Lake Michigan · MAST Racing
Sailing
Friday Night Racing on Lake Michigan
The "Orion" races on Friday nights with the MAST organization. It's a nice club of Lake Michigan sailors who like to race but are not "cut-throat" about the competition — okay, okay . . . MOST of the time that is true. Any time you get two sailboats out on the water, you have a race. I like racing because it hones my sailing skills. Every Friday night I learn a little more about what makes my boat go. Unfortunately, it seems the other racers are learning just a bit faster. But it is still a heck of a lot of fun!
The Crew
The Orion has had a great rotating crew of dedicated sailors over the seasons. Mike serves as First Mate, Dennis as Second Mate, with Ann, Dan, and Mark rounding out the rail meat. Captain Ken keeps everyone in line — most of the time.
Race Nights
Each Friday evening the fleet gathers on Lake Michigan for the MAST racing series. The races take us out past the Milwaukee lighthouse, through the Middle Gap, and back into the inner harbor as the sun sets over the city. The July 23rd shots capture some of the best racing of the season.
July 16, 2004 — A Good Night by Any Standard
We had a great crew, great weather, Miller beer and did not come in last. The competition lagged behind Orion as we rounded the marks and sailed into the Summerfest Lagoon. Mike and Mark did their best impression of "Rail Meat" while Captain Ken held the wheel.
July 18th — Getting Focused
The crew and I are getting more focused on our racing. Trimming the sails and developing strategies to go fast supersede taking time out to snap great photos during the race. We welcomed Mike M's daughter Jess onto the crew for one race — she sampled the Chardonnay and offered strategy suggestions.
The Atlantic Crossing
Racing on Lake Michigan is one thing — but Ken also joined his old university friend Bogie aboard the Nirvana for a 2,100 nautical mile trans-Atlantic crossing from the Cape Verde Islands to Grenada. Read the full story of Ken and Bogie's Excellent Adventure.
Want to read about the big one?
Read Ken & Bogie's Excellent Adventure →