LSC Boats at 2004 Michigan Lightning Championship

Two Lansing Sailing Club Boats, "Wind Dancer" and "Bananas" participated in the 2004 Michigan Lightning District Championship held at on Saginaw Bay July 10th and 11th. Susanna Tellschow, Bob Miller and Pat Dolan raced "Wind Dancer". Jim Fletcher, Eddie Fletcher and Larry Koster raced "Banans" on Saturday and Maribeth Fletcher came to sail on Sunday while Eddie had to get back to Lansing. Dennis Dudley was kind enough to make his sailboat, moored at BCYC, available to the "Bananas" crew for overnight accommodations. The "Wind Dancer" team stayed with the Gus Dey family in a beautiful old farm house.

Bay City Yacht Club Hosted The racing area is just out the channel and to the left LSC Sailors wait in shade for Skipper's Mtg

The Bay City Yacht Club hosted this year's Championship, providing outstanding hospitality, quality race committee work and excellent food - all adding up to a great regatta. The race course was in Saginaw Bay, just outside the channel which marks the mouth of the Saginaw River. From BCYC's front lawn, the course area can be seen just a short distance away.

Participants arrived Friday in late afternoon to register, have their boats weighed, sails marked and safety equipment checked. A practice race was hoped for, but there was insufficient time to get everything done in time for one. The "Bananas" crew settled in on Dudley's cruising sailboat for the night while Gus Dey took the "Wind Dancer" crew for a nightcap in downtown Bay City, then on to his beautiful home for a night's rest. Jean and Gus Dey were terrific hosts while Rachel and Vincent gave up their beds for greatful visitors.

Bananas was sailed by Jim Fletcher, Eddie Fletcher and Larry Koster Tom Klaban, winner of Lansing Lightning Regatta came from Pontiac with his sons Chris Jacobson, one of our hosts was generous with door prizes

On Saturday morning the crews busied themselves with final preparation of their boats, followed by a skipper's meeting at 11. Two hoists facilitated getting the boats launched and on their way to the race course where a modest but steady breeze greeted the sailors. The first race began exactly on time at 1 pm and four races were completed by about 5:30. The wind was a classic lake breeze, starting out from the north and clocking over the course of the afternoon to about sixty degrees. Lake Lansing sailors struggled with chop and thermal conditions they never see at home, and finishing somewhere in the middle of the pack was something to be treasured when it came along.

Back at the club, with boats put away for the night, BCYC put on a great dinner with prime rib and salmon the main course choices. Afterward, Chris Jacobson handed out door prizes although the "Wind Dancer" crew was at a disadvantage with their skipper being unable to find their tickets. Nevertheless, everyone came away with something - even if it was a drink holder. Sleep was welcomed after a long day on the water.

Susanna Tellschow took this picture of Bob Miller and Pat Dolan on the way to the race course on Sunday The parade of boats out the channel to the race course Sunday was spectacular

Grandpa Tony's Restaurant, just a short distance from the Yacht Club proved to be a popular breakfast choice. Huge servings for a very reasonable price.

Two more races were run on time Sunday with a 10 AM start - giving everyone a throwout. The boats sailed back to the Club under spinnaker - making a grand parade up the channel. By 1:30, the sailors had de-rigged their boats and had the travel covers on - ready for the awards ceremony and to make their way home. Protests were still being heard close to 2 pm, so the "Wind Dancer" crew set out for home - stopping along the way to pick up a gift certificate for a nice dinner to send to their host family. By 5 pm, the boat was back in its spot at LSC and the crew headed to a shower and early bedtime.

It was a great weekend of sailing and camaraderie.

Photographs by Susanna Tellschow and Pat Dolan