Laura Williams Makes Grandparents Proud

Laura flashes a great smile despite cold wind and rain

In Lansing for a short visit with Grandma and Grandpa, Laura Williams took the plunge into sailing Wednesday. With wind coming up, rain coming down, and the wind chill factor dropping, it was a short sail - but she was a real trooper.

How many ten year olds can claim they went sailing by themselves on their summer vacation? With the rise of Optimist Dinghys on Lake Lansing, hopefully more and more local kids will be able to make that claim.

The Few, The Proud, The Laser Sailors

Scott Watkins (left) and Dave MacKenzie show their speed in racing Wednesday

Many (some called them "wimps") stayed at home warming their feet by the fire. But the "Real" sailors were out on Lake Lansing Wednesday having a great time. There was just the right amount of wind and the cool air was perfect for working the boats. Mike Moody won the four Laser Races while Scott Watkins had seconds in all but one race. Dave MacKenzie took one second and three third places finishes.

Laser sailors from throughout Michigan, including Mike Moody and Doug Carlson of LSC, will now head to Traverse City for the Michigan Laser Championship this coming weekend. Any Laser sailor wishing to join in will find the notice of race on the LSC web site and can contact Mike Moody for more information.

Detailed results and standings are available through links on the Racing page of the LSC web site at www.lansingsailing.org.

Crawford Wins First Lake Lansing Opti Race

Doug Crawford smiles after scoring a come from behind win

That boat is holding quite a load with the Vice-Commodore aboard

It was a battle of extremes as Vice-Commodore Pat Dolan climbed into an Optimist to provide competition for Junior Sailor Doug Crawford. Pat had age, experience and size on his side. Doug brought his enthusiasm, dedication and the ability to learn quickly.

Although he is in his first year of sailing, Doug was up to the task - scoring come from behind wins on the final leg in both races against the Commodore of Vice. This was the first Optimist racing on Lake Lansing. Hopefully other Junior Sailors will join in the fun during the final few Wednesdays of the season.

One Boat Makes a Race

Susanna Tellschow on her way to a win

Susanna Tellschow scored her first wins of the season, never mind that the opposition was scarce. In the Sunfish Fleet, one boat is a race.

Susanna now heads to Crystal Lake for their big Flying Scot Regatta this weekend.

Detailed results and standings are available through links on the Racing page of the LSC web site at www.lansingsailing.org.

Four More Wednesday Race Days Remain

Looking ahead on the calendar, there are four more Wednesday evening race days for Laser, Sunfish and Optimists. After next Wednesday, racing will begin at 6:00 - a half hour earlier. With sunset coming earlier and earlier, this time change helps us complete four races.

All the Laser, Sunfish and Optimist sailors are urged to put the remaining Wednesday evenings on their schedule so there will be a lot of boats sailing.

• August 15 (Sunday): John Melchor, John Quensen, Volunteer Needed.
• August 22 (Sunday): Sandy Bryson, Joanne Princinsky, Volunteer Needed.

• August 13, LLPOA TGIF on the Lake
• August 14-15, Laser Dist 19 Championship. Traverse City
• August 15, Lightning Fleet Racing
• August 17, Practice Night
• August 18, Wednesday Racing
• August 22, Lightning Fleet Racing
• August 24, Practice Night
• August 25, Wednesday Racing
• August 27, LLPOA TGIF on the Lake
• August 29, Lightning Fleet Racing
• August 31, Practice Night
• September 1, Wednesday Racing
• September 5, Lightning Fleet Racing
• September 6, Labor Day Picnic & Regatta

• Olympics. Bravo will be carrying daily highlights of sailing during the Olympics from 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM starting August 14.
• Swedish Match Tour. Previous events shown continuously on the web at narrowstep.tv.
• Wednesdays: Annapolis Yacht Club Wednesday Night Series. On the web at www.t2p.tv each evening after racing.