Thanks for the Memories! - America`s Great Loop Cruisers` Association
Transcription
Thanks for the Memories! - America`s Great Loop Cruisers` Association
Thanks for the Memories! By Barbara Wolf As always, everyone agreed that the very best part of doing the Loop is the friendships that are forged by this incredible shared experience. But it wouldn‟t be a Gold Looper Reunion without a few good sea stories, and we heard plenty of those – often hilarious, sometimes frightening, and occasionally just a shade beyond believability. The Reunion closed on a poignant Gold Loopers enjoying the camaraderie at Legacy Harbour Marina in and bittersweet note Fort Myers, Florida, site of the 2015 Reunion. with remarks by Tom and Patsy Conrad, expressing their thanks to the anyone has ever wondered great deal of formal structure. We Looper community for years of what Loopers do after they‟ve finwere there primarily to spend social friendship and support. Every person ished the Loop, one answer is that time with each other, after all – you in attendance rose to their feet to they gather together for fabulous fun know, docktails and that sort of thank Tom and Patsy for all they and camaraderie at the annual Gold thing! But there were a few planned have done for so many of us for so Looper Reunion. The 2015 Reunion activities, such as a private tour of many years. It was clear to see that it was held at Legacy Harbour Marina the nearby Edison–Ford Estates and meant the world to Tom to be able to in downtown Ft. Myers, Florida, on an interesting slide presentation spend this time in the company of January 14 and 15. Over 120 Gold given by a local volunteer about the scores of Looper friends. (Sadly, not Loopers - the largest group ever at nearby (but unknown to most of us) long after the event, Tom passed this event - gathered to renew old Koreshan State Historic Site. away. Please see our tribute on page acquaintances and meet new friends. The main events each day were three of this issue.) Many attended by boat, others the evening cocktail hours, followed The Reunion ended with hugs stayed in local land-based accommo- by two delicious dinners (prime rib, and good-byes and promises to get dations and still others bunked on anyone?). Before each dinner, we together again next year – or even board with Looper friends. introduced ourselves by year of better, somewhere soon along the As tends to be the case with Gold completion and shared favorite blue highway! Looper Reunions, there wasn‟t a memories of the Loop. If www.aedsuperstore.com www.alredmarina.com www.baypointmarina.net From the Editor’s Deck Volume 17, Issue 1 Jan./Feb. 2015 This is a very sad time for everyone here at AGLCA. As I‟m sure you have all heard by now, we recently lost one of our most loved members, Tom Conrad. Our Discussion Forum and Facebook page have been inundated with messages of sympathy for his wife, Patsy, and talk of how much he will be missed. On a happier note, plans are well underway for the Spring Rendezvous & Reunion, scheduled for May 4-7, 2015, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside. Kim Russo, our newly appointed Director, is working hard preparing the agenda, lining up speakers, and adding some new seminars we think you will all find very exciting! Keep checking the website, www.GreatLoop.org, for more information. The Harbor Host of the Year contest is underway. The contest is very close so be sure to log in and vote for your favorite today! All of our Harbor Hosts get a vote from us for being such wonderful assets to the organization! For more on the contest, check out page nine in this issue. As always, if you have any suggestions for how we can improve your Membership experience, please let us know. You can send an email by clicking here. Until next time, safe cruising! Gold Loopers gather to hear a presentation on the Koreshan State His- www.bbyachts.com Published 6 times/year, The Great Loop Link is the newsletter of America‟s Great Loop Cruisers‟ Association™, an organization of boaters who have cruised or dream of cruising any or all of North America‟s eastern waterways. AGLCA is committed to sharing navigational and cruising information that will enhance the enjoyment and safety of those cruising these waterways. The Great Loop Link America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association URL: www.GreatLoop.org 500 Oakbrook Lane Summerville,SC 29485 877-GR8-LOOP 877-478-5667 E-mail:info@GreatLoop.org Regular New Membership dues are $69.00 per year, U.S. dollars. Various levels of Sponsorship are also available. Members are urged to submit information for the newsletter. Editors reserve the right to edit material for brevity, clarity, and content. Views expressed are those of the writer alone and not necessarily shared by the Directors or the membership. No portion of this publication may be reprinted without the written consent of AGLCA Directors. Information provided is general in nature and should not be used as the ultimate source of information on cruising the waterways. toric Site, presented at the Gold Looper Reunion held in Ft. Myers, Florida. 2 www.cedarvillemarine.com www.burntstoremarina.com www.canyonclubmarina.com www.captainchrisyachtservices.com www.chattanoogafun.com www.psjmarina.com www.c-quartersmarina.com www.crowleys.com Tom Conrad Will be Missed by All Tom Conrad died on January 27, 2015, after a long battle with cancer. Tom and his wife, Patsy, were members of AGLCA for 13 years. Tom was a Gold Looper who, along with Patsy, completed the Loop in November of 2002, aboard their 28‟ Catalina, True North. Tom is best known to most Loopers as the man behind Tom‟s Weather Musings. For six years, from 2008-2014, Tom would rise at 5 am to provide Loopers with his Weather Musings, daily discussions of the expected weather conditions for the Gulf of Mexico crossing. He did this first through the AGLCA Google Group and then the Discussion Forum. Hundreds of Loopers made it safely across the Gulf of Mexico thanks to Tom. He and Patsy were the first recipients of the AGLCA Harbor Host of the Year Award in 2011. They received the award, not only for the assistance provided by www.deepcreeklanding.com Tom‟s “Musings”, but also for hosting Loopers in their home, playing tour guides, providing rides, and generally being “delightful and charming Harbor Hosts.” Tom went above and beyond when he took on the role of emcee at several of the AGLCA Rendezvous. Many boisterous Loopers were quickly quieted when Tom blew his famous whistle! His genuine affection for his fellow members came through in this, as it did in all of his activities. In addition to emceeing, Tom was one of the most popular presenters at the Rendezvous. His seminars on Crossing the Gulf and navigating various sections of the Loop consistently received high praise from attendees. His knowledge on these topics, and his ability to communicate that knowledge in an entertaining way, were extraordinary. Tom and Patsy were also members of the AGLCA Advisory Council. Tom will be greatly missed by all. “Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night. Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight. For with your love I was so blessed for all the past months & years. There is no pain; I suffer not, the fear now is all gone. Put now these things out of your thoughts, in your memory I live on. Remember not my fight for breath, remember not my strife. Please do not dwell upon my death, but celebrate my life." wwwdeltavilleboatyard.com 3 www.popyachts.com www.dycboat.com www.downeastyachting.com www.denisonyachtsales.com www.edwardsyachtsales.com The Story of Our Loop Row and Gus Ambler completed the Loop on Dec, 21, 2014, aboard their Mainship 400 Trawler, Summerland. They spent 265 days Looping and spent approximately $45,427. This did not include the boat purchase price. The highlights of their trip were; Annapolis, Maryland, New York Harbor, the Erie Canal, the Trent Severn Waterway, the “Mighty” Mississippi, Chicago, Illinois, Mobile Bay and Clearwater, Florida. Row & Gus think the Great Loop is an adventure like no other due to the boating challenges you face along the 5100 mile route. Their advice for people planning their Great Loop trip is to be patient. They feel the best thing about membership in AGLCA is all of the support provided, from the Discussion Forum, the newsletters, the Rendezvous, and all of their fellow Loopers! Debi Starnes and Jim Emshoff completed the Loop Nov. 16, 2014, aboard their 44‟ Symbol Motoryacht, Sea Fever. They spent 200 days Looping and the highlights of their trip Debi Starnes and Jim Emshoff, along with daughter Emily, pose with their new Gold Burgee. Row & Gus, aboard Summerland, proudly display their Gold Burgee 4 www.cityftmyers.com/Attractions/YachtBasin/ tabid/117/Default.aspx www.portroyallandingmarina.com were the great adventures, the 165 different ports visited, seeing the Eastern United States at 10 mph, and all of the great friends they made along the way! Their daughter Emily, seen with them in the photo above, was only 9 years old when her parents began the Loop. She is now 23! www.morningstarmarinas.com/goldenislars.php www.graftonharbor.net www.gograndharbor.com www.greatlakesmarina.com www.insurancenavigators.com www.landfallnavigation.com The Story of Our Loop The Sloop Aristarcus Ray and Beth Wolf completed the Loop Dec. 17, 2014, aboard their 41‟ Gulfstar Sloop, Aristarcus. They spent two years and nine months Looping. “Traveling on the Great Loop let us see the eastern half of America from a unique vantage point. We saw Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, New Bern, North Carolina, The Dismal Swamp, Mobjack Bay and Tangier Island, Virginia. “We sailed the Chesapeake Bay, Erie Canal, Dunkirk, New York and Lake Michigan-Huron. We saw wildlife up close, and got to be in the middle of some of the most vibrant cities and friendliest towns east of the Mississippi.” They feel the thing that sets the Great Loop adventure apart is, it is custom-made for each boat and crew and can be completed by most people regardless of age, budget, or boat type. Their best advice for those planning their own cruise? “Take your time; never set an absolute date to be anywhere; be flexible and fluid to take in what may be around the next turn.” They added, “The best thing about AGLCA membership is the friendliness and camaraderie with other Loopers. The burgee is a friendship magnet for Loopers and non-Loopers alike!” Glenn and Brenda Young completed the Loop Jan. 20, 2015, aboard their Ocean Alexander Trawler, Young at Heart, after spending 300 days Looping. The people they met and the great fellowship with other Loopers all along the way made their trip memorable. Also, the satisfaction of accomplishing it all on their own boat while in their mid 70's. When asked what makes the Great Loop an adventure like no other, they replied, “Doing it ourselves, in our own boat - doing the maintenance and driving ourselves.” Their advice for potential Loopers, “Just Do It !!!” They felt AGLCA helped them in their journey with information sharing and providing a great goal for a retirement experience. Glenn and Brenda Young completed their Loop aboard this Ocean Alexander Trawler, Young at Heart. Pontchartrain Landing A New Orleans Marina www.pontchartrainlanding.com 5 www.lighthousemarinapcb.com www.marker1marina.com www.marathonboatyard.com Www.easternshoremarineinc.com www.myrtlebeachmarina.com www.opch.com www.mygulfport.us/City_Departments/Marina/Marina.htm Twelve Stones Completes the Loop! WE DID IT! Russ, Elaine, and Seadog Ike, aboard Twelve Stones, a Great Harbour GH37, crossed their wake on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014. In 401 days, we traveled approximately 6185 statute miles through 17 States and parts of Canada. WOW! The Great Loop adventure has been described as „an amazing journey sprinkled with moments of sheer terror‟. We would conclude this to be a true statement. While the things you will see and experience such as; traveling by the Statute of Liberty in your very own boat, riding the Big Chute Lock in Canada, endless sunrises and sunsets that will take your breath away, the Gulf of Mexico crossing, and much more, nothing compares to the friendships made with other Loopers. The relationships cultivated along the Loop are priceless. There have been lots of laughs and some tears (mainly Connie aboard Chesapeake and Elaine when they parted in Killarney). God‟s protection over us was seen many times throughout this trip. He provided us safe harbors/anchorages during bad weather and many days of smooth waters as we lived out our adventure. Although our Loop is officially complete we are still making plans with fellow Loopers to travel to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas after our scheduled month stay in Ft. Meyers Yacht Basin, Ft. Myers, Florida. Russ & Elaine Sturm Aboard Twelve Stones 6 www.paradiseyachtsales.net www.parkbridge.ca www.pcmarina.com www.petoskey.us www.orangebeachmarina.com www.hawkscay.com/marina_boats.php Longfellow has written: Life is real, life is earnest, the grave is not its goal; dust thou art, to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soul. With these words in mind: Let us be up and exploring, With a quest for the next shore. Still pursuing, keep on cruising, Sailing forward evermore. www.reefpointmarina.org www.halfmoonbaymarina.com Trust no anchorage, however sound, Check your gear and look around. Drop your hook, with stars o'erhead, Enjoy the night, before the bed! In this world's sea of choices, In your bivouac and strife, Be like no other sailor, Be the captain of your life. Let enjoyment, not your sorrow, Be your destiny and fate. Cruise, so each tomorrow, Brings new horizons, to you, mate! Chart your course, And make it pleasant, Learn the lessons from before, Steering forward, ever forward, Toward the beacons, On other shores. Leave a log, so perhaps another, Sailing over the ocean's main, A younger, less experienced brother, Seeing, will plot the course explained. So, tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an endless dream, Set a course, new destinations, Cast off your lines, it's cruising time! Chuck Wilson December 2012 7 hinckleyyachts.com/service/Savannah www.hoffmansmarina.com www.imis.pro www.inletharbor.com www.irishboatshop.com www.kadeykrogen.com Cruising Guests Without the Stress A question you‟re likely to hear from friends and family as you plan your Great Loop cruise is, “Can we come?” Sometimes this is just an attempt to live vicariously through you. After all, this is the adventure of a lifetime! But some loved ones may be sincere in wanting to spend time aboard to share in your journey. Many Loopers find welcoming cruising companions can make the trip even more special. But how do you plan for guests on your boat when you are still adjusting to life in a small space? What do you do when those guests arrive at the marina with more luggage for a week than you‟ve brought for the entire Loop? How do you plan to take on passengers when your schedule may change due to weather or mechanical issues? And, if your guests are not boaters themselves, will they even enjoy the trip? Veteran Loopers agree that the key to stress-free visits is setting expectations in advance. The primary expectation you must relate to your guests is the need for them to be flexible about every part of the trip. Trying to ensure you‟re in a specific place at a specific time when on a long-distance cruise is a primary cause of poor decisions made by Captain and crew. You may leave a safe harbor in bad weather, or, continue cruising after dark in an unfamiliar area, if you feel pressure to arrive at a given place and time to pick up 8 www.legacyharbourmarina.com passengers. Share this with your guests, and ask them to be adaptable. The best recommendation is to give your passengers a place or a time you will meet them, but never both. If Aunt Ida from Boise won‟t be happy waiting for a day or two for you to arrive in Chicago to pick her up, then she may not be the best person to invite aboard. Another good idea is to write a brief letter about procedures on your boat and share it with those planning to visit prior to their arrival. Use it to advise them on how much space you have for them to store their personal items, what life is like on board. Consider including how you expect your guests to help (if at all) while underway, docking, locking through, etc. “Most important, you cannot be afraid to tell your guests what you want/ need them to do to stay safe and keep the systems running smoothly. This is no time to be bashful!” say Captains Chris and Alyse Cald- www.lakeparkmarina.com www.jackmartin.com well, of Captain Chris Yacht Services. Chris and Alyse also recommend making some preparations to your boat ahead of time, including adding cue cards to sensitive equipment, for example, “nothing but your waste and our toilet paper goes in the head” and “please don‟t adjust the air conditioner from this panel because it controls both staterooms” and anything else that pertains to the efficient operation of your boat. Perhaps most important is a safety briefing for your guests, and a review of the onboard systems and procedures upon their arrival. This will set everyone‟s mind at ease and set the tone for a worry-free trip. www.prop-protector-usa.com Www.rawleyresort.com www.greatloop.com www.regattapointemarina.com Waterfordmarket.org www.capemayharbor.com Vote Now for Harbor Hosts of the Year The nominations are in and we have our finalists. We want to thank everyone who submitted a nominee for our contest but, above all else, we want to thank our Harbor Hosts. It was a wonderful experience reading all of the nominations which listed, not only the Harbor Hosts' names, but also, what they had done to deserve the nomination. We all should be proud of the job they do! The winning host or couple will receive a plaque, a lifetime membership and complimentary attendance at the Spring 2015 Rendezvous group meals, events and seminars! Please read the brief paragraphs below, giving some of the reasons why these Harbor Hosts were submitted as nominees. When you are done, and have made up your mind, simply click on the "Vote Now" button to go to the ballot or, www.sailrite.com visit www.GreatLoop.org, Members Only, Member Resources, Harbor Host Information, Vote for Harbor Host of the Year. Voting is open to members only, so if you're not logged in, you will be asked to do so. Voting will end on Feb. 28, 2015. John Calascibetta is the Harbor Host for the New York Metropolitan area. John is happy to go above and beyond for visiting Loopers, taking them shopping, providing transportation, and answering the numerous questions visitors have about the "Big Apple". He greets visiting Loopers personally and makes them feel at home. Tom and Melesia Goodman are the Swansboro, North Carolina, Harbor Hosts. They are very happy to assist Loopers visiting their area by providing local information, transportation and www.stuartyachtsales.com even welcoming Loopers into their home for overnight stays. Freya Petersen and Don Bennett provide their Harbor Host services in Peterborough, Ontario. Freya and Don greet each and every Looper entering Peterborough and often provide "Welcome to Canada" bags which include some of Freya's homemade jelly. They act as tour guides to the area and are happy to provide transportation if needed. Carl and Greg Vernon cover the Panama City, Florida, area. They offer visiting Loopers a place to dock, dinner, transportation, and a warm welcome. They have even been known to host Thanksgiving dinner for as many as 40 www.stockislandmarina.com www.thestovercompany.com 9 www.shadyharbormarina.com www.skymed.com www.somerscovemarina.com www.southbaycove.com Register Now for Spring Rendezvous & Reunion Experience the camaraderie that makes our organization so unique! Attend the Spring Rendezvous & Reunion and see what all the buzz is about! Our Rendezvous consistently receive ratings of 4.5 or above (out of 5) for the overall Rendezvous experience. The wealth of information available at this event is unparalleled. You will have the opportunity to attend educational seminars on navigation and information on the portion of the Loop between Norfolk, Virginia, and Rogersville, Alabama, site of the Fall Rendezvous, presented by experienced cruisers. Previous Rendezvous have had additional sessions on topics as diverse as insurance, purchasing and selling your boat, provisioning for your cruise, and the ABCs of Looping! Keep an eye out for the agenda to see what exciting side sessions will be scheduled for this year! The fantastic group meals and receptions provide the chance to mix and mingle with fellow Loopers. It is at these times you can gain some of the most valuable information, talking with members in the midst of Looping, or, those who have already received their Gold Burgee! 10 www.regentpointmarina.com AGLCA's Spring Rendezvous & Reunion is scheduled for May 4-7, 2015, at the gorgeous Sheraton Norfolk Waterside. The Sheraton has become a member favorite over the past four years, and it's easy to see why! The breathtaking waterfront views, friendly staff, and delicious food make this the perfect spot to usher in the spring boating season. Those of you arriving by boat can take advantage of the many amenities at the Waterside Marina, located within walking distance of the event hotel. The marina offers free wi-fi, showers, laundry and an athletic club. All of this, while staying in the heart of the historic Norfolk waterfront. And, just a few steps away is Granby Street, with shopping, restaurants, nightclubs and theaters. The rate for all this is $396 per person. Your registration fee includes: All seminars All group events Access to AGLCA Ship's Store on site Access to vendor displays Six meals To register, click here. www.ci.portwashington.wi.us/Marina/Index.htm NOTE: Once registered, cancellations received by April 24, 2015, will be refunded less a processing fee of $50. There will be no refund for cancellations received on or after April 25, 2015. Hotel reservations at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel must be made separately. To make a reservation, click here. If you prefer, call (800) 3253535. Be sure to mention you will be attending the AGLCA Rendezvous. The rates are $115 per night for a City View Room and $135 for a Harbor View Room. Our cruisers will be staying at the Waterside Marina directly in front of the Hotel. The entire transient marina has been reserved for our Loopers, but, you MUST reserve your slip directly with the marina. The rate is $1.50 per foot Call John at 757-625-3625 Water and electric for single 30 are included. Twin 30s and 50 amp is $5 per day. Be sure to mention you will be attending the AGLCA Rendezvous www.portcharlesharbor.com www.rmhyc.com 11 www.turtlecove-marina.com www.watersidemarina.com www.whiticar.com www.whittakerpointe.com Loop Completions SPONSOR’S CORNER L ocated at River Mile 392.2 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, near the confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris and Grand Rivers, Three Forks Harbor offers the boating public its most-inland allweather access to the nation‟s waterways and sea ports of the world – and much more! The centerpiece of Three Forks Harbor is the River Center, a 10,000 square foot multi-purpose events center and plaza, designed by GH2 Architects. You will also find state-of-theart marina facilities managed by the Muskogee Port Authority. Truly a mixed-use port development, Three Forks Harbor is fast becoming a focal point for the enjoyment and appreciation of one of the nation‟s premier waterways. A perfect setting for boaters, fishermen, hikers, bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, Transient Boaters are welcome at Three Forks Harbor Marina! Moor your boat at one of the transient boat slips located adjacent to the Ship Store with easy access to the amenities provided at the Ship Store (fuel, supplies and marine pump out) and River Center (WiFi, showers, laundry and Boater's Lounge). Other services available to transient boaters at Three Forks Harbor include two public boat ramps, 100-metric-ton marine travel lift and transient boat-yard for self-service maintenance or dry-dock storage. For more information contact harbormaster@muskogeeport.com Phone: 918 682-7886 Website: www.threeforksharbor.org Timothy Howard completed the Loop Dec. 1, 2014, aboard his 55‟ Hampton, C-Scape. John Pylant completed the Loop Dec. 12, 2014, aboard his 34‟ PDQ, Endeavor. Russ and Elaine Sturm completed the Loop Dec. 13, 2014, aboard their 37‟ Great Harbour, Twelve Stones. Ray and Beth Wolf completed the Loop Dec. 17, 2014, aboard their 41‟ Gulfstar Sloop, Aristarcus. Gus and Row Ambler completed the Loop Dec. 21, 2014, aboard their 36‟ Mainship 400, Summerland. Berwick and Alex Duval completed the Loop Dec. 31, 2014, aboard their 43‟ Mainship, Moondance. Dawna and Ralph Monette completed the Loop Jan. 6, 2015, aboard their 28‟ bayliner, Two Ole Knots. Tom and Sue Hamman completed the loop Jan. 19, 2015, aboard their 42‟ CHB Present Sundeck, Andante. Steve Hampton completed the Loop jan. 19, 2015, aboard his 31‟ Camano, Miss Hadley. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS FEATURED IN THE GREAT LOOP LINK CONTACT JOANN SMITH JSMITH@GREATLOOP.ORG 877-GR8-LOOP 12 www.mooringsofcarrabelle.com www.thewharfmarina.com www.st-bartsyachts.com www.turnermarine.com www.yachtfinders.biz www.trinitymarineelectric.com www.saundersyacht.com www.greenturtlebay.com www.vinoymarina.com www.seaclear.com www.hammondmarina.com www.pantaenius.com www.valvtect.com www.winterharborllc.com www.npbby.com www.homeportmarina.net www.pinkshell.com www.miamibeachmarina.com www.theboatvillage.com www.diyachthaven.com www.horizonmarina.com 13