Newsletter
September/October 2005

From the Bridge…
…a word from the Commodore

The sailing season is winding down, or for some, it is just getting good. I'm one of those people that believes sailing should require a sweatshirt (or more), so the cooler temperatures of autumn are just what the doctor ordered when I set sail this time of year. For those of you looking to squeeze in a little more sailing before the season is really over, (or perhaps you want to go for your first sail of the year), know that there is still time. Besides the recreational sailing available every day, we still have a couple of regattas left (both Sunfish and cabin boat), so I encourage all of you to take advantage of the great sailing weather autumn provides. Did I mention how great the trees look from the lake? Just one more reason to get some late season sailing in while you still can.

For those of you that don't find the drop in temperatures as appealing as I do, or for those that just want to see how sailing is supposed to be done, there is always the America's Cup (www.americascup.com). Sure, the Cup won't be decided until 2007, but did you know that there is already racing underway to help determine the Cup challenger? The only US team in the challenger competition (the Louis Vuitton Cup) is BMW Oracle Racing (www.bmworacleracing.com). You can learn more about the Cup and the various teams by watching the America's Cup Magazine Show on OLN (channel 608 on DirecTV, 151 on Dish Network, or 45 on Charter Cable). OLN also shows other sailing events, including the King Edward VII Gold Cup. As they say, check your local listings.

Pearson Buell
Commodore

Cabin Boat Racing

We have just scheduled a final cabin boat race for the season. The Commodore's Cup will be on Sunday, October 30 on the big lake. We'll meet at Windjammer at 1:00pm for a skippers meeting. The first race is scheduled to start at 1:30pm. The goal is to get at least three races in, so we are going to try for slightly shorter races and shorter starting sequences. Whether you've raced before or not, this should be a fun and challenging event. If you are in the Halloween mood, costumes are encouraged. As always, spectators are welcome!

Congratulations to Ray Grossmann and Rich Tucker, winners of the 2005 Cabin Cup Regatta, which was held on Sunday, August 28. Cliff Bigelow and crew finished in second, with Eric Oman and crew in third. Junior sailors Josh Buell, Kris Oman, Alex Williams and Richard Oman manned the fourth place boat. Great job juniors! Steve Easterwood and crew took fifth in the regatta. We're hoping to see even more of you on October 30!

Sunfish Regattas

The final Sunfish racing of 2005 will take place on Sunday, October 9, on the little lake, starting at 1:00. For some of the sailors the October Sunfish Regatta will be a very important event, because the race for Junior Fleet champion is very tight, and will likely be decided by the results of these races. For others it will provide the last chance to engage in some fun sailing competition against their friends. Remember that this regatta will have opportunities for Junior Singles, Junior Doubles, and Adult Singles to compete. Meet us on the C.A. Clubhouse beach.

For the second Sunfish Regatta in a row Brynne Buell took top honors at the September Sunfish Regatta held on September 4. Brynne won two of the three races. As usual, Brynne's brother Josh battled her in every race earning one first and two second place finishes, finishing second overall. Alex Williams took third place honors for the third straight regatta, followed by Kris Oman, Kelly Oman, Jonathan Russell and Ian Campbell. The team of Sarah Sutherlin and Lauren Lyons took the top spot in Jr. Doubles.

Social Calendar

If you have not already done so, don't forget to mark your calendars for the End-of-Season Awards Party. An invitation to this event is on the back of this newsletter, but the bottom line is that this will be our biggest party of the year, with awards, contests, door prizes and more. See the invitation for details.

2006 Board

Like any organization, the Lake Saint Louis Sailing Club can't operate without some leaders willing to spend a little time planning for great sailing seasons. In the case of our club, the meetings are few, and the workload light, but there is still some work that needs to be done every season.

You don't need to be a sailboat racer, or even an accomplished sailor, to serve on the Board, you just have to want to help. Whether you've been a member for 30+ years, or 1 year, you probably have ideas that can make us an even better club. Please contact Pearson Buell and let him know that you want to be on the Board. We'll put together a slate for the 2006 season that will be considered and approved at our end-of-season party. We look forward to hearing from you!

Calendar

October
9 - Sunfish Regatta - Little Lake - 1:00pm - Last call to race the Sunfish!
19 - Board Meeting - CA Sunfish Room - 7:00pm
30 - Commodore's Cup - 1:00pm - The final cabin boat regatta of the season.
November
12 - Awards Party - CA Clubhouse - 7:00pm - Let's end the season with a bang! Chili-Cookoff, awards, door prizes, dress as your favorite sailor…this should be one fun party!
16 - Board Meeting - CA Sunfish Room - 7:00pm