Sunday Drive Anyone? - - Dave Amsdill 

Sunday Drive? I know what you’re thinking. Boring! Seat-belted in the back of the family wagon next to your brother or sister counting cows or playing the license plate game, stopping in to see distant relatives. Can’t wait to leave. Cornfield, cornfield, tree, cornfield, cornfield, barn, cornfield, cornfield, horse, cornfield, cornfield, small town with two old guys sitting in front of the filling station. Only 200 miles to Wall Drug. Are we there yet? He keeps looking at me. She won’t stay on her side. If I have to turn this car around. Are we having fun yet?

Take heart, this is not your Daddy’s Sunday drive. That is, not unless your Daddy is Capt.Jack Sparrow or Long John Tiley. This is Sunday driving pirate style. Wind in your face, sails filled with a warm summer breeze, spray coming over the bow and no seat belts or other restraining devices.

Please join us on Sunday afternoons on Kent Lake from 1PM till 3PM beginning June10th and running through October take-out for open or practice sailing with all your favorite ASI buddies. Please email Dave Amsdill amsdill@comcast.net and get on our Sunday Drive participant list. We’ll send out a reminder a few days before and do our best to match up students and guests with rated sailors. It’s fine to also just show up, but emailing ahead will make the whole event work out better. If you were on the Thundering Thursdays list last year you’re already signed up as we’ll use that list to get started this year. And remember giving practice sails is a great way to earn work hours.

And now, in case you were wondering who “we” and “us” are, I would like to introduce the Sunday Drive gang, those dedicated members who will be leading and coordinating Sunday Drive’s this year for your sailing pleasure. We will be alternating Sundays depending on who is available. And the leaders are: Dana Sims, Paula Merideth, Stephen Kang, Deb Broomham and myself Dave Amsdill. Thanks to all for their generous giving of their time and talents.

We look forward to seeing you on Sundays this summer and while this is not your Daddy’s Sunday drive we do kindly ask that you stop hitting your sister or brother as the case may be. If I have to turn this boat around you’ll be in big trouble buddy. Next year you’re staying home……………..

Reflections on Reliance at Kent Lake - - Joan Swain, L1 Mgr

As I was driving to Kent Lake this past Saturday around 10AM, the thought popped into my head as to how reliable the L1 Maintenance Team is. I knew they had gathered around 7:30AM and arrived at the Lake by 9. While I had initially planned on meeting them for breakfast, that hadn't happened, so I was driving to the lake more at my leisure. 

I reflected on the fact that the Maintenance Team, specifically Don Caley, Andy Brown, Don DeRyckere, Bob Moon, Don Sharpe - and unofficially, Stan Urbiel, are extremely reliable.   Aside for one or two weeks out of the season, one will always find some of them at the Lake on Saturdays -  even during the week. Too often lately, they get little help, but they continually work to keep our boats in the best possible condition.

While chatting, being as there was also a class going on, someone asked, "did JoAnne leave any cookies?"  None were in sight. Just as we were bemoaning a no-cookie day (with visions of the Cookie Monster looming), who walks up with a tin in hand? You guessed it. Not only has JoAnne McClure reliably been the head instructor for many years, leaving an imprint on many current ASIers, we now almost expect her to bring treats.  She hasn't disappointed on either task.

I was pleased to see two dockmasters, especially for classes.   The DMs did an excellent job helping the sailors at the dock throughout the day.  Late morning, Anne Ostroth came by.  You know that she is the contact for any member to take on the helpful task of dockmaster.  Not only has Anne reliably held that slot for several seasons, but she's been the inspiration for creating more flexibility of dockmaster hours and options.

Around noon, I saw the L1 instructors.  Several instructors have given their time many seasons to bring book-lessons alive for the students.  This past Saturday, two of the reliables, Sam Olive and  Don Anderson, were leading the classes to nurture our newest members.

After an enjoyable sail, I lingered longer than usual with a sailmate in the shaded breeze. Shortly, Steve Poulos appeared and the three of us chatted  a while.   Steve has been a reliable presence, emerging a while back as one of the leaders, in the Interlake racing program. I further know that some of our newer members have joined the racing program this year and will become more skilled because of it.

So, it dawned on me to acknowledge the above sampling of reliance that serves us all.  The best way I've done this in the past 2.5 seasons, has been via a Burgee article. Once again, awaiting input, were the skills and reliable dedication of our Burgee editor, Don Caley, to get thoughts into print.

I'm fully aware that many more member's names could have been listed for their reliable dedication to serve the rest of us in varied capacities.   However, the above reflection of only a 6 hour window of one Saturday at Kent Lake left a unique impression on me.  Nonetheless, thank you to all our reliables - mentioned or not.

Tuesday Day Sails - - Susanne Guendelsberger

(please note! We have received word that TODAY, Tuesday, June 12th  the Detroit Lions are hosting a big charity event from 6 a.m. to 7p.m.  The event includes a bass fishing tournament and it looks like the J-Dock and nearby parking will be extra busy. To make life easier for everyone, we are going to move today's sail to Wednesday, June 13th (tomorrow!). Tuesday sails will otherwise be as posted below!)

For those interested, Susanne Guendelsberger 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.:

1. Send Susanne a quick note  (skastberg@yahoo.com) saying you're interested, so she can add you to the email list.
2. Susanne will check the weather and send out a note to those interested, probably by the Sunday before the Tuesday sail confirming the sail.
3. Those who can make it on the Tuesday, reply back to Susanne that they will make it and whether they are rated or not. This should allow Susanne to make sure that we have enough rated sailors for the number of students/guests.
4. We all meet at the lake at 10:30 and sail until about 1:00 or until people wear out.
5. Those coming to these sails are welcome to do practice sails, just tool around the lake or anything that they and their shipmates want to do. The more the merrier so rated sailors, sail students and guests are always welcome and encouraged!

If you are a rated sailor and you take a student(s) out on a Practice Sail on these Tuesdays, it should be good for 2 work hours.

On a related note, Laura Miele (a level 2) is available Tuesday mornings for L1sails but needs to be off the lake by about 12:00. If anyone is interested in getting to Kent Lake earlier, say 8:30 or 9:30, she would be available to take them out on practice sails. Let her know if interested at mieledvm@aol.com or 404-518-1858 (cell).

TESTING OPPORTUNITY: Susanne is taking over coordinating Tuesday sails from David Pardy (dspardy@pardysell.com) making it possible for him to concentrate on testing new L1's and other commitments. David can administer tests at our Tuesday sails so let him know if you want to test so he can be ready. David expects to be at most Tuesday sails. LET'S SAIL!

Testing Procedures for Level 1 Rating - - JoAnne McClure

If you have completed all your classes and practice and are ready for your water test, here is a list of Water Test Instructors. Contact them to set up an appointment to take your water test.

Water Test Instructors:

• David Pardy
• Bob Frank
• Mike Perrin
• Don Anderson
• Sam Olive
• Yasuo Fujita
• Bill Lane

If you have passed your water test and taken the Maintenance Class, study your book, handouts, ASI Policy Manual, and class notes and contact a Written test instructor from the list below. Bring along your completed water test form and sail pass when you take the test.

Written Test Instructors:

• JoAnne McClure
• Nancy Weiss
• Sam Olive
• Chris Lamb
• Heidi Dzendzel
• Dave Pardy

Questions?Contact JoAnne McClure. Good Luck!

Spinnaker Demonstration and potluck picnic! - - Michael Golden

SPINNAKER DEMONSTRATION is at Kent Lake Saturday, June 16. Potluck picnic at 12noon. Demonstration 1:30 p.m.

See how to rig a spinnaker on a one-design boat at Kent Lake. The race program 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 with a racer. Voyager III sailors are invited to see how their spinnaker works on a small scale where it is easier to learn the process. 

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

We have spinnaker bags installed on halyard rigged Interlakes by Don DeRyckere. They snap into place easily; to remove them the snap must be lifted at the DOT. The white dot is on the bottom edge of the snap; put your finger on the under side of the dot and lift to remove. It will not come off any other way without damage to the bag. The bag with the logo goes on the port side. They are large bags and make dropping the spinnaker much neater. Care must be taken not to overload the bags or step in them. After using the system stow them in the same dock box.

Sponsored by the Racing Committee

Stephen Poulos, Manager

Gary Crosbie, Race chairman

Michael Golden, Race coach

Reminders from the Keelboat Scheduler - - Jon Buyle

The sailing season is upon us 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 so that I can get them in the scheduling calendar. Please provide this information as soon as possible so that your event is secured and timeshares don’t have to be cancelled.

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

Fledgling L2s seek mentoring - - Joan Swain

This is a request for any L2-4 sailors ready and willing to take on the newest batch of L2s. There's a handful of us currently updated to L2 and we're ready to timeshare Interlude or Overture.  However, as some of us feel the need to practice with seasoned predecessors, would welcome either direct contact, or put your own blurb in Burgee for available times/days you're willing to mentor.   If you want to email me re your availability jkswain36@att.net, be assured I'll share the welcomed news with the rest.  Thank you. 

10 AM Weekday Sailors - -  Vic Macks

This is a list of rated sailors sailing daytime weekdays. Anyone on the list can initiate a sail at his/her rated level 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, Stoney, or Lake St. Clair. Of course, a rated keelboat sailor initiating a sail on a keelboat is obligated to have at least one sailor aboard who is rated at level 11, level III, level IV or equivalent. The time share fee for keelboats would be split among the number aboard.

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, or 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.

Dock Masters Needed - - Anne Ostroth

Dock Masters (DMs) are needed every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday throughout the sailing season.  This is especially true on Level 1 class days (see calendar).  It is a great way to earn work hours and meet other sailors. Anyone with a sail pass (student - Level 4) is encouraged to sign-up.  There are four shifts per day:  9-11 AM, 11-1 PM, 1-3 PM, and 3-5 PM.  You can sign up for any number of shifts per day. And now we also have dock master shifts available on Tuesdays starting June 19 from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. 

DM duties are described in the notebook labeled "Dock Master" on the front and located in the DM box.   This notebook contains the DM badge ( so others will know you are the designated DM) and other helpful information.  The DM box also contains the boat hook and other supplies.  I recommend that unrated sailors choose DM shifts on Sat. mornings so that someone from the maintenance team can open the DM box for you. Please email me at aostr2@yahoo.com to sign up and assist your fellow sailors.

PYC Event: US Sailing Racing Clinic, June 16 - - Sheri Hartlep  Portage Yacht Club Sailing

Portage Yacht Club is excited to announce that on June 16 we will host two US Sailing Racing Clinics: one for Interlake and Flying Scot sailors led by Frank Ustach and a second clinic for Laser sailors led by Matthew Clark. Frank and Matt are both US Sailing Level 2 certified instructors. The two clinics will run concurrently, are intended for sailors with intermediate to advanced level experience, and include both on- and off-water activities. These clinics are open to all sailors - not just members of Portage Yacht Club.

Registration: https://secure.ussailing.org/ussis/register/index.asp?eventid=590176

• Deadline: May 26
• Cost: $70 for US Sailing Members; $110 for non-US Sailing Members

Details:

• Laser sailors will register as individual sailors. Interlake and Flying Scot sailors may register as teams of 2 or 3 or as individuals--individuals will be teamed up for on-water exercises.
• As you register, you will have an opportunity to suggest topics or skills you would like to focus on in the clinic. Frank and Matt will take these into consideration as they develop a customized curriculum for the day.
• Off-lake sailors may bring their own boat or inquire about borrowing one from a club member (contact Elona Van Gent to make that request).
• More info at US Sailing website: http://championships.ussailing.org/Clinics.htm

A few more things...       

Nautical definitions: 

• SPINNAKER: An extremely large, lightweight, ballon-shaped sail, frequently trailed in the water off the bow to slow the boat down.

• SPINNAKER POLE: Term for an individual of Polish origin who tries to fly a spinnaker. 

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Please send your Burgee input to asidon@comcast.net for inclusion in the next  Burgee. They're on a weekly schedule. Send in your stuff for publication by Sunday for inclusion the following Tuesday. Sail hearty!