The Speed Sailing Season is off to a great start. We have had many new and returning Sailors in 2007.

Richard White is the current overall leader. On June 7th, he set a new Average Speed of 31.94 knots. This is the highest speed ever recorded on Lake Okabena. Congratulations to Richard, who traveled with his dog Murphy from Portland Oregon to participate. Richard also won a Dakine XT Seat Harness in a random drawing courtesy Dakine, of Hood River Oregon.

Adam Anderson of Eagen Minnesota is in second place at 29.58 knots set on May 5th. He was sailing on the Starboard iSonic 105 board provided courtesy Starboard International and Trident Sports. Adam also won a Dakine XT Seat Harness June 9th and a Windsurfing Magazine T Shirt for setting the highest average speed during the Worthington Windsurfing Regatta.

Third Place is held by David Cleveland of Howard Lake, Minnesota with 29.35 knots.

Jeff Adamski of Oswego, Minnesota holds Fourth Place at 28.98 knots.

Jason Swanson of Worthington, Minnesota is the new Fifth Place Holder at 27.25 knots. This new personal record was recorded on May 15th. Jason also set a new Max GPS Speed of 28.00 knots on June 10th. This new top speed was set using a KA Koyote 5.9 Sail. Congratulations Jason! Jason won set of Dakine Harness Lines and a Windsurfing Magazine T Shirt in a random drawing.

The new LOCOSYS GT-11 GPS units have been proven to be durable and the most precise portable GPS available for Speed Sailing. These units accurately record to the nearest 0.01 knot. .Stay tuned as we hold drawings for several GT-11 GPS units to be given away yet this year by random drawing.

The Aquapac Pro Sports Case is a item of choice for protecting you GPS or cell phone while windsurfing. We will give a number of Aquapac Waterproof cases away in 2007.

Todd Spence of Coon Rapids, Minnesota has won a Aquapac Pro Sports Case and a set of Dakine Harness Lines in a random drawing. Todd has set a new personal best average speed this year. Todd has also been taking great photos for the Midwest Speed Quest both in 2006 and 2007. Take a look at his fine photo galleries. Thanks a lot Todd!!!

I also wanted to thank Jeff Hegwer and Jason Swanson for their assistance and support in 2007. There is a lot of planning and preparation for an event like the MSQ. Thank you Jeff and Jason!!!

Several GT-11 GPS units and Aquapac Pro Sports Cases were provided to Windsurfing Magazine courtesy LOCOSYS Technology and Aquapac International. Watch for a test report on these new products in future issues of Windsurfing Magazine.

A LOCOSYS GT-11 GPS and an Aquapac Pro Sports Case was donated to Denise Parris of Merritt Island Florida to assist in her preparation for the 2007 Olympic Trials on October. We wish the very best to all the Olympic Competitors.

We have great demo gear available from such companies as KA Sails Australia, Windsurf Deal, California, Starboard International, LOCOSYS Technology, Aquapac International, Murray Wind and Sport, California, and Gath Sports, Margaret River Australia,

It is important to recognize the many First Time Windsurfers who have entered a speed sailing session in 2007. We must encourage new people to try the sport of Windsurfing. The youngest competitor this year is Clair Ludes, age 5. Many of these First Time Sailors have logged speeds of 3 or 4 knots, and could not be more proud of their accomplishment.

There is a great speed sailing season ahead of us. The high winds will soon be returning to Lake Okabena this fall. Watch the Weather Forecast Page for accurate hour by hour wind forecasts up to 5 days in advance.There is no way to predict who will take home the Prize Money on October 15th. We have had inquiries from potential competitors located in such places as California, North Carolina, Georgia, Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nebraska.

We are awaiting the return of some of the Top Sailors from 2006. This includes Chris Lock of Plainview, Minneosta, Jay Corbettt of Richfield, Minnesota, Andew Anderson of Oakland, California, Kevin Gratton of Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, and Ed Melechson of Omaha, Nebraska.

We are also looking forward to our first entry from a Sailboat. We have had inquiries from a number of single hill and multi hull owners. We welcome these competitors, and will offer at least $250 Prize Money to the Sailboat Categories. The Sailboat Competitors are also eligible for the $1000 First Prize.

This event is about participation. We invite beginning to expert Windsurfers and Sailboaters to compete. .

See you on Lake Okabena!!!