Glen Lake hosts the Butterfly Nationals

By H. Michael Buhler
Sun Yachting Editor

As nearly 50 sailboats competed in a National race last week, spectators and participants enjoyed the beautiful sights and fast pace of races in the center of Glen Lake. The Butterfly Nationals were hosted by the Glen Lake Yacht Club, and featured the Butterfly, a 12-foot, two-crew, one-design scow that many Great Lakes sailors first skipper as they learn the skills of sailing. Held annually, this is the third time that the GLYC has hosted the event.

Fair skies and tricky breezes made for exciting competition, as 115 sailors from eight states (even California was represented) competed for trophies and bragging rights. Almost half of those sailors were from the GLYC, and they performed well. In the Open Division, skippers Jackson Hamilton placed 3rd, with Brett Howe in 7th and Evan Fink (Alex Daniel, crew) in 9th. Greg Halik finished 3rd in the Masters Division, having only sailed the Butterfly a week earlier. In the competitive Junior Division, skippers Cathy Daniel (Barrett Krueger, crew) took 8th place, and Fielding Schaefer (Tommy Reay, crew) snagged 10th place. Dylan Cundiff volunteered to crew for a boat from Torch Lake, and they placed 3rd.

Co-Chair Dianne Hamilton noted that over 500 meals were served, and 50 boats stored along the lake. “It takes a lot of people to make this happen, and we had over 50 GLYC volunteers who stepped in and really made this event a success.” Adds Co-Chair Annabel Moore, “It is so wonderful to host these great kids and their parents, and for all of our children to experience such a wonderful tradition as sailing on a Michigan lake. This is truly a family event.”

The Glen Lake Yacht Club, through it’s non-profit foundation, offers free sailing lessons to the public on Fridays during the summer. Call 334-4013 to learn more