Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Under Foot - - Maintenance Millie

Have you missed me?  No?!?  Well, I almost stayed tucked away again this week having heard that we are all doing so well that the maintenance team tossed aside their tools and joined in as Open House saviors on Saturday because there was no scheduled maintenance to do.   But that meant I'd have to stay in the shadows, so after some investigative research, word came that a gentle, but firm, reminder is needed for some when it comes to the last step in reefing:  tying down those 3 reefing points that usually dangle across the main sail.

 

When reefing, it appears that the luff and leach reef cringles are getting secured well using the tack hook and jiffy reefing line respectively to snug the sail to the boom.  Now here's where tweaking is needed:  when tying the 3 reefing points around the now collapsed portion of the sail, most sails (those with slugs) allow that you tie them under the sail foot,  not around the boom.  Yes, that's what is wanted:  under foot - not under boom.    With that method, the boom remains supported at the reef cringles, yet there's no chance of the knots interfering with any of the running rigging.  And for all you muscled folks out there, please do so a bit loosely.   Do secure the middle of the sail in place with the reefing points, but not too tightly and preferably using the slipped reef knot.

 

So after that quick reminder of.....under foot, not under boom....just one more thing.  Let's see if we can keep the maintenance team twiddling their thumbs next Saturday as well.  One great way?  You guessed it....paddles out and ready to hit the water when docking (I couldn't resist).   

Sangria Party at McFadden's !

You are cordially invited to a “Home Made Sangria” party on 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.

The capsize workshop

A couple Saturdays ago, ASI held it's most successful capsize workshop ever! It couldn't have happened without the active participation and watery efforts of ALL these sailors:

  • Dan Guendelsberger
  • Susanne Guendelsberger
  • Dan O'Connell
  • Dave Pardy
  • Ivan Roman
  • Helene Edwards
  • Tom Majerowicz
  • Roy Aman
  • Anthony Murray
  • Sandy Kaiser
  • Jeff Kaiser
  • Kathy Welch
  • Brian Moore
  • Richard Jagers
  • John Johnston

Thanks to ALL for instructions in what, hopefully, none of us will need too often!

Volunteer opportunities at the Metroparks - - Becky Gajewski

Just a quick notice to inform you that we’ve had to make a couple of changes to our workday schedule for the remainder of the season:

 

The August 21st workday at Stony Creek that was cancelled due to a power outage has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 17th from 1-4. We will still be meeting at the nature center.

 

The September 25th workday at Kensington has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 3rd from 1-4. We will now be meeting at the Shorefishing Parking Lot instead of the group camp.

 

I will send out another reminder with additional information about these events as the dates get closer. For those of you who had already signed up for the Kensington workday, please RSVP to me again so I know if you will be able to make the new date. Feel free to pass on any questions you may have.

 

Thanks, and have a great day!

 

Becky Gajewski

Natural resource technician

Huron-Clinton Metroparks

becky.gajewski@metroparks.com

810-227-2757 x5182

If it's posted they will come - -                 Joan Swain

ASI had a successful Open House last Saturday.  Oh, you didn't know there was going to be one?  Well, there wasn't supposed to be one, but late last week it was discovered that a notice, several layers deep, remained on our prolific website.  So, figuring that at least one or two guests may be turning up, some dedicated members went into action to make it a success.

 

When I arrived mid morning at Kent Lake, I saw Don Sharpe again doing his excellent job of PR for the club out at the J-dock with several guests.   Don Caley, waiting in the wings to cover when Don Sharpe had to leave, told me that Don DeRyckere and Kate McRae were giving sails to guests.  I saw Stan Urbiel stepping up to be the dockmaster.   Then, before me were Susanne and (newly rated) Dan Guendelsberger rigging a boat for their own sailing pleasure,  but they quickly became skippers for excursions on two ventures out on the water.

 

Everything seemed to fall into place.  Our guests were smiling, and because some members modified their plans for that day so as not to disappoint, I'd say Saturday's Open House was a success.  I mean with blue skies, a warm breeze and friendly faces all around,  what more does one need?  Perhaps the answer to that will be on board next year.

An RC sailboat offer you can't refuse! - - Larry Willis

I bought a model sailboat years ago and never assembled it. It has a plastic hull, wooden mast, and cloth sails. All the parts are included with instructions. I'm giving it away - for free. Nada. Zilch. 

 

If I get more than one request I need something to help me decide who gets it. Tell me why you want it, and what you plan to do with it. Here are the details:

  • Sloop rigged sailboat kit for radio control (no electronics included)
  • length 36 in          
  • Beam 9.25 in
  • Sail area 575 sq in

I want to give it to someone who will assemble it, sail it, and send some pictures to be posted here in the Burgee. Email me  (ljwillis100@sbcglobal.net)

 

Fall-off-the-Dock Race schedule - - Michael Golden

Newly rated L1 skippers and all rated members are welcome to participate in the fall-off-the-dock races as crew.

These races are on for four weekends in the  afternoon .  Sign in on the clipboard as a “C” for Crew.  You can feel what a race is like,

 

             Sun  Sept  19    3:45  Fall off the dock race   

             Sun  Sept  26    3:45  Fall off the dock race

             Sun   Oct     3    3:45  Fall off the dock race   

             Sat   Oct      9    3:45  Fall off the dock race

 

STUDENTS: complete your tests for L1 and get into the race program next year at no additional cost beyond renewal. Take the water test first, then the written test to get your rating. The racing program will give you the opportunity to gain the confidence that experienced sailors have.

2011 Keelboat classes - - Bill Lane

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. Explore beautiful coves such as: Covered Portage, 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

Evening sails 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 Dave Amsdill, Judy Martens and Don Caley to assist. 

 

Attendance on Thursdays has bee great - and the skipper/student ratio has improved! Last Thursday, the weather was perfect; 12 knots out of the west. We've got the same winds scheduled for this Thursday!

Scuttlebutt

There just MAY be a 'Level 3/4 'Headstart' program in the offing soon. It would give those taking the Level 3/4 course next year, a chance to do some chartering on Voyager and Manitou THIS season! Stay tuned.

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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  • Joan Swain is available for sailing or practice sails September 7, 14 and 21, any time between 10-4.  Please call 248-644-7857 or email jkswain36@att.net.
  • I'm a level II sailor and am available to practice sail with anybody at Level I or II as either skipper or crew and am generally available any weekday or weekend, any time.  ff interested, they can call me, Dave Pardy, on my cell at 248-506-2396
  • 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 (“Mito”) husband-wife pair -- Level 1 students looking for practice sail opportunities on Kent Lake.  Starting Sept. 1, we are available Fridays and weekends, AM or PM, and Thurs. nights.  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 

There's still time to charter a keelboat on Lake St Clair! - - Jon Buyle

Yes, the season is winding down! But timeshares continue to be accepted for the remainder of 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. The next one will be Tuesday, September 7. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday September 5.

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