July 3, 2005

Race 1

The first race of the season began with our annual pre-season get-together hosted by the Fraser's at their lovely mountain side retreat at the end of the lake. After guests feasted on a delightful array of deliciously prepared foods, a meeting followed in which the following were discussed:

- The loss of Charlie Lawson of the Lucerne Beach Club, one of LIMYRU's best friends for the past eight years. Charlie never said no to a sailor's request, from helping to rig a boat to providing beach club facilities for our meetings. He will be sadly missed and our hearts go out to his loved ones. LIMYRU members and others have and will continue to step forward and help and adjust to our lake community without Charlie and we thank you all.

- If you would like to donate $5 to help defray the cost of the LIMYRU funeral bouquet, please contact Chuck McClead.

- We instituted the first official 1 PM pre-race regatta to provide a pleasurable non-competitive sailing experience amongst sailing friends for new sailors and competitors to "see" the days course. This will continue throughout the year with volunteers setting the course. Let me know if you would like to help.

- Welcome to old friend Anthony Anderson and new comer Force Five sailor Steve Ashe.

- Neil Comins' son volunteered to prepare a white board to display pre-race information, a unique idea suggested by Harry "the flying Albacore" Peddie.

- Also discussed was the ability of the Race Committee to alter, lengthen and shorten courses at their discretion to provide more interesting weekly sailing experiences for the membership.

Race # 1 highlights included:

- 13 boats at the start with some unusual missing vets, including Mark and Janet with the birth of their grandchild, Doug Kell Sr and Jr. with their business and boat prep responsibilities and Bob Fraser, who I understand, has so many Hobies, he couldn't get the pieces matched up in time for the race. Anyone interested in acquiring one, see Bob. He'll fix you up.

- 1 PM pre-race regatta attended by 6 boats reluctant to get to far from the starting line, but having a great time getting aquatinted.

- Great committee boat work turned in by Dick Laferty, and Paul Chaiken with grandchildren Sam and Josh, who got to make all the major decisions. Great job!

- The return of the "Ivan Bush" JY sailed by his son and grandson, keeping it in the family and Ivan dry.

- Typical flukey Lucerne start with yours truly finding a lucky puff on the right side, only to eventually be passed by Harry's Albacore, Doug Craib's JY and eventual mono hull winner, Ian Cohen. No thanks to Barry, we now have a "monsta" sailor in our midst who at anytime can leave the rest of us in his wake. Don't look back Chuck and Harry, Ian will be gaining. Your only hope may be that Barry doesn't wake him up in time for the races.

- Solid race performances turned in by new comers Steve Ashe, Anthony Anderson.

- Bernie's boat, I understand, was slowed by all the fireworks he was "running home" to get for an outstanding display on the Fourth. Thanks for the show.

- All in all a great first race with a season of fun remaining.

Anyone interested in hosting a post-race get together, please contact me. Don't forget to update your e-mail addresses with the web site. Don't be left out of the fun.

See you on the water,

Mike C.