The 2011 Spooktacular Regatta, October 29-30, was a great success due to some cooperative weather, great volunteer efforts and the program support of all the teams that competed. Special thanks go to Robert Morris University and Columbia Yacht Club for the generous donation of sails that were used in the Invitational Fleet and to the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School and MYST program who brought down their entire fleet of 10, 420's and new sails for the Open Regatta. Throughout the regatta 86 races were held in 5 fleets and 175 sailors participated.

Optimist sailors, most of them Green Fleeters braved challenging conditions to cap off a great midwest season. Congratulations to all who competed, thanks for coming we look forward to hosting another event like this in the future.

The 2011 GLSS X Invitational turned out to be a great event with 48 teams competing for the title this year. Day one featured 3 solid races in Westerly breeze. Day 2 turned a lot lighter and after 60 minutes in a dying northerly PRO Jim Smith cancelled race 4 as the drifting conditions became unfair for the racers. After a 1 hour postponement the breeze filled again and although shifty we were able to get one more solid race in. Charlie Kutshcenreuter sailed a solid set of races besting the crowd through his resilient handling of the tricky conditions. Full results below.

The GLSS Dinghyfest

This year's Dinghyfest featured 4 great fleets and excellent conditions for each. 420 and Laser Radial PRO Mike Kuschner ran a set of 6 races on his course. Winners in the 420 Class were Will Crary and Andy Hed and Tommy Garber won the tight competition in the Laser Radial fleet. On the Green Fleet course Mike Lee managed to get 7 races in, with over 30 sailors participating. This made for a lot of exciting buoy roundings and a great day of learning for the entire fleet. Meta Simon sailed beautifully winning all but one race, potentially sealing her departure from the Green Fleets??? It was great to see her handle the conditions like a pro, Sophie Michels also sailed very well, pushing her all the way. In the RWB fleet racing was hotly contested all the way to the end. With 45 boats in the fleet and solid sailors from top to bottom it just doesn't get better. PRO Jane Pegel decided to give kids a break for lunch after several recalls prior to getting the third race of the day off. Due to the break we weren't able to get the 5th race in, but 4 great races were sailed. Winner Jack Bitney came from behind and edged out fellow Tonka sailor John Hartfield in second and Pine/Beulah sailor Alec Bischoff in third. The top 5 were only separated by 10 points so it was anyone's regatta going into that last race.

Zoum USA

We are grateful for the support of our sponsors, Harken, Line Honors, Summerset Sailing, Gage Marine, Gordy's Boathouse, Colie Sails, Ronstan, Boatyard Bagels, Melges Boatworks and Zoum Boats USA who's support made this event a great success.

Also new this summer was the first GLSS Open Bic "Un Regatta". This took place on Thursday, July 14th. The "Un Regatta" was a great time for all participants, with some unusual race courses and freestyle, "Expression Sessions" added to the fun of sailing with friends. Special thanks go out to Kevin Gratton who brought 8 charter boats to add to our fleet. Everyone had a great time.

Pictures from all of our events as well as some videos can be seen on our Facebook Page