Sailors Compete for a good start.
Picture by Stephen Wagner

Results of the 2008 Lake Lansing Laser Regatta
Held Saturday, August 23, 2008
at the Lansing Sailing Club

Sponsors: Michigan Brewing Company, Dusty's Cellers,
Environmental Process Dynamics, West Marine, Spagnoulas

Photographs: Stephen Wagner
Click Here for more Regatta pictures by Stephen Wagner

Video: Jonathan Ahlbrand
Click Here for Video Highlights of the Regatta

Lake Lansing Laser Captain: Doug Carlson

Race Committee: John Fishbeck (PRO), Jonathan Ahlbrand, Ian Clemens, John Kolstoe,
Larry Koster, Neil Harrison, Ron Marshall and Julie Pierce.

Special Support: Maribeth and Jim Fletcher

Regatta Notice: Click Here

Hiroshi Maeda gets a jump at the start Picture by Stephen Wagner

Maeda Wins August 23 Laser Regatta

Overcoming what were sometimes close to survival conditions for some of the sailors, Hiroshi Maeda, a visitor from Japan, won the 2008 Lake Lansing Laser Regatta by one point over last year's winner Craig Pearson. Michael Seago was the top Junior Sailor among a group that seemed to take a lot of delight in the abundance of capsizing. Not many sailors escaped getting totally wet.

Bringing his own sail, blades and control lines, Maeda borrowed Commodore Pat Dolan's boat and showed how it should be sailed. Winning the first race while '07 winner Pearson death rolled on the downwind gave the Japanese visitor a quick start. Pearson recovered however to win the next two races while Maeda took seconds. At the break, Maeda was leading, but with a throwout undoubtedly coming after six races, his lead was in jeopardy.

After the lunch break, Maeda was back in winning form, taking races four and five while Pearson was second and third. This guaranteed Maeda the championship even if Peason took the final race (which he did).

Other than a 17th that constituted his throwout, Michael Seago sailed a solid 6-(17)-11-11-8-7 regatta and was the top Junior Sailor in a very tough field.

Lake Lansing's Mike Moody, who likes a windy day, got his wish and was the third place sailor - and top Lake Lansing sailor. Mike's day on the water was one of the most consistent with a 2-4-4-(6)-2-2 to show for his effort.

In all, 24 sailors participated in the Regatta including a dozen of Lake Lansing's Laserites.

John Fishbeck led an efficient Race Committee consisting of Jonathan Ahlbrand, Ian Clemens, John Kolstoe, Larry Koster, Neil Harrison, Ron Marshall and Julie Pierce. With the challenges of keeping the race course in line with the wind, they were actively monitoring the many capsizes and assisting sailors.

Maribeth and Jim Fletcher took responsibility for picking up the steak and chicken as well as other good eatin's for the post race "cook-it-yourself" BBQ and the number of LSC Club members that volunteered was fantastic. "I am continually overwhelmed by the number of people that are willing to contribute their time to make this event a success," said Laser Fleet Captain Doug Carlson. "It is truly what makes the Lansing Sailing Club such a special place. Many thanks to the many member volunteers that gave their support to this regatta effort."

Participants were very appreciative of the contributions made by sponsors. Michigan Brewing Company generously provided liquid refreshment, Dusty's Cellers and Blaine Severin's Environmental Process Dynamics donated wine for door prizes. Spagnoula's donated a gift certificate and West Marine provided a bag of goodies sailors always appreciate getting.