Aug 06 2012 - Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club

R
O YAL L AK E O F T H E W O O D S
YAC H T C L U B
SUMMER NEWSLETTER, #43
August 6, 2012
COMMODORES’ NEWS
The first week of August is always “crunch week” around the Club. The sheer volume of activity, people (both
big and little), food, drink, ice, tents, rental equipment, musical instruments, flowers etc. makes it a challenge. I
think it is important to thank everyone for their patience and understanding. All of the Club staff deserve a big
thank you for their extra efforts through the week.
Fasten your seatbelt and leave your Co-Commodore in the upright and locked position…..here we go.
The first big event of the week was the Ladies Lunch on Wednesday. Ruth Brinkman and her crew ran hard
down the home stretch, hosting 150 ladies to an enjoyable afternoon of food, fashion and fundraising. I have
seen the photos and there were some very creative hats. MC Ashleigh Banfield’s “origami lake chart pirate lid”
was a favorite. Look for them at Nancy’s in Kenora or 5th Avenue. Your Co-Commodore has heard rumours that
his wife and daughter were “working it” during the fashion show. Sounds like everyone had a great time. We
should all be proud to once again support Saakaate House with their important work.
Next up was the ’62 party to celebrate those born in 1962, those wishing they were 50 again and those wondering if there is any hope once they turn 50. In the Olympic spirit Honey and Tony Jones saw their recent record
attendance of 120 people at a Thursday dinner go down in flames to Don Konantz and his strong showing of
140 young (ish) kids dining and dancing until 1 a.m. A friend commented that he can’t wait until next year to attend the ’63 party since he is turning 63. I know…I’ll explain it to him later.
Saturday morning saw strong winds and a smaller but highly committed group complete the annual 3 island
swim. I was encouraged to hear that Fraser Norrie’s training regimen included “not swimming for a couple of
months, a flight to Winnipeg, a late night ride to the lake and rummaging around the cottage looking for a wet
suit”. An inspiration for the kids to be sure. I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it. In case you were wondering, Fraser finished the course with a personal best time.
The big dog is the Yacht Club Dance, the ”big wiggle” the “shake on the lake”. Lisa Heimbecker and a large
group of volunteers delivered a night to remember. Dinner for almost 600 people is a tall order. Dancing to Van
Morrision’s “Brown Eyed Girl” at 1:30 a.m. on a crowded dance floor is a memory that will get me through January. Bill Wallace and his band hit it out of the ball park. My night included wondering where my mother went (I
never thought to look on the dance floor) as well as wondering why the Police wanted to talk to me (boat boy
pocket dialed 911).
A nice bookend to the week was the Kenora Cup on Sunday. All of the club 420’s were on the water crewed by
kids. John and Gina Nicolls rounded Coney Island with father Rod as crew. There was a vintage lighting in the
fleet, a couple of cats (one crewed by a vintage John Hare) and many nervous scow skippers looking for additional crew as the winds picked up. Kenora bay was awash with wooden boats, power boats, Kenora Cupper’s
and LOWISA boats. Results of the race will be reported next week.
Thank you to all that attended, organized, raced, lunched, set up, cleaned up, danced and renewed lifelong
friendships at RLWYC.
Cheers
David Rattray
(With so much to say this week we have had to move the
on the last page of this newsletter!)
UPCOMING EVENTS Banner! Please look for it
SAILING
The annual race for the Kenora Cup took place Sunday morning. Sailors of
all ages raced around Coney Island in Scows, Catamarans & 420's fuelled by
strong winds on a busy lake of wooden boats & Lowisa starts. A spectaculor
sight indeed! Thank you to all Saiors who came out for the fun!
First around Coney Island was Sandy Riley and his crew in 1st Place.
2nd Place Don Konantz & Family
3rd Place Jim Richardson & Crew
4th John Hare & Crew
5th James & Mathew Tory
The official results and awards will be given out following next Sunday’s
GAGE CUP (1:00 pm start). The sailing wind up and awards ceremony will
take place immediately following the races.
Also please note this is the last week for group sailing classes this summer!
Please make sure to register online for your last chance to learn & perfect
your sailing skills in Opti AM, Opti PM, White Sail, or Race Team.
SOLD OUT!
Thank you to all members and guests who attended the annual RLWYC Dance despite the breezy conditions and cool
temperatures. Highlights of the evening included photos by
Tom Thomson, a fabulous buffet dinner, and dancing the
night away to the sounds of The Bill Wallace Band.
Many thanks to the Management and staff of the club for
their time and effort in making the dance a success.
A special THANK YOU to the team of volunteers who helped
make the evening memorable: Amy and Kate McKee, Mrs. Rattray, Ruth Alexander-Brinkman,
Heather and Victoria Stefanson, Holly Wells, Melanie Sifton, Leney Richardson, Dave Rattray, and
James Heimbecker.
Last but not least, a round of applause for Chef Dan and his team who continue to
amaze and impress us with the quality (and quantity) of meals they present year
after year.
Until the next party,
Lisa Heimbecker
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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‘Crack!’ went the starter’s pistol as 50 swimmers
got in the water on Saturday for the 24th annual
RLWYC three island swim. The 3 km open water
swim was won by Larry Kyle in 41:02 – his ninth victory. Robert Bulman was second in 50:45 and Riley
Senft rounded out the men’s podium at
50:50. Among women, the fastest was Thera Crowley at 49:57 followed by Laura Shore in her first three island
swim in 50:34. Renée Quinn was third in 51:10.
The event drew 8 relay teams and the fastest was Kayley Maksymyk, Krista Morden and Jacelyn Deonorine
(coached by Jim Morden) finishing in 54:15.
The coveted 2012 Participation Award was won by J.C. Drygasuk who at age 10 swam the entire distance in
57:10. Congratulations J.C.
It was a breezy, wavy day suitable for only the most confident at your cottage so only 4 of the swimmers actually
improved their previous best time. Samantha Leach-Walters took 20:24 off her previous best time. Wow.
With spotters, officials and spectators, this event drew 125+ people which overwhelmed Catherine Konantz’s appreciated supply of home baked cookies. Thanks to our race committee of Gord Konantz, Leslie (Konantz) Landell, Liz Turner & Nicola Tory. Thanks also to Dr. Derek Thorlakson and James Tory who oversaw the safety of
the swimmers and of course the goodwill of the Club staff who accommodated all while setting up for the dance.
Above: J.C. Drygasuk, Participation Award
Winners Larry Kyle & Thera Crowley
Left: Winning Relay Team
GOLF TOURNAMENT
RLWYC members are not just keen sailors but enthusiastic golfers too! At 7am on
July 24th, 31 men and women were at the Kenora Golf Course for the 6th Annual
RLWYC Golf Tournament. Fortified by Tim Horton's coffee and muffins, we headed
out for a glorious morning of friendly competition on the fairways. Several hours
later, we gathered at the Golf Clubhouse for refreshments and a great lunch.
The winning team consisted of Jeff Colgrave, Graeme Thomson, Roger Murray and
Larry Hursh. Runners up were Mike Riley, Jim Richardson, Bryce Douglas and Gus
Leach. Third place went to Gail Loewen, Joan Richardson, Judy Boult and Alison
Ferguson. Many individual skill prizes were also awarded for various hole competitions. The winners received RLWYC and Winnipeg Jets merchandise.
The event ended with a surprise birthday cake for a celebration of Gord Konantz' upcoming 80th birthday!
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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Kids Movie Night
Wednesday, 6:00
This Week: Lilo and Stitch
Back Deck Lunch
Service
Monday-Saturday
11:00-2:30
Royal Wear has a new stock of Burgees and Blue Ensigns!
The Burgee is the signature of every Yacht Club
around the world. Fly it from the bow, the masthead
or the starboard halyard.
The blue ensign is the hallmark of a Club with a
royal warrant. A prestigious award! Fly it proudly from
the stern of a power boat.
The Club also has a stock of suitable poles.
FINAL WEEK FOR SOCCER
Soccer winds up this week (both the academy and
drop in games).
Come out for some fun and a pot luck soccer party
on Thursday, August 9th at 6:00 following the 5-11
year old game.
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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Come tour Lake of the Woods with your 2012 Motor-vator Joe Banfield and family!
Saturday, August 11th
Departure from the RLWYC docks at 10:00 am SHARP
Return approximately 3:30 pm
Destination: Bottle Bay
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Pack a Lunch
Swimsuits (a must!)
Fill up gas tanks the night before
Bring a cooler
Bring your family with you
Thursday Dinners
Always Open To All
Call the Club to make your
reservation, 543-2184
$50 plus liquor, taxes & gratuities
Host this week: Betty Nelson
Next Week: Special Guests at
the Yacht Club on Thursday August 16th will be JOANNE & JOHN
HILL who recently sold Two Bears
Marina in Keewatin.
Please join RLWYC members and
Two Bears clients in thanking Joanne and John for close to 25
years of service to the Lake of
the Woods community. Hosts
will be be Mike & Linda Radcliffe
and Rob & Penny Richards
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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FITNESS, YOGA & PILATES SCHEDULE
Boot Camp returns this week on Tuesday
only and next week on Tuesday and Friday.
All sessions are drop-in based and cost just
$15.
Please note that due to a change of schedule the last week of Pilates has been cancelled. Come out for Pilates with Lou for
the last time this season this Thursday,
August 9th.
Yoga is on as scheduled in your calendar
including Yoga for Stiff Guys, Tuesday 4:005:00
Lake of the Woods District Hospital
Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, August 11th
RLWYC proudly hosts the annual Lake of the Woods District Hospital fundraising dinner again this year.
Just one more table and we will be a sell out! Please contact Nicki Douglas, [email protected] or
548-2004, to support the hospital and secure those last few seats TODAY!
Here is a sampling of the auction items your can look forward to at the event:

14ft Cedar strip canoe, value $4,795.00, donated by Woodlake Marine Ltd and
Johnsons Waste Management Ltd.

Original oil painting by Peter MCondille, value $4,500, Donated by Mayberry Fine Art

Original water colour paintings of Clear Lake and the Kenora Golf Course, each valued at $500,
donated by Mayberry Fine Art

Grace Anne dinner cruise, donated by Salisbury Cruises
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Painting of Crow Rock by Eva Fritsch.
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A day of fishing and shore lunch with the one and only John Monteith,
A special thanks to Steve Hrousalas of Rae and Jerry's steak house, in Winnipeg, for donating all the
meat for the Lifesavers dinner for the 3rd year in a row. Valued more than $1,500.
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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The Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
was formed 7 years ago by some forward thinking cottage
owners to meet the challenge faced by the sustainability of
water quality on Lake of the Woods.
On Saturday morning, the efforts of this group and those
that contributed to their cause were rewarded by the visit
to Kenora of the Honorable John Baird, Minister of Foreign
Affairs for the Government of Canada. In his remarks, Minister Baird announced: “when you look at water quality
issues, this is something that really matters to Canadians. Canadians see this as not just an environmental issue,
but a moral issue, we want to ensure that we leave this planet in better shape than we found it so that other generations can enjoy this Lake just as much as we have”
From the deck of the Grace Anne II, he went on to say, “we have discussed the recommendations of the International Joint Commission with the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation, the City of Kenora and representatives of the First Nations ... The Government of Canada agrees with the recommendations that the work
should begin to identify the necessary studies to address threats to water quality in the watershed such as nutrient
enrichment, harmful algae blooms and aquatic invasive species. Future initiatives should include a summit on
Lake of the Woods, and a bi-national water management plan as are proposed by the International Joint Commission. The United States agrees with this approach. We have had excellent relations with the United States and
the Obama Administration and this collaboration with the USA will complement the significant existing cooperation and the work that is already underway and will further strengthen cooperation between our two countries
and will effectively address the threat to water quality on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River.”
In his summary, Minister Baird made the following commitment: “what we’re doing here today is saying that
water quality here in this region is a tremendous priority to the Government of Canada and for the Government of the United States and we’re going to be
raising our game to do more to improve and protect
quality of the water in this important area.”
the
the
There were inspiring and cooperative comments by representatives of First Nations, by Greg Rickford, MP KenoraRainy River and by Todd Sellers, Executive Director of the
Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation.
The following RLWYC members are directors of the Lake
the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation: Tony Stephens, Joan Richardson, Don Konantz & Bruce Ormiston.
of
Sporting RWLYC ponchos and marketing our Yacht Club
brand at the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue are Kate
Riley, Jeannie Riley Senft and J Derek Riley.
GO CANADA!
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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UPCOMING EVENTS
at a glance...
All Week
Sailing/Tennis Combo Week 6
Race Team, Week 6
White Sail, Week 3
Children’s Program, 9-Noon daily
Monday, August 6 (Civic Holiday)
The Ultimate
YC Dance Cup
Holder
No Yoga or Children’s Program Today
Soccer Academy, 10-11:30 at Coney
Soccer, 12+ Years, 4:30 at Coney
Tuesday, August 7
Pilates, 9:00-10:00
Women’s Tennis, 10:00-Noon
Boot Camp, 10:15-11:15
Yoga for Stiff Guys, 4:00-5:00
Wednesday, August 8
Yoga, 9:30-10:45
Soccer Academy, 10-11:30 at Coney
Wednesday Night Races, 3:00
Kids Movie Night, 6:00
Thursday, August 9
Pilates, 9:00-10:00
Junior Tennis Ladder, 4:00
Soccer, 5-11 Years, 4:30 at Coney
Club Dinner, 6:30
Friday, August 10
Men’s Tennis, 10:00-Noon
Junior Fun Tennis, 5:00-7:00
Royal Hour, 5:00-8:00
BBQ/Buffet, 7:30
Saturday, August 11
Angie Ferguson Tennis, 9:00-Noon
Power Squadron, 10:00-4:00
Private Function, Hospital Dinner
Sunday, August 12
Members Forum, 9:15
Ladies Doubles Championship
Gage Cup 1:00
Sailing Wind Up & Awards
Monday, August 13
Painting Class, 9:30
Yoga, 9:30-10:45
Annual Member Forum
Sunday, August 12
9:15 Breakfast
Meeting to follow immediately afterwards.
We look forward to seeing everyone
HELP NEEDED!
We are looking for the individual(s) who generously donated two crank telephones to the Verandah Sale.
The phones were purchased by Hartley Klapman who has
tried everything he can think of to make them work. He
has finally admitted that he is far too young to figure out
this complicated piece of technology and is asking if the
previous owner could please give him some tips!
Please contact Hartley at [email protected] if
you can help.
WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!
The staff and volunteers at RLWYC are working diligently to plan and deliver quality programs for you
and your family. Only your feedback, ideas and constructive comments can help us learn what is
working and what is not. A short survey has been developed and we hope you will take the time to
complete it for each of the programs your family participates in. It only takes a few minutes and has
space for freeform comments.
A link to the survey is in the body of this e-mailed newsletter, or you can copy and paste the
following into your browser, http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8LFKB79.
Questions or comments about this Newsletter? Contact [email protected] or [email protected]
August 6, 2012
www.rlwyc.ca
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