"Cap'n Slappy" and "Ol' Chumbucket", the founders of Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day Friday Sept 19

Shiver me timbers mate. Friday next be "Talk Like a Pirate Day". Ye best be learnin' some fine pirate sayings. Arrrr.

Dig in yer larboard hold fer that flag o'skull and bones. Display it pridefully.

Now belay, or as was said in Treasure Island "Before an hour's out, I'll stove in your old block house like a rum puncheon. Ye'll laugh upon the other side. Them that die'll be the lucky ones"

Surf that web. Arrrr. Find yer pirate name. Arrrrr. Have a pirate party. Arrrrrrrr. Learn some pirate words. Arrrrrrrrrr.

Bridge Sail by Amboys on Labor Day

Editor's Note: Chuck Amboy provides this commentary on their Labor Day traverse of the Straights of Mackinac.

Departing from a tradition of paddling across the Straits of Mackinac during the Labor Day Bridge Walk, this year we chose to canoe-sail it.

I joined the Lansing Sailing Club this year with the objective of learning to sail my catamaraned Kruger canoes – Sea Breeze and Sea Wind. These are 18 foot solo expedition boats looking like a cross between a canoe and a kayak, with an add-on 45 sq ft lateen sail, lee boards, cat poles and rudder expander.

Seasoned sailor AJ Rogers came from Portland Oregon, to co-skipper this ‘kayatamaroo.’ He also helped with hailing the Coast Guard who provided escort under the main span, and offered suggestions on improving the rig.

We sailed from St Ignace to Mackinac City during the Bridge Walk. Unlike last year, we were met by our wives instead of by the governor.

After lunch the four of us sailed back under light winds and with mere one foot waves. The clear blue sky, dazzlingly green and blue waters, and thousands of walkers all served to highlight this marvelous Michigan bridge.

Click on the thumbnail pictures to see larger images.

Click Here to read more detail and see a picture of the ‘kayatamaroo’ ready for their return crossing in the September 8 e-Sheet.

Additional Editor's Note: Club members should take note of the job Chuck did on the Racing Equipment Shed at the Club. He raised the shed, repaired rotted boards, reinforced the floor and painted the structure to match the other sheds. This is only the latest of Chuck's many contributions to the Club since he became a member earlier in the year. Thanks very much Chuck.

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.

Click Here for complete results. Stephen Wagner took many pictures and has them available on the web. He caught some terrific action. Click Here for Wagner's pictures.

Norton Wins June 7 Sunfish Regatta

Thanks to John Fishbeck for this write-up of the Lansing Sunfish Regatta.

Ah, the Mighty Wind Gods of Loch Lansing don't always blow ill - just most of the time. But on this fine Saturday they were kind to the eleven Sunfish sailors (4 out-of-towners and 7 LSC) who took to the lovely waters of Lake Lansing for the 2008 running of the LSC Sunfish Regatta. 'Twas a fine sailing day, with warm, sunny weather and - breeze!

Dan Norton made it pretty clear from the outset how the day was going to proceed, as he nailed bullets in all three races before the lunch break and went on to win the Regatta.

LSC's own perennial fumbler of Sunfishes, John Fishbeck, managed to finish fourth overall, claiming top LSC finisher position

Click Here for complete results and more commentary.

Junior Sailing Camps Announced

The Junior Sailing program for 2008 has just been announced by Commodore Pat Dolan. Click Here for Details.

Week-long camps for Girls and Boys are a feature of this summer's program - and the number of campers that can be accommodated is limited - so be sure to sign up right away.

There will be three Learn to Sail I Camps, three learn to Sail II Camps and a Laser Camp. Here is the schedule of Camps:

Learn to Sail I - for Girls and Boys age 10 or older who are learning to sail.
   June 9-13 - 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
   June 23-27 - 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
   July 7-11 - 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm

Learn to Sail II - for Girls and Boys age 10 or older who have the skills taught in Learn to Sail I.
   June 9-13 - 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm
   June 23-27 - 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
   July 7-11 - 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Laser Sailing - for Girls and Boys with enough sailing skills to sail a Laser (requires approval of the Commodore)
   Tuesday Evenings from June 9 thru July 8 from 6:00 pm until about 8:00 pm

Click Here for the program description and for information on how to sign-up.

Fidler Wins Lightning Regatta

The 43rd Annual Lake Lansing Lightning Regatta was won by Sean Fidler. Although Sean and Craig Gable tied with 9 points apiece, Sean had the tiebreakere advantage and was declared the winner.

Ten boats participated, with plenty of wind and excellent Race Committee work by Sid Mook, Doug Carlson, Walter Degruyter and Larry Koster. Thanks guys for a great job!

Stephen Wagner took lots of pictures which he has put on the web. Click Here to see them.

Pat Dolan, Gil Chesbro and Bob Miller sailed "Wind Dancer" to a tie for fourth and the top Lansing boat finish.

Plenty of sailors checked the water temperature - taking a swim as four boats capsized during the day. The Safety Boat was always close by however, and everyone was no worse for the dunking.

Thanks to the Michigan Brewing Company for providing liquid refreshment that all the sailors enjoyed. Fleet Captain Blaine Severin encourages members to return the favor by charting a course toward their products.

Click Here for detailed results and more pictures.

Be a Tourist at LSC and Go Sailing

Once again, the Lansing Sailing Club is proud to participate in the 2008 Be a Tourist in Your Own Town (BATYOT) on Saturday, 31st. This annual event is coordinated by the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Lansing Sailing Club will be offering Free Sailboat rides from 1pm to 4pm (weather permitting) as well as the opportunity to learn about sailing as a sport and a family activity. CLICK HERE to see LSC on a Google Map.

This year, 3 other Haslett organizations will be participating in the 2008 BATYOT event. CLICK HERE for an interactive Google map highlighting the "Haslett BATYOT Route", locations and activities at each organization.

To participate, please visit the official Be a Tourist in Your Own Town web site , to learn where you can purchase a Be a Tourist Passport. The $1 Passport is available at many convenient locations around the Lansing area and will provide you admission to more than 35 area attractions. Get your Passport and be sure to visit the Lansing Sailing Club.

Docks are In - Leaves Raked - Clubhouse cleaned

Thanks to the hard work of our members, the docks are in, leaves raked, boats serviced - and we are ready to sail.

As usual, there are some tasks that aren't completed yet. We will put a list of these in upcoming e-Sheets for members who were unable to participate on Docks-In day to select as a make-up option.

Also, Rear Commodore Jim Fletcher may be in touch with some members to help out with some special, perhaps more urget jobs that need to be done.

For pictures taken at the event by Stephen Wagner, go to www.flickr.com/gp/12233491@N02/3ywAV1.

Thanks everyone!!! Great Job!!!

Jane Marshall

Lansing Sailing Club Members were sad to hear of the death of Jane Marshall on February 29th, 2008. Visitation and a memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 8th at the Goresline Runciman East Lansing Chapel. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm and the Memorial Service will begin at 3:00 pm.

Jane and Ron Marshall joined the Lansing Sailing Club in 1977 and have always been very active in the Club. Jane's enthusiasm for sailing spilled over to everyone she came in contact with.

In the last several years, even though Jane was not able to be on the water, she and Ron would spend many hours at the Club - cheering on sailors that were racing the Lightning they donated to LSC.

See the March 4, 2008 e-Sheet for some memories members have shared about Jane.

Dues Statements Out

Lansing Sailing Club Members should receive their dues and fees statement for 2008 on Friday, January 18th. Members who have not received their statement should contact the Commodore by email at commodore@lansingsailing.org.

Found Mast and Sails

A mast and sails was found by the side of Upton Road about a mile north of Old M-78. Click on the picture for more information.