SANJL REGATTA DRAWS 34 SUNFISH RACERS

The second of four Regattas to determine the North Jersey Sunfish Championship was hosted by SYC on Saturday May 17 that Hendershot’s Boat Launch.

The event went off “like a breeze”….. 20mph with some higher gusts!

SYC racers Lydia, Jim, Kevin, Mike, Dale Canfield and Bill Shannon participated.

“Iron” Mike toughed out all four races, and many capsizes to receive a 4th Place in the Challenger series. Kevin and Dale also capsized in the chilly waters.

 

Bill Shannon was honored for his Sportsmanship for going to the aid of a capsized racer. This is the second year in a row Bill distinguished himself in this manner!

Bill and Susan Shannon brought Regatta Hospitality to new heights with delicious muffins, coffees, and tea before, and 75 fresh sandwiches after the races! The wet and appreciative sailors showed their appreciation by devouring it all.

SYC received high praise from SANJL coordinator Derek Jackson for their assistance and organization and hospitality. Race Committee was headed by Commodore John, with Elaine and Peter assisting. Steve was on board to record the excitement with his camera.

The Registration desk was setup by 8:15 am and was “manned” all day by Adele & Nan.

The canopy provided by Drew was large enough for both Registration and Hospitality. Signs prepared by Thom were positioned on the road to guide visitors, some of whom came as far as Massachusetts and eastern Long Island. Peter directed parking of vehicles and trailers.

State Park Superintendent Blanca had arranged for some fresh gravel fill in soft spots and provided a large Porta Jon. Our Special Use Permit protected the Hendershot area for us from a Paradise Fishing Club Contest that day. The fishermen relocated to North Shore.

Blanca viewed the spectacle of 34 boats under sail with a smile and expressed pleasure that the lake was being utilized in this manner.

Kyle Haszko was in the busy chase boat which had radio communication with the committee boat and the registration desk. Radios provided by Steve.

For a SANJL participant’s story of the races, click here.

   SYC HOSTS SANJL REGATTA  SAT MAY 17

 Attention all SYC Sunfish Racers

The second leg of the North Jersey Sunfish Championship hosted by SANJL will take place at Swartswood Lake this Saturday.  The four-race Regatta will be sailed out of Hendershot’s Boat Launch.  Registration begins at 8:30 am and the first race starts at 10:30.  Four races are sailed with no break for lunch.  Entry fee is $15cash or check made out to SANJL.

SYC needs volunteers again this year to make the event a success and to demonstrate Swartswood hospitality.

Some areas of need and preliminary volunteers are: 
                                       

As much as the above committee helps, SYC NEEDS YOU to participate and race in the Regatta! 

Come and enjoy a fun event with friendly guest  racers from North Jersey.

- Jim Bastinck, Rear Commodore

  SYC Members Attend a Meeting with DEP in Stillwater

Seven SYC members were among 50 people who attended the two hour March 12th meeting with NJ DEP representatives from Trenton, SLWA members, Park Superintendent Blanca, Regional Superintendent Steve Ellis, and local residents. 

The challenges of weed control, harvesting and protection of endangered species were topics that were discussed, sometimes emotionally.

Trenton officials outlined their plans to contract for a study of the lake for 2008 and many members of the audience expressed frustration with the pace of any progress. 

In response to the question why, since the DEP has a history of relocating bear and beaver and eagles eggs, they  couldn't also relocate the aquatic endangered plants to a sheltered cove, the reply from Natural Lands Management representative Bob Cartica was: "Because plants have roots!"

On a positive note, Weed Harvesting and a winter drawdown will be permitted for 2008.  This returns us to where we were in 2006.

The American Lotus were discussed at length.  Swartswood Lake is one of only two known locations of this aquatic plant listed as endangered in NJ.  Any plant with less than five known existing locations in NJ is listed as endangered.  Trenton claims Swartswood Lake has five of the 300 aquatic plants listed as endangered in NJ.

  Lake Association special message

Update!  Please note location change ...