Sailing News
Subscribe to RSSBoat explosion in South Haven blamed on improper venting of gas fumes
August 30, 2010 - Kalamazoo NewsImproper ventilation of gasoline fumes is being blamed for a boat explosion that injured a woman this morning in South Haven, authorities said. Nancy Nienhuis, of South Haven, suffered injuries that were not considered to be life-threatening in the 10:44 a.m. explosion near the South Haven Yacht Club, 401 Williams St., according to South Haven Area Emergency Services. For more of this article - click on the title above
12 top sailors to race at Bayview Yacht Club
August 17, 2010 - Detroit Free Press
The third annual Detroit Cup begins Wednesday, with a dozen of the top sailors in the world at Bayview Yacht Club. The race is one of three in a series called the East Coast Trifecta. Other regattas are held at the Manhassat Bay Yacht Club in Port Washington, N.Y., and the Chicago Match Racing Center. For more on this article - click on the title above.
After years of court delays, man to resume quest to ID the Griffon sailing ship
August 14, 2010 - Detroit Free Press
After more than six years of wrangling over who has the legal rights to explore a mysterious shipwreck, the state and an underwater explorer have reached an agreement that will allow him to finally find out whether the wreck he found in Lake Michigan is really the Griffon, the first sailing ship on the Great Lakes. Virginian Steve Libert, who also owns a home in Charlevoix, said he believes he has found the Griffon, what many call the Holy Grail of Great Lakes shipwrecks. For more of this article - Click the title above.
Lake Superior surface waters are warmest on record
August 13, 2010 - Dulute News Tribune
Surface waters of Lake Superior recorded at three buoys across the lake this week reached their highest average temperature in the 31 years records have been kept. The water temperature Tuesday hit 68.3 degrees at a time of year it should be about 55, topping the previous record of 68 degrees set during the strong El Nino summer of 1998. For more of this article - click on the title above.
Junior racing team wraps up summer season practicing the sport of sailing
August 11, 2010 - Harbor Light Newspaper
Students of sailing, like those of most schools, follow a certain trajectory of growth in their movement through the ranks, one which typically culminates at a level of their choosing or particular ability. At Little Traverse Yacht Club, home to one of a number of schools in the area, those students most invested join the Junior Racing Team, the peak of the club’s multi-tiered learning program, and it is from there that they branch from the comfort of the bay into distant and, in some cases, foreign waters. For more of this article - Click on the title above
DNRE to host informational meeting about Lake Fenton boat access
August 9, 2010 - Fenton Press
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment will hold an informational public meeting about possible improvements to the Lake Fenton boat access. James Case, Seven Lakes State Park supervisor, said the improvements would make the boat access eco-friendly, allow more room for larger boats and improve ADA standards. For more of this article - Click on the title above
Quantum Wins Melges 32 US Nationals for Second Year in a Row
August 4, 2010 - H2O Notes
This past weekend 15 Melges32 teams traveled to Harbor Springs, Michigan to compete for the US National Championship on beautiful Little Traverse Bay. Quantum® sails ran away with the victory for the second year in a row. Eighteen year old Ryan DeVos led his team on Volpe to a 16 point win over a very competitive fleet using this event as one of the last tune up regattas before the Worlds this September in San Francisco. Team Volpe entered this event well prepared with a full rack of new 2010 Quantum® Melges32 class sails and displayed great speed both upwind and downwind against some of the top players in the class from around the world. For more of this article - click on the title above
Despite lack of wind 2010 Regatta was still a success
August 4, 2010 - Harbor Light Newspaper
The winds of Little Traverse Bay were unusually calm this past weekend, but sailors in the annual Little Traverse Bay Regatta still found something to love about the location. The event, which welcomed 85 boats to the waters of Harbor Springs, suffered, in part, from light winds on Saturday and Sunday, shortening the races and canceling the final two days of the Melges 32 US National Championship, which occurred simultaneously. For more of this article, click on the title above
Moth sailboats to fly through the waters of Little Traverse Bay next weekend
July 28, 2010 - Harbor Light Newspaper
The fleets of sailboats to which Little Traverse Bay plays host at various points through the summer are not without their variety, with the hoisting of spinnakers often painting the waterline all colors of the rainbow. During the first weekend of August this year, however, when a band of Moth class sailboats will descend upon the area for their U.S. National Championship, customization will take on a new meaning – save restrictions in length, width, and mast height, competitors are free to alter their boats as they please. For more of this article, click on the title.
50th Regatta sets sail this weekend
July 28, 2010 - Harbor Light Newspaper
Despite the lure of Little Traverse Bay and the dockside energy of downtown Harbor Springs, Little Traverse Yacht Club’s annual regatta has not been without struggle over the last several years, with a fluctuation in participation reflective of the state of the global economy. Yet, in the race toward recovery, it seems the LTYC Regatta has won. On July 30 through August 1, the club will welcome 82 boats for the race’s 50th anniversary, a number that includes 15 Melges 32s in town for their U.S. National Championship. For more of this article, click on the title.
Boats finish Chicago-to-Mackinac race
July 26, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Torrential rain welcomed sailors to this year’s Chicago-to-Mackinac Island yacht race, but a clear night sky met them at the finish. The first boats began finishing the 333-mile course up Lake Michigan late Sunday. A race spokeswoman says Dog Dayz was the first boat to finish at 7:19 p.m., but winners aren’t immediately determined. Boats are handicapped by weight and type to determine winners in various divisions.
Mackinac race: Waves of local boats win
July 21, 2010 - The Times Herald
The Port Huron-to-Mackinac race has been family oriented when it comes to the Port Huron Yacht Club. So it makes sense that families were a big part of the club's success in the 86th running of the Mackinac race. The Berts, Claysons, Benedicts and Coopers had reason to celebrate Tuesday afternoon at the awards ceremony, which is sponsored by Pure Michigan and Bayview Yacht Club.
Strong winds whisk sailboats along Port Huron-to-Mackinac course at blazing speeds
July 20, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
There were just 15 boats still out on the race course by dinnertime Monday as the 85th sailing of the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac race wound to a close at 10:15 Monday. All of the boats were Cove Island course boats. The race wound to a close when Hollyhock, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter following the fleet, crossed the line at 9:32 p.m. The cutter follows the last boats up the course.
Natalie J wins Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race
July 20, 2010 - Cheboygan Daily Tribune
The Natalie J is the winner of the annual Port Huron to Mackinac sailboat race. The vessel finished just before midnight Sunday, about six hours after the Beau Geste, but won the largest boat class based on a handicapping system.
Beau Geste finishes Mackinac race first in rainstorm
July 19, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Beau Geste, the 80-foot maxi out of Hong Kong, was the first to cross the finish line in the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac race at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday, ahead of Doug DeVos' 86-foot Windquest. Windquest finished at 8:18 p.m. Beau Geste crossed in a driving rainstorm, with visibility so bad it was difficult to see the boat until it was close to the finish, even with its 130-foot mast and sails.
Small sailboat regatta shifts with the wind
July 19, 2010 - The Time Herald
As the big boats charged toward Mackinac Island, sailors here tried to avoid a large plastic swan. The Fort Gratiot Model Boat Club had its third "Don't Call It Mini-Mac" regatta at the township pond on Parker Road. And while it might be a smaller scale than those participating on Lake Huron, it is not without skill that the mini-sailboats race around the water.
Sailors get underway in annual Mackinac boat race
July 17, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Better than expected winds greeted 205 boats today as they left the bottom of Lake Huron for the 86th sailing of the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac race. Throngs of onlookers dotted the shoreline. “Look at it, it’s beautiful,” said Delores Kalis of Port Huron, sweeping her arm to indicate the boats. She always has out-of-town guests this time of year, just to show them the Mackinac boats.
Sailboats are the stars of Boat Night
July 17, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Chris Cyrul brought his boat Opus Dei up from Chattanooga, Tenn., for the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race. But first, Cyrul was enjoying a longtime Mackinac tradition -- Boat Night, the night of partying before the boats head out of the Black River and into Lake Huron for the race.
Thousands gather to welcome tall ships Thursday in Bay City
July 16, 2010 - The Bay City Times
Busy streets and a bustling atmosphere accompanied the arrival of a fleet of tall ships as they sailed into Bay City on Thursday afternoon and the 2010 Tall Ship Celebration began. With the dozen ships now in port, tens of thousands of visitors are expected during the next three days. Ship tours will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday.
Hoy experiencing race as PHYC commodore
July 16, 2010 - The Times Herald
Patrick Hoy has experienced plenty of highlights throughout his sailing career. There was a first-place finish aboard Jewel in 2000, two other pennant-winning performances in the annual Port Huron-to-Mackinac race and sailing with his wife, Irene. But the biggest thrill for the 40-year-old Port Huron resident was the first of the year when he became commodore of the Port Huron Yacht Club.
Mackinac race boat goes the distance: Hong Kong's Beau Geste ready for Great Lakes debut
July 16, 2010 - The Times Herald
There are several cots aboard the Beau Geste, an 80-foot sailboat. Most fold down from the side of the vessel -- and aren't too cozy. That's all right with the Hong Kong boat's crew, however, as they know the Beau Geste is built for speed, not comfort. The Beau Geste's owner, Karl Kwok, and the vessel's crew will attempt to be the first to reach Mackinac Island this weekend during the Port Huron-to-Mackinac race.
Boaters expect light winds, properly marked Cove buoy for Port Huron to Mackinac race
July 16, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Early predictions are for light winds for the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac race Saturday, when 207 boats leave Port Huron for the annual trek up the lake. This year the buoy had been placed at Cove Island using both belt and suspenders, to ensure there's no repeat of last year when the mark was, well, off its mark.
Classic sloop found and saved
June 23, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
In its prime, Bernida was a classic racing machine that outperformed a dozen boats in the first Port Huron to Mackinac race in 1925. The 32-foot boat, an R-Class sloop with an open cockpit -- no cabin for the crew -- won again two years later....
USCG Station Saginaw River performs another rescue near Channel Island
June 23, 2010 - Bay City News
For the second time in a week, U.S. Coast Guard crews have rescued stranded boaters near Channel Island in the Saginaw River. Three boaters fell into the river after their 17-foot Javelin began taking on water about 3:20 p.m. today, according to Coast Guard reports.“Cell phones, while popular, are not consistently reliable in the boating environment and especially in a boating emergency,” said Frank Jennings Jr., recreational boating safety program manager for the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland.....
Hong Kong maxi boat Beau Geste enters Port Huron-to-Mackinac race
June 22, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
Beau geste is the French phrase for a fine or gracious gesture. One look at the newest addition to the Mackinac fleet next month, an 80-foot maxi boat out of Hong Kong christened Beau Geste, and it's easy to see why the boat brings that phrase to mind.
Smooth sailing: PHYC has strong showing at NOOD regatta
June 13, 2010 - The Times Herald
Today marks the calm before the summer storm. Sarnia Yacht Club is on the water racing for the coveted Millholland Trophy, while Saturday the fleet went on a 25-mile journey in the annual Blue Point Race. The Blue Point Race is the first distance race in the Special Series. This series also includes the Miller High Life St. Clair River Race, Port Sanilac Race, Lexington Race and the Earl Smith Night Race.
Lexington Harbor to be dredged to a depth of 8 feet by July 1, 2010
June 12, 2010 - SailMichigan.org
Lake Huron boaters planning to visit or use the Lexington Harbor should note that the harbor is to be dredged to a depth of 8 feet by July 1, 2010, as communicated by William (Bill) Oldford, village trustee. Specific information should be obtained directly from the Lexington State Dock at (810) 359-5600 or other relevant authorities.
Sailor's death near yacht club could be tied to earlier car accident
June 7, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
The body of a Ferndale man, believed to have gone unnoticed after a bizarre accident at the Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit during the weekend, was discovered submerged in the marina waters Sunday afternoon.
Macatawa Bay Yacht Club invites youth to get feet wet in sailing
May 20, 2010 - The Holland Sentinel
While there’s no cheerleaders in this sport and no bleachers to watch from, sailing is available just a short drive away from downtown Holland. To introduce young people to sailing, the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club will offer sailboat racing at 7 p.m. every Friday night this summer starting June 4. The free program is open to any young people, teens, families or young adults, and participants do not have to be yacht club members.
Tall Ship Celebration needs 500 volunteers for festival in July
May 13, 2010 - The Bay City Times
Like any good seafaring vessel, Bay City’s Tall Ship Celebration needs a crew to keep it sailing smoothly. A crew of a few hundred volunteers is needed when the festival sets sail on July 15 and now is the time to apply. Festival organizers are looking for passport sellers, parking lot attendants, children’s activity hosts, “Ask me!” volunteers, communications center volunteers, signage assistants and team leaders to work the three-day celebration.
Anchors away - American Sailing Institute beginners classes start May 26
May 11, 2010 - Observer & Eccentric Hometown
When living in California a decade ago, he and a friend owned a 24-foot sailboat on Lake Tahoe. Selling the boat a few years later, he moved around before settling in Milford three years ago. He hadn’t sailed for years, but was able to rekindle that passion after finding the American Sailing Institute.
Holland shipwreck researchers identify two sunken schooners
April 26, 2010 - The Grand Rapids Press
The mysteries of two cargo schooners lost in the 1860s to the depths of Lake Michigan have been solved, thanks to a little detective work. Members of the Holland-based Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates told a crowd of 500 maritime enthusiasts Saturday the story of tracking down and identifying the schooners William Tell and A.P. Dutton.
Canoeist drown in Little Traverse Bay
April 26, 2010 - Cheboygan Daily Tribune
Police have identified two canoeists believed to have drowned in Little Traverse Bay on Sunday. Nicholas Ryan Lightfoot, 28, and Nathaniel Clifford Denay, 27, embarked from Petoskey's Magnus Park Sunday afternoon for a day on the water with a new sail recently purchased for their canoe. Family members called 911 when the pair had not returned by 7:30 p.m.
Lake levels expected to be down as much as 10 inches
April 20, 2010 - The Detroit Free Press
After a dry winter, Michigan boaters can expect levels of most Great Lakes to be 5 to 8 inches lower this summer than last year. Some lakes were already lower last year than their long-term averages. For boat owners, that means more shallow spots and docks further from the water, but for lakefront cottage owners, it means slightly bigger beaches.
Volunteers sought to teach school-age youths aboard Bay City's Appledore tall ships
April 19, 2010 - Bay City News
BaySail, the Bay City-based nonprofit organization that owns and operates the schooners Appledore IV and Appledore V, is recruiting volunteer teachers for its 2010 program season. Outgoing individuals with a flair for teaching and a spirit of adventure are sought to teach the organization's shipboard Science Under Sail program to school-age youths. Each program lasts 3 1/2 hours.
Sailing classes aboard Friends Good Will at Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven
April 10, 2010 - The Grand Rapids Press
The Michigan Maritime Museum is offering basic seamanship classes to individuals who are interested in learning how to sail the Museum’s traditionally rigged sailing vessel Friends Good Will. Students will learn the history of the original Friends Good Will, basic terminology, safety procedures and sailing maneuvers, while experiencing the adventure of sailing a tall ship.
Locals say EPA's designation is sinking Lake Kalamazoo improvements
March 26, 2010 - The Holland Sentinal
The seagulls have made the tugboat in the middle of Kalamazoo Lake their home for several years. The tug got stuck in the muck on its way to a nautical museum and is now a symbol of the silting problem in the recreational lake that Saugatuck and Douglas residents say is reaching a critical tipping point.
Bayview: Race's name is ours
March 10, 2010 - Port Huron Times Herald
Bayview Yacht Club, facing increasing difficulty in paying for the Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island Sailboat Race, is taking a stricter stance on the merchandise sold during the event that evokes the race's name.The club plans to prohibit the use of the race name on items that don't have a license from the club.
"Bail Out" makes list of top 10 boat names
February 15, 2010 - Cheboygan Daily Tribune
With the release of the annual top ten list of most popular boat names by the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.), one newcomer to the list stands out. “Bail Out, the No. 5 pick, clearly speaks volumes about what’s on boaters’ minds,” said BoatU.S. President Nancy Michelman.
Public hearing set on plans to expand Silver Lake State Park site
February 7, 2010 - Muskegon Chronicle
SILVER LAKE — Members of the public will get a chance Thursday to have their say about a proposal by the state to acquire land near the Silver Lake State Park boat launch. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is planning to buy two small parcels of property near the intersection of North Shore Drive and Silver Lake Road, adding 0.4 acres of land and 60 feet of Silver Lake frontage at the state park.
Volunteers sought for sailing adventures
January 4, 2010 - Traverse City Record Eagle
Snow piling up with frigid temperatures outside? Time to prepare for summer sailing adventures.Two area maritime-related organizations hope to boost their volunteer rosters thanks to training sessions kicking off this week. Both sailing novices with no previous experience required and veterans of the water or specific programs are welcome to participate.....
