H20Notes - community weblog

Teens spend week sailing across Lake Michigan

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:53:39 GMT

Two Lake County teens returned from a week-long sailing excursion across Lake Michigan just in time for the start of school.

Evelyn Ritter, a 17-year-old senior at Libertyville High School and Jordan Kolpas, a 17-year-old senior at Deerfield High School, arrived at Burnham Harbor in Chicago Aug. 20 after spending a week aboard the schooner Inland Seas sailing across Lake Michigan as part of the Shedd Aquarium's Semester for the Great Lakes Program. more...

Area cruisers answer call of distant ports

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:50:55 GMT

Aided by technology, some local sailing enthusiasts have made distant ports their destination when leaving Rochester and wandering out onto the lake. They call themselves "cruisers," and for them the getting-there is as important as the journey's end. more...

Muskegon setting standard for lakeshore cleanup efforts, says one EPA official

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:49:10 GMT

An update of Muskegon's shoreline restoration at the project's midpoint was conducted Wednesday by NOAA officials for other federal and state agencies. During a boat and walking tour, Muskegon was praised as a community actively improving its environment. more...

Belle Isle: Fighting the silent siege

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:48:02 GMT

The jewel of the Detroit River is rich with a forest of old oaks and young maples, home to a secluded natural prairie where migratory birds feast on tall grass. But amid this beauty are invasive plants and animals that threaten the island's fragile ecology. more...

Don't fear Asian carp, OSU professor says

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:45:14 GMT

The threat to the Great Lakes posed by Asian carp has been greatly exaggerated, says an Ohio State professor who claims the experience to form a learned opinion. more...

Looking for Good Deals on Paddling Gear?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:44:23 GMT

It’s coming to the end of the paddling season here in North America and now starts the season of end-of-season sales. While hunting around for good deals, don’t forget to take a look at outdoorplay.com where they have a bunch of items on sale in their bargain basement section including kayaks, paddling clothing and dry bags. more...

5th At 2010 Knickerbocker Cup

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:42:23 GMT

It was a heart breaker of a race for us in race 5 of the quaterfinals against William Tiller from New Zealand at the Knickerbocker. We lost the race by inches and were eliminated from the regatta finishing 5th overall. More...

Good Afternoon MC Skippers :

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:41:15 GMT

Just 30 days away till what should be our biggest, toughest MC Scow Championship of the year. I have been sailing in the MC class since the early 80s and every year it just keeps getting better and better. The growth, the strength and the fun of our class is a testimony to it's structure and all the people who have believed in plus given back to this class. Ultimately it is a testimony to the builder and the Melges family. [more]

What a great season our class has already had with some new faces and new champions at many of our major championships already held this season. As I look at the 67 skippers signed up already for the nationals I see at least 6 or 7 past national champions. I see newcomers to the class like Andy Fox, I see great sailors like Jeremy Pape, then our new Midwinter Champ Rob Seidelmann, 2010 Masters Champ Richard Blake, then you have Lynn Walborn, Amy Larkin in what will be a tough Women's Division. This list goes on and on. However, I see a lot of you not registered yet. This is my challenge to all the northern folks - We could hit 100!

If you are on the fence post let me tell you there is nothing like Lake Lanier. The lake is big, beautiful and very challenging. The club and volunteers are among the best. The view from the club lawn looking out over the lake is gorgeous . The ramps, the parking lot is plenty large and easy to use. The fantastic raffles, great food and community time will be one of the best this year. It is a great venue for our National Championship.

By signing up today you are doing several things. You are helping the organizers get a better idea of what to expect and be ready for. When registration numbers start climbing a month out it drives more registration numbers. We have seen this time and time again. Also, don't you want to sail one more major event before the snow flies (for the northern folk)?

Go to www.mcscow.org and sign up today. Below my signature is more information from Regatta co-chair Amy Larkin.

I will be there early on October 5th. Make sure you have any parts or sail orders in before the van gets loaded on October 1st.

See you at Lake Lanier

Eric Hood

eric.hood@melges.com

773 896 7658 (cell)

ps- From Regatta Co-Chair Amy Larkin

Hello everyone,

Fleet #3 at Lake Lanier Sailing Club is excited to host the 2010 Championships and are looking forward to seeing everyone. From now until the event, either Kurt Stadele or myself will be sending you updated information prior to your arrival.

Hotel Accommodations

If you haven’t already done so, please make your hotel reservation. We have negotiated a great rate at a brand new Hampton Inn in Flowery Branch. A mere 5 minute drive to the sailing club. Hampton Inn can be reached at:

4660 Holland Dam Road
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
(770) 965-0357

Camping

The club has a nice campground with approximately 15 sites. Please notify me if you plan to camp. I did receive a few requests during the registration process but if you did not indicate this on the form, please let me know. We will assign the campsites based on first notification. Please note that the campsites to not afford electricity or water. No RVs in this area.

RV Parking

RV parking is available in the front of the club as well as next door at Old Federal Camp Ground. Old Federal is within walking distance of the club and certainly a very short drive. If you plan on bringing an RV, please also contact me so that we can assist in the best location for you.

Boat storage

We will be utilizing our boat storage area located by the clubhouse along with the upper parking lot right above the club house. We also have a wonderful beach that can accommodate those that prefer to dolly their boat. Although we do not have a mooring field, you are also welcome to do so. We have a nice cove that is right in front of the beach area. We recommend that you bring two blocks, float and plenty of line. Can you please respond to me only with you intention of storage? We would like to have the logistics worked out ahead of time as best we can.

Finally, please feel free to send me a check in advance for the event. The check will need to be written to Amy Larkin / Fleet #3 and sent to my home address: 1909 Point River Drive, Duluth, GA 30097.

Thanks everyone!

Amy

Amy W. Larkin

Quick Trip Report: Surfing and Teaching on Lake Superior

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:33:41 GMT

Here are a couple photos from a trip last week up to Lake Superior last week. I had the pleasure of being invited to teach a Paddle Canada Level 2 sea kayaking course at Naturally Superior Adventures with my co-instructor; the very funny and hugely talented Rev. Bonnie Perry. Long-time readers will remember a piece I wrote a year ago when she was nominated to be the Bishop of Minnesota. more...

Summer 2010's hot temperatures mean lower lake levels

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:31:59 GMT

Though this summer's intense heat may have contributed to a dip in Lake Michigan's water levels, the lost inches aren't unusual -- or a cause for concern, meteorologists say. more...

Fishery casts 130 adrift

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:31:08 GMT

In a major blow to the commercial fishing industry in Wheatley, Ontario, the Great Lakes Fish Corporation plant has been sold and closed, putting 130 people out of work. more...

Farm-raised fish available locally

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:30:28 GMT

Go fishing. That's one way to go local. Another approach is to eat freshwater protein that's raised nearby. Philip Moy of the UW Sea Grant Institute estimated there are more than 200 licensed fish farms in the state, many of them "backyard" enterprises. more...

Despite dry summer, E. coli pollution levels remain high

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:29:15 GMT

After 16 years of trying, officials admit that they still have failed to end disturbingly high pollution levels in many southeast Michigan waterways that drain into Lake St. Clair. more...

Sauble Beach Canada is the place you need to be for the Kitesurfing Festival

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:25:20 GMT

If you are anywhere near Sauble Beach on Lake Huron or are looking for something interesting to do the second weekend of September – then Sauble Beach is the place for you. Sauble Beach is the setting for a kite festival – the Sauble Beach Kite Jam Festival which starts on Friday, 10th September and finishes on Sunday the 12th. more...

South Marina Almost Full as Space Sales Pick Up for the Boating & Outdoor Recreation Festival

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 09:48:34 GMT

August 30, 2010 – Livonia, Mich. – With positive news coming in from late summer boat shows around the country, show management at the 1st Annual Boating & Outdoor Recreation Festival, scheduled for September 22 – 26, at Metro Beach Metropark in Harrison Twp. is noticing a renewed interest by exhibitors for this new Michigan event.[more]

                This “all new” in-water boat show will feature boats on shore and in the water, as well as other outdoor recreation exhibits catering to the millions of outdoor minded individuals in Michigan and surrounding states.   “We have heard positive reports from a number of other show promoters regarding sales and lead generation,” said Michigan Boating Industries Association President Van Snider. “Exhibitors are hopeful this event will bring the same positive buying attitudes from Michigan’s boating crowd.”

                With the show only 4 weeks away and positive news coming in from other regions, space sales have started to pick up for this event. “The South Marina is nearly full,” said Snider. The Festival mission is to provide inspiration and education for individuals and families to encourage boating and outdoor recreation,” said Snider. “Any group that will benefit from getting more people up off the couch and outside to enjoy healthy, family recreation should be partnering with this event. Boating and outdoor recreation offers health and well-being benefits and is easy, affordable and right in our own back yard.”

                The Festival takes place along Black Creek and on the surrounding grounds, with beautiful views of Lake St. Clair. Retailers, manufacturers, service providers, governmental agencies, user groups, other event promoters and non-profits will be invited to participate.   Boats, equipment, supplies and services will be on display and for sale.

                Promotions, contests and special exhibits will make this event a must see for everyone. Special attractions to be announced at www.boatingandoutdoorfest.com.

                The Festival is owned and produced by Michigan Boating Industries Association, a non-profit marine trade association with more than 52 years of quality boat show production experience and the voice of boating in Michigan.

                Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Noon-8 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission: Adults $9, Children 12 and under free with an adult. For more information call: 800.932.2628 or www.boatingandoutdoorfest.com

                A Metropark vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors, or $5 daily. General information can be found at www.metroparks.com or 1-800-47-PARKS, or Metro Beach Metropark at 1-800-477-3172 or 810-463-4581.