Lake Superior Rally Update
The Lake Superior 21st Anniversary Rally was held Friday, August 15, through Sunday, August 17, at Silver Bay Marina, Minnesota. It marked a return of the event to this popular venue, which also was the site of the 2004 Rally.
Rear Commodore Duane Flynn organized the event.
A total of 12 boats and four cars came to the rally, with most arriving by mid-afternoon on Friday. The weather was warm and sunny. There were calm conditions on the lake, which made it necessary for all boats to use engine power to reach their destinations.
In the evening, 32 people attended the optional Pre-Rally Dinner, which was once more held at the Northern Lights Roadhouse. The restaurant is regarded by many GLCC members as one of the best along Minnesota’s rocky North Shore.
Saturday’s program began with an ample pancake breakfast. It was a new addition to the rally’s usual program schedule, and proved to be a huge success. “It now has become a tradition,” said Port Captain (Duluth) Ken Van Dyke. “I don’t think we could get away without doing it again.”
The Port Captains Meeting was held at 1400. Their discussion included how to best update the reports on the new GLCC Web site, the need for joint membership, and the 2009 Rendezvous location. Port Captain (Silver Bay) Renny Lovold suggested that an additional Lake Superior get-together should be organized at a Canadian wilderness location in 2009.
The General Meeting followed on the marina building’s deck at 1500. Flynn introduced Cheryl Erickson, Harbors Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, who gave an extensive update on the current status of the Minnesota Safe Harbors Program. Throughout her presentation, she demonstrated understanding and support for the boating public, and carefully noted our members' concerns. There were many comments about the need for transient accommodations and emergency haul-out facilities.
Rear Commodore Monnie Goldfine pressed Erickson about who our club needs to work with to improve the inadequate harbor facilities at Grand Marais, MN. The development of a safe harbor at this location is not moving forward at this time. Much discussion about this particular harbor followed, most of which related to boating safety and economic benefits.
Director Niels Jensen and Flynn then gave an overview of the new GLCC Web site. Its progress from its inception at the 2007 Rendezvous at Duluth-Superior has been both rapid and successful. The intention is to add full ecommerce features this fall.
A lively social hour followed at 1700, which gave our members a much needed opportunity to rehydrate after the day’s high temperature of 94°F. The Traditional Saturday Potluck Supper began as scheduled at 1800, and was as abundant as ever. No one went away hungry.
GLCC Fleet Surgeon Gail Bowditch on Shanti received the trophy for the furthest distance traveled by boat to attend the 2008 Lake Superior Rally. There was also a drawing for prizes.
On Sunday morning, coffee and oversized rolls were served on the marina’s deck, before the attendees departed for their homeports. The winds came up from the southwest, gusting to 25 knots under clear skies. The GLCC sailboats that were returning to the Apostle Islands made a fast passage in the beam seas.
