Weekend of July 8-10

2022 ILYA E Invitational

2022 ILYA MC Invitational

When all is said and done ----- Here’s Andy!

White Bear – lovely White Bear. It is always as you dream about – a beautiful area with lovely folks. Who knew that some of Gull lives right there! Who knew there was a high school named Totino’s? Aren’t those pizza rolls? It’s a quiet little sailing center on magnificent land which offers the greatest of hospitality and friendship.

The list of entries was only 30 but the top fifteen were all accomplished sailors. When Jay Rendall, Mark Tesar and Bruce Rosenheimer are in the 11-15 slots, you know how deep the talent goes. Five different race winners in seven races – OK, Andy won three! Andy Burdick won the event by eight points and that is a most convincing endeavor but what great competition! The wind was light to medium heavy throughout the event. Brian Buzzell used the lake and the wind to best advantage. Sunday’s races began at 9:00; trophies were at 12:45 so he officiated with efficiency and took advantage as the fleet completed its full complement of races allowed. There was one throwout thanks to his execution. Locals Tom Hodgson and Bob Zak provided local knowledge and commentary!

Highlights of racing:

• Newby to the fleet and from a lake unknown to most of you, Long Lake, WISCONSIN, Mark Johnson won a race and sailed most consistently. What an addition he is to the fleet. You will see him everywhere – just a great, upcoming competitor in this fleet.
• David Porter winning a race by three minutes – but that’s not the story. He was ahead by quite a bit at a windward mark when he hears cheers – too late for him --- as Karen Alnes rounded the can in third. Locals (and RC) went nuts with cheers. Guess it pays to be an Alnes! Porter however did receive applause at the evening’s party. This is really a nice fleet who acknowledges and encourages each other.
• Chris Kubicek arrived with a new truck. The truck konked out as he coasted into the ritzy golf course area. Truck towed and just what you want – “can’t look at it until Tuesday.” Now without a vehicle, no hitch, no room to carry all you sailors need, White Bear stepped right up. Thanks in particular to Karen Alnes and White Bear Boatworks.
• White Bear sailors finishing 2-4-6-9 in a race. Kudos to the strength of this fleet.
• The surprise to find David Harrison sailing listed as Minnetonka. That Oshkosh convert finished fifth overall. What a great regatta for him.
• Say it ain’t so! Andy Burdick won the Masters. He can’t be that old. David Porter – the grandmasters; he’s definitely that old. Stefan Schmidt the Megamasters – nope, not a day over 50! Natalie Sinn – top female and Owen Harrod, top youth.
• Just to feel the historical significance of White Bear is special. A visit by Skip Johnson of Johnson Boatworks and the appearance of Harvey Mills was most special. The trophies were white bears placed on wood reclaimed from the Johnson Boatworks. Truly a special act of love for all of us attending and for those who are so proud of the White Bear heritage.

Lastly, thanks to all the White Bear volunteers. Honestly, who makes us homemade burritos for breakfast? The chairman in training kept buying us drinks – OK, did she need to mellow us out that much? Terri Dresen was a gem with her smile and ability to accommodate any request as it was thrust upon her. The RC crew was outstanding. So many old friends who return to assist time and time again.

And for you women, Angie Brown has the coolest line of IBKUL clothing. If you are in the area, check her out at White Bear Boatworks – new location – or reach out. Sail la Vie bags was there – just the best. Thanks, White Bear for a great, great show.

Check out all of the photos here

Results here.  

Weekend of June 18-19

 

Weekend of June 11-12 

2022 WAWASEE E SCOW OPEN

24 boats attended from 8 Lakes, with Brett Hatton from Spring Lake Michigan taking top prize over Mark Hetzler from Delavan.

2022 WI MC CHAMPS - LBYC - JOHN PORTER TAKES TOP PRIZE