Jim Buckingham has died - - recollections by Tom Langelier and Zyggi Lawrence

Jim Buckingham died last week. I don't know what other jobs he held in the sail program of AYH, but he was Level 4 instructor for at least a couple of years. He also sang at some of our dinners. He graduated three years later than me from the same high school, and I used to run  into him at various Irish events and at the Detroit Film Theater.

We also had the same guitar teacher, although he was much more advanced than me. I also sailed with Albatross Yacht Club for which he was the commodore. He was also associated with some of the symphony orchestras in the Detroit area and a faithful fan of the Hilberry Theater. He owned a lot of Clinton River frontage with about 15 or 20 docks and AYH and ASI sometimes kept one of the boats there for short periods of time.

He was a big guy, about 6 ft 4 and 300 pounds, give or take, and had a full beard, which made him look like a larger than life leprechaun. He was a legend with the women from Center Line High School.

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Some of you may recall Jim from a few years back; a very easy fellow to remember indeed! a gifted musician and a very colorful character. He held several positions in the old club (AYH) including General Sail Chair.

Years back, in the winter months when Michigan's AYH sailors couldn’t sail, several of our members, usually 8 to 12 of us, would meet at an Irish bar, in Detroit (there were several where jim played ) and he'd spend the evening playing old sailing songs. I'll sure never forget "Peter Kagan and the Wind", "Lady Jane" (the devil's in the riggin) and "Day of the Clipper " to name a few.

if anyone is interested in going to the memorial and needs directions let me know; I'm planning on being there! Zyggi - 313-300-2844

For more details see     www.gaelicleagueofdetroit.org

Current Office hours - - Lisa Drumm, ASI Sail Secretary 

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I'll be in the office, but not necessarily during my regular hours.  On both days I will respond to voicemails and emails either very early in the day or in the late afternoon.  The office will be closed completely on Thursday and Friday. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Capsize and Docking Workshops are on again - - JoAnne McClure

Good news! The July 23 and August 27 Capsize and Docking workshops are both on again. There was a mix up on the calendar, but all is well and we will hold both workshops this summer. Docking begins at 9 am and capsize begins at noon. Plan to come out for both. BYW, the ASI Open House will also take place on July 23, so if you have friends interested in sailing, bring them out with you in July. Free rides and information will be available from 10 am - 2 pm. 

Here's information you need to get your rating - - JoAnne McClure

1. You have 2 seasons to do it, so if you took your class in 2010, you must get rated this year. The one exception to this is people who took the class in September. They must be rated by 2012. If you do not, you will have to re-enroll in the Level 1 class.

2. After you have completed all your classes (including the Maintenance Class), and can perform all the maneuvers on the water test form (practice, practice, practice), contact one of the Water Test Instructors:

• Yasuo Fujita
• Don Anderson
• Sam Olive
• Bob Frank
• Bill Lane
• Tom Sand

and make an appointment to take your test. Bring your water test form and get it signed when you have completed the test successfully.

3. Next, study your book and handouts for the written test. When you're ready to take it, contact one of the Written Test Instructors and make an appointment to take the test. BRING YOUR WATER TEST AND SAIL PASS WITH YOU TO THE WRITTEN TEST. Written Test Instructors are: 

• David Pardy
• Chris Lamb
• Nancy Weiss
• MaryJane Bacinski
• JoAnne McCLure
• Sam Olive
• Trudy Morse 

If you don't pass (for shame!!), you must wait 2 weeks before retaking the test and you should study this time.

4. Sail as much as you can so you can mentor another sailor! Good luck!

Maintenance Millie's Musings - - Maintenance Millie

Clothing item found Saturday, 6/11, near dockbox #10 after L1 classes.  As with most found items, it was placed in the Dockmaster Box. That's our 'lost and found' box, too!

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Was speaking briefly with a returning ASI member, Paul Bartold, on Saturday.  Having been away from the Club for a few years, he is needing to get rerated at Level 1.  My attention was heightened with his comment of how much he appreciated ASI's "mission."   Not sure as to what he was referring, I inquired.   He readily stated (not a direct quote but close), "How members treat the boats as their own which has inspired him to leave a boat in excellent condition - for the next member's use."  Wow!  That's some 'mission' ASI has.  Spread the word, Paul - and welcome back!

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Having missed three weeks of sailing (I was having a blast elsewhere), I was bracing for any Maintenance surprises when meeting with the Team this past Saturday.   From what I heard, or didn't hear, sounds like we can almost set free to float away that meddling, sometimes nose-out-of-joint Ms.  Millie.  While that's yet to be decided, just want to pass along the Maintenance Team's (MT) praise for all that's gone so smoothly.

However, still aren't too many of you showing up to help with minor repairs on Saturdays.  Aside from Stan Urbiel, Bobbie Lilly, Richard Jagers and the other boat captains, the MT is not recalling your faces.  Are you caught up with hours?  Are you busy elsewhere helping with instruction at any of the Levels?  Are you taking the L2-4 classes? Do you have a life aside from ASI?  Are you thinking the weather reports are reality?  Are you reluctant to give more than the minimal hours needed to keep our excellent Level 1 fleet looking and functioning at its best - for your enjoyment?  Are you intimidated by the knowledge that the MT possesses?

Well, I won't address most of the above reasons, but If it's the latter, you're missing out because the MT is composed of a great bunch of men.  Yes, they are super knowledgeable and could most likely do most jobs quicker than it takes to show and monitor any of us.  But they are the most patient team to work with.  AND working on the boats, no matter how minor the task, really does enhance one's boat knowledge, alertness and safety skills, which is a double bonus as you gain more than volunteer hours by showing up to help out.  A potential triple bonus is that those who work often go out to enjoy a sail after the tools are put away.

IMPORTANT: Draft Amendment to ASI Bylaws for Review

The following is a proposed amendment to ASI’s Bylaws.  This amendment will be voted upon by the general membership at this summer’s Club Picnic on August 6, 2011.  As an proposed amendment to our Bylaws, a 2/3 vote of approval of the membership at the Picnic is required for acceptance.

Please submit comments regarding changes/concerns to any the Board Trustees.

ARTICLE XIII

ASSET ACQUISITION

A. Asset acquisition refers to the purchasing of any vessel, real estate or other asset of $10,000 in value or greater.

B. All asset acquisition decisions can only be made at a formal board meeting.

C. The general membership must be informed of the intent to bring an asset acquisition motion at an upcoming board meeting at least two weeks prior to said meeting.

D. All board trustees must be explicitly notified of the intent to bring an asset acquisition motion at an upcoming board meeting.

A plethora of sailing opportunities!

There are more organized opportunities for us all to sail our Interlakes and keelboats than ever before! Thanks to Dave Amsdill, Bob Dallos, Heidi Dzendzel, Vic Macks, David Ei, Michael Golden, Harry Vanicelli and Dave Pardy, you'll have an easy time putting together a crew, whether you want to sail at Kensington, Stony Creek, Whitmore Lake or Lake St Clair.

The articles below fill in the details. Now, no excuses - let's GO SAILING!

Thundering Thursdays at Kent Lake - - Dave Amsdill

Please join us for open sailing, practice sails and guest sails on Thundering Thursdays 6 PM till dark each week beginning June 9. I will be keeping an email distribution list and will email a reminder and update of weather projections on Tuesday each week and will be accepting reservations via cell phone. Please email me (amsdill@comcast.net) to get on our distribution list and call me, Dave Amsdill, at 734-645-3806 to let me know your plans in order that we may do our best to get everyone out and sailing.

If you are a rated sailor and could be available for most or at least some Thursday nights please volunteer to join the Thundering Thursday team to provide practice sails to students, guest sails to prospective members and just get some sailing in. Please don’t worry that you’re not experienced or knowledgeable enough, we’ll learn together. It’s a great way to earn hours, empower new students, improve your skills and knowledge and give back to the club.

See you there, Dave Amsdill

Saturday June 18 - the LOTS sail  - - Claire Zepeda

It’s time again for the Ladies Only Time Share (LOTS) and we are going to have LOTS of fun!

This year’s date is Saturday, June 18th. We will be meeting at JBM around 10am. Then we will head out, enjoy the (hopefully) wonderful weather and fair winds. Maybe stop and anchor for lunch and a swim, return to JBM and tie up at Jack's for dinner then be back to our dock around 10pm.

We will divide the cost of the boats by the number of sailors. Last year’s per person cost was about $12. Please bring your own drinks and something to share for lunch.

Please call or email one of us if you are interested. Space is limited. Looking forward to a wonderful day of fun and friendship!   Guys need not apply!

Marilyn, Jessica, Sherri & Trudy

Claire Zepeda (clairezepeda@gmail.com) 734-973-6665

Jessica Hogg (swtpeablue@aol.com) 734-748-0328

Marilyn Leece (sailrmare@sbcglobal.net) 313-618-1188

Trudy Morse (Tmorse@co.wayne.mi.us) (248) 930-0659

Tuesday Day Sails - - Dave Pardy

For those interested, David Pardy will be coordinating day sails at Kensington on Tuesdays. This is not meant to replace any other sails but meets the philosophy of 'the more sailing the better'.

Here is how it works.:

Send David a quick note saying you're interested at dspardy@pardysell.com so he can add you to the email list. David will check the weather and send out a note to those interested probably by the Sunday before the Tuesday sail confirming the sail.

Those who can make it on the Tuesday, reply back to David that they will make it and whether they are rated or not. This should allow David to make sure that we have enough rated sailors for the number of students/guests.

We all meet at the lake at 10:30 and sail until about 1:00 or until people wear out. If weather looks good other days, David might add sails now and then and he'll email those on his list. We also need a few more rated sailors who can commit to be there most Tuesdays since David won't be able to make all of them. He'll also need help if we have a surplus of students/guests. If you can make most Tuesday, please let David know so he can plan.

Wet n' Wild Wednesdays are BACK! - - Bob Dallos and John Johnston

Wet and Wild Wednesday sailors want to play..err sail. So I can’t write a rhyme, on Wednesday’s we are too busy sailing, telling tales and having fun to worry about prose.

Yes, the snow is gone, the rain has stopped and the fair winds of Kent Lake are calling. Sooo, lets get it started. WWW is back, starting Wednesday June 8th. What are Wet and Wild Wednesday’s? It’s time for the old salts, new students and those in between, to get in some practice with our fleet of Interlake’s. No need for setting up appointments, checking the web or trading voice messages, simply show up at the East boat launch at Kent Lake about 18:00 (6pm for the newbie’s). What could be easier? There is one important rule: You must be ready for fun, skill sharpening, practice sailing, and of course meeting with other club members that also have a passion for sailing. We will be around to help ensure that all new sailors are teamed up with rated and experienced sailors. We will even help with the Dock Master and launch chores, if you’re nice to us. Then we all have fun and sail until dusk chases us off the lake. If by chance, we have more unrated or new members than we can pair with rated members,( yes, it has happened a few time in the last few years) bear with us and we will make every attempt to get everyone some tiller time.

For the rated and experienced members of the club, this is not only a great way to meet and welcome new member (and show off a bit) but also to help them gain confidence in their skills so they too can become rated and play it forward. Not only will you have a great time, you get a bonus in that you even earn some volunteer hours, and without you, there would not be WWW!

Looking forward to another great summer of sailing,

See you at the dock, 

John Johnston and Bob Dallos

still more sailing opportunities! - - Vic  Macks

I'm putting together a list of rated sailors sailing daytime weekdays. You can initiate a sail by email/phone call to anyone on the list. For example, you can look ahead one to three days, check the weather, decide on a day, and call/email those on the list for crew. This could be on Interlakes or keelboats, depending on your rating and interest and the interests of those on the list. It's that simple. The list may contain rated sailors interested in Kent, Stony Creek, or Lake St. Clair. The time share fee for keelboats would be split among the number aboard.

This will not conflict with what Dave Pardy is doing on Tuesdays at Kent (see above). It may compliment his efforts with sailing on Kent on other weekdays.

Send me an email (vicmacks3@gmail.com) with the following:

• Name and rating
• email address and phone number(s)
• likely days available
• preferences (Kent, Stony Creek, Lake St. Clair)

I will email an updated list as often as there are changes, additions, etc. Remember, sails will be initiated by anyone on the list. All that's needed is you on the list.

Questions? Send an email or call me at 586-779-1782

Still another connection for sailing! - - David Ei

I’m available for practice sails at Kent lake most Mon, Wed, and Fri evenings. I can be reached at (734) 205-9151 (days) and (734-449-2404 (evenings)

The ASI Race Progam - - Michael Golden

The racers are up and running, and reaching.

The first race of the season got underway Sunday with good air, sunshine, and even a boat over early, just like these pros. Set aside Saturday, June 18 at 3:30 pm if you would like to see how a spinnaker is set on the Interlake at a dockside seminar open to all members. Come early with a dish for a 2pm potluck picnic.

That OTHER Metropark - - Heidi Dzendzel, Stony Creek Level 1 Manager

Stony Creek will be starting up the Tradewind Tuesday evening open practice sail beginning Tuesday 6/14. It will be operating like Kent's Lakes Wet and Wild Wednesdays. We hope to accommodate as many as we can, however I will still need an email from each student and mentor by 3 pm to let us know they will be arriving by 6:00 pm that Tuesday evening.

If you know you can participate, please email me (asiheidi26@gmail.com)

We still need water instructors for Saturdays, June 11, 25 and July 9. Please sign by the email below.

A Dockmaster is needed for all the class dates above. You do not need a trailer hitch for this position. I can't attend as dockmaster this Saturday, June 11. If you can help out for even 1/2-day, please show up to the park and announce yourself to the group of attendees.

The Adopt-a-Boat program is on at our park. You can claim a boat of your own to adopt and maintain throughout the season. This is a great way to get to know the details of what keeps our boats afloat from the tip of the mast to the bottom of the centerboard. Please sign up by email below.

Fourteen (14) Level 1 volunteer hours are needed each season for all rated sailors. Volunteer hours are given for each activity stated above. If you’ve ever had a provisional sailpass, this will help to fill your timeslots each season. Please sign up with an email (asiheidi26@gmail.com).

SPINNAKER DEMO Saturday June 18

SPINNAKER DEMO Saturday June 18 at Kent Lake 3:45 pm Potluck Picnic 2pm.

Experience hands on how to rig a spinnaker on a one-design boat at Kent Lake. Our race leaders will use a boat tied up at the dock to show a way to rig, launch, and trim the “chute”.   Rated sailors may practice out on the water after the demo. Voyager III sailors are invited to see how their spinnaker works on a small scale where it is easier to understand the process.

Everyone is invited to a potluck picnic at 2 pm. We supply paper & plastic wares.  Bring a dish and join the gathering under the colorful sails to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

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.

A few more things...       

Words to live by: 1: Don't sweat the small stuff; 2: It's all small stuff.

The ASI Burgee is on a weekly schedule. The next one will be next Tuesday, June 21. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday for inclusion in that Burgee.