Keynote: Nothing Bad Happens on a Nice Day
Sarah Pederson & Mickey Nielson

July 19, 2020, during the annual Racine Yacht Club HOOK Race, a member of the crew of Shmokin' Joe, a J111, was swept overboard into Lake Michigan. Even though we are all well aware that something like this can happen, are we really prepared for it? "Nothing Bad Happens on a Nice Day" draws from two perspectives – that of the person in the water as well as what was happening on the boat during the early morning rescue. Sarah Pederson was swept overboard at 4:00 am and will share her in-the-water experience. Mickey Nielson, a long-time crew member, will share what it was like to implement a nighttime rescue. Included in the presentation will be the lessons they both learned about preparation and survival.

Skill level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Born into a sailing family, Sarah Pederson’s love of the sport started early. While growing up in Kenosha she learned to sail in Penguins and raced a Thistle with her family. She taught for Offshore Sailing School in Florida and Tortola, BVI.  When she returned to the Midwest, Sarah taught children and adults in Kenosha and Racine through their yacht clubs. She’s been active in all types of racing from local championships, skippering a Mirage 24, J/24 (all woman crew) and a C&C 30, as well as long distance races such as the Chicago-Mac, Port Huron-Mac and the HOOK. She is the recent recipient of the US Sailing Safety at Sea Committee: Arthur B Hanson Award (Survivor Liaison).

Mickey Nielson has raced in numerous U.S. Sailing Championships, J/24 Worlds, Melges 32 Worlds,  39 combined Chicago/Port Huron/Mac Races, Super Mac, 20 Queen’s Cups, Hook Race, six Key West Race Weeks, and various NOOD Regattas across the country. She has raced J22s, J24s; Great Lakes 36, 50, and 70s; T10, J/105s; J/109s and J111, and more.  Mickey volunteers at Nielson Sailmakers in Racine, WI. Mickey and her husband own and race an Olympic Class Star and an S2 7.9, which they sail in local, National, and World Level competition.