RS21 North American Championships

July 30th, 2020

Photo by Sari Asahi

By John Barnett

Photo by Sari Asahi

Lakewood Yacht Club hosted the first RS21 North American Championship with their new RS21 club sailboats! These boats proved to be fast, fun to sail and every racer was able to rotate their boat every few races. This regatta became a race of sailing skill and not how a team could best modify a boat for racing.

The event had a competitive fleet of 17 teams consisting of Olympic and National Champion sailors sailing 24 races in 3 days. Due to the boat rotation, these races where short and plentiful each day sailing the race course at the east end of Clearlake where there are a lot of wind shifts. However, it didn’t prove to be an advantage to the local sailors because the Lucky Dog Racing Team from New Jersey, skippered by Travis Weisleder with his crew Marcus Eagan, Chandler Self and John Bowden, dominated the event and won 11 of 15 races sailed in these very shifty and puffy conditions.

On the final day, the fleet was separated into the Gold and Silver Fleet, with each fleet sailing three races each. In the Gold Fleet, Second Place was hotly contested by John Lovell of New Orleans and Glenn Darden from Fort Worth Texas who both tied for second place before the very last mark when Lovell had to make a penalty turn issued by one of the “on the water umpires”, allowing Darden to comfortably finish in Second Place. The local club sailors were well represented by Danny Plestch in 4th who won a tiebreaker over Casey Lambert who finished 5th.

This new format for a Championship Regatta provided a very fast pace exhilarating Regatta! The race course was kept short enough to keep the championship exciting for the spectator instead of watching a typical sailing event that is similar to “watching grass grow” while the boats sail over the horizon. The new race format allowed for a big fleet of spectators to watch this exciting fast-moving championship. 

On the water, the event was run by Ed Furry with Sail22.com with the help of the Lakewood Yacht Club race committee. New revolutionary GPS Harken Mark Bots were used for the first time in an sailing event that enabled the race committee to move all the marks by computer from the Race Committee boat which allowed quicker changes to be made to the race course. These GPS based marks could be moved as fast as the last boat rounding them because they didn’t require the addition of an anchor or a team to pull them up and relocate them to the next mark rounding. The marks just moved themselves to the new location sent by the race committee!

Photo by Sari Asahi

Although the post-race gathering was limited by social distancing, as required by the CDC, the Yacht Club staff still managed to make social distancing fun thanks to all the Sponsors:  RS Sailing, Sail22, Harken, Regatta Premium Craft Mixers, Severance Insurance Agency, KO Sailing, Blackburn Marine, Sea Lake Yachts, and Pelican Insurance Agency. At the outside awards presentation, all the competitors praised Lakewood Yacht Club & Chairperson Marie Wise for providing a fast pace competitive sailing event on their new RS21 sailboats and hosting this event during these difficult times. All the Racers are looking forward to another exciting Regatta!

Currently, Lakewood Yacht Club is planning to host many more events like this one using their new fleet of fun and exciting sailboats.  For information on these future events, look up lakewoodyachtclub.com/sailing events on the web.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments

A Yachtsman and Gentleman: Ken Horne

May 5th, 2020

Yachtsman of the Year Ken Horne, center, received congratulations during the 2020 Lakewood Yacht Club Commodore’s Ball from Dwight Bengtson and Rita Matthews.

By Rick Clapp

Ken Horne is a yachtsman, a gentleman and also the president of Pelican Insurance. Pelican Insurance is an independent agency that offers a large variety of insurances. They also specialize in marine insurance packages for yachts, boats and sailors alike.

Horne’s sailing curiosity began at an early age of only 7 years old. His grandparents were members of the esteemed Lakewood Yacht Club. His beloved grandfather Gerry Pope shared the love, passion, and mystique of sailing. Like his grandfather, young Horne had an affinity, a passion, and talent for sailing. He successfully combined all these attributes with his desire to compete. He won many races and regattas at an early age. Sailing has taken him all over the U.S. and around the world, from Key West to far away places such as Melbourne, Australia.

Horne first started out with the Youth Seahorse Camp. He soon mastered his sailing knowledge, technique and experience in Sunfish and Lasers. Next, he graduated to larger competitive sailboats.

Then as life goes, his desire for sailing took a hiatus for 10 years. Consequently he worked and got married to his lovely wife Bevin and raised two wonderful children, Sarah and Caroline.

Ken Horne and crew

As an insurance adjuster, he worked long arduous hours and traveled. As a result, not much time was spent with his young family. He then accepted a position as an expert witness while working for a law firm. His wife Bevin realized how hard he was working and not taking time for himself, and suggested a hobby. Horne agreed and got back into boating and purchased a trawler. That did not go over well with his wife and kids, so consequently he got back into his first passion “sailing.” Shortly after purchasing a very sleek, J 105 his competitive spirit and winning passion kicked in.

Having not sailed in 10 years, Horne’s love and talent for racing was apparent and well within his blood! He began to race locally at LYC.  He won the Coveted Shoe Race,  finishing second in the 2019 J/105 North Americans in Marblehead, MA, and then won the highly competitive J Fest at LYC.

Horne established himself as a winner in the sailing community, as well as an astute and successful businessman. The combination earned him the honor of Yachtsman’s Of The Year Award. He attributes his success in sailing and business to his wife and family as well as the hard work, commitment, discipline and the desire to win for his team.

“I enjoy sailing and my business. I simply love working with people, both my team of associates and our clients. I combine what I’ve learned in sailing and in business to make it all work,” Horne said.

Co-worker Eric Engelhardt stated “he creates such a great wonderful work environment for us to excel in. Jason Field concurs, “ He provides us all with an opportunity to grow in a positive environment.”

Bay Area Houston Magazine congratulates Mr. Ken Horne as this year’s Yachtsman of the Year and a true gentleman.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

Keels & Wheels Calls for Entries

February 1st, 2020

The 25th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance is now accepting classic car, boat and vintage motorcycle entries for the event slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3, 2020.
Entry forms are available online at keels-wheels.com/registration and must be submitted no later than March 6. Only 200 automobiles, 100 boats and 20 motorcycles will be selected, so it is important for submissions to be made as early as possible.

Potential exhibitors are asked to submit photos of the entry, along with year, make, model, owner information, and a brief history of the entry. Keels & Wheels does not typically consider any automobiles newer than 1972 for entry in the event.

The weekend-long, nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show takes place each spring at the Lakewood Yacht Club in beautiful Seabrook, a bayside suburb of Houston, attracts more than 10,000 attendees. The car, boat and motorcycle exhibitors come from every part of the United States, contributing to the more than $1.8 million that the Concours has raised to date for local charities.

For more information about submitting your classic automobile or antique boat, please visit www.keels-wheels.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

TO BECOME A SPONSOR OF KEELS & WHEELS CALL BAY GROUP MEDIA AT 281-474-5875.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, Events, News | No Comments

Lakewood releases results of ’19 Harvest Moon Regatta

November 1st, 2019

Photo: Kelly Groce

Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook has released the big winner in the 2019 Harvest Moon Regatta it hosted Oct. 10-13.

A total of 119 sailboats crossed the starting line in Galveston to begin the 33rd Annual Harvest Moon Regatta. Hundreds of sailors, from novice to expert, look forward to this event each October.

HMR is a fun offshore race that ends with a fabulous party in the Port Aransas Pavillion, including an excellent BBQ dinner and live entertainment. And, Founding Sponsor Bacardi Rum supplied plenty of rum for all racers, volunteers, and party guests at the Welcome Sailor Rum Party.

Some of this year’s big winners are:

  • Bacardi Cup / Bear / Forbes Durdin
  • Cameron Cannon / Song of the South / Michael Glass
  • John Broderick Memorial / La Isla / Kevin Somers
  • Founders’ Award / Try Me / Greg Way
  • Bill Hall Memorial Trophy /Bear / Forbes Durdin
  • Luna Trophy / Astarte / Cheryl Morvillo

    A complete list of race results can be found at harvestmoonregatta.com.

This annual race is organized by Bay Access, a charitable organization supporting amateur racing, and hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club.

Aside from title sponsor, Bacardi Rum, other major sponsors include City of Seabrook, Bay Area Houston Magazine, Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine, Insurance Navigators, Davis Marine Electronics, Upstream Brokers, Texas Coast Yachts, Faron Daigle Realtor, Little Yacht Sales, Pelican Insurance Agency, Y.E.S., True North Marine, Sea Lake Yachts, Thomas Bates Accessories, Hayes Rigging, Coast Guard Foundation, Marine Max, TMCA, Boatpix.com, Mantus Anchors, Optima Marine, Ocean Navigator, Pleasure Pier, Boaters’ Retail Shop of Texas, Life is Good Magazine, and West Marine.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

24th Annual Keels & Wheels chalks up another big success

June 1st, 2019

Seabrook Mayor Pro-tem Natalie Picha, from left, Mayor Thom Kolupski and City Manager Gayle Cook, along with Economic Development Corp. President Paul Dunphey, can hardly contain their happiness as the rainstorm moves on and the sun comes out just in time for their Keels & Wheels kickoff party on the elegant yacht Liberty Belle at Lakewood Yacht Club.

By Mary Alys Cherry

The 24th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’Elegance, the weekend-long, nationally acclaimed classic car and vintage wooden boat show that takes place each spring at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, was another rousing success – even managing to dodge a damaging rainstorm that swept through the area.

This year’s proceeds will benefit Today’s Harbor for Children, which opens its door to abandoned and abused children.

It was an especially happy event for two Texans who held the winning raffle tickets for a new car and a new boat, donated by The Jon and Jacqueline Hodges Charitable Organization and Texas Coast Yachts – Jason Tieman of League City and Lori Hunt of Dallas.

As the Friday afternoon rainstorm that threatened the popular event headed north, leaving all the dashing Keels & Wheels automobiles snug as a bug in the rug under their protective covers until the event opened Saturday, Seabrook Mayor Thom Kolupski, Economic Development Director Paul Chavez and the EDC Board headed by EDC President Paul Dunphey got the party started on the Dunpheys 67-foot yacht, Liberty Belle, in Lakewood’s inner harbor just as the sun peaked through the clouds.

Among the dozens of guests at the kickoff party, you might have spotted Seabrook City Manager Gayle Cook, with her husband, Kevin; Mayor Jon Keeney of nearby Taylor Lake Village, Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther and his wife, Fabiana; Economic Alliance President and CEO Chad Burke with his wife, Shannon; Seabrook Mayor Pro-team Natalie Picha and husband, Darrell; and City Councilmen Jeff Larson and Ed Klein and his wife, Adel, along with hostess Amy Dunphey, to name a few of those munching on hors d’oeuvres and enjoying the cool bay breezes.

It was not until Saturday that Jason Tieman of League City learned he had won the 2019 Lincoln MKC SUV from BayWay Lincoln as this year’s official raffle vehicle, valued at more than $39,000. Dark Knight Motor Group provided a Cermamic Coating Package, valued at close to $5,000 for the Lincoln MKC, which includes Feynlab Self Heal Plus. Dark Knight Motor Group specializes in the aesthetic rejuvenation and protection of automotive and marine vehicles and is based in Kemah. Lori Hunt of Dallas won the 2019 NC 795 Jeanneau Power Boat, 24’4” with Yamaha 200 engine and air-conditioned cabin, valued at more than $100,000. Dark Knight Motor Group also provided a Ceramic Coating Package valued at close to $6,400 for the power boat which includes Feynlab Hydro Marine Ceramic Coating and the installation of Glassparency Hydrophobic Coating.

Another highlight of the event was the $100,000 dollar painting on display of “The Bugati in the Lake” provided by Gremillion Gallery and sponsored by Bay Area Houston and Gulf Coast Mariner Magazines.

Keels & Wheels, chaired by Bob Fuller, welcomes approximately 200 cars and 100 boats each spring, and has raised more than $1.8 million for local charities, while drawing thousands of participants and spectators from all over the U.S. and Europe.

Proceeds from the 2019 event will again benefit Today’s Harbor for Children, who mission is to provide a home and safe environment for abandoned and abused children and healthy, comprehensive care for children and families in crisis.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

Oceanus Hosted Greek Ambassador Visit to Bay Area Houston

May 2nd, 2019

Pictured from left, Tony and Emily Panagiotareas, Ambassador Haris Lalacos, Sumer Loggins, Anna Michalopoulou and Rick Clapp.

The Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Harris Lalacos, made his first official visit to Houston. Bay Group Media CEO Rick Clapp and I graciously accepted the invitation to attend the honorary celebration. The commemorative dinner reception on March 24 at Lakewood Yacht Club included distinguished guests Rear Adm. Paul Thomas commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, Houston mayoral candidate Bill King, Col. Michael Fossum former American astronaut and COO of Texas A&M University at Galveston, League City Mayor Pat Hallisey, R.W. Bray Southeast Texas Deputy Regional Director for Sen. Ted Cruz, the Consul of Greece Ioannis Stamatekos, the Hellenic Attaché for Maritime Affairs Koutsodontis Nikolaos, Admiral Mike Rodriguez, superintendent of the Texas Maritime Academy, and Port of Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther and Senior Director Charlie Jenkins. Ambassador Lalacos succinctly presented the importance of Greek-American relationships which focuses on energy, maritime shipping, and tourism. Greeks are leading pioneers of the sea for the last 3,500 years with the largest merchant marine fleets in the world, comprising 20% of all merchant vessels. Ambassador Lalacos said, “I’m glad I represent a country which is recognized as a stability provider in our region, as a reliable ally in NATO, a friend of the United States, and a country which has never had a conflict with the United States ever since our respective independence.”

International trade is dependent on Greek-owned ships which provides security, research, and resources that connect people around the world. “Greece is the champion of energy diversification in our part of the world,” says Lalacos. Greece has one of the largest terminals for LNG and plans to build a second terminal in Northern Greece. LNG is cleaner, safer, and takes up about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in the gaseous state. Liquified natural gas is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and more efficient to transport. Greece has managed to secure a major pipeline that brings Azari natural gas from the Caspian sea, passing through land bordering Turkey and transported to Northern Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, to Southern Italy and on to Europe. “We have very solid plans and strong American support to enrich amounts of this pipeline and to build vertical interconnectors going from Greece Northbound. This will revolutionize gas flows in our part of the world.” asserts Lalacos. Their newest project, the Eastern Mediterranean Pipeline, with help from the United States and European Union, will bring through Italy a deepwater pipeline with natural gas from Israel, Cyprus, Egypt, and Greece. Israel has already found natural gas reserves but they need more pipelines to distribute it to the world market. Recently ExxonMobil had positive results with exploratory drilling offshore South of Cyprus, and Egypt discovered natural gas in the Mediterranean. Next, ExxonMobil will be drilling South of Crete while multinational companies drill on and offshore in the Western Part of Greece. “We are hopeful to diversify energy flow and production in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. This may take place in the next decade.” says Lalacos.

Texas is the largest natural gas producer globally and a world leader in the chemical and petrochemical industry. Houston is an international hub for shipping and energy, which are two areas of primary importance to Greece. We are one of eight cities in the United States with a Greek Consulate, and one of two with a Coast Guard Consulate. Private-owned companies with sustainable solutions take the lead in global partnerships to expand energy sources. Oceanus Maritime Services LLC is a Greek-owned company with headquarters in League City. Oceanus started as an idea between business partners Tony Panagiotareas and Kent Dangtran, and now represents a fleet of 500 vessels belonging to 40 shipping companies. They are one of few companies in Texas to hold an International Ship Management Certificate to operate commercial vessels. Oceanus Maritime leads efforts to assist Greece in developing their energy reserves. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) addresses the human health and environmental impact of the oil and gas industry. In 2020 new regulations will implement that all ships must reduce sulphur fuel content to 0.5% 200 nautical miles from the shoreline. This demonstrates a clear commitment by IMO to ensure shipping meets environmental obligations.

Greece celebrated Greek Embassy’s Official Independence Day at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston for the first time in history. On March 25 1821, Greek revolutionaries fought for their freedom and victoriously won against the Ottoman Empire. They established hard-earned independence in 1830. The festivities were hosted by the Consul of Greece Ioannis Stamatekos and over 200 Houstonians. The Pappas family graciously donated beautiful selections of wines and Nikos Nikos provided an elegant dinner. It was quite a traditional Greek experience. Besides the exciting opportunities for energy development, Ambassador Lalacos says, “The help that we need is not grants, it’s investment; mutually advantageous, profitable investment. When it comes to investment, the greatest asset [of Greece] is its well-educated workforce.”

This three day weekend of Greek hospitality and festivities elucidates the importance of working together. We have common goals of peace, prosperity, and positive international relationships. We all want independence, security, and a safe, diverse supply of energy. Greece and America are always friends, always allies. Investing in each other is paramount to success and building long lasting friendships. We can work together to overcome challenges as well as preserve liberty, freedom, and sovereignty. It was a symbolic moment to visit with Ambassador Lalacos and maritime officials. We encourage more Greek-owned businesses to come to the Houston Bay Area. We’d like to see more Greek-American collaboration to establish energy independence and a robust economy in both countries.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business, News | 1 Comment

BAHEP gets 2019 economic overview

May 1st, 2019

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Bob Mitchell, from left, shares a light moment with Galveston County Commissioner Ken Clark, CLC Properties CEO John Wilkins, and Houston City Councilman Dave Martin.

By Kathryn Paradis

The outlook for the Texas economy in 2019 is good, but not so much for the global economy, according to research economist Harold Hunt, Ph.D., with Texas A&M University in Waco.

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership invited him to speak at its annual State of the Economy luncheon, held March 28 at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook. Hunt opened his presentation by cautioning, “It’s going to start off pretty grim. I need you to hang with me, because it’s going to get better at the end.”

He reported that the global economic growth is slowing, vulnerable, and unsynchronized. German industrial production is falling. Brexit is a confusing mess, which increases uncertainty in the European Union. Japanese growth remains weak while Chinese economic growth is also decelerating. Hunt said that the slowing of Chinese GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth is very much on the radar and is “really a big deal.” Hunt explained, “The fear is obviously that if China goes down, then the EU goes down. If the EU goes down, then we go down. There is a domino effect, and that is why we are seeing so much in the press.”

POSITIVE SIGNALS 
He then turned to the positive aspects of the U.S. economy. U.S. consumer confidence is stronger than it was 12-15 years ago, according to Hunt. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that inflation expectations over the next five years are still quite low at an average of 2 percent.

Is it possible to have a recession this year? Hunt explained that it isn’t impossible. He said that real GDP would have to fall a lot. “To get a recession this year, with GDP at 2.9 percent last year, the GDP would have to drop like a rock. Based on the hard data I’ve just showed you, I just don’t see that happening,” he said.

TEXAS OUTLOOK?
Overall, Hunt stated that the 2019 economy should be slower than 2018, but 2019 will still be a good year for Texas. Houston will see $2.5 billion more in construction contracts versus last year. As with Texas overall, an oil price in the mid-$50 to $60 range per barrel will keep the Houston economy stable, according to Hunt.

(Editor’s note: Dr. Hunt’s entire slide presentation with many, many more details can be viewed as a pdf on BAHEP’s website at https://www.bayareahouston.com/content/News_Events_and_Reports/reports.)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business, News | No Comments

Clear Lake Chatter: Go Red for Women Luncheon raises $225,000

April 1st, 2019

These ladies make a pretty picture as they enjoy the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Luncheon at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City. They are, from left, standing, Becky Reitz, Jill Reason, Anita Fogtman; seated, Marcy Fryday, Marsha Taylor, Julie Osburn, Mary Ellen Arledge, Sandra Sellers and Shelley Rogers Scoggin.

IT TOOK A LOT of people forming a sea of red, but the American Heart Association coffers are bulging with some $225,000 raised at the 2019 Go Red for Women Luncheon.
And, what fun it was seeing all the fancy dresses the ladies arrived in and bright red ties the guys wore.

Co-Chairmen Jim and Jane Sweeney couldn’t stop smiling as they mingled with the arriving crowd, as did members of their Leadership team – Tama Brantley McEwen, Sarah Ferguson, Gloria Greene, Santiago Mendoza Jr., Theressa Riggs and Darcy Whatley.All could hardly wait to see the fruits of their work over the previous months.

Likewise for the Event Committee Chairmen Stephanie Rice, Sandy Adams and Laurie Dahse and their volunteers – James Blasczyk, Abbie Contreras, Brandy Gates, Hilary Hart, Kim Keen, Donna Orozco, Mandy Pistone, Teresa Provis, Kelli Reddinger, Elizabeth Quigley, Darcy Santala and Meloney Bean, who also spoke to the audience about surviving heart problems after the luncheon emcee, KPRC Ch. 2’s Jonathan Martinez, welcomed everyone.

Five victims of heart disease, Victoria De La Garza, Kelli Reddinger, Aubrey Allensworth, Carol Firmin and Sarah Weinman, shared their stories of survival for those attending. Sarah, for example, explained how she had won the battle with ovarian cancer only to find that the aggressive chemotherapy regimen had resulted in congestive heart failure. After a 10-year fight, she finally received a heart transplant in April 2018 and is doing well today and looking forward to the future.

Much to the delight of the donors known as Circle of Red members — Audra Bentley, Melaney Bean, Sherri Beisley, Tama Brandley McEwen, Kristie Brown, Laurie Dahse, Emmeline Dodd, Brandy Gates, Karen Keesler, Jane McFaddin, Darcy Santala, Dr. Amber Shamburger, Marilyn Sims, Jill Williams and Darcy Whatley and the Men Go Red members – Earl Armstrong, Brent Cockerham, Lance Dahse, Brad Gerke, Stephen K. Jones Jr., Dr. Monte Orahood, David Smith and Jim Sweeney.

State Sen. Larry Taylor was named the 2019 Iconic Heart Ambassador, winning over Dr. Bill Fisher, CPA Tom Richards and Dr. Selvin Sudhakar.

But the most memorable moment came when Jim and Jane Sweeney took the audience on a ride with them around town via video, singing, making up poems and in general just having a great time as the crowd cheered them on.

Just ask Jill Reason, Marcy Fryday, Becky Reitz, Marsha Taylor, Anita Fogtman, Julie Osburn, Sandra Sellers, Mary Ellen Arledge and Shelley Rogers Scoggin, Dawn Jackson, Jennifer Meekins, Robyn Weigelt, Sumer Dene, Rick Clapp, Amber Sample, Matthew and Angie Weinman or Congressman Randy Weber and his wife, Brenda.

Most can hardly wait until next year.

Astronaut addresses Museum Guild crowd
ASTRONAUT Jeffrey Williams was the speaker for the Bay Area Museum Guild’s monthly meeting at the museum, which was filled with members and their friends who wanted to hear about his space travels.

Colonel Williams, a retired Army officer, is a veteran of four space missions, and for some time held the American record for the most time spent in space, which was surpassed by his fellow astronaut, Peggy Whitson, in 2017.

Guild President Ava Galt, who came with her husband, Taylor Lake Village City Councilman Tony Galt, joined Vice Presidents Louise Russell and Gail Devensin welcoming Colonel Williams and his wife, Ann Marie, and showing them around the museum.

He also got to share his book, The Work of His Hands, A View of God’s Creation from Space, with the crowd, which included Mary and Dr. Terry Williams, Gib and Jan Larson, Sandi Allbritton, the vice presidents’ husbands, John Russell and Don Devens, Dave Kuenneke and son David Jr., Recording Secretary Lois Costinand her husband, Neldon, and Mary Ann Shallberg.

Looking around, you also might have spotted Taylor Lake Village Mayor Pro-tem Einar Goerland and his wife, Linda; Leo and Rose Marie Symmank, Julie Hayes, Cindy Pinson, David and Kandy Johnson, Judith and Michelle Scheuring, Lorie Duval, Roberta Liston, Barry and Betsy Poor, Jackie Myers, Marie Sumner, Ron Lohec, Ric Taylor, Kathy Herman, Gayle Nelson, Cathy Lee and Judy Staliwe.

The night would not be complete without a photo of Rosebud Caradec and CPA Tom Richards, dressed up as a leprechaun for the St. Patrick’s Day Party at Lakewood Yacht Club.

A St. Patty’s Day we’ll remember
ONE OF THE Bay Area’s liveliest St. Patrick’s Day parties no doubt was the one at Lakewood Yacht Club in Seabrook, where most everyone was Irish – at least for the night.
There was Irish music and Irish tap dancers to go with a variety of good Irish meals such as corned beef and cabbage –  all of which added up to quite a lively evening.

Popular CPA Tom Richards came dressed as a leprechaun, and everyone wanted a selfie with him – so many in fact, one would have thought he was George Clooney.

Among those who were successful were Lou and Alice Marinos and Jim and Ann O’Malley,who earlier had joined Earl and Barbara Phillips, Barbara’s mother and Mary Alys Cherry for dinner; Jim and Jane Sweeney and Rosebud Caradec.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

Many Lakewood sailors among top Bay Cup 1 Regatta finishers

April 1st, 2019

Photo of 2019 Bay Cup I on-the-water action by LYC member Elizabeth Morrell.

Lakewood Yacht Club, in cooperation with Bay Access, hosted this year’s Annual Bay Cup I Regatta March 2 with 34 boats racing under foggy and problematic wind conditions. Lakewood members held their own, however, and finished among the top in each class.

The top three finishers in each group are as follows:

PHRF Spin (Non-Sprit)
1st-Place – Leading Edge – Tom Sutton – LYC
2nd-Place – Hamburg II – Al Goethe -LYC
3rd Place – Sodalis III- Jim Demarest – LYC

PHRF (Sprit)
1st-Place – Second Star – J.D. Hill – LYC
2nd-Place – Second Wind – Chris Waters – GBCA
3rd Place – Pesto – John Barnett – LYC

PHRF Non-Spin
1st-Place – Sweet Peril – Thomas Reiser – LYC
2nd-Place – Good News – Ash Walker – LYC
3rd Place – Big D – Jim Foster – GBCA

Cruising Non-Spin Classic Canvas
1st-Place – Bad Girl – Nicole Laster – GBCA
2nd-Place – Hobgoblin – Marty Pedowicz – LYC
3rd Place – Seahorse – Michael Clark

Full racing results can be found under Racing & Regattas on the LYC website at www.lakewoodyachtclub.com

Skippers, crew, guests and numerous volunteers enjoyed the traditional post-race party at the club, which included a celebratory dinner camaraderie over drinks and an awards ceremony followed by live music by The Rustics.

Interested racers should begin preparing for Bay Cup II, the second of this two-race series. Overall trophies will be presented after that regatta Aug. 3.

“Many thanks to the racers who continue to compete in this series each year, the land volunteers, on-the-water volunteers, scorers, protest committee and Lakewood staff for the work, planning and executing all of the activities for the Bay Cup I Regatta,” said Bay Cup I Race Chairman David Comeaux.

The LYC Race Committee said it would also like to acknowledge the generous sponsors that helped make this a great sailing event including the City of Seabrook, Faron Daigle, Realtor, Little Yacht Sales, Texas Coast Yachts, Davis Marine Electronics, Sea Lake Yacht Sales, Pelican Insurance, Kevin Severance Insurance, True North Marine, Blackburn Marine, Upstream Brokers, Southwest Distilleries, Bay Area Houston Magazine and KO Sailing.

Regatta proceeds benefit the Bay Access Foundation, a not for profit charitable organization fostering amateur racing and sailing on Galveston Bay.

Contact Bay Cup I Regatta Chairman David Comeaux at [email protected] or 832-993-5933 for more information.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in News | No Comments

Tom Frankum honored as new LYC commodore

March 4th, 2019

Lakewood 2019 Flag Officers get together for a photo as they arrive at the yacht club Jan. 26 for the Commodore’s Ball. They are, from left, Commodore Tom Frankum and wife, Bonnie; Fleet Capt. Mike Romer and his wife, Sherri; Rear Commodore Mike Downs and wife, Jane; and Vice Commodore Rex Bettis and his wife, Kimberly.

By Mary Alys Cherry

LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB’S Commodore’s Ball is always a grand night for celebrating, and this year was no exception as the crowd honored 2019 Commodore Tom Frankum and First Lady Bonnie, along with 2018 Commodore Ash Walker and First Lady Stephanie.

Other flag officers stepping into the spotlight with their wives included Vice Commodore Rex Bettis and his wife, Kimberly; Rear Commodore Mike Downs and wife, Jane; and Fleet Capt. Mike Romer and his wife, Sherri.

It was also a night to honor retiring General Manager Terry Chapman for his 43 years of service to Lakewood. And, here’s the good news for those who didn’t know: he’s not really leaving but staying on as general manager emeritus or assistant general manager to new General Manager Kelly Hoist.

Former commodores and their wives in the crowd included Bob and Judy Fuller, Jack and Alice Thomas, Drew and Sandy Lewis, A.J. and Gayle Ross, Joyce Maxwell, Don and Jill Rauscher, Thomas and Marsha Taylor, Gary and Viki Anderson, Glenn and Martha Robinson, Carl Drechsel, Jim and Cynthia Winton, Don and Marilyn Mitchell and Tom and Sue Collier.

Some of the others spotted in the crowd that filled up Lakewood’s ballroom included Randy Allen and Sue Broughton, Rita Matthews, Joy and James Edwards, George and Patt Pappas, Amy and Paul Dunphey, Jack and Marcy Fryday, Marion and Michael DeHart, Carol and Bob Robinson, Jay and Rosemary Bettis and Robert and Sue Warters.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Community, News | No Comments

« Next
Bay Area Houston Magazine