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Howard Prairie braces for five days of sailboat racing By RANDY HAMMERICKSEN More than 60 sailboats are expected to compete in the annual Howard Prairie Regatta today and Sunday at Howard Prairie Lake. The first race is at noon today. A second race is expected to begin at 3 p.m., and the third race will start at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday's action will feature races starting at 10 a.m. and approximately noon. All races in the event will range from one to nine miles in length. Recognized as one of the best lakes in the Northwest for regatta racing, says local sailor Eric Martin, Howard Prairie will also host the Lido North American Championships Monday through Wednesday. Howard Prairie Lake is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Ashland off Dead Indian Memorial Road. The regatta is sponsored by the Rogue Yacht Club. "It's one of the best regattas on the West Coast," says Martin, who will enter a boat in the competition. "People enter this from all over the Northwest because the lake is great, the wind is usually real good, the views are incredible and the conditions are ideal. "It's a thrill to be out there racing when the wind is up, the sun is shining and the weather is warm. Most people camp or stay in motor homes, and it's a great weekend for sailors and their families," he says. There will be racing in six categories, based on size and makeup of the boats. The classes are Performance Handicap Racing Fleet, Lido 14, Geary 18, San Juan 21, Lasers and Vipers. "They will start some of the categories together in the same races," says Martin. "Others will go solely in their own divisions, depending on the number of boats." Winning boats will be determined based on results of five races, Martin says. "More than anything, this is a hobby for the sailors," says Martin. "It's a way to get away and have fun. "There's nothing like sailing in competition. We also cruise in our boat a lot, but racing is the most stimulating and fun part for me." To get to Howard Prairie Lake, take the second Ashland exit off Interstate 5 and follow the signs east to mountain lakes. About 15 miles ahead, the Howard Prairie Lake exit is prominently marked off Dead Indian Memorial Road. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.