The weather hoaxed Sheboygan sailors

2016 WIM Series third event delayed by endlessly shifting winds

https://youtu.be/Vlsui1Fqbus

“If you don’t like the weather in Sheboygan, just wait 15 minutes." The local proverb has probably never been more appropriate than during Wednesday, when racing in the Buddy Melges Challenge, the 2016 WIM Series third event and also the Women’s Match Racing World Championship, should have kicked off. Result: No racing at all.

“We started two matches, but the breeze didn’t last more than 15 minutes at a time,” said Principal Race Officer Rich Reichelsdorfer.

A warm front with strong winds, thunder and heavy rain passed Sheboygan early Wednesday morning, leaving behind not only very unstable conditions, but also occasional fog. The very challenging weather conditions really put the regatta organizers to the test.

After an hour’s postponement in the foggy morning, the sailors were sent out on Lake Michigan, just to learn that wind shifts of 90–180 degrees made it impossible for the race management to set a proper course. A few matches got into starting sequence, but none could be sailed all the way to the finish. Sailors were sent ashore again to wait, and at 3 p.m. Rich Reichelsdorfer canceled all racing for the day.

“We’re expecting a new front within just a few hours, so it’s better to get all set before that front arrives” he said.

For Samantha Norman from New Zealand, the difficult weather in Sheboygan was no surprise. She won the very first edition of the Buddy Melges Challenge, back in 2009, and finished runner-up behind Australian Nicky Souter the year after that.

“I think it was pretty similar conditions the last time we were here. Nice and foggy with shifty winds and big waves,” Norman said, still happy to be back on Lake Michigan for some match racing. “We haven’t matched up against these girls for a number of years now, so we’ll just do our best out there and we’ll see what happens."

Given the circumstances, the double round-robin will now have to begin Thursday instead, followed by quarterfinals, and then the semis and the final matches over the weekend. There are no plans yet to change the event format.

“No, we’re still early in a five-day regatta, so we’ll just wait and see,” Rich Reichelsdorfer said.

Blind match racing for spectators

Match racing is a sailing sport that pits two identical boats against each other head-to-head around a designated course. It’s a short and exciting matchup that tests the skill of the sailors. The Blind Match Racing World Sailing Championship will take place in Sheboygan Sept. 19-25 – simultaneously with the Women’s Match Racing World Sailing Championship – and although the sport is the same the details are quite different.

Here are a few things to watch for in a blind match race.

What’s match racing, and how is it different from any other kind of boat races?

Match racing is a sailboat race where identical boats race in heats, or flights. It is sometimes called a chess match on the water because it’s the skill of the sailors that determines the winner, not the superiority of the boats or gear. It’s all about tactics and skill, and the best crew – not the best boat – wins the race.

Who’s on board?

Each team of blind match racers is made up of three people, and all of them must have verifiable vision impairments. At registration before the championship begins, each competitor will be examined by an ophthalmologist before he or she is allowed to participate. Only the three competitors are allowed on the racing vessel. Each team is allowed a coach boat for the team’s advisers, but they are prohibited from interfering with the race.

What does the coach do?

When the 2014 Blind Match Racing World Sailing Championship was held in Sheboygan, it was the first championship sailed with no sighted observers on board. In previous championships, a sighted observer stayed on board with the crew but couldn’t communicate with them except in an emergency.

Each team’s coach will sail with the team from the dock to the course and in between races, but must leave the boat before the race begins. The coaches provide support while on the water and give sailors information about the course; for example, lake conditions and wind patterns.

How do blind people race in a sailboat?

Visually impaired sailors sail by sound and feel. The force of the wind on the sail, for example, affects how it moves and that tells the sailors what they need to know.

In any match race, the boats sail upwind, zigzagging to either side to the first mark, called the windward mark. They sail around it and head back for the second mark, the leeward mark, which is near the starting line. In blind match racing, those marks are special buoys, called the Homerus Autonomous Sailing System, which emit a sound.

The boats are SEAS’ three-person Sonar class boats, and they also make sounds to give the sailors information about which direction the wind is coming from. Using the audio clues from the buoys, sailors know where they’re headed and when it’s time to round the mark and head back the other way. The sounds that come from the boats themselves tell the crew where the other team is and the side the boat is tacking to.

So, they’re really blind?

Each blind match racing team is made up of visually impaired sailors from three classification categories. Many of the sailors who will participate in the Blind Match Racing World Sailing Championship are completely blind and others have varying degrees of vision impairment.

Many of the sailors who compete in blind match racing come from another kind of racing – fleet racing – which presents different challenges.

What should I look for when I watch a Match Race?

When you hear the warning signal from the Race Committee Boat about seven minutes before a race is to begin, keep an eye on the starting line. The two boats in that flight will enter the area from opposite ends of the starting line when there are about four minutes to go before the start of the race. In that four minutes, the boats will jockey for the best position at the start line and try to get an advantage over each other.

The race itself is fun to watch because the course is short and can be set close to shore so spectators can easily follow the action. Races are fast and the action can get furious.

Why should I check out the Match Racing World Championships? I don’t sail

Sheboygan is hosting two match racing world championships at the same time and in the same place – the first time for World Sailing this is happening. We’re making history and helping to showcase an incredible sport at the same time. Also, the sailing community in Sheboygan has committed to adaptive sailing – helping people with a variety of disabilities learn to sail and enjoy the water – so hosting the Blind Match Racing World Championships for the second time is another way to promote this important cause.

There will also be lots of other things going on throughout the event, Sept. 19-25, at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. Mark your calendar to join us for “Brats 4 Sail”, a brat fry fundraiser for the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan’s adaptive sailing education program, will be on Friday, Sept. 23 at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. From brats prepared on the famous Johnsonville Big Taste Grill to reggae band King Solomon and fireworks off South Pier at the end of the evening, Brats 4 Sail offers a dash of fun for the whole family.

Match racing: A beginner's guide

With less than two weeks until the Women’s Match Racing World Championship and the Blind Match Racing World Championship set sail in Sheboygan, one question is being asked more than any other: What, exactly, is match racing? To answer that question and help spectators get the most out of watching the tandem tournaments, we’ve compiled a Match Racing 101 guide.

The Beginner’s Guide to Match Racing

What is Match Racing?

Match racing is a sailboat race where identical boats with crews of varying numbers race in heats, or flights. This year, two prestigious match racing events will be held in Sheboygan over the same seven-day period: the Women’s Match Racing World Championship and the Blind Match Racing World Championship. Each of these is a little different.

Match racing is sometimes called a chess match on the water because it’s the skill of the sailors that determines the winner, not the superiority of the boats or gear. It’s all about tactics and skill, and the best crew – not the best boat – wins the race.

What happens in a Match Race?

In a race, the boats sail upwind, zigzagging to either side to the first mark, called the windward mark, they sail around it and head back for the second mark, which is near the starting line. The boats round again and race through the course a second time. The first one across the start/finish line is the winner. The whole race takes roughly 15 minutes.

In a championship event, there are between 9 to 12 flights, 4 races per flight, per day.

Also on the water are boats carrying umpires, race committee, other race personnel and spectators.

What should I look for when I watch a Match Race?

When you hear the warning signal from the Race Committee Boat about seven minutes before a race is to begin, keep an eye on the starting line. The two boats in that flight will enter the area from opposite ends of the starting line when there are about four minutes to go before the start of the race. In that four minutes, the boats will jockey for the best position at the start line and try to get an advantage over each other.

The race itself is fun to watch because the course is short and can be set close to shore so spectators can easily follow the action. Races are fast and the action can get furious.

In Blind Match Racing, the rules are a little different and each team has a spotter boat, though there are no sighted people aboard the racing boats. In addition, the buoys give off audible signals to help the sailors stay on course.

Who’s in charge of Match Racing?

Throughout the world all sailboat racing, including fleet racing, ocean racing, windsurfing and match racing, is controlled by World Sailing. That includes promoting the sport internationally, managing sailing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, developing rules and regulations for all sailing competitions, training judges, umpires and other administrators, and representing the sailors in all matters concerning the sport.

Who’s racing?

Nine to twelve teams will compete in the Women’s Match Racing World Championships: Two teams from the United States, two from France, two from Sweden, one from the Netherlands and one from Ireland. Athletes will be on the grounds throughout the event. Invitations to participate in the World Championship were sent to the 16 top-ranked teams, so sailors had to earn their participation in the event.

The Blind Match Racing Championship is organized differently since blind/visually impaired sailing teams aren’t ranked the same way the women’s teams are. As the host country, the United States can race up to six teams and other countries can send two teams. Blind match racing teams have more time to sign on to participate.

Why should I check out the Match Racing World Championships? I don’t sail

Sheboygan is hosting two match racing world championships at the same time and in the same place – the first time for World Sailing this is happening. We’re making history and helping to showcase an incredible sport at the same time. Also, the sailing community in Sheboygan has committed to adaptive sailing – helping people with a variety of disabilities learn to sail and enjoy the water – so hosting the Blind Match Racing World Championships for the second time is another way to promote this important cause.

There will also be lots of other things going on throughout the event, Sept. 19-25, at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. Mark your calendar to join us for “Brats 4 Sail”, a brat fry fundraiser for the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan’s adaptive sailing education program, will be on Friday, Sept. 23 at the Sheboygan Yacht Club. From brats prepared on the famous Johnsonville Big Taste Grill to reggae band King Solomon and fireworks off South Pier at the end of the evening, Brats 4 Sail offers a dash of fun for the whole family.

‘Brats 4 Sail’ brat fry to celebrate competitive sailing championships, raise money for adaptive sailing program

To celebrate two world-class sailing events going on simultaneously on the shore of Lake Michigan, the Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan is holding a brat fry on Friday, Sept. 23 on the grounds of the Sheboygan Yacht Club. The Brats 4 Sail Waterfront Picnic, sponsored by Johnsonville, is part of the weeklong Women’s Match Racing World Championship and Blind Match Racing World Championship. Both tournaments are being held Sept. 19-25 from the Sheboygan Harbor and Sheboygan Yacht Club.

The Brats 4 Sail brat fry, which will feature the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill, will be the best family-friendly deal in town: A Johnsonville brat, chips and a drink for $4, with proceeds going to support sailing education and adaptive sailing for disabled children and adults.

Entertainment during the brat fry will be provided by King Solomon, a Milwaukee-based reggae/Caribbean band with a huge following throughout the Midwest. The evening will conclude after dark with fireworks off South Pier.

The entire event is open to the public. Professional sailors from around the world will be on the grounds, as well as dignitaries and other local celebrities.

The Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to maritime education, including safe boating classes for sail and powerboats and adaptive sailing for children and adults with disabilities.

The Johnsonville Big Taste Grill is a 65-foot long mobile grill with 40 square feet of grilling space capable of cooking 750 brats at a time, or 2,500 per hour.

SEAS Classroom

Your sailing and boating training starts here!

Whether it is sailing or powerboating, SEAS has a class that will help you learn the basics of sailing, operating a powerboat and how to handle a safety & rescue situation properly.

SEAS is offering classes throughout July and August to help you enjoy the water. It's never to late to start.

• July 30 – Accelerated Powerboat Handling
• July 31 – Safety and Rescue Boat Handling
• Aug. 13-14 – Accelerated Keelboat Fundamentals

Signup today to get started.  Details & registration at www.seasheboygan.or/events

4th of July tradition continues to make a splash

It was a beautiful day to celebrate our Independence!  SEAS (Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan) had a great day hosting SEAS Water Sports with Sprecher Restaurant & Pub as the sponsor and partnering with EOS Surf Shop.  There were eight pre-built boats and 13 drifter kits built this year.  The riverfront was lined with people to watch the creative designs paddle to the finish, some making it and some not.  The Drifter Division was a spectacular sight with some innovative designs this year making an astonishing appearance through three races to finish in the finals.  A huge Thank You to all the volunteers who helped to make this event happen. Congratulations to all the award winners this year who received certificates and gift cards from Sprecher Restaurant and Pub!

OPEN Division

Best Time: Missile Award

• Canoe Style Boat – Sea Scouts Old Glory (crew: Charlie Waituus & Cale Carlson)
• Box Style Boat– Badger State Restoration SS Badger (crew: captain Curtis Voight, Ashley Heinen, Jennifer List & Jill Klos)

Best in Show: The Admiral Award  (Best exemplifies theme)

• Tanks for Serving: Jessica Ambelang captain (crew: Claire Slattery, Adeline Slattery, Thaddeus Slattery & Antonia Slattery)

Best almost sinking: Poseidon Adventure Award – Finished race with boat upside down

• SS Marcus: Becky Prestley captain, Marcus Theaters (Crew: Molly Mata, Stephen Nelson & Max Meyers

Most Recycled materials: Blue Bag Award  - 70% of boat made from recycled materials

• Loose Cannon: Mike Altman captain (crew: Eric Altman, Rachel Altman, Brent Perronne, Russ Munroe & Michelle Walters)

Honorable mentions:

• Jerry Kramer Offensive line Award for Best Block with a boat: SS Badger, Badger State Restoration (crew: captain Curtis Voight, Ashley Heinen, Jennifer List & Jill Klos)
• Grande Fromage: The SS Cheese Head (Crew: Charlie Kuehnau, Matt Pradarelli & Josh Pradarelli)

DRIFTER DIVISION – boats built on site with a kit

Best Time: Torpedo Award – Horvat & Sons; Benjamin Horvat & Christopher Horvat

Best sinking: Submarine Award – Chance 2 Dance; Susan Alby & Lisa Brotz

Most Innovative Design Award – The Submarine; Cohen Otte, Brett Steenwyk & Griffin Otte

Honorable mention:

• Consolation: Super Cow (crew: Nancy Morris, Cal Morris & Jack Morris)

We look forward to the event next year – Mark your calendars to build your boat!

SEAS you on the waterfront!

Get into Your Sanctuary

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is inviting the public to “Get into Your Sanctuary,” as part of a national celebration of America’s underwater treasures.  

The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 170,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from the Hawaiian Islands to the Florida Keys and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 13 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.

On June 25-26, national marine sanctuary sites across the system will host public events to raise awareness about national marine sanctuaries and educate visitors about how they can responsibly enjoy these special places.

“Few places on the planet can compete with the diversity of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which protects America’s most iconic natural and cultural marine resources,” said John Armor, acting director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “We invite those who already know about national marine sanctuaries and the next generation of sanctuary visitors, supporters and advocates to join us for what promises to be a very fun and informative weekend for all.”

Get into Your Sanctuary activities will include guided tours, gear demonstrations, scavenger hunts, a youth fishing tournament, beach surveys, island hikes and whale watch tours. Visitors are invited to share their experiences on social media with #ILoveMySanctuary and submit their best shots in the Get into Your Sanctuary photo contest.

When:  June 24-26, 2016

Where:  Sheboygan, WI

What: Explore the Maritime Heritage of the Proposed Wisconsin – Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary

Events:  Grand opening of Science on the Sphere (Spaceport Sheboygan); Shipwreck presentation (Spaceport); Sailboat regatta; Geocaching Trail

For more information, visit Sheboygan tourism at:  visitsheboygan.com

Other events:  Visit Mequon, Port Washington, Manitowoc and Two Rivers (sanctuaries.noaa.gov/wisconsin)

For more information, photo contest rules, and a calendar of events, go to http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/visit/giys.html.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and our other social media channels.

Beach Rental Coordinator position open

SEAS (Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan) is looking for several summer staff members to operate our beach rental Hobie 16 sailboats on the Blue Harbor beach. Sailing experience is not required.  Hours of operation are daily from 10 am to 4 pm, weather dependent. Individuals will be responsible for monitoring the weather, setting up the equipment for the day, collecting payment and waivers from renters, and closing up and putting away the equipment after the rental times have ended. Requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Customer Service Skills
• Business Friendly Demeanor
• Self-Motivation
• Dependability
• High energy

Seasonal beginning End of June Compensation: $10/hr

Please submit resume to info@seasheboygan.org.

Register for the 4th of July Water Sports

The 4^th of July is almost here and SEAS is excited to continue the tradition of the boat races on the river – SEAS Water Sports!  Thank you to Sprecher Restaurant and Pub for sponsoring the event this year! Teams are registering, boats are being built.  It’s going to be a great time on the riverfront.  If you are building a boat, don’t forget to register your team at www.seasheboygan.org/watersports.  Make sure you are creative in the build to our theme, “Salute to the Military”.  You might just win an award for it!  SEAS is also offering space to build your boat this month on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings, but you must let us know.  Contact Jason Berdyck at jason@seasheboygan.org to reserve a space.

SUP teams are still needed to race in a relay format.  EOS is our partner for SUPs and will be assisting in the organization of the races and prizes.

Remember – you can also challenge yourself by becoming a “Drifter”.  Drifter Kits will be available at the event to build a boat on the spot and race it.  Sign up now or at the event!  Kits are limited.

 Full details on guidelines, rules and registration is at www.SEASheboygan.org/watersports

SEAS you on the 4^th of July!

Brats & Boats to support the Wisconsin Military Network this Saturday

SEAS and the Wisconsin Military Network are partnering to support our military.  As we celebrate Memorial Day, let us also celebrate those still with us and the service they provide.  We honor you and your families! Brats & Boats is open to everyone this Saturday, June 4 at the Sheboygan Yacht Club from 11-4.  Enjoy the brat fry with all the proceeds going to the Wisconsin Military network.

All Active Duty and Retired Service Members are invited to sail with us as well.  SEAS is offering a free boat ride to military families.  You can register for a time to ride at SEASheboygan.org.  Each ride is about 45 mins on Lake Michigan; 5 person limit per ride.

Are you Certified?

SEAS is offering a First Aid/CPR/AED class on June 21 at Great Marriages for Sheboygan County.  If you just want to learn or need to be certified for your job or as a volunteer, here's your chance. Successful students will receive a certificate for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years.

Space is limited to 12 participants .  Cost per person is $49.

More info and registration - CLICK HERE

Leadership Sheboygan County Group supports SEAS

For one the groups that recently graduated from the Leadership Sheboygan County program through the Sheboygan County Chamber, they decided to support SEAS for their group project.  The group, Bailey Dolson, Jeremy Dekker, Chris Weber and Amanda Ehlenbeck, researched several organizations to support and felt the needs at SEAS with it's Adaptive Sailing program was a great fit. After reviewing many options on how they could best raise the most money with the least amount of expense, so more funds come back to the program, they set up a Go Fund Me page which they will promote to reach their goal of $5000.  The amount is designed to provide scholarships to individuals with an interest in learning about sailing, to teach them about sailing and ultimately having them sail.

You can help them reach their goal by sharing this post with your friends and making a contribution yourself.  A little goes a long way, especially when SEAS goal of having 100+ people with adaptive needs learn about sailing and/or sail this summer.

HELP THIS GROUP REACH THEIR GOAL BY HELPING THOSE WITH NEEDS ENJOY THE SAILING EXPERIENCE!

To the SEAS and Above

Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan (SEAS), Above & Beyond Children’s Museum and other sailing affiliated organizations have collaborated to bring sailing to visitors of Above & Beyond Children’s Museum. A small sailing dinghy was recently installed in the “Port of Sheboygan” on the third floor of the museum in downtown Sheboygan. The boat was installed on Monday, May 9 and is ready for sailing. Kids will be able to steer the boat by operating the mast and the rudder. Sheboygan has a long history of sailing back to 1795, as European fur traders came to sell their goods. Informative display boards bring a bit of history and sailing education to the exhibit including how a sail works, knot tying, anatomy of a sailboat, and more.

A contest will be held for kids at Above & Beyond to name the boat. You can enter your ideas along with your contact info at the museum by the sail boat docked in the “Port of Sheboygan” on the third floor of the museum or online HERE. The sail boat will be named and christened at a ceremony on June 23 at 5:30 pm.  The winner will be notified and invited to the christening.

The Endurance - Saturday May, 14

The story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's "Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition," has inspired generations over the past century and has provoked management studies in leadership and motivational principles at Harvard University and corporations across America. The story lives on today as an extraordinary example of perseverance against all odds, and Shackleton's "invincible optimism" is permanently bound to the success of the story. The survival of the expedition's crew has become a timeless model showing that ordinary people can dive head-first into immense adversity and emerge victorious.

Join us at Rochelle Pennington shares this amazing story at the Sheboygan Yacht Club on May 14 at 4 pm.  FREE admission. Click here to register.

Water Sports gets a boost or two.

SEAS is partnering with Sprecher Restaurant & Pub and EOS on the 4th of July Water Sports events. 

SEAS is gearing up for a great time with cardboard boats and paddleboard relay races.  We are excited to partner with Sprecher and EOS for this event.  Sprecher with it's new location and EOS paddleboard following are a great opportunities to promote each other and bring more awareness to what great things are happening in Sheboygan.

You still have time to build a boat too.  The Sea Scouts are offering space to build if you need it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays in June. Visit www.SEASheboygan.org/watersports to sign-up and get all the details.

Wisconsin Premier of HEROES ON DECK: WWII on Lake Michigan

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc, is proud to host the Wisconsin premier of an exciting new documentary, HEROES ON DECK: WWII on Lake Michigan, on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the film begins at 7:00 p.m. Executive Producer Harvey Moshman will be on hand to introduce the film and for a Q&A following the feature. HEROES ON DECK: WWII on Lake Michigan is the story of the 15,000 aviators, including future president George H. W. Bush, that were trained on Lake Michigan and the harrowing details of rough weather, onboard crashes, navigational errors, and “water landings.” As a result, more than 100 classic WWII fighters and dive bombers sank to the bottom of the lake. These fighters remained undisturbed for decades, but since the 1970s more than 40 aircraft have been recovered and restored. Some are flying again, while others are on display in museums and airports. This is the story of the recovery of those rare warbirds and the ingenious training program that changed the course of the war in the Pacific.

More details...

Volunteer for SEAS & Sail Sheboygan

It’s going to be a great summer of sailing, after the snow stops! To make it all happen, we need volunteers to make everything run smooth.  There are many opportunities to help out on the water or shore with regattas, 4th of July Water Sports, World Sailing Match Race Championships and more.

Please take a few minutes to let us know what you are interested in volunteering to do, the time of day and what dates fit your schedule.  CLICK HERE

SEAS Water Sports: Cardboard boat regatta & Paddleboard races

If you’ve been in Sheboygan for the 4^th of July, there is a good chance you’ve seen the cardboard boat races on the Riverfront.  You've seen the fabulous sinkings, the amazing designs, and those that have built boats on site with kits. This year, SEAS will be hosting this event and we want you to participate!  How, you ask?

There are many ways to choose from:

• Build a boat to race prior to the 4^th of July
• Build a boat at the event
• Gather 3 friends and enter the Paddleboard Relay Race (paddleboard provided)
• Volunteer for the event – fill out Volunteer Survey
• Come and watch all the fun at Rotary Riverview Park at noon

This event is a 4^th of July tradition.  Thank you to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center for hosting the event the past 30 years.

The event will be renamed as SEAS Water Sports and will continue to have the boat races with the addition of paddleboard races.  The boat building requirements will be slightly changed to incorporate more recycled materials, cardboard being a primary material.  SEAS will also be partnering with Mike Miller, owner of EOS, to conduct the paddleboard races.  Register to participate for building a cardboard boat prior to the event, building at the event or the paddleboard races at www.seasheboygan.org/watersports.

BLIND MATCH RACING CLINIC IN FLORIDA

The Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan (SEAS) teamed up with Blind Sailing Unlimited (BSU), the Women’s International Match Racing Association (WIMRA), and the Edison Sailing Center to hold the second in a series of Blind Match Racing Clinics in the United States using the Homerus acoustic mark system. The clinics are put on to help encourage participation at the 2016 Blind Match Racing World Championship to be held in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in September. The Bonita Springs Lions Club assisted with funding for the Florida clinic. Blind match racing is unique in the world of blind sailing as the visually impaired sailors race the boats with no sighted assistance onboard. They navigate the course through the use of the Homerus acoustic marks, each making a distinct sound, while each boat also emits a sound based off of which tack the boat is on. Through these audible clues the sailors not only make their way around the course but also engage the other team in classic match racing style.

Five blind sailors and one sighted guide from across the country participated in the clinic held in the Edison Sailing Center’s boats on the Caloosahatchee River.

“I was very impressed to see the steep learning curve of the sailors as they took on the challenges of mastering not only the sailing of the boats with no sighted guides assisting, but also learning the new to them art of match racing” said WIMRA Executive Director, Liz Baylis, who ran the on the water drills and off the water discussions. “I really enjoy working with the visually impaired sailors as it is so rewarding and inspiring to work with athletes that have such a ‘can do’ attitude.”

“We hosted the first clinic in San Francisco last November and many of the sailors from that event returned for this second clinic” said SEAS Program Director Matt Wierzbach. “Their commitment to improvement is contagious and it’s great to see the increase in interest in blind match racing.”

SEAS, Blind Sailing Unlimited, and WIMRA intend to continue hosting clinics through the 2016 season culminating with the Blind Match Racing World Championship to be held in Sheboygan September 19-25.

Coverage of the clinic by Fox 4 News – Ft. Myers

Coverage of the clinic by Fox 4 News – Ft. Myers: Click Here

Spend Some Time Along Lake Michigan at Kohler-Andrae State Park

Kohler-Andrae State Park – Sanderling Nature Center Wis. Master Naturalist Volunteer Training- Saturdays,  May 7 – June 18, 2016

• Classes meet  every Saturday from 8:00 a.m-3:30 p.m. (Except no class May 28^th)
• Course includes training in Wisconsin’s Ecology, Geology, Ice age Landscapes, Wildlife, Waters, Wetlands, Human History and Impacts, Communications and Interpretive Techniques.
• Field trips to NU-Kettle Moraine State Forest/Ice Age Center, Maywood Environmental Center, Willow Creek Preserve, Indian Mounds Park, and various other outdoor classroom locations.
• A total of 12 different instructors have been lined up for each program offered.
• Fee:  $250
• Online registration:  http://wimasternaturalist.org/KohlerAndraeSpring2016

Wis. Master Naturalist Great Lakes Advanced Training Course- Saturday, August 20, 2016

• Class meets for one day (8 hours) from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Course covers Great Natural History, Ecology, Water Quality, Geology,  Sand Dunes, Wetlands, Invasive Species, Endangered Species, and Cultural History
• Field trips to various locations along the Lake Michigan shoreline
• Several instructors have been lined up for the day including fisheries specialist Titus Seilheimer Ph.D. of the UW-Sea Grant.
• Fee:  $50 for current WI Master Naturalist Volunteers and $75 for the general public.
• Online registration:  http://wimasternaturalist.org and go to “advanced training”.

Natural Resource Foundation Field Trip

Dunes of Kohler-Andrae : Flora, Fauna and Geology- Saturday, August 6, 2016

• Dune and Beach hike from 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Field Trip # 140.  One of 188 trips offered by the Wis. Nat. Resource Foundation.
• For more Information and  online registration:   http://WisConservation.org
• Open to current Nat. Resource Foundation members but new members can join online and sign up this or any of the other foundation trips offered.
• Hike will start at the Sanderling Nature Center with stops along Lake Michigan shoreline and exploration of the many unique sand dune formations and rare interdunal wetlands  within the Kohler Dunes State Natural Area of the park.
• Fee:  $15 per person

NOTE:  All programs start at the Sanderling Nature Center located within Kohler-Andrae State Park just south of the city of Sheboygan at 1020 Beach Park Lane, Sheboygan, WI 53081. Primary instructors will be Master Naturalist Volunteers Jim Buchholz and Drew Morris

Host Organization:  Friends of Kohler-Andrae State Park www.FriendsofKohler-Andrae.com