Sunflower State Games Regatta

Despite the excessive heat, the ninth annual Sunflower State Games Regatta on July 16 had a good turnout of 27 boats in 4 fleets. The winds were moderate. The Johnson County Sailing Society had another good sized contingent. With the heat, we took it easy with only three races. Besides the sailing, we all enjoyed the lunch, the watermelon and visiting with other sailors. Thanks to all who participated and especially to the volunteers who made it happen.

SSG Race Results      SSG Photos

Navy Junior ROTC Sail Academy

On June 21, 22 and 23, for the fourth year, Shawnee Yacht Club hosted a sail academy for two dozen cadets from the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Organized by Jeff Richards, the senior naval science instructor at Shawnee Heights High School, the cadets spent their evenings at the YMCA's Camp Hammond and their days at SYC learning and practicing sailing. Besides Richards and several other NJROTC adult leaders, a group of SYC members helped with instruction and coaching. The cadets came from Shawnee Heights High School, Shawnee Mission North High School, Excelsior Springs, Mo., and Claremore, Okla. Winds were brisk so the students got plenty of practice recovering from capsizing.

Sail Academy Pictures
Local Newspaper Article

Current Weather Conditions at Lake Shawnee

Courtesy of the Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Department, up-to-the minute weather conditions at the lake are now posted in the sidebar to the right. This weather data comes from the new weather station located just outside the administration building at the east end of the dam. Click the "More Details" link at the bottom of that section to go to the Parks & Recreation Lake Weather web page for additional weather data.

PS: The Forbes Weather data in the right sidebar comes from the National Weather Service and is updated hourly.

On-line Dues Payment

Click here to pay your dues with a check or on-line with a credit card through PayPal. It'S quick and secure. A PayPal account is NOT required.

Annual Business Meeting Highlights

• 2006 officers same as last year
• Treasurer reports balance of $2,697.68
• New motor to be purchased for Committee Boat
• New Sunday Fun races
• Sunflower State Games scheduled for July 22
• SYC members click here for the complete meeting minutes.

Spring Sailing Lessons Scheduled

Introductory sailing lessons have been scheduled for May 6th and 13th, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Sign up at the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation office at 3131 SE 29th (east end of the dam), or call them at 785-267-1156. There is a $50 fee per person, which includes a Shawnee Yacht Club associate membership.

Experienced Shawnee Yacht Club members conduct the classes. Two hours each day is spent discussing the various topics in a learn-to-sail book and the other two hours is spent on the water in a sailboat where a skipper demonstrates and the student tries their hand at it. If the student has a sailboat, we can use it, otherwise we use ours. These are centerboard class boats that do capsize on occasion. Lifejackets are provided but the student should be able to swim. On completion the student should be able to rig a boat, launch a boat and make their way around the lake on all points of sail in light to moderate wind. Contact Commodore with any questions.

Sunflower State Games Regatta - July 22nd

It was a wonderful day of racing. Temperatures were in the 80'S with wind out of the north at 5-15 mph. Mike Rooney and crew Scott Schafferman of SYC won in the C Scows, Jacob Bures and crew Chuck Towle from SYC won in the MCs, and Rob Swenson and son Rory from Overland Park won the Open class in their Sunfish. Besides Rob and Rory, we were also joined by 3 C Scow teams from Lake Jacomo, some Scouts from Manhattan in an FJ and Dave Orr from Lake Sherwood in his Dolphin Sr.

Current Weather Conditions at Lake Shawnee

Courtesy of the Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Department, up-to-the minute weather conditions at the lake are now posted in the sidebar to the right. This weather data comes from the new weather station located just outside the administration building at the east end of the dam. Click the "More Details" link at the bottom of that section to go to the Parks & Recreation Lake Weather web page for additional weather data.

PS: The Forbes Weather data in the right sidebar comes from the National Weather Service and is updated hourly.

On-line Dues Payment

Click here to pay your dues with a check or on-line with a credit card through PayPal^®. It'S quick and secure. A PayPal^® account is NOT required.

Annual Business Meeting Highlights

• 2006 officers same as last year
• Treasurer reports balance of $2,697.68
• New motor to be purchased for Committee Boat
• New Sunday Fun races
• Sunflower State Games scheduled for July 22
• SYC members click here for the complete meeting minutes.

Spring Sailing Lessons Scheduled

Introductory sailing lessons have been scheduled for May 6th and 13th, 8:00 a.m. to noon. Sign up at the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation office at 3131 SE 29th (east end of the dam), or call them at 785-267-1156. There is a $50 fee per person, which includes a Shawnee Yacht Club associate membership.

Experienced Shawnee Yacht Club members conduct the classes. Two hours each day is spent discussing the various topics in a learn-to-sail book and the other two hours is spent on the water in a sailboat where a skipper demonstrates and the student tries their hand at it. If the student has a sailboat, we can use it, otherwise we use ours. These are centerboard class boats that do capsize on occasion. Lifejackets are provided but the student should be able to swim. On completion the student should be able to rig a boat, launch a boat and make their way around the lake on all points of sail in light to moderate wind. Contact Commodore with any questions.

Sunflower State Games Sailing - July 16th

We could have used a little more wind but it wasn't really as bad as this picture suggests. There were 19 boats, up from 14 last year, and several new entries from the Kansas City area, allowing us to run 3 classes: C Scows, MC Scows and Open. Being Missouri residents, Ken Kuse and Scott Tillema, the C Scow and MC Scow winners, were not eligible for the Sunflower Games medals but Commodore Chuck Towle had very nice hand made plaques for all boats. Dave Orr, from Sherwood, took the Open class for the third year. Besides running RC, Don Towle also brought his pontoon boat for rescue use, so H.B and Ken rode in style. And they only had one rescue to interrupt their naps.

Annual Business Meeting Highlights

• 2005 Officers: Commodore - Chuck Towle, Vice Commodore - Doug Bennett, Secretary/Treasurer - Dave Krug, Property Chairman - Mike Gorman, Social Chairman - Jim Schwartz,  Publicity Chairman - Pat Towle, Governor - Mike Rooney.
   
• Lake Shawnee Boat Licenses:  It appears the County will no longer require lake stickers.
   
• Sunflower State Games / C Regatta: The current plan is to hold a C Scow regatta in conjunction with the Sunflower State Games regatta on July 16th.
   
• SYC members click here for the complete meeting minutes.

Annual Business Meeting Minutes

Members gathered at Mike & Shirley Gorman's place on February 15 to plan for the coming year. Besides watching KU blow the game with Nebraska and enjoying drinks and snacks, we did spend some time on the "meeting."  Here are the highlights:

• We finally had an opportunity to honor Jim Schwartz with a framed Past Commodore flag for his service as Treasurer, Vice Commodore and lastly Commodore in 2002.
   
• 2004 Officers: Doug Bennett offered to continue as secretary/treasurer, John Maddux as Vice Commodore once more and Tom Baumann, after seeing the impressive framed Past Commodore Flag  that Jim received, agreed to take on the Commodore position.
   
• No C Scow Regatta -- After 46 years of SYC C Regattas, we decided to instead devote that day to something more likely to draw new members, i.e. Jim Schwartz and John Maddux agreed to organize an "Open Sail Day" on June 19 where we will offer sailboat rides, games on land and water, snacks and fun for the whole family
   
• Sunflower State Games Sailing Regatta -- We will do this again this year, on July 17. Mike Gorman offered to head this up again.
   
• Sailing Lessons -- Jim Schwartz offered to run the classroom portion of the lessons this year. Jim worked with Brian Toby at the County and scheduled these for the first four Wednesday evenings in June.
   
• Property Chairman: H.B Marshall offered his services for this office.
   
• There is about $1,800.00 in checking account, mostly as a result of eliminating our property insurance. Our old stuff just isn't worth the annual expense. And membership is slowly increasing again.
   
• Dues will remain the same -- $85 for boat owners and $45 for associates.

Winter at SYC



(That's a picnic table floating in the bottom right photo)

2003 Highlights

Our Spring sailing lessons resulted in the following new members: Jim Duniven, Rod & Jan Furgason (Dagger), Scott Gesner & Marlene Graber (Sweet 16), Don Krutsinger (Buccaneer). Wecome to the club!

Another successful C Regatta -- see June 2003 news below and click here for CJOnline article.

The First Annual Sunflower State Games Sailing Event went well and we're looking forward to the 2004 event. 

Sunflower Games Home Page
CJOnline Photos (see photos 34-36)
Sailing Event Article
Results

Our Christmas Party at Ken & Sharen Waters residence also served as a going away party for long-time members Bern & Kathy Ketchum, who have retired to Iowa.

C Scow Regatta

The 46th Annual SYC C Scow Regatta was held Saturday, June 21. Although there were only 10 boats this year, the mild weather and ample wind from the south made for good sailing on Lake Shawnee. Dave Cooley, of Lake Lotawana, and always a contender, took first place. That evening, the mild weather and the breeze continued for an enjoyable club cookout at the lake with hamburgers provided by HB & Leah Marshall. Click here for regatta results.

2003 Sunflower State Games

Don't forget, SYC is sponsoring the sailing event for the Sunflower State Games on July 19. We'll need help from lots of SYC members to pull this off, but it should be good for our club. Click here for the latest details on the schedule, format, etc. And you can now register to sail in the event at http://sunflowergames.com.

Docks

The County reports they received a Coast Guard grant for two new 80 foot plastic docks for the Yacht Club area. But the funds have not yet arrived, so it will be late this season or early next season before they are installed. To get us through the C Scow regatta, they brought back one of our old wood docks and we'll also have to make do with the old docks for the Sunflower State Games this year. But, you can look forward to some nice docks next year.

Dues are Due

It's that time again. If you haven't already, please send your 2003 dues to SYC, PO Box 221, Topeka, 66601 -- $85 for Full Members (boat owners) and $40 for Associate. In 2002 our expenses were quite a bit more than our income. This year we'll be looking for more ways to reduce expenses but we will also need all the income we can get. Even if you're not an active member, please consider sending in a Full or Associate membership. Click here for the 2002 Treasurer's report.

No Awards Banquet

In case you've been looking for your invitation in the mail, to save on expenses we will not be holding an Awards Banquet this year (see Dues above). The annual Wine & Cheese party will be held as usual to kick off the season.

A letter from Shawnee County Parks & Recreation

2003 Sunflower State Games

Plans are progressing for SYC to sponsor a sailing event for the Sunflower State Games this Summer. The 2003 games are scheduled for July 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27, with sailing currently planned for Saturday, July 19th. This event will be held in lieu of our traditional Bell Cup regatta. Click here for the latest details on the schedule, format, etc. You can find out more about the State Games at http://sunflowergames.com and http://www.stategames.org.

Sailing Classes

Once again we will be teaching sailing classes through Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. Two weekend classes and two evening classes are planned. The dates are still being worked out.

Is your boat still at the lake?

According to our contract with the County, "Any boats remaining on the property between November 25 and March 31 will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of as provided by law...". The club's two pontoon boats are the only exception. So you'd better get it hauled off before the County does it for you.

2003 Sunflower State Games

The club is considering hosting a sailing event for the Sunflower State Games next Summer. It would essentially amount to running a regatta. You can find out more about the State Games at http://www.sunflowergames.com and http://www.stategames.org. The 2003 games in Kansas are scheduled for July 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. All of the the details would be up to SYC to determine, e.g. the date, the classes of boats, the format, the schedule, etc. If you have any thoughts on this or would like to volunteer to help, please contact .

Fall Work PARTY!

Commodore Jim Schwartz, "old" members Jerry Kroeker and Mike Gorman, and "new" members Doug Bennet and Dave Krug took care of the Fall chores on Saturday, October 26th. The racing marks were picked up, the two pontoon boats were hauled out of the water and the motors were put away in the shed. Then we all headed to the Shack for lunch.

The New Starting Sequence
by Connie Henderson

Sailing season is almost over. Do you know your starting sequence yet? US Sailing changed the sequence effective this year. We have been using it this summer to help the club run its races according to US Sailing regulations. One advantage to this is by using the same rules, club members can race anywhere in the country and will know when to start. Here is the flag sequence and timing:

• Raising the blue flag signifies boats are finishing.
• A horn will be sounded each time a flag is raised or lowered.
• The sequence is repeated for a second class start. The warning signal for each succeeding class shall be made with or after the starting signal of the preceding class.

On Wednesday, August 14th, we had our first race committee training session. Five students had their first lesson on the duties performed by the race committee including the flag order for the starting sequence. They did very well. We are hoping to get enough people trained so the club will be able to operate the RC boat for future races.

Race Committee Help

We were very fortunate to have Connie Henderson and John Maddux, of Lake Jacomo, serving as Race Committee for our Wednesday evening races this summer. They also provided race committee training for several newer sailors.

Bell Cup
Race Results

This year's Bell Cup was held Saturday July 20 and Mike Rooney took the honors again. It was a little warm, but the wind was perfect. Starting about 10:00 a.m., we ran 3 races and were putting the boats away by noon, missing the mid-day heat. Most of us stopped at the Shack for a round of drinks and lunch before heading home. Dinner that evening at the club was also a little warm, but enjoyable due to a nice breeze, and the burgers, hot dogs and various side dishes/desserts were delicious. All who participated seemed to enjoy the day.

Thanks go to Bern Ketchum, Rich Hayse and Bud Brunton for doing their usual professional  job running race committee.

C Regatta

The 45th Annual SYC C Scow Regatta was held Saturday, June 22. We only had 12 boats register this year but there was plenty of wind, as indicated by all of the DNS/F's in the scores. Mark Long, from Lake Winnebago, took first place. Dinner that evening was held at the Blind Tiger. Click here for regatta results.

Sailing Classes

SYC is again running sailing classes in conjunction with the Shawnee County Parks and Rec. - 8:00 - Noon on June 8 and 15. We spend the first half of each morning on shore with instruction and discussion and the rest of the time on the water. SYC members, please come on out and help. It counts as a race qualifier. It's also an opportunity to pick up new SYC members.

Races Have Started

The racing is already off to a much better start than last year, possibly in-part due to the change from Sunday afternoons to Saturday mornings. Races were held as scheduled the first two Saturdays in June, although the first Wednesday evening was cancelled due to lack of wind.

New Racing Schedule Being Considered

We need your input. In an attempt to increase participation in racing, we are considering moving the traditional Sunday afternoon races to Saturday mornings, either just for June and July, or for the entire season. .

First Fridays

Avast, mateys! This is your new Commodore speaking! I'd like to pump a little life into the venerable club this winter and spring by initiating a monthly social gathering called "First Fridays." On the first Friday of each month, starting February 1, you can join other SYC members at the Blind Tiger for some cheer and camaraderie. Officers will meet at 4 p.m. to conduct a little business, and others are welcome to participate in that. The general gathering will start at 4:30 and run till 6:00.

We'll try to feature a special theme, speaker or entertainment at each meeting. For instance, I'd like to see a video documentary of the Whitbread race. Maybe Mark Marling could give a racing lesson. At our first meeting next week, we'll do some brainstorming and talk about upcoming events that the club will sponsor. You're welcome to order dinner while we're there.

We'll be meeting in the loft area at the Blind Tiger (on 37th and KS Ave.). They call that loft "the nest," so ask for it when you arrive if you're not sure where it is. It's the same spot we met after the Bell Cup last summer to see a slide show.

If you can't make the first meeting but have some related (or unrelated) suggestions, please reply.

Jim Schwartz

SYC Christmas Party

The annual SYC Christmas Party was held at Mike Rooney's place on  December 8. We had a good crowd, watched a KU game and looked over Mike's photo and slide collection. You should have been there!! Of course, we also held the obligatory annual business meeting where there was no opposition to Jim Schwartz moving up to Commodore for 2002, Tom Baumann to Vice-Commodore and Mike Gorman starting a second tour as Secretary-Treasurer.

Keep Beautiful Lake Shawnee Beautiful

Tom Baumann, Mike Gorman, Rich Hayse, Eric Kjorlie and HB Marshall met on a crisp Saturday morning last October to work on a project to mark storm drains in the Lake Shore Estates area -- west of the lake between 29th and 37th as part of an effort to promote conservation around the lake.

Mike has been serving as the SYC representative on a committee studying ways to promote conservation practices in the Lake Shawnee drainage district. There have been mailings to area residents promoting conservation practices and signs posted around the lake to remind the public to "Keep Beautiful Lake Shawnee Beautiful". Various groups also marked the storm drains in the drainage district with signs reminding residents to dispose of hazardous materials properly -- not down the storm drains that eventually drain into Lake Shawnee.

New Members

Doug and Marlys Bennett bought Duane Raine's old C Scow, Banana, after attending our sailing class last September. We hope to see them on the water this coming Summer.

Adult Sailing Class

SYC conducted a sailing class for 7 adults this past fall, sponsored by the Shawnee County Parks and Rec department. The weather forced the first Saturday morning session indoors, but most of the participants came out the following Sunday for rides and some time at the tiller. One more session the next Saturday got them out on the water again. Hopefully, we've recruited a few sailors and maybe some SYC members out of the bunch.  Commodore Duane Raine led the classes, assisted by Mike Rooney. Tom Baumann, Jim Schwartz, Bill Allman and Mike Gorman also helped out.
 

New Members

Welcome to new members William (Bill) & Phyllis Scott, sailing a C Scow they purchased from their neighbor and former SYC member Steve Burghart.  Also, their son Eric and his wife just recently purchased the Clipper on the classifieds page.

Bell Cup Regatta and Dinner
Regatta Results

The temperature was very HOT, but the wind was good for the annual Bell Cup club championship on July 21. Of course, Mike Rooney took first for the second year. There was time for one more race in the afternoon and that allowed Mike Gorman, with tactics being called by crew Bill Allman, to tie Jim Schwartz for second place. Thanks to Bern Ketchum and Rich Hayse for running race committee.

Dinner that evening was at Blind Tiger restaurant and featured some fantastic slides of Jim and Lisa Schwartz’s bare-boat trip to exotic spots in the Caribbean, along with some of Mike Rooney’s candid SYC shots.

Youth Sailing Classes

The week of July 9-13, SYC members conducted sailing classes for 11 Shawnee County Parks and Rec. day camp kids, plus one counselor.  Commodore Duane Raine put them through 3 mornings of book work on shore under the shade, and then Mike Gorman, HB Marshall, John Maddux, Duane Raine and Mike Rooney all helped with 2 days of on-the-water sailing instruction on C Scows and Maddux's Sunfish. All seemed to have a good time, the kids learned something about sailing and the club earned a little money.

C Regatta a BIG Success
Regatta Results

The SYC parking lot was full of activity the evening before this year's C Regatta, with the Jacomo club there in full force, rigging their boats. A number from Lotawana and Shawnee showed up in the morning, resulting in a total of 18 boats. This year's regatta on June 23rd was a one day event, which seemed to be a popular change, and the weather was ideal. Thanks go to the race/rescue crew of: HB Marshall, Pat Salsbury, Ed Schraeder, Bud Brunton and Jim Bell. Thanks also to Duane Raine, Jim Schwartz and Tom Baumann for coordinating the event and to Delores Raine for the delicious meal that evening.

Missing Rowboat

The SYC rowboat is missing again and presumed stolen. So, please be on the lookout for used rowboats for sale. Contact commodore Duane Raine if you get any leads.

Boat Racks

In place of the walkways to the south boat racks the County has installed a T dock. Now they would like the rack owners to arrange the racks around the T dock and paint the racks to improve the looks of the area. Contact Commodore Duane Raine for more details.

Web Site Update

This is the "new and improved" SYC web site. This area of the home page will contain the latest club news and will hopefully be updated regularly, even during the off season. Previous news articles will be available through the news archive link below. Other content is available through the links to the left. Content under the "Members Only" heading requires a password because it is intended only for club members. Visitors are welcome to look over everything else.

C Regatta Draws Them In Again

The annual SYC C Scow Regatta was held the weekend of June 24 and 25 and, even though a number of local skippers were unavailable, the event drew quite a number from the Lotawana and Jacomo clubs in KC and one from Windycrest YC in Tulsa. These other clubs have been good to us every year.

The weather was good both days - maybe a little hot - with moderate winds that were erratic on Saturday but more consistent for Sunday morning's final two races.

Greg Clagett barely arrived in time to make it to the first race starting line before the gun and then proceeded to win the race. At the lunch break he took care of the regatta registration formality and then went on to take first in the regatta. Greg would like to thank Mike Rooney for beating Eddie Robison in the first race, which resulted in Eddie taking second place in the regatta, just 1/4 point behind Greg.  Bob (Wide Load) Cooley finished the Lotawana sweep by taking third.

Thanks to all of the out-of-towners for supporting our regatta for another year. Thanks also to all of those who helped pull it off again, particularly Jerry and Betsy Kroeker for the wonderful food, and Rich Hayse and Bud Brunton for race committee. Everyone really seemed to enjoy this one.

C Regatta Details