The 2011 Race schedule - - Michael Golden

Next Sunday 5/22 the racers will practice starting line tactics at 3:45. This weeks session got rained out.

Experienced rated racers are welcome to join the Interlake Racers anytime and get in on

the fun!

2011 Race schedule:

5/7 Saturday

3:45p Review & Practice - POW Recap, general practice and introduction of mentors

5/15 Sunday

3:45p Cancelled

Practice Race Course layouts, starting strategies, mark rounding rules

5/22 Sunday

3:45p Starting practice, Start line tactics

6/4 Saturday

3:45p JAM Race, 10 commandments, plus. Protests.

6/12 Sunday

3:45p JAM Race - Overtaking rules during races

6/18 Saturday

2pm Potluck Picnic

3:45p Spinnaker Seminar

6/25

Saturday - Maintenance Day

6/26 Sunday

3:45p Spinnaker Race, Jib & main adjustments, Trim, balance.

7/10 Sunday

3:45p Team Race - Jib fairlead, boom vang, outhaul, halyards, etc. heavy air.

Pick teams

7/16 Saturday

3:45p Team Race - Light air.

7/24 Sunday

3:45p Team Race - Team work in a crew.

7/31 Sunday

3:45p Team Race - Kent cup countdown

8/6 Saturday

9:00a

Kent Cup Regatta/picnic, Picture, Potluck picnic

8/7 Sunday

9:00a Kent Cup “ (rain date)

8/13 Saturday

9:00a Team Race - lessons learned.

8/21 Sunday

3:45p Team Race - Light air sailing.

8/28 Sunday

3:45p Team Race - Changing gears

9/11 Sunday

3:45p Team Race- Heavy air, prevent capsize

9/18 Sunday

3:45p FOTD- Sailing in balance

9/25 Sunday

3:45p FOTD - Racing for the fun of it.

10/2 Sunday

3:45p FOTD- POW - Burdened rules

10/8 Saturday

3:45p FOTD

Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder - - Joan Swain

Yes, it's the Adopt-an-Interlake time of year, aka a chance to become an Interlake boat captain. This adoption process calls for a few, select members who want to contribute some meaningful, flexible, be-your-own-boss, on-your-own-schedule volunteer hours to the Kent Lake Interlakes.

With 11 boats to keep up with - although there are forms and notebooks for any of us to alert the Kent Maintenance Team when something needs attention - for a few years now, some members have stepped up to give extra focus to checking, doing as able and keeping track of any cleaning or maintenance matters related to their assigned boat. And it would not just be one-way communication. You'd be encouraged to check if whatever needed doing got done.

I am pleased to report that Jessica Hogg will be returning as coordinator and leader of all Adopters. Returning also from last year, Dan and Susanne Guendelsberger are going to readopt Gee Willie and may be taking on a second boat; Bobbie Lilly, reports that she's still inspired by the namesake of Fred's Flyer so will remain that adopter; and Loren McFadden's reply noted how he finds cleaning and checking Second Wind an excuse to spend some relaxing time at the Lake. Our first newcomer, Richard Jagers, having fallen for Wind Song last year, will be taking her under his wing and has already been checking her over in preparation for the upcoming classes.

To join this band of merry members, please contact Jessica (swtpeablue@aol.com).

With one other maybe-if-needed person from last year, as of now there are no firm commitments for at least 5 boats. Remember, opposed to most adoptions, this requires only a few months of extra nurturing, but as with any adoption, may be very rewarding. Please know that your participation in this task is valued and much appreciated. 

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...       

Words to live by:  The second mouse gets the cheese!

The ASI Burgee is on a weekly schedule. The next one will be next Tuesday, May 24. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday for inclusion in that Burgee.