Honor bestowed on local sailor
In his prime, he was one of the best sailors in an elite class of Midwestern yachtsmen. Although still active in regattas today as a septuagenarian, Bob "Boober" Schneider of Okoboji ruled the sport in the late 1960s.
As such, Schneider and fellow sailing comrade William. "Smiley" Freytag of Geneva, Wis., were inducted into the Inland Lake Yachting Association's Hall of Fame on Feb. 11 in Fontana, Wis. Schneider, a lifelong sailor who was drawn to the wind-blessed expanses of West Lake Okoboji early on and learned the sailing craft there, was humbled to receive the honor.
"We never dreamed of such recognition decades ago," Schneider said. "Sure, we were competitive, but mostly it was about the thrill of sailing, being on the water, reading the wind and having fun."
Schneider won three consecutive ILYA C-scow championships from 1967-69, a notable feat given that he won those titles against many sailors who have already earned Hail of Fame distinction. Schneider's crowns came during a time considered by many in the sport to be the Golden Age of C-scow sailing in the Inland.
Schneider forged lasting friendships in sailing circles that endure today, including one with Buddy Melges of Geneva, a sailing giant whose racing resume includes World Cup and Olympic gold medal experiences. Melges Boat Works manufactured some of the most respected sailboats in the industry, including the famous Melges C-scows,the northern white cedar planked beauties that Schneider raced and promoted in Okoboji.
TRIVIA QUESTION: What other sailor from OYC has been inducted into the ILYA Hall of Fame and what year did it occur? First correct answer emailed to JACQUE SCHWARTZ wins a SLAM tech cap to be given out summer, 2012.
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