Recap – Rock Lake 2025
A Rock & Roll Memory
(A terribly tardy recap from Daniel Hearn).
I was not even close to being ready for the beginning of this sailing season. And judging by the tardiness of this write-up, clearly I have make little progress catching up. My boat only emerged from its winter sleep in the barn, immediately before the short trip down I-94 to Sunset Beach. Man, I hoped all the parts were there!
Some say, with age comes insight. Maybe they’re right, because I have come to realize that I have a boat affliction. And also recognize that self-admission earns we zero sympathy from anyone. With possible exception of Guy Selsmeyer. And even he is not foolish enough to be an ice sailor or a land sailor.
The iceboat stuff was still not tucked away. I was distracted with a trailer project and new boat construction for the next dirt boat season, even though that doesn’t kick off until October. I foolishly volunteered to lead the effort to build 30 aluminum storage carts for the Burrow’s Park track system. Much of the effort inspired by the new Mendota Yacht Club Melges 15 Fleet, already 13 boats strong. Very excited to be racing the M15 on Thursday nights with grandson, Dash. He’s 5. And he’s driving.
On top of all this, Dawn is finally getting the first floor house renovation that has been put off for more than 30 years. We’ve been living in a construction zone for 14 months now. One might argue this project could have been teed up much sooner, if it were not for my boat affliction. Yeah, I know, right? That would be a silly argument! Sarcasm aside, I recognize the blessings of my first-world “problems.” Shame on me for ever feeling overwhelmed by the spoils of my good fortune.
Perhaps it was my total lack of preparedness that freed my mind to come away with different takeaways from this first event. Like seeing my grandkids running around the lot following Finn Eigenberger, because, of course, he’s the coolest thing going! Their unbridled joy running around reminded me that the sailing is really a small part of what makes CRAW so special. I saw young parents there who were doing the very same thing decades ago when my kids were also little. Now, they have spouses, jobs, mortgages and aging parents. It is indeed, a microcosm of the “circle of life,” celebrated on two hulls, with the participants refusing to ever grow up.
Yes, we did sail at this regatta. The cold and windy conditions kept all but four brave teams off the water Saturday. As usual, Kurt and Tyler won. Team Reese’s Pieces washed their boat…twice, I’m told. Sunday was more tame and delivered some tight racing. Another CRAW season was officially underway. So wonderful to be back together with the CRAW Family!
