The 2012 sailing season started out with a high intensity race. There was plenty of drama, including Chief Marshal Drew Reeves being missing in action in Barrie until shortly before the race, equipment failures and high winds. Fortunately at the eleventh hour, Drew remembered that after a few beers at the wrap-up dinner last year, he had graciously volunteered to come back as Chief Marshal for a second year and Drew convinced Murray Sanders to marshal the race. Thanks go out to Murray for agreeing to marshal at the last minute. Thanks also to Bob Lytle for setting up the race course and apologies for taking him away from his Hobie repairs. The race started late, but two Hobie’s still managed to be late for the starting line and missed the start by a few minutes … sorry Bob. There were 7 boats out for the first race of the season, including 4 Hobies and 3 Lasers. Both the course, as well as the winds favoured the Hobie’s and first place honours went to the last Hobie standing crewed by Steve & Carrie Fellows (24:13). (Editor’s note: As a completely unbiased observer, I have to say Steve sailed an almost flawless race for his first victory in several years, despite the Hobie friendly course and weather.) Honourable mentions go to Heather Sanders (29:54) for her second place finish and Emily Fellows and Tanis Sanders (37:02) who took the bronze position. Both these boats had to battle hard against the high winds and the Hobie friendly course. Four other boats also battled it out for the first lap, but had to retire due to either equipment failures or nervous crews. Here’s a reminder for next year to check out the rigging and go for a test sail prior to the race.

We are looking for race marshals for most of the weekends this summer. Please contact Drew Reeves as soon as possible by email at Drew.Reeves@msanet.com or at the cottage at 705-645-5660. Drew marshaled many of the races last year, so please volunteer as soon as possible to reduce the burden on Drew. Sailing socials are currently scheduled for July 21st at Jennifer and Sean Buckley’s (Milne Rd. north shore) on July 21st and August 11th at the Sandra and Laurie Reinsborough’s (Milne Rd. north shore). If you are interested in hosting a social, please contact Sue or Bob Lytle by email at blytle@torontohydro.com or at the cottage at 705-646-0012. See you at the starting line at 2pm (sharp) next week.

Regards, Steve
(Commodore’s husband and unbiased observer)

1. Jane Reeves                    2. Emily Fellows                 3. Jade Buckley

4. Bob Lytle

This was a girl with a dream.. a racing dream. A mere few weeks ago I remember encouraging Jane to finish a race where she was dead last… a mile from the pack long finished. “Jane!” I said… “look at those beautiful racing gloves you have… you owe it to them to finish what you started.” Jane starred me down and said...” I am an Islander and Islanders don’t quit.. now get your boat back to the mark and make me a finish line.”

Jane was frustrated with her skills. Last place can beat a lot of people up. “Jane”, I said… “stick with it.. and one day you will pass the supreme test”. ” Supreme test? you mean win the Championship?” Jane said… “No”  I replied. “The greatest victory will be the first day you beat Bob and the green menace. Sure the winning the championship is fun, but its beating the old master at his own game where true victory awaits… The day you beat Bob, is the day you know how to sail. This is the day we will call you  “Captain”.

Janes eyes sparkled at the thought,… her new racing gloves were shiny and stiff from lack of use…

“One day… CAPTAIN!”

I turned back to walk up the path and thought.. “yeah right… whatever… if your head isnt cracked open from multiple boom hits first..”

So this is the lesson of the day kids.. gather round to hear me now and listen to me later… NEVER GIVE UP!

The winner of Race 7 hails from Sudbury Ontario! Not since they unveiled the big Nickel has Sudbury been so proud. From the depths of the deepest mines… from the barren landscape where they tested the first moon car (because when you get to the moon and you’re American, you need a car ..) JANE, JANE, JANE! they shout your name. You have defeated the great one! You have arrived! It’s a Sudbury Saturday Night!!!  and a wooo-hooo to you madam.

On a side note…. as much as we were using the Portsmouth handicapping system for Race 7, let it be known and forever recorded on Al Gore’s “Internets”…. that Jane beat bob straight up. Boat to boat. She crossed the line first not requiring her handicapping. Well done Jane!   I mean.. “CAPTAIN” .

Here are your results: Race 7

GSP is the marshal, and we do need volunteer for the final weekend? Marshaling is a guaranteed13 points remember, so its not going to hurt your final score to offer to help.

Portsmouth is still in effect – have a great race!

Jr. Race Marshal needed.

We are looking for someone to marshal one last jr race if possible. Please contact Drew Reeves if you can help.

FINAL SOCIAL – PLEASE RSVP – 705-646-0012

Hi all, can’t believe summers end is coming soon.

We had a great year of sailing, though our social gatherings had some troubles. We do however have the final wind-up to look forward too. I would like to thank the Grants and the Lytle families for hosting the two socials we did get in. A big thank you in advance to Carrie and Steve Fellows for hosting the pot luck. We will however require some numbers of people planning to attend as well, what you plan to bring. The social committee will be supplying a ham, lasagna, juice and pop, therefore we could use some help with hors d’oeuvre, salads and desserts.

Please respond to this e-mail or call Sue at the cottage from this Friday on. 705-646-0012
Thank you, WLSC Social committee.

Sue Lytle and Carrie Fellows

– The Race Committee.

We had a great year of sailing, though our social gatherings had some troubles. We do however have the final wind-up to look forward too. I would like to thank the Grants and the Lytle families for hosting the two socials we did get in. A big thank you in advance to Carrie and Steve Fellows for hosting the pot luck. We will however require some numbers of people planning to attend as well, what you plan to bring. The social committee will be supplying a ham, lasagna, juice and pop, therefore we could use some help with hors d’oeuvre, salads and desserts.

Please respond to this e-mail or call Sue at the cottage from this Friday on. 705-646-0012
Thank you, WLSC Social committee.

Sue Lytle and Carrie Fellows

Please stand by for his lead on safety. Lightning will scrub the race so be on the lookout.

Use your best judgement as always.

Have a great race!

(FYI -the Buckley social has been cancelled)

Did you know that both times an Albacore has entered this season, they are undefeated? Spread the word to all Albacore owners…. The Portsmouth is helping. It was great to see new (old) boats on the water. Doc Klingbeil’s old Albacore still appears to have the speed. 

Shout out to Jane Reeves who finished as FIRST LASER! A mere few weeks ago she wasn’t even sure how to rig the boat… and now she.s finishing first in class.

Also.. where the HECK did Jade Buckley come from????? Word is someone took sailing lessons at camp. Lucky for all the other Juniors she was away at the beginning of the season or the Jr. Championship would be over. Maybe next season Jade will be the one giving lessons!

Results below: