Tuesday, April 20, 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! plan to attend the Instruction seminar Wednesday, April 21, TOMORROW NIGHT, 

 

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. New people, send me an email so I can send you documents you will need for the workshop. (Old salts can get the material electronically as well, but if you have a manual from the last couple of years it is the same).

 

Questions about being an instructor should be directed to JoAnne McClure,  248-345-2403 or 248-348-3603.

 

Shore School at Oakland Center - room number will be posted at the door. 

-Wed. 04/21/10 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
-Wed. 04/28/10 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

 

On-water class - Saturday 5/15/10 9am - noon, or as arranged at shore class

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.

A week and a half to boat put-in! - - Joan Swain

I was dressed for skiing and, by golly, we even had a few snow flakes sprinkle us.  But the calendar said it was the 2nd day for boat prep, so the cold weather didn't stop 13 hardy members (plus our 4 leaders) from showing up.   And did we get a lot done! 

 

Don Sharpe, again our most able leader in the field, and Don DeRyckere, spending all morning (and beyond(?)) focused on a most necessary project, worked with the crew to cut, remove, prepare, fold, save, stack, bag, schlep, organize, measure, mark, drill, saw, grease, pound, find, count, stick, write, learn - have I forgotten anything?  

 

Yes, some of our bones got cold and some fingers got numb, but so thankfully no one was asked to wash the boats due to the cold.   How is it that both weekends of work this April have had just the right number of the right folks showing up?  Thank you to all that came out.  And if you're the right person to help with the rest of the jobs - it sure is an eye opener to see what it takes to let us all have carefree sails on the Interlakes - see you for the last prep day this Saturday, April 24.  Be ready to go at 9 AM.  Oh, and if you have any influence on the weather, ask for a warm, dry day please. We are planning on trailering the dockboxes from the sailhouse in Milford to Kensington Metropark, so we''ll be needing lots of help!

 

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

A week from last Saturday it was Summer, last Saturday it was Winter, next Saturday it appears it will be Spring. April in Michigan is both predictable and unpredictable, what? Predictably it will always be nice weather during the week and the week-end will always be unpredictable – read, crazy weather. To prove my case you only needed to be at JBM last Saturday. The majority of members who showed up for “work on the boats day” looked as if they were going snow skiing instead of taking part in the last day of “wax on – wax off”. 

 

We had another great turnout of L2 members and students. Like last Saturday half of the students went off with Bill and Trudy for GPS practice, along the shoreline, where it was really windy and cold. I watched them for a little while as they leaned into the wind to steady themselves against the gusts, while out on the lake an iceberg drifted by – or maybe it was just a cloud – it sure felt like iceberg weather. Eventually it warmed up a degree or two and we set to work. After Marilyn warmed everyone up with the official ASI breakfast of champions, donuts and coffee, she, Heidi, and Joy divided us up into paint groups one and two, and set a group of master waxers off in search of Overture and Interlude’s, soon to be waxed, masts. The boat captains grabbed a few people and went to work on their repairs and improvements and pretty soon there was a busy group of people all working to make sure the boats are ready for Tuesday’s launch. 

 

Not only did Overture  and  Interlude received a new coat of bottom paint they also got a 3rd coat of wax. Claire Zepeda was busy checking the wiring connections on all the electrical and engine panels, Mike Perrin and Tony Calvas were busy repairing the helm stops on Interlude and improving them on Overture. When I bumped into Diana Jaeger she was sporting a face full of blue bottom paint freckles and a big smile. Next time I saw her she was in the cabin cleaning and oiling the teak. The work was non-stop. Until the pizzas arrived – Hot n’ Ready pizzas for the cold and hungry. I was able to stop by the L4 boats and share a slice or two with them and still make it back to the L2 boats for a couple of slices before the boxes were emptied.

 

You have to keep on the move in cold weather. I came away from Saturday quite impressed with how hard everyone was working and how dedicated they were in getting the boats ready. After spending most of the day down in the lazarettes of Overture and Interlude, squeezing into some small places, to fix the helm stops, Mike Perrin asked what other jobs I had for him. Quite frankly I thought he had done more than enough for the day. Diana Jaeger after working so long in the cold and wind got so cold they had to put her in a car for a while and warm her back up. Mark Costin, nursing a sore back, tweaked it again on Saturday painting the boats and was apologizing because his back was stiffening up and he thought he should leave before it got worse. Claire Zepeda who thought she was going to have to leave at 3 p.m. was elated that she found another ride home and could stay and work until 4:30. 

 

And as the day was winding down and most everyone had left, I found Marilyn and Kate McRae on ladders running electric buffers over the hulls trying to get just a little more shine on the boats.   Cold but happy, a couple of diehards. I know I am not recognizing many others who worked just as hard as those I have mentioned – and were just as cold – so thank you all for all your hard work in some less than ideal conditions. Without all of your efforts the boats would not look so good or be ready for Tuesday’s launch. Marilyn and I made it home by 6:30 p.m. and just as I was about to drop off for a nice two hour nap I realized why everyone worked so hard – pride of ownership. 

 

See you next Saturday on “A” dock, can’t remember the slip number but it’s way, way down on the end. It will be warmer. 

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  

Interlude and Overture need help - - Marilyn Leece

Yearn to be " next " to the water? Dream of sailing Lake St. Clair this year? Please help our Boat Captains to prepare Interlude and Overture for the 2010 Commissioning ! 

 

2010 BOAT CAPTAINS:

Interlude: Chris Juillet

                Joe Jaeger

                Claire Zepeda

 

Overture:  David Barbour

                 Chris Gearhart

 

-Mark your calenders for:

 

  • Saturday, April 24Th to help prep the boats for the 2010 sailing season
  • LAUNCH DATE: TUES. APRIL 20TH. (more details to follow)

 

Bring your:

  • Paint/ Work clothes, lunch AND enthusiasm to JBM each Saturday.
  • Plan on car-pooling if possible, due to heavy construction near the boats.
  • Interlude and Overture are located directly in front of the dinner-cruise boats (Ovation)

 

"SEA" YOU THERE! Jessica Hogg and Marilyn Leece, Level 2 Co-Managers

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

Do you have a favorite boat name? - - Joan Swain

Please help us name our newest Interlake! Send your boat name suggestions to Joan Swain .


"I'll 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!

Kay Moon in hospital

Kay Moon, Bob's wife, was taken to Howell's St. Joseph's hospital a week ago with lung and intestinal problems. She's been transferred to the Ann Arbor St. Joseph's for further treatment. If you'd like to send a 'get well' card, send it to Bob and he'll see that she gets it. The Moon address is 4471 VanAmberg, Brighton Michigan 48114-8129. 

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 on a weekly schedule. It goes out every Tuesday, now that spring is here. 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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