2024 Star Fleet

Races amongst the Paw Paw Lake YC star fleet began a bit later this season due to some weather-related cancellations. However, two races on June 9th with CORTES/HETH edging out over PHILLIPS/MATTHIAS and TOBIN/BLATCHFORD. The sailors demonstrated skilled sailing ability as they contended with 30 knot gusts. Three more races were held on June 15th with close racing. CORTES/HETH won two of three races, with PHILLIPS/AARON PRATT-THOMAS winning the third race by half a boat length.

Earlier in May, Nick Cortes and crew member Bill Blacketor represented the Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club at the Tulip Tune Up Regatta at Gull Lake Yacht Club. It was a great opportunity to race against some of the top star sailors in the world, including Star World Champions and former Olympic sailors. 22-star class boats participated in the Regatta representing many yacht clubs throughout the United States including Florida, Washington state, Maryland, Colorado, and the Midwest. Racing was close, with CORTES/BLACKETOR finishing at the back of the fleet in Race 1 and mid-fleet in Race 2.

Meanwhile, the finishing touches are being completed on a very special addition to the Paw Paw Lake star fleet. Club member and sailor Jim Spurr has fully restored the 1963 wooden star Mariner and will be sailing her on Paw Paw Lake! We are very happy to have such a beautiful boat racing here at our yacht club.