J/120 CAPERS Wins Class
(Detroit, MI)- As usual, the Bayview Yacht Club did an extraordinary job to host yet another fun-loving Sperry Top-sider NOOD Regatta. Can't argue with the fact that BYC members led by their perennial Commodore (well, kind-of) Frank Kern and his happy-go-lucky crew on the J/120 CARINTHIA put out the red carpet for all those who wish to participate in this annual event to have fun, enjoy the racing on that crazy body of water everyone knows as Lake St. Clair, just north of "Motown Detroit". Remember, Detroit invented not just cars (some guy named Henry Ford, remember (?)), but hip-hop, trip-hop, funk, rap, soul, rhythm and blues, dance hop and just about all other forms of downbeat and upbeat music one can imagine. Against that backdrop of musical innovation Frank's gang at BYC have done there own bit to keep the drumbeat rolling in the Detroit area to continue to have fun and grow the sport of sailing, welcoming one and all to their corner of the world with open arms.This year's extravaganza had 154 boats show up from the four corners of the Great Lakes. The J Crew were well represented with very good fleets of J/105s, J/120s, J/29s and J/35s showing up to lay their claim to some cool Sperry Top-sider gear and nice swag.
The J/120s were well represented with seven boats enjoying some great one-design racing. Kudos to Frank Kern and his CARINTHIA team for welcoming all competitors to yet another nice weekend of sailing. In the end, Donald Hudak from MHYC was the winner on CAPERS. Keeping Donald honest was David Sandlin on JHAWKER in second from Lake Shore Sailing Club. Lying third was Marvin Ihnen from CSYC in his cleverly named IHNSANITY.
The seven boat J/105 fleet also had some good racing. By winning the first race the rest of the fleet should've taken notice and run for cover, nevertheless Jim Sminchak's IT from LYC ran off with the first place prize. Second was Don Harthorn's SNAKE OIL (wished he had some more of it?) from Lake Shore Sailing Club and third was Mark Symonds' PTERODACTYL.
What seems to be a renaissance in the making are the passionate, enthusiastic and fun-loving J/29 owners around America. Ira Perry took his J/29 SEEFEST across from the East Coast to the Detroit event on their truck and trailer to go have some great fun in this event. Hailing from New Bedford YC in Massachusetts, Ira and his team were rewarded with a first overall in the J/29 class! Giving them a run for the money was John Bullga/Amyot from LMYC racing BLITZ! in second place. Brian Rice and his crew from Dalhousie YC were third sailing ROOSTER TALE.
The J/35s race as a class mixed up with a few other 35 footers. What was cool was to see that the J/35 NIGHT TRAIN sailed by Chris Herriges from North Star Sail Club won over this very competitive fleet.
Despite all the fun and games, there was an unfortunate, fatal accident at BYC on Saturday night. An automobile accident injured several sailors and resulted in the death of a fellow J sailor (most unfortunately, a member of Frank Kern's CARINTHIA crew)- Mike Badendieck. It is with tremendous sorrow that we deliver this news and all those in the J/Family wish Mike's friends and family our deepest condolences, prayers and warmest wishes-- may the Good Lord Be With You All. Said a Tufts classmate of Stu Johnstone, BYC Commodore Bruce Burton, “We are deeply saddened by this accident that injured nine people and fatally injured a tenth person. Our first priority and thoughts are for Mike Badendieck’s family, who died from this accident. Our prayers go out to all of those who were injured and their families. Our hearts and prayers go out to them and to all Bayview members. This is a family club and a close group of friends. This is a tragedy and we are all in distress.” For more Sperry Top-Sider SW NOOD Detroit sailing information. Photo credits- Tim Wilkes.com
