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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Things they don't warn us about in the Level 2 class - - Andrew Leszczynski

the Second Reef – News and Information for and about ASI’s Level 2 Sailors - - Jack Townsend

Today is February 1st which is significant in two ways. We only have 5 days until the Super Bowl and we are only 28 days away from the start of L2 shore school. Shore school classes begin on Tuesday, March 1st. and the on-water classes begin Tuesday, May 10th.

 

Know UR Boat - Last week we talked about bilge pumps and pumps are on the agenda again this week only this pump is in the head. When you think of the head what comes to mind first, that’s right, and it gets to your mind through your nose. I don’t know how many times I have heard Marilyn say, as she removes the hatch boards, “I hope it doesn’t smell down there”. She is such an optimist! “It smells”, the two words most associated with any discussion of the head.

 

Most of the club’s old salts will remember C-Lark our Cape Dory 27, and the distinct (un)welcoming odor she gave forth. I remember times during the heat of the summer when I would pull the cabin hatch-boards, take a deep breath, race in and open as many portlites as possible before resurfacing for air. I don’t know if holding my breath helped, maybe it was case of mind over smell.Overture and Interlude are not that bad but head odor is always an unwelcome guest, no matter what level of intensity.

 

The heads – both Overture and Interlude have Groco marine sanitation devices, (technical name) these are well built and dependable. Interlude has the HE model with the round pump knob and Overture has the HF T-handle model. The only other difference between the two is Interlude’s flush control lever has to be in the horizontal position for the wet pump cycle and Overture’s has to be in the vertical position for the wet pump cycle. And vice-versa for the dry pump cycle. Both boats are equipped with an anti-siphon hose loop with a vent valve on the u-tube. This is the best type of installation; the hose loop extends upward, so that it is always above the water-line even when the boat is on a deep heel.

 

Why do we want that if we always shut off the head’s water supply thru hull? You may not forget to close it but a crew member might and without the anti siphon loop water can siphon back through the head and flow out of the bowl at a pretty good rate. Another good feature on both boats is the anti-siphon vent valve has a vent hose plumbed to the outside of the boat. Don’t take this off unless you are doing maintenance on the valve, if you find it off put it back on or contact the maintenance group. Without the vent hose the holding tank will vent into the cabin.

 

The only downside with the anti-siphon hose is the additional length of hose you have to pump waste through. And herein lies a big problem; hardly anyone pumps enough water through the system to ensure all of the waste gets to the holding tank. If the waste does not make it to the tank then it is being “stored” in the hose. Holding tank hose is constructed to resist permeation but over time the “trapped” waste will degrade the inner lining and allow gasses, and in very rare instances, liquids to escape. To extend the life of the hose we need to make sure that all of the waste is pumped to the holding tank.

 

Most manufacturers suggest, as a rule of thumb, that you make 7 complete up and down pump strokes for every 3 feet of hose. We have approximately 9 feet of hose so that would be 21 pump stokes – I am pretty sure no one does that many strokes. Most of us were taught to be very economical in the amount of water we pump through so that we don’t fill the holding tank with a lot of water. I think plenty of water in the tank will help disperse and dilute the waste making it easier to pump out. Pump outs are no longer an issue on the L2 boats since we now purchase a seasonal pump out permit, we can pump out as often as needed.

 

The last component of the “head” system is the holding tank. Each L2 boat is equipped with a 15 gallon polyethylene tank. These appear to be the original tanks, they are old but they are in very good condition, they are also vented properly. Many installations have a single vent hose, but the correct way to vent the tank is with two vent lines. Our tanks have a vent hose at each end of the tank, fore and aft, this is called “thru-venting” It is the best way to move air through the tank – without add a small vent fan.

 

Why thru-venting? Unrestricted air flow through the tank increases the growth of aerobic bacteria which is the waste consuming bacteria. This in turn reduces the “habitat” for anaerobic bacteria which is the “odor” bacteria. We do have a slight problem with our thru-venting; the recommended hose size is 5/8” to 3/4” so we need to upgrade our current vent hoses.

 

In addition to replacing the vent hoses we will also be rebuilding Overture’s head this spring, several members indicated they were having problems getting the pump to prime. Groco recommends that head pumps be rebuilt every two or three years, we are well beyond that timeframe. The head pump is another potential area for odors. As the pump seal(s) wears out it allows holding tank gases to escape past the piston rod seal each time the pump is used.

 

We will also supply each boat with disinfectant this year, for all of you that can’t bring yourself to pump the head 21 strokes, we would ask you to add a small amount of disinfectant while you are pumping the waste out.

 

With your help we won’t have another C-Lark in the fleet.

 

The Asian Carp menace - - Don Anderson

The Corp of Engineers meeting this Thursday (Feb. 3) in Ann Arbor about the dangers of the asian carp.  They can get official info about the meeting by going to http://glmris.anl.gov/ and clicking on another site to get the meeting schedule.  Boaters need to voice their displeasure regarding the dangers if the asian carp get into Michigan waters.  

 

For those unfamiar with the asian carp,  They reproduce and grow quickly to about 30 pounds and more.  They generally start jumping about 4 feet in the air when they hear boat engines.

 

You will be in serious danger when you start an engine to bring down the sails, fight a storm, pick up a man over board, etc.  Fishermen and water skiers also face the possibility of collisions with asian carp.

A 'Thank you' from Bill Lane

I want to tell everyone how much I appreciate the Fog-Dog Award and your support. Of course, I didn’t do all those accomplishments alone. Many ASI sailors were behind me with their generous support. I am honored to list them and regret missing anyone.

 

Trudy Morse   Co-chair Level 2, 3/4, Level 2, 3/4 Shore school,

Dave Anderson     Level 3/4 On the water, transfer trip

Tom Baker     Level 2 On the water

Jon Buyle   Level 2 Shore school

Kathy Charzanowski Power Point & proof reading

Heidi Dzendzel   Level 2, 3/4 Primers and graphics

Peter Fulda     Level 3/4 On the water

Sherri Gregory     Level 2, 3/4 Shore school JBM GPS

Mary Hein     Level 2 JBM GPS

Jessica Hogg   Level 2, 3/4 On the water

Tom Langelier   Level 3/4 On the water

John Johnston     Level 3/4 On the water

David Pardy Level 2 On the water

Norm Schmidt     Level 2, On the water, Shore school

Haim Schlick   Level 2 Shore school

Tom Sand   Level 2 On the water, 3/4 Shore school

Jack Townsend Level 2, On the water, Level 2, 3/4 Shore school

 

Thanks again all,

Bill Lane

ASI Logo sub-texts - - Dave Clark

I've been working with Queensboro, the supplier of our Booty and Swag merchandise (see above). As you know, all these clothing items can be ordered with the embroidered ASI logo.

 

There have been many requests for an additional line of text BELOW the logo, to show the particular activity within ASI that you're most involved with. Here's an example, showing 'Racing':

 

We're trying to determine just which activities should be made available, for instance:

  • Maintenance crew
  • Lake Erie 2011
  • Manitou
  • Voyager III
  • Overture    
  • Interlude
  • North Channel Cruisers

  • Interlake Racers

  • Kent Lake Sailors (we have nothing for Kent lake except Kent Cup)

I want all the ideas we can get and then choose which ones work best. Send your suggestions to Dave Clark by clicking here.

 

A Gala Evening with Gary Jobson* - - 

Great Lakes Yacht Club presents: A Gala Evening with Gary Jobson* 

 

 

 

All proceeds to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Michigan Chapter 

  • February 11, 2011 6:30-11:00 pm
  • The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House1100 Lake Shore RoadGrosse Pointe Shores, MI
  • Music by Brian Lang
  • Tickets $35
  • Limited Seating
  • Complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar available.

NOTE: There are a limited number of tickets remaining and they are going fast. Don’t miss out – order early. Invite friends, family, crew.Go to http://mi.jobson.llsevent.org or CALL 800-456-5413. 

 

To order tickets, please call 800-456-5413 or online at http://mi.jobson.llsevent.org

 

*Curious about Gary Jobson? See the article directly below. 

Gary Jobson's background 

Gary has won many championships, including the America's Cup with Ted Turner in 1977, the infamous 1979 Fastnet Race and many of the world's ocean races. In College at SUNY Maritime he was an All American sailor three times and was twice named College Sailor of the Year. He was sailing coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. He has won two EMMY Awards as sailing commentator for ESPN and PBS. 

 

Here's Gary Jobson's bio in Wikipedia:

 

Gary Jobson is a decorated sailor, television commentator, sailing lecturer, and author based in Annapolis, Maryland. He has recorded many achievements in his sailing career, having won multiple championships in one-design classes, the America's Cup with Ted Turner in 1977, the Fastnet Race, and many of the world's ocean races.

 

Jobson is also an active cruising sailor, having led expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica and Cape Horn.In October 2003 Jobson was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame by the Herreshoff Marine Museum. In 1999 Jobson won the Nathanael Herreshoff Trophy, US SAILING's most prestigious award, and as of 2010 is the current president of US SAILING.[1]

 

Jobson is also the National Regatta Chairman of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's sailing program.Jobson has authored 15 books on sailing, and is Editor at Large of Sailing World and Cruising World magazines. In addition to his print work he has been ESPN's sailing commentator since 1985. He won an Ace Award for Cable Excellence for his coverage of the 1987 America's Cup.

 

In 1988 Jobson won an Emmy for his production of sailing at the Olympic Games in South Korea and also won an Emmy for the 2006 Volvo Ocean Race on PBS.In college Jobson was named an All-American sailor three times and was twice named College Sailor of the Year (1972, 1973).

 

He graduated with his Bachelors Degree and Third Mate's License (Unlimited Tonnage) from the State University of New York Maritime College in 1973. He began his career as a sailing coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.Jobson currently races an Etchells, owns a Sabre 402, Whirlwind and has a partnership in a NYYC Swan 42, Mustang.

 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is honored to have had Gary serve as national chairman of The Leukemia Cup Regatta since 1994. In 2003, after years of committed service on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Gary was diagnosed with lymphoma and, in his words, "became a beneficiary of the research advances I had helped support." He is now cancer-free.

 

the 2011 Detroit Regional Yacht-racing Association Winter Seminars

Here's a description of the 2011 DRYA Winter Seminar Series, scheduled for most Wednesdays in January, February, and March. All seminars are free (except for the CPR seminar with a nominal materials fee) and open to the public.

 

February 2, 2011:“Chartering”

Our fifth seminar is another of our new topics this year. It will be an in-depth coverage of chartering, for cruisers as well as racers. Hope Swift, a fellow sailor and owner of Swift Yacht Charters will bring her years of sailing and chartering experience to share with us.In this two-hour seminar she plans to: i.) Explain the function of an independent charter agent; ii.) Discuss chartering options including bareboating and obtaining the qualifications necessary for those new to chartering; iii.) Provisioning & otherconsiderations; iv.) Availability of captained and fully crewed charters including destinations, planning, and itineraries; and v.)Theme charters (e.g. Racing, Diving Healthy Living, and Honeymoon /Anniversary. We trust that you'll join us in the midst of winter while we dream of the joys of other seasons! The Detroit Yacht Club will be our hosts for this seminar from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. The Starboard Haven Lounge will be open with a limited (special) menu starting at 5:30 PM. Credit cards please; the formal dress code has been waived..

 

February 9, 2011:“Weather for Poets”

Pat Healy served as head dinghy team coach at theNaval Academy from 1976 until 1981 and then again from 1998 until 2002.In between he was the Canadian National Sailing Coach leading the Canadians to win five Olympic medals and twenty-two Pan American medals. After leaving Canada, Pat ran the Louis Vuitton Cup for the1995 AMERICA’S CUP. He has been the marketing director for theCommanders’ Weather Corporation, a private weather forecasting company supporting racing and cruising boats worldwide. Pat graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology."Weather for Poets" is a non-technical explanation of why there is weather, why the weather patterns look the way they do, thunderstorms, lake breezes,what to look for on the water and on the internet. Join us at the Tompkins Center, Windmill Pointe Park (home of the Grosse Pointe Sail Club) on Wednesday evening, February 9, 7:00 – 9:00 PM. No restaurant facilities available.

 

February 16, 2011:“Medicine Afloat”

Once out on the water, we are very much left to our own devices and preparation with knowledge and supplies is often the key to safely continuing our sail or even safely returning to shore. With this in mind, we continue our efforts to bring new ideas and new voices to our superb group of seminar presenters over the past years with the addition of Dr. Robert Welch, M.D., M.S. from Wayne State University, Department of Emergency Medicine. His Medicine Afloat seminar, given from a sailor's perspective is sure to provide us with an educational evening addressing practical care in the setting of short term cruising and racing. This is an evening not to bemissed! This seminar will be hosted by the Grosse Pointe Yacht Clubfrom 7:00 – 9:00 PM and as usual, is free and open to the public. Therestaurant will be open ahead of time, accepting credit cards only.Beverage service will be available. The formal dress code will be waived.

 

February 23, 2011:“De-Mystifying Rating Systems”

will be presented by DRYA ChiefHandicapper David Spiers and DRYA RC and Nautical Historian, David M.Coleman. The Holy Grail of any yacht rating system is the fair and equitable leveling of the playing field for often disparate vessels. The first part of the presentation will be a brief historical look at the evolution of sailboat ratingsystems. Prof. Coleman will review the evolution of thisconcept from the first 'America's Cup' race, through the mighty J's. Included will be a discussion of Herreshoff’s "Universal Rule" and the development of the alphabet classes (P, Q, R, and J) and the Meter Classes. The parameters from these early racing systems are precedent to today's and their evolution will be tracked descriptively and with visuals. The majority of the evening will briefly review the IRC, IMS, ORR and One Design handicapping systems and usage in today's yacht racing. Then we will discuss in detail the PHRF System used by about 80% of the racers in the world today, as well as who administers the databases and how consistency is addressed. We will cover the US Sailing databases, standards and what items affect the ratingand how we address them to give fair handicaps and racing across the many types of yachts racing today. Questions are welcome! Comments areexpected! The Detroit Yacht Club will be our hosts for this seminar from 7:00- 9:00 PM. The Starboard Haven Lounge will be open with a limited (special)menu starting at 5:30 PM. Credit cards please; formal dress code has been waived for the evening.

 

March 2, 2011:“Staying Alive With CPR”

When someone’s heartbeat or breathing stops, immediate CPR is critical to their survival. Learning how to properly administer Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a genuine life-saving skill. Get that training by joining us for a three-hour class taught by PC Loretta Rehe, and Ted and Janie Williford, fellow sailors and certified CPR instructors. There is a nominal fee of $30.00 to cover the cost of educational materials. Pre-registration before February 26th is mandatory in order to have adequate equipment and instructors on hand. Participation is limited to 30. If there is enough interest, a second class will be added on March 3rd at the same location and time. This seminar will be hosted, from 7:00 – 10:00 PM, by the Edison Boat Club. No food or beverages will be served. Pre-registration will be available at any prior Wednesday Night Seminar or through kevinvsherry@aol.com

 

March 9, 2011:“Saving Sailing … Continued”

This Seminar will be a significant follow-up on the special DRYA "Saving Sailing" Symposium last October that featured Nick Haynes, author of the best-seller "Saving Sailing." This seminar will feature Michigan native Dawn Riley who is an America's Cup and Around the World Sailboat racer who is also an accomplished businesswoman, community leader and youth-sports advocate, author, speaker, TV commentator and committed philanthropist. Dawn will discuss her own passion for `saving sailing' including her newest activities with the Oakcliff Sailing Center which is dedicated to training sailors, boat workers, owners and teams in order to raise the level of sailors and sailing in the United States. A panel discussion including a large group of local sailors (including Jim Rodgers) who have been meeting regularly at North Star to put together a "Saving Sailing"action plan will complete this fascinating and relevant evening. David Coleman will moderate the discussion. This program will be held at the North Star Sail Club from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. There will be a cash bar (cash or credit card). No food service.

 

March 16, 2011:“Basic Racing Rules”

“Saving Sailing … Continued” This Seminar will be a significant follow-up on thespecial DRYA "Saving Sailing" Symposium last October that featured Nick Haynes,author of the best-seller "Saving Sailing." This seminar willfeature Michigan native Dawn Riley who is an America's Cupand Around the World Sailboat racer who is also anaccomplished businesswoman, community leader and youthsports advocate, author, speaker, TV commentator andcommitted philanthropist. Dawn will discuss her own passionfor `saving sailing' including her newest activities with theOakcliff Sailing Center which is dedicated to training sailors, boat workers, ownersand teams in order to raise the level of sailors and sailing in the United States. Apanel discussion including a large group of local sailors (including Jim Rodgers)who have been meeting regularly at North Star to put together a "Saving Sailing"action plan will complete this fascinating and relevant evening. David Coleman willmoderate the discussion. This program will be held at the North Star Sail Club from7:00 – 9:00 PM. There will be a cash bar (cash or credit card). No food service.

 

March 23, 2011:“Safety at Sea”

This seminar, presented by Chuck Knowles and Margi Schneider, will be a practical discussion of safety issues and equipment that relate to both racing and cruising sailors. Chuck will present the very newest equipment available, and make numerous specific recommendations. Chuck and Margi are aggressively preparing their live-aboard yacht V-Twin for extended world cruising; lessons-learned to date, and planned upgrades will be discussed. This should be an instructive and entertaining evening. A special mystery guest will discuss safety from his perspective and explain what a sailboat ‘looks like' from the bridge of a fully-loaded 1000' freighter. This presentation is sponsored by West Marine. Please join us at the Grosse Ile Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, March 23rd from 7:00 -9:00 pm. The availability of food and beverage service will be posted later.

 

One more thing...       - - Don Caley

 

The ASI Burgee is back on a weekly schedule. The next one will be next Tuesday, February 8. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday for inclusion in that Burgee. 

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