The Fun Weekend starts on Friday with the Lake Winnebago SuperCrossing run by Jeff Knutson from A-A. EXTERIORS.COM

Friday Morning at 11:00 sharp the crossing starts from Roosevelt County Park (Wind Power) to a destination determined that morning.  Wind direction, strength and the forecast [...]]]> Come and Join the Fun in the Sun and Play on the Water!

The Fun Weekend starts on Friday with the Lake Winnebago SuperCrossing run by Jeff Knutson from A-A. EXTERIORS.COM

Friday Morning at 11:00 sharp the crossing starts from Roosevelt County Park (Wind Power) to a destination determined that morning.  Wind direction, strength and the forecast as well as sailors input results in the course for the Crossing.

West wind is the best for a full Crossing the length of Winnebago (28 miles).  Years past we had perfect conditions and a number of us made it to High Cliff State Park.  Niles Book (The Crazy Iron man who crossed Lake Michigan solo with NO CHASE BOAT) was the only one to sail back.  I only know 2 others whom have sailed the length of the Lake and back.  Bet you can’t guess who!

Last year was again perfect conditions with the wind blowing in the 30′s and more further out on the Lake.  Everybody rigged TOO BIG and what a disappointment that not one Windsurfer made it.  I was disappointed with myself because I also under estimated the wind and after sailing a few miles of the 28 miles to High Cliff, I turned around because I knew from experience it wasn’t going to get any easier up the lake.  It would have been miles of ugly survival sailing, not fun.  5 local Kiters made the grueling journey to High Cliff.  Hopefully this year mother nature will gives another chance.

Saturday and Sunday is the 26th Annual Wind Power Championships! Mark Greinert and myself hosted our first Regatta ever, not really thinking it would still be going on almost 3 decades later.  Big Lake Winnebago and the access of Roosevelt County Park just across the street from Wind Power is an excellent venue to run BIG Regattas.  Last year 53 racers enjoyed great times on Windy Winnebago.  Everyone was sore and tired after 10 races.

This Year we are excited to add 2 more Fleets, Kona and O’Pen Bic.  For 2011 MoWind has dropped the Formula Fleet (because of lack of attendance) and added the new and growing Kona Fleet. For more information on the Kona Racing check out their web site: KonaOne.com Contact Mike Fox if you would like to charter a Kona for the weekend.  He will be bringing boards from the Minneapolis area and would appreciate a call before he leaves for Fond du Lac.  Call Mike @ 612-508-8083

The O’Pen Bic is a new Youth sailboat by Bic.   www.O’Pen Bic.com Fleets are quickly growing in the Fox Valley area and all across the country.  Wind Power has been supporting the O’Pen Bic movement and teaching many kids for 3 years. (this year over 350 kids learned how to sail with the O’Pen Bic)  With all the kids sailing and racing a new youth sailboat, that is fun to capsize and do Freestyle on (Bailing is Cancelled), Wind Power felt it was appropriate to add their Fleet to our End of the Year Regatta.  SO please welcome the kids who have learned to love our great sport of sailing.

Let’s Keep the Wind Power Championships on the MoWind Calendar! After organizing Regattas for 26 years with the help of Family and Many Friends, I have decided all I want to do is be the PRO or Principle Race Officer.  This entails getting the necessary equipment ready to run a Windsurfing race.  Working with the Race Committee setting up the Schedule, Fleets and Classes, Courses and finally the Rules for the Event.  I have all the necessary equipment to run a world class regatta but no longer have the desire to organize the whole event.  Such as Promotions, planning the dinner, writing the notice of race and press releases, getting prizes and trophies, selecting a t-shirt and design.  I have struggled through those task and many many times with the excellent help of others, But I no longer want to be the one in charge of doing them.  I am retiring from those duties after this years event.  I am hoping that a team will take over those duties and have fun doing it, so the Event will continue.  Or someone else might want to start their own new Event on this weekend.  I am sad to think this may be the end of a great Era, but I don’t have the energies needed to organize a whole event and still make it fun for me.  It’s time for new blood.

Check out the Wind Power Weather Center! If you haven’t been on the Wind Power Weather Center, it’s a must see.  Version 2.0 will be installed this week. The new version 2.0 of the weather Center tracks history better and provides more in depth Wind Sock data.  The Wind Sock rating has been tweaked to be more accurate to marginal conditions. The Wind Sock summary is awesome telling us how many days we had in a month or a year of the various wind socks.  There is much more , so go to the new Weather Center and check out the Updates & Issues.  We are constantly striving to make the weather Center more user friendly while providing the information and history everyone is looking for.  We installed a new Wind Sensor (the Pro model) and the wind data we are collecting is more accurate to the real conditions.  Use the wind history to your advantage.  After a good day sailing or kiting at one of the launches, look up the wind history for the day.  Take notes of the size sail or kite for the wind strength at the time you were out.  Use this valuable information in the future to know what size sail or kite you should ride.  The Weather Center is dedicated after Stella Blue, the  developer’s beloved yellow Lab. Stella loved the water and riding windsurf boards as much as we do.  She was an Icon on the beach.
Click here to check out the Wind Power Weather Center.

Looking forward to seeing, Sailing and just hanging out with everyone soon!

Kevin     USA 8

Click on the picture below to open the

2011 Winnebago SuperCrossing and Wind Power Championship Notice of Race (NOR)

2011 Winnebago SuperCrossing & Wind Power Championship NOR

On Monday June 20 the New Weather Center was added to the Wind Power Web site. The Site has it’s own URL at WindPowerWeather.com .  A Weather Center link is available on Wind Power home page and under Information pull-down menu.

As you can see in [...]]]> The Wind Power web site has a New Weather Center! 

On Monday June 20 the New Weather Center was added to the Wind Power Web site. The Site has it’s own URL at WindPowerWeather.com .  A Weather Center link is available on Wind Power home page and under Information pull-down menu.

As you can see in the picture above the Wind Sensor is mounted much higher than in the past.  It will give a more realistic reading in more directions due to the added height.  My brother Andy donated an A-Scow mast which we put on top of the shop.  The Wind Sensor is on top of it which should put it at 60 plus feet.  This is around the height of the neighboring trees.

But that is not all that the Weather Center is about.  It has a very detailed graphs of the wind speed with gusts,  direction and speed, temperature and wind chill.  There is also a tabular data.  Forecast are available from several popular weather links.  Water Temperature is also available.  There are graphs with a detailed history of the past weather. Personally I like to see the peak gusts.

A local advisory tells you what launches are good for the current conditions as well as the type of equipment to use.  Don’t forget to add the Wind Power Weather Gadget to your desktop.  It will keep you up-to-date with the wind conditions on Lake Winnebago’s south end. WindPowerWeather.com/gadget

The Weather Center is dedicated to Stellablue, a longtime companion of the developer of this site. Stellablue was a yellow Labrador retriever and learned to windsurf as a puppy and loved cruising on the long-board. As you can see in the photo, she was ready to go, but was not much help up-hauling the sail. The Weather Center is dedicated to her memory.

The Weather Center was many hours in development and deciphering data find what would work best for Wind Power. Some of the unique features are the recommended Launch Sites and desktop gadget (for Windows). The Weather Center not only provides weather data, but provides a lot of explanations and educational information. Check out the Information and Sensor pages for example.

We are excited to bring this new service and it’s features to you.  Feel free to blog back or contact us with any comments and suggestions.  Enjoy the weather Center and make the most of it to increase you fun in the WIND on Lake Winnebago.

Kevin   USA 8

Spring is [...]]]> Have you blown the dust off you soft water sailing equipment?  Well it’s time.  Lake Winnebago opened on April 7th, as far as we could see to the north from Wind Power .  The water temps are in the upper 50’s already.  A few more warm days and you can put the drysuits away.

Spring is a great time for those with experience to get out and enjoy some high wind action.  Be sure to check all you cold weather gear so it’s going to protect you as designed.  Don’t forget to also check over your equipment; u-joint, lines, all screws.  Breakdowns can quickly become a much bigger problem with colder water temps.

Wind Power enjoyed it’s annual spring trip to Hatteras. A great group of 14 enjoyed warm temps in the 70’s and lots of wind.  I windsurfed overpowered on my 4.2 and kited with an 8m.  Christy, Pat and Greg, new kiters, worked on getting rides on soft water and Debbie learned how to Windsurf.

Wind Power’s Online Store has been busy this spring and new items are being added daily.   Check it out at http://www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/shop/ The Mid-West largest used inventory and replacement parts will soon be showcased in the online store!   The road construction on Winnebago Drive (in front of the shop) is completed and it’s a big improvement to the area.  Come and enjoy a sail out of Roosevelt County Park.

School will be out Soon! Wind Power is currently taking registration for the Kid’s Classes on wed.  Starting Wednesday June 15th there will be a morning kids class from 10:00 to noon and an afternoon class from 1:00 to 3:00.  Last year the classes were full.  We will add a Thursday program if there is enough demand.     Call Kevin at Wind Power or see the web site for more information: http://www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/lessons/windsurf#kids

Are we having FUN yet?

Wednesday night will be the Advanced Windsurf classes.  This program covers all levels, from those who have just learned to the aspiring racer.  If you are nervous and not real comfortable out in the water, this is the class for you.  Kevin will get you relaxed and having fun while learning how to windsurf better.  Class curriculum is adjusted to the students level and the wind conditions of the day.

Beginner Windsurf Lessons are available anytime just call ahead to set a lesson time.  Wind Power prides itself on having the best lesson equipment available.  We want you learning experience to be easy , fun and fast! Roosevelt County Park has a nice shallow sandy area where the beginner lessons take place, it’s an ideal location.  See our web site for more information: http://www.windpowerwindsurfing.com/lessons

Kiting Lessons are available, Wind Power supplies the equipment if you don’t have it.  A large Pontoon boat is the launch site and a Jet-ski is the chase vehicle.  Contact Wind Power for more information and to setup a time.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Lessons and equipment are also available.  If the wind dies stop over to the shop and pick up a paddle.  Paddling along the shore checking out the houses is interesting, you can paddle back in the channel behind Wind Power or cruise up to the Light House and even go in Supply’s marsh.

Jay and Dr. D

Increase your Summer Fun with Wind Power!

No.1 It’s a party! A get-together with friends that enjoy the same sports you do. Everyone likes to have others around them to kite, windsurf or sail with when they are enjoying their sport. You have to admit [...]]]> I can think of many reasons to attend a Regatta,  a Windsurfing, Kiting, or sailing event.

No.1 It’s a party! A get-together with friends that enjoy the same sports you do. Everyone likes to have others around them to kite, windsurf or sail with when they are enjoying their sport. You have to admit it’s more fun when there are others to watch and hoot, holler and encourage when doing your sport. Most people find the  social aspect of the sport a big part of the sport and a boost to the fun factor. You meet new friends that enjoy the same thrills you do.  At work your fellow workers are probably sick of listening to you babble about how much fun you had in the wind. Why, they hate the wind, for it makes their sports harder or impossible. They don’t understand your psych, nor do they want to. When you get to the beach it’s a whole different story. Everyone wants to hear you story and share theirs.  So go and party with those who enjoy those who enjoy your sport.

No. 2 It’s a great way to learn and improve! For those new to the sport, they can hang with those experienced and learn from them. Most of the those I have meet are more than willing to share and HELP those who are learning. Remember all of us were Beginners at one time and we don’t forget those days. We want to help beginners get through the tough times as fast as possible and enjoy the sport at a higher level.  I have personally watch  and experienced everyone who competes improve a much greater rate than those who fine every excuse to not compete.  How many have said they are not competitive but when you see them on the water they are trying to out do others.  Jumping higher, going faster, or doing harder or more tricks.  Those sailors should be honest to themselves and join the FUN.

No.3 It’s Fun Competition! It’s fun to compare yourself to others.  Getting the jitters on the starting line is exciting.  Where else do you get a rush like that?  It’s great fun to be next to your friends pushing eachother to do your best.  You will find you push yourself harder than when you are alone.  I enjoy cheering others on and hooting it up.  It will promote you to pay more attention to techniques, equipment setup and tuning, tactics and weather.

No.4 Help Promote your great sport! Having a Competition bring a bigger group than normal and showcases our sport. It entices and creates interest in those who watch to join the fun.  How can one not help wanting to participate in a sport where everyone is having so much fun.We all want to share our enjoyment of our great sport and help it grow.  So we have more friends to Party with!

No.5 Don’t be a Party Pooper! If you enjoy Competitions and would like to see more of them as well as see the existing ones grow to higher levels, you must attend.  Not attending an event because of lack of wind is the most common excuse.  Forecast are often wrong, weather always changes.  Wind can come out of no-where.

That mentality is the quickest and sure way to kill a Competition or Event.  Think of the big picture of the makings of an Event.  You must have a race organizer, support personnel and sponsorship of some kind.  A lot of behind the scene work goes on.  Not attending because the forecast does not look good puts all their work in vain.  The sponsors do not see a return for their investment, therefore they pull out.  Soon the event is history.

So remember instead of  contacting your friends and telling them you are not going to make the Event because of  a poor forecast.  Contact all you’re friends and tell them to come and join you at the Party!

Race results:  un-Regatta (.pdf)

photos by Wind Power

                The 24th annual event went off with great weather but could have used more wind.  There was enough wind to hold 5 races a day for a total of 10.  Attendance was good with 40 racers from 4 mid-west states and Andy and Devon Anderson [...]]]>  

Download A-Fleet Race Results (.pdf) 
Download Sport & Workshop Fleets Results (.pdf)

                The 24^th annual event went off with great weather but could have used more wind.  There was enough wind to hold 5 races a day for a total of 10.  Attendance was good with 40 racers from 4 mid-west states and Andy and Devon Anderson coming all the way from San Francisco. The light wind in the forecast deterred some from traveling to the event, sad to say.  Regattas are a lifestyle where windsurfers get together with family and friends and have a great time wind or no wind.  They also make the most use of the wind they have.  We were happy we didn’t have to resort to Stand-up Paddle Boarding, a board toss, volley ball and more beer drinking to appease the sailors in No Wind conditions.

                Sat. morning started with registration and then a skippers meeting for all fleets.  The Workshop Fleet (beginner racers) had a special skippers meeting to meet the rest of their Fleet, study the race course, learn about the start sequence and answer all their questions.  A gate course was chosen for the day with the A-Fleet doing 2 laps, the Sport Fleet (who started with the A-Fleet) did 1 lap and the Workshop Fleet starting second with 1 lap and the downwind leg shorter than the other Fleets.  3 races were held before a lunch break where the racers could treat themselves to the WAK (Winnebago Association of KiteBoarding, www.wakkiteboarding.com ) brat and hamburger fry.  The winds were light to very light with 90 degree wind shifts so setting a square course to the wind was very difficult.  A few races the wind shifted and the start was a reach with the course almost being a slalom race. 2 more races were held after lunch in a pretty steady SE breeze.  The three Anderson brothers (Andy, Arden & Adam) were dominating the A-fleet, Adam (1^st overall) worst finish was a 5^th.  Andy & Blaise Gratton, Tim Cleary, Don Altmeyer, Alex Monroe and Peter Hartwich all had top 5 finishes at some point.  Gary Lovrine, Steve Willits, Kelly Johnson, Larry Reed & Dan Thornton were taking the top 5 finishes in the Sport Fleet.  In the Workshop Fleet Neils Zaunmueller and Kylan Johnson were dominating on windsurfers but Austin Hamburger on an Open Bic was right in there with them. Mary Duester, Peggy Wing and Jennifer Wettstein from the Wind Power Academy Ladies night were also on the race course trying to beat the junior boys.

                In the evening the racers along with friends and family were served a great meal at the Sunset Supper Club, next door to the event site.  The 2009 MoWind year end awards were held there after supper.  See the MoWind web site for the results, www.mowind.org/wp .  After the awards the group crossed the street and headed to Wind Power’s back yard to participate in the annual Bonfire.  As usual a boat was sacrificed with much celebration.  It didn’t take long after that for someone to start the Bite the Bag game.

Kathy Leifer and Rodney Scholz were the finalist with many others including Leah Altmeyer showing impressive stretching skills.  Does alcohol improve your stretch?  At midnight the group sang Happy Birthday to me.

                Sunday morning saw everybody getting their equipment set for the new day with the sun and warm wind.  A short Skippers Meeting was held and then Ann Gratton presented the quilt she made to Mike Reed for his beautiful 15 year old daughter Elyse, who is undergoing Chemotherapy.  Ann collected cloth squares that she handed out at earlier regattas, where the racers could write comments and sign them for Elyse.  The quilt was beautiful with the center being purple, Elyse’s favorite color. It’s very impressive to see what a great family the members of MoWind are, supporting their fellow racers in tough times.

The wind was light with the race committee setting the gate course due to conditions.  But they really wanted to challenge the racers with the famed M Course that has 5 jibes.  As the late morning and early afternoon wore on the wind became stronger and more consistent from the SE.  Sometimes they could even plane going down wind.  5 consecutive races were completed, with the final race starting at 2 pm. 

In the A-Fleet again the Anderson brothers dominated with Andy Gratton (Oshkosh) and Tim Cleary (Pewaukee) right in the mix with them.  In 5 races there were 4 different winners!  In the Sport Fleet Gary Lovrine turned on the heat, winning 3 of the 5 races.  Steve Willits (Barrington, IL.) was right on his tail with Mark Schmitz (Fond du Lac), Jim Magnuson (Beaver Dam) and Jack Sullivan (Mequon) following.  Neils Zaunmueller (Beaver Dam) won 4 of the 5 races with Austin Hamburger (Brownsville) and Kylan Johnson (St. Paul, Mn) following closely.  See Wind Power’s web site for the final race results and MORE!    www.windpowerwindsurfing.com

After the final race, the racers all came to shore tired and hungry and were treated with foot long sub sandwiches.  Final scores were tabulated followed by awards.  Trophies were a plaque with a group picture and a picture of the award winner sailing.  The MoWind raffle was then held with Larry Reed from Iowa the finalist for the Wind Power Champs.  His name was added with the finalist from the other 2009 MoWind Regattas and the winners were drawn for the KA sail (Del Carpenter, Cedar Falls Iowa), GPS (Brad Woodworth, Dryden Canada) and Windmeter (Chris Barry, Toledo Ohio).  Door prizes were drawn by all and everyone left with a smile on their face, a winner.  Mike, Lois and Elyse Reed (Cary, Il.) would like to thank all those who have shown their support in the quit and participating in Elyse’s care pages web site. www.carepages.com/carepages/Elyse15/updates/2348917?client_code=default&ipc=mur

Last but not least I would like to thank all those who made this great event possible.  My mother Joan, brothers David and Andrew, nephew Blaise, Jennifer my girl friend, Mary Davies who runs the shop, Greg Leifer, Holly Hamburger and Leah Altmeyer who helped have fun on the committee boat.  I also want to thank all of you who participated and those who supported the event in any way plus the family, friends and others who sat on the beach or sailed and watched the races.

Updated 10-8-2009, Kevin added the ‘Winners Movie Montage’!
Enjoy the 5 Video compilations put together by Wind Power of the Event —  Cheers,  Kevin Gratton

This is the 24th Anniversary of this fall windsurfing event.  It is on the US Windsurfing National Race Tour and a MoWind (Mid-West Organizers of Windsurfing) Event.

Don’t let all the hype fool you though, it’s a great event for all.  Even First Time Racers!  Wind Power caters to the [...]]]> Wind Power Championships 2009 Notice of Race!

This is the 24^th Anniversary of this fall windsurfing event.  It is on the US Windsurfing National Race Tour and a MoWind (Mid-West Organizers of Windsurfing) Event.

Don’t let all the hype fool you though, it’s a great event for all.  Even First Time Racers!  Wind Power caters to the beginner and novice racer.  We try our best to make them comfortable, educate them and make them feel part of the Windsurfing Racing Family.  Course and Slalom and Long Distance Racing will be offered, wind permitting.

New this year is the addition of the O’Pen Bic Kid’s Sailboat Class.  Click on the blue link and see a detailed description of the boat and it’s uses and the 1st Annaul Event.  Wind Power held the 1st annual O’pen Bic un-Regatta Aug 22nd.  With 22 racers it was a great success even though it was chilly and very windy in the morning.  By noon the sun was out and the wind subsided some to offer perfect conditions for all the kids.  The kids and parents unamiosly voted to make next years a 2 day event.  Wind Power will have boats available for kids to race in the Championships.

Saturday afternoon the Winnebago Association of Kiters  (WAK) will host a brat & hamburger sale.  Saturday night a meal and drink are provided at the Sunset Supper Club located next to the race site.  At the meal the 2009 year end MoWind Awards will be presented.  A bonfire at Wind Power will follow.  Don’t forget to bring your Tent!  Free camping in Wind Power’s backyard.

Sunday starts with a 9:30 skippers meeting followed with racing.  Sunday afternoon will be awards, prizes and sub sandwiches.  Bring your friends and family and watch or be a part of the 2009 Wind Power Championships.

On Saturday, August 22nd, the First Annual Lake Winnebago O’Pen Bic Un-Regatta was held at Wind Power Windsurfing Center in Fond du Lac, WI. The O’pen Bic is a fast and fun new sailboat designed for kids that is very easy to learn and progress on. [...]]]>

from the Official Press Release (.pdf)
or visit article at sail-world.com

On Saturday, August 22nd, the First Annual Lake Winnebago O’Pen Bic Un-Regatta was held at Wind Power Windsurfing Center in Fond du Lac, WI. The O’pen Bic is a fast and fun new sailboat designed for kids that is very easy to learn and progress on. If and when it is tipped over it can be righted easily and immediately drains the water from the boat because of the open transom so No Bailing is required. Steve and Sara Eliasen along with Kevin Gratton from Wind Power have been promoting this new boat around Wisconsin this summer, ending with the Un-Regatta. An un-regatta is a sailboat competition, but instead of being scored on how fast they sailed, the kids were scored on their attitude, their promotion of sportsmanship, and how much fun they had. Unlike an orthodox sailing regatta, an un-regatta has other obstacles to do besides racing through a course, such as standing up for a race, tipping the boat over and back up, or doing freestyle tricks on the boat like making it do a wheelie or standing on the front. Slalom racing is also part of the format.

A total of 20 youth sailors participated in this event, coming from Fond du Lac, Madison, Oshkosh, Winneconne, Sturgeon Bay, Sheboygan, and even Illinois. Participants got a full day of sailing in, with lots of wind and waves in the early afternoon making it fun, challenging and interesting. There were many capsizes with one kid saying he capsized 26 times. After a lunch break the kids went out and did down-wind slalom racing. Competition was close. One of the slalom races the kids were required to stand-up and sail. For some it was new and challenging but they all had fun and were better sailors by the end of the un-regatta.

All racers received a North Sails gear bag with some goodies. The winners in the 12 and older class were: 3rd Cameron Keaton 14 from Sheboygan, 2nd Austin Hamburgur 12 from Brownsville, 1st Sheridan Hearn 15 from Madison. The Winners in the under 12 class were: 3rd Taylor Burnsvold 10 from Sturgeon Bay, 2nd Dakota Snow 11 Oshkosh, and 1st Owen Eliasen 10 from Oshkosh. Owen was also the 1st Annual Lake Winnebago O’Pen Bic un-Regatta Grand Champion. He sailed most of the regatta with a friend Dana and placed very well. Due to popular demand Wind Power will host a two day Lake Winnebago un-Regatta next year at the same time.

The O’Pen Bics are now on sale through Kevin Gratton and Steve Eliasen.
For more details go to WindPowerWindsurfing.com or call 920-251-1002.