» High School Sailing

This spring the GLSS High School Sailing program like in so many other teams across the country and throughout the region is growing by leaps and bounds.  The team got off to an early start this spring well before the ice went out on the lake.  We met at Big Foot and Badger High School gyms for pre season workouts and whiteboard sessions.  New sailors joining the team from Badger include:  Krista Doelder, Kelly Hughes, Kari Jacobsen, Rene Millen, Claire and Kathleen Schneider and Claire Amici. 

7^th grader, Mac Six, also joined the team from Fontana Elementary.  Returning to the program are Corina Colon, JJ Esopsito, Sam Floody, Emma Stoneall, and Brogan Conell.  Matt and Hannah Ripkey, are competing in weekend regatta’s along with the team while participating in track at Big Foot.  With the number of new sailors joining this spring the team is focusing primarily on getting everyone up to speed.  We are looking forward to attending regatta’s at Pewaukee and the Milwaukee Yacht club in May.  The kids will also be looking to get rides on E Scows during the LGYC Spring regatta and hope to make it into some racing this summer in the 420’s and other classes.  If you are looking for crew, this would be a great crowd to hook up with.

Spring Discount

April 15^th is past, but don’t forget the next big date on the calendar.  April 25^th marks the end of our pre season discount.  So far we’ve seen lots of registrations in the Kinderpram and Pram Camps along with good numbers in the Opti Learn to Race Classes.  Kinderpram is filling up fast and it will have to be closed to new registrations soon.  I know that there are many of you still waiting to get your forms in.  If you have questions for me go ahead and email or call me at 262-275-8489.    Registration is easy, just go to the website’s programs page to download our printable registration and release forms or go to sign up now to use our online registration system.

Calendar Items

Correction, for those of you who received our program in the mail this spring, there is a typo on the center Schedule and Rates Page that I’d like to correct.  Opti LTR 1 will be from June 14^th-July 1^st, not July 22^nd.  This year we’ve added a calendar function to our website.  The acing teams have their own calendar if you would like to look at the details of your classes just visit our website and look for the color coded calendar page.

College Nationals to be held in Madison

One of the best events that anyone can ever compete in the world of sailing is the US Collegiate National Championships.  This spring, it’s coming to the Midwest and anyone that can make it should be sure to go.  Teams will come in from around the country and you can cheer on many of our own instructors as they vie for a championship along with their team mates.  Current and former GLSS staff that are vying to compete include, Meg Six, Andrew Fox and Christine Porter from UW Madison; Mike Simms from Northwester and Mike Kuschner and Gordy Lamphere from St. Mary’s College of Maryland..

The Championships will be held in Madison on Lake Mendota and racing will occur out of the UW Student Union.  Racing can be enjoyed from the beautiful Terrace at the Union,1700 Langdon St..  It will be a great venue to watch and this event always features the best collegiate sailors competing at the top of their game.  It’s one of the most competitive events in the world with incredibly well prepared and honed sailors and teams battling it out for every inch. 

Welcome Back Mike Kuschner

Two summers ago, Mike Kuschner came and joined the sailing school as the X-Boat Racing team coach.  That summer was one of the most successful for any lake in the long history of the event.  Since then Mike has helped lead his college sailing team to a National Championship in the spring of 2009 and has served as the team’s captain this year.  After competing in this year’s championship Mike is going to stay in the great state of WI and come back to work with us again. 

This summer Mike will be working with the Junior Olympic Program and providing his great coaching style and leadership abilities to the staff and students of the GLSS.  We are really looking forward to your return Mike.