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Beau Geste 'claimed the prize it came for' in 2010 Mac Race

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:39:05 GMT

'Beau Geste pre-start 2010 Chicago Mackinac by Lu O’Neil'

The 102nd Chicago to Mackinac Race concluded Tuesday, July 27, 2010, as tradition dictates, with the party and awards ceremony in the Tea Garden of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Line honours went to the 80-foot Beau Geste for being the first of the 300-plus racing boats to cross the finish line. Karl Kwok, owner of the big sloop from Hong Kong, had made clear his intent to secure the first-to-finish honours before the race began. But after corrected times, it was the Flying Jenny VI, from Anapolis, MD, that won the coveted Mackinac Cup this year. [more]

The 2010 Mac race will be remembered for torrential rains in Chicago for hours prior to the race start, followed by good winds at the beginning, and a dead calm for many in the fleet just before the finish line. 'The water at the Straits of Mackinac is glass,' was reported early Monday in one of many race updates from Torresen Sailing News in Muskegon, MI. Experienced Mac racers, it stated, often describe 'a parking lot that can appear between the bridge and the finish line. It is there right now.'

Dale Bowman of Sun-Times Media said the race will also be remembered for Beau Geste. The Hong Kong boat 'starred in its first Mac appearance,' he said.

The Mac is a rich source of stories for each boat and every crew member that participates, but for race fans, the contest between Beau Geste and its chief Lake Michigan rival, Windquest, was the story to watch this year. The local Windquest was first-to-the line last year, as well as in 2006 and 2007, and the winner of the Chicago to Mackinac Trophy in 2007. Windquest is a Max Z86 yacht, owned by Dick and Doug DeVos of Ada, MI, and at 86 feet, is even larger than its new rival.

Hong Kong businessman Karl Kwok has been sailing his Beau Geste in the Caribbean and on the east coast of the U.S., with great success throughout this year. He brought the boat to the midwest earlier in July, for the Port Huron to Mackinac race on Lake Huron. 'The chance to race in the biggest lakes in the world is extremely appealing,' he said.
In the Chicago to Mackinac race, the two big boats spent all day Sunday sailing north in tandem.

Beau Geste led the way, but with Windquest always in close pursuit. 'We saw Windquest for the better part of a day and a half,' Kwok said, on the docks after the race. Beau Geste finished the race in 31 hours, 13 minutes and 10 seconds, crossing the finish line at 9:43 p.m. Sunday night. Windquest followed 36 minutes later, but hours before the rest of the fleet would begin to arrive on Monday.

Re-created 19th-century schooner teaches science

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:47:21 GMT

Students from Michigan, Connecticut and Illinois did cutting edge science aboard a re-creation of a 19th-century three-masted Great Lakes schooner. The students spent a week earlier this month aboard the Sailing Vessel Denis Sullivan for an adventure.

The excursion is one of 70 "hands-on career and adventure explorations" for students in grades six through 11 offered through Michigan Technological University's Summer Youth Programs.

Other offerings include a backpacking trip to Isle Royale to study moose and wolf populations, a blacksmithing course and a course on three-dimensional computer modeling, university spokeswoman Jennifer Donovan said in a statement. more...

Oil spill near Kalamazoo River causes stench, mess

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:45:43 GMT

BATTLE CREEK -- A phalanx of government officials and private clean-up experts raced Tuesday to protect water supplies in western Michigan after nearly 20,000 barrels of crude oil from a failed underground pipeline escaped into the Kalamazoo River. By late Monday, the downstream edge of the spill had reached Ft. Custer State Recreation Area, between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Crews were using booms, skimmers and other devices to keep the oil from reaching Morrow Lake. more...

My purpose on Earth

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:44:19 GMT

BEING OF A HUMBLE NATURE I don’t mention this often, but some people think I’m perfect.

Yes, they do. Perfect. Some. I didn’t say all. Ivor Tungin-Cheaque is one for a start. He’s chairman of Vigor’s Silent Fan Club and he’s my biggest fan.

But sad to say, I’m not perfect. Sorry Ivor. There is one minor flaw in my character that I recognize as an imperfection. I confess that I like to sail rings around other yachts. And “like” might be a small understatement. Take a great delight in, actually.

I did it again yesterday. Took the little Mirror for a singlehanded spin, the first time in years. Beautiful warm 10-knot breeze, cloudless sky, snow-capped Mt. Baker hovering in the background. more...

2010 Lake Ontario 300 will be remembered for years to come

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:15:24 GMT

Living up to its billing, sailors met with high winds, extra high winds, no winds, and light winds. The leg heading south to Ford Shoal was a tight reach in high winds and the long leg westward to Niagara was at least 80 miles tacking into the wind with a variety of conditions from light to variable mixed with a few more line squalls coming across the lake. The final leg heading North across the lake to the finish varied depending what time the boats rounded Niagara, some leading boats had an easy ride across, while some boats sat in a frying pan for over four hours. It doesn't get anymore challenging than this for both the Scotch Bonnet Island and the Main Duck Island Courses.[more]

Soon after the start of the race, when the bulk of the boats were past Gibraltar Point, the first line squall of the day came through the fleet very quickly causing havoc with 40+kts winds. Soon after recovering from the first line squall, another one came through shaped like a polish sausage and lasted for what seemed to be an eternity for most racers. Hailstones, rain and everything else that comes with a squall produced a record number of blown sails, broken booms and masts, dropped sails, reefed sails, knock downs and even a capsize. By the time the bulk of the fleets reached Oshawa (approximately 40 miles from the start) over 30 boats had retired from the race.

Overall, a record number of 62 out of the 178 that arrived at the start line retired. Although 62 DNF's seems like a high number, as a percentage of competitors it is not the worst this race has seen. The Lake Ontario 300 has always been known as the ultimate challenge, and unlike most other offshore races, the LO300 averages only a 65% to 75% finish rate.

Some of the more notable races for dropouts may only be remembered by few old timers, but many of the people reading this article will remember some of the better blows this race has provided. They are as follows:
2010 - 34% DNF 178 started
2007 - 36% DNF 104 started
2002 - 63% DNF 33 started *
1998 - 70% DNF 27 started *
1994 - 77% DNF 62 started *
*The LO300 was double handed only until 2003

One of the most notable yachts not to complete this year's race is Cheekee Monkey, a 32' multihull that capsized in the early evening just outside Whitby. All on board were safe and as other boats went by and offered assistance, they chose to wait for the coast guard. In all the excitement going on during the first day and the number of Pan Pan’s being called out throughout the lake, Cheekee Monkey did add some excitement for the fleet and certainly made everyone more aware of what can happen. In a post race interview, Ron White owner of Cheekee Monkey stated: 'I'm going to take my time putting the boat together and make sure it’s better than ever. We already plan to return to the LO 300, I don't like unfinished business. '

Line Honours was taken by Gaucho, a Farr 44 from the Buffalo Canoe Club, who crossed the finish line at 1:21:28:28, which was 3 hours ahead of the next yacht, Notorious a Farr 30 from National Yacht Club.

Line Honours for White Sail went to Southern Cross V, a Sabre 402 from RCYC sailing double handed with a finishing time of 1:15:39:56. This time was adjusted as a result of a redress hearing to compensate for the time taken during the rescue of Cheekee Monkey. Sensei, a Tartan 4100 from QCYC was originally reported as the first white sail boat to cross the line 15 seconds ahead of Southern Cross V and remains the Line Honour boat for Fully Crewed White Sail.

The Sperry Cup has been won by Afterburn, a Dash 34 from PCYC. Afterburn has won their PRHF 2 Division the last 2 years. Darren Gornall, incoming Chairman of the Lake Ontario 300 Committee, said his crewed left it all out on the lake overcoming at least 12 broaches or knockdowns and kept everything in full speed.

Congratulations go to all division and fleet winners this year was an amazing challenge to complete, let alone be competitive.

All skippers finishing the race will be eligible to win the LO300 Air Canada Draw for a trip for two anywhere in North America, including the Bahamas. The draw will be held at this year’s awards banquet.

It is time to submit your photos for the Canadian Yachting Photo contest and your stories to be considered for the Perseverance Trophy.

Full results and all trophy winners available on www.lo300.org

by Brian Townsend

102nd Chicago Mac – A race that gave you everything

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:13:50 GMT

'2010 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac logo' Chicago Yacht Club ©

102nd Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot. Any sailor you ask about the conditions of the race will tell you they got a bit of everything. The fleet started on a reach in the Chicago Mac, which began Saturday, July 24th in nice winds following the storm system that passed through the city. The game changed to sailing upwind, in heavy air into early Sunday. Then winds clocked to east south east, and boats were downwind reaching and running in both heavy and light air. [more]

'These conditions rewarded well rounded boats that were well sailed,' said Ron White, Chief Measurer and crew aboard Nice Pair, a multihull that placed third overall. 'The physical conditions were also spectacular. We saw a full moonrise with a simultaneous sunset in the Manitous.'

The light air made for very close and competitive conditions all the way to the finish. In the Chicago-Mackinac Trophy Division, overall winner and Section 7 winner Lady K fought for the win with every boat length.

'At one point we knew we were in first place boat for boat, but when we turned can 3 [a racecourse turning mark], things got very slow as the breeze went behind us,' explained Aaron Scott (Grand Rapids, Mich.), crew aboard Lady K. 'There was a lot of calculation and tension and emotional stress trying the keep our time over Smokum Too.' Lady K finished with a corrected time of 46:53:05 less than 20 seconds over Smokum Too (Thornbury, On.) with 46:53:24.

'It was just a great race,' owner of Lady K, Mike Stewart, adds. 'We seemed to sail the boat well, with awesome crew and we just had a lot of fun. It seemed to work out for us. We take the sailing serious and we take the fun serious.' Stewart is from Muskegon Mich.

'This was a fantastic race with our second largest fleet, and every kind of sailing imaginable -- calms with files to 25 knots on the nose,' summed up Greg Freeman, Mackinac Committee Chair and crew about Salsa. 'With the early arrival of the fleet, everyone is looking forward to celebrating with a flute of Veuve Clicquot today at the Awards Ceremony and enjoying Mackinac Island.'

For more information and a full set of results, please go to: www.cycracetomackinac.com

One Man's Views on Better Sailing

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:03:21 GMT

Although it has been many years, there still is a strong current that flows within me about sailboat racing. So, if you’ll excuse my long absence, in this series of articles, I will attempt to convey some thoughts about sailing – hopefully help readers improve through diligent efforts. The focus in this series is on Sunfish sailing although often the information is general. more...

Grand River's latest threat: Asian carp

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:59:53 GMT

At least once every summer, when balmy weather creates ideal conditions for being on the water, Bobbi Sabine likes to hop in her kayak and visit friends who live along the Grand River -- without setting foot on pavement.

Sabine said there is something special about paddling to see friends who live along a historically significant waterway that has been transformed from industrial cesspool to recreational gem over the past four decades. more...

Holland boat Sufficient Reason just misses victory in Chicago to Mackinac yacht race

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:44:33 GMT

Holland yacht Sufficient Reason was the first in its section to reach the finish line in the 102nd running of the Chicago to Mackinac race, yet she finished second to Flying Jenny VI.

Sufficient Reason, a 40-foot J124 owned by Mitchell Padnos and Tracy Brand of Holland and sailed out of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, completed the 333-mile course (289.4 nautical miles) from Chicago's Navy Pier to Mackinac Island in 46 hours, 40 minutes. more...

Rising level of Lake Ontario good news for docks, marinas

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:34:01 GMT

Six weeks ago, experts said the heavens would have to open in order to overcome extreme low water levels in Lake Ontario.Thus it has come to pass: Double the normal rainfall fell in the lake basin in June and early July, causing water levels to shoot up again. more...

Dredging funds would be welcomed by local boaters, marinas

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:32:05 GMT

Last week, U.S. Reps. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, and Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, announced that their plan to create a $5 million Niagara River Navigation Fund intended to dredge 13 harbors on Lake Ontario won approval from a key subcommittee. more...

New Jersey company eyes West Michigan's wind farm possibilities

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:31:17 GMT

There's more than one offshore wind developer interested in West Michigan. NRG Bluewater Wind is developing wind farms on the East Coast but has been actively involved in Michigan's exploration of Great Lakes wind farms since early 2009. more...

Michigan county to battle invasive phragmites

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:30:28 GMT

Emmet County and Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council are turning to landowners to help in the battle of an invasive weed that could potentially destroy parts of the Lake Michigan shoreline. more...

Keep an Eye on Your Boat Trailer and It Will Treat You Well

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:59:31 GMT

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 22, 2010 – With the boating season now in full swing, the miles are starting to add up for the thousands of boaters and anglers trailering their boats and fishing rigs to their favorite waterway.

The BoatUS Trailering Club , which offers “Trailer Assist” roadside assistance for both disabled boat trailers and their tow vehicles, says if you want your trailer travels to remain trouble-free, now is the time to keep a close eye on your trailer for wear and damage.

So far this summer, the BoatUS 24-hour dispatch centers (800-391-4869) report the following top three reasons why boaters are requesting help, as well as some tips to ensure a smooth tow to the lake all summer long: more...

DogDayz first to finish the 102nd Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 10:37:59 GMT

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.-- DogDayz skippered by Dan VandenBossche was first to cross the line in the Chicago Yacht Club’s 102nd running on the Race to Mackinac, presented by Veuve Clicquot. DogDayz, a Tartan 4100 TM CB, was part of the cruising division and finished a little after 7pm eastern time.[more]

As part of the cruising division, DogDayz started their race on Friday, giving them an elapsed finish time of 52:06:28. Cruising Division boats are not eligible for the Trophy for the 'First to Finish.'

Skipper Dan VandenBossche called in from the Pink Pony as he was taking his first celebratory shot of scotch and said 'It was a great race. Very challenging with lots of weather. No snow, but everything else. We did a lot of reaching and chute work. The boat got wet early and never dried out, but we ate well and had lots of fun.'

Intangilble is the next cruiser expected to finish. DogDayz is awaiting to see if they will correct over them. Intangible, skippered by Tom Falck was the overall cruising division winner in 2009.