Pop-Up Rally has Lake Superior rocking

The Great Lakes Cruising Club’s Lake Superior Pop-Up Rally was held Sept. 6. As the title implies, this was a quickly assembled event, to take advantage of the warm weather. The program went smoothly and was well-received. Its daytime location was the clubhouse at Port Superior Marina (S-192.5), just south of Bayfield, Wis.

The rally began with Region 10’s highly anticipated all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, which was attended by 31 GLCC members. There was then an extensive update and discussion session led by Past Commodore Niels R. Jensen and Fleet Chaplain Nelson Stone. Included was a detailed report from the 2025 Rendezvous at (NC-17) Little Current, Ont.; a reminder to all to continue to update the Club’s Harbor Reports; the latest news about the Great Lakes Foundation’s major donation to Rossport, Ont. (S-74); and the early planning needed for next year’s GLCC Rendezvous at Barkers Island Marina, (S-187) Superior-Duluth.

There were two afternoon seminars. First, Nelson Stone gave a riveting account of his extensive sailing experiences in the beautiful and historic Greek Islands. Beth Mansfield followed with an informative “Safety at Sea” presentation. Members were engaged, asking many questions during both sessions.

An ample potluck dinner followed at 1700. Barbecued chicken and Carolina ribs were catered from the marina’s popular Portside restaurant next door. The restaurant also provided a cash bar.

Throughout the meal, attendees were constantly monitoring radar apps for signs of rain.  At 1830, it finally looked like the rain was going to miss Bayfield, so members and guests reconvened to Bayfield Port Captains Paul and Paula Lundberg’s lighthouse-like house in the woods where a large bonfire had been prepared.

The bonfire was well attended. It was a chilly evening, but the Lundbergs offered blankets. Of course, the cool temperature and slight wood smoke also meant that the insects would not be a bother. The music program, which included an amusing number from the GLCC Songbook, was performed by Larry Carpenter, Director Jim Egensberger, and Dave Steffens.

The Lake Superior Pop-Up Rally was arranged by Director Jim Egensberger, Past Commodore Niels and Vicki Jensen, Port Captains Paul and Paula Lundberg, and Fleet Chaplin Nelson Stone.