written by Matias Collins on September 19 of 2023 and read by 693
print
Milwaukee Yacht Club has been waiting since the beginning of the pandemic the opportunity to host the Soling World Championship and celebrate its 150 years(2021), the club exists since 1871, the oldest at Lake Michigan, which finally is happening.
A World championship that brings many expectations, because during 2022, although the event was held, the wind failed to show up leaving the competitors on shore …
After a great work of international measurer David Foscarini with the help of some MYC volunteers and the smart idea to start earlier the whole procedure on Saturday despite not initially scheduled, by around 1530hs of Monday the inspection had been concluded. Two boats had minor discrepancies that were corrected, and a few masts now carry some lead as correctors, a few others managed to avoid it embracing the 60gr shackle at the spinnaker halyard.
The opening ceremony started around 1830 with the group of sailors, volunteers, race committee and guests in a circle conducted by Mr. Charlie Kamps which gave the traditional welcoming to the competitors, besides one minute of silence was made honoring Buddy Melges and many more Soling sailors who have passed away.
Known as mr. Kamps, despite being a great Soling sailor is also life MYC member, a Soling class lover and was the perfect man to build up the class at the early 70' s, Charlie and the MYC had a key role stablishing the USSA and later Charlie was deeply involved with the Championship Committee of the ISA.
The ceremony had as speakers, Paul McGuan, and club commodore Angie Doggett and each team was called for a picture session while receiving their baverages and drinking cans.
The closing of the ceremony before the sailors rushed to the buffet, it was time to Peter Harken's speech, being happy that traditional sailing, tactical, with great teamwork and with all body sizes could manage to put three continents at the oldest yacht club in the lake.
The Buffett had from little pizzas, chicken to meat balls, sailors fully started to save calories since the starting time of tomorrow(Tuesday) first racing day will begin at 1200 the moment the title will be again in dispute and three past World Champions , European , North American and South American Champions will be fighting for it
print