June/July 2014 - Wheeler Yacht Club
Transcription
June/July 2014 - Wheeler Yacht Club
Wheeler Yacht Club The Tell-Tale www.facebook.com/Wheeler.Yacht.Club www.wheeleryachtclub.com June/July 2014 Commodore’s Corner Well the summer is upon us and we have had a couple of activities. The Shrimp Boil was well attended and was the first event in the new shelter. Some of the comments about the shelter were that it needs fans and needs some shade curtains on the west side. These may be projects that the yacht club can take on in the future. You can see some pictures of the Shrimp Boil here: https://caroleepics.shutterfly.com/pictures/1579. The next event was National Marina Day and Fish Fry. Marina Day is a country-wide event to promote activities on and around the water. Thanks go out to The Rocket City Model Yacht Club. Their remote controlled sail boats were fun to watch and the members were very generous in allowing others to take the “wheel” (or toggle). Also, thanks to Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, Life on the Water Magazine, and the park for showing off what a great asset the marina and lake are to the area. After the Marina Day activities Sam White treated us to a Fish Fry in which he caught, cleaned, and cooked a great meal. The fish and hushpuppies and all of the sides that members brought were great. Be sure to tell Sam and Audrey thanks when you see them. We had originally planned to have a cardboard boat race for the July event. This has been put off until September. While we are not going to have an official July event for the yacht club there is still a lot going on around the marina and on the lake. Please use your boat and enjoy some of these events: On July 5th the 8th Annual Elk River Boat Party will be from 3:00 to dark. Enjoy the band Cosmic Mama from your boat where Anderson Creek meets the Elk River. Anchor out and enjoy the band. From July 18th thru July 27th HandyFest activities abound. Look here for a schedule of events: http://www.wchandymusicfestival.org/2014/2014-Events-Calendar.pdf There are many that would be accessible from the water. On Saturday July 19th, J.J. Brindley will be having his 2nd annual Dock Party in Roberson Cove. The party is from 3:00 to 7:00 and features the band Second Creek. This is a BOATS ONLY party. Anchor out and enjoy the band. On Friday night July 25th from 6 until 9, Joe Wheeler State Park will host the HandyFest Event Rollin on the River behind the lodge, featuring Dorothy Cole as Tina Turner. Pull your boat behind the lodge for a ring side seat. On August 9th, the State Park System is sponsoring Baumhower’s Shrimpfest and Bar-B-Q celebrating 75 years of Alabama State Parks. This will take place on the patio behind the lodge with live entertainment. The WYC Summer Blowout event is planned for August 16th, this is a change from the original schedule. We will be having this event on the 700 Dock and Karen is busy planning this party with entertainment. I want to welcome our new club members: Judy Larson ― Thankful (Power) Bob & Sally Locklear ― Marabel (Sail) Richard & Julie Williams ― Half Full (Sail) J.J. Brindley ― Bachelor's Lady (Power) J.J. Brindley has recently bought his grandfather’s (Robert Brindley Sr.) Chris Craft and joined the club. I believe J.J. is the first 3rd generation member of Wheeler Yacht Club following Robert and his father Jeff. Joe Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 1 Schedule-At-A-Glance July 12 18-19 26 August Summer Program: Racing Rules, Part II New addition to summer schedule! See details in Race Program Report th 30 Classical Antique Boat Show Rollin' on the River HandyFest 2 Sail Trim New addition to summer schedule! See details in Race Program Report 9 Baumhower's Shrimpfest & BBQ See www.alapark.com/joewheeler for details; reservations req'd. 16 Take a Power Boater Sailing! Time & Details TBD 16 Summer Blow Out Party More details in this issue! 23 Bouys Series #4 Race 9:30 Skippers mtg in Marina Store lobby; 11:00 1st race; Racing over ~4:00 MSSC Vice Commodore's Regatta Hosted by Muscle Shoals Sailing Club @ Wilson Lake 30-31 * Cardboard Boat Race & Grill Out will be rescheduled Race Program Report With the series of Spring race events drawing to a close this might be a good time to ask how things are going. Recall that when I introduced the schedule I made the following statement, “ . . . I’ve tried to pick dates for which we can reasonably expect fair weather and just the right amount of wind. We’ll see how that works out.” It seemed to be working out okay until recently when we’ve had to cancel the Buoys Series #3 and Pursuit Series #3 club race events because of weather. For Pursuit Series #4 (results included herewith) we had just enough air moving to finish one race, and then a dying breeze left three of four boats stranded on the course in the second race. Needless to say, my crystal ball is going into the shop for recalibration. Pursuit Series #4 Skipper Boat Race 1 Race 2 Gar Bouse Olson 25 2 DNF Doug Fox Capri 22 1 1 Jacob Petritsch Catalina 22 Sport 4 DNF Paul Wunsch Capri 30 3 DNF Early in the year I stated as a goal “to help our skippers and their crews become better racers.” Along these lines we had a review of some aspects of the Racing Rules of Sailing in our Race Program Orientation. I had been pondering how best to continue this training activity and took the opportunity to float some ideas past Paul Green in a recent conversation. In response, Paul suggested that we keep meeting at the marina every second or third Saturday during the summer break as we have been, begin the day with breakfast in the lodge, migrate to the club room for a classroom session, and wrap up before noon so people are free to use the afternoon to work on their boat, go for a sail, or do chores at home. Perfect! So here’s the plan: Summer Program Date Topic July 12 Racing Rules, Part II August 2 Sail Trim Time Format 0800-0915 Breakfast in the lodge restaurant (Daniella’s) 0930-1130 Classroom session in the club room Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 2 Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to join us for the camaraderie, informative presentations, and lively discussions. In closing, congratulations are in order for former WYC Commodore Dave Bergeson and his crew Robert Bijvoet, Marius Schamschula, and David McFerrin for their success in this year’s Dauphin Island Regatta. See Robert’s write-up for the details. Congratulations are also in order for Andrew Fox and father Doug who placed first and second in the recent American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) Region 3 Championship with their Victoria-class radiocontrolled sailboats. Andrew won the National Championship in this class in 2011. And finally, there are rumblings that the Catalina 22 Nationals may be coming back to Wheeler in 2016. Wouldn’t that be exciting. Paul WYC Officers Joe Benson Shrimp Boil We had a good turnout for the Shrimp Boil at the new pavilion. First, THANK YOU TO JOE! He, yet again, did a wonderful job! Go to www.wheeleryachtclub.com and click on the Photos link to view the collection of Shutterfly pictures of this tasty event. Commodore commodore@wheeleryachtclub.com 931-580-1533 Bob Cushman Vice Commodore Kathy Benson Dauphin Island Race Report Secretary/Treasurer 931-231-5713 From Robert Bijvoet’s Captain’s Log: Alternating Skippers Dave Bergeson and Robert Bijvoet, with crack crew Marius Schamschula and David McFerrin, have been representing North Alabama very well on the bay in LA (Lower Alabama, that is). Starting with the Dauphin Island Warm-Up Race Saturday held April 12th on Mobile Bay; this race is approximately 16 miles and as the title of the race says, it’s to warm up for the big Dauphin Island Race which is held every year on the last full weekend in April. Skipper(s) and crew did well and finished 2nd in class in the warm-up race. Robert nailed the start on Port tack and crossed in front of all others and was well ahead of all competition by the first mark. The Dauphin Island Race itself is about a 22 mile one-way affair depending whether the distance is longer if the wind is out of the wrong direction, which it usually is since the prevailing winds are southwest. Dauphin Island is south southwest from the start near the northern end of Mobile Bay. Up to 400+ boats have sailed in three fleets in years past. This year we had about 200. Again, the crew did very well on the way down to Dauphin Island and finished 2nd in class, 2nd in Group, 3rd overall in the Portsmouth Fleet (out of 67 boats!!!). Many of the sailors party on the Island after the race and spend the night there on their boats. Since the Dauphin Island race is one-way, separate races are held the next day so that the Old Salts can race back to their respective clubs on the east and west sides of the bay. This race is better known as the Hangover Regatta. Again, we did very well and for a change finished in 2nd Place. The record time we sailed the return race was quite a few Wheeler Yacht Club Karen Cushman Social Chairperson socials@wheeleryachtclub.com Amy Gonzalez Corresponding Secretary TellTale@wheeleryachtclub.com Jerry Petritsch Web Master webcrew@wheeleryachtclub.com Paul Wunsch Sailing Activities sailing@wheeleryachtclub.com Carole McNeese Rear Commodore carolemc5@yahoo.com 931-446-3384 Board Members Steve Blazier Randy Crittenden Jerry Petritsch P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 3 years ago when we finished the 22 miles in just 2 hours and 50 minutes. On that race we blew out a spinnaker about 5 minutes after a for-the-record-book triple broach. This year we didn’t broach and we’re about to break our record. Unfortunately, the same spinnaker decided to change itself into a thousand napkins about a half hour out from the finish. Obviously this slowed us down quite a bit and we hoisting a jib in its place; and this did not bring us back to hull speed. And what do you know… we still tied the old record! The next trip down south was for the May 14th “Ring Around The Bay Race”. formerly known as the Marathon Race. It is as the old name suggests - 26 Miles long. To break the monotony of finishing 2nd, we came in 1st Place. It took us six hours and we beat the closest competition by only three minutes (corrected time). To keep things interesting and to try to keep the boat moving as fast as possible, we had a couple of sail changes. Dave would spend precarious moments at the most forward and narrowest part of the boat hanking on new sails and taking the old one down. It’s a wonder he stayed on board when we had up to 20 knots wind. A job well done! “For every day you spend on the water you get to add a week to your life” Marina Day & Fish Fry Pics! This was a special day at the marina, with Marina events, RC sailing, and a WYC Fish Fry. Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 4 Baumhower's Shrimpfest & BBQ As you’ve heard by now, Joe Wheeler State Park is hosting the Baumhower’s Shrimpfest on August 9th! This is going to be a huge event, with history showing attendance approaching 2,000 guests. The Park is looking for volunteers to help with this event. Volunteers are needed to man the bouncy houses, to work the food tents with Mr. Baumhower’s staff, to man the ticket booth, etc. It should be a lot of fun even if it is a little work! Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 5 If you would like to volunteer, you will be asked to attend an orientation/dinner on Friday night, August 8th, where T-shirts will be issued so all volunteers will be easily recognized during the event. Park staff recently met with Mr. Bob Baumhower and he is an inspirational person who is most interested in promoting our beautiful state parks. We want to put our best foot forward and are excited at the opportunity to show off our park to so many people! If you’re available to volunteer, please contact: Kelly Ezell, Lodge General Manager, at the lodge or 256-247-5461. Vice Commodore’s Comments Here are a few things to think about since the boating season is now in full swing. Think through your plans for the next outing and make it safer by doing the following: Be Weather-Wise—Always check local weather conditions before departure; TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water. Bad weather and wind is and will always be the most significant threat to fishermen, sport boats or yachts. The larger the craft the more these issues can be major concerns as wind and weather may make a recovery impossible when they team together in a blustery rage. Give weather your attention before you depart and check it as frequently as possible while out on the lake. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist—Proper boating safety includes being prepared for any possibility on the water. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten. Keep it simple, but go through it every time and make sure you and your crew of at least two or more are satisfied that you have everything you need for this float, that you are properly prepared and provisioned, and that everything is operational, “set” or running as required. Use Common Sense—One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Wake is a big deal too. You are responsible for the damage your wake causes. Allow plenty of clearance around stationary boats or particularly boats rafted together. Slow or at least manage your speed and wake to overtake or pass vessels with plenty of clearance. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your own safety. Designate an Assistant Skipper—Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the captain is injured, falls overboard or is incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore. Also be sure your assistant has the phone number of someone who is aware of your float plan and can coordinate getting a skipper to you or at least assist at the dock on arrival. Develop a Float Plan—Whether you choose to inform a fellow boater in the marina or a family member, always be sure to let someone else know your intentions and your float plan. This plan should include where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone. A float plan should include the following information: Name, address, and cell phone number of cruse or trip leader Name and phone number of all passengers Boat type and registration information Trip itinerary Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 6 A couple of thoughts: We could install boxes on each dock to file these plans, but better than that, we should at a minimum keep our fellow boaters around us aware of where we are going and when to expect to see us again. The last thing you want to happen is to find yourself in some trouble with a significant issue on the river or lake with no one aware of the fact that you or your boat is not where is should be and that you are possibly “overdue”, bailing madly or taking an unexpected swim. Also, those that are aware of your plan should follow-up and check on your status or progress. It is just good common sense. Don’t count on the cell phone or marine radio for your complete safety. Bad situations are better managed among friends who care and are “on-watch” in the area. I can tell you, no airplane will ever take-off without a flight plan and a boat should be no different. We deal with the same things as airplanes do. Wind, weather and fast moving, large or completely unknown traffic, all mixed and blended in a multi-dimensional and unforgiving environment which is the “scrum” of boating. Together these create significant considerations you cannot anticipate, but do and will have to deal with on the water every day. Planning is key and it mitigates human error and unexpected failure. A simple plan is the first step to safety while operating your boat. File a float plan with someone you trust. If you are trusted, act, react and check, as is appropriate. Make Proper Use of Lifejackets The majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing lifejackets, believing they can swim like a fish. Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your crew and onboard guest with a life jacket prior to departure. At a minimum, make sure each guest at least knows where their lifejacket is located; show it to them, show them how to don it and brief how to handle significant situations. In particular, tell them how to react to a man, woman or child overboard. This is not ever a good situation, it is also not that uncommon and at night it can very quickly be a life-ending event. Keep your lifesaving gear in good shape, at-hand and ready at all times. It will make a very big difference if you suddenly need it. Avoid Alcohol Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind. So be careful and drink responsibly. With that said, please enjoy the beautiful Tennessee River and have a wonderful and safe summer. Bob Have a safe and happy 4 of July!! th See you on the water! Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 7 Wheeler Yacht Club P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652 8