With this month’s edition of the Binnacle I get to take a short break from my usual corner. I’m going to defer my duties to Lynn Smolenyak for her report from the Mackinac Races.

Several boats and many sailors from our club recently participated in the Port Huron and Chicago to Mackinac races held the third and fourth weekends of July.  Though both races really had a mixture of weather, they will be remembered for the extremely light winds; a test of light air sailing/floating, patience, and endurance!

Three CYC boats started the Port Huron to Mackinaw race with a moderate wind and light swell. Bramble, Windrunner, and Ju Ju Magic headed up the lake toward the South Hampton Buoy.  Those that went to shore experienced a squall Saturday afternoon that caused some to withdraw and others to smoke us! After sailing well, then floating in a hole many times over, we were all wishing for the wind of one of the storms around us.  Tuesday's finish on a glassy lake in thick fog was a cap on the mixed conditions.

Ju Ju Magic, Matt, Joel and Alex Kato, and Neal Thompson, finished 14 in their fleet, Windrunner, Mark Pirie, and Bramble, Bruce Rohrer, finished 10 and 11 respectively in their fleet. Crew members on Windrunner were Dan Murray, Dave Senkin, Lynn and Noel Smolenyak, Steve Pirie, Doug Simpson, John Taylor, Dave and Terry Hiser, on Bramble, Bob Uehlein, Jeff Basista, and Mike Smith.  John Kidd crewed on Crazy Horse.

The Chicago Mack race began with NE winds at about 15, with 4-6 foot waves and 18 hours on the rail despite the forecast for light and variable winds.  The light winds (no winds) did come and after sitting overnight watching a stunning display of the Northern Lights, Tuesday dawned with many boats opting for the "Iron Jenny".  By awards time on the island, about 50 boats had withdrawn and 40 were still sailing at 10:30pm.  Ron DeCosse, Chuck Gosling, and John Tyra crewed on Driven a Tripp 37 from Traverse City.  Chuck said "it took 28 hours longer to finish than last year.  Eleven Boats dropped out of our fleet and we beat a couple."  Windrunner, with Mark & Steve Pirie, Doug Simpson, Noel Smolenyak, Tom Mielke, Bob Muneio, Dave and Terry Hiser made a great run up the lake on the Wisconsin shore, but then sat with so little progress over Monday night, that they opted for breakfast at Juilleret's.  Padawan 2 with Chris Lamb, Kurt Schuler, Eric Sonju, Tom Orlow, Dave Gerber and Carl Hanson on board had a great race. Tom Orlow said "we went to Wisconsin to see the fireworks, then back to Point Betsie where we did a couple circles and found a place to park."  Not for long though; in the Beneteau 36.7 fleet they sailed 333 miles in 2 days, 23 h ours, and 55 minutes to finish just 90 seconds out of first place! It must have been hard to make that ONE can of beer go around.

To those I've mentioned, and the many more that were out there too, it was fun - there's next year!

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EDITORS NOTE: I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LATE MAILING OF THE AUGUST BINNACLE, I’VE HAD A REALLY BUSY TIME IN THE OFFICE AS OF LATE WHICH HAS PREVENTED ME FROM GETTING TO KWIKIE PRINT TO HAVE THIS ISSUE PRINTED. MANY THANKS GO TO LYNN SMOLENYAK & LINDA ORLOW FOR PROVIDING INFO TO BE INCLUDED.

Race Committee Buys Boat

The Miscellaneous Corner

Welcome New Members
Please welcome the newest members of Charlevoix Yacht Club.  Many of these folks are not new to boating, or Charlevoix, and we are pleased to have them contribute to our club! 

Andy Bowman, Harbor Springs, MI; John Wagner, Charlevoix, MI; Mark & Nancy Haveman, Laingsburg, MI; Bernie & Carol Starks, East Jordan, MI; Ed Davis, Petoskey, MI; Tom Trautman, Harbor Springs, MI; Andy Gangler, Charlevoix, MI; Kathie Copeland, Boyne City, MI; John Kunitzer, Charlevoix, MI.

The Regattas Are Not Over Yet

Join the duke family for the duke memorial race to Northport to be held on Saturday, August 21. Contact Todd Edger at 547-5192 for further information.

Charlevoix Yacht Club Officers & Board of Directors Commodore: Kim Taylor 547-5656 Vice Commodore: John Ochs 547-4726 Past Commodore: John Taylor 547-5656 Treasurer: John Friedly 547-6623 Secretary: Alicia Sonju 237-0837 Board Members Karen Attee [elected 2004] 547-0448 Mike Miller [elected 2003] 547-1478 John Ochs [elected 2003] 547-4726 Linda Orlow [elected 2003] 537-4484 Mark Pirie [elected 2004] 547-5464 Lynn Smolenyak [elected 2004] 547-5616

TAKE NOTICE
Wednesday Night Hosts

Wednesday Aug.11th - Spinnaker A
Wednesday Aug. 18th - Spinnaker B
Wednesday Aug. 25th - J-22s
Wednesday Sept. 1st - JAM BOATS
Wednesday Sept. 8th - P-26s

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