2023 Sail Camp Week in Review
Published 4:56pm on 11 Jun 2023
Special Thanks to Josh Jones for the Photos: 2023 Sail Camp
2023 LNYC Sail Camp Re-Cap-That 70s Sail Camp, June 12th-16th by Scott Olsen
Absolutely the most fun week of the year on Lake Norman and LNYC. We hosted 118 sailors, 42 coaches, 1 awesome photographer/drone pilot, and the Jr Director.
Monday started off on the cool side with threats of rain, but ended up being a perfect day with steady breeze and low humidity. All fleets had a good time on the water. We added a dodge ball game this year that was a big hit, it quickly devolved from separate age groups into all campers and coaches getting in the mix. Green Fleet Elliot was able to use Brad Russell and Tyler Williams as human shield and made it to the final 4 all night.
Day 2 arrived pretty quick and all fleets hit the water right after opening ceremonies. The afternoon session came with a slow-moving front that gave the sailors a nice Carolina rain with no threats of lightning.
For Tuesday entertainment, the Land Directors Heather and Ashley spared no expense in flying in the Euro sensation of DJ Laszlo and 70s Karaoke. If you missed J. Few and his rendition of Ice Ice Baby, you missed an epic performance.
The typical Lake Norman Big Air Wednesday showed up bright and early with 12kts from the SW. Theres no better way for new sailors to experience big wind and waves with watchful coaching and encouragement. The Laser sailors worked all day, each sailor averaging somewhere between 20-30 capsizes. Very few of those made it past 2200 that evening, unlike the camp directors. Conspiracy Theorists convened their annual meeting at Casa de Espinosa with the most current updates of the impending UFO invasion. Turns out the report was incomplete at best, should have updated findings mid 2024.
The sailing drama for Thursday ramped up as soon as the Precious Metals cup commenced between the Laser and 420 Fleets. The Laser team was the Vegas favorite to run the table against the 420 sailors. The 420 sailors played a lot cat and mouse with over confident Laser sailors, at times taunting the Lasers with mid race swim breaks. Ultimately the Schmoyer sibs cooked up some fresh Humble Pie for the Laser fleet and secured a 4-point victory and a now 2 year winning streak. Wet towel ceremony for Coach Shi-Thead, again. On the bright side for the Lasers, coaches Volk and Russell will be moved to the Opti Orange fleet next year.
The Adults were given a Spinnaker 101 on shore and practiced on the water in afternoon session. Super Coach Kathleen Hale came from Wrightsville Beach to help with the final 2 days and prep them for the Friday Regatta.
The Sunfish and Opti fleets enjoyed an adventure sail to the islands off D5. Treasure chests were hunted and shelters were made in case the wind gods kept them overnight. Luckily the breeze filled in, and all enjoyed a quick downwind run to get back for Tug-O-War, Shaving Cream Chaos, and Watermelon Rugby.
The Friday Regatta was very well attended by all fleets. Some Sunfish went 2 up for the final racing of camp while the 5-boat adult fleet went back in forth in the standings. Against most predictions Team Decker with Laszlo2 and Petra (self reporting as the best of the adults) lost in the final race sealing the victory for Illie and Laszlo1 with Dave Safirstein as coach. Due to time constraints, we avoided Laszlo1s victory speech.
The camp wrapped up with the awarding of the Dolby and Callen Perpetual Awards. Jen & Sarah Dolby presented the award to Kale Jones and Murphy Olson. The Callen Award was presented by Merrills wife Maggie to Reagan Cataldo and Hannah Nobers. Paul King also presented Trino Castro Wollum with the 22 Jr Livingstone Award.
Only 362 days and we get to do it all over again. The Directors are actively soliciting help to mitigate future Boll Weevil attacks, the SACABO (Sailors Against Cotton Attacks by bollweevils Org) reports are forthcoming.
Thanks to all the sailors, volunteers, coaches, LNYC membership and families for their support and enthusiasm. It takes a willage to put on this event 54 years in a row.
Last updated 8:24pm on 20 June 2023
