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This article was orginally published on Raritan Yacht Club's web site. I race on Belle Faster on Weds nights in various positions. Mike Lusty is owner and skipper. Son, William and wife, Tei are often with us. William, also known as The Squirrel showed some real promise. ——————————————————- 11 year old helmsman dominates field in Father’s Day victory. Perth Amboy- Will Lusty took the helm of Belle Faster and under brilliant skies and 15 kts of breeze sailed the family J/30 to an impressive win over a number of top competitors. The young star and front runner for
2012 Rookie of the Year honors drove her true to her name ; she was thebelle of the ball and faster than everybody else. Proud papa Michael, sister Sophie (age 10) and Mom Teri (age withheld on request) served as crew and were instrumental in the overall effort making the victory a family affair. “That was fun!” noted young Will at the post race press conference.“ Though there had to have been some anxious moments as anonymous sources reported at one crucial juncture the young skipper was heard to bark, "Dad, take the tiller. No, wait! I need your weight on the rail". Chief Race Officer Chris Shaughnessy sent the fleet to Keyport one, taking advantage of the east breeze and sending the 6 competitors on an lively jaunt ‘round the bay. “ That was no easy task”, said Shaughnessy noting the decent breeze had built quite a chop on the 8 nm course. “We have it on good authority that young Will helmed the whole way around the course.” “I, for one am impressed”, said Steve Scanlon, RYC Race Chairman for Life, “ the kid beat some of the top competitors out there today.” Scanlon noted that RYC has a long history of family dynasties including such notable clans as Myer, Mackevich , Rebovich and Macan. Could the Lusty moniker be the next on that list?
Lusty celebration “ The kids got skills, no doubt about it. He showed us all something today.” said Jim Mackevich, future hall of famer and patriarch of his own Father’s Day dynasty. Katie Mac, the other half of the For Sail Father’s Day duo agreed. “I love it! It demonstrates that you don’t necessarily have to weigh more than 100lbs to drive in a race.”
Jeremy Macan, former child star, sailing prodigy and prodigal son of House Macan echoed Mackevich’s sentiments. “I’ve seen a lot of sailing kids come of age, but it’s been a long time since we’ve seen such a young dude emerge onto the scene so quickly.” When asked by this reporter if their success in this race might prompt a possible change in their Wednesday crew alignment, owner/father/skipper Michael would only offer, “No Comment”. |
By the way. I was misquoted. When asked if William should take the helm from now on, my reply was, “No way! So long as I do all the preparation and pay for everything, I steer the bloody thing!”