Ice on the Lake

Lake Lansing gets its first ice for 2005-2006

Nov 25, 2005. Lake Lansing residents awoke today to find cold temperatures had resulted in a thin layer of ice on the lake.

With continued cold temperatures forecast over the next few days, it is possible that this ice will stay.

It's time to get the DNs out, sharpen the skates and get the ice fishing gear ready.

Although there is no running water at the Club House over the winter and the restrooms are not operational, members are still welcome to use the facility as a base for winter activities on the lake.

Members interested in iceboating will find an active DN group using the lake. Use the "Contact Us" page of the web site and click on "DN Iceboats" or "Ice Boating" to make a contact with members involved in this activity.

Ron Wilson Award Goes to Dolan

Pat Dolan accepts Ron Wilson Award Pictures by Doug Carlson Chris Miller is Junior Sailor of the Year Some of the Banquet crowd

Nov 18, 2005. The Lansing Sailing Club held it's Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet tonight at the Eagle Eye Gold Course Clubhouse. Pat Dolan was the recipient of the Ron Wilson Award. This is the second time that Dolan has received this recognition - generally thought of as the most important award the Club can bestow.

Many others were also recognized. Chris Miller, was Junior Sailor of the Year. She earned this distinction by showing significant improvement in her sailing skills and through her involvement in Lightning racing both as front crew and driver. Chris skippered seven races, winning three and finishing second in the other four.

Larry Koster was recognized with the Corinthian Award. This award is presented annually to the skipper who most actively advances the interests of the Lansing Lightning Fleet. Larry has not only been an active Lightning sailor, but is one of the most active skippers in sailing out of town regattas. In addition, Larry is constantly bringing new people into sailing and is among the first to offer help to others trying to improve their skills.

"Crew of the Year" went to Gil Chesbro and Scott Watkins. Both were important forces in the success of the boats they sailed on. "Wind Dancer" won the season championship with Gil sailing almost every race in the middle position - calling tactics upwind and trimming the spinnaker downwind. Scott's efforts as crew with Merrick Hurlbutt were on disply this year as the boat was very competitive and vastly improved.

The Jane Marshall "Wet Bottom" award went to Susanna Tellschow - who does go all out, regardless of her role in the boat. As crew on "Wind Dancer", she was influential in getting the boat to the top of the standings and keeping it there. When "Oh m" was donated to the Club by Marshall's, Susanna began driving it and had solid results - particularly for a first year Lightning skipper.

"Rookie Crew of the Year" was Jamie Rasmussen who spent most of her sailing time crewing on "Moody's Booty". Jamie was a quick study and her enthusiasm was contagious. She played a key role in having the "Booty" receive the runner up award for the 2005 season.

Fleet awards were also distributed by the Fleet Captains. John Fishbeck won the Sunfish Season Championship, Doug Carlson led the Laser sailors in 2005 and Pat Dolan's "Wind Dancer" team won the Lightning Fleet's Season and Half Season Championships.

Lisa Winters did an outstanding job of organizing the event, including gathering some very nice door prizes, and arranging excellent desserts. Stephanie Moody created centerpieces that were given away as door prizes. Everyone enjoyed a slide show of pictures taken during the 2005 season including candids of many Club members and friends.

"Wind Dancer" Has Good Bluenose

Wind Dancer and the Tom Allen, Sr Boat

Nov 6, 2005. Susanna Tellschow, Terry Kleiman and Pat Dolan took "Wind Dancer" south to Nashville, Tennessee for the 2005 Bluenose Regatta and finished 13th in the 35 boat field.

"Two bad races hurt us," said Dolan. "In one we were among the leaders at the windward mark when the spin halyard came off during the hoist and went up the mast. We had to take a DNF in order to find a local dock where we could tip the boat over and retrieve the halyard. In the other, we were fouled at the start and struggled to a 27th."

"Wind Dancer" did well in the other races however, scoring a 16th, 14th, 9th and a 3rd in the final race. "It was a real team effort" reported Dolan. "Terry oversaw sail trim, and we were fast. On the downwinds, Susanna kept us in clear air and found great wind streams to stay in. The spin was full through every gybe and boat balance was excellent.

"This is a great regatta to end the season with."

Click Here for a picture story of the Regatta. Click Here for the Bluenose Regatta web site where they have results and pictures.

LSC Boats at Sloops

Sailors approach the leeward mark - Race 1

October 28, 2005. The National Collegiate Sloop Championship got underway today at Gull Lake. One race was completed before the wind became so unpredictable that a fair course could not be set. Ten races are scheduled to be held during the Championship with each team sailing one race in a different boat. Saturday's start time was moved up 30 minutes in an effort to make up for the racing that could not be completed Friday.

Seven Lightnings owned by Lansing Sailing Club members were among the twelve boats being used by ten competing teams. This generous contribution is very much appreciated and everyone associated with the regatta was very pleased with the quality of boats so generously made available.

There are two boats available in case of breakdown and one was immediately pressed into service Friday when a control line on one of the boats became inoperable. While the control line was being fixed, one of the two extra boats was quickly pressed into service.

Doug Carlson and Pat Dolan are at Gull Lake for the Championship, serving as members of the Race Committee.

Moody in NZ

Mike's Trophy

October 29, 2005. Mike Moody spent late October in New Zealand sailing his Blokart in several races and returned a world champion.

Moody chronicled his trip and sent daily emails as well as pictures. His writings tell about sailing in several venues and a visit to "area 51"

Click Here, or on the picture, to ready Mike's journal and see pictures

Berm and Plantings Go In

Bill Davidson nods to the camera as he and and a crew of other members add plantings to the new berm.

October 24, 2005. Member volunteers came to the Club today to plant evergreens and shrubs on the berm that now borders our South property line.

In an effort to improve the enjoyment of our Club for members and guests, LSC has been working on a plan to improve the landscaping. This project also helps us to become better neighbors to the other property owners on Lake Lansing.

Several years ago, this project began with the installation of a white picket fence and gate across the road side of the property. In this stage of the project, plantings will provide a natural screen between the Club and our neighbors to the South. A number of evergreens and other shrubs were donated to the Club, and while it will take a while for these plantings to mature, with some larger arborvitae found at a bargain price by Rear Commodore Wayne Loescher, the new screen has a good start.

Docks Out Signals End of Sailing Season

Docks are stacked for the winter

October 15, 2005. The docks are now out, stacked and covered for the winter.

LSC members did a great job today, finishing in record time. In addition to taking out the docks, the leaves were raked, club house cleaned, club boats washed and stored, and a number of other season ending tasks completed.

A handful of members were unable to participate due to schedule conflicts, but Rear Commodore Wayne Loescher still has a list of things that need attention - including some landscape work to be done on the south property line. There will be a work party announced soon.

Lightnings Sail Final Fleet Races of 2005

Fifteen seconds before the start

October 9, 2005. Six Lightning crews were on the water today as the 2005 Lightning fleet racing season came to a close. With winds in the 8-10 mph range, pleasant temperatures and autumn colors abounding, it was a nice way to wrap things up.

Mike Moody won the first two races while Pat Dolan took charge in the last race.

The "Wind Dancer" team takes both the Season Championship and the Half Season Championship.

Fall colors - a good reason to be sailing

In all, seven Lightning skippers qualified for recognition by sailing half or more of the races in the season championship series. Seventeen skippers competed in two or more races, including two junior sailors.

Junior sailor Chris Miller drove the boat in seven races, winning three and finishing second in the others.

For more details and additional pictures, see the October 10, 2005 e-Sheet. Click on the "Racing" button to the left for links to Lightning Fleet standings and detailed results.

"Oh m" Gets New Home on Lift

"Oh m" in her new home

October 7, 2005. Susanna Tellschow put "Oh m" in its new home on the lift recently donated to LSC.

Although it is late in the season and there won't be many sailing days before Docks Out, putting "Oh m" on the lift gives us an opportunity to work through some of the procedures so that next season can see maximum use by members of the latest Club boat donated by Jane and Ron Marshall.

These are some of the questions we'll answer in the few days remaining before Docks Out:
  - What is the best way to get the boat on and off the lift?
  - How can putting the cover on be made as easy as possible?
  - How deep does the lift need to be in the water?
  - What orientation will members need to be able to use the boat and launch it from the lift?

Having the boat on a lift will make it possible for members without trailer hitches to easily launch and use this terrific resource.

Brady Savage Wins Spartan Singles Saturday Regatta - Ray Leads College Sailors

Brady Savage leads downwind in Race 1

September 17, 2005. Brady Savage, a Sophomore at Grosse Point, won the Saturday Open portion of Spartan Singles.

Despite being the youngest competitor in a field that included six MSU collegiate sailors and seven other non-collegiate sailors, Brady only had serious difficulties in one race where he finished tenth. Otherwise, he had three first place finishes, a second and a fourth.

Lansing's Mike Moody was one point behind Savage to finish in second place Saturday. Leigh Savage sailed the third place boat.

For the collegiate set, Casey Ray led the way with 12 points while Mills Forni was only one point back at 13. Rob Linden was third with 18 points. All six college sailors are MSU students and members of the MSU Sailing Club.

Click on the photo for final Saturday standings, complete results and more pictures.

Lasers and Sunfish Wrap Up Fleet Racing

Anna Hamilton keeps a close eye on sailors as she gets ready to record results

September 7, 2005. The lake was like a mirror all day - but just when they needed wind, it filled in a provided a great finishing night for the 2005 Sunfish and Laser Fleet racing finale.

For the Sunfish, John Fishbeck cemented his hold on the season championship by adding two more wins to his total.

Doug Carlson won the Laser season championship despite a late charge by Mike Moody. In the end, only one race proved to be the main difference between the two sailors finishes over the course of the summer.

There is more in the September 8, 2005 e-Sheet (see archives) including additional pictures. Click on the "Racing" button to the left for links to standings and detailed results.

Pirate Treasure Hunt for Labor Day Sailors

Capt'n "Fuzzy Beard" Loescher be with 'is Pirate Crew

September 5, 2005. It was Labor Day and LSC members gathered to picnic and participate in a little fun on the water.

After downing plenty of brats, dogs and great eats brought by the picnickers, Commodore "Scurvy Dog" Moody formed three pirate bands. Arrr! With instructions from "Scurvy", the bands set off to find a Treasure.

Clues were turned up at locations indicated on authentic pirate booty maps - and when the pirate bands put their clues together, they led to a Treasure.

A good time was had by all. More information and pictures can be found in the September 6, 2005 e-Sheet (see the Archives Section).

Juniors Win in Lightning Debut

Susanna Tellschow and Crew Sunday Photo by Jim Fletcher

September 4, 2005. Two Junior sailors took the tiller for their first Lightning racing - and each won a race. There wasn't a lot of wind - but enough to get two races in. And, it was exciting to see two of our Junior sailors do so well.

Chris Miller drove "Wind Dancer" to a win in Race One while Cody Eggenberger was at the helm of "Moody's Booty" for a Race Two win.

There is more information and pictures in the September 6, 2005 e-Sheet. Click on the "Racing" button to the left for links to standings and detailed results.

Junior Sailors Bring Season To A Close

Sailors and Coaches at Marshmallow Roast

August 30, 2005. A Marshmallow Roast at Eggenbergers after racing brought an end to the 2005 Junior Sailing Program at LSC. In all, at one point or another, sixteen Jnior Sailors participated.

Six sailors raced on this final night with Chris Miller going 2-1-1-2 to lead the group. Doug Crawford's second place finish pushed high briefly to a 10 handicap rating again - best of the year. Cody Eggenberger ends up with a 9 handicap rating for the highest at the end of the seaon. Faith Krogulecki had a first in the final race of the year to end up with the most first place finishes throughout the season with five.

Click on the picture for a picture story of the last race night of the year.

Click Here for complete details on all races in the series, current ratings and an explaination of the rating system.

Bob Miller and Julie Pierce Drive to Crew Race Wins

Bob Miller sails to Race One Win

July 21, 2005. It was "Crew Takes the Helm" night at the Lansing Sailing Club and five sailors who usually sit in the middle or front positions took the tiller while the skipper filled a spot more forward in the boat.

Bob Miller and Julie Pierce walked away with wins in the two races sailed.

Tom Rasmussen and Gary Marx shared helming duties on "Shibumi" with Larry Koster on board in a supporting role. Terry Kleiman sailed with Bob Miller on "Wind Dancer". Julie Pierce was assisted by the capable father and son team of Blaine and Geoff Severin. Mike Moody and Ann Baker were aboard "Moody's Booty" as Susanna Tellschow drove.

Walter and Antje Bennenson volunteered to serve on Race Committee and worked hard to keep up with course changes necessitated by continuing changes in wind direction.

For more details, see the July 22nd edition of e-Sheet in the archives section of the web site. Also, click on the picture for a Photo Story of this event.

LSC Team Sails at Orchard Lake

LSC's Team at Orchard Lake

July 16, 2005. An eleven person team of LSC sailors, including six junior sailors, travelled to Orchard Lake Country Club to participate in a special sailing event.

Orchard Lake had also invited Pontiac Yacht Club and Portage Yacht Club to participate. Each team sailed three lasers and three "Y" boats (boats that are a lot like Lightnings - but with only a few control lines).

Portage won the event. LSC's Laser sailors were second in their fleet. Everybody on the team sailed very well. For most team members it was either their first racing experience - or their first time in the type of boat they sailed - or both.

For a picture story, click on the team picture.

Fouth Picnicers and Mystery Time Regatta

Allswede's Getaway in the "Mystery Time Regatta"

July 4, 2005. More than 30 members and guests showed up at the Lansing Sailing Club today to picnic and participate in an on-the-water activity.

Thanks to Bob Miller for organizing the grilling and all those who helped him. Thanks to the Middlewoods for and Jim Fletcher for making last minute runs to the store.

After picnicing, most of the group went on the water for a "Mystery Time Regatta". Each boat estimated the time they would be sailing and were on their honor not to use watches or other timepieces (sundials were ok). To the estimated time would be added a mystery time - unknown to everyone participating until the results were tallied. The mystery time turned out to be 8 minutes. Against the Estimated time plus Mystery Time, sailors staked their actual time on the water. Vietti's won this event - and recieve a boat cleaning as their prize.

Click on the picture for a picture story showing some of today's fun.

Fries Gets Threepeat in Sunfish Regatta

Derrick Fries leads boats away from the starting line. Picture by Ian Clemens.

June 18, 2005. Derrick Fries won the Lake Lansing Sunfish Regatta for the third year in a row - scoring first place finishes in all five races. Also for the third year in a row, Dan Norton took second place honors. Dan ran off four second place finishes and a third.

Nathan Zeigler too third place honors and Tom Katterheinrich was fourth to round out the hardward recipients.

The highest placing Lansing Sailing Club sailor was Dave Vietti.

A total of seventeen boats participated including nine sailors from the Lansing Sailing Club.

Click here for complete results. Click on the picture for a picture story.

Fidler Wins Laser Regatta

Sean Fidler on his way to one of four first place finishes to go with a second and a winning total of 7 points - a four point margin over second place sailor Ken Swetka

June 11, 2005. A trip to Long Beach in August was the prize for Laser sailor Sean Fidler for winning the Lake Lansing Laser Regatta. This regatta was also the US Sailing Area E Elimination for the National Single-handed Championship. Click the picture at right for complete results.

Ken Swetka was second, Doug Carlson third, Jim Meyer fourth and Mike Moody fifth. Carlson and Moody are both Lansing Sailing Club members.

In addition, Lansing Sailing Club member Ian Clemens took home the best novice award, EJ O'Mara the best Junior Sailor award and Ariel O'Mara the best Woman Sailor award.

Junior Sailing Program Gets Underway

Tuesday, June 7, 2005. The Lansing Sailing Club launched it's 2005 Junior Sailing Program today. Five Juniors showed up for a session at 3:30 and another four at 6:00. Yet another group was not able to participate because this is the last week of school - but they will be out sailing next week.

It is amazing how quickly boys and girls pick up sailing - and it was fun to see them sailing back and forth within a few minutes of being on the water. Thanks to Olav Messerschmidt and Pat Dolan who seveed as coaches today.

The Junior sailors will be sailing each Tuesday through mid July - and then participating in a special regatta at Orchard Lake Country Club involving sailing teams from four Michigan clubs.

Memorial Day Lots of Fun

Balloon Chasing. Photo by Maribeth Fletcher

May 30, 2005. Jim and Maribeth Fletcher organized a Memorial Day full of fun activities.

The weather cooperated and a good group of members showed up with guests to make it a rip roaring success.

In addition to the usual picnic, there was Bocce Ball, Volleyball and a Balloon chase on the water - organized by Jim and Maribeth to include a little bit of friendly competition.

Click here to see a picture story of the day's activities.

Jim Allen Wins Lightning Regatta

Jim Allen Sails to a Win

Saturday, May 21. Jim Allen put a second and four first plance finishes on the board to win the 40th Annual "Tune Up" Lightning Regatta on Lake Lansing.

In second place was Eric Heller. Last year's winner, Tom Klaban, finished third. Ryan Flack took home the fourth place trophy and Chris Jacobsen the fifth place plaque.

George Siegle, Lansing Sailing Club Fleet Captain repeats as the highest finishing Lake Lansing boat as well as the highest finishing MSU grad.

Fifteen boats participated in the regatta - including eight crews from the Lansing Sailing Club. Click here for complete results.

Yellow Committee Boat Leaves LSC

Old Yellow Says Goodby to LSC

Saturday, May 7. The old yellow Committee Boat that so faithfully served the Lansing Sailing Club for many years is now gone.

Club Boat Director Doug Carlson arranged to sell the boat and motor to a Grand Rapids company that specializes in reconditioning motors.

Old Yellow inspires many memories for long time members - but the new Committee Boat was a welcome change. The better stability, increased reliability of the four stroke motor, ease of operation and improved on-board storage is a welcome improvement.

The Docks Are In And Members are Sailing

Doug Carlson (l) and Wayne Loescher

Saturday, April 16. Rear Commodore Wayne Loescher organized and oversaw a very successful Docks In 2005. Not only did the docks go in, but several other important projects were given attention. Click the picture for more photos from Docks In.

A crew finished cutting up the old leaky barrels. They are now ready for disposal.

The sail sheds were cleaned out. Any items not identifiable were set aside for members to review. Items not claimed will become Club property and used, sold or otherwise disposed of.

Old dock sections were laid in front of the sail shed where water tends to collect during the rainy season. Not having to negotiate puddles will make getting to and from the sail shed easier.

There seemed to be many more leaves this year than in the past - but the grounds crews correled them. With Andrew Harrision compacting them in the trailer, room was found for them all.

After work was done, some members rigged and went sailing to take advantage of a beautiful day.

Harray is BloKart Champ, Moody 6th

Friday, March 25. The America's Cup of Land Yacht Racing concluded for the BloKarters on Thursday. When the dust had settled after six races on the final day, Russell Harray was the overall winner.

Mike Moody of the Lansing Sailing Club finished sixth in the field of twenty-nine. Mike had a strong finish, going 4-4-22-4-3-2 on the final day. His 22 resulted from getting a flat tire. He sailed to the pit area and replaced the tire without missing a race.

The top finishers were all from New Zealand. Tom Rymill of Michigan kept improving during the regatta and ended up ninth.

Plenty of PM Wind Keeps Sailors Alert

Windjet

Wednesday, March 23. There was plenty of wind Wednesday afternoon as BloKarters from across the globe vied for the International championship in their five day regatta. After yesterday's collision, the sailors were very much on the alert and giving a little extra room.

Russell Harray was finally reined in a bit as others crossed in first. However, he still holds a substantial lead over the second place sailor. Mike Moody and Tom Rymill both scored 28 points on the day. Mike is in sixth overall, nine behind the fifth place BloKarter, but in position to move up with some good finishes. Tom moved up a couple of notches to tenth overall.

Light wind during the morning provided time for some of the participants to venture south on the Playa to check out a british land yacht, there for a month in an effort to break the world land speed record of 116 mph. Mike reports the yacht is very high tech and interesting to see.

Second Day Crash in Vegas

Tuesday, March 22. A spectacular three BloKart crash spread wheels and other parts across the desert in racing action today. As might be expected, LSC's Mike Moody was in the middle of this excitement. On the downwind leg, Mike was approaching three other BloKarts headed upwind. All were on port tack, but Mike was required to give way as the others were in the "leeward" position. Unfortunately, a huge gust hit making control difficult.

As a result, Mike was spending time apologizing and finding parts to fix his and other BloKarts he hit. The good news is that nobody was hurt and no sailor missed a race. Mike fell one place overall, to sixth as the New Zealanders continue to dominate the racing. Russell Harray continues to lead the championship with eleven first place finishes and one second.

Moody 5th After First Day of BloKart Cup

Mike and his "BloTorch"

Monday, March 21. LSC's Mike Moody was in fifth place overall in the world championship of BloKarting after the first day of racing near Las Vegas.

Mike reports that the Kiwi's are again dominating the action - although the North American crowd has now caught up in terms of technology. Russell Harray leads the championship with all first place finishes. Tom Rymill, another Michigan land sailor, is in twelth place after day one.

Over the weekend, Mike travelled to San Diego with some of the New Zealand contingent to promote BloKarting, and to enjoy some of the local color in southern California.

"In this year's championship," Mike reports, "they are using transponders on each BloKart to record laps and finishes. In addition, there are weight classifications, with standings in each classification."

Lansing BloKart Fleet Sails in Winter

Ken Knight waits for the fleet to "rig up" Doug Carlson leads Mike Moody on this run Matthew Strugar-Fritsch shows the way

Saturday, March 5. A modest wind whipping across the parking lot at the MSU Pavilion brought Lansing BloKarters out to enjoy a sunny day.

Ken Knight was first on the course. Just enough wind was his verdict. He then leaned back and relaxed, waiting for the rest of the fleet to get their carts together and on the move.

Matthew Strugar-Fritsch got his Kart ready and was soon zipping across the pavement.

Doug Carlson showed off his new pod - a device which wraps around the front of the BloKart to streamline it.

Mike Moody showed off his new fenders and graphics as he got ready to take his BloKart "BloTorch" west for the America's Cup of Land Yacht Racing later this month.

Last year, Mike led all the North American BloKarters at this world championship of BloKarting - but watched the Kiwis, who came with some new innovations, walk away with top honors.

This time around, Mike has a few new tricks up his sleeve and hopes to show the visitors from down under a thing or two.

The America's Cup of Lans Yacht Racing is held on a dry lake bed about 30 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike looks for about forty BloKart sailors to attend, including several from Michigan.

These racers go more than forty miles an hour when the wind blows 15 or more, and they easily get up on two wheels. Wind gusts make land yaching particularly exciting because you don't usually see them coming like you do on the water.