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FROM THE NAV STATION
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It was just today, that a friend of mine was asking me about the Mac-Solo. He commented, "Gee! That sound like a long time out on the water!" My response to him was, "It's not nearly as long as the 10 months that I have to wait to do it again!!" Simply put, I can't believe it's over, and next year's solo is a long way away.
Certainly the highlight of this year's Mackinac Solo was the induction of eleven new members into the Great Lakes Singlehanded Society: Fred Ball, Chuck Drummond, Bill Erdmann, Mike Hanson, Greg
Jackson, Jon Jacobs, Dennis Launtner, Mario Petit, Matt Scharl, Mike Silverthorne and Bill Smith.
Congratulations!! Rumor has it that we are a coveted fraternity with one heck of a hell-week!!
You can view race results on the GLSS website at:
Race Results
Also, please take note, The GLSS has 3 more events sponsored for this year:
The Lower Lake Huron Solo on September 8,
The Lake Michigan Scramble on September 14, and
The St. Clair Solo on September 29.
These events are NOT limited to only GLSS members - they are open to any area sailor. If you're interested in solo sailing, any one of the above 3 are a great way to check out the sport. Again,
check out the GLSS website for details:
http://webhost.sailnet.com/glss/apps.php
THERE'S STILL TIME
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One of the requirements for entering the Mackinac Solo Challenge (Starting from Port Huron or Chicago) is to sail a non-stop 100 mile course lasting a minimum of 24 hours. If this happens to be
on your "to-do" list, don't put it off for the Spring!! Believe me - NOW is the time to do it! Get your 100-mile qualifier completed now, and you will be better prepared as you
plan for the Mac-Solo through the winter. Water temperatures are warmer now. You've been sailing all summer. The rig is tuned. The boat is ready, it's just waiting for you! Pick a weekend and get
you 100-mile solo under your belt!!
TRAGEDY
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The above heading is most appropriate&ldots; Our sister organization, Doublehanded Sailing Association, lost two sailors (Guy Hornett & Shelly Hind) during their annual Huron Doublehanded Challenge this summer. It is indeed a tragedy when we hear of the sudden loss of life while sailing. Within our GLSS racebook, a brief history is given. In part, it reads: "In 1985, members within the Society inspired the Port Huron to Rogers City Doublehanded Challenge. This new organization became an independent organization to conduct the annual Huron Doublehanded Challenge and many other doublehanded events. Despite its independent function, a very strong bond exists between the two organizations."
This 'very strong bond' was most evident to me as I pulled into Rogers City on July 3 and witnessed harbor flags flying at half-mast. It was a sad moment that reminded me of how fragile life is.
Although I did not participate in the Huron Doublehanded Challenge this year, I felt the loss. Our Society joins the DSA in mourning the loss of these two fine sailors on our Great Lakes. The
Doublehanded Sailing Association has an active website that provides information on this tragedy:
http://www.sailwith2.org/
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Lower Lake Huron Solo -- September 8
Lake Michigan Scramble -- September 14
St. Clair Solo -- September 29
Respectfully yours,
Patrick Nugent