Tuesday, August 3, 2010

NEW Sangria party date - Saturday September 25 - - Loren McFadden

You are cordially invited to a “Home Made Sangria” party in September 25, 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              

 

We had planned this for July, but too many sailors were... sailing!  We're hoping that late September works for you! 

 

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.

Evening sails at Kensington - - Don Caley

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 Dave Amsdill and Don Caley to assist. 

 

Attendance on Thursdays is improving- but still too low a skipper/student ratio. Last Thursday, the weather wasn't too bad, with light winds. We've got stronger winds scheduled for this Thursday!

 

 

LISAGRAM - - things your sail Secretary wants you to know!

The office will not re-open until 8am on Monday, August 16.  If during that time you need immediate assistance, please contact the following members directly:

Thank you for your patience and understanding while I'm away on vacation. 

 

 

 

 

2011 Keelboat classes - - Bill Lane

Level 2 Class 2011

 

Become a Level 2 Captain and sail the Level 2 O’Day 28 foot Keel boats Interlude and Overture on Lake St Clair

 

Learn the basics of: navigation and GPS, docking a keelboat, anchoring, keelboat sailing, radio operation, boat systems, rules of the road for power boats, and much more

 

  Prerequisites are:

  1. Declare sailing ability by submitting a sailing resume to head of Level 2 instruction.
  2. Be an ASI member and Level 1 Sail Pass holder with all volunteer hours up to date.
  3. Complete and present a certificate showing completion of US Power Squadron or US Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating / Basic Seamanship course before the start of Level 2 classes. The class must have a navigation component. 

Sail longer and farther than ever before!

 

Contact Bill Lane, Level 2 head instructor, for details248-891-6125Email: wjl6355@gmail.com

 

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Level 3/4 class for 2011

 

Level 2 sailors, it is not too early to be think of joining the level 3/4 class for 2011

Sail to interesting ports such as

  •       Thames River
  •       Port Huron/Sarnia
  •       Goderich
  •       Kincardine
  •       Port Elgin
  •       Harbor Beach
  •       Tobermory
  •       Killarney

Georgian Bay and the finest cruising area in North America.

The North Channel

Enter beautiful coves such as: Cover Portage Cove, Snug Harbour, Marianne cove, The Pool and Browning Cove

 

Learn advance navigation techniques and enhance your knowledge of GPS

  • Do off shore sailing work
  • Advanced anchoring
  • Boat provisioning
  • Crew organization
  • Sail to a destination overnight
  • Prerequisite are to have a Level 2 sail pass and work hours current, and to sail the Level 2 keel boats 8 times, 4 times as captain and 4 times as crew.

Contact Bill Lane for details 248-891-6125  or Email to wjl6355@gmail.co

ASI Racing - Notice of race - - Casilda de Benito

ASI RACING - NOTICE OF RACE

RACE:  Kent Cup

WHEN: Saturday, August 7 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Kent Lake

Race Committee (RC) TBD - arrives at 8:30 a.m.

Wind Song's maiden voyage - - Richard Jager

 

June 22, 2010 - another historic moment for ASI and me! I was going to attempt to take my water test. Yes, it was a beautiful gentle day and around 2:30 in the afternoon I met her for the second time. After those three famous words… no not “I Love You” She was ready to pull up her sheets and show off her stuff. Don D., Don S. and I completed the preparation, gave her a bath and made here shine like the sun. But around 4:30 the wind was kicking up and the clouds were blowing in, and we could see she was in no mood to go have some fun. The storm and wind, the rain came in and left, and around 6. I decided along with Dave A. to give her another try. So we got her ready, and I thought the wind was perfect, even a little brisk. Of course no one told me about the tornado warnings/watches. Being an unrated sailor, I guess I wasn’t really paying attention. I didn’t tell her either.

 

Don C. showed up, but said he didn’t think it was a good day to take a test. Well, it turned out to be the right answer, as later we discovered there were three distinct wind patterns on the lake. Don C said “I can’t believe you are taking Wind Song out for the very first time, aren’t you afraid of hurting her?” Well, he is the one that encourages building of confidence, so I replied "What better way to build confidence then sail a brand new boat?"

 

Dave and I set her free from her restraints, raised her sails and sailed off into the lake. It was a thrill being the first person to sail a new boat, the odds of that happening are pretty slim… and I was still an unrated sailor. She danced and maneuvered like she had done this before, then the challenges started. Multiple wind patterns all within a few feet of each other. So much for attempting standard MOB procedures! Several times I’d turn into irons, and suddenly instead of going directly into the wind it was coming from behind. I’d never seen anything like this before. It was great practice, but also very confusing. Guess that is 'Her song', to let the wind go where it wants. We sailed until the second storm started coming in, then headed for the dock. Wind Song had survived her maiden voyage, and neither leaving nor returning to the dock was eventful. I’m certain she appreciated the gentle handling.

 

Friday and Saturday it rained… but on Sunday Joan S. and I took her out again. This time the wind was great… yes, we reefed. We started for the west side, sailed almost the entire side of the lake. No we didn’t introduce Wind Song to the sand bar, buried logs, rocks or Pirates Cove, but she saw her new playground in great detail. She was well cared for. Then we sailed around the island by the J dock and she performed at her best, tacking smoothly between fishing boats, canoes, and land. We came in and had lunch. After lunch we again went out but this time we sailed the entire east side. Both of us were having a great time, and I got lots of practice in, especially MOB! So if anyone falls out of my boat rest assured I can at least run you over on the return as I head into irons. Just remember to duck and you will be fine! I gave up the tiller, and Joan sailed by the north shore, and mitten bay. Then I took the tiller back and we sailed all over the east side.

 

Several days passed and many people, including myself have taken Wind Song out to see the lake. Sunday came and I promised one of my friends I’d take him out. Yes, since June 22, I passed that great obstacle and traveled that treacherous road called the water test. I even passed, although you might want to check with JoAnne M. before you decide to sail with me since I missed some questions.  So with little wind I decided to still take him out and let Wind Song show off her stuff. Kensington recently hacked all the weeds and left them floating so they made a solid path from the island to the blue pavilion, so we had a very narrow path to sail. Well the wind died, I drifted too far and before I knew it I was caught by those tentacles, trapped and couldn’t escape. The wind came up just enough to push me in, and now I was engulfed. Poor Wind Song, she shouldn’t have to experience the miseries of her playground so soon in life. Well with much effort and lots of paddling we ended up on the other side by the boat rental… I was glad to be free and have her free of all that mess. No damage to her, only my ego.  I thought about dropping the sails, pulling the rudder and paddling back across the weeds like a big canoe, but then I thought about what my friend would say, since we had just fought to get out of that weed net. I for one didn’t want to get near it again. It was truly like a net, with the smallest corner reaching out and grabbing hold of even the bow, or is that part in front of the boat called the stern?

 

So a very very light wind came out of the west, and without a certain escape into the wind from the weeds, I opted to sail all the way around the bottom of the weeds by Mitten Bay (where we had just been a few hours earlier) and then sail up back to the dock. Paddling would have been quicker, and since there was only a small path between weeds and land we had to tack about 100 times. None of my instruction said anything about sailing through the swimming area, but I figured that was a bad idea, I might put a nick in Wind Song with all those hard heads in the way. Sometimes the wind would just die, and we had to wait for it. In the end we made it all the way back and all of us were happy. Of course just as we put the boat away, the wind picked up and would have been a good time to go out.

 

So for those of you who have heard me say, I’ve been in Wind Song – the parade - now I can say I was the first to sail her.  Wind Song has been launched! She is a beautiful boat, sleek and polished deck and sails perfectly. Don D. did a good job helping with her build.  Just remember those 3 famous words:  a lot of “Tender Loving Care” and “Some Assembly Required” has gone into making her what she is. She has already had some great adventures, knows her playground, and should be around for the next 18 years if we all treat her with respect, take pride in her shine, and help her keep her glass off hard objects like the dock, stumps, rocks, heads and other boats.

 

It was a great honor, thrill and responsibility to be the first to sail her. Lets all work to keep her in great shape!

 

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

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!

Thanks for the reminder!                            Maintenance Millie

I heard of an incident that reminded me of how to proceed when such happens to any of us.

 

When there's a malfunction of some part of the boat, uh, let's say a renegade halyard that has escaped our usually trusty grip, and one has neither the time nor expertise on how to retrieve it, just put in writing what happened.  Yes,, use the old pen and paper to let the next sailor know that -  unless they have the time and expertise to fix the problem -  they may want to select another boat.   Oh, sure they'll find out eventually, but if there's a note, voila, their time isn't wasted rigging a nonfunctioning boat, or their fun sail won't  turn ugly in the middle of the lake.

 

Tag?  What tags?  There are tags in the Dockmaster Box in the Maintenance Log Book.  If you cannot find any, just 'make do' with any piece of paper to jot a brief description of the problem.  Attach it to the boat or place it boldly in that boat's dock box (notating the boat number).  Also, if you really want to be considerate, make a note in the Maintenance Log Book, so our maintenance team can take a look at whatever the problem is on Saturday (when you can always show up to anonymously help out).

 

But, back to the wayward halyards.  Please, no heroics.  Please, no thinking that, since you saw Don Sharpe's maintenance class, that you know how to retrieve that halyard at the finger dock.  And, please, no taking the boat to the J-Dock where you can careen it, or lean it over.  That use to be a handy place to grab the halyard, but wood no longer protects the edge of that dock from potential wear on the shrouds if they were to rub - even slightly - against the cement.  Oh, you say, you have a crew of experienced sailors and know you can do it carefully.  Perhaps, but if someone sees your confident expertise, and they, in turn, think it's an easy process, then whoops, scrapes/scratches/wear and tear occur.......then the shroud is weakened.......then one may get in real trouble sailing with weakened shrouds.  (What's real trouble?  Use  your imagination.)   Since there's no need for an innocent mistake to turn into a real problem, MM implores you to either take the boat to the shore line past the launch area where the boat can always be gently careened - or leave it for our mighty maintenance men. 

 

Oh, one more reminder.  Please do not be embarrassed if some malfunction incident happens to you.  You are not the first, you won't be the last.  But if you follow the above suggestions, you'll be thanked for handling the mistake in a helping-your-fellow-sailor manner.   MM confesses to being thankful for these reminders.

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 – 5 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!

 

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  • I am a Level 2, and I would be available to be crew in the evenings during the week, and Saturday/Sunday day.  Please contact me at 734-787-7903 or at amazinggrace359@yahoo.com
  • I am newly rated Level 1 sailor and I am looking to do some sailing this week.  I will be taking Wednesday off and would like to find someone to sail with.  I will be available from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.  If interested please call my cell 248-464-9069.  Ivan Roman
  • I'm available for practice sails most Tuesdays in August at Kensington from 10AM-early or mid afternoon.  Call Joan Swain at 248-644-7857 or  email jkswain36@att.net
  • 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
  • We need a First Mate for a Sunday sail with my family… please call or email! Rick Cortright, 248-333-3300 cell:  248-722-3407 

Flotsam and Jetsam

  • The Summer ASI picnic is next Saturday, August 7 at the East Boat Launch at Kensington, and is being coordinated again by Marilyn Alimpich and Judy Martens. But they could use some extra help. Email Marilyn if you can volunteer to help. 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. 
  • The entire Race Calendar is posted in the Racing section of the ASI website.

ASI Picnic on Saturday August 7 - - Sherri Gregory and Michael Golden 

The ASI Picnic is on for this Saturday August 7 staring at 11:30 am. This is ASI's big social event for the summer! Be sure to mark your calendar!  Should we be rained out, we'll try again on Sunday August 8.

 

This year we are having a parade of sail after the picnic lunch (about 2pm). All members and their guests are welcome to get in on a fun formation exercise. We will assemble upwind, sail past the dock, and do some synchronized tacking.

 

Assemble your own crew or see Sherri on the dock for a boat assignment. A meeting for skippers and crew will follow the horn blast, where instructions will be given. 

 

Open sailing will follow, or you may meet at a distant harbor. 

 

The Kent Cup Teams have been chosen - - Joe Jaeger

The competing teams for the Kent Cup were chosen and are as follows.  Note that crew members are listed in race order.

  • Interlake #6- Steve Poulos- Joe Phillips
  • Interlake #7- Joe Jaeger- Gary Crosbie
  • Interlake #9- Alberto Ferrero- Sherri Gregory- David Wilpula
  • Interlake #10- Mary Hein- Kathy Chrzanowski- Fred Trinker
  • Interlake #11- Michael Golden- Diana (Boss) Jaeger- Chris O'Reilly

Teams, get out and practice, polish those hulls and work with ASI's Maintenance crew (you do the work, they provide direction) on any items you think need to be addressed on your boats.  Remember, these are the boats and crew you will be sailing with until after the Kent Cup on August 7.

 

We need race committee volunteers for the Kent Cup. We're looking for volunteers to act as Race Committee.  We will need at least one individual with power boat status and another individual to officiate the start sequence, keep score, etc.  We will provide instruction/direction for RC volunteers and you will even get volunteer hours for helping.  If interested, please click here to  contact me , or at the email address below.

 

WANT TO RACE? We still have slots and boats available.  If you are an ASI Racer (previous or current) and would like to participate in the Kent Cup, please let me know.

 

Joe Jaeger Racing Manager    Email: joe@computer.org

 

Keelboat timeshares for 2010 - - Jon Buyle

Timeshares continue to be 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

Congratulations, Richard and Ron!

But everybody else, be very afraid!

 

Richard Jager (L) and Ron Green (R) have passed their water and written tests and have just been rated 'level one' sailors.

 

 

Consequently they now know enough to be very dangerous!

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 back on an 'every Tuesday' schedule. The next one will be Tuesday, August 10. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday August 8.

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