Check out the Waconia invite & Crossing update all in this issue!

The 4th annual Moose Regatta in Dryden, Ontario Canada had a strong showing of Midwest sailors from Des Moines, Minneapolis and Worthingtion. Canadians included Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Dryden and others travelling as far away as Toronto, Ontario! A strong Womens’ fleet went on to win three of the five classes prompting organizers to perhaps call it The ‘Moosette’ Regatta for 2008!

A total of 8 races were held in light winds on what is normally “Windy Wabigoon” Lake. The long distance race around
Picnic Island really topped off an already great weekend! 25 sailors battled it out with 5 women sailors mixin’ it up with the boys all weekend. Overall regatta winner was Andree Gauthier of Toronto with Lisa Kremer of Worthington, MN and Margot Woodworth of Dryden, ON each winning their respective classes. Peter Hartwich of Excelsior, MN won the longboard limited class.

Moosettes Margot, Andree & Lisa.
Photo by Al Woodworth

Around-the-island long distance race.
Photo by Michael Fox

Great camaraderie was had on and off the water. The Friday night welcoming Party was well attended as was the Saturday night dinner keeping the regatta tradition of social factor high. Northwest Ontario Windsurfing thanks Michael Fox and Fleet 8 (International) for the expertise in Race Committee and making the trip to Canadian waters! Mark the Moose Regatta on your calendar for next year, June 27-29, 2008. Even more fun will be on tap for 2008!!

Open Class
1st-Andree Gautier (Toronto)
2nd-Larry Miller (Brainerd)
3rd-Paul Matousek (Sioux Lookout)

Limited Class
1st-Peter Hartwich (Excelsior, MN)
2nd-John Darling (Toronto)
3rd-Ray Muller (Thunder Bay)

Formula Class
1st-Lisa Kremer (Toronto)
2nd-Ulf Jentler (Iowa)
3rd-Larry Reed (Iowa)

Sport Class
1st-Margot Woodworth (Dryden)
2nd-Friedhelm Brinkhaus (Iowa)
3rd-Shannon Stratford (Dryden)

Waconia Wind & Wave
Waconia Wind & Wave is the weekend of the 25th & 26th. Its a perfect tune-up for the Crossing and for those that have limited racing, its the last chance to sail in a low-key regatta after a summer of practice. Last year, we had five first-time racers in the Workshop fleet. The fun will continue Saturday evening with a shrimp boil and fireside party on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. We have attached a notice of race with further info.

Crossing Update
The 25th Crossing was supposed to be the last. Attendance had dropped, some of the staff was retiring and sponsorship had diminished. And it is rare for an event to make it 25 years, let alone go beyond. So we decided on a facelift. The format has been changed to an out and back which will allow us to maintain more consistent wind velocity and direction. A select group of kiters will participate on a parallel course. While windsurfers compete in course racing on the off days, kiters will test their skills on a kiter-cross course and/or expression session.

Back to Basics
With last year’s attendance having only two under the age of 38 and 8 from within the 494/694 loop, the problem became apparent. Our closest event-site to the Cities was Waconia and we hadn’t hosted any clinics or weekly racing since the mid-90’s. So our focus has shifted. On Tuesday, the 21st, we are going to gather for some fun racing on Lake Calhoun. Afterwards, we will discuss how we can develop a program for the future that will provide clinics, weekly racing and even some equipment available for those still without.

REMAINING 2007 EVENTS
Sept 22-23
Windpower Championships
Fond-du-lac, WI
Kevin Gratton
920-922-2550

Sept. 28-30
Crossing #26
Lake Mille Lacs, Garrison, MN
Michael Fox
612-508-8083