Sail1Design is proud to introduce our newest sponsor, McLaughlin Boat Works. What follows is a great success story for the youth sailing community, and for American craftsmanship. Please support McLaughlin and their efforts in the most important arena of sailing: youth sailing! The history of McLaughlin Boat Works (MBW) dates back to the 1960’s in San Diego California with two passionate sailors, Earl Elms and Herb Shear. Operating under the name Chubasco (storm on the water), Elms and Shear designed the original Snipe mold used to build the famous McLaughlin Snipes that dominated the World Championships for over 30 years. Visit their website at www.optistuff.com. |
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Eventually, California Snipe sailor and veteran boat builder Mike McLaughlin, who had worked at Chubasco most of his life, purchased the Snipe molds and moved the operation to Tennessee in response to the relocation of the International Snipe Headquarters to Chattanooga. Mike McLaughlin further expanded the company’s success and helped distribute the McLaughlin Snipe on a worldwide spectrum.
Steve Sherman, Indiana lake sailor, and father of three boys (two of whom presently work at McLaughlin) purchased the company from Mike McLaughlin in ‘86. Thus began the materialization of his life long dream of contributing to the sport of sailing and in particular the Snipe class.
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Steve’s commitment to innovation and continual improvement combined with his natural curiosity and “hands on” approach led the company to successes in many classes. At one time the company built the Lightning, Day Sailor, Windmill, Highlander, Thistle and Tanzer 16. MBW has always taken pride in pushing the forefront of foam/composite technology, such as being one of the first, outside of the aerospace industry, to use a vacuum bag in performance sail craft back in the early 1980’s. That history of innovation and continual improvement are evident today in our new dust and climate controlled production facility. Beginning in 1990, at the request of families from the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Mclaughlin began a new tradition building its first International Optimist Dinghy.
Today, Mclaughlin specializes in the Optimist and has become one of the leading manufacturers in the World. As Steve Sherman puts it, “the Optimist is the single most important element in keeping sailing alive and healthy in the world today. From the tens of thousands of children that learn to sail each year around the world will come the sailors, Olympians, instructors, coaches and commodores of tomorrow’s society. My dream of contributing to sailing has come true by a hundred fold.”
Holding true to the original ideas of Elms and Shear, MBW continues as a business run by sailors for the benefit of sailors. You cannot build a successful company without good people. MBW has assembled a group of like-minded sailors who believe that if you provide the finest in customer service and the best product money can buy the rest will take care of its self. This is why MBW is the premiere partner with the United States Optimist Dinghy class organization (USODA) and supporter of the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA).
McLaughlin’s reputation has been built upon the principles of: Customer service, Exacting quality standards and Engineering fast durable racing yachts. Over the last 10 years, MBW has also built a strong financial foundation by diversifying into other product lines in the marine industry such as a roto-molded pram and a line of high quality RIB’s designed for the sailing community.
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Interview with Clay Johnson, USA Team Alphagraphics
By Judith Krimski
After three years of
campaigning, over 240,000 miles traveled (9 times around the world) Clay
Johnson (now in Perth Australia training for the final Olympic qualifying
regatta) is in the home stretch of his quest to represent the United States as
the sole male laser sailor in the 2012 Olympics. Currently ranked 12th in World
Cup standings, Clay is solidly atop the leader board of Americans in that
category. But his challenges aren’t over – Clay needs to beat Brad Funk by at
least 5 points at the upcoming Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds to earn the berth of
Olympic laser sailor.
campaigning, over 240,000 miles traveled (9 times around the world) Clay
Johnson (now in Perth Australia training for the final Olympic qualifying
regatta) is in the home stretch of his quest to represent the United States as
the sole male laser sailor in the 2012 Olympics. Currently ranked 12th in World
Cup standings, Clay is solidly atop the leader board of Americans in that
category. But his challenges aren’t over – Clay needs to beat Brad Funk by at
least 5 points at the upcoming Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds to earn the berth of
Olympic laser sailor.
When you first meet Clay
you see a tall, handsome and confident young man. One who looks you in the eye
and is immediately interested in who you are. But what has it been like for the
young man who is the quintessential American kid?
you see a tall, handsome and confident young man. One who looks you in the eye
and is immediately interested in who you are. But what has it been like for the
young man who is the quintessential American kid?
Growing up on the shores of
New Jersey, Clay started his love affair with sailing at age five when his dad
taught him how to sail a Toms River Pram. From that point on it was all
sailing. Clay counts among his accomplishments international competition in the
optimist and laser radial before moving into the laser Full rig. In 2000 he was
the youngest person to compete in the Olympic trails—where he finished 19th.
Clay started his most recent Olympic campaign in 2009.
New Jersey, Clay started his love affair with sailing at age five when his dad
taught him how to sail a Toms River Pram. From that point on it was all
sailing. Clay counts among his accomplishments international competition in the
optimist and laser radial before moving into the laser Full rig. In 2000 he was
the youngest person to compete in the Olympic trails—where he finished 19th.
Clay started his most recent Olympic campaign in 2009.
JK: You have tremendous
family support. What is the strength of having your family involved in this
process.
family support. What is the strength of having your family involved in this
process.
CJ: The great thing
about having my family is they’re sailors to begin with. They know what it
entails. When I came to them in September of 08 and said “Heh, I feel like I
have some unfinished business here. I want to stop working and start sailing.”
At first they were a little reluctant. After I convinced them it was what I
wanted they were 100 percent on board and supported me to the fullest. They
don’t want me to look back at this when I’m 50 and say “Wow I really could have
done that.” Now is the only time I have the opportunity to do this. I’m not
getting any younger or in better shape. They understood now’s the time for me.
about having my family is they’re sailors to begin with. They know what it
entails. When I came to them in September of 08 and said “Heh, I feel like I
have some unfinished business here. I want to stop working and start sailing.”
At first they were a little reluctant. After I convinced them it was what I
wanted they were 100 percent on board and supported me to the fullest. They
don’t want me to look back at this when I’m 50 and say “Wow I really could have
done that.” Now is the only time I have the opportunity to do this. I’m not
getting any younger or in better shape. They understood now’s the time for me.
JK:
It’s been a long road for you. What are you thinking leading up to Perth?
It’s been a long road for you. What are you thinking leading up to Perth?
CJ: It’s kind of
bittersweet because it’s been a long time. Some days I wake up and I’m ready to
do the trials and Olympics and get moving on. Some days I wish I could keep
going cause it’s so much fun. The campaign’s only been two 1/2 years but I’ve
been sailing lasers since 1998. I’m only 27 but I’ve been in the class for 13
years. I’m anxious to get to Australia and finish the trials process and
hopefully have a great regatta. If I qualify a lot of the pressure will be
removed and I can enjoy the next eight months, train even harder and focus on
the Olympics.
bittersweet because it’s been a long time. Some days I wake up and I’m ready to
do the trials and Olympics and get moving on. Some days I wish I could keep
going cause it’s so much fun. The campaign’s only been two 1/2 years but I’ve
been sailing lasers since 1998. I’m only 27 but I’ve been in the class for 13
years. I’m anxious to get to Australia and finish the trials process and
hopefully have a great regatta. If I qualify a lot of the pressure will be
removed and I can enjoy the next eight months, train even harder and focus on
the Olympics.
JK:
How do you keep yourself motivated?
How do you keep yourself motivated?
CJ: It’s definitely
tough. There are days when you wake up and you don’t want to go to the gym.
You’ve sailed for six days in a row and you’re exhausted. I think training with
partners is key—we motivate each other. You have to think about keeping your
eye on the prize the whole time because somewhere else in the world other
people are doing this and if I want to be competitive.
tough. There are days when you wake up and you don’t want to go to the gym.
You’ve sailed for six days in a row and you’re exhausted. I think training with
partners is key—we motivate each other. You have to think about keeping your
eye on the prize the whole time because somewhere else in the world other
people are doing this and if I want to be competitive.
Putting all the time, money and energy into this I have to get up
and have a good day. I always try to do something everyday to better my
campaign. Even on my days off I’m doing logistics or planning or something so I
can look back and say “today was a good day” and my campaign is in a better
place than yesterday.
and have a good day. I always try to do something everyday to better my
campaign. Even on my days off I’m doing logistics or planning or something so I
can look back and say “today was a good day” and my campaign is in a better
place than yesterday.
JK:
What surprised you about doing an Olympic campaign?
What surprised you about doing an Olympic campaign?
CJ: US Sailing Team
Alphagraphics has really changed its layout over the past few years. They used
to give you some money, say good luck this year, and report back and tell us
how you do. Now it’s a different machine altogether. There’s so many coaches
and support. The biggest thing that really surprised me was how much on-shore
logistical work there is. At first I thought you’re just sailing and working
out but I have a boat in Europe, a boat here and a boat in Australia. I have to
plan for the season in advance as to how I’m going to move it all around, what
regattas I’ll do, where I’ll live, how I get to each venue. It’s a lot to wrap
your head around. There are so many good people in US Sailing who can help
point you in the right direction. That’s a big part of the campaign that people
overlook. With the training, logistics and sailing it’s a full-time job.
Alphagraphics has really changed its layout over the past few years. They used
to give you some money, say good luck this year, and report back and tell us
how you do. Now it’s a different machine altogether. There’s so many coaches
and support. The biggest thing that really surprised me was how much on-shore
logistical work there is. At first I thought you’re just sailing and working
out but I have a boat in Europe, a boat here and a boat in Australia. I have to
plan for the season in advance as to how I’m going to move it all around, what
regattas I’ll do, where I’ll live, how I get to each venue. It’s a lot to wrap
your head around. There are so many good people in US Sailing who can help
point you in the right direction. That’s a big part of the campaign that people
overlook. With the training, logistics and sailing it’s a full-time job.
JK:
What’s the drug testing like?
What’s the drug testing like?
CJ: I’ve been drug
tested five times. As part of being on the US Sailing team we have to complete
anti-doping forms and we have to tell them were we’re going to be every minute
of the day. If I decide I’m going to the movies or spend a day with my
girlfriend I have to fill out a “Change in Whereabouts” form. I have to account
for every single day and every hour and I have to do it three months in advance
too. If I don’t know where I’m going to be I’ll give them a schedule and when
the time approaches revise the form. Anytime of the day they can show up at
your door. If you’re not there you have an hour to get there. If you don’t show
up you have a failed test. I missed one test in 2009 because I changed my
schedule to train in Canada one extra day. So that was the day they showed up
at my house. Since I wasn’t there I failed the test. You’re allowed three
missed tests in 18 months. If you fail three tests your out of your sport for
2-4 years.
tested five times. As part of being on the US Sailing team we have to complete
anti-doping forms and we have to tell them were we’re going to be every minute
of the day. If I decide I’m going to the movies or spend a day with my
girlfriend I have to fill out a “Change in Whereabouts” form. I have to account
for every single day and every hour and I have to do it three months in advance
too. If I don’t know where I’m going to be I’ll give them a schedule and when
the time approaches revise the form. Anytime of the day they can show up at
your door. If you’re not there you have an hour to get there. If you don’t show
up you have a failed test. I missed one test in 2009 because I changed my
schedule to train in Canada one extra day. So that was the day they showed up
at my house. Since I wasn’t there I failed the test. You’re allowed three
missed tests in 18 months. If you fail three tests your out of your sport for
2-4 years.
JK:
What does it entail to be an elite sailor?
What does it entail to be an elite sailor?
CJ: As far as training
and fitness there’s no substitute for sailing the boat. I also cycle a lot and
go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had any
major issues or back pain, which is pretty common. A lot of other sailors take
whey protein or muscle milk to help with their body maintenance to make sure
they’re at the right weight. I’m pretty fortunate that I’m at the right weight
and height.
and fitness there’s no substitute for sailing the boat. I also cycle a lot and
go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I’ve been fortunate that I haven’t had any
major issues or back pain, which is pretty common. A lot of other sailors take
whey protein or muscle milk to help with their body maintenance to make sure
they’re at the right weight. I’m pretty fortunate that I’m at the right weight
and height.
JK:
Do you have any weird physical changes like “mainsheet thumb”?
Do you have any weird physical changes like “mainsheet thumb”?
CJ: All the hair on
the back of my legs is ripped off from the side of the cockpit and I have a
boot tan that I can’t get rid of.
the back of my legs is ripped off from the side of the cockpit and I have a
boot tan that I can’t get rid of.
JK: As you travel around
the world representing the United States what does that mean to you?
the world representing the United States what does that mean to you?
CJ: It’s a huge honor
to represent the United States. You see a lot of other competitors who can just
basically go to the Olympics. They’re the top guy from their cou
ntry and they
don’t have any competitors. For us we have to compete against other Americans
and work hard. The first part of our work is just winning the trials. It’s a
big hurdle we have to get over. Going to the Olympics for America is what you
want to do. You’ve represented them your whole life. It’s a great country and
you’ve got a lot of support from the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics. It just
means that much more going to the Olympics representing the United States than
for any other country.
to represent the United States. You see a lot of other competitors who can just
basically go to the Olympics. They’re the top guy from their cou
ntry and they
don’t have any competitors. For us we have to compete against other Americans
and work hard. The first part of our work is just winning the trials. It’s a
big hurdle we have to get over. Going to the Olympics for America is what you
want to do. You’ve represented them your whole life. It’s a great country and
you’ve got a lot of support from the US Sailing Team Alphagraphics. It just
means that much more going to the Olympics representing the United States than
for any other country.
JK:
What were the challenges of the Skandia Sail for Gold and the Olympic sailing
site in Weymouth?
What were the challenges of the Skandia Sail for Gold and the Olympic sailing
site in Weymouth?
CJ: Personally I
started out the regatta pretty well, followed by a rough stretch. I was too
worried about the other US competitors. In the laser fleet where everyone is
super good you can’t be thinking about where’s Brad Funk or where’s Rob Crane.
As much as you want to race your own race if you see them going right and you
want to go left you’re going to think twice about going right. I thought a bit
more now about how I can mentally prepare for sailing against the other
Americans so hopefully for Perth I can make some changes.
started out the regatta pretty well, followed by a rough stretch. I was too
worried about the other US competitors. In the laser fleet where everyone is
super good you can’t be thinking about where’s Brad Funk or where’s Rob Crane.
As much as you want to race your own race if you see them going right and you
want to go left you’re going to think twice about going right. I thought a bit
more now about how I can mentally prepare for sailing against the other
Americans so hopefully for Perth I can make some changes.
Weymouth is a great sailing venue but it’s also very difficult
venue. It takes a toll on you. It’s freezing cold—60 degrees all the time. It’s
spitting rain all the time. The harbor is huge so you sail an hour just to get
out of the harbor then you sail 2 more miles until you get to the course. So
it’s about one 1/2 hour sail out to the course. It’s windy and wavy and the
race committee has the radials and full rigs on one course so you’re always
freezing and waiting around.
venue. It takes a toll on you. It’s freezing cold—60 degrees all the time. It’s
spitting rain all the time. The harbor is huge so you sail an hour just to get
out of the harbor then you sail 2 more miles until you get to the course. So
it’s about one 1/2 hour sail out to the course. It’s windy and wavy and the
race committee has the radials and full rigs on one course so you’re always
freezing and waiting around.
JK:
Do you spend much time with your competition?
Do you spend much time with your competition?
CJ: It’s been a bit
interesting with Brad. He started campaigning in 09 with me, had a rough year
and decided to take some time away from sailing so we didn’t see him for a
while. In 2011 he started to get back on the circuit but he wasn’t on US Sailing
Team Alphagraphics so he did his own program. I’ve trained with Rob for the
last three years. He’s on USSTAG and we share the same coach – Mike Kalin. I
sail with Rob all the time. It’s a difficult thing because everyone wants to go
to the Olympics. It’s a tough sport. You’re expected to live and train with
your competitors and work with them closely. At the end if the day only one of
you is going on to the Olympics.
interesting with Brad. He started campaigning in 09 with me, had a rough year
and decided to take some time away from sailing so we didn’t see him for a
while. In 2011 he started to get back on the circuit but he wasn’t on US Sailing
Team Alphagraphics so he did his own program. I’ve trained with Rob for the
last three years. He’s on USSTAG and we share the same coach – Mike Kalin. I
sail with Rob all the time. It’s a difficult thing because everyone wants to go
to the Olympics. It’s a tough sport. You’re expected to live and train with
your competitors and work with them closely. At the end if the day only one of
you is going on to the Olympics.
JK:
What’s your starting regimen like?
What’s your starting regimen like?
CJ: It’s all about
efficiency for me. I like to be out about 1/2 hour before the first race. I’ll
sail upwind for a while to shake-it-out and hike at 70%. I like to do split
tacks and some speed testing. Five-ten minutes before the start I’ll start
looking at the line trying to pinpoint the favored end. Usually they do a
really good job of setting the line so it’s pretty square. If that’s the case
I’ll spend a lot of time in the middle of the line between 5-3 minutes to try
and decide which side is favored. I can easily get to either side from the middle.
The hardest thing about starting in the laser fleet is everyone is so fast. You
have to win your start with the 3-5 boats around you. You’ll see 75 boats go
off the line with about 10 boats punching out. Then after a little while you
see 5 boats punch out from those spots. You have to be really confident in your
game plan. After the start your head is down the whole time hiking as hard as
you can just trying to beat those 2-3 boats around you.
efficiency for me. I like to be out about 1/2 hour before the first race. I’ll
sail upwind for a while to shake-it-out and hike at 70%. I like to do split
tacks and some speed testing. Five-ten minutes before the start I’ll start
looking at the line trying to pinpoint the favored end. Usually they do a
really good job of setting the line so it’s pretty square. If that’s the case
I’ll spend a lot of time in the middle of the line between 5-3 minutes to try
and decide which side is favored. I can easily get to either side from the middle.
The hardest thing about starting in the laser fleet is everyone is so fast. You
have to win your start with the 3-5 boats around you. You’ll see 75 boats go
off the line with about 10 boats punching out. Then after a little while you
see 5 boats punch out from those spots. You have to be really confident in your
game plan. After the start your head is down the whole time hiking as hard as
you can just trying to beat those 2-3 boats around you.
JK:
Are there any marshmallows in the fleet?
Are there any marshmallows in the fleet?
CJ: Starting in the
laser fleet is one of the toughest things to do and also one of the biggest
hurdles that newcomers have to face when they come to the fleet.
laser fleet is one of the toughest things to do and also one of the biggest
hurdles that newcomers have to face when they come to the fleet.
Most of the time I don’t look at who I’m starting next too. If
there’s a big hole or a tight hole and I see Tom Slingsby (AUS) or Paul
Goodison (GBR) lining up there I’ll think twice about it. Besides those guys I
just try to get the best hole I can and try to win that zone. You have to have
a really good game plan because there’s not time to change it up once the race
starts.
there’s a big hole or a tight hole and I see Tom Slingsby (AUS) or Paul
Goodison (GBR) lining up there I’ll think twice about it. Besides those guys I
just try to get the best hole I can and try to win that zone. You have to have
a really good game plan because there’s not time to change it up once the race
starts.
Do you remember your first
big regatta when you were set up next to a laser legend. What was that like?
big regatta when you were set up next to a laser legend. What was that like?
CJ: I did a World
Championship in 2001. I was 16 years old at the time. I didn’t know who anyone
was. Early on in the regatta I set up next to Robert Scheidt (4-time Olympic
medalist) and it didn’t go well. He rolled me in two seconds and I tacked out.
Afterwards I was like “Who the hell was that guy?” My coach told me that was
Robert Scheidt – the greatest laser sailor ever. I got a lesson pretty quickly
to avoid him.
Championship in 2001. I was 16 years old at the time. I didn’t know who anyone
was. Early on in the regatta I set up next to Robert Scheidt (4-time Olympic
medalist) and it didn’t go well. He rolled me in two seconds and I tacked out.
Afterwards I was like “Who the hell was that guy?” My coach told me that was
Robert Scheidt – the greatest laser sailor ever. I got a lesson pretty quickly
to avoid him.
It happens all the time now. You’ll line up next to someone and
you’ll get rolled or you’ll roll them. It happens to everyone. You see Tom
Slingsby or Goodison get rolled. It’s just a testament to how good the laser
fleet has become that everyone is so fast. There are no marshmallows out there.
you’ll get rolled or you’ll roll them. It happens to everyone. You see Tom
Slingsby or Goodison get rolled. It’s just a testament to how good the laser
fleet has become that everyone is so fast. There are no marshmallows out there.
JK:
There’s no guy from Country X that you want to set up next too?
There’s no guy from Country X that you want to set up next too?
CJ: Exactly. And if
there is you don’t want to set up next to him cause he’s so unpredictable. At
150 boat regatta, and that’s what they always are—there’s five to eight guys
who aren’t that great and you don’t want to set up next to them because their
unpredictable. The other 145 are all the same speed and all really good.
there is you don’t want to set up next to him cause he’s so unpredictable. At
150 boat regatta, and that’s what they always are—there’s five to eight guys
who aren’t that great and you don’t want to set up next to them because their
unpredictable. The other 145 are all the same speed and all really good.
JK:
You can never rest.
You can never rest.
CJ:
Yah. Never. It’s full on the whole time.
Yah. Never. It’s full on the whole time.
JK: When you have a tough
moment in a race like the collision you had a Skandia Sail for Gold how do you
overcome those moments?
moment in a race like the collision you had a Skandia Sail for Gold how do you
overcome those moments?
CJ: You need to have a
really short memory. You have to say “That race is done, there’s nothing I can
do about it.” And just try to get back on track as quickly as you can. It’s
hard do, especially when you only have a three race day and your first race was
bad. It’s something that we can all do a lot better at. We just started working
with our coach Mike Kalin in January and he’s been a big help in the
psychological end.
really short memory. You have to say “That race is done, there’s nothing I can
do about it.” And just try to get back on track as quickly as you can. It’s
hard do, especially when you only have a three race day and your first race was
bad. It’s something that we can all do a lot better at. We just started working
with our coach Mike Kalin in January and he’s been a big help in the
psychological end.
There aren’t too many coaches who are going to come in and change
your technique in the laser and make you faster all of the sudden. Leading into
the games you need a guy who can talk you down when you’re having a rough day
and keep you focused when things are going well. Someone who can help manage
you mentally. Helping you learn, stay on track and have fun – that what a great
coach does.
your technique in the laser and make you faster all of the sudden. Leading into
the games you need a guy who can talk you down when you’re having a rough day
and keep you focused when things are going well. Someone who can help manage
you mentally. Helping you learn, stay on track and have fun – that what a great
coach does.
JK:
How do they interact with you during race day. Do they get to coach you?
How do they interact with you during race day. Do they get to coach you?
CJ: Absolutely. We
start our day meeting down at the venue and we discuss weather and what’s going
on for the day. The coach can drive around the course and take observations and
update us on weather changes. It’s super important to have a coach out on the
water because the days are so long. To give us food, advice and som
eone to
bounce ideas off. We’re out for 8-10 hours sometimes so the coach boat is
vital.
start our day meeting down at the venue and we discuss weather and what’s going
on for the day. The coach can drive around the course and take observations and
update us on weather changes. It’s super important to have a coach out on the
water because the days are so long. To give us food, advice and som
eone to
bounce ideas off. We’re out for 8-10 hours sometimes so the coach boat is
vital.
JK:
Any thoughts of America’s cup or pro-sailing after all this?
Any thoughts of America’s cup or pro-sailing after all this?
CJ: I’m pretty sure
this will be my last campaign. I could see myself doing the trials again. I
definitely want to sail the Melges 32s and E-scow sailing—that’s been in my
family for a while. I kinda just want to settle down for a little bit and not
live out of my suitcase.
this will be my last campaign. I could see myself doing the trials again. I
definitely want to sail the Melges 32s and E-scow sailing—that’s been in my
family for a while. I kinda just want to settle down for a little bit and not
live out of my suitcase.
JK:
What’s your advice for youth sailors?
What’s your advice for youth sailors?
CJ: The best thing I’d
say is that if you want to see big improvement early on emulate the top guys.
There’s a reason why people are setting up the boat and sailing one way. The
way you’ll see marked improvement from the beginning is to start doing that.
That being said, once you get to the level where you’re feeling fast and seeing
improvement don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Watch someone like Brad Funk who is great in
any boat. And one of the things he does really well is he’s totally willing to
try different stuff. He’ll say “let’s standup in our boats downwind, or try
sailing backwards.” He’s so good at
feeling how the boat goes fast and understanding its capabilities. That’s one
thing I’ve preached to the kids I’ve coached. Don’t be afraid to make changes
and try new things.
say is that if you want to see big improvement early on emulate the top guys.
There’s a reason why people are setting up the boat and sailing one way. The
way you’ll see marked improvement from the beginning is to start doing that.
That being said, once you get to the level where you’re feeling fast and seeing
improvement don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Watch someone like Brad Funk who is great in
any boat. And one of the things he does really well is he’s totally willing to
try different stuff. He’ll say “let’s standup in our boats downwind, or try
sailing backwards.” He’s so good at
feeling how the boat goes fast and understanding its capabilities. That’s one
thing I’ve preached to the kids I’ve coached. Don’t be afraid to make changes
and try new things.
THANK YOU CLAY for your insights into the world of Olympic laser
sailing. Good luck at the ISAF worlds.
sailing. Good luck at the ISAF worlds.
Clay will be competing at this Year’s ISAF Worlds starting
December 12 along with fellow America sailors Rob Crane (WR #26) and Brad Funk
(WR #66). Follow all the action at http://www.perth2011.com/
December 12 along with fellow America sailors Rob Crane (WR #26) and Brad Funk
(WR #66). Follow all the action at http://www.perth2011.com/
To learn more about Clay Johnson go to www.claysails.com/
Interviewer: Judith Krimski, Sailing Coach and freelance sailing
writer
writer
Bayview Yacht Club Launches Inaugural Bayview One Design Regatta
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barby MacGowan, Media Pro International, [email protected],
(401) 849-0220 or Hanson Bratton, Bayview Yacht Club, [email protected], (248) 640-4407
(401) 849-0220 or Hanson Bratton, Bayview Yacht Club, [email protected], (248) 640-4407
New Breeze for
Midwest Sailing
Midwest Sailing
Bayview Yacht Club Launches Inaugural Bayview One Design Regatta
DETROIT,
MICH. (November 22, 2011)—The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Mich., is
launching a new event this summer: the Bayview One Design Regatta.
Scheduled for May 31 through June 3, 2012, the inaugural event offers a long
weekend of racing on Lake St. Clair for all types and sizes of boats and
encourages sailors of all ages and calibers to participate.
MICH. (November 22, 2011)—The Bayview Yacht Club in Detroit, Mich., is
launching a new event this summer: the Bayview One Design Regatta.
Scheduled for May 31 through June 3, 2012, the inaugural event offers a long
weekend of racing on Lake St. Clair for all types and sizes of boats and
encourages sailors of all ages and calibers to participate.
“We’ll run multiple races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for two dozen or more
one design classes and a limited number of handicap classes,” said Bayview
Yacht Club Governor Hanson Bratton, who will serve as the Regatta’s Chairman
while Karl Kuspa serves as Vice Chairman. “Three race circles
will be located on Lake St. Clair while a fourth, for dinghy classes, will be
added in front of the club on the Detroit River to allow for spectators and to
showcase the best of what the club—which also hosts the famous Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race–has
to offer.”
one design classes and a limited number of handicap classes,” said Bayview
Yacht Club Governor Hanson Bratton, who will serve as the Regatta’s Chairman
while Karl Kuspa serves as Vice Chairman. “Three race circles
will be located on Lake St. Clair while a fourth, for dinghy classes, will be
added in front of the club on the Detroit River to allow for spectators and to
showcase the best of what the club—which also hosts the famous Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race–has
to offer.”
Classes with strong contingents that are expected to enter are: Melges
20, Melges 24, Beneteau 36.7, C&C 35, Cal 25, Catalina 27, Etchells, Flying
Scot, J/24, J/29, J/105, J/120, Lightning, Thistle, NA 40, Tartan Ten, and
Ultimate 20. Organizers expect that many classes will consider the event
as a venue for their regional, national or even world championships.
20, Melges 24, Beneteau 36.7, C&C 35, Cal 25, Catalina 27, Etchells, Flying
Scot, J/24, J/29, J/105, J/120, Lightning, Thistle, NA 40, Tartan Ten, and
Ultimate 20. Organizers expect that many classes will consider the event
as a venue for their regional, national or even world championships.
“Over its long history of running sailboat races, Bayview Yacht Club has
learned that if Midwesterners can be stereotyped as open, friendly, and
straightforward, the word ‘serious’ should be added when it comes to describing
sailors from the Midwest,” said Bratton. “They take their one-design
sailing seriously, and they have come to expect the very best in race
management and social functions, which BYC will deliver with fresh energy and
an innovative spirit for beginning new traditions.”
learned that if Midwesterners can be stereotyped as open, friendly, and
straightforward, the word ‘serious’ should be added when it comes to describing
sailors from the Midwest,” said Bratton. “They take their one-design
sailing seriously, and they have come to expect the very best in race
management and social functions, which BYC will deliver with fresh energy and
an innovative spirit for beginning new traditions.”
The Detroit NOOD Regatta, which has been hosted by the Bayview Yacht Club since
1993, is replaced by this new event.
1993, is replaced by this new event.
“We had a great 19-year run, but we are going in a new direction,” said
Bratton. “It was a decision we made as a club.”
Bratton. “It was a decision we made as a club.”
The Bayview Yacht Club, founded in 1915, is located on the Detroit River, which
is connected to Lake St. Clair. Its pure sailing essence is cultivated by
two harbors with over 100 berths and a crane for launching boats up to 50
feet. With an 8,000 sq. ft. club house that has been called a shrine to nautical
culture, the club also has a separate small-boat sailing center.
is connected to Lake St. Clair. Its pure sailing essence is cultivated by
two harbors with over 100 berths and a crane for launching boats up to 50
feet. With an 8,000 sq. ft. club house that has been called a shrine to nautical
culture, the club also has a separate small-boat sailing center.
Lake St. Clair, spanning 26 miles from north to south and about 24 miles from
east to west, is between Lake Huron (to its north) and Lake Erie (to its
south).
east to west, is between Lake Huron (to its north) and Lake Erie (to its
south).
The Notice of Race and more information for the inaugural Bayview One Design
Regatta will be posted at the Bayview Yacht Cub’s website, www.byc.com, over the coming months.
Regatta will be posted at the Bayview Yacht Cub’s website, www.byc.com, over the coming months.
2011 J/24 World Championship Final Results
Pl | B# | Ct. | Fm | Sail | Boat Name | Skipper | Total | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
1 | 18 |