KEELBOAT SAILORS! Don't forget! The Level 4 Keelboat meeting is TONIGHT, 7 pm, at Busch's Six Mile and Newburgh!

The Best Deal in Town - - Joan Swain

If you wanted to reconnect with prior class or sail mates,

If you wanted to put a face to a name,

If you wanted to know the health of our finances or membership,

If you wanted to join in remembering a much-missed member,

If you wanted to receive a certificate for your efforts,

If you wanted to be recognized for work the past season - or seasons past,

If you wanted to be reminded of who heads up the Club and various Levels and Projects,

If you wanted to know what new program is coming next year…..preceded by an unexpected comedy routine that I only wish was now on youtube,---

the ASI Awards Banquet was the place to be!

(Frankly, it’s now Monday morning, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I have not the talent to relay all that transpired at the Banquet. However, on Sunday morning, wanting to be sure a miniscule flavor of it was in the Burgee, I offered to give it a try. After getting the go-ahead from others, here’s a much-tweaked effort.)

After reconnecting with faces missed these past few months, and selecting from eight different desserts following the buffet, the program began with Joe Jaeger introducing the Board members. Lori Lozen then proceeded to reveal the Club’s financial and membership health, current & comparative to recent years, in details enough to satisfy most inquisitive minds.

Then Dave Clark stepped up to honor the memory of his friend and sailing buddy, Zyggi Lawrence - a member who had that link with many others. Even for those who barely knew him, there had been a bond. And for those too new to the Club to know of Zyggi, Dave’s brief summary of his much appreciated contributions and attributes gave clarification to his value. We were pleased to see Diane Lawrence in attendance and to later view slides reflecting on happy & contented moments of his sailing and family life.

On to certificates of awards and some trophies for accomplishment, all duly earned and much deserved . Then recognition of many members who not only worked to maintain & launch the fleet, but provided the instruction, testing , scheduled practice sails and end-of-season party, all of which contributed to a successful and enjoyable year. Hearing all the names of those who, sometimes literally, keep our boats afloat was impressive. It was gratifying to see the new categories of recognition for the past year‘s efforts - even knowing up front that some felt unworthy of the praise. This and the preceding segments of the program brought forth rounds of applause, all adding to the festive air. And Craig Smith almost turned into a one-man paparazzi with his camera clicking off numerous shots of all the groups gathered up front….I hope he got included in at least one. Joe finished up this portion of the evening by acknowledging varied leaders who had served the Club - some of them for years.

Claire Zepeda then stepped to the podium. Before she announced the winner of the Fog Dog Award, she spoke for many in acknowledging - and here I’m paraphrasing - that while we all are in the Club because of our love of sailing, it’s often the relationships with other members that brings unexpected joy. How true. With congratulations to all who had been nominated, Jack Townsend gained the honor of being this year’s recipient, well deserving of that now annual recognition.

Was the evening then over? No. One more item was on the agenda. It appeared to be a basic, just-the-facts-m’am item. Steve Poulos came up to give a description of his brainchild - a new class coming forth this season as a pilot program for Advanced Level 1 instruction. We had already heard glimpses of Steve’s dry humor during the racing segment, but this is where the youtube wish comes in. With his version of “the truth” of what transpired between him and a now unmentioned member to bring his program thus far, he had the audience in stitches. I’m sorry, I won‘t even try to touch the content. Besides, I was laughing too hard to hear some of it. You really had to have been there. It was an indescribable jewel of comedic energy.

So, yes, the Banquet was the best deal that night. Thank you Joe for organizing it and to all who brought forth the information, certificates, trophies and recognition. Thank you to those to earned the awards and praise. You represent new blood and the heart of our Club. Special thank you from this reporter to Dave for honoring Zyggi, to Claire for reminding us how valued the Club‘s friendships and relationships are….and finally to Steve, for the surprise of the night and hearty laughs. Best deal? You bet.

Here are some of the pictures taken by Craig Smith:

https://plus.google.com/photos/109038057905921739433/albums/5700334523752150721?authkey=CP_Lxpn0sui2zgE

Past Novice Race Champions - - Michael Golden

Novice Race Champions from the past on the Dan Borovik Trophy anchor.

These novice champions from the past have gone on to great success on the wet race course. There is only room for one name left. Who will be the Novice champ in 2012??

Michael Golden would like to try, but can't figure out how to be a novice again.

You only get one chance. Give it your best shot!

New fundraising commitee being formed- - Tom Baker

The ASI Board of Trustees is looking to establish a fundraising committee. 3 to 4 volunteers are needed to work with Tom Baker to explore ways to raise funds for ASI and develop a proposal for recognition of donations received from members, family, friends, businesses, and others.

This committee will develop a fund-raising proposal to be submitted to the ASI Board at the end of February. If you have previous fund raising experience or you are interested in serving on this important committee, contact Tom Baker: Home 313-836-1760 / Cell 313-319-2681 or e-mail at FayeTomB@aol.com

---and now, for something completely different...GEOCACHING!  - - Gina Brim 

From Wikipedia: Geocaching is an outdoor sporting activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device and other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches" or "caches", anywhere in the world.

Bob and I would like to work on setting up a geocache for ASI members. This should be a lot of fun but we need to know who is interested in participating. Also, we would like to know if there is anyone else interested in working on it. Think of it as a high-tech scavenger hunt!

The actual geocache will be proceeded by a GPS training session, so the geocaching will not only be fun, but also give everyone 'hands-on' experience. We would like members who are already proficient w/ GPS to assist as team leaders, as well as novices and others who would just like more experience with using it.

There promises to be a few surprises, as well. All levels are invited to participate, and many have already expressed interest. You too? If so, email Gina (r.v.brim@prodigy.net)

Thanks.

Gina and Bob Brim

r.v.brim@prodigy.net

A new perk for 2012! - - Don Kapit

ASI is now enrolled in the Dunham's Sportsmen's Club Program.Enclosed with your 2012 sail pass will be a discount card for 10% off your purchases made at any Dunham's store. This program is completely free and a benefit to all ASI members.

A 'Thank You' from Dave Clark

I would like to thank all the people from ASI who make this sailing organization operate as good as it does. Most of these people will be recognized during this dinner meeting tonight. This is a great club because of the people who donate their time and energy to help teach sailing and make new comers feel welcome. Other people hold positions on the board and have to attend boring meetings a couple of times a month and must have agendas and documents ready for the meeting, meaning that they had to work on these at home for hours before the meetings. We also have people who spend countless hours working on the boats.

I would like to recognize some of these people for their help on the Keel boats, especially VIII. First I have to thank my wonderful wife Peggy who puts up with the things I do and even helps me do things that I can't do by myself. Next I have to thank Jack Townsend. Without his help I know that I wouldn't have been able to do half of the things that we have been able to get done. The fuel tank has been drained and cleaned, a new 3700 gpm. emergency bilge pump installed with new thru hulls for both bilge pumps, new cutlass bearing, new wiring from battery to motor, remove and clean holding tank and we are adding new remote sensor, and the list goes on and on. Without his encouragement and knowing that he would help every chance he got, I would have been reluctant to try any of these jobs.

Tony Calvas, Patrick MacArthur and Dan O'Connell stepped up and agreed to be my assistant boat Captains. This is very important to the boat Captains because we can't do everything. These are the people I look to for advice and together we find ways to get things done. Large projects that are already finished or in progress include Loren McFadden re-finishing the woodwork and both tables on VIII, and Phil Phillips re-finishing the hand rails and woodwork around the entrance hatch. Patrick MacArthur and Steve Wyborski wired our new emergency bilge pump. Don Sharpe had a label printed for the use of the pump. He also repaired the spotlight. Patrick MacArthur made a sleeve to remove the old cutlass bearing. Mike Walters and Sigmar made templates for our new cockpit cushions and Mike went and had the cushions made. Jim Dow and Nancy Bennet made new mosquito nets with new pull tabs. Richard Jager fixed our GPS/Chart plotter and upgraded our radio to show our position in case of an emergency. Bob and Regina Brim made a list of all spare parts and made sure the numbers were correct. Paul Rossetti, Don DeGrazia, and my constant companion, when there is work to be done, Tom Herritage helped remove the hand rails. What a job that was. Marlin Ristenbatt is fixing our cutting board. Tom Baker and Craig Smith are the guys that kept us on track. Thanks to all the people who helped scrape, sand, paint, wax and buff last year. Bill Lane even got into the repair business. He helped me change some port gaskets. I know my thumbs and fingers were sore for a week from stretching and pulling together to get them in properly. I want to mention my gratitude to all the people who helped to put the boats in and get everything on board for the season last year and the same for everyone who helped decommission the boats.

Thanks to Joe Jaeger and all the people who helped shrink wrap the boats. Trudy Morse and Kathy Chrzanowski updated our manuals. Kathy also sewed a new wheel cover for VIII. Dave Anderson did a terrific job on our cruising guides. That is what this club is all about. We all work together to make things work. This is a wonderful club because, let's face it, sailors are great people to hang out with. One last thing, please get involved in any way you can. You will learn as you go then you will be teaching someone else and then you can be up here asking for help like I am today. If I didn't remember to mention somebody, I'm sorry. I'd like to blame that on my age, but I can't, I'm still too young for that. Thanks everybody.

Update for DRYA Seminar #4 - Astronomy (Tomorrow night!)

DRYA Seminar #4 : (see details below) Arrive by 6:45 PM Because the Planetarium can accommodate a max 65 x 2 = 130 guests (total combined) for the 2 showings and classes. Tickets will be distributed – "first come<> first served". [Note that a 9:00 PM 3rd Planetarium presentation (only) will likely be available if we exceed 130 guests.] We apologize in advance for anyone who arrives after the capacity has been reached and has to be turned away. See details in special planetarium event flyer.

- - - - - - - - - -

Due to unexpected interest in this seminar, we apologize in advance for anyone who arrives after the capacity has been reached and has to be turned away. Due to the darkened interior of the Planetarium, the door will close promptly at 7PM for the first seating of 65 blue ticket holders.

DRYA 2012 Winter Wednesday Seminar Series Overviews - - Mickey Bennett

Seminars start at 7PM.  Go to www.drya.org for more information, updates, and potential winter weather changes. Unless otherwise noted, these seminars are free of charge to ASI sailors!

Seminar #4 Jan 25 AN EVENING AT THE PLANETARIUM: MARS, LAKE HURON AND CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

This very special DRYA evening will be held in the recently upgraded, state-of-the-art, digital Wayne State University Planetarium. The planetarium uses a Spitz SciDome HD projector to provide a spectacular full dome experience for visitors. The group will be divided into two segments to see the special planetarium show, and to receive a primer on celestial navigation from members of the Power Squadron. Both will be presented twice.

The planetarium show will include a look at the dazzling winter night sky, along with currently visible planets and a number of spectacular winter nebulae. Visitors will enjoy the use of special diffraction glasses and be treated to a stunning multi-media presentation on Mars. This will be followed by a tailored presentation of what it's like to be sailing on Lake Huron to racing and recreational destinations and all of the magic and navigational information to be gleaned. The Power Squadron will provide a primer on sextants and practical celestial navigation. The planetarium presentation is hosted by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Wayne State and will be presented by Professor Jeff Conn.

This will be no charge for this evening, but "Wilson" will be passed and all donations will be accepted. The Planetarium is located on the lower level of Old Main (corner of Cass Avenue and W. Warren Avenue) near the main, Cass Avenue, entrance to the building. There is signage near entrances to help direct visitors to the planetarium. There is plenty of street and nearby (pay) lot parking. Please arrive on-time. Watch the DRYA website and Facebook page for further information. For general information see: http://planetarium.wayne.edu/about/index.php

Seminar #5 Feb 1 PREPARING FOR AN AWAY REGATTA … AND HOW THAT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER RACER AT HOME

Racers with little travel experience and those who are champions, both home and away, will be able to learn important considerations in making one a confident and prepared champion. Com. Burton will also discuss the very important topic of two boat tuning, which for one-design sailors is the foundation of good boat speed. Also, DRYA C Course tips, along with the tactics to win a regatta in the final two races will be discussed. Bruce Burton is a Past Commodore of the Bayview Yacht Club, National and International Etchell’s Champion, frequent lecturer on sailing topics, and is newly-elected as a Director of U.S. Sailing. This presentation is a special joint DRYA and BYC Seminar at Bayview Y.C., 100 Clairpointe, Detroit. 

Seminar #6 Feb 8 COMMON SAILING INJURIES AND A GLIMPSE AT THE FUTURE – TELEMEDICINE ON THE GREAT LAKES

Dr. Robert Welch, an avid sailor and forward looking emergency department physician from Wayne State University, plans on reviewing and up-dating the care of many common emergencies. But where is emergency care going? In the age of expanding communications the delivery of medical care is changing. Telemedicine is a reality but in its infancy. What are the futurists saying? What are the limitations? Join us on Wednesday, February 8 from 7-9 p.m. at the Tompkins Community Center,14900 Windmill Pointe Dr., Grosse Pointe Park, home of the Grosse Pointe Sail Club to hear the latest.

Seminar #7 Feb 15 DEMYSTIFYING RATINGS

De-Mystifying Rating Systems" will be presented by DRYA Chief Handicapper David Spiers and DRYA VC and Nautical Historian, David M. Coleman. The Holy Grail of any yacht rating system is the fair and equitable leveling of the playing field for often-disparate vessels.

The first part of the presentation will be a brief historical look at the evolution of sailboat rating systems. Professor Coleman will review the evolution of this concept from the first 'America's Cup' race, through the mighty J's. Included will be a discussion of Herreshoff's "Universal Rule" and the development of the alphabet classes (P, Q, R, and J) and the Meter Classes. The parameters from these early racing systems are precedent to today's and their evolution will be tracked descriptively and with visuals. The majority of the evening will briefly review the IRC, IMS, ORR and One Design handicapping systems and usage in today's yacht racing.

Then we will discuss in detail the PHRF System used by about 80% of the racers in the world today, as well as who administers the databases and how consistency is addressed. We will cover the US Sailing databases, standards and what items affect the rating and how we address them to give fair handicaps and racing across the many types of yachts racing today. Questions are welcome! Comments are expected. The Detroit Yacht Club, on Belle Isle, will be our host for this seminar from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. The Starboard Haven Lounge will be open with a limited (special) menu starting at 5:30 PM. Credit cards please; formal dress code has been waived for the evening

Please note:

No Seminar Wednesday Feb 22, 2012   Winter Break!

Seminars (8-12) resume Wednesday February 29, 2012.

Seminar #8 Feb 29 LOCAL WEATHER FOR LIBERAL ARTS MAJORS

Pat Healy will build on his presentation last year, “Weather for Poets” a non-technical explanation of why there is weather and why weather patterns look the way they do, with another non-technical explanation of why local weather does what it does. This year’s focus will discuss thunderstorms, lightning, lake breezes and review some of the best local weather sources.

Pat has served as head dinghy team coach at the Naval Academy. He was the Canadian National Sailing Coach leading the Canadians to five Olympic medals and twenty-two Pan American medals. In 1995 he ran the Louis Vuitton Cup for the America’s Cup competition. He has been the marketing director for the Commanders’ Weather Corporation, a private weather forecasting company supporting boats worldwide. Pat graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in Meteorology. Join us on February 29, 2012, 7:00 PM at the Great Lakes Yacht Club. 23900 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores

Seminar #9 Mar 7 A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO REWIRING YOUR SAILBOAT

Com. Skip Gmeiner and sons Ron and Stephen will build on last year's popular presentation on wiring in a sailboat. This presentation will quickly review last year's topics (new battery-saving LED navigation lights; changes in ABYC wiring requirements; and new ways to charge auxiliary batteries). From there they will provide practical information for the do-it-yourselfer; how to effectively re-wire with modern innovations; dealing with 110 VAC and 12 VDC systems, and grounding. The Gmeiners are well versed in this topic area as their commercial venture, SPEMCO, is a large distributor of nautical switches, indicator lights, circuit breakers and many other electromechanical items. Join us March 7th at 7 PM at North Star Sail Club, 32041 South River Road, Harrison Twp.

Seminar #10 Mar 14 SAIL MAKING FROM START TO FINISH

Sailmaking from start to finish will be an exciting and informative evening as Al Declercq and his team of sailmakers at Doyle, Detroit, will host us at their Harrison Township loft and take the group through the entire process from designing the sail to cutting it and then through every assembly step.

Gluing the panels

Laminating the seams

Applying the corner reinforcements

Applying the load path fibers

Applying the Dacron corner reinforcements

Applying the edge tapes

Installing corner rings and finishing details

Measuring the completed sail.

They will have 10 sails partially completed so that they can be working on actual sails at each stage of production. Please join us from 7-9 p.m.at Doyle, Detroit, 24227 Sorrentino Court , Clinton Twp, MI 48035-3237 (586) 790-7500

Seminar #11 Mar 21 UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING YACHT RESISTANCE … AND WINNING MORE RACES

The focus of this presentation is to describe how hydrodynamic drag influences sailing-yacht performance. The hydrodynamic drag is conventionally broken into several components including wave, frictional, and induced drag. During the talk an overview of each of the components of resistance will be given with an emphasis on the relative importance of each component in different sailing conditions. This presentation will be by members of the University of Michigan's Naval Architecture Department including Professors Steven Ceccio, Robert Beck, Kevin Maki, and Armin Troesch. Among the faculty are several who are also seasoned sailboat racers as well as designers. Please join us March 21st at 7 PM at Ford Y. C., 29500 Southpointe Road, Grosse Ile.

Seminar #12 Mar 28 MODERN SAFETY AND SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES AND RELATED ELECTRONICS

Coast Guard Lieutenant Justin Westmiller will speak on modern safety and search and rescue techniques including a review of how AIS impacts our safety on the water. He will address what to do when the helicopter is overhead and how to get the helicopter to come including transmitting calls for help using EPIRB and DSC.

Tim Metcalf will discuss Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and the familiar red “Distress” button. In order to take full advantage of this technology, boaters must ensure that their identity and location are available in the event of an emergency.

The discussion will led by Tim Metcalf, a USCG ¬licensed captain, experienced offshore sailor and racer, and the owner of a small business that sells, integrates and installs marine navigation electronics. Tim Metcalf is the Rear Commodore of the Double Handed Sailing Association. He has accumulated almost 13,000 offshore sailing miles.

Please join us March 28th at Port Huron Y. C., 212 Quay St., Port Huron

New L1 skippers: get into racing next season - - Michael Golden

Racing is a fun way for new or experienced skippers to refine their sailing skills. One learns sailing by doing it; having another boat sailing nearby at your performance level is a great teacher. You don’t have to get competitive about racing to gain confidence in your ability on the helm.

New racers must attend the basic seminar in April and a practice, to skipper in the early races, when you are ready. There is no racing fee for newly rated Level 1 members from this last season. To sign up, reply with your name, rating, and years of sailing/racing experience to Michael Golden 248-549-3030.

Attention all Keelboat sailor 'wannabees' - - Bill Lane

The ASI Sail Secretary is pre-registering students for the 2012 Level 2 Keel Boat Class. The cost is $50 which will be a part of your final class fee. To register, send me your sailing/boating resume - call or email me and I'll send you the form. See the qualifications for the class in article below.

Any questions or concerns call 248-891-6125 or email me.

Bill Lane 

Level 2 Head Instructor

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

Prerequisites 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

Attention Level 2 Sailors  - - Bill Lane

The ASI Sail Secretary is pre-registering students for the 2012 Level 3/4 Class (cost $50). If interested send me your updated resume - call or email me and I'll send you the form.

Keep in mind that to pre-register you must have completed 8 sails on the Level 2 boats as a Level 2 sailor. For four of the sails or greater you must have been captain of the boat. I recommend pre-registering as this class filled up last season.

See article below for description of the course. 

Bill Lane 

Level 3/4 Head Instructor

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

Prerequisites 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

A few more things...       

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?  

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Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net for inclusion in the next  Burgee, whenever that might be. But send pictures as attachments, please!