Mark your calendars! Two important events on October 22

Interlake take-out and decommissioning will be on October 22, 2011, at 9:00 am.  Also, on that date is the Election / Dinner / Annual Meeting at Fox Hills Golf Course. Details to follow.

Nominations are now being accepted for three open positions on the ASI Board of Trustees. The election of these three new Trustees will take place at this dinner meeting on the 22nd. If you want to help guide ASI for the next three years, you can throw your hat in the ring by emailing the Burgee a short paragraph about yourself. 

Fresh, Refreshed and Expanded Ideas - - Joan Swain, Level 1 Manager

I was thinking last week how this preseason started off with ideas coming from 2 members to expand on the Wet & Wild Wednesday group, and practice sails.  Now, the season seems to be closing down with fresh and refreshed ideas from 2 members.

The ideas for more cohesive efforts to expand on the WWW sails surfaced during the Interlake boat prep Saturdays in April.   Such appeared to evolve effortlessly after May, and the few times I've been able to join in those sails, I've seen how they enhanced not only sailing skills, but ASI camaraderie. 

Three more recently expressed ideas have similar potential to enhance what Level 1 is about. The first is most likely to occur - stay tuned. The second will take either greater participation or Club approval, so are being kept under wraps until there's a glimmer that we can move forward, aiming for next season.

But, if you've read this far, I want to ask: What do you have in mind to enhance Level 1? If your idea is something you can instigate yourself, or are willing to lead or at least play a part in - but need Club approval or guidance - let me know. As I hope was conveyed when I took on this position nearly 2 years ago, I welcome your thoughts.

Since I only happened to overhear the recent ideas, I'm not wanting to rely on chance for yours. Email any thoughts to me - anytime -  and we'll see how far we can take them. Thanks, in part, to Dave, David, John & Steve this year, Level 1 continues to evolve.

Super Sail Sundays - - Dave Amsdill

Please join us for a new practice and open sailing opportunity on Sundays from 1 PM till 4 PM at Kent Lake.

If you’re a student not yet rated or in the fall classes, this could be a great way to get some sailing practice in and get rated before the boats come out this fall. If you’re a rated sailor, the opportunity for an enjoyable sail and we could use your help. We anticipate having 5-7 students each week and could use more hands to take them out. And you earn hours as you sail. If you’re a newly rated sailor, come out and team up with a more experienced sailor and a student and gain more experience and confidence. Or just show up for an open sail, meet new members and enjoy a the camaraderie.

Also, there may be opportunities to join up with the “Fall off the Dock” racing group at 3:45 to add another dimension to the afternoon sail.

If you are interested in attending, please email me (amsdill@comcast.net) to get on our distribution list. . I will send out a reminder email a couple of days before with a weather forecast and ask you to let me know if you’re attending so that I may do my best to see that we have enough rated sailors to get everyone out sailing.

Remember, that’s “Super Sail Sunday”………just like “Super Bowl

Sunday” except without the football, the commercials, and the hangover……Who’s bringing the chips and dip? See you there….Dave Amsdill

Sail trim and boat handling -- Interested in improving? Try the ASI race program! - - Gary Crosbie

Are you interested in improving your skills in sail trim and boat handling? Consider joining us in the ASI racing program for a season or two. The “just-for-fun” fall racing series is about to begin. The “FOTD” fall off the dock series is scheduled for East Dock, Kent Lake, Kensington Metropark with sign-in at 1545 hour (3:45 pm) on the following dates:

• Sunday October 2, 2011
• Saturday October 8, 2011

There’s no better training in sail trim and boat handling than you’ll find in the Level 1 racing program. When you make a change in sail trim, the Interlake boats will let you know right away whether the result is good or not. Adjustments in tension of the outhaul, boom vang, and main sheet are means to gather more sailing from a given amount of wind. “One-design” competitions provide immediate feedback on the finest details of sail trim success or not: The first one across the line has won the race!

Special notice for Level 2 and higher ASI members: If you are hankering to improve your large boat sail trim and handling skills, the lessons that you can learn in Level 1 racing program will be valuable to you, no matter what size boat you sail in. These advanced skills are not covered elsewhere in the ASI program. The races are good for confidence-building, too. If you have not been a captain in racing team, you may be surprised to learn that you may be still eligible to compete in the next (summer) season ASI novice Borovic award competition.

To aid our planning and communication with you, please send an email with the words “Interested in FOTD racing” and “y-o-u-r n-a-m-e” in the subject line to gcrosbie@comcast.net . 

Gary Crosbie, Racing Chair

Interlake Maintenance Workshops - - Don Sharpe

This class is a requirement for level 1 certification. If you've taken the level 1 classes this year, be sure not to miss it!

The last class of the season will be Saturday, October 8 at 9 am.

Already rated? Even if you've had the class before, you might want to take it again to refresh your knowledge of centerboard nomenclature, rigging, history and trivia.

Dockmaster options - - Anne Ostroth

Since all members, rated or otherwise, are eligible to be a Dockmaster, keep in mind there is more flexibility than in years past to help your fellow members on weekends & holidays - and to engage interested non-members.    You have the option of committing to 2 hour shifts vs the long standing 4 hour shifts.

The shifts are from 9-11, 11-1, 1-3 and/or 3-5.   For those of you who want the more traditional 4 hours, all you need do is take two shifts - or three, or all four.   If you're planning on being at the Lake for another reason - i.e. Maintenance, sailing or just taking a breather from other obligations, think about slipping in 2 hours before or after to help others leave and approach the dock. 

Still keep me informed of your taking advantage of dockmastering.  Remember, all the information is in the Dockmaster notebook in the Dockmaster Box, but basically you'll be helping out those heading out or finishing a sail - on occasion making sea-worthy suggestions - reminding sailors to sign in & lock dockboxes or, as importantly,  being a PR person for those showing interest.   In any down time, you can check in with whatever latest electronic gadget you have, relax, read, or just enjoy the fact that you're helping the Club serve one of its functions.  My contact is aostr2@yahoo.com.

Thank you to those who have stepped forward this season, and an early thank you to those who still will. 

Level 2 Class 2012 - - Bill Lane

Become a Level 2 Captain and Sail the Level 2 O’Day 28 foot Keel boats Interlude and Overture on Lake St Clair

Learn the basics of:

• navigation and GPS
• docking a keelboat
• anchoring
• keelboat sailing
• radio operation
• boat systems
• rules of the road for power boats
• and much more

Prerequisite are:

1. Declare sailing ability by submitting a sailing resume to head of Level 2 instruction and have sailed the Interlake 8 times as a Level 1 rated sailor this year.

2. Be an ASI member and Level 1 Sail Pass holder with all volunteer hours up to date.

3. Complete and present a certificate showing completion of US Power Squadron or US Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating / Basic Seamanship course before the start of Level 2 classes. The class must have a navigation component. The “America’s Boating Course” has the component. Classes are offered by the Ann Arbor and Birmingham Power Squadrons in October.

Sail longer and farther than ever before

Contact Bill Lane, Level 2 head instructor, for details

248-891-6125

Email: wjl6355@gmail.com

Level 3/4 class for 2012 - - Bill Lane

Level 2 sailors, it is not to early to be think of joining the level 3/4 class for 2012

Sail to interesting ports such as:

• Thames River
• Port Huron/Sarnia
• Goderich
• Kincardine
• Port Elgin
• Harbor Beach
• Tobermory
• Killarney
• Georgian Bay and the finest cruising area in North America.
• The North Channel

Enter beautiful coves such as: Cover Portage Cove, Snug Harbour, Marianne cove, The Pool, Benjamin Islands and Browning Cove.

Learn advance navigation techniques and enhance your knowledge of GPS

• Do off shore sailing work
• Advanced anchoring
• Boat provisioning
• Crew organization
• Sail to a destination overnight

Prerequisite are:

Have a Level 2 sail pass and work hours current.

Sail the Level 2 keel boats 8 times this year of which 4 or more of the sails you were the captain.

Contact Bill Lane, for details

248-891-6125

Email: wjl6355@gmail.com

Second Summer nearing end - - Joan Swain, Level 1 Manager

I have requested and received from Lisa the names of unrated members nearing the end of their 2nd summer to earn the Level 1 rank. I know that some of you already have your on-water test scheduled. However, if you've been hesitant to schedule the on-water test, we may be able to coordinate a time/date (or more than one)  prior to October 17. 

No, I'm not the best L1 sailor, have no magic dust to sprinkle on you, nor do I offer guarantees, but if you aren't able to make the remaining Tuesday & Sunday group sails, or don't know who else to contact, get in touch (jkswain36@att.net).

Now, with just over 3 weeks left of sailing, if any other rated sailor wants to make a similar offer, especially for the few living east of Woodward who may be Stony Creek sailors, also get in touch with me or post in next week's Burgee. If I hear from any of the so-close-but-not-yet-rated members that I can't coordinate a date/time with, I will suggest they contact whomever else offers to be available. 

Here's information you need to get your Leve 1 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
• Mike Perrin
• Marlin Ristenbatt
• Dave Pardy

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 you must wait 2 weeks before retaking the test and you should study more, this time.

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

Second summer nearing end - - Joan Swain, Level 1 Mgr

I have requested and received from Lisa the names of unrated members  nearing the end of their 2nd summer to earn the Level 1 rank.   I know that some of you already have your on-water test scheduled.   However, if you've been hesitant to schedule the on-water test, we may be able to coordinate a time/date (or more than one)  prior to October 17. 

No, I'm not the best L1 sailor, have no magic dust to sprinkle on you, nor do I offer guarantees, but if you aren't able to make the remaining Tuesday & Sunday group sails, or don't know who else to contact, get in touch with me at (jkswain36@att.net).

Now, with just over 3 weeks left of sailing, if any other rated sailor wants to make a similar offer, especially for the few living east of Woodward who may be Stony Creek sailors, also get in touch with me or post in next week's Burgee.  If I hear from any of the so-close-but-not-yet-rated members that I can't coordinate a date/time with, I will suggest they contact whomever else offers to be available. Thank you.

A few more things...       

Show me a man with both feet firmly on the ground, and I'll show you a man who can't get his pants off.

The next Burgee will be Tuesday,October 4. Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net by Sunday for inclusion in that Burgee. But send pictures as attachments, please!

Keelboat Haul-out

As the evenings grow shorter it is time to plan for our annual winter lay up. While a successful sailing season draws to a close, it is always important to prepare the boats for the next one. Keep the following dates in October in mind:

• Boat Decomissioning - Saturday, October 15, 9:00 am
• Haul Out - Tuesday, October 18, 8:00 am
• End of Season Maintenance - Saturday, October 22, 9:00 am
• Shrink Wrapping - Saturday, October 29, 9:00 am

Please support your boat captains, assistant captains in ensuring the successful winterizing of our boats. These activities represent opportunities to catch up on your needed volunteer hours while enjoying the camraderie of your fellow ASI sailors.

First Annual 'Last Rites' celebration - - John Tiley

This is for the rite of passage of land lubbers to seafaring sailors as new L1's.

Watch them walk the plank and fall off the dock...right into a fun race! all are invited.

WHEN:

Saturday Oct. 8th 2011

at the ASI dock

Time:

arrive at 11:45am

bring your own food and something to share.

After:

as a new L1 join the FOTD fun race at 3:45 pm

come meet new L1's and introduce yourself and your area of interest to them - show them who you are and how to hook up with all ASI is.