Keelboaters, take note! Fuel dock procedures - - Don Sharpe

ASI Level 2, 3 & 4 Sailors:  ASI has established a charge account at the Jefferson Beach Marina fuel dock for pump-outs, fuel, engine oil and other items and/or services needed to maintain our boats.

For holding tank pump-outs, our Level 2 boats (Overture and Interlude) have annual pump-out stickers on their port side cabin window. Show the sticker to the JBM dock attendant and you will not be charged for pump-outs. The pump-out permits are pre-paid, no-limit permits, so ASI members using the Level 2 boats can and should pump-out as needed. For  level 3~4 boats (Manitou and Voyager III), when these boats are in day charter service at JBM, (spring and fall) you may use the JBM charge account for your holding tank pump-outs.  Level  3~4 boats do not have the annual pump-out permit/stickers. Important: the charge slip must list the boat name and you must sign the charge slip, for ASI accounting purposes.

There should be no need to use a holding tank pump-out facility other than JBM when the boats are on day charters. If the JBM facility is closed for equipment repair or maintenance, then you may use another facility and submit a reimbursement form with the receipt attached.

Level 2 and Level 3/4 boat skippers, note - a charge account has been set up at JBM for your convenience. This account is to be used for boats in day charter service only. You may charge fuel, engine oil, and other goods or services needed to maintain the boats in a safe and seaworthy condition. Inform the dock attendant you are charging the goods or services to the ASI account, and this is very important, the charge slip must list the items and/or services purchased and you must write in the boat name and sign the charge slip, this information is needed for ASI’s accounting requirements. Note that Level 2 boats do not charge holding tank pump-outs to this account; see the Holding Tank Pump-Outs section above.

For overnight and multiple day timeshares – all boats - you are responsible for the all fuel purchases, holding tank pump-outs, and marina slip fees when you use any of the ASI boats. You may fill the fuel tank and/or pump-out the holding tank at the JBM fuel dock, using the ASI charge account, prior to departure, however when you return to JBM you must refill the fuel tank and pump-out the holding tank, at your cost. This is a new ASI policy implemented in 2010.

Tips for the JBM dock attendants are at your discretion, and expense and should not be charged to the ASI account. 

Please Note – Necessary items for the boats do not include personal use items such as; drinks, ice, food, or items such as sun block, sun shades, and insect spray, etc. If you would like to purchase these items and donate them to a boat that would be very much appreciated.Products and/or service purchased at other locations which are necessary maintenance and/or safety items are reimbursable and should be submitted to ASI with a reimbursement form and receipt.

MAINTENANCE MILLIE - - A new column

I'll be providing some gentle reminders regarding basic docking, mooring, and pre and post-sail tasks so the Interlake fleets at Kensington and Stony Creek have the best chance to stay in shape, and to keep us all having good karma with the maintenance team.

You've already heard about Wind Song being held back in protective custody.   Rumors abound as to whether it's due to just-haven't-gotten-around to launching her or "she's too pretty to sail, let's use her just for parades" or fear that her bow will be altered by any one of us.  Looks like our 'maintenance 5' is one protective group, but rightly so.  Here's your chance to keep them happy.

Lets start with a couple reminders when docking.   Before you even think of bringing in a boat to the J-dock, check the wind strength and direction by the flag on ASI's donated flagpole right there in front of you.  Then, remember what 'irons' is all about - the boom freely centered in the boat with sails luffing - and that your crew knows the difference between "paddle (forward)" and "BACK PADDLE".....also easy vs HARD paddling.   Then, with those basics in mind, as you approach the docking area, alert your crew to have paddles out and ready, fly the jib ahead of time (I know you all know that, but if I didn't mention it, someone would rightly correct me), turn into the wind - and if your judgment is good, know if and when to ask for the paddles - forward or back, easy or hard - depending if either is needed.  Granted, this "knowing" part does build with experience, but if you've taken care of the rest, you should receive a "good job" in docking from all observers.  And to quicken your experience, as you're all taught by JoAnne and her instructors, it's always wise to simulate a docking out of the J-dock, to estimate the wind's effect on stopping the boat in open water where no damage can occur.   I've observed that few of us do this, but those that do deserve a standing ovation. And remember to pull your centerboard up enough so that all your perfect preparation doesn't get thwarted because it hit bottom.

I've heard the questions, "Where's Wind Song?" or "When is Wind Song going to be launched?" more than once in the past two months.  For those of you not aware, Wind Song is the name of our newest Interlake, due to hit the waters of Kent Lake - some day.

Yes, some day.  If one is to believe the somewhat tongue-in-cheek, evasive replies from those in charge of such a decision, one would hear that she is being held in protective custody.  Yes, she is in a safe place and will not hit the water until, and not until, we all learn how to dock the L1 boats safely - and gently.....

Those who tend to the care and prolongation of your Interlakes are not heartless.  They have become attached to all of them, checking, fixing, cleaning - and cringing when one of them hits an immovable object with enough force to bend, weaken, or break some necessary part that disfigures or may be hidden from the rest of our uneducated eyes.

So, in the hopes of showing our competence in caring for our Kensington fleet, 'Maintenance Millie' has been tapped to be a contributor to the Burgee.  You're reading that column now, and I will write, now and again; to gently remind us how to care for our boats.    And for all the keelboat sailors, this column will be for you too, as from time to time, there may some new procedures or info that we can all take to heart partly to support - and lessen - all the work of our maintenance team, and partly so we can all become better at what we enjoy - sailing our Interlake fleet.

So, that's it for the maiden column of (thoroughly modern) 'Maintenance Millie'. Down the road, if you have any maintenance questions, and don't know who to ask, or you've observed something out of kilter often enough that you'd like to bring it to my attention to share with the over 200 of us, or I need to enhance my knowledge on some topic, just contact the Burgee and it will be forwarded to me, at my undisclosed location.   Yes, I'm to remain a mystery even beyond Wind Song's hoped-for launching.

Boats, Water, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - - Richard Jagers

If you spend any time at all on or around the water you'll see all sorts of things that go wrong. Talk to experienced sailors and you will hear tales and stories that might be funny now, but were far more serious when they occurred.

Maybe you've seen people fall off the dock, off a boat or into a boat? It happens all the time, reaching for that elusive object floating in the water just out of someone's reach. Or a sudden change in boat balance due to a gust of wind or change of crew location. Falling off the dock or into a boat can be far more serious then you would expect. Many people hit hard objects like the side of the dock/boat when they fall. Some get tangled in the lines, weeds or can't get back out of the water.

So how do you prevent these from occurring? Be careful entering and exiting any floating object; boats, rafts, or docks. They are all balanced on the water, but quickly loose balance when stepped on by human or animal. Watch the wind (you would think that sailors would be aware of it) it catches sails, boats, and anything else and can quickly move the boat from the dock. Sometimes all of us forget about the fact that the floating object is still floating even though it is tied to a fixed object like land. Since falling off a dock happens far more frequent then people realize, it is always a good idea to were your PFD when on the docks or finger docks.

When reaching over the edge trying to retrieve an object watch for items that get caught and throw your balance off. Belts, cell phones, buckles, PFDs and other objects get caught and as you lean out, and before you know it, you are in the water. Before leaning over the edge check the water for other objects that you could get hurt on should you fall over. These include all forms of submerged objects like logs, rocks, pylons, rudders, propellers and weeds. Hang onto something; it can keep you from taking a swim.

What about while on the water? Do things go wrong? All the time! What would you do if something got jammed in the Center Boom Block? For you who are still learning all the terminology, that is one of the pulleys that help control the mainsail. Suddenly you can't pull the mainsail in, or let it out. A scary thought on a windy day! Go into irons carefully stand up and clear the jam, then go back to sailing.

What about if something breaks? Like the jib tack or batten? Or one of the key blocks in the middle of Lake St ClaIr? Although the ASI boats are very well maintained, I have had both happen. Fortunately both times we were either close to shore, or able to acquire the parts and  fix it on the water and get back to sailing. That is another story, and although we did a boat-to-boat transfer while both boats were on a starboard tack, no one ended up in the water. Yes you can sail two boats within arms reach, but watch that boom or someone could have ended up in the water.

Sailing is a whole lot of fun, and being aware of what is around you just makes it safe and fun. As skippers and crew remember many people fail to realize that once they leave land, they enter a whole new world of fun and adventure. A world that can be safe but also needs to be treated with respect. As we all make others more aware we will all have safer trips and enjoy the water.

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

I love a parade! - - Milford's Independence day parade - - Joan Swain

A perfect way to spend a summer morning, especially to celebrate the freedoms our nation enjoys, though at times it seemed like Halloween.

No, the children weren't in costumes, but they knew the routine of receiving goodies from the parade folks. You hadn't heard?  There was a 4th of July parade this past Saturday in Milford, a picture perfect town for fun and festivities.  This is at least the 3rd year that ASI has had a "float," well actually two, and our participation was once again arranged by Don Caley.  Don also had rigged a colorful mast and boom to hold our new ASI banner (thank's Heidi Dzendel, for the great graphics work!).  Ivan Roman and Bob Moon were the intrepid drivers of your shiny new Interlake, Wind Song, and our colorful maintenance trailer respectively.  Marilyn Leece brought an abundant array of decorations which dressed up not only the boat and Bob's truck with flags and sparkles, but decorated us too - with leis, hats - and horns for the kids.  

Yes, we had 4 great young participants who are now the first to enjoy a ride in Wind Song.  They enthusiastically blew horns and waved to the large crowd lining both sides of Main Street.  Ivan's 2 young children joined in for the first time and 2 of Marilyn's young grandchildren were once again on board.  All fourbrought smiles to those en route.   Richard Jagers videoed the event from beginning to end, some of which you may soon see on our website.  Don and I walked the route, and were kept busy with the important task of handing out the candy, and some ASI flyers to interested parties.  So with our festive presence, we brought greater awareness to ASI. 

When ASI participates next year, I hope our whole "parade team" returns as they were a perfect combination of effort and energy - and perhaps you'll come and join in the fun too - we need more candy passer-outers.

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 on the link, or email to  loren.j.mcfadden@gmail.com.

Thursday evenings at Kensington

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 also Thundering Thursdays, same place, twenty four hours later, with Judy Martens, Dave Amsdill, Anne Ostroth and Don Caley to assist.

But there's a problem with Thursdays- not enough rated skippers. Last Thursday, lots of new sailors showed up, but were disappointed that there were not enough rated skippers to take them out! Several disappointed sailors were unable to go out, although conditions were just about perfect - light westerly winds, clear skies, moderate temperatures.

If you're a rated ASI sailor, come on out on Thursdays around 6:30. We guarantee you an enthusiastic crew of new ASI students!

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

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.

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!

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

• Jennifer and Mithat (husband-wife pair) -- current Level 1 students looking for practice sail opportunities on Kent Lake anytime we can get them.  Now until Sept., we are both generally available almost anytime EXCEPT Mon & Wed daytime.  Please email or call if you’d be willing to take us out. Ward-batts@wayne.edu  248-930-1169
• 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   

Flotsam and Jetsam

• Because Don Sharpe will be sailing the North Channel next week, a 'makeup' Maintenance workshop has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at 9 am. Watch the next Burgee for confirmation of that date.
• Ivan Roman has passed his Level 1 On-the-water test and soon will have his Level 1 Rating. Congratulations, Ivan!
• The Summer ASI picnic is on August 7 at the East Boat Launch at Kensington, and is being coordinated again by Marilyn Alimpich. Be there or be square! 
• Nautical Deli has offered a free drink when you buy a full sandwich or a "soup and sandwich" to ASI members for the 2010 sailing season. It is located at 23839 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI, just north of 9 Mile Road. You must show your ASI membership card.   (thanks, Mary Hein!) 
• The entire Race Calendar is posted in the Racing section of the ASI website.

Keelboat sailors, take note!

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...

There will be no Burgee next week! The entire Burgee staff will be cruising the North Channel on Manitou. Matt Sharpe (Don's nephew) will be Manitou's  IT officer for that cruise, and will be blogging about our trip starting Saturday  at http://jamaicamansworld.blogspot.com.

Otherwise, the ASI Burgee is on an 'every Tuesday' schedule. The next one will be Tuesday, July 20. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net