Fall ASI classes underway!

Last Saturday was a blustery, windy start for ASI's fall classes. Thirteen intrepid sailor wannabes boarded the Interlakes at Kensington Metropark to get acquainted with the boats.

Instructors JoAnne McClure, Sherry Gregory and Dave Kowalski explained some of the nomenclature and answered questions about the Interlakes, and sailing in general. 

Welcome aboard, new students! We're hoping there's enough good weather left this season for you all to get 'hooked', and sail with us again, starting early next season!

PS on Reefing;  Dangling Bow Arms - -  Maintenance  Millie

PS on Reefing:   Ms. Millie must have run out of brain power last week when writing about reefing.  She left out......the rest of the story.

You already know that most of our main sails have slugs in the foot, and that  was last week's reefing topic.  But it was brought to my attention that a reminder may be needed for the 1 or 2 (or 3?) main sails that don't have slugs, thereby making it impossible to reef "under the foot."

When you happen upon a non-slugged foot, the 3 reefing lines that tidy up the middle of the sail can only go around and tie underneath the boom (with a square knot).  So what else is there to say?  As with the slugged sails:   be sure no rigging lines get tied in with any of the 3 reefing lines, as that will negate the whole point of reefing:  safer sailing.   To repeat - with slugs:  under foot...not under boom;  without slugs:  under boom...... and with both, keep rigging lines free from the folded sail and knots.

Dangling Bow Arms.   MM hopes this has just been a fluky week, but it has been reported that some Bow Arms have been left dangling......thereby being useless in securing the boat in the slip.  

Though MM doesn't want to be too wordy,  this is important.   Securing the bow arm with the line running from its end, is one of the keys to keeping our boats looking good - intact - and saving us all spending unnecessary funds on repairs.  

Here's the preferred method:   bring the bow arm line over, then back under the center of the cleat (to which the painter is attached - more on the painter later).  Pull the line snugly so the head of the BA is pulled right up to the cleat.   As you hold the line tightly in place,  first cross it over itself, then start to make a cleat hitch as if you were securing either halyard to their cleats - you know; around one horn then twisting the line as you round the other horn.    Continue this twisting process until the BA line is fully wrapped on the cleat.  

Now for the painter.  Flemish (coil) the painter as you know to do, then slip it under the now tightly secured head of the BA.  This lessens the chance that the BA will rub through the finish of the foredeck, again saving on maintenance costs.

I know part of this is best demonstrated. For that, feel free to follow Don DeRyckere as he often walks the bows of the boats to correct any bow arms that weren't secured as he has devised.    Ms. Millie can attest that he's very patient with coaching as one slips up, but eventually learns this preferred way to secure your boats in their slips.

Sangria Party at McFadden's !

You are cordially invited to a “Home Made Sangria” party on September 25, 8 pm, 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.

ASI Racing - Notice of Race - - Casilda De Benito

• RACE:  Team Race
• WHEN: Saturday, September 11.  Sign in at 3:45 p.m.
• WHERE: Kent Lake
• Race Committee (RC): Chris Gearhart - arrives at 3:15 p.m.
• DISCUSSION TOPIC: Heavy air, avoidance or courage?  Prevent capsize.

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

The September 25^th workday at Kensington has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 3^rd 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

Invitation to unveiling (patent pending?) - -    Joan Swain

Necessity being the mother of invention, Don DeRyckere has devised a new tool to capture wayward halyard shackles that have flown all the way to the top of a mast.  What use to cause consternation and extra work may eventually require only patience.

Don D. is offering to demonstrate how the new tool is intended to work to those interested.   As with all inventions, some fine tuning may yet occur, but you can be a witness to the process.  To date, success has been achieved in the finger dock, and the next step is see if it is easier, as expected , from the J-dock.   The more of us who are able to use this yet-to-be-patented (don't laugh Andy) tool, the sooner all fly-away shackles will be back in place.  Eventually no boats will need to be paddled all the way to the sandy shores - nor trepidaciously careened @ the J-dock under cover of darkness - nor have the Maintenance Team unstep the mast to get hold of the shackle.

Consider this your invite to seek out Don D., aka Mr. Reliable, most Saturdays during maintenance hours (9-1).  Just ask for the demo.  and before or after, if you have an hour or two to spare, you're also invited to help Don and the rest of the Maintenance Team with routine tasks.  However technical or non-technical your abilities, help at Saturday maintenance is always an appreciated way to get in those volunteer hours.

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.com

Special call for Dockmasters -- Joan Swain and Anne Ostroth

Whether or not you need to fulfill your minimal volunteer work hours, please consider helping out as a dockmaster either of these next two Saturdays.  Our Fall classes began this past Saturday with the Introduction to the boats, and with 12 sudents registered, I'm sure your volunteering to help out - where we all began in L1 classes - will be appreciated.  Plus it's a good demonstration for the new students as to how members make the Club a success, volunteering is just one of many ways to assist each other. 

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.

Winner of the RC sailboat kit - - Larry Willis

To ASI sailors,

I got six requests and a lot of good uses for the model sailboat. I put all the names in a hat and the winner is...

TONY CALVAS

Congratulation Tony, and thank you to all to responded.

Larry Willis

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 

One more thing...

The ASI Burgee is on an 'every Tuesday' schedule. The next one will be Tuesday, September 14. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.netby Sunday September 12.