Madison Opti Racing

Ice Optis on Wingra

2012-01-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

Six-year-old Fritz Simon and nine-year-old Meta Simon enjoyed their second outing in new ice Optis today. It was a beautiful day on Lake Wingra with a morning low of 20 degrees that tightened up the ice surface after the yesterday's high of 40. Nice light winds of 3-7 mph were perfect for summer Opti sailors learning to iceboat. Parents and master boat builder and grandfather, Jerry, also took the optis for few laps. To add a bit of excitement, Fritz let a hike get the better of him and tipped the boat over, and Meta spun out coming into the launch.

A special thank you to Jeff Russell for making ten sets of opti runners -- they worked great and were a little too fast at times!

More photos on picasa and more videos on youtube. See you on the ice!

Showing off for Grandpa Simon

70-year-old Jerry takes the opti for a spin -- you're never too old to sail an opti!

Optimist Red, White and Blue Chip Regatta

2011-08-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

Forty-four of the best Optimist sailors from around the midwest received bids to attend the annual Optimist Blue Chip regatta held on Lac LaBelle in Oconomowoc, WI. The sailors are invited based on regatta finishes at specified events or for leading their home lake series. The Mendota Yacht Club is eligible to send two sailors to the event next year.

This year Meta Simon, representing Madison Opti Racing (MOR) and the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School (PLSS), was invited following her finish at the ILYA Championship regatta.

Results and photos.

Pram Power 2011 @ North Lake

2011-08-29T17:29:00.000-07:00

North Lake Sailing School held their annual Pram Power regatta on Thursday, August 11. A near record 70 boats competed in junior and senior fleets and enjoyed an array of crafts between races. Thankfully, the weather gods were shining on the families with light but consistent winds and reasonable temperatures for August.

Fritz Simon sailed in the junior fleet with several of his friends from the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School. He was happy with a 7th place overall finish in his second year at this event.

Full results and photos.

ILYA Championship Regatta

2011-08-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

More than 75 sailors from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa sailed in the Inland Lakes Yachting Association Optimist Championship Regatta on White Bear Lake, MN. Thunderstorms with high heat and humidity that rivaled Louisiana ruled the event until the afternoon of the second day when a break in the weather provided just enough time between the storms and the time limit for both the RWB and green fleets to sail three races each.

Two Madison sailors, Meta and Fritz Simon, made the trip north for the event, both sailing in the green fleet. Full results on the ILYA site.

More photos on picasa.

No Tears, No Guns, No Protests Regatta

2011-07-28T17:58:00.000-07:00

Six Madison-area Opti sailors competed in the 21st annual No Tears Regatta on one of the most beautiful lakes in Wisconsin, Beaver Lake. In total between junior and senior fleets there were 80 boats.

This was a first regatta for Emma and Olivia Zalog, daughters of MYC E-scow sailor Phil Zalog. Both girls had fun in spite of the challenge of sailing in light air. Quinn and Colin Senke sailed in their third regatta of the summer and are showing great progress. Quinn rounded the first windward mark in third place during the last race of the senior fleet. Meta and Fritz Simon competed the event as well, rounding out the Madison team.

Results can be found on the ILYA site. Regatta photos on our picasa page.

Geneva Lake Sailing School Regatta

2011-07-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Five Madison Opti Racing sailors competed in the Geneva Lake Sailing School (GLSS) regatta on Wednesday, July 13, in a 32 boat green fleet. Will Hanson, Quinn and Colin Senke, and Meta and Fritz Simon represented MOR very well. Results on the GLSS website.

America's Cup Champion Buddy Melges gave the MOR sailors along with sailors from Pewaukee and North lakes a pep talk on shore. More photos on picasa.

5th and final official MOR Friday

2011-07-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

The scheduled Fridays for Madison Opti Racing came to a close on July 8 with steamy temps and no breeze but lots of fun anyway. The group created a floatilla of motor boats for an evening of swimming out from shore and finished with the last wiener roast complete with birthday cupcakes for Thor Rosten who turned 9 on Friday.

more photos on picasa

Jibe and turtle??

2011-07-02T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hot, humid and breezy describes the fourth night of Opti sailing in Madison this summer. Some sailors practiced jibing in the big air while others ran through some tip-over drills closer to shore. Kyle also worked with some sailors in knot tying. In the end there was a lot of boat bailing and a lot of fun!

Hope tried her hand at using the video function on her camera to film a couple of wild rides that were had by Fritz.

One more longer video.

Photos are up on picasa as well. See you next week!

Regatta on Lake Beulah

2011-07-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Lake Beulah Sailing School Regatta was held on Monday, June 27. Brief recap and green fleet results.

Madison Opti Racing Week Three

2011-06-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Cool temperatures greeted the sailors once again for the third week of sailing at Burrows Park. Will summer never really arrive? The lake was choppy from the higher winds earlier in the day and with the winds out of the northwest, the downwind landings at the beach left the parents scrambling! Eleven boats came out this week with a few new faces in the group.

The post-sailing cookout included a special treat -- birthday cake for Quinn Senke who turned 10 on June 24 -- Happy Birthday, Quinn. The sailors also were able to watch the catamaran sailors set up their boats for a regatta this weekend headquartered at Burrows.

More photos on the picasa page (blame the wavy conditions for the few blurry ones).

Payton Regatta Report

2011-06-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the Payton Regatta was not officially sailed by the Opti fleet. Many families had schedule conflicts with the date, but Will Sprinkman and Oscar Anderson used the afternoon wisely to get more time at the helm -- kudos to Will and Oscar!

Plan on next Friday, 6/24, for the third week of Madison Opti Racing.

Another fun Friday night

2011-06-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

Fifteen boats and over 50 people descended on Burrows Park for the second Friday of Opti sailing. This week the sailors were split into two groups with Liz Metzloff leading the junior fleet. Coach Greg put the racing kids through several boat-handling drills and a few short races. Joining the group this week were the Sprinkman, Segersten, and Ostby families. Thor Rosten's aunt, Deb Whitehorse, joined us on the coach boat. A cookout followed the sailing and we're quite sure a record number of hotdogs were consumed this week!

See the rest of the photos on picasa.

Madison Opti Racing (MOR) 2011 begins!

2011-06-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Friday June 10 was the first night of Madison Opti sailing for the 2011 summer. We had an impressive turnout -- 14 boats and more than 30 participants with sailors and families -- this may even be a record! Luckily the weather cooperated with light/medium winds out of the northeast and no rain in spite of slightly cool temperatures.

Several sailors came out for their very first Opti sail and six-year-old Kylie McCormick sailed solo for the first time after two years of sailing with her dad and older sister, Kelsa. Way to go Kylie! And kudos to new sailor, Gus Wenning, who shortly after leaving the beach at Burrows, kicked his dad out of the Opti and sailed solo in his first night out - great job, Gus!

All would agree that the venue at Burrows worked out very well for this week. Hopefully a strong west breeze and bugs or geese won't change our opinion!

Specials thanks to Brian Anderson for making two dollies for the group to use in launching boats. Also, thanks to the moms for providing a great after-sailing meal -- everyone certainly had a hearty appetite by the end of the evening.

Next week we plan to differentiate the fleet into two groups with Liz Metzloff leading the beginning sailors and Coach Greg helping the more experienced work toward regatta sailing.

MOR photographer Hope was clicking away -- over 100 photos have been uploaded to the picasa page -- enjoy!

Senke family adds two boats

2011-06-11T08:07:00.001-07:00

Quinn and Colin Senke are the lucky new owners of two racing Optis for the 2011 season. Sailboats now outnumber children 3-2. A sure sign of a true sailing family! The Senkes are also excited to be attending the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School this summer in addition to sailing with Madison Opti Racing on Fridays.

Casey Anderson's new boat

2011-06-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

Casey, youngest member of Don and Beth Anderson's family, joined the Madison Opti fleet with her new boat complete with interior graphics courtesy of her older sister Carly. Welcome Casey!

Thank you Boathouse of Madison

2011-06-09T17:39:00.001-07:00

Madison Opti Racing would like to express our gratitude to Don Anderson and the Boathouse of Madison for contributions and support in helping the Opti fleet grow by 10 boats this year. Thanks Don!

5345 West River Road, Waunakee, WI 53597, Phone: 608-849-9200, Fax: 608-849-9231,
Email: boats@madisonboathouse.com

Opti Regatta Schedule 2011

2011-05-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

Local Opti Regattas:

LOPN @ Nagawicka, June 16 (Thur)
FUN Regatta @ Beulah, June 27 (Mon)
GLSS @ Lake Geneva, July 13 (Wed)
No Tears @ Beaver Lake, July 25 (Mon)
ILYA @ White Bear, July 31 & August 1 & 2 (Sun-Tues)
Pram Power @ North Lake, August 11 (Thur)

Madison Opti Racing Schedule

Sprinkman Boat Delivery

2011-05-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Will, Bella and Hans Sprinkman received a new Opti on Monday. The family is excited for summer sailing to begin. Congratulations Sprinkman Family!

more pics on picasa

Zalog Boat Delivery

2011-05-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Two Optis were recently delivered to Emma and Olivia Zalog, daughters of MYC e-scow skipper Phil Zalog. Both girls are excited to learn how to sail with the hope of crewing some day for their dad on his new E. Emma and Olivia who live in Menomonee Falls will be sailing with the Pewaukee Lake Sailing School.

more pics on picasa

Simon Boat Works?

2011-05-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Greg has been busy for the last month fixing up several of the Optis from the Oshkosh Yacht Club. The neighbors are tiring of the buzz of the random orbital sander! Two boats remain to be completed for the Don Anderson and Gorwitz families.

more pics on picasa

New Boat for Martha Anderson

2011-04-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hurray for Martha... she is the latest boat owner in the Madison Opti Racing fleet. She picked out a red boat that her father promises to make even prettier. The Andersons also purchased a second boat in blue to complete their three boat fleet. Please see the attached photos and notice the pastel colored boats, just in time for Easter!

Congratulations Martha!

see more photos at picasa

New Boats for Tyler and Cayley Metzloff!

2011-04-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Cayley and Tyler are the proud owners of two new Optis. Tyler's boat is shown below; Caylie's pink boat will be delivered home soon. Congratulations!

Boat ownership grows by 10!

2011-04-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Opti Parents:

Exciting news for the upcoming season. Madison Opti Racing acquired 10 Opti’s from the Oshkosh Yacht Club.

The Opti’s have been purchased by families from the Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club, Mendota Yacht Club, and Monona Sailing Club. Please welcome the following boat owners to the Opti fleet: Don Anderson family, the Brian Anderson family, the Sprinkman family, the Zalog family, the Gorowitz family, and the Metzloff family.

Nine of the ten boats have been spoken for. If you have a special sailor in mind for the tenth boat, please contact me.

I would also like to thank long time sailing enthusiast Mr. Jerry Simon for his donation of time and support for making this transaction possible. (more photos at the picasa page)

Greg Simon

2011 MOR Schedule

2011-03-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hello Opti Parents and Sailors: We are looking forward to another great sailing season. Listed below are tentative dates.

2011 Madison Opti Racing Schedule

Friday Night Opti Sailing June 10^th, 17^th, 24^th.

July 1^st, 8^th, (15^th rain date)

Payton Opti Regatta: June 18^th Burrows Park 1:00pm racing with Pig Roast to follow.

Opti Racing Clinic: July 17^th Burrows Park 10:00am.

ILYA No Tears Regatta: July 25^th (Monday) Beaver Lake WI

Lake Monona Regatta: Aug. 7^th 10:00am Location TBA

Greg Simon 608-849-4605 GregSimon213@gmail.com

USODA Midwest Championship Regatta

2010-09-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

On September 11-12, 2010 Meta Simon competed in the United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) Midwest Championship regatta hosted by the Pewaukee Yacht Club. This regatta attracted top-notch sailors from across the country. The green fleet was incredibly competitive with the area's best young sailors braving cool fall sailing conditions. Meta and Fritz Simon were also fortunate to participate in a two-day clinic led by national coach Tom Coleman on Thursday and Friday prior to the regatta. The clinic was an incredible learning experience for all of the green fleet sailors.

See results at the PYC website (green fleet & RWB fleet) and photos on the picasa page.

Madison ILYA Opti Clinic - A big hit!

2010-08-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Madison Opti fleet enjoyed a beautiful day on the water on Sunday, August 29. Twelve optis with 15 children took part in a clinic sponsored by the Inland Lakes Yachting Association. The Inlands brought in two Opti coaches to help our young fleet progress to the next level. Coaches Andrew Fox from the Geneva Lake Sailing School and Brendan Boylan from the Lake Calhoun Sailing School put the sailors through a day of boat handling drills while keeping it fun. Special thanks goes out to ILYA's Candace Porter for suggesting the clinic and assisting with the arrangements.

The Mendota Yacht Club also lent their support through the use of motor boats for the instructors and pier/park facilities at Burrows Park.

Melissa Hanson gets the #1 Opti mom award for bringing two boats and five children to the lake while Jamie was tied up with a home renovation project. Go Melissa! Trey Sprinkman and Kyle Metzloff went the extra mile in towing boats from the Madison Youth Sailing Foundation sailing center in Warner Bay. Brian Anderson lent a hand in prepping the launching beach. Donna Schoor came through with serving platters to lend that special touch to the lunch.

The kids enjoyed the 15 mph southwest breeze and warm late-summer temperatures. While the Optis sailed near shore, Scow sailors traveled to the middle of the lake for the Sunday series. Burrows Park was buzzing with activity when the E's and I-20's returned to the pier in the midst of 12 Optis parked for lunch.

Congratulations to all Opti sailors for completing the clinic and advancing their sailing skills. Sailors included:

Billie and Micah Hanson
Bryn Ostby
Oscar and Martha Anderson
Will and Bella Sprinkman
Quinn and Colin Senke
Meta and Fritz Simon
Tyler and Cayley Metzloff

More photos at the picasa page.

Opti Clinic this Sunday

2010-08-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Madison Opti Parents:

We are pleased to announce details of this Sundays Opti Clinic hosted by ILYA"s and the Madison Opti Fleet.

Date: Sunday Aug. 29th
Location: Burrows Park
Time: 10:00am- 4:00pm
Cost: $20 per sailor
Boat Rental (if needed) $30

Lunch will be provided for the sailors and parents. Please contact Hope Simon if you would like to help with lunch arrangements.

Our two instructors are Andrew Fox from Lauderdale, FL. He was an Opti standout and has coached in FL and this year at Lake Geneva. His sailors this year were most successful. He has a winsome smile that will immediately place the sailors at ease. He competed at both Single and Doublehanded Collegiate Nationals as a freshman.

The second instructor is Brendon Boylan from Lake Calhoun, MN. He traveled to many national events as an Opti sailor and was appointed to one of the international teams while in Optis. Brendon competed in the Doublehanded Collegiate Nationals as a freshman representing UW. He spent the summer coaching on Calhoun. He has a quick wit and easy-going demeanor which makes him a favorite with the UW team and his young sailors.

Let's hope/pray for good weather and have a great time teaching the kids the love of sailing. Questions or comments? Please contact Greg Simon 849-4605

No Tears Results now on-line

2010-08-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

Pine Lake Yacht Club has posted the full results from the 20th anniversary No Tears Regatta. Seven Madison sailors competed in the event and for most it was their first regatta. Thirty-nine boats were scored in the junior fleet. Overall finishes for the Madison fleet were as follows. Complete results can be found here.

Oscar Anderson 27th
Billy Hanson 20th
Micah Hanson 31st
Tyler Metzloff 22nd
Bryn Ostby 23rd
Quinn Senke 32nd
Meta Simon 7th

ILYA Opti Clinic on Lake Mendota

2010-08-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that the ILYA and Madison Opti Racing is hosting an Opti sailing clinic on Lake Mendota on Sunday Aug. 29th.

The ILYA has offered to recuit two National level Opti coaches to come in and work with our Madison area Opti sailors. IYLA has been thrilled with the revivial of youth sailing in our area and wants to help our local sailors continue to enjoy the sport. The sailors will be grouped in either the beginner or racer class based on experience.

The clinic will be run from Burrows Park starting a 10:00am and will wrap up shortly before 4:00pm. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $20 per sailor. Several boats are available for rental from MYSF at ($30).

Please contact Greg Simon to reserve a spot for this special opportunity.
GregSimon213@gmail.com or 608-849-4605

Pram Power Results

2010-08-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday Aug 12th was a very hot day with light winds. The North Lake Yacht Club hosted the 21st annual Pram Power regatta. Forty-nine beginner Opti sailors from around southern Wisconsin competed in a Junior ( age 8 and under) and Senior (age 9 and up) fleets. Two races were completed for each fleet.

Lake Beulah's Annie Cate Schmidt won the Junior fleet and Karolyn Kunz from Lac LaBelle won the Senior fleet. Local Mendota Yacht Club skippers Meta and Fritz Simon competed in the Junior fleet. Fritz was the youngest sailor to compete and had a very eye opening first race with a finish of 9th place in the 28 boat fleet. Meta went on to pass her little brother and win that first race.

Meta finish the regatta in 3rd place and was thrilled to recieve a huge jar of candy for winning a race. Both kids enjoyed the regatta for the arts and crafts that the North Lake Yacht Club sponsors between races. Face painting, t-shirt art, tatoo's, picture frame making, and drawing were a big hit with the kids. Talk about making sailing fun for young kids...... NLYC has it figured out. Thanks to the club for hosting another great event. See you next year.

Full results here on the NLSS web site. Photos from the event on the picasa page.

North Lake Pram Power

2010-08-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

North Lake Pram Power is quickly approaching. It is set for Thursday, August 12 at the North Lake Yacht Club. It is a great regatta for beginning sailors, sailors who don't have many opportunities to race and/or don't sail a the top of their fleet. The Junior Fleet (age 8 and under at 1/1/10) and Senior Fleet (age 8 and over at 1/1/10) sail at different times and can use the same boat, so your family/club doesn't have to transport as many boats. There are awesome crafts again this year--bags, picture frames, bottle holders, T-shirts (different this year--bring a black/dark cotton T), and the all time favorite-Shrinky Dinks! Along with crafts there is face painting and tattoos and an awesome raffle-including a boat cover from Aquarius, Rashgard shirts from Harken, Stelluca bag, American Girls Doll and much more! Are you having fun yet?! There is a check-in/drop-off opportunity at the Yacht Club the night before the regatta from 6:30-7:30 pm. Non-sailors can purchase the craft package which includes lunch. We serve a hearty taco lunch with peanut butter sandwiches for our non-meat eaters. The racing registration fee increases after Sunday, Aug 8th, so get your registration in today! More race details are on the NOR and Registration form and can be found on www.nlss.us Questions? Contact Terese Bailey at 262-751-5000.

Local Opti Sailing this Sunday

2010-08-05T06:06:00.000-07:00

Madison Opti sailors will be practicing for the Pram Power regatta on Sunday, August 8 at Burrows Park. Sailing will begin at 10:00 a.m.

If you’re interested in the Pram Power regatta scheduled for Thursday, August 12 on North Lake, see their website for more information. This is a great beginner regatta.

Sailors Thor Rosten, Caley Metzloff, and Meta Simon enjoy Pram Power 2009.

Opti Inlands Recap

2010-08-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

93 boats sailed in the Opti Inlands on Lake Okauchee August 2-3. Local sailor Meta Simon finished 9^th in the Green fleet. Four races were sailed in the Green and RWB fleets on Monday in 6-8 mph winds. Tuesday brought cloudless skies, no wind and no races. Full regatta results can be found on the ILYA website along with a regatta recap: day one and day two/final.

No Tears Regatta Report

2010-07-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

Seven Madison Opti fleet members attended the No Tears regatta on Pine Lake. The Barkow family residence was the regatta headquarters and provided a stunning venue for the sailors and families to enjoy.

Four races were completed in light winds for the morning races and a moderate 8mph wind in the afternoon. The lake water was increadably clear and clean which made it impossible not to take a dip.

Oscar, Bryn, Tyler, Meta, Quinn, Billy and Micah represented the Mendota Yacht Club, Monona Sailing Club, and the 4LIYC very well. The ILYA was thrilled with the "revival" of youth sailing in our Opti fleet. Look for a future regatta on our home waters!

Thanks to all the young sailors from Madison that made the effort to compete. They all left the water with huge smiles on their faces and no tears. Great first regatta learning experience for all, including the parents.

Go Team Mendota!

Madison Opti Sailors Enjoy No Tears Regatta

2010-07-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

Photos from the No Tears Regatta are posted on the picasa page.

Pine Lake No Tears Regatta

2010-07-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Just some reminders before heading off to the No Tears event on Pine Lake July 26th.

Please respect the Barkow family home. Shoes, shirts, and shorts are suggested. Flip flops and/or bare feet are a no-no. Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle while ensure happiness.

All kids need a whistle, bailing bucket and a life jacket. Life jackets are required at all time while on the piers or near the water.

Parents need only say "Good Job" and "Have Fun" while out watching the kids. Leave the coaching up to the coaches. If you have concerns about your childs sailing, talk with a coach.

This is a fun regatta.... make sure you enjoy yourself and your young sailor will follow suit.

Happy Sailing.... See you at Pine Lake.

Greg

Senke family are new boat owners!

2010-07-22T18:50:00.002-07:00

Quin and Colen Senke are proud owners of an Opti sailboat. The boat was built by Winner and manufactured in Denmark. Watch for them out sailing soon on their home waters of Lake Monona. Quin is planning to race in the upcoming No Tears event on Pine Lake.

Big Wind, Big Waves, Big Fun

2010-07-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

The kids had a wild ride on Friday, July 16 with steady 18-20 mph winds and big waves rolling across the lake from the southwest. More boats became swamped than tipped over as the kids managed the big blow. Many dads came to the rescue standing in chest deep water to bail out boats and set the kids back on course. A cookout complete with mint-cookie smash icecream fresh from the Metzloff icecream maker followed the sailing along with lots of swimming in the waves. With the high winds and waves we weren't able to hold any real practice races. In anticipation of the upcoming No Tears Regatta on 7/26, we're tentatively planning to hold some practice races this Sunday afternoon at Burrows Park. Watch for an email with more details.

Hope did get some photos of the sailing but pulled the camera out late and missed some of the early sailing (sorry Tyler and Oscar!). See the photos on the picasa page and hopefully we can sail on Sunday.

Tyler Metzloff wins first race!

2010-07-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

Tyler Metzloff, fresh off his return from six months in New Zealand, got his first race win on Friday, July 9 with the Madison Optis. Fourteen young sailors in 11 boats enjoyed a 7 mph NW breeze in Warner Bay on Lake Mendota. The sailors participated in five short races complete with the cow bell clanging to signal the finish. Many sailors are showing great progress this summer: Will led around the buoys last night; Ellie and Anna sailed solo in individual boats for the first time and Anna demonstrated her skills to mom, Teresa; Oscar continues to lead the charge each week being the first boat off the pier; Tyler and Cayley are shaking loose all of the cobwebs in the first night back in Madison this summer; fighting beltline traffic to get to the lake, Kelsa and Kylie dove right in and sailed the final two races; Samantha let her dad, Dave, come along for a ride; and the Senke boys Quinn and Colin continue to work well together - will next week bring solo rides for them as well? Meta had the good fortune to win the "hot dog" race ensuring she got the first hot dog at the cookout. Cayley received the coveted "cow bell" award and brought all sailors to shore to the ringing of the bell (while dad, Kyle, did his best to cover his ears). Parents and sailors alike enjoyed the post-racing cookout of hotdogs (and beer for the parents).

There was also talk of Mendota sailors going to the upcoming No Tears regatta on Pine Lake on July 26. See you next week! More photos on the picasa page.

July 2nd Opti Sailing

2010-07-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Eleven kids appeared to sail on a beautiful Friday evening. The highlight of the night included Oscar Anderson joining the tip-over club. He righted the boat himself and sailed to the beach where he learned how to use a bailing bucket! Oscar was all smiles and made the other kids jealous that he was the first to swim this season.

The evening marked the first official racing of our Madison Opti fleet. Four boats raced including skippers Frankie Hearn, Bryn Ostby, Oscar Anderson, and Meta Simon.

All enjoyed the after sailing party which included healthy snacks provided by the Schoor Family.

See you next week. Please check back for photos later in the week.

Payton Regatta

2010-06-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

The Mendota Yacht Club invited all opti sailors to participate in the Payton Regatta on Saturday, June 19. Sailors brought eight boats to the lake, and more than 20 young sailors took turns at the helm and as crew in braving 15 mph winds at the start. The winds settled out nicely as afternoon turned to evening giving all children a chance to sail. The piers were lined with parents and spectators from the club as the sailors rounded buoys on an informal course.

Special thanks to Trey and Shelly Sprinkman for hosting the weekend events - Friday after-opti sailing party and the pig roast on Saturday.

See more photos at our picasa page.

Second Friday Night Sailing

2010-06-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

The sky parted for a couple of hours just in time for some Opti sailing. A group of eight kids taking turns in four boats sailed for a little over an hour. Special thanks to Lon Schoor for jumping in a boat and sacrificing his back to help the sailors.

The Sprinkman family hosted an MYC party at their home that quickly was taken over by the sugared up Opti fleet. Thanks to Shelly and Trey for a great event.

Today the Opti fleet is sailing in the Mendota Yacht Clubs Payton regatta. Sailing starts at 4:30pm, but come early to set-up. There is a pig roast to follow sailing. Both events have no fee. Come join the fun.

More photos found on our picasa page.

Successful Start to Opti Sailing

2010-06-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

A spirited group of kids sailed Opti's on Friday evening. The high winds earlier in the day settled to a nice 10mph warm wind from the south.

In the beginning the Dads set up a couple of boats to give the kids rides. That only lasted a few minutes before the Dads were thrown overboard and more boats were requested by the young sailors. By the end we had six boats being sailed by 13 kids of all ages .

The Moms were busy making hot dogs on the grill and assisting. The evening ended with a water balloon fight that included the Moms being targets!

On a personal note, I want to say how proud I am 0f all the sailors for making the effort and showing the enthusiasm to go sailing. You guys are true rock star sailors!

Sorry for not having photos to post.... that darn Coach Greg forgot to bring a camera!

2010 Madison Opti Sailing Roster

2010-06-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

We're excited to have many young sailors returning for the 2010 summer and many new faces as well. Nine out of the ten boats from the Madison Youth Sailing Foundation have been reserved. Nine privately owned boats will also be brought to the lake.

New sailors include:

Samantha and Marisa Gorwitz
Quinn Senke
Will Sprinkman

Returning sailors include:

Martha and Oscar Anderson
Billie, Cora and Micah Hanson
Anna and Ellie Huff
Jenny, Kelsa and Kylie McCormick
Katie and Molly McCormick
Cayley and Tyler Metzloff
Bryn Ostby
Thor Rosten
Fritz and Meta Simon

Welcome sailors and see you on Friday!

First Friday of Opti Sailing for 2010

2010-06-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Fellow Sailors:

The 2010 Opti sailing season starts on Friday, June 11 at 5:00pm. Please come down to the Maple Bluff Marina next to the Warner Park boat landing.

A few quick reminders: Bring a life jacket for you and your young sailor. Parents are encouraged to sail if necessary.

Make sure the kids have good sandals, aquasocks or shoes. Flip flops or bare feet are not recommended.

The first Friday will focus on getting the kids comfortable in the boats and rounding some buoys.

I'll try to do a little coaching when needed..... but our main focus is on having fun.

See you on Friday and hope for good weather!

Greg

PS. Raise the excitement level for this year - share the photos from last year with your sailor http://picasaweb.google.com/GregSimon213

Opti Sailing Postponed For Sunday Morning

2010-06-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Due to high winds and cold temps we have postponed sailing on Sunday June 6th.

See you all for the start of Friday night sailing, June 11th at 5:00pm

Greg

Opti Sailors sail a C-Scow

2010-05-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

Lake Monona sailor Tim McCormick was kind enough to lend out his Season Championship boat to two local Opti sailors. While brother Andy McCormick donated his best sail to be used for the day.

Thor Rosten and Meta Simon competed in the Memorial Day Race on Lake Monona. Each took turns stearing the boat and showed strong boathandling skill. Meta steared during the start of the race and Thor finished the race.

The Rosten/Simon team finish 2nd out of nine boats.

Thanks to the McCormick brothers for supporting these Opti sailors!

Opti Season to Begin!

2010-05-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Opti Season to start June 11th at 5:00pm

Maple Bluff Marina

Friday Night Opti Racing Overview

2010-05-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

June 11th Intro to Racing

June 18th Reading the Wind

June 25th Basic Rules

July 2nd Starting Line

July 9th Boat Speed

July 16th Celebration!

Informal races each night with grill and snacks to follow!

McCormick Family Purchases an Opti

2010-03-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Kelsa McCormick is a proud owner of a pink colored Opti. The McCormick family purchased the boat several weeks ago and are now the ninth area family to be boat owners! The boat was built by the Johnson Boat Works and was sailed on Lake White Bear in Minnesota. The pink colored boat is in great condition and is the sistership to Thor Rostens and Mica Hansons boat. The McCormick girls have already cleaned it up and are working on it in their basement.

Congratulations, all the other girls are jealous of your boat!

2010 Opti Regatta Schedule

2010-02-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

There are three beginner Opti regattas in our area this summer:

June 25th   No Tears West -   White Bear MN.

July 26th   No Tears East-      Pine Lake WI.

Aug. 12th   Pram Power-         North Lake WI.

Also listed below are three local regattas on Lake Mendota, Monona and Waubesa!

Hanson Family Purchases Second Boat!

2010-01-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

Billy, Mica and Cora Hanson received an Optimist sailboat for X-mas. The Hanson family now own two Opti's and are looking for a third. Father Jamie has been working hard to building a fleet of summer Opti's and even has been working on an Ice Opti.

The Hanson boat is a sister ship to Thor Rosten's boat. The Dan Quiram family owned the Opti and sailed it on Lake Pewaukee. The boat is a mid 90's model built by Johnson Boat Works of White Bear Mn. During the 90's Johnson BW was the major supplier of Opti's in the midwest. Many ILYA clubs bought "fleets" of boat for their youth sailing programs. The boats are very well built and are great for our beginner sailors.

Anderson Family Purchase an Opti!

2009-10-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Martha and Oscar Anderson are new boat owners. They purchased an Opti from Deephaven Mn last week. The boat is race quality and will be a great addition to the fleet. Name suggestions include..... "Little Blue Chip"

Plans for 2010 Madison Opti Racing

2009-10-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Listed below is a tentative plan for next years Madison Opti Racing.

Friday Night Fun Series. June 11, 18, 25 July 2, 9, 16 at the Maple Bluff boat launch.

Mendota Yacht Club/Payton Regatta.   June 19th during the pig roast party. Regatta chairman Jamie Hanson

Lake Monona Regatta. One day event on a Sunday afternoon in July.   Regatta chairman Greg McCormick.

Lake Waubesa Regatta.   One day event on a Sunday in early August. Sailed out of the Waubesa sailing center. Regatta chairman Ron Rosten.

USODA Opti National Championship in Wisconsin!

2009-10-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Opti National Champs were sailed Oct. 9-11th at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. The Simon family went to watch the nations best Opti sailors compete in freezing conditions. Sunday mornings temperature was 34 degrees with ice being scraped out of boats. The sailors were dressed in full winter gear. Dry suits, dry gloves and wild ski hats were the norm.

The sailors left the harbor at 9:00am and did not return untill 3:30pm (lunch and port-a-potties on the water). Most of the kids looked cold, but happy upon returning. It should also be noted most of the kids were not from the midwest. The poor sailors from Miami, Houston, So. Cal and S. America were greated to conditions more suited to iceboating.

170 sailors competed. Most flew in and rented boats. The sailors would bring there own blade, rudder, mast and sail. A couple of powerhouse teams from Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Annapolis sent trailers with 8-10 optis on them including a coaching rib. Professional coaches were present. Seems like the hottest coaches were from Argentina or Europe. There were also several Danish sailors taking part even though it was a US Team qualifier. This gave the Milw. YC and the event an international flare.

Local sailor Malcolm Lamphere from Lake Geneva placed 7th, Ben Garber from L. Minnetonka finished 28th and Augie Dale from Pewaukee placed 76th.

Award Party and Fleet Meeting

2009-09-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

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!

More Photos

Fall Sailing at Burrows Park

2009-09-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

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.

More Photos

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!

2009-09-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

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.

More Photos

Pewaukee Lake Sailing School General Info

2009-09-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-05T12:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-02T10:53:00.000-07:00

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!

Opti Sailing First Night

2009-08-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

"Forty years after 4LIYC legends Bill and Mike McCormick, David Rosten, Bill Hanson, and Jerry Simon set up their boats on Warner Bay for a cold winter's day of iceboating, their grandchildren gathered at the lake for Opti sailing. Friday evening, June 12, kids ranging in age from 4 to 14 came down to Warner Bay for the first night of Opti sailing. The very light winds were perfect for the novice sailors and it wasn't long before a water balloon and squirt gun battle ensued. In total there were about 35 kids and parents enjoying the lake which included Bill Sr., Jamie, Billy, and Micah Hanson; Kyle, Liz, Tyler, and Cayley Metzloff; Greg, Tami, Jenny, Kelsa, and Kylie McCormick; Tim, Aimee, Katie, and Molly McCormick; David, Tera, and Bryn Ostby; Ron and Thor Rosten; Lon and Donna Schoor; Bev, Kristin, Brian and Jacob Semmann; Greg, Hope, Meta and Fritz Simon; Rhonda Arries and Jeff Russell; Robert Krebs."
Greg Simon

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No Tears Regatta July 20th

2009-08-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Tyler, Cayley Metzloff and Meta Simon attended the ILYA's No Tears regatta on Lac LaBelle. The first race was sailed in light winds. All the Mendota kids sailed well and learned quickly how to get around the modified course they the saw for the first time. Candace Porter and Suzie Reese helped guide the kids around the course along with the help of the Pewaukee Sailing School instructors Lauren, Ally and Leif.

The afternoon sailing included three races in moderate to light conditions. The Mendota fleet all showed good boat handling skills. The kids competed against power house sailing schools from Beulah and Lake Geneva. Names like Melges, Navin, Porter and Frytag competed in the regatta.

Lac LaBelle did a great job hosting the event from a private home on the lake. The lunches were great and all of the kids enjoyed receiving a medal at the awards presentation. Regatta results can be found at the ILYA No Tears East results page.

Kyle and Liz Metzloff along with Liz's parents and the Simon family enjoyed attending the regatta.

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Opti Practice

2009-08-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Thor and Meta went out in high winds today Aug. 9th to practice before the Pram Power regatta. Thor sailed his new boat for the first time. The kids sailed around human bouys! Ron Rosten was the windward mark while Greg Simon was the leeward mark. Both kids learned quickly that hitting the bouys was more fun than rounding wide. Other highlights included a tip-over drill. Thor and Meta tipped over several times and learned how to right their boats. Each came proficiant on bailing an Opti dry.

Thor Rosten purchases an Opti!

2009-08-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Thor Rosten is a new owner of an Opti racer. The Rosten family found the boat on craigslist. It was purchased from a family that has a daughter that aged out of the fleet. She sailed the boat for several years on Lake Nagewicka. The boat is in great shape and has a crispy sail. The only thing needed is a boat name. How about Thorized! Please post suggestions for Thor to consider.

2009-08-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

North Lake "Pram Power" Regatta Aug. 13th

Thor Rosten, Meta Simon and Kaylee Metzloff sailed in the Pram Power regatta on North Lake. They were joined by Barb Rosten, Liz and Tyler Metzloff and Fritz, Hope, Greg and Jerry Simon. The weather was perfect for this beginner regatta. 80 degrees and winds around 5mph. This regatta is famous for the give aways, the organized crafts and games between sailing. The crafts included face painting, tattoos, hat making, necklace making, drawing, painting and much more. A raffle was also set up and included Packer tickets, an Opti sail, and pony rides. The kids really enjoyed the off the water activities.

The sailing was spectacular. 34 boats competed in the Green fleet while 15 boat sailed in the Senior fleet. The on the water coaching from area sailing school instructors help "steer" the kids in the right direction. Results can be found at the North Lake Yacht Club's website. Meta, Kaylee and Thor each made their parents proud. Seeing so many kids on the lake enjoying opti racing was a thrill for all.

Special thanks to the NLYC for the great lunches and the ample supply of spectator boats. Honestly, there were more spectators than sailors!

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Location and Address

2009-06-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Opti racing series will be sailed on Lake Mendota in Warner Bay.

The Madison Youth Sailing Foundation and the Madison Sailing Center is the location of your activities.

The address is 1201 Woodward Dr.

The Opti sailboats are kept inside the Maple Bluff boathouse at the Maple Bluff Marina.

The Warner Park boat launch has bathrooms and a spot to launch motor boats if necessary.

Parking is available in the Maple Bluff boat storage area.

Madison Opti Racing

2009-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow Opti Racers.

Starting Friday June 12th at 5:30pm the Madison area will have an Opti sailboat racing series! The Madison Youth Sailing Foundation has allowed us to rent their Opti sailboats for a racing series. We ask that you contact Greg Simon (849-4605) to make a reservation to reserve a boat for your childs use.

Please come join the fun.