuit” races (see the Sail article for an explanation), typically the Governor’s Cup and the Tall Cactus. Boats start in reverse order of their PHRF rating (yes, see Sail article) so the start is simple and uncrowded. Then it’s just a matter of sailing the course as fast as you can.

What do you say?

A featured picture from Sail magazine. They stress that the most important thing in racing is to have fun. Photo: Cate Brown

Court Roberts Wins Blustery Tall Cactus

By Mike Ferring on April 26, 2015 in Cruising News, Events

The 2015 Tall Cactus Regatta was one to remember for the 19 boats that raced in breezy and blustery conditions. Knockdowns and round-ups were the conversation at the post-race get-together.

Court Roberts, sailing his Melges 24 was first to finish the 14 nm course in just over 2 1/2 hours. The pursuit race with slower boats starting before faster boats brought a very close finish, with the second-place Catalina 22 of Scott Battle only seconds ahead of the third-place J/80 of Chris Smith.

—Tom Errickson, Event Chairman

The winning Melges 24 of Court Roberts. Photo: Tom Errickson

Tall Cactus Regatta April 25

By Mike Ferring on April 10, 2015 in Cruising News, Events

Crowd shot! The mob aboard Melissa Kay for the Governor’s Cup. From left: Dave Haggart, Bob Whyte, Ryan Hanks, Becky Houston, Stacey Haggart, and Maryellen Ferring. Photo: Mike Ferring

Here are this event’s entries and start times.

How about a fun run around Lake Pleasant?

That’s the format for the Tall Cactus regatta this year. A straight duplicate of the Governor’s Cup Regatta. If you enjoyed that one, you should like this one too.

Registration is now closed for this event. Here’s a link to the NOR/SI.

This is a “pursuit” race, where boats start based on PHRF rating, with the slower boats beginning first at 11 am and faster boats starting throughout the next hour or so. The start line is near the dam, at the mouth of Pleasant Harbor Marina. Boats will charge up the lake, around Horse and Balance Rock and then back south around the “island with vegetation” in the vicinity of the 10-lane boat ramp, taking all islands to port. Here’s nice, big color map of the lake for reference.

After making the loop twice, the first boat across the finish line at the “no wake” buoys near the north launch ramp will be the overall winner. Boats should keep track of their own finishing positions.

Then, adjourn to the bar for (included in your entry) appetizers and (not included) beverages. Entry is just $10. Questions? Check with event organizer Tom Errickson.

The Tall Cactus course, just like the Governor’s Cup course in December.

Catamarans Walk on the Monohulls at Governor’s Cup 2014

By Mike Ferring on December 6, 2014 in Cruising News, Events

Last to start, first to finish! Brett Johnston won the 2014 Arizona Governor’s Cup Regatta sailing his Nacra Inter 20 Catamaran. Brett and his crew Crew (that’s really his son’s name) picked their way through 32 entrants in light and shifty zephyrs for this year’s regatta. Brett had the last start time, one hour and five minutes after the first boat to start in the pursuit race.

Brett gets to keep the gigantic Governor’s Cup trophy (see picture) for the next year. He’ll accept the trophy at Tuesday’s monthly meeting.

In fact, all the entered catamarans dusted the monos, making the best of the light air and finishing about four hours after they started. Best finishing mono was Court Roberts in his Melges 24, working his way into the cat fight.

The event organizer was Cruising Captain Tom Errickson, who opted for a simple format this year: A pursuit race where the slowest boats start first and the fastest start last. Start near the dam, sail around Horse and Balance Rock islands, then the unnamed island at the south end of the lake (an island that’s the only one in that area with vegetation), do most of it again (Horse, Balance, No-Name), and finish at the no-wake buoys at the north ramp.

After the race, everybody was invited to the Pleasant Harbor Marina Grill for a no-host bar and some munchies. Entry fee is $10, member or nonmember, and everyone is invited.

Tom notes with a wink that this Governor’s Cup had Jan Brewer on the race committee boat. Yeah, really. But this Jan Brewer might bear only a passing resemblance to the one occupying the Governor’s office.

Yeah! Brett and Crew Johnston won the Governor’s Cup and get to keep it for the next year.

Crowd shot! The mob aboard Melissa Kay for the Governor’s Cup. From left: Dave Haggart, Bob Whyte, Ryan Hanks, Becky Houston, Stacey Haggart, and Maryellen Ferring. Photo: Mike Ferring

Perfect Day for 2014 Tall Cactus

By Mike Ferring on April 13, 2014 in Cruising News, Events

Jamie Hamza and Steve Brown toast a win on Steve’s winning Viper 640. Behind the camera: Chrisann Tortora

Lots of wind and sun made the 2014 Tall Cactus regatta nearly perfect—sprinting from Pleasant Harbor Marina, around the Cole’s Bay marker, Balance Rock, and to the no-wake buoys at the North Ramp entrance. Less than two hours for winner Steve Brown and his Viper 640. Just a few minutes later Scott Battle crossed the line in 4th, putting his Catalina 22 first in the non-spin division.

It began with a staggered start, the C22s at 11 am, the Vipers and Dave Christensen’s Mini 650 some 40 minutes later and the rest arrayed in between. Spotty wind at the start spread the fleets until things began to even out later in the north leg, a downwind number.

And it all wrapped up over shishkabobs at Spinnaker Point, with living trophies presented by event organizer Ralph Vatalaro—appropriately, small cactus plants that one day may grow to mighty Tall Cactus.

The J/80s make nice. Left: Maryellen and Mike Ferring, Brian Dye, Bob White and Becky Houston; Right: Chris Smith, Peter Lehrach, Mike Grijalva, and Greg Jackson. Photo: Chris Smith

The J/80s make nice. Left: (l to r) Maryellen Ferring, Brian Dye, Bob White, Becky Houston and Mike Ferring; Right (l to r): Peter Lehrach, Greg Jackson, Mike Grijalva, and Chris Smith. Photo: Chris Smith

Cruising Captain and event organizer Ralph Vatalaro presents a prickly prize to Scott Battle (right) and crew Doug McMillan. Photo: Chrisann Tortora

Sun, Breeze and Grog for April 12 Tall Cactus

By Mike Ferring on March 27, 2014 in Cruising News, Events

Sign Up Now

The Tall Cactus Regatta returns to Lake Pleasant on April 12. Sign up by clicking on the button above. Note: This is a new registration system, so let us know what you think of it. You’ll pay through the PayPal system, but you’ll have the option of paying as a PayPal guest using any credit card.

For this annual event, we’re looking forward to a casual sunny cruise around the islands and coves of Lake Pleasant, finishing up at Pleasant Harbor.

After the finish, we’ll gather at Spinnaker point to celebrate our success at navigating Lake Pleasant’s treacherous waters with a tot of grog and other refreshments at a barbeque.

We would like to extend a hearty invitation to our friends in the Lake Pleasant Sailing Club and other sailing groups to join us in this annual floating fiesta.

Details:

Saturday, April 12, 9 am skippers meeting, 11 am start. The starting sequence will be based upon the PHRF rating of your boat, with the highest numbers starting first.
Cost: $25 per entry. Each entry comes with one dinner. Each additional dinner is $10. Kids under 16 eat free.

Here is the chart for the windier day, which it appears we’ll have: About 12 miles

Starting times for currently registered boats:

PHRF	Type	Start
270	Catalina 22	11:00:00
249	Capri 16	11:04:12
246	Tanzer 22	11:08:48
216	Laguna 26	11:10:48
219	Merit 22	11:14:12
174	Santana 23	11:23:12
126	J/80	11:32:48
111	Viper 640	11:35:48
90	Open 6.50m	11:36:00

—Ralph Vatalaro (with Michael Parker)

Join the “TransLoch” Cruising Race

By Mike Ferring on January 11, 2014 in Cruising News, Events

You’ve heard of the TransPac. Now there’s a shorter race called the TransLoch. It “trans” Lake Pleasant and it’s custom created for cruisers, right down to the fun-friendly PHRF adjustments.

DreamCatcher against the blue Arizona sky. Photo: Janet Cohen

It will be Saturday, January 18, starting at 10:45 am, run in conjunction with the Birthday Regatta & Leukemia Cup. Here’s the description of the course.

The TransLoch Cruising course shall be from the start line, around the North side of Horse Island, then around the North side of Balance Rock, then around the South side of the small unnamed island at the south end of Lake Pleasant near the dam Overlook Visitors Center (33*51.07 N, 112*16.57 W) then to the finish line. Round all marks to port.

The TransLoch Cruising Class shall be limited to boats that are fully equipped to cruise, including a full interior with galley and head, minimum of two anchors, Dacron or Nylon sails only and operational motor.
Finish order will be determined using Southern California PHRF handicap.
Handicap adjustments will be allowed as follows:

Towing a dinghy – 10
Cooking on BBQ – 6
Children under 6 years of age or a dog – 2 each

Sailing instructions and advice will be available on VHF Channel 68
Starts will be broadcast on VHF with countdown.

Here’s a map with the information. Here’s more information on the Birthday Regatta & Leukemia Cup.

Enter here:

Sign Up Now

Brilliant New Year’s Sailing Day

By Mike Ferring on January 2, 2014 in Cruising News, Events

If the rest of 2014 goes like day one, it should be a great year.

LPSC’s Rhonda Brewer posing football trivia questions on the radio. Photo: Janet Cohen

A dozen or so boats from AYC and the Lake Pleasant Sailing Club gathered in sunny, 70-degree temperature and fair wind to show what it’s like to live in Arizona.

Rhonda Brewer posed football questions on VHF radio while the fleet milled around celebrating the day and then convened at the Waterfront Grill for $5 hamburgers and $2 beer.

The New Year’s Day Crew: Becky Houston, Ralph Vatalaro, Mike Ferring and Maryellen Ferring. And behind the camera: Bob Whyte

On our boat, Cruising Captain Ralph Vatalaro, former Rear Commodore Bob Whyte, Becky Houston, Maryellen and I hoisted the spin and sped around Horse Island while Maryellen popped a couple bottles of celebratory champagne. A very nice way to start a new year.

The Ferrings' J/80 and Tom Errickson's colorful Erickson 26 on New Year's Day. Photo: Janet Cohen

The Ferrings’ J/80 and Tom Errickson’s colorful Ericson 26 on New Year’s Day. Photo: Janet Cohen

Dreamcatcher against the blue Arizona sky. Photo: Janet Cohen

A fun, family cruise. Photo: Bob Whyte

Register for the Governor’s Cup Distance Race

By Mike Ferring on November 13, 2013 in Cruising News, Events

Court Roberts shows off the gigantic Governor’s Cup trophy. Photo: Mike Ferring

Registration is open for the Governor’s Cup long distance race, scheduled for Saturday, December 14. The race courses are now posted here.

There’s no charge for entry. All you have to do is fill out this simple form. Then, it’s 26 miles across Lake Pleasant—a feat accomplished by zig-zagging from end to end and back again. Here’s the one-page Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions.

While it’s a race, it’s also just a nice day on the water. And it could extend into the evening in light air, with the moon nearly full to offer some aid to navigation.

The winner of the race gets his or her name engraved on that gigantic trophy and gets to show it off for the next year. The rest of us get a nice day zig-zagging.

We’ll all start together at 10 am at a start line near the dam at the south end of the lake. You’re on your honor to round the correct rounding marks and islands and to report your time at finish to scorer Dave Christensen. Dave will crunch the PHRF handicaps and determine the finishing order.

You may also sail just half the distance and be scored for half distance. Click the box on the entry form. There’s no giant trophy for this option, but you’ll have bragging rights until next year.

Organizer Ralph Vatalaro plans to make sure everyone knows exactly where those rounding marks are this time and he’ll issue a route in a couple weeks. Email Ralph with questions.

Getting Stronger by Getting Together with LPSC

By Mike Ferring on October 31, 2013 in Cruising News, Events, Member Interest, Sailing News, Social Events

Arizona Yacht Club and Lake Pleasant Sailing Club have stepped up efforts to work together, to promote the sport of sailing and to increase participation in each other’s events.

There have been two meetings of representatives of the two clubs. The second this week developed some specific steps to explore, explained in this report:

An AYC/LPSC joint committee has been created to build a bridge between the two groups. Ralph Vatalaro and Mike and Maryellen Ferring are representing AYC while Tim and Rhonda Brewer are representing the LPSC. The purpose of the committee is to increase communication, share information and co-plan events that are of interest to members of both groups. The initial meeting occurred Tuesday, October 29 at the House of Tricks restaurant in Tempe. Over glasses of wine, fabulous dinners and even a dessert or two, they suggested these next steps.

Staging a low-key sailing event on January 1, with members of both clubs invited to spend a couple of hours sailing and meeting at the Waterfront Grille for food, drinks, and football.
Setting up a sailing event for late winter or early spring that would encourage members of each club to team up with some members of the other club. We talked about trading crews, a poker run, or even a Capture the Flag theme.
To promote understanding, each club—AYC racing and LPSC cruising—the group discussed an information exchange. Mike and Maryellen volunteered to present a program at an LPSC membership meeting tentatively titled, Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sailboat Racing in Just 30 Minutes. The program would include information on start procedures, fleet descriptions, ratings, protocols, etc. as well as an invitation to race with AYC. Tim and Rhonda Brewer or other interested LPSC members might reciprocate with a presentation about cruising and exploring Lake Pleasant or raft-up protocols and expectations.
The group discussed the possibility of joining forces to get more boats for a Catalina Cruise in July 2014. (Both clubs have had cruises to Catalina, but attendance has collapsed for both.)
Maryellen invited all LPSC women to the casual Women Who Sail parties. A couple dozen women interested in sailing gather quarterly for wine and appetizers at one of the women’s homes. Rhonda will talk to the Board to get approval to share LPSC email addresses for invitations.

All members of the group left the meeting encouraged about the plans. If you have feedback, questions or suggestions, please contact Ralph, Maryellen, Mike, Rhonda or Tim.

LPSC has several events planned between now and the end of the year, as Rhonda describes:

The last few months of 2013 are filled with fun events, both on land and water. Besides the Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas party planned by Mary, Robin and Crystal, we have five more exciting events lined up.

On November 9 and 10 John Bagwell and Roland Cleveland are planning a Walk the Plank raft-up/camping party in Two Cow cove. Those of us on boats will raft up in the cove while the RVers and tent campers will set up on shore. The fun officially begins on Saturday, however, rumor has it that some members are planning to set up campsites on Friday afternoon.

As a complement to the Walk the Plank event, Tim and Rhonda Brewer have planned a Show Us Your Booty sail beginning at 10 am in front of the dam. Basically, we will chase each other around the lake exchanging “booty” between boats.

On November 17 LPSC members will host guests on the third Sunday Sail. Response to the September and October sails was extremely positive, so please consider joining the November sail as a host boat.

To prepare ourselves for 2014, on December 28 Tim and Rhonda will host a Tack Into 2014 sail. It will be similar to the Follow the Leader sail last spring, however, the fleet will be required to change tack and follow a new leader every 15 minutes.

Following the Tack Into 2014 sail on December 28, we hope everyone will gather in the barbeque area of PHM to share in a Potluck Dock Party. Please consider attending this party even if you don’t participate in the Tack Into 2014 sail. This is a great way to spend the end of 2013 with friends who share the love of sailing!

Want to Learn to Charter and Sail to Catalina?

By Mike Ferring on August 26, 2013 in Cruising News, Meetings, Member Interest

Avalon harbor on Catalina Island, a great charter destination. Photo: Ralph Vatalaro

Or how about the British Virgin Islands?

Before the monthly meeting in September, Cruising Captain Ralph Vatalaro will give you specific information on how to take the big of step of chartering a boat and sailing it yourself. He’ll be checking interest in putting together an AYC charter trip so you can take the step with friends and expert guidance.

If you’ve thought about chartering but were concerned about whether you could do it, you need to be there.

This “pre-meeting” will begin at 6pm on Tuesday, September 10, at the Caddy Shack @ Rolling Hills Golf Course, 1415 North Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281-1205 (map) and both members and non-members are welcome to attend.

If you’ve already done some chartering (or lots of it), we’d love to have you come by and share your expertise. Pull up a chair, order a beer, and let’s talk.

Big Kids Like to Play Too!

By Mike Ferring on August 5, 2013 in Cruising News

Remember those bicycle relay races you used to ride for neighborhood bragging rights? In our world the bicycles have become sailboats, and at 2pm on September 14 in Honeymoon Cove you can challenge for bragging rights all over again.

The Lake Pleasant Sailing Club will assign teams based on arrival at the cove—red team and blue team. You’ll simply sail around a mark and return to the start line. When the lead boat crosses the start line, tag!, the next team member blasts off on his/her leg. Red Team vs. Blue Team.

To add a wrinkle, each team will get a floating relay ring. The boats will pass the ring like track and field relay racers, only the boats will pass the ring by dropping it into a start-finish drop zone. The first boat of each team will drop the ring in the water when finishing, then the next boat of that team swoop past (timed perfectly of course), retrieve the ring and sail her leg. Do not miss the retrieval, or you‘ll need to circle back to snag the ring before sailing your leg.

After the event we’ll all meet for an afternoon raft-up, share stories and of course the winning team will claim the “purse.” The losing team members can levy protests, offer excuses and probably suffer through the bragging about the masterful strategies of the winning team. Add in some great food, adult beverages, and probably a cooling dip in the water and you have a great day at the lake. As always, AYC members are welcome to attend LPSC events. Please email Rhonda and Tim Brewer if you plan to join us. The more boats, the more fun!

Check Meetup, Facebook and your email for more info and updates.

Gorgeous Day for Tall Cactus

By Mike Ferring on April 28, 2013 in Cruising News, Events, Sailing News

The sun and the wind cooperated for the Tall Cactus Regatta Saturday (4/27), as organizer Mike Parker sent boats this way and that before we stumbled over the confused wind of Humbug, scrambling the results.

Tall Cactus brought out Scott McClintock and the Rio Hondo 40 with Emory Heisler at the helm. Photo: Mike Parker

Boats left the start line near Pleasant Harbor Marina in order of PHRF rating, slower boats followed by faster ones and non-spins sent on a shorter course than the spins—just the kind of fun design that suits a for-fun regatta like this one.

The spins headed to the Coles Bay marker, trying to make out which floating white post was the one with the right words on it. Chuck Sears decided on a “no wake” for rounding, and then we all charged off for Castle Creek, around Balance Rock and Horse and then to the chaos of Humbug, to pick our way through the warm-weather revelers, trying to adjust to wind that’s this way and then that way, stopping and then big-puffing.

Greg Jackson on his Viper and Court Roberts on his Melges 24 decided to risk spinnakers after the first twisty blow forced everybody to pull them down NOW. It worked and Greg barely finished ahead of Court at the finish, joining Chuck Sears who had already arrived. Bob Worrall onboard Spirit, his C22, was the first non-spin across, chased by various other C22s.

Mike Parker stoked up the fire for an evening on the beach and a proper end to a fun day on the water.

Here’s a link to pictures that Mike took.

While AYC Races, LPSC Kicks Back with Lobster

By Mike Ferring on April 22, 2013 in Cruising News

What do you get when a great idea is paired up with hard work and a dedicated volunteer group? A fantastic Lake Pleasant Sailing Club (LPSC) weekend at Lake Pleasant!

Roland Cleveland and his group of volunteers put on a great LPSC inaugural event the weekend of April 18-21. Even a last-minute change of venue didn’t throw a wrench in the works. By Friday night, the campers were circled, the sailboats were secure, the campfire was lit and the marshmallows were melting.

Saturday morning brought more sailboats, campers, kayaks, etc. Around noon, 10 LPSC sailboats gathered near Scorpion Bay to begin a game of Follow the Leader around the lake. Led by Deedy and Doug Payne on Island Time, the crews showed off their best tacking and gybing maneuvers. The event ended when 15+ mph winds forced the crews to quickly lower their sails and seek a safe anchorage.

Dinner was quite the affair as the grills were fired up, the water was set to boil, and the side dishes began to appear on the tables. Hamburgers, hotdogs, and even lobster filled the plates of hungry sailors and campers alike.

Sunday morning dawned sunny and cool, as some members took to the water in boats and kayaks for an end of the weekend cruise. Others chose to pack up and head home to prepare for the work week. As the chairs were folded and the gear stowed, everyone agreed this event is sure to become a yearly tradition.

—Rhonda Brewer, LPSC

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