2001 Inland Lakes Region Sunfish Championship
August 25 and 26
Big Cormorant Lake

Eight seniors and three juniors sailed in the 2001 Inland Lakes Region Sunfish Championship on Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26, at Big Cormorant Lake. Saturday was as lovely a sailing day as anyone could wish, sunny warm, and moderate shifting winds, allowing the race committee to run off five races between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

At the end of the day, Jason Raster had a solid hold on first place over his father Tom in second and Bud Narveson a quarter point further back in third. Sunday was a different story. Lightning flashes and rumblings of thunder kept the sailors ashore and threatened an end to the regatta. At 11 a.m., however, blue sky made its appearance in the west and the race committee headed out to set the marks. The high pressure system pushing the thunderheads to the east also brought strong winds out of the northwest. By the time the first race was underway, gusts were reaching 35 mph.

Two skippers decided against venturing out, another abandoned the race after the first two legs. The other five battled the waves and completed the course. The race committee was unable to hold the committee boat in place, even with 400 feet of anchor line, and after holding the committee boat at the finish using the motor, decided not to attempt another race.

Bud Narveson's first in Race 6 put him a point ahead of Tom, Jason remaining securely in first, despite his 4th place finish in the final race. But Tom threw out a 7 to Bud's 6, leaving Tom and Bud tied for 2nd and 3rd. Each having two 1sts but Tom having a 2nd whereas Bud's next best was a 3rd, Tom received the 2nd place plaque, Bud the 3rd. When Brian Harris of the Cormorant fleet took 4th place over Louie Hunt in 5th, he prevented a complete sweep of the top five spots by Blanche Lake sailors.

Among the Juniors, it was a young Wilson sweep, Jennie Wilson taking 1st over Eric Wilson in 2nd and Brandon Wilson in 3rd. Jennie was the only junior to finish in tempestuous Race 6.

Bill Jacobson of the host Cormorant Sailing Club, along with his family, provided beach and cottage for safe boat storage, as well as for lunches and the awards session. Joe Lightowler once again captained the pontoon that served as committee boat.

(results to follow)