First of Series of Annual inter-Lake Yacht Races.
Maxinkuckee honor was upheld in the victory of Elbert Shirks White Lady over
the Louise from Bass lake in two races that were sailed last Friday and Saturday.
They were the first
of a series of annual Indiana inter-lake races and the local boat was easily
the winner,
crossing the finish linevten minutes ahead in each race.
For several years, there has been an effort to start the inter-lake sport and much of the
credit for making the actual beginning belongs to P. J. Lavery, of Whiting, Ind., who
brought his boat over from Bass lake for the match. Both boats were built in Wisconsin and
they had northern inter-lake records before coming to Indiana. They sail under class A
regulations and carry 300 square feet. of' sail. Large spinnakers are used in addition to the
usual equipment for racing.
A light wind was blowing in the first race on Friday afternoon. A triangular
course had been laid out which was sailed around twice. The Maxinkuckee boat
led easily on the first trip
around. But she was overtaken by the visitor who turned the first buoy on the
second round half a minute ahead. It was the prettiest brush of tho whole series
and the only time that
the Bass lake boat appeared to be a dangerous competitor at all. But she held
the lead for only a short time, as a number of mishaps overtook Capt. Lavery
thereafter during which the
White Lady gained a lead which could not be overcome wind from the south. A
steady blowing during the second race on Saturday morning, giving better opportunities
to display the
sailing qualifications of the two boats. Captain Lavery got a bad start because
in the jockeying at the first buoy he was forced to foul it and had to go around
a second time. This enabled the
White Lady to get a good lead which she steadily increased. Her sailing time
for the second race was vsixty-five minutes as against two hours and twenty-three
minutes in the first, race.
Captain Lavery had several disadvantages to contend with. As was his first experience on Lake
Maxinkuckee he was unfamiliar with its peculiarities, vwhich are quite different from those of Hass
Lake. His crew failed to arrive for the races and lie had to rely on his wife and little son for assistance in
sailing the boat. Both proved themselves worthy seamen. Though somewhat disappointed that his
boat did not make a better showing, Lavery took his defeat in a sportsmanlike spirit. The White Lady
proved abundantly that she is an exceptionally good boat. She was well sailed by Capt. Shirk and his
efficient crew of sailors. This boat is a new type for Maxinkuckee. The double center board and double
rudder equipment give the boat marked advantages not enjoyed by Bass Lake yachts. Both are racing
machines of the latest model, built solely with the view to obtaining a maximum speed.
Although it was not necessary to sail a third race to decide the contest, the White Lady having won
the first and second, it was started Saturday afternoon for the sport of it. On Recount of a storm that
came up after the first round had been made, it was necessary to abandon the race. It promised to be
the best contest of the series, as both boats kept close together.
An Indiana Inter-lake Yacht Racing Association has been organized as a result of last, week's contests and
the 1906 races will be sailed on Lake Maxinkuckee the first week in August. Officers elected are Elbert
Shirk, of Peru, president; P J. Lavery, of Whiting, first vice president; J. K. Lilly, of Indianapolis, second
vice president; Tom Wilson, of Logansport, secretary; Booth Speed, of Crawfordsville, treasurer. These
officers represent the Yacht Clubs of Wawasee. Bass lake and Maxinknekee. Invitations will also be
extended to the sailors of Cedar lake, Pine lake, Winona and other Indiana waters to bring their boats to
Maxinkuckee next year to sail for the trophy that will be offered. Owing to the increasing interest, in
Indiana lakes, this project is looked upon as a happy one - Sep 21- 1905