Monday, July 11, 2011

FLYIN IRISH Wins Lake Huron 100

J/105 one-design sailboat- sailing Lake Huron (Port Huron, MI)- The International Lake Huron 100 sponsored by the Port Huron Yacht Club sailed at the southern end of Lake Huron attracted six J/120s, Tim Clayson's J/111 UNPLUGGED, the Huneke/ Hayward/ Levin J/35 GRIFFIN, and Dean Walsh's J/105 GOOD LOOKIN.   The 89  nm (100 statute mile) course consisted of racing from Port Huron to the channel mark in the lake and then sailing a square course, finishing in front of the Maritime Center in Port Huron on the St. Clair River.   For many of the teams, the race serves as great practice for two of the upcoming premiere offshore races on the Great Lakes, the Chicago-Mackinac Race and the Port Huron-Mackinac Race.

J/120 one-design racer-cruiser sailboats- sailing off DetroitThis year's Lake Huron 100 started with practically no wind, but the breeze eventually developed out of the south-southwest.  The lead changed in the J/120 fleet on nearly every leg. After rounding in last place at the Port Sanilac buoy (last mark of the course), the J/120 FLYIN IRISH, skippered by Jerry Bresser, sailed left to the center of the lake on a beat (in other words, not the "normal strategy" in a south-southwester since the wind usually lifts on starboard  tack near shore as you head back to the finish line. Nevertheless, FLYIN IRISH found stronger wind and managed to pass all the other J/120s to finish first in class and in the PHRF fleet overall!  The J/105 GOOD LOOKIN owned by Dean Walsh managed to place 2nd in PHRF 1.    Sailing Photo credit- Lisa Marino   For more Lake Huron 100 sailing information