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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Evening Sails are back!  

Tony Calvas has volunteered to be the Manager of the Evening Sail Program.  Tony will be heading north in July to complete the training for his Level 4 rating. We thank him for becoming our new Evening Sail Manager.   

Evening Sails are all about introducing ASI Members, their relatives, and friends to the ASI Keelboat Program. Learning to sail, dock, and navigate a keelboat opens up a whole new world of fun and adventure.  Members must accompany their guests on all Evening Sails.

Evening Sails will be available Monday, Tuesday. Wednesday, or Thursday, depending the availability of boat and crew. Only one of these nights will be available for an Evening Sail per week.  Cost will be $10 per member and $10 for each of his/her guests.

For more information call Tony at: 313-402-5475

A Fun Day Sailing at the Lake! - - Richard Jagers

 

I recently joined ASI and started taking the classes so that I could learn to sail the right way. After the maintenance class for the boats at Kent Lake I really didn't want to go home and do maintenance on the house, so I asked if anyone was going out sailing. The wind was really blowing and it was a great day to enjoy the water. Well I ended up going out with four experienced sailors: Sam, Ann, Joan, Don.

 

What more could a student who is learning to sail, ask for! I learned a lot of tricks (I wish I was a better sponge, as these four individuals shared way more then I could remember) and I got the chance to do some hands-

on sailing. Sam taught me how to sail fast while maintaining both boat and sail balance. Most of all I had a lot of fun. We sailed the entire west side of the lake, I learned where the shallow areas are, like the sandbar that runs out into the lake. Some of us enjoyed a nice lunch as we sailed quite rapidly across the lake, then I started hearing stories how they used to go up on the sandy part by the nature center and tie up for lunch. Sam said he hadn't sailed thru Pirate's Cove in years, and wanted to do it. finally, everyone was convinced that we could actually make it so we started down the approach to what looked like the narrowest and shallowest part of the lake.

 

I think it is only about 15 feet wide. Since it had rained the night before, there was plenty of water, with the center board was almost all the way up. We sailed out of the cove and Sam said "No one has ever sailed all the way in and out of the cove without tacking!" He was so excited, so although he had sailed it many times in the past I could tell he was enjoying the time on the water. I learned more in a few hours from these experienced sailors and had more fun with these fun-loving people then I could have ever expected.

 

We transitioned to the east half of the lake on a run. Even with five people in the boat, Don managed to get the boat up on plane! Ann and Joan both shared some tips that have already helped me be a better sailor. Everyone had a chance to sail, and enjoy the day on the water. I'm grateful to all of them for allowing me to join them and for their willingness to share their vast amount of knowledge with me. I'm also thankful that they shared how much fun sailing can be! As a student I'd like to encourage everyone to take advantage of the depth of experience that the club offers - both in how to sail, and how to be adventurous. Life is far too short to let the wind blow past! Get out and sail, make new friends, and encourage your friends to learn to sail. I know as soon as I'm a level 1, I'll be bringing my friends out.

 

It took a while, but I finally figured out what the rhyme 'The closer to Thee, the closer to Me' means. I didn't ask when I should have, because I didn't have a clue! 'What' and 'who' in the world are you talking about? Thee and Me??? For those of you who don't know the answer, read the next Burgee for the answer.

this Saturday's Independence day Parade, on July 3 in Milford - - Don Caley

ASI will have two 'floats' in this annual parade through downtown Milford this Saturday. Here is how it is shaping up:

 

Those doing the towing will meet at Crawford Farm at 9. There, we will hitch up two towing vehicles to the two 'floats' (our red, white and blue utility trailer and our brand-new Interlake, Wind Song). 

 

We'll then proceed to the north side of town to line up with the other paraders at 10, and decorate the 'floats' while we wait for the parade to start at eleven. Our assigned spot in the parade route is #12. We have a brand-new banner that we'll be rigging as a 'mainsail' on the boat, on our stubby 'parade' mast and boom.

 

 

To help me with the logisitics. please let me know the level of your participation. We will be needing:

  • Younger kids to ride along in Wind Song, smile and wave to the crowds
  • Older kids to walk along the route and pass out candy and brochures
  • Kids and adults to help decorate with flags, streamers and banners
  • A 'backup' tow vehicle
  • a parade photographer to walk or ride along the route with us

If you've been in parades before, you know what fun it is. And if you haven't, this is a perfect time to get in on the fun with your family and friends. In the Interlake there will be lots of room for those kids who prefer not to walk. Others will walk alongside and pass out candy, brochures, etc. 

 

This really is lots of fun for families! Please let me know if you'll be there, and what you can do to help. 

A Sangria party invitation! - - Loren McFadden

You are cordially invited to a “Home Made Sangria” party in celebration of the Level 3-4 transfer trip 2010. 

 

What’s the occasion? Avast me hearties!  A group of  ASI Sea Dogs are returning from a cruise of the “North Channel”.   They will be heavily laden with tall tales and rich pictures of their adventure.  What better excuse for throwing a party?! 

 

Where?              N   42’25.813, W  83’40.157

 

For you Landlubbers the address is:

63345 W. 8 mile road                                                                      

South Lyon, MI 48178              

 

When?              Saturday, July 24th 8:00 P.M. 

 

What to bring? A dish to pass and a bottle of red wine  (The wine is for the Sangria so it doesn’t need to be the good stuff) and lots of sailing pictures and stories. What say you!  A cat on board!? There is a cat that insists on living here. Arrrg!  If you have allergies to a cat please take any precautions necessary to enjoy the party. 

 

Join us in the second annual celebration for the 2010 ASI students earning their “Level 4”.  This is ASI’s highest Level of achievement.  Truly worthy of an evening of merry making, cheer and congratulations!   

 

Your host,  Loren McFadden  Cell   (248) 568-5960                                                                                                 Please RSVP by clicking above ( loren.j.mcfadden@gmail.com )

Adopt a keel boat! - - Marilyn Leece 

Looking for work hours? Love to work on boats, and enjoy  being at the marina?

  

We are developing a new program for the Level 2 boats.

 

Requirements:

  1. Level 2 Rated
  2. Crew of 2 for each boat.
  3. Love being on boats!

Give Interlude and Overture the T.L.C. they deserve AND earn work hours in the process! The L2 "Adoptive Crews" would clean the boats inside and out, from bow to stern, replenish supplies, log sheets, etc. , once every 2 weeks. (schedule according to Time Share Scheduling)

 

-We do encourage every Captain and crew to keep a tidy ship whenever they have a timeshare, but we think this program would make our L2  boats shine! Interested? There are only 2 boats. So, sign up quickly! Please contact Marilyn Leece or Jessica Hogg , Level 2 Managers

 

Ahoy, Level 1 Sailors and Students! - - JoAnne McClure

Things you should know!

 

Did you know that ASI is a cooperating group with Boat US? Why should you care? Because as a member of ASI you can join Boat US for half price! That's only $12.50 per year. What do you get for that? Rewards at West Marine stores, discounts at marinas on fuel, repairs, and overnight slips, the nation's largest on-the-water towing fleet, marine insurance from boating experts, Boat US Magazine and more. How do you join? Call 800-395-2628 or log onto BoatUS.com. ASI's member group id no is GA835898.

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Attention 2009 Students!

 

If you didn't get rated in 2009, you must complete your rating this summer. Once you've done some practice sails and are ready to take the test, contact a Water Test Instructor to take your test. Here is a list of Water Test Instructors.

  • Tom Sand
  • Alberto Ferrero
  • Don Caley
  • Yasuo Fujita
  • Don Anderson
  • Sam Olive
  • Bill Lane
  • Bob Frank.

Once you've passed your Water Test, contact one of the Written Test Instructors below to take your written test. You must have completed the Maintenance Class prior to this step.

  • JoAnne McClure
  • Sam Olive
  • Trudy Morse
  • Nancy Weiss
  • Dave Pardy
  • MaryJane Bacinski

Don't let the summer slip away without getting your rating!

Dock Masters Needed - - Anne Ostroth

Attention all rated sailors!   Dock Masters are needed at Kent Lake every Saturday, Sunday and holiday for the entire sailing season.

 

It’s a great way to get work hours, meet new people, and earn the appreciation of the level one instructors.  There are two shifts per day, AM (9 am -1 pm) and PM (1 pm – 4 pm).  If you would like to sign up for some shifts or have questions, email Anne.

WWW and TT at Kensington

That's 'Wet n' Wild Wednesdays and 'Thundering Thursdays at Kent Lake!

 

You know about Wet n' Wild Wednesdays at Kensington Metropark - Bob Dallos and John Johnston are on deck, to get you matched up with a crew, if you're rated - or with a skipper, if you're not. Then you'll get a little help from them at the outer dock when you're ready to take off, and return after your sail. 


And there's Thundering Thursdays, same place, twenty four hours later, with Judy Martens, Dave Amsdill, Anne Ostroth and Don Caley to assist. Come sail with us!


On these two evenings each week, new students have an opportunity to broaden their experience. Existing sailors have a chance to meet up with the newbies, and help them hone their skills. So far this season, we've had an abundance of new students, with a shortage of 'skippers'. You old salts, come on out Wednesdays or Thursdays and sail with the newer members. Show them some of the tricks you've learned over the years!

Crew and skipper matchup

How does 'crew and skipper matchup' work? Maybe you've put together a cruise, taking one of our keelboats for a few days, or even a few hours. But you're in need of another crew member or two. Maybe you've got a North Channel charter and need another crew member. Or maybe you're interested in crewing, but don't have a 'skipper' to sign on with. And Interlake sailors too; perhaps you'd like to set up a sail with another ASI sailor. Newbie or old salt, here's a way to find a skipper or fill out a crew.

 

If you're a skipper in need of crew, send me the particulars of your sail; the date, other members, destination, etc. Or if you are looking to crew for somebody else, send me possible dates, places, times, etc. I'll post responses here, and you can get in touch with a potential crewmember, or potential skipper. Be sure to include phone number and email address. 

 

Let's see if we can match everybody up, to make sure we take full advantage of this upcoming sailing season!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  • I'm busy Mon. and Wed. mornings but available most other days if someone needs a crew member for a keel boat. I recently got my L2 rating. Steve Wyborski
  • My name is Suzanne Moore. I am an experienced Flying Scot sailor (7 years; 5 as crew, 2 as skipper) who has recently joined ASI. I am interested in crewing for anyone who may need crew. If I don't have to complete classes before I could skipper (with an experienced member perhaps?) that would be great too. Reply to Suzanne.  My email address is sbenlouc@med.umich.edu
  • I am a level 1 member looking to crew to gain experience. Weekdays are best, some weekends available. Call Chris, 248-245-4433 or email me at chris@retrosoftware.net. Cheers! Best Regards,Christopher G. O'Reilly   

Keelboat timeshares for 2010 - - Jon Buyle

Open for business! The sailing season is here!  Hurray!  Timeshares are now being accepted for the 2010 season.  Here are a few reminders to make the process work best for all of us: 

  1. Please limit your calls to 9AM-9PM, unless it’s an emergency.  Feel free to email me anytime. 
  2. Use the ASI website to check on availability of keelboats before calling.  It is updated daily. You can also click on an entry in the calendar to obtain more details, such as the designated captain of a timeshare. That information can be useful for several reasons, such as checking with the previous captain on any problems he experienced with the boat, arranging a transition with the next captain, or notifying the next captain if you are going to be late. 
  3. When leaving voicemail requests, please speak slowly and clearly, especially when leaving numbers.  I often have to listen to a message several times to get all the information. 
  4. Be sure to notify the Boat Captain and Keelboat Scheduler if a boat needs immediate attention that could affect safety & future timeshares. 
  5. Remember that reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not held or confirmed for you until secured with a credit card. 
  6. Make your reservations as far in advance as you can.  I will do my best to respond to last-minute requests, but cannot guarantee a response in less than 24 hours.  (I have a life too!) 
  7. Finally, Do NOT take a boat without clearing it with the Scheduler first, even though a boat appears to be available or your boat becomes disabled. There have been situations where a member who has reserved and paid for a timeshare arrives later and finds the boat gone. It may also be a safety risk for you and your passengers, as the boat may have been taken out of service or have special instructions that the Boat Captain has asked me to convey. 

For the new Level 2 Captains, remember that you cannot reserve a boat until you have passed all requirements, notified Lisa and paid for your upgrade.  Have a great summer and great sailing season!  Hope to see all of you out on the lake.

 

 Jon Buyle, Keelboat Scheduler  313-881-6393   jmb51@hotmail.com

10 AM Day sailors - Sailing Monday to Friday - - Vic Macks

JOIN THE FUN! Captain or crew with the 10 am Day Sailors one or more week days, Monday to Friday

 

For Lake St. Clair, must be level 2 or above for Overture and Interlude and Level 3/4 for Voyager and Manitou. For Kent and Stony Creek, must be Level 1 or above. Respond to Vic Macks at vicmacks3@gmail.com giving name, rate, preferred email address and phone, which week days, Monday through Friday, that you are typically available, and interest in sailing which lake.

 

Here's how it works: I will  send the recurrently updated  list to all participants. We would perhaps sail once or twice per week as you wish. We can look ahead 1 to 2 or 3 days, see what the weather is and choose the better day. Day time week days boats are least used and available on short notice. Any member of the 10 AM DAY SAILERS could email (or phone) others who are listed as typically available on a given day and get a member's commitment to sail. A Lake St. Clair sail, of course, means that the first commitment of a crew member is necessary (a phone call response might be quicker)  before the initiating captain books the time share with a call to Jon Buyle (which also may involve a delay waiting for a response from Jon). All crew who commit to sail a Lake St. Clair boat commit, of course, to share the time share fee.

 

When a member of the 10 AM DAY SAILERS expects to be away or otherwise unavailable for a period of time, they can inform me with an email. I will email an updated list as the need arises. That way, everyone is current on who's available for crew. For Lake St. Clair, we will stay on the U.S. side of the shipping channel, so an I-68 or Nexus isn't necessary, but adequate identification would be asked for on the U.S. side if stopped by Home Land Security or Coast Guard, which has happened. We will keep it simple, but can change the way we work if there are kinks in the plan. Questions?

 

See you on the dock, Vic

One more thing...  

The ASI Burgee is on an 'every Tuesday' schedule. Get your stuff to me by Sunday for inclusion in the next Tuesday's Burgee. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net 


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