The Layline had been the voice of the Lake Tahoe Windjammers Yacht Club for several years, chronicling the races, rescues, social gatherings, and spirited debates that make up life on one of the world’s most spectacular sailing venues. These archived issues offer a window into the club’s history — the characters who raced hard and laughed harder, the boats that won and occasionally sank, the ongoing struggle with drought and dredging, and the camaraderie that kept everyone coming back Wednesday after Wednesday. Whether you’re a longtime member reliving familiar names and races, or a newcomer curious about the club’s traditions, we hope you enjoy this look back at the Windjammers through the years.
May 2015 — Volume 42, Issue 4
Commodore Ernie Jones reports that the West Channel has finally reopened to boat traffic after a prolonged drought, and that work on decorating the new joint clubhouse with the South Lake Tahoe Yacht Club is underway. Rear Commodore Kurt Rasmussen previews the 2015 race season and shares a race report from the Express 27 Dianne’s strong finish in the Great Vallejo Race. The issue also features a thoughtful piece on sportsmanship in sailing, the full “Ten Commandments of Beercan Racing” penned by the late Rob Moore, an announcement about an upcoming Man Overboard training clinic, and details on a YRA Tide Talk event in Sausalito.
July 2014 — Volume 41, Issue 6
The big story is the dramatic sinking of the Santana 20 Meiers Run during a Wednesday night Beer Can race on June 25th — all four crew were safely rescued by fellow racers Eagle, Expressway, and Mon Amour, and the issue includes a detailed account of the incident and a “rights and wrongs” safety analysis by Vic Beelik. Commodore Ernie Jones also reports on exciting progress toward a joint clubhouse with the South Lake Tahoe Yacht Club, and calls a special membership meeting for July 22nd to vote on the arrangement. Race results from the Southern Crossing (won by Lynn Woodward in Après Ski) and Around the Pins (swept by Chaos) are also included, along with a rules feature on displaying protest flags properly.
May 2014 — Volume 41, Issue 4
Commodore Ernie Jones opens with news about low water levels in the HOA and Marina channels due to the ongoing drought, and shares highlights from the well-attended May 2nd membership meeting, which featured a talk by Joe Spooner, a grinder on the winning America’s Cup Team Oracle USA. Rear Commodore Steve Katzman offers a spirited “State of the Beer Can” column laying out how the 2014 Wednesday night races will run, complete with start signals and course descriptions. Also inside: the full 2014 race and events schedule, a rules feature on protest philosophy, a tribute to the late Hobie Alter, a high school student’s sailing senior project, and a detailed notice of race for the Southern Crossing.
August 2013 — Volume 40, Issue 7
Inside you’ll find a note from Commodore Russ Noorda celebrating a strong 2013 racing season, race results from the Double Handed Regatta and Single Handed Race (congratulations to Chaos on the win!), a recap of the Women’s Sailing Clinic, the full 2013 race schedule, and details on the upcoming Cruise to Skunk Harbor. There’s also a fun sailing rules quiz, news about watching the America’s Cup at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, and the usual classifieds and club announcements.
