Crow’s Nest 08/14/25
Ok, so the weather didn’t cooperate and allow us to be at the Outing Club… That’s too bad really; I would like to thank the folks at the Outing Club, especially Jason Gordon who was instrumental in setting up the event. I hope we’re able to get back there for a social event soon!!!
The party must go on and it certainly did! Thanks to everyone who showed up at the CLYC and enjoyed what turned out to be a nice evening next to the lake! The turnout was remarkably good, the libations flowed and the conversation as always was amazing!
The Awards Banquet is the next social event which as usual will be held at the CLYC Building the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend; that’s August 31st this year. The cost will be $12/person and once again feature the amazing creations of Cynthia Lewerke. Once the menu is fully decided, I’ll let you know or at least get it posted to the website! Since the Awards Banquet is coming up, that also means nominations for the most coveted trophy of them all is open! Blooper Award nominations should be sent to Stu Oltrogge at stuartoltrogge@gmail.com. We know they’ve happened, we’ve been watching, we have ears everywhere… Out with it! Of course the much anticipated “Passing of the Flags” will be a large part of the banquet; Andi Tisor will be given her “Commodore Blue” and the Vice Commodore Red will be given to…….. Ope, sorry, you’re gonna have to wait and see.
With that said, and I’m sad to remind everyone of this, but we have just three more “CLYC Weekends” left on the schedule; only two weeks of Championship series racing, then the Labor Day Regatta… Booooo! That means the opportunities to make your striking moves for Fleet Championships or chances of improving your positions within your fleet are dwindling! Every single fleet is close! Garrett and Jude in the X boats are separated by just .04 points! In the Melges 15 Fleet, just .7 is the margin from 1st to 4th! The top two MC’s are only .29 points apart! The E and C fleets have so few races this season that a single race could turn the tides in any direction!
Knock on wood the early forecast looks pretty decent for all fleets; cross your fingers and toes, do a little wind dance if you feel the desire and be ready for back-to-back races both Saturday and Sunday morning! E and C’s, could you see three races Saturday afternoon…? Hmmm…
How about the racing last weekend!? It was truly… Oh wait… Skunked again! The morning fleets were cancelled both days due to lightning in the area and unstable wind conditions. At least the E fleet all showed up Saturday afternoon only to eventually float and be towed in! Unreal… From hiking conditions to flat in a matter of minutes! Mother Nature certainly does have a knack for torturing the C and E fleets.
The ILYA Championships, the Big Inland, the Inland Champs, whatever your preference of name, starts this week. In fact, by the time you read this the A boat portion of the regatta will have completed and the E and C fleets will be preparing to hit the course. At the time of publication, 19 A boats completed the regatta, 39 E boats and 27 C boats are registered. Mark Tesar has been on site most of the week in a helper and torturer (Bilgepullers stuff) capacity… Of course he does have a very important job as PRO for the E fleet, but I believe he may be the lone Laker attending…
The MC Class will be down at Pewaukee Yacht Club rather than Oshkosh next week all by themselves. I guess the waves are just too big for the MC’s and Pewaukee came forward with open arms…? Whatever the reason for heading to Pewaukee, it will be a great event I’m sure. Dan, Leif, Mark, Stu, Todd (perhaps more can be convinced!) are heading into the fray to see how they can fare against the best in the Inland. 7 races are scheduled over 3 days with an expected 60-70 boats. Good luck to the Clear Lake contingent!
Speaking of MC’s – MC Fleet, check your email for a note from Fleet Captain Stu Schurtz!
The classes at the Sailing Center are done for the year and it was capped off by a fantastic event called the “Luau Loop.” A combination scavenger hunt and race in which 35 kids in Optis, Bics and X boats participated was truly remarkable and the most fun way the kids could have imagined ending their 2025 sailing season. I don’t have specific stats to share, I’m sure that will be done during the Sailing Center Report at the Annual General Meeting during the Awards Banquet, but the Center had yet another phenomenal year. Building upon their successes, the Center will really knock it out of the park next year!
Oh my Lord, I almost forgot; the long overdue Russ Schurtz Memorial Dad/Mom/Lad/Lass Race will be held Sunday, August 24th with the warning signal at 1400 hours. Everyone who’s available, please come out to cheer and jeer your favorite adults as they attempt to work their way around a race course!
I will be out of town next week at the ILYA Champs in Pewaukee; the next Crows Nest will be live in your Inbox on Thursday, August 28th! Until then folks!
Stay in the Clear Air.
Dan Allen
MC 2811 – Relentless