March 2003 Tell Tale
Volume 57, Number 1 March 2003
Midwinter Meeting held at Iowa
Under the able leadership of Jennifer Springsteen, the Iowa Sailing Team put on the MCSA's Midwinter meeting in Iowa City, Iowa on the weekend of February 7-9. About a 120 people attended the meetings, measured sails, developed the coming year's schedule and elected a new MCSA Executive Board.
As usual for travel during this time of year, just getting to the meeting presented some challenges. One of the biggest ones this year involved getting around a major accident (72 vehicles) which happened during a quickly developing white-out snow storm on I-94 in the lee of Lake Michigan at Benton Harbor. Fortunately, nobody was involved in the accident, but the trip took a little longer than planned due to the fact that the expressway was closed for 10 hours.
The MCSA decided to measure the sails that would be used by traveling teams after a number of unusual sails started showing up at regattas this past fall. It turns out that not all the FJ sails are the same, depending on their age and sailmaker. With the exception of one main and one Jib all of the sails seemed to fit two molds. The older sails made by UK seemed to be about 2 inches shorter on the luff and leech than those made by North, and even the North sails seemed to be about 4 inches shorter than the specs given by the Club FJ class. The 420 mainsails seemed to all be the same, but were smaller on the luff and leech than the Club 420 specs. Schools bringing sails must have had their sails measured at the Midwinter meeting, or be prepared to have them measured before they can be used in an event if they are not on THE LIST.
Saturday morning Gail Turluck arranged for a video presentation of the ICSA video "Sails Across America" by Dan Winters and gave information on how to order it through the ICSA Website. Following that presentation mention was made of several different events scheduled for the Midwest this summer which could be used as recruiting venues.
The traditional open forum saw support for the ICSA on line registration and the importance of coaching through the District. A suggestion was made to increase the number of one day regattas.
Bryon Thornburgh discussed the project of having MCSA burgees made and how to order them.
Gail Turluck reminded those in attendance of MCSA policies and etiquette including those involved with the MCSA listserv, and about the necessity to maintain their school's "Black Books". Also emphasized the new policy which requires that the PRO's for Championships, Eliminations and Intersectionals not be undergraduates, and that the Regatta Chairpersons for all events are responsible for training replacements for their next year's events.
George Griswold explained the Modified Observer System format to be used at the spring team race events, including the ICSA Team Race finals in Detroit. He also gave a presentation on fundraising, and later on the Racing Rules.
John Snyder, Iowa State University Advisor gave a brief presentation on the FJUS Iowa Interlakes Regatta. John Solow, a University of Iowa Economics Professor, gave an account of his experiences sailing for Yale from 1972 to 1976. James Toner gave a presentation on an upcoming FJUS regatta and how to enter it.
Tom Martin lead the discussion where many teams expressed opinions as to the state of the Association. Participation by all teams was excellent and the session carried over into lunch, due to the enthusiasm of the participants.
The main purpose of the meeting was to finalize the regatta schedule for the coming year. The scheduling meeting Saturday afternoon was chaired by Tom Martin, assisted by Gail Turluck and Pete Horsch. The meeting produced more participation at more regattas than in recent past years. University of Illinois Admitted to Membership
University of Illinois Admitted to Membership
The University of Illinois became the MCSA's newest member (the school had been a member back in 1987). The address is:
University of Illinois Sailing Club
Mailbox 66, 280 Illini Union Complex
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL 61801
Their website is: 
http://www.uiuc.edu/ro/sailing
Advisor:
Ken Choquette (217) 265-0563 choquette@staff.uiuc.edu
Commodore: Thomas Conley (217) 332-4151
Team Capt: Dennis Skultety (217) 355-5571
Asst Capt: Robert Mc Kenzie (217) 227-8982
Other Membership Changes
Advancing to Regular Membership is:
Hope College
Advancing to Regular Provisional Membership are:
University of Chicago
Illinois Institute of Technology
University of St. Thomas
Hiram College was reduced to Associate Membership for failure to participate in a regatta within the last four seasons.
Dues increased
The Regular Members voted unaminously to increase the yearly dues, while eliminating the North American Championship Assessment and Initiation fees. As a part of the necessary By-Law Changes the new "Varsity" category of membership was created. This membership is for teams having paid coaches with a salary of at least half time equivalent at minimum wage. This category will have first selection rights to all intersectionals, and an automatic berth in all championships according to the amendment which passed.
Awards
The 2002 Sportsmanship award was given to Stephen Bauer of Ohio University.
The 2002 Best Regatta Award (Woodward Plaque) was awarded to the University of Minnesota for the Streufert Cup Regatta.
MCSA All District Sailor Awards Announced
Sponsored by: Harken
Co-ed Skippers:
Benjamin L. Burgum, U. of Minnesota
Adam R. Dunki-Jacobs, Ohio State U.
Andrew C. Graff, U. of Wisconsin
Timothy M. Krech, U. of Minnesota
Bryan E. Parker, Ohio State U.
John D. Porter, U. of Wisconsin
John R. Rather, U of Wisconsin
Women Skippers:
Nicole Finefrock, Miami U.
Katheren Kaltz, U. of Michigan
Jamie L. Kraus, Marquette U.
Teresa L. Phillips, U. of Wisconsin
Mary E. Vogel, Michigan State U.
Crews:
Naomi Hertel, U. of Minnesota
Thomas Martin, U. of Michigan
Molly Rosenblat, U. of Minnesota
Kari Sachs, U. of Wisconsin
C. Anne Scheuerman, U. of Minnesota
Briana Schmidt, U. Wisconsin
New Undergraduate Ex. Board Members Elected
Tom Martin - Commodore
After serving as your Special Interests Representative on last year's Executive Board, I am honored to be your Commodore. During the past year I have really gotten to know this district through the regattas I have participated in and through the many people I have met. I am from Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, the site of two of the three events in the 2003 ICSA North American Championships. Being a sophomore in a pre-med track takes up most of the time between regattas.
My main goals for this year as Commodore are to work for better recognition for the MCSA on a national level. This goal will be accomplished mainly by hosting the best nationals that we can possibly host. Another goal of mine is to increase communication between the Board and the membership because let's face it all of you put me here, so I want to be able to voice your opinions during our meetings. This is starting to happen already and I encourage it to continue. If you ever have any concerns that you don't want the entire district or Board to know about please feel free to email me at martintd@umich.edu.
Mary Vorel - Vice Commodore
For those of you whom I have not had the pleasure to get to know and share life stories with, I started sailing a little over a decade ago in downtown Grand Rapids, MI on Reeds Lake. I first crewed for my father on his Snipe and also for my grandmother in her Rebel until I made my way toward the tiller after attending sailing school. It was not long before I was teaching the classes instead of attending them and skippering/crewing on various scows. The best part of it all was having three generations of my family competing against each other on the same racecourse.
Currently, I sail for Michigan State. My family would say sailing is my major, but I have now decided to pursue a degree in biology and teach secondary education. For the other 3 months of this year, I live in Wisconsin teaching the younger generation this incredible sport on Delavan Lake. I race and sail as much as I can on Snipes, Stars, E-scows, and M-20's. I still feel lucky when my grandmother asks me to skipper for her, and I feel even luckier to have my extended sailing "family" grow more and more by each passing weekend.
Right now, I am thrilled to serve as Vice Commodore of the MCSA. As I said at the midwinter meeting, my goal is to foster communication between the board and teams and make sure each side is well informed on every matter. I hope that you all understand that you should not hesitate to contact me, as I would much rather "work" on a sailing project than school at any time of day. Intercollegiate sailing is making my 4-5 years in college the best time of my life, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the same for every other participant.
Shannon Bonds - Race Chairman
Hello fellow MCSA sailors! Welcome back to another fun filled year of racing. My name is Shannon Bonds and I look forward to serving this year as the Race Chairman. I really enjoyed working with everyone while being Vice Commodore last year and I am thrilled to continue holding an office where I am able to help the MCSA grow and prosper.
I am currently a senior at Ohio University were I am studying early childhood education. I hope to someday teach preschool. As of right now I only have student teaching left. I plan to graduate after fall quarter and move somewhere warm. I can't stand snow!
I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio (Bay Village) and I learned how to sail on Lake Erie about 13 years ago and have been racing ever since. I particularly enjoy "big" boats (in comparison to FJ's and 420's) and in the summer race on a Schock 35, J24 and 22's. I have been racing for Ohio University since I was a freshmen and have held positions on the team such as team captain, commodore, safety officer, and also been a member of the Club Sports Executive Council.
I was thrilled to see how excited everyone was at Midwinters to attend and host regattas. This is going to be a fantastic year but I need everyone to help in making sure that all regattas go smoothly by canceling and RSVPing to myself and the host school in a timely manner. If you need to withdraw from a regatta, cannot trailer a boat or have other concerns feel free to contact me. I hope everyone has a great season and I look forward to continuing to assist everyone in the future. Smooth Sailing.
Shannon Bonds
114 Mill St.
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 707-2587
sb290399@ohiou.edu
IM- Shively245
Molly David - Publicity Secretary
Hello, my name is Molly David. I am a junior attending Indiana University, majoring in Computer Information Systems, Business Process Management and Operations Management. I am originally from Logansport, Indiana. I spend my summers lounging in Culver, Indiana, the place I learned to love sailing. In my spare time not sailing, I enjoy spending time with my family, golfmg and watching IU basketball.
I began sailing when I was seven with the Maxinkuckee Yacht Club (located in Culver, Indiana) and continue to sail with the program today. From June to August, I enjoy teaching Advanced Sailing for the Culver Summer Naval School. I grew up racing C-Scows, but now also compete in Lasers, Lightning, Interlakes and Mini Maxis. This is my first year with the MCSA and have reaped immeasurable benefits thus far.
I am extremely excited about my new position as Publicity Secretary. I look to enhance communication between member schools and their school newspapers. I plan to further publicize regattas by notifying radio stations, local newspapers, local yacht clubs or sailing clubs and television stations. My goals include increasing regatta recognition, boosting community involvement and building communicative relationships for the future.
Molly David
1018 E. 3rd Street
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812)219-5354
mdavid@indiana.edu
Tom McGrath - Special Interests Representative
It's amazing how quickly your job begins when you decide that you want to become apart of the MCSA Board. I have about five items to take care of or get completed before our next meeting at Notre Dame. If you remember my speech at the midwinter meeting in Iowa, I said that "the schoolwork goes out the window to get the job done" to help everyone understand my level of commitment. While I still intend to keep my grades in the black, I also have a love for the MCSA, and five tasks are definitely not going to get me down!
A little background on me... Currently, I attend University of Wisconsin –Madison and am pursuing a degree in communication arts. Many people like to ask what that means. Well, my interests lie within Film production and advertising as well. I have been sailing for 12 years (or that is what I keep telling myself) and my experiences on the water range anywhere from a Laser to a Santa Cruz 70. When I am not sailing, I like to DJ on my turntables, play pick-up hockey and try to act like I know what I am doing on a computer. Sometimes, I actually do.
More about what I plan to do as Special Interests Representative... As of right now, my goal is to provide every district team with the help that they may need in exploring new ideas and options. I feel that through past experience, I am good at research and development in terms of options for sailing organizations. As a Junior in high school, I ran the sailing team at Evanston Township High School (Evanston, IL) and was able to come up with many ideas and options to help our team proliferate including a parents club, whose purpose was to help support our sailing endeavors. In the Black Book, it reads that I am responsible for the representation of "MCSA sailors having interests in special programs or types of sailing." Again, my goal is to aid any team that so desires that help to the best of my ability. Please feel free to get in contact with me should you have any special interests.
Katie Thompson - Equipment Information Coordinator
Katie Thompson, who will replace teammate Jack Gaither as the Equipment Information Coordinator, is a sophomore business major from the University of Notre Dame. Originally from Framingham, Massachusetts - a suburb 20 miles west of Boston – Katie is thrilled to have this opportunity to become more involved in Midwest collegiate sailing.
Though she never raced competitively before arriving at ND, Katie loved the weeks she spent learning how to sail at summer camp on Cape Cod. When she's at Notre Dame and not sailing, you can find Katie roaming the halls of her dorm helping to plan events and taking care of hall funds, gearing up for a inter-hall football game, or just hanging around. She loves playing piano, baking cookies, fruitlessly cheering on the Sox and the Pats, and spending her weekends at the beach on the Cape. If you can't find her, look for the girl reloading a camera, wearing/carrying duck paraphernalia, or swimming next to her boat.
During the next year Katie hopes to see further growth for the MCSA and to help new member schools find the equipment they need to develop. She is willing to assist wherever a need arises and is open to all your questions and suggestions. Katie is looking forward to being a part of what will no doubt be an exciting year for the MCSA.
Bryon Thornburgh (John Carroll '02) - MCSA Webmaster
Since this is the third introduction I have written, I will keep my biographical sketch to a minimum. I graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland in May 2002 and live east of Cleveland in Mentor, OH. I am employed full time in local government where I handle technical support, system implementations, etc. for the county I work for.
As Paul Kobs alluded to in his e-mail announcing the Current Information Bulletin, we hope to start utilizing the website to handle more of the administrative aspects of the district. Initially we hope to make as much paperwork as possible available on the website. Ultimately, we may allow for these forms to be submitted via the website. In utilizing the website more, we hope to not only save money, but time because we won't be relying on postal mail as much.
In addition to utilizing the website more, the website WILL get a face lift. We (The Website Committee) have a new website in the works and are aiming to have it up and running by Freshman Icebreaker weekend.
I would also like to strongly recommend that everyone in the MCSA subscribe to the MCSA mailing list. I would also strongly encourage that you subscribe to the ICSA mailing list. Neither list generates a lot of mail, but a lot of very important information is exchanged on these lists. There is information on how to subscribe to both of these mailing lists on our website.
I look forward to seeing everyone this spring. Please feel free to contact me (bryon@thomburgh.org) with any questions or suggestions about the website.
Website Links:
MCSA: www.mcsasail.org
ICSA: www.collegesailing.org
2003 ICSA Spring Championships (hosted by the MCSA): www.mcsasail.org/champs
Paul Kobes – Graduate Secretary
Greetings! The first few weeks as your new Graduate Secretary have been very exciting. I have received numerous e-mails from people all over the country, voicing their support for the MCSA and embracing the change that we have embarked upon. We have the opportunity ahead of us to impress the ICSA, and the rest of the country, not only with our organization and leadership, but also with our sailing talent. We must not let this opportunity pass us by.
To ensure that this happens, we must improve our communication within the district. It is my hope that we will be able to use the MCSA Website to facilitate much of this information. Currently the Website is underused and unorganized. With only a few changes, the site would be easier to navigate. Announcements, reminders and deadlines should be posted on the homepage so, a person could simply check the website without having to either search through past emails to the MCSA list or having to dig through the Black Book to find the calendar of events.
Because this information will be presented on the Website, it will be your responsibility to monitor these updates and meet the deadlines as they apply to your team. By having this accomplished via the Website and email, it will devote more time to the Graduate Secretary to work on larger scale issues, such as the future and development of the MCSA.
I still am in the process of discovering what changes can and should be made to the district. But, I need to hear from you and what the teams would like to see. Please, contact me with comments or ideas on what you want from the MCSA. I am looking forward to an exciting season.
NOTE: Paul was elected as Graduate Secretary at the Midwinter meeting. Paul is a graduate to the University of Minnesota '02 in a Business program, but has applied to several dental schools and is planning to take up dentistry a career.]
George Griswold – Graduate Treasurer
With the change in the Graduate Secretary's position the Executive Board asked me to take on the responsibilities as MCSA Championship Chairman of the ICSA Spring Championships in Detroit in June. In general the transition has gone smoothly and progress is being made in preparation for these events. As with any endeavor of this type the major challenge is finding the necessary funding. If you want to make a contribution or can think of someone who might be approached to support the cause please send me an email with the information: forjgris@provide.net
There will be four Championships: The ICSA Women's North American Championships with 18 women's teams competing June 2-4 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on Lake St Clair a few miles northeast of Detroit. The ICSA North American Team Racing Championships at Crescent Sail Yacht Club also on Lake St Clair with 14 team competing June 5 -7. The ICSA/Gill North American Dinghy Championship will see 18 schools sail out of the Bayiew Yacht Club at the mouth of the Detroit River on June 8-10. Each of these events will use a set of new 420's assembled for the events. The fourth event will be June 7th for Afteguard alumni at the Detroit Yacht Club and will be sailed in 12 Flying Scots and other classes on the Detroit River.
This past year has been a busy one. I haven't moved, the telephone number and the email are all the same. The MCSA bills have been simplified once again and almost all the schools are cooperating in getting their payments on time which makes it easier for everyone.
As Tell Tale Editor I have become aware that it has become a topic once again, which is good as it needs to adapt to the needs of its readers and the Association. If you have ideas on how to make the Tell Tale better, let me know. The unfortunate part is that there is a limited budget of a little less than $1000 to put out and distribute 7 issues a year, and postage is getting more expensive.
I have tried to keep in touch with what has been going on around the Association by Judging at many of the events. This past year was a Judge at six US SAILING events as well as MCSA regattas and served one weekend as PRO at local yacht club, for a total of 25 different events.
Oh yes, my grandson is growing, and I have finally started my garden railroad. I should be laying some track later on when it gets warmer. I plan to continue to take regatta pictures and distribute disks to the teams that were at the regatta where they were taken.
Peter Horsch – Intersectional Regatta Coordinator
Peter still sails a Vanguard 15, and teaches math to middle school students. Every once in a while he coaches the Michigan Sailing Team. He has developed a steady hand in dealing with matters involving intersectional matters.
Peter Horsch
2112 North Seminary Street #21
Chicago, IL 60614
horschpower@hotmail.com
(312) 327-9760
Cell (773) 425-8304
Nokia Sugar Bowl Regatta
Tulane University
December 30-31,2002
Twenty-two races were sailed over the two days (14 on Saturday, 8 on Sunday), eleven in each division. Conditions were eighteen knots of breeze from the southeast and no chop on both days under clear skies. Courses were Modified Windward-Leeward twice around except for races 20 and 22 which were modified Olympics. There was one protest: in race 15 (A-8) South Alabama vs NY Maritime and NY Maritime was found to be in the wrong and was disqualified. Congratulations to the University of Florida first overall. Also, congratulations to Courtney Whitehurst of the University of Florida for winning the Rees Trophy, which goes annually to the most outstanding female sailor in the regatta.
A B TOT
1. Univ. of Florida 30 22 52
2. NY Maritime 36 41 77
3. Minnesota 60 19 79
4. S. Alabama 27 60 87
5. Wisconsin 53 39 92
6. TAMUG 37 62 99
7. Auburn 68 68 136
A Division = 11 races
1. South Alabama 27 Karl Kleinschrodt '05
Philip Medicus '05
2. Florida 30 Ornel Cotera '04
Devon Coppock '04
3. NY Maritime 36 Erich Hesse '05
Mike Romeo '05
4. TAMUG 37 Hugh Haggerty '06
Amy Mealor '06
5. Wisconsin 53 John Rather '04
Carolyn Soling '04
6. Minnesota 60 Tim Kreck '03 (1-4, 8-11)/
Alex Symes '04 (5-7)
Jenny Wilson '06 (1-4)/
Andrea Porter '06 (5-11)
7. Auburn 68 Peter Hopkins Jr. '04 (1-2, 5-7)/
Melissa Chapoton '06 (3-4, 8-11)
Angela Truffa '05 (1-4, 8-11)/
Melissa Chapoton '06 (5-7)
B Division = 11 races
1. Minnesota 19 Ben Borgum '04
Catie Almirall '04
2. Florida 22 Ben Bolz '04
Courtney Whitehurst '06 (1-9)/
Clay Cox '03 (10-11)
3. Wisconsin 39 Joe Zechlinski '06 (1-2, 5-7)/
Kelly Ferron '06 (3-4, 8-11)
Amy Schulz '05
4. NY Maritime 41 Jason Baker '05
Justin Wolf '05 (1-7)/
Baxtor Lumford '06 (8-11)
5. S. Alabama 60 Drew Hall '06 (1-4, 7-11)/
Jonathan Few '04 (5-7)
Nicole Quinn '06 (1-4)/
Patricia Thomas '05 (5-7)
6. TAMUG 62 Matt Barrett '06 (1-2, 5-7, 10-11)/
Lloyd Towns '04 (3-4, 8-9)
Lloyd '04 (3-4, 8-9)/
Matt Barrett '06 (1-2, 5-7, 10-11)
7. Auburn 68 Melissa Steinhauer '04
Denem Oshun '04
Remember to download the Current Information Bulletin from the MCSA Website: www.mcsasail.org
Check the Championship Website www.mcsasail.org/champs for the latest Championship Information