President's Column by William G. Faude  From the ILCA Flashes

"Hi. I just got back from a great regatta. My team mates and I were fortunate to be able to attend the annual Spring Classic Regatta at Lake Pymatuning on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. People have been telling me this is a great event for years. We finally made it and discovered - they were right! The location is very unique - the lake's not really close to anything, but at the same time, it's not too far for people to come from a lot of places. This year, there were people there from Montreal, Vermont, New Jersey, upstate New York, Buffalo, Michigan, Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo and more. With the possible exception of the amazing Steak Dinner at the Bluenose in Nashville and the great Saturday night party every year at the Long John, I'm not sure I've ever attended a regatta dinner where more people get served better food faster. Those people really know how to run an event.

One more thing; we arrived in a driving rain storm after midnight, with the temperature barely over 40 degrees not sure where we would stay with the nearest motel more than an hour back in the direction in which we'd just come, only to find a clubhouse packed with Lightning sailors drinking free beer, getting after it, not at all inclined to go to bed. I can tell you there's nothing more welcome than having someone tell you "no worries, you can stay with us" while they're handing you your first cold one within two steps of the door. Thanks Fleet 36. I know everyone had a great time. Especially impressive was Jack Elfman who broke his mast in 4 pieces and when faced with more than a 10 hour drive home, stayed for the Saturday night party. That's the kind of spirit that makes our Class great." 

We appreciate William Faude's kind words and his permitting this "re-print" of his President's Column.