Award Party and Fleet Meeting

Madison Opti Racers attended a party and trophy ceremony at the Simon house on Saturday, September 26, 2009. All sailors received participation awards. Parents conducted a fleet meeting to discuss planning for 2010. Highlights of the afternoon included

• homemade icecream courtesy of Kyle Metzloff
• water balloon fight
• swim noodle battle
• boat rigging tips
• plans for ice optis

Thanks to all who could attend and looking forward to next year!

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Fall Sailing at Burrows Park

While it seemed like there was no wind in all of Dane County on Sunday morning, the determined Madison Opti sailors headed down to Burrows Park around noon and surprisingly found a nice west breeze around 5 mph.

Oscar and Martha Anderson sailed optis for the first time today. Even though they are used to sailing on their father's A-scow (H-13), they both thought the opti was pretty exciting. Other sailors out today included Tyler and Cayley Metzloff, Bryn Ostby, Thor Rosten, and Meta and Fritz Simon.

All of the kids participated in tip-over drills which was a good excuse to go swimming. The fleet also sailed a couple of fun races and Tyler won his first race.

The sailors took a break at mid-day for some hotdogs on the grill and Oscar led the charge to head back out for some more sailing.  Once the boats were put away, the group stayed on the water for one last swim and were treated to a visit from Rhonda Aries and her dog Rico who loves to swim as much as the kids do.



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A few more photos have been added to the picasa site courtesy of Barb and Ron Rosten. Thanks! (updated 9/15/09)

Grandpa Hanson joins the Opti Fleet!

Bill Hanson sailed an Opti for the first time today.   He tested the family Opti and declared it safe and fast for Billy, Mica and Cora.  Winds were light and the Hanson kids joined the Simon family for some late season sailing.  At one point, Jerrry and Greg Simon along with Bill were standing in waist high water in front of Burrows Park coaching the kids.   Hope Simon enjoyed taking her turns sailing the Opti and clicking photos.  

Highlights of the day included watching Billy and Meta both sitting out/hiking and using their tiller extensions.  Fritz Simon (4 yrs old) and Mica (5 yrs old) each took turns rounding the mini-race course and showed great boat handling skills.

Tyler and Cayley Metzloff made a late day visit to say hello after taking a ride on an A boat.

Hopefully the weather and wind cooperate for some fall sailing for the optis.

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Pewaukee Lake Sailing School General Info

The Pewaukee Lake Sailing School holds classes from mid-June through July 2009. The beginner class lasts 2.5 hours with one to two hours of time on the water with on shore instruction. Cost is approximately $350 for the summer. They have trained instructors and about 100 kids participated in '09. It can be a great option for Madison sailing kids to receive formal instruction. It's a short hour drive down I-94.




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Pewaukee Lake Sailing School Pirate Night, August 10, 2009

Meta Simon attended Pewaukee Lake Sailing School in summer 09. On the last night of beginner races, all the kids decorate their boats and dress like pirates to celebrate the end of the summer.

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Opti's Go in a Blow

Friday July 17 was an unusually cold and windy night -- temps in the mid-60's and winds pushing 20mph. But that didn't stop the Madison Opti racers. Billy Hanson braved the conditions on his own but almost capsized. His father Jamie, a bit more of a sailor than an opti needs, almost swamped his yacht. The Metzloff's each sailed with a child (Kyle with Cayley and Liz with Tyler). Lon Schoor and grandson Bryn came out for a ride too. Thor Rosten and his father Ron went for a sail and Greg Simon took turns piloting the 213 with Meta and then Fritz. After an hour or so of crazy sailing we all enjoyed burgers and hotdogs on the grill. Bill Hanson watched the action from his motorboat and took some great photos.

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New Opti for the Hanson Family!

Billy, Mica and Cora will be enjoy a new Opti racer! The Hanson family drove down to Lake Geneva last weekend to purchase the boat. The Opti #10181 was owned by Leslie Poole of Lake Delevan. She "aged" out of the fleet after her 13th placed finish at the Opti Blue Chip regatta held on Lac LaBelle. The boat is clean and fast with many sail to choose from.

The Hanson's are also looking for a second boat before winter. Parts are needed for the Ice Opti project underway at the Bill "seniors" boat works.

Suggestions for the name of the new boats? Orca... Hanson Brothers.... Slap Shot... or maybe Hansonized!