Lake Bemidji Sailing Association holds first regatta of the summer
Jul. 6—BEMIDJI — The Lake Bemidji Sailing Association held its first regatta of the season on Saturday, July 2, on Lake Bemidji.
"Eight boats sailed under a beautiful blue sky, with mild temps and a mostly 5-12 mph wind out of the NNW," a release said. "The first race commenced after a half-hour start delay due to a total lack of wind. Seemingly out of nowhere, the wind gods came through and we raced two races, one in the late morning and one in the afternoon.
"Leads and places changed randomly and often in the fluky winds, which one minute favored one side of the course and another minute the other. Boats way back in the pack found themselves near the front and vice versa many times.
"This made for lots of excitement as just about everyone had a shot at a good finish placement at one time or another. One skipper, sailing a seemingly 'magic' boat stayed above the fray and in good wind most of the day."
John Pierson, former co-commodore and past two-time all-season winner, took first in both races.
The podium placement went as follows:
Race one
1. John Pierson
2. Randy Ruttger
3. Kurt Eickhoff
Race two
1. John Pierson
2. John Eickhoff
3. Kurt Eickhoff
Weather permitting, the next regatta race is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, starting at Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge.
Races are also scheduled at the same time and location for July 30 and Aug 6.
Lunch will be held on the shore between races. Spectators and participants are welcome, the release said.
