Much has happened in the Western Region since the ice melted last spring!
Equipment:
The WR is now the proud owner of a late model ATV complete with hitch, cable winch, rack system and floats. Also, an aluminum trailer with ramps for towing the vehicle to events, and for moving regatta equipment about the ice. Team Madison will be responsible for managing this equipment and making arrangements to have it at all regional events.
Graphics:
A super cool new logo has been developed for the WR. It's already gracing a flag that will fly on the new ATV. By the way, the ATV was purchased at an incredibly low price, and it's fully paid for. The trailer, however, is not. A voluntary fundraising effort is underway to offset the expense of the trailer that was purchased with private funds. Here's the deal--donate $75 or more to the cause, and you'll receive a hat that will be sure to make you a chick magnet. The black fleece hat (cleverly selected to go with any "outfit") features embordery of the WR logo on front, and your very own sail number on the back. Sales were brisk at the annual Lake Geneva Swap Meet, but you can still order yours for delivery at the Western Challenge. If you'd like one delivered to you with your sail number on it at the Challenge, email
danielhearn@tds.net right away. These hats are "Limited Edition," so don't delay.
Juniors:
Maybe as many as five ADDITIONAL Ice Optis will be on the ice of the Madison Lakes this winter. Among them are children of multigenerational ice sailing families, so there's great pedigree. Further north in the state, the Green Lake Ice Yacht Club has as many as six Ice Optis under construction. Area kids and parents are sharing in the building process, so there's great enthusiam for getting out on the ice this winter.
The WR now also has brand new, lost cost components available for purchase to support the Junior efforts. Beautiful Ice Opti sails (heavy fabric, cut for ice sailing) are available with bag for just $250. Full sets of mini Ice Opti runners (steering and two sides) are also available for just $150. These runners are short for exceptional maneuverability and thin to easily go through snow--important features in particular for newbies. To purchase, contact
danielhearn@tds.netThe Missing Link: 20 Somethings
We're making great progress filling the participation pipeline loading from the top new Ice Opti sailors. Let's keep it up! Also very exciting is a new link established bring in to the WR an infusion of enthusiastic 20 somethings. A new relationship has been formed with the University of Wisconsin Sailing Team and the Hoofers Sailing Club. The head coach of these groups has a full crew of college-age peeps who are bustin' to get out on the ice. They know how to sail, they know how to race, they can't wait to get started. A 6-boat DN trailer has been purchased and several entry-level DNs have been secured. We're looking for more, so please donate anything you can to the cause. The coach, who is a new DN'r himself, has a truck to tow the rig, so the plan is for our Frozen Facebook generation to be at all events in the Madison area, as well as the regional events, and possibly the national event. To level the playing field, the college kids will all be racing on plates. If you got any DN stuff you can donate, please contact
daveelsmo@gmail.com.
I'd say this is a pretty good list. What do you think?
