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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A BRIEF T/F QUIZ for Kensington Interlakes - - Maintenance Millie

I know it's early in the season, but like a dandelion, Maintenance Millie has emerged now that the Kensington Interlakes have been launched. She wasn't expecting to reconnect so early in the sailing season, but when word filtered back that a few reminders are needed now that we're all ready to sail, she dusted off her keyboard.. Not wanting to be possessive of refreshed knowledge, here's a quick true/false quiz to reawaken some nautical/ASI practices:

 

  1. It's Saturday morning and you really want to stay in bed. Since you think 9AM is too early to be anywhere, you decide that it's OK to let the Kent Lake Maintenance Team, or some other member(s), care for your boats. Let them do whatever needs doing. True/False
  2. You've had a good sail, and are putting your boat away - for overnight, or a week or more - until it is used again. You decide it's OK to leave lines laying in the sole of your boat so they can sop up any water that gets in. True/False.
  3. Same scenario of putting your boat away: you see the short bungee cord at the stern. Eventhough your crew thinks it's supposed to hook under the lower bracket of the metal gudgeon, forward of the mooring line, to give greater security in the slip, you decide otherwise. You think it's a useless piece of equipment, so it's fine if it hangs free. True/False
  4. Same scenario as above: wanting to be sure the boom stays centered while moored in the slip, and unaware that super downward pressure may eventually weaken the boom, you pull the mainsheet tight....tighter yet....as tightly (accompanied by a grunt?) as you can muster, before securing & coiling it. For centering the boom, you figure tightest is best. True/False
  5. In readying your boat for the boat cover, you remember that a raised boom gives better drainage off those covers. Though you reengaged the topping lift before lowering the main sail, you now want to raise the boom higher. You think that will be easy after the boom has been secured in place (#4 above). True/False
  6. And if the topping lift cannot serve its full function due to the already tightened boom, you decide it's OK if the boat covers look baggy and don't give their full protection from rain. Besides you don't want to bother releasing, perhaps recoil, the mainsheet to allow for optimal use of the topping lift. You think no one will care. True/False
  7. Knowing that there are more than 5 months in the sailing season to get in your minimal work hours, or acquire more if you really want to participate in your Club, you decide it is wise to let weeks go by before getting in those hours via varied means. And there's always Plan B: plead for off-season tasks to be up to date come next year. Either, especially Plan B, are clever strategies. True/False

 

Yes, the focus on this Quiz, and most that Ms. Millie writes about, is maintenance related. Being told that only the Kensington Maintenance Team and L1 Manager were present this past Saturday, most jobs that needed doing were put off until whenever some helping hands show up.

 

Yes, the statements are all false!

Dockmasters needed at Kent Lake - - Anne Ostroth

 DOCKMASTERS are needed at Kent Lake for all Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays throughout the sailing season.  The dock master helps keep things running smoothly at the dock when there are a lot of boats coming and going,  Also, it is helpful to club members who want to take children and non-sailors sailing to have someone to catch a line or give a timely shove. This is especially important on class days.  Instructors should not have to conscript friends and family to serve as dock masters for when they are teaching.  Best of all serving as dock master is a good way to earn work hours.  There are two shifts per day AM (9 am - 1 pm) and PM (1 pm - 5 pm).  If you are interested please email Anne at aostr2@yahoo.com.

 
 

CPR Training opportunity - - Kathy Chrzanowski 

This is an interest survey of who would like to be be trained in American Red Cross CPR/First Aid.  Everyone should have this training when out on the boats, since EMS is not very convenient.  I have a friend who is willing to teach the class.  She will be trained in the new guidelines for this training on May 21.  Therefore, this class would be run shortly after that. 

 

There will be a per student fee, but we can get the room free.  It will probably be a series of evenings to accomplish this.  If interested send an email to Kathy Chrzanowski matwins1@comcast.net

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

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...       

 

Save the earth - It's the only planet with chocolate!

 

The ASI Burgee is on a weekly schedule. The next one will be next Tuesday, May 17. 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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