|
 Docklines
The Newsletter from Lanier Sailing Academy and
The Passport Sailing Club |
|
|
Events to Improve your life |
|
Sat, 12/08, 10am-1pm Coastal Nav clinic
Sat, 12/15, 10am-1pm Bareboat Mgmt clinic
Sun, 12/30: 1pm-5pm End of the year Cruise to Nowhere.
Sat, Jan 5, 10am-1pm
Celestial Nav clinic
Sat, Jan 12,10am-1pm Diesel Care clinic
|
|
Hours & Numbers |
|
Dec* - Feb
Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm
Sat-Sun 9am - 1pm
1pm - 5pm**
*Closed so that our familes can celebrate the holidays with their families:
Mon, 12/24
Tue, 12/25
Mon, 12/31
Tue, 1/01
**or dusk, whichever comes first.
To reserve a boat:
770-614-5724
To contact the LSA office
|
| Speak out (or Speak up) |
In planning for 2008, we need your input. Please send ideas about what you want us to continue and what you want us to change.
|
| Join Our List
|
|
|
|
| Volume 38 Issue 12 |
December, 2007 |
|
|
Happy Holidays! Thanks for allowing LSA to be part of your fun. Our newsletter continues to provide a list of upcoming events at your sailing club as well as articles about items that impact your sailing experience.
Fair winds,
Matt Fleming
Cindy Blanchard |
|
A Letter From The Owner |
|
This past year has been a successful and rewarding time for our Lanier Sailing Academy students and members. We have continued to improve the quality of our fleet & staff while also adding new clinics, fun regattas in an eduactional and relaxed sailing environment.
Somehow we have been "blessed" with low water levels that have created additional shoaling and as you have seen, quite a media circus in the Atlanta area. Of course our staff has risen to these challenges and provided qulaity support to our customers and at the same time experienced zero grounding accidents/repairs.
The so called experts have suggested our water levels will take several years to recover and are preaching gloom and doom for Lake Lanier. These same experts/chicken littles have made these predictions in previous low level periods and have been proven wrong. Who's to know ? We do know that The Passort Sailing Club is 100% operational and the fun is continuing to happen on Lake Lanier ! |
| New Service from PSC |
|
 When Casual isn't Enough
It's true, not everyone enjoys sailing as much as we do. And as much as single-handing a boat is a pleasurable almost religious experience, there is much enjoyment, special brainstorming and a lot of hilarious stories when a sailing experience is shared with others.
Word around the dock is that some spouses and "significant others" have different priorities preventing them from joining you when you answer the call of the WWW (not porn; wind, water and weather). While such people are very important in your life, you can still follow make that religious pilgrimage to the lake.
 Starting this month, Passport Sailing Club will transition the casual 'buddy boat' system in to a bit more organized service. No, this is not a dating service. Instead, it is a way to meet others and schedule time to sail with others.
How to:
1) When you call to book a boat, indicate if you would like to be on a 'buddy boat'.
 2) If you are the first person booking the boat, indicate the boat you want along with
a) the maximum number of people you want to accommodate (which is always limited by the boats' capacity).
b) if you want the boat to be 'family friendly' or 'adult only'
3) If a boat is already booked and is not full, you'll be invited to join or book your own boat.
To celebrate this new service, join us for a "End of the Year Buddy Boat cruise to nowhere in Particular" on Dec. 30 at 12:00pm....... |
|
|
|
|
|
| Our Mascot Update |
|
 We are sad to say that Sea-Gar and his fluffy friends have been temporarely suspended from The Passport Sailing Club due to the theft of our beloved houseboat and for various crimes to society.
The authorities were called on Thanksgiving day responding to a disturbance report on dock X. Sea-Gar was seen motoring our houseboat (yeah we thought this was impossible) towards the main lake with a large party of mascot buddies onboard.
The houseboat was discovered anchored off of the Three Sister Islands in preparation for a Thanksgiving day feast. The authorities boarded our houseboat and discovered the grossest case of canibalism in recent memory. It seems that Sea-Gar was attempting to roast Big Bird (of Sesame Street) on the stern grill. Later that day Big Bird was reported dead on arrival at North Hall County Medical Center. The coroner stated that Big Bird suffered a terrible death due to "group plucking". Sea-Gar has been charged with murder, kidnapping, grand theft and smoking on dock X. At the time of Sea-Gar's arrest, his wife, Tootsie Roll was found marinating Elmo from Sesame Street in a delectable olive oil, wine, honey and pepper mainade in the back room of the houseboat. Charges are pending on Ms. Roll. Elmo is reported in stable and guarded condition at North Hall County Medical Center.
Sea-Gar's girlfriend, Cigarett was interview at the cigar bar in The Cheetah 3 adult club. (her place of employment) and stated that she was not connectied with this case and does not approve of Sea-Gar's actions due to her vegatarian beliefs.
During the arrest of the houseboat occupants, Sea-Gar was able to scuttle the Passport Sailing Club's home without the authorities knowledge. Our houseboat was last scene difting towards the dam partially submerged. Our beloved houseboat will be greatly missed with all of our old memories that unfolded onboard this vessel over the years.
Matt is sad to report that the insurance claim for replacement of the houseboat was met with nothing but laughter and a dial tone from our insurance agent. Contributions to our new club house are currently being accepted.
|
| Regatta Update |
|
|
  The results, the results, the results
The final race of the 2007 Fall Series was held on Nov. 17, a day with steady -- yes steady -- 7 knot winds. Alan, Ann and Roger, sailing West Dog, had a near perfect day, finish1st, 2nd and 1st, and showing great skill choosing a long starboard tact on the first windward leg. While they initially appeared to be in their own world, their strategy paid off approaching the windward mark. The mark was close to BC6, and the westerly breeze provided a huge lift as they approached the mark.
Mark, Leah and Tom also had a strong showing, finishing 3rd, 1st and 2nd, sailing Great Dog, with a 3-race total time just 1 min, 24 sec behind Alan, Ann and Roger -
- and just 9 sec behind in the final race.
Scott, Valois and Vaughn, sailing Hot Dog, kept the racing tight. Their 3rd, 3rd and 2nd finishes were a 3-race total time of just 1 min 27 sec behind Mark, Leah and Tom.
Peggy, Bud and Rich sailed consistently on Ella J, avoiding photographic evidence of their activities and not earning any prize money.
(Photos courtesy of Jason Green)
Series Results
The awards ceremony planned as part of the Penguin Regatta and Rum Tasting party didn't come off as planned. There was too much penguin and rum activities going on -- so we will use the Docklines to announce the winners and distribute the trophies as people make it to the dock.
2007 Spring Series Average finish
1st place Greg Keenan 1.29
2nd place Norm Plotkin 1.50
3rd place Kurt Heckert 1.57
4th place Peggy Hipp 1.80
5th place Valois Gonzalez 1.83
6th place Mike Miller 2.00
Other finishers, in order of finishing, were Bud Bollinger, Kevin Williams, Alan Box, Rich Jones, Tom Skoog and Bill McCulloch. Several others participated but did not have sufficient scores to report.
2007 Fall Average finish
1st place Hal Schlenger 1.45
2nd place Bill McCulloch 1.47*
3rd place Alan Box 1.47*
4th place Jason Green 1.70
5th place Mark Boase 1.71
6th place Ann Kustoff 1.80
Other finishers, in order of finishing, were Leah Waxell, Kevin McCulloch, Scott Cauthen, Todd Bess, Peggy Hipp, Taylor Leonard, Bud Bollinger, Rich Jones, Valois Gonzelez, Michael Solis and Steve Darsie. Several others participated but did not have sufficient scores to report.
*Bill and Alan finished with identical scores. The race directors broke the tie by using the results of the most recent prior date that both raced.
So how did Kurt do in the Fall? Very well, demonstrating strong racing skills, finishing first in some races. However, he used his boat, Connie May, to compete, which didn't match the one-design specs of the club's Capri 22's, so results in Connie May are excluded from the standings.
|
| Club Events |
|
| Get the most from your club membership
 Coastal Navigation Clinic
(Saturday, December 8th, 10:00 am to 1:00pm)
Captain Matt will provide an outline of our Coastal Navigation Course "CNAV-105" (You know, just a tease). This clinic will help you understand the basic concepts for marine navigation and will cover:
Navigation Tools
NOAA Charts
Reference Guides
Basic Dead Reckoning Techniques
This clinic will help you in preparation for the ASA Coastal Navigation Course CNAV-105
No pre-requisites -- Just a smile is required.
The price of this clinic is -- FREE -- to our club members
Please call the dock for reservations (770) 614-5724
 Bareboat Management Clinic
(Saturday, December 15th, 10:00 am to 1:00pm)
It's that time of the year when we enjoy the first bout of cold weather in the Atlanta area -- It's also a good time to start dreaming of a warm vacation cruise somewhere in the Caribbean. To help with your planning, dreaming and scheming -- Capt John Leggett will provide you a proven recipe that will make your sailing vacation a true success. We will share with you the "tricks of the trade" that these two captains have learned in over twenty five years sailing adventures !
The price of this clinic is -- FREE -- to our club members
Please call the dock for reservations (770) 614-5724
 Celestial Navigation Clinic
(Saturday, January 5th 10:00 am to 1:00pm, subject to change)
OK -- So you just finished watching your favorite pirate movie and realized that you have no idea what the navigator was doing with "that thing" called the sextant.
Here's your chance to understand the basics of navigating using the stars and planets. Chris Albright will be conducting this clinic starting in the classroom and then proceed outdoors for some practical application of your new found talents.
Space is very limited -- Call early !!
The price of this clinic is -- FREE -- to our club members
Please call the dock for reservations (770) 614-5724
 Diesel Clinic
(Saturday, January 12th, 10:00 am to 1:00pm)
OK -- So you feel comfortable with starting a diesel engine on one of our cruising boats -- But do you really know what makes the "Iron Jenny" work ?
Pat McCartin with Inland Marine Diesel will be demonstrating the inner workings of a modern engine.
Don't miss this popular clinic. The price of this clinic is -- FREE -- to our club members
Please call the dock for reservations (770) 614-5724.
Watch for these Future Clinics
Docking
Heavy Weather
Intro to Racing
Spinnaker flying |
From the Dock
|
|
 Ensuring that the fleet is ready when you are
Thank you to the many, many members who treat the boats like they own them. Reporting even minor wear and tear items allows the dock crew to keep the boats in the best possible condition so that when you are ready to use them, they are in good shape -- not just safe. And more importantly, fixing things before they get really bad prevents boats from being out of service.
There are numerous big and little fixes that are done during the week so that the entire fleet is ready for the weekends.
So please keep asking questions and reporting issues. The end result is "your fleet" being ready when you and your guests are ready to go sailing.
|
|
Fantasies |
|
Basic Coastal Crusing and Bareboat Certification
Baisc Coastal Cruising - 103 and Bareboat Certification - 104
in Pensacola, Florida !!
OK ....so you have this dream about sailing the Carribean with your arm around your girl and your hand around a cold beer and your bare foot around the hlem. We can make this dream come true ! Come spend six days and five nights on the beautiful Emerald Coast of Florida and experience the award winning courses of Basic Coastal Crusing and Bareboat Certification.
Sunday, Feb. 17 thru Friday, Feb. 22 $1,350
Sunday, Mar. 30 thru Friday, April 04 $1,350
Sunday, Apr. 13 thru Friday, April 18 $1,350
Sunday, May 04 thru Friday, May 09 $1,350
Sunday, Jun. 10 thru Friday, Jun. 13 $1,350
Don't wait to retgister ! These advance courses typically sell out 90 days prior to start date. Call Cindy or Matt for details or to just talk sailing !!
(770) 945-8810
Spaces are still available for Basic Coastal Cruising - 103 and Bareboat Certification - 104 in the British Virgin Islands !!
 It's time to take that dream vacation -- It's time to become Bareboat Certified -- It's time to visit the land of tropical sailing fantasies and pirate legends.
The British Virgin Islands -- Where sailing dreams come true!
All classes in BVI include breakfasts, lunches, snacks/soft drinks and one dinner cooked on board. Call 770-945-8810 to signup!
Saturday, Feb. 02 thru Friday. Feb. 08 $1,495
Saturday, Mar. 15 thru Friday, Mar. 21 $1,495
Saturday, May. 08 thru Friday, May 14 $1,495
Saturday, Nov. 01 thru Friday, Nov. 07 $1,495
Saturday, Nov. 08 thru Friday, Nov. 14 $1,495
Feel free to call Cindy or Matt at (770) 945-8810 to learn more about your sailing dream in paradise.
"Dark and Stormy Regatta Week" in the British Virgin Islands !
March 6 thru March 12, 2008
Join us in the BVI's for a unique experience sailing in one of the Caribbean's most fun and adventurous sailing regattas - "THE DARK AND STORMY" race to the beautiful island of Anegada. Your trip price includes your sailing week with us aboard a 46 foot Beneteau Sailing Yacht, all the regatta activities, breakfasts, lunches, snacks and 1 level of certification. We know the islands mon !
We promise lots of crazy sailing fun!
$1595.00 per person call Cindy at (770) 945-8810 to signup! |
Humor: Photo Caption
|
|
 From last month, Tom de St. Aubin submitted our favorite:
Why didn't you tell me I couldn't plug in my hairdryer?"
Others:
I'm cleaning my scuff mark. Really.
Water is my religion. This is how I pray.
That's not what I meant be 'heave to."
 NEW: Send your caption and we'll include them in next month's Docklines.
Deadline is the 20th of this month. |
| Contact Us |
|
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments about Lanier Sailing Academy, the Passport Sailing Club or Docklines, please click here to contact LSA's owner, Matt Fleming so that you have the best possible sailing experiences. |
| Holiday Gift Idea |
Commit Yourself or Someone you Love
to learn Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Cruising at either
tropical Tortola, BVI or nearby Pensacola, FL (less than 6 hrs by car)
An educational vacation that is literally a boatload of fun and great memories. And as an added bonus, you'll be qualified to skipper the club's Catalina 27 and ODay 28 "wheel boats".
|
| Call 770-945-8810 for more info and to reserve a date. |
|
