LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/995162
Summer 2018 LOCALadk Magazine 27 LOCALadk help restore the Idems. He has been a crewmember for over 40 years and has been on the winning boat 20 times. Jim said that most of the boats have been worked on three to four times through the years, which is no surprise since the boats were never built to last over 100 years. Keeping these boats in the water today is a labor of love and a demon- stration of keeping family traditions alive. Three other local boat restorers who have or are working on restoring Idems are Jim Sausville, Nick Sanagay, and Charlie Keough. Water Sprite (31) was back on the lake in 2017 after having spent a few years undergoing restoration and repair. Today she is skippered by Eric Goetzmann. Eric's father bought the boat in 1974. Eric grew up sailing and racing Water Sprite throughout the 70s. Today the next generation is helping crew the boat and David Goetzmann, Eric's nephew, told us how fortunate he feels to be racing with his uncle and learn- ing from the previous generation all he can about Idem rac- ing. "These boats and racing are so special to me, as it's one of the most historical events in the Adirondacks, and there's the rich family heritage connection. I'm looking for ward to the 2018 racing series!" Races are held three days a week for the summer and are scored on a point system by the United States Sailing Associ- ation. There is a July Cup, August Cup, and then special races including Labor Day, Handicap, and the Commodore's Cup. The course (twice around) is 3.75 nautical miles, or 4.25 stat- ute miles. If there is a good breeze the Idems can finish the two rounds in an hour and a half. There is a time limit of 45 minutes in which time the lead boat must be done with the first lap. If not, the race is held to one lap. If you are someone who likes sailing, appreciates a hard- fought race, or simply enjoys seeing living histor y in action – then find your way to the lake and respectfully watch this unique tradition take full sail. Thank you to the many people of St Regis Lake who shared their stories and educated me on the rich histor y and con- temporar y passion for sailing Idems.