High winds did not keep sailors off the high seas or Portage Lakes June 28-29.
The South Shore Yacht Club sponsored the 2008 National One Design Racing Association Great Lakes Championship Regatta. Four races were held on Saturday, and two on Sunday.
Sailors traveled from Colorado, Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Washington DC to compete in the Great Lakes Championships.
Winds of 17 to 20 mph, and gusts to 29 mph, compelled to sailors slip into life jackets, trapeze harnesses and sailing gloves before they even left the dock. Eric Roberts, Fleet 17 captian, said three boats were knocked down on Saturday in the high winds, but were easily righted, and continued in their quest for a win. One boat recovered from their knockdown so quickly that they were able to finish the race, and lost only five places in that particular race.
The overall winner was Jolly Booth of Eagle Lake Yacht Club in Michigan, sailing with her daughter, Valerie McHugh of Washington DC, as crew. Local sailors from South Shore Yacht Club took home all other trophies, as second place went to Guy Donatelli and his wife Judy Donatelli as crew. The third place was awarded to Mark Roberts, Commodore of NODRA and crew Margo Erme. Fourth place went to Eric Roberts & son Lewie Roberts as crew, and fifth was Dave Moledor, Commodore of South Shore Yacht Club, with daughter Sara Moledor as crew.
Lewie Roberts, 13, was awarded the Richard Marcisz Memorial Trophy for the highest placing junior sailor under the age of eighteen.
