Kensington's Launch - - Joan Swain  

We had another successful launch….or to paraphrase a Station Leader’s comment, “No one got hurt and all the boats are now secure in their slips.”

Elaborating on that summation to describe ALL that led up to and occurred this past Saturday, would be impossible,. There were just too many individual steps to dare describe pre-season tasks, a month of boat prep, the launch planning and the individual Station tasks.

Driving to the farm on Saturday, after pulling over to make another call to Don DeRyckere for “one more” clarification or question, I laughed in appreciation of inventors and parents. Yes, inventors for giving us cars, phones, computers, email and cell-phones. And parents, for giving us the following people who helped make “Launch 2011” a success. They are as follows:

First and foremost, again, the Kensington Maintenance Team of Don Caley, Andy Brown, Don DeRyckere, Bob Moon and Don Sharpe for their knowledge, guidance - and patience with my questions.

The event’s numero uno creator of order and clarity, Marilyn Leece, invaluable as this year‘s mentor of Kate McRae and myself.

Our Station Leaders, bless them all, for leading the other volunteers - Dave Pardy, Heidi Dzendzel, Chris Lamb, Mike Nolta, Claire Zepeda, Joe Jaeger, Mike Perrin, Mary Hein and Steve Poulos.

To Bill Crawford for his suggestion to streamline the trailering process, starting his morning a bit earlier than planned and for having needed items always present.

Our trailer haulers, some on a list, others offering that morning (therefore apologizing up front for any names not acknowledged) doing a yeoman’s job of getting precious cargo to the Lake: Mike Walters, John Tiley (double duty as photographer), Pat Smith, Dave Paine, Ron Green, Jim Dow and George Koch.

To the gals who made the day more enjoyable for many: Diane Tower, Judy Martens, Marilyn Alimpich for planning & providing the donuts, pizza and drinks.

To Anne Ostroth for an abundance of work and time since last Fall to sort through the varied dockbox forms and information contained in the sign-in, dockmaster & maintenance notebooks. As well to Kathy Chrzanowski and Patrick MacArthur for hosting and leading teams pre-season for sail and boat cover repairs.

To the rest of the volunteers, whose cooperative help was impressive and important, allowing the whole process to finish up closer to noon than midnight (with names taken from the sign-in sheet, a few challenging my interpretation of script….and, if not signed in, omitted): Ivan Roman, Don DeGrazia, Chris Juillet, Nancy Bennet, Brian Moore, Carolyn Gorski, Steve Wyborski, Gary Roush, Fred Trinker, David Toth, Carl C. Clarke, Joy Hassebrock, Jim Eaton, Gary Crosbie, Pete Roberson, Ray Schneider, Kevin Chow, Ken Kramer, Phil Phillips, Kathy Welch, Stan Urbiel, Kurtis Walker, Paul Szafranski, Balise Molitoris, Mark Gostin, 

Mark Tlok, Richard Jagers, Run.. Ja..ers (sorry), Gary Hintz, Roxanne Zanotti, Sherry & Mike Douglas, Fernando Ortiz, Duane Dipert, Cece Grabowski, Pam Schmidt, Todd Treman, Dan & Susanne Guendelsberger, Gina & Bob Brim, Diana Jaeger and Barb Hayes.

As Kate’s assistant, I was pleased to become more aware of the process, though initially wary of what had been described as “a big job.” Yes, a BIG JOB it was, but “no one got hurt and the boats are secure in their slips.” May I speak for all who sail Kensington’s Interlakes in recognizing that a big job deserves a big THANKS TO All.

Top Ten Things to Make Instruction Heaven in 2011 - - JoAnne McClure

1. Proper Credentials: It is ASI policy that everyone on the boat for class must have a sail pass. This includes students and instructors. Our insurance won’t cover damage to boats if those operating the boat are not properly credentialed. When in any doubt, ask to see the sail pass. Be sure that everyone signs the boat out when you begin rigging and back in again when you return. Use the book for your boat or the one the dockmaster is using if we have one. Have a policy question? Look at the ASI Policy Manual, on the web at www.sailasi.org under documents. Remind students they should be familiar with ASI policies and should read this document.

2. Types of Classes this Year: As in 2009 and 2010 , ASI will be offering Level 1 classes at both Kent Lake and Stony Creek this year with shore school at WSU Oakland Center or the Macomb Library. The schedule can be found at www.sailasi.org and is similar to the past two seasons, with Saturday classes at Kent and Stony Creek in June and July, Sunday classes at Kent in June and July, and Saturday classes in September at Kent

3. Open Practice Sails: Open nights for practice sails will be held at Kent Lake again this summer, probably on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Remind students that these are available and a great opportunity to get help with sailing skills and make new friends. If they miss a class, they can use this opportunity to get instruction from someone volunteering at the lake for these sails. Because instructors are in demand for these sails, please make every effort to show up to provide instruction to students. If you provide make up instruction, sign the sail pass for the class you made up. If no space is available, sign as a practice sail provider. Feel free to offer practice sails to students you meet in class or to acquaint them with others with free time. Sailors can “hook up” with available skippers via the Burgee during the season.

4. Maintenance Class: All students must complete Maintenance Class prior to taking their water and written tests for rating. Classes are the first and third Saturday of June, August, and September and the third Saturday of July from 9 am – noon at Kent Lake. The class is included in Level 1 tuition and no sign up is required. Just show up and learn. Anyone who wants to refresh their learning may attend.

5. Stopping the Boat on the Water: Coming into Irons is a prerequisite for docking! Everyone must learn this before they try to dock! Every opportunity you have on the boat, have students find the wind direction and teach them to stop the boat out on the lake by bringing her into irons. This is a good time to discuss the difference between true and apparent wind (also a test item) and it is part of the man overboard procedure and docking. With the ASI sponsored flagpole at the dock, there is no excuse for people not knowing where the true wind is located. “Heave to” is part of the curriculum for Level 1 and is tested on the water test. It requires a sensitive touch and proper wind speed, so if conditions are right, demonstrate it and have students give it a try. If it is too windy or not windy enough, it won’t work or may be dangerous, so when conditions are good, slip it in!

6. Preparation for Departure: Rudders should be shipped at the last minute prior to departure from the slip to avoid damage due to rubbing on the metal under the dock. When installing your rudder, put it over the side of the boat (not under the traveler), hook on the safety line, then move it to the stern and ship it as usual. This will avoid scratches on the deck and wrestling with the traveler. Don’t use the square flotation cushion as a pad! All sheets should be ready to use (i.e., installed in blocks) and halyards attached prior to departing the slip. When raising sails at the J-dock, the mainsail goes up first (be sure that the mainsheet is running free), followed by the jib just prior to departure. This steadies the boat in irons and keeps the jib from flogging in the wind. When returning, the jib goes down at once (for the same reason), followed by the mainsail. Two reasons for this: the mainsail is protected from flogging by the boom and it steadies the boat in irons. Students should not paddle unaccompanied by a rated sailor. Remember, most accidents happen at the dock, so be sure those PFDs are in place.

7. Capsize Demos and Docking Workshops: These are opportunities for students and other sailors to sharpen their docking skills and observe and/or participate in a capsize event under controlled conditions. The dates this year are July 23 and August 20. Students may use the capsize experience toward their US Sailing certification if they actually participate in righting a capsized the boat. If you would like to be an instructor for docking or help with capsize, please respond when you get an email asking for volunteers. Encourage students to attend.

8. Interacting with students: One of the most important aspects of the on-the-water classes is that students get as much 'hands on' experience as possible. They learn more by doing things themselves than by watching you. Let them discover sailing while providing guidance to keep them safe. Every time you begin a class, have students examine the boat for sea worthiness and to review/teach the use of all lines. Begin at the bow or the stern and discuss/test knowledge of the use of every line. Name it and discuss its use. This prepares students for the water test and helps them review. Once out on the water, repetition of instructions for each student is appropriate. Talk them through and give lots of encouragement and then let them try it themselves. Stick to the procedures and methods taught in class. The water and written tests are based on them. Students will learn shortcuts and their own ways of doing things as they become more proficient sailors. We want them to learn things “the A.S.I. way” for the test. Fancy stuff can come later. That said, there are times when accommodation is needed so that individuals can accomplish their sailing goals within their range of motion. This is especially true when teaching people to jibe but may apply in other situations. Be aware and try to help people make the most of their abilities and learn to sail.

9. ASI offers US Sailing Small Boat Certification. This requires one year or equivalent experience sailing on Level 1 boats as a rated sailor, a testing fee payable to ASI of $25, an additional water test administered by one of ASI’s certified US Sailing instructors (John Johnston, Bill Lane, and Larry Willis), US Sailing membership, and a $15 fee payable to US Sailing.

10. Have fun out there! This may be a “job” but it should be a fun one. If you are enjoying yourself, chances are that is contagious and the students will do the same. Teaching others to love sailing is the most rewarding part of this activity. Be sure to take advantage of it!

UPDATED LEVEL 3 /4 POSITIONS OVERVIEW - - Norm Schmidt

Level 3/4 Management can be a team responsible for coordinating Level 3/4 operational activities. Specifically, these positions and activities include:

Level 3 /4 Manager – Volunteer needed

Level 3 /4 Assistant Manager – Volunteer needed

The L3/4 Manager is the primary team leader and liaison for the Level and can be tremendously instrumental in all related efforts.

• Communications to Membership regarding L3/4 specific concerns
• Ensuring Timeshare Captains follow Level 3 /4 procedures
• Hosting L3/4 specific meetings
• Represent L3/4 membership at General Sail and Operations meetings

Assistant Maintenance Director for Level 3 /4 – Tom Baker has volunteered

• Lead Organizer for commissioning of L3/4 Keelboats
• Lead Organizer for decommissioning of L3/4 Keelboats
• Oversight for L3/4 Operational Activities 

Dinghy Boat Captain – Dave Clark has volunteered

Assistant Dinghy Boat Captain – Tony Calvas has volunteered

These are very important positions for ASI.

You can volunteer to fulfill one of these commitments as part of a team – i.e. co-managers.  Your efforts will be greatly appreciated!  

Note that the Level 3/4 Manager position is not responsible for organizing the North Channel timeshare lottery.  The Level 3/4 Manager is only responsible for coordinating this event with the North Channel Lottery Committee 

If you are a L3/4 member, please consider volunteering for this position.  The absence of a L3/4 Manager will be most consequential to you and your peers in L3/4. Contact Joe Jaeger for more details at joe@computer.org

THE BOAT-NAME WINNER IS…            - -  Joan Swain, L1 Manager

From a pack of 14 varied, interesting, a bit quizzical or amusing…. and somewhat esoteric names, two contenders surged ahead late last week, one leading in email votes, the other in voting at Saturday‘s launch.

With only the slim margin of 3 votes, out of 75 cast, your winner is Allure. That fits. Sailing is alluring to us in many ways. So, congratulations go to Dave Clark for its submission. Wait, the runner-up, Imagine, was also submitted by Dave Clark! What a coincidence. Now I wasn’t planning on announcing any other slots, but this is too bizarre to not share: 4th place, Adventure, was submitted by none other than the same Dave. I assure you, after a home invasion to inspect my emails and closer scrutiny to see if Dave’s PAC had rigged the paper voting, Price Waterhouse has validated the results.

OK, who defeated Dave’s clean sweep of 1st, 2nd, 3rd place? It was Marilyn Leece’s Hakuna Matata. For those of you wondering how that translates, check out “The Lion King.” Again, thank you to all who submitted names which inspired your votes.

Reminders from the Keelboat Scheduler - - Jon Buyle

The sailing season is HERE, and timeshare reservations can now be made,  I need any priority scheduling events, such as maintenance, instruction, evening sails, or special events sent to me ASAP so that I can get them in the scheduling calendar.

Here are a few reminders for keelboat captains in order 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 timeshare hours and 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.  

A special welcome to all the new Level 2 Captains.  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)

One more thing...       

Question of the day - Why do they put braille on the drive-through bank machines?

The ASI Burgee is on a weekly schedule. The next one will be next Tuesday, May 10. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday for inclusion in that Burgee.