Orchard Lake Country Club Regatta
July 16, 2005

LSC's team included (clockwise from upper left) Scott Watkins, Bob Miller, Pat Dolan, Mandy Middlewood, Doug Carlson, Susanna Tellschow, Anna Hamilton, Chris Miller, Faith Krogulecki, Drew Krogulecki and Cody Eggenberger.

Upon arriving at the Orchard Lake Country Club shortly after 9:00 am, we were greeted by the sight of 12 "Y" Boats and 12 Lasers - rigged and ready to sail.

Orchard Lake Country Club's sailing program is centered out of the Lake House which sports a spacious meeting room, snack bar, pool and locker rooms.

Just a few steps away is the dock area. OLCC staff rigged the boats, provided PFDs and made it possible for all the sailors to simply climb on board and head for the race course.

On a hill overlooking the Lake House, pool and sailing venue is the OLCC Clubhouse.

Here is the view from the dock - looking up toward the Club House.

Everyone was ready to sail - but the weather wasn't cooperating. Just as we completed the Skipper's Meeting a heavy rain began to fall and lightning stikes were prevelant. Half of a tree near the Club was ripped away - attested to by the sailors returning at the end of the day.

The group was not to be detered from having fun however, as card and other games quickly got underway. Mandy, Anna and Chris play "Poophead" and other games with less colorful names.

Adrianne Tuttle came with Scott Watkins hoping to catch a few rays at the pool - but that plan got spoiled with the rain. They found things to discuss with Doug Carlson.

Bob Miller and Anna Hamilton shared a light moment.

It didn't take Anna and Mandy long to put together some additional ideas for fun.

Cody Eggenberger bends dad Eric's ear.

Drew and Faith Krogulecki wait with dad for an announcement from the Race Committee.

The skys are clearing - and there is still wind on the lake. Let's go sailing.

Lunch is served as we wait for one last look at the radar - and Anna discovers the box subs were delivered in can be manipulated to create wind.

Chris Miller shows Anna one last boat handling move before we go on the water. "You've got to be kidding," says Anna.

Finally we are in our boats and out comes the Bubblicious. An important piece of sailing knowledge to be passed from generation to generation - Bubblicious keeps you from having "Cottony Mouth". Doug Carlson coaches Cody Eggenberger and Faith Krogulecki in "Y" Boat 10.

We are ready to go. LSC's Junior sailors were sailing their very first race - and against some experienced adult sailors. Scott Watkins coaches Chris Miller and Drew Krogulecki on "Y" Boat 5.

Mandy Middlewood kept improving her skippering skills with each leg of the course. On the final leg of the last race, she passed two boats and just missed passing a third by 30 inches (according to the Race Committee). Mandy and Pat Dolan sailed "Y" boat 8. Said Coach Pat, "Mandy is developing into a very competent sailor - watching how well she drives the boat, it is hard to believe she has only been sailing a handful of days."

Anna got off to a third row start in the first race - making it tough to do well. However, in the last race of the day, she made big improvements. This was only the second time Anna had raced a Laser - her first time being last Wednesday evening at LSC in a drifter. Here she rests between races.

Anna celebrates her improved performance in the last race with a leap off the boat.

After racing, there were a few laughs to be shared.

The Race Committee compiles the results. "Is it possible to have this outcome," they wonder.

Gather 'round for the results. How did we do?

Bob sailed near the top of the Laser fleet all day.

As did Susanna. Quite an accomplishment considering this was only the second time she raced a Laser. LSC's Laser sailors scored well, but just missed the top spot.

Scott Watkins was very complimentary of Junior Sailors Chris Miller and Drew Krogulecki. "They sailed the boat very well. It was hard to believe they have only had a few days of sailing this summer," said Scott. Doug Carlson was equally enthusiastic about the work of Cody Eggenberger and Faith Krogulecki. "They did a fabulous job," said Doug.

And the results are in. The team from Portage Yacht Club won the Laser competition and were second in the "Y" Boats - enough for an overall team win. The "Cup" was accompanied by glasses and the team shared.

Portage sailors mug for the camera with OLCC Commodore Karyn Glover as the rest of the sailors give them a big round of applause.

We were particularly proud of how will our junior sailors handled themselves on and off the water.

Thanks to all the parents who came to support their boys and girls sailing their very first regatta.