Tuesday, March 30, 2010

ASI Seminar for new and returning Level 1 Instructors - -  JoAnne McClure

Think you've got 'the right stuff'? If so, your skills are needed!

 

ASI is looking for a few new instructors, anticipating that our spring classes are going to be filled up. Instructor training is free to all ASI Sail Pass holders who volunteer as Level 1 Instructors.

 

New and experienced instructors are encouraged to attend in order to keep their instruction in line with the curriculum. Prerequisite: Level 1 rating for one year.

 

Questions about being an instructor should be directed to JoAnne McClure,  

248-345-2403 or 248-348-3603.

 

 -Shore School @ Oakland Center * On Water Class @ Kent Lake

-Wed. 04/21/10 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Sat. 05/15/10 9 am – noon
-Wed. 04/28/10 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm or as arranged at shore class.


*room number will be posted at the door.

ASI to offer two North Channel Cruising Workshops in 2010

What's a cruising workshop?

A week of cruising Lake Huron's North Channel in one of ASI's 30 foot keelboats, Manitou or Voyager III.

 

Who can sign up as crew? 

 Almost any adult member of ASI. No, it's not necessary to be 'rated', even for level 1.

 

What will I be expected to do as one of the crew? 

 As much - or as little - as you wish. The cruising workshops offer an opportunity to members to inexpensively experience the North Channel. You'll get a taste of what it's like to live aboard a cruising sailboat, and to learn some of the skills necessary for sailing and 'gunkholing' there. You'll have a chance to help out navigating and trimming the sails. Yes, you'll be on the helm, too.   

 

Who's in charge?

 One of ASI's Level 4 sailors will skipper the boat, with another keelboat sailor as first mate.

 

Where will the workshop start and end?

 Your crew will drive from here to Little Current (on Manitoulin Island). There you will board the boat, and live aboard for a week. Then you and your crew will return to Little Current and drive home. 

 

What are the dates?

two one-week workshops are scheduled, starting July 17 and August 21

 

What is included in the workshop cost?  

 The workshop cost is your share of the cost of chartering for one week. The crew generally shares all other costs; transportation to and from Little Current, provisions, dockage, fuel, pumpouts, etc. 

 

What's the North Channel like?

Because it is very remote, it is relatively uncrowded. The water is clear and you'll be able to swim (but it is chilly!). Hundreds of small islands provide numerous quiet, secluded anchorages. Once you've been to the North Channel, you'll want to come back!

 

If you are interested in participating in a North Channel workshop please email or call the ASI Sail Secretary. 

 

To participate you must have a current ASI membership.  The cost for the workshop is $300 per person, and a crew of 3 workshop participants is expected.  Traditionally the Captain of the workshop will review the list to select a crew.  Space is limited so participation is not a sure thing.

Only a month to boat put-in! Think spring! 

..and only a few days to the first day of Interlake prep at Crawford Farm! Be sure to put this Saturday, April 3 on your calendar. Weather permitting, we'll start removing the shrink-wrap from the Interlakes at 9 am. 

 

Prepping will continue on Saturday April 17 and Saturday April 24 at Crawford Farm, with launch scheduled for Saturday May 1. Note, there is NO prep work scheduled for April 10.  

 

Directions to Crawford Farm, from westbound I-96:

  • Take exit 155-B, then Milford Rd. north about two miles to Buno Rd. (gravel)
  • Turn right on Buno, then left on South Hill (both gravel)
  • Farm is 300 yards north, turn into drive, and follow signs for parking.

It's also time to start getting ready for some big spring sailing classes! You can help by printing out some of the flyers, schedules and pamphlets now available on the ASI website, www.sailasi.org, like the ones shown here.


Thanks, Heidi Dzendzel (for the designs} and Craig Smith for posting on the website.    

the Second Reef – News and Information for and about ASI’s Level 2 Sailors - - Jack Townsend

Stick out your tongue and say ahhhhhhh”You ever wonder why doctors say that, and does it help them see something better or do they just like to hear people say it so it sounds like they’re doing a good job? Ahhhhhh, your doing a really good job doc. What are they looking for? I have had my throat for close to 60 years and I still don’t know what’s down there, I know there is that little appendage thing that hangs down but most of that knowledge comes watching cartoon characters screamEvery time I get sick Marilyn always asks, did you look down your throat, did you see any little white spots or were they reddish. Isn’t she supposed to do that for me? I’m the sick one after all. How am I suppose to tilt my head back, open wide, hold my tongue out, stick a flashlight in there, try to adjust my glasses so the bifocals are out of the way, and then look for spots, red or whiteSeriously, have you ever tried to wear your glasses upside down so the bifocals are out of the way, its almost impossible unless you use duct tape, and that looks nerdyMy thinking is, I should lay in bed and then when she is within ear shot I moan, :I don’t feel so good, which brings the required response of, putting her hand on my forehead and the much waited for question, can I get you anything? Well of course you can get me something, why do think I was moaning. “I would like something to drink, and maybe a sandwich, and can you turn the TV on for me? Feed a cold right? Now that’s good doctoring.

 

Speaking of good doctoring, it's time for those spring check-ups and the good doctors of ASI have been down checking over Overture and Interlude. Busy poking flashlights here and there, calling out for more fluids, oil or transmission? The occasional, “we have a code blue over here”, and the ever-favorite, “we need more coffee and donuts, stat”. All of this checking shows that the prognosis is good; the boats are in good shape and all they need is just a little work over the next few weekends to get them out of their winter beds and back into their summer slips – for some sailing time! It’s been a while since you’ve pulled on a halyard or trimmed a sheet hasn’t it? Don’t you miss leaning back on the cockpit coaming and saying, “hey, is there anything to drink, are there any sandwiches? I feel great today”. See, sailing is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Our boat captains and assistants have been busy checking the boats and working on their “to do” lists and now that the weather is turning they will need your help in getting Overture and Interlude sail-ready. There is rubbing out, waxing, bottom painting and host of other items on their lists, so expect to hear from them soon. This year the Level 2 Managers will help facilitate the work flow, so it does not all fall on the shoulders of the “already busy” boat captains. This is a really good thing, because wherever Marilyn and Jessica go they bring donuts, evidently that is their way of enticing work out of us – it works for me - and as history tells us, nothing floats a boat better than donuts.

 

For the 2010 sailing season here are your Level 2 Managers and Boat Captains.

  • Marilyn Leece, Level 2 co-Manager
  • Jessica Hogg, Level 2 co-Manager
  • David Barbour, Overture  Boat co-Captain
  • Chris Gearhart, Overture  Boat co-Captain
  • Chris Juillet, Interlude Boat Captain
  • Joe Jaeger, Interlude Assistant Boat Captain
  • Claire Zepeda, Interlude Assistant Boat Captain

* Chris Lamb, who is currently the Assistant Boat Captain on Voyager is expecting to fill the same position on Overture once Voyager goes north. If Chris L. can not do that then David and Chris G. will be looking for someone to fill her spot, let them know if you are interested. They can give you the details about what the assistant position entails.

Interlake Racing - - Michael Golden

NEWLY RATED L1 grads get into the racing program at no charge for 2010.

 

the RACING PROGRAM is open to all rated members. 

 

The season opens with a workshop on right-of-way rules, safety, and go-fast techniques. Guided practice on the water with drills and exercises gives you a chance to brush up and learn new boat handling techniques.


We rotate crews with an experienced person on board to assist you. The Saturday or Sunday races are scheduled in the morning or late afternoon. Each crewmember gets to skipper when they are ready. You may learn how to rig and put up the chute at a dockside spinnaker workshop. You will have the opportunity to join a team and sail with the same crew sometimes.  

 

We gather at the dock or a cafe after on the water events to exchange ideas & make excuses! 

Fees: The racing program is open to returning rated sailors at a fee of $25 for the season + two additional volunteer hours on Interlake maintenance. 


-No charge to new L1 rated 2009 graduates for their first year in racing.
-First time racers, previously rated, are $15 for the first year.
-Sign up on the sail pass form and come to the Thursday, April 22 seminar.                                     

 

BASIC RACING SEMINAR is for all new racers and sailors thinking about improving on their skills. The meeting is Thursday, April 22, 2010, 7pm, upstairs at Busch’s Market, 37083 Six Mile Road, (East of Newburgh Road), Livonia, 48152. Learn how boats go faster and safer in balance. New novice racers are required to attend that April seminar.           

 

ON THE WATER EVENTS: Check the web site or the Burgee for the race schedule soon. 


The Racing Program     Stephen Poulos      Joe Jaeger 

Keelboat maintenance captains are looking for volunteers - - Craig Smith

Voyager  III, Manitou, Interlude, and Overture need your attention. We are looking to have two members assigned to each of our keelboats to assist the maintenance captains in task scheduling.  That means 8 members total needed.

 

The job would entail seeing that maintenance tasks get assigned to members to perform the work.  They would keep tabs on the progress of the assignments and report to the captain.  

 

This is a good way to get to know your keelboats and your club members – and get your work hours.  Please respond soon, as the maintenance is already underway and launch time April 20th is approaching fast – Thanks.


Contact: Craig Smith or phone 248-767-8871 (cell).

Hank Karzun writes

Hank Karzun was one of the key people responsible for forming ASI almost twenty years ago. He has been out of touch for many years, and has just written to the Burgee:  

 

Hello to my good friends at ASI, 

 

It has been over 15 years since Faila, my wife, and I settled permanently in the Hampton Roads Area of Virginia. After spending twenty eight years in Michigan, I accepted a two year assignment as a resident engineer at the Ford Plant in Norfolk. Prior to that, we spent 6 months in the area as part of the Launch Team of the F150 Truck. My wife and I liked the weather, the people, the abundance of water, and sand. Six months before my assignment came to an end I was eligible for an early retirement in 1997, so we opted to stay in the area. 

 

We had bought a 16’ day sailor from ASI and we planned to sail it on the large fresh- water lake where we built our home. However, sailing was not allowed on the lake due to archaic city ordinance. We launched the boat from the naval base where I worked as a part time sailing instructor to the “sailors”. Yes, I finally got paid for teaching sailing. The Chesapeake Bay is a huge body of water with heavy traffic of large ships and pleasure boats. We bought a 29’ Columbia sail boat and renamed it Serenity. Faila and I used her for overnight trips and weekend visits to many coves and anchorages in the area. It cost $200/month to dock Serenity. We yearned for the privileges of ASI. 

 

I worked on and off from 1997 until 2007 as a company rep and as a consultant. Faila got tired of sailing, so we sold Serenity to a NATO employee who is stationed at the Norfolk Naval Station, which is NATO’s naval headquarters. 

 

I continue to sail with a friend on “Laughing Place”, a 26’ sloop docked next to our “Serenity”. In the future, I will share with you few anecdotes on sailing next to aircraft carriers, submarines, and huge cargo ships. 

 

Faila and I like Virginia but we miss all our good friends in Michigan. 

Hank Karzun

Interlakes for adoption - - Marilyn Leece

Do you have a favorite Interlake? Looking for a way to get your work hrs. in at your convenience? Would you like to learn more about boat maintenance & make new sailing friends in the process? Please consider "Adopting" one of our Interlakes!  


The boats need TLC throughout the season, and this is an excellent way to help maintain the fleet, and have fun in the process! There are currently 9 Interlakes available for "Adoption" at Kent Lake. Jessica Hogg will manage the program and help to mentor the "Adoptive Skippers".


Please contact Jessica to sign up for your favorite boat!   

Canadian chart updates - - Tom Sand

Canadian nautical chart updates can be found at: Canadian Hydrographic Service  

 

Then click on:  Nautical Charts and Services. Once there UPDATES will be an option listed in a column on the right side.


Wanted: Station leaders for Interlake launch - - Marilyn Leece

Also,, members for trailering (with a 1 7/8" & 2" ball) 

 

-WHO?       YOU!
-WHERE?   CRAWFORD FARM
-WHEN :     SAT. MAY 1ST. 2010 (station leaders to arrive @ 08:30)

*We will be conducting a Station Leader's Meeting before Launch Day*

Please contact: Marilyn Leece @ Sailrmare@scglobal.net  OR:   Jessica Hogg @ swtpeablue@aol.com

Anatomy of a North Channel Cruise - Part 5 - -  Don Caley

PART 5 - THE FIVE BEST ANCHORAGES EAST OF LITTLE CURRENT

 

When starting a week of cruising out of Little Current, the first decision to be made is, which direction, east or west? There are a couple of reasons; a good anchorage is at least two hours away, either direction, and the 'flavor' of cruising is a little different, east or west. 

 

Most of our charters start out mid-day on a Saturday, so we can maximize our cruising by deciding to head either east or west of Little Current for the week's sailing. Looking for beautiful scenery, quiet anchorages, and gunkholing in new places? go west! Also want to do some t-shirt shopping or sample the fish and chips at Killarney's famous red schoolbus? Go east!

 

After clearing the swinging bridge at Little Current, my favorite anchorages going east are:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BROWNING COVE - What this anchorage on Heywood Island has going for it, is that it's the closest good one to Little Current in this direction. It's not especially scenic, though watching the waterfowl and wildlife along the shore in the morning with a cup of coffee can be very pleasant. The possibilities for anchoring are abundant because you can meander eastward for half a mile to find the perfect place to drop the hook. It has never been too crowded to find a good spot. Protection is great from all directions. Watch the depths going in, especially with Voyager, she draws a little more than Manitou

 

THE POOL - To get to the pool, it's necessary to sail the length of Baie Fine, which is much like a norwegian fiord. It's five miles long, narrow, with steep embankments covered with pines and deciduous trees. In September the colors are gorgeous. After negotiating a couple of tricky, twisty angular turns, you find yourself in 'the Pool', a rather large scenic anchorage with rocky outcroppings. Anchor in the middle, or tie up to shore with a stern anchor for security. One caution; anchors frequently get fouled with weeds, so make sure you've got a good hold with the hook. 

 

DREAMERS - It's tricky getting in, and past the narrow entrance with the sloping rock bottom from the north, but once you're in, it's pretty clear. Swing clockwise all the way around Dreamers Rock for a pretty anchorage on the north side. Depth is good so you can get up close to shore to tie up. Use a stern anchor for security. This is a sacred Indian location, so treat the totems, or other evidence of Indian presence, with respect. Remember, you're in their church!  

 

SNUG HARBOR - This anchorage has an apt name, since it's protected from all directions. The center is quite deep, so get close enough to shore that you have sufficient scope. The entrance should be no problem, though we did run aground here a few years ago in Tom Sand's Two by Sea. This is a good anchorage to use on the way to Killarney, or on the way back to Little Current.  

 

COVERED PORTAGE COVE - Covered Portage is what comes to mind when you think of sailing up here; it's the quintessential North Channel cove. Some consider it the prettiest; right up there with the Benjamins. You can tie up to shore, with a stern anchor out, and go ashore to explore the many trails. Beautiful views from the top! Be careful going in - there's a rock at the entrance on the left side, with my name on it!

 

Are there more great anchorages? You bet, and I'm sure some other seasoned North Channel sailors will take exception to my choice of the five 'best'. If you've got a different list of 'five best', tell us why yours are better! send in your list and we'll print it here. 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEXT WEEK - PART 6 - THE FIVE BEST ANCHORAGES WEST OF LITTLE CURRENT

Do you have a favorite boat name? - - Marilyn Leece

Please help us name our newest Interlake! Send your boat name suggestions to the Level 1 Manager, Joan Swain .


Joan will gather the names; a list of all names will be posted; and the general membership (yes, you!) will be asked to vote for their 3 favorite boat names. On Level 1 Launch Day, (Saturday, May 1st.) we will ask each member to choose 1 favorite name.


The winning name will be posted in the May 4Th. Burgee. This is your opportunity to see your name on our newest Interlake!

MANITOU: Desperately seeking a new dinghy! - - Norm Schmidt

Are you one of the many sailors who consider the Level 4 boats and the North Channel experience the jewel of ASI?

 

Each year Manitou and Voyager III go up Lake Huron and then are time-shared by Level 4 Captains and their ASI member crews in the North Channel. Each boat pulls a dinghy (zodiac) for the safety and daily use by the crew. A replacement dinghy is desperately needed for Manitou. It is aged, and considered unusable.


As part of the budgeting process, ASI has noted that  the current revenue, especially for Level 4, can not support the cost of replacement of a dinghy at this time. The cost of a new or used dinghy is in the range of $1,000-$1600. We are asking for member donations of any amount. Any amount is greatly appreciated!


 If you are one of the 30 Level 4 members, (or hope to be someday) please consider a donation of $50 or $100 for replacement costs. Donations can be made by check or credit card to ASI Sail Secretary. asisailsecretary@aat.net  or (248) 393-2480. Yes, donations are tax deductible!

 

Thank you,

Norm Schmidt   Level 4 Manager

Ahoy Level 2  Sailors!  (and future Level 2 Sailors) - - Marilyn Leece

After much discussion and poll taking, it was a near-unanimous YES for the installation of a Bimini for Interlude.

 

Joe Jaeger has submitted a proposal for the framework and fabric, and the total cost should be around $375. Joe has also volunteered to make the framework and Bimini! (Original estimates were approximately $700-800) The Board is committed to a more stream-lined budget for the future of A.S.I.,  and we are asking members to donate whatever amount they are comfortable with, for the cost of the framework and Bimini.

 

On those hot, summer days - or the cold, wet ones - wouldn't it be nice to have some protection from the elements ?

Any amount by check, or credit card is tax-deductible, and may be sent to Lisa, our sail secretary, at asisailsecretary@att.net . Thank you so much for your support!  And many thanks to Joe!

One more thing... 

The Burgee is back on a weekly schedule. It will be going out every Tuesday, now that spring is almost here... well, at least it's coming! Get your stuff to me by Sunday, and I can put it in the next Tuesday's edition. Or send your Burgee input, NOW, to asidon@comcast.net

ASI • PO Box 210250 • Auburn Hills, Michigan 48321-0250
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