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<P><B><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">LUDERS REMAIN IN MAINE BURROWS</FONT></B>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Mount Desert Island's June Luders series has been pretty much a fizzle. In fact, totally a, er..washout. Doomed Weeks of rain and fog and gloom. Two Saturday races cancelled thus far with a likely repeat for tomorrow. Maine racers tend to be a hardy lot, but such prolonged dampness has thwarted boat yards and owner's painting schedules. At this writing it appears that only two boats are afloat; Tom Rolfes's PALADIN and the MDI- Community Sailing Center's loan, WEETAMOE. In all some 6 were intended to be afloat and racing by now. Winter fantasies awash.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Perhaps racers in Chicago and New Orleans will brighten our unhappy lot with bright tales of spirited spring races. How about updates here!</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Two of the Sorrento Yacht Club Luders, north on Frenchman's Bay, have been hauled out of their sheds and lie in waiting for agreeable launching weather. These are ADAGIO (photo sent last week) and BAT - both well-maintained jewels. The anticipated delivery of a Sodus, Great Lakes Luders has been delayed for want of hauler. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Eventually, the sun will appear and Maine Luders will bloom brightly.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Last week Tom and Ginny Rolfes hosted what was supposed to be a post-race pot-luck /meeting at their home, SOME VIEW. The race, of course, did not materialize for want of sailing conditions. A fine gathering, nevertheless, ensued. Under Tom's impetus (he is our fleet vice fleet captain), we will enter the annual Mount Desert Hospice Regatta this July. It will also be our regular race day which is convenient. The occasion seemed opportune to invite the new Luders racers over from Frenchman's Bay - towing being a contending obstacle. An accompanying idea popped up also. Two of the 1912 Northeast Harbor 28-foot A-class boats (of a high of 50) remain in Mount Desert waters and might be temped to race - starting just ahead or behind Luders. Two other A-boats are in Frenchman's Bay and moored near the Luders there. Perhaps, someone opined, we could arrange tows for these two and make a fleet of 4 for the event. This would add much to the scenery and excitement of the day, especially as all four A-boats are in like-new condition. </FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">The upcoming nationals in Chicago was briefly discussed. Ann Waldron, our fleet secretary, said she thought that Edward McCormick Blair, of Chicago, would be glad to have us stay at his lake side home outside of Chicago. This seemed a very generous possibity and will be pursued. Shortly, following dessert, most racers departed for a lower room (our host's house is very large) to fondle jibs. The Mount Desert Island Luders fleet uses working jibs in its regular races (regattas being excepted). Unfortunately, there seem many variations of the working jibs dimensions. Some racers have reported problems with sheeting and Tom has spearheaded an effort to bring uniformity to jibdom in this fleet. He is working closely with Will Welles, a sail maker, to resolve this matter and has commissioned a New Improved working jib which will be shared this summer.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">In all, a fine evening adding new spirit to Mount Desert Luders racers.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Perhaps, distant fleets could - similarly - send accounts of their 2005 early season races. We await!</FONT>
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