|
 Docklines
April Sailing Events, Sailing Advice and Entertaining Stories from
Lanier Sailing Academy and The Passport Sailing Club |
|
| Cultivate new crew by sending this to a friend. |
 |
|
Events to Improve your life |
Sun. Mar 30, Regatta Season Opener
1pm-5pm
Sat. Apr 12, Docking Clinic 10a m-1pm
Sat. Apr 19, Regatta #2
1pm-5pm
Sun. Apr 27, Regatta #3
1pm-5pm
Fri. May 2, Friday Night Overnight Escape
7pm - Saturday 12 noon
Sat. May 10, Spinaker Clinic. 10am-1pm
Sat. May 10, Dinner and a Movie on the Dock. 8pm - 11pm
Sat. May 17, Regatta #4
1pm-5pm
Fri. Jun 6, Friday Night Overnight Escape
7pm - Saturday 12 noon
Sat. Jun 14, Anchoring and Raft Up Clinic. 10am - 1pm |
| ;-) |
|
OVERBOARD
No longer on board ship, usually used in refrence to a person who has fallen off one. One of the limited circumstances when disembarkation from a boat implies a shortening rather than a lengthening of the life span of the individual involved.
Sailing by Henry Beard & Roy McKie |
|
Hours & Numbers |
|
April Dock Hours
Mon-Fri 10am - 6pm
Sat-Sun 9am - 2pm
2pm - 7pm
To reserve a boat:
770-614-5724
To contact the LSA office
|
| Join Our List |
 |
|
|
| Volume 39 Issue 4 |
April, 2008 |
|
|
A Letter from Matt |
|
|
After a long search we have finally purchased our new houseboat from a unique dealer located in the northeast Alabama mountains. As you can imagine we had thousands of houseboats to choose from, but our deluxe model had all of the bells and whistles that we envisioned. Yes, we are confident that our members will approve of the new club house. Please forward any questions or concerns to www.redneckhouseboat.com
 Features of our New Club House:
* Lower and Upper Deck
* Enclosed Office
* Motorized
* Swim Ladder
* Customized Seating
* Fishing Area
* Laundry Facilities
* Upper Deck Hot Tub
* Flag Pole
* Trailer Hitch
* Red Neck Mailbox
We sincerely hope the new addition to our fleet will greatly improve your boating experience. As always, we appreciate your support of the Passport Sailing Club and our warped sense of humor.
April Fools...or it is !?! |
| Sailing Lifestyle: |
|
 Submitted by Aye Cay
On September 22, 1983, 23-year-old Tami Oldham and her fiance, Richard, both highly experienced sailors, set sail from Papeete Harbor in the South Pacific for their future home in San Diego, California. What began as a romantic adventure turned to tragedy when their 44' sailboat was caught suddenly in fierce hurricane conditions. Moments after clipping his harness to the cockpit and sending Tami below, Richard was washed overboard and lost forever when the boat violently capsized, breaking his tether and washing him out to sea. The last thing Tami heard before she was knocked unconscious was her fiance's scream.
This book is the autobiographical account of Tami Oldham Ashcraft's survival at sea for 42 days alone, aboard her dismasted and battered sailboat. In addition to suffering the horrifying death of her fiance, she had no radio, no electronics, and little food and water. Composing herself and using all of her wits and skill, she made a plan, repaired the boat as best she could and kept going.
"My first chore upon rising was to look three hundred sixty degrees around the horizon. Nothing was there, ever, but water and sky. My second chore took me forward to check the jury rig, to see if any lines were chafing. I made sure the luff of the sail was tight. The rig had become my companion, always there, pulling the boat inch by inch toward the solid ground I longed for."
For those who may be turned off by the slightly mushy love story and somewhat excessive emotional analysis, you will nevertheless be enthralled with Tami's ability to navigate in the middle of the ocean on a badly damaged sailboat without the aid of the modern equipment many modern sailors rely on.
"....But my noon sight threw me. I calculated 132° by 18° 11" N. I had lost two degrees of longitude! That's 120 miles.It was like I had gone backwards in the night. What happened? I wasn't as far west as I thought. Everything was going wrong. I sat at the wheel, fuming."
Red Sky in Mourning is a perfect beach book. You will not be swept away by great prose, but you will be taken in by the story of individual survival, courage and fortitude. No sailor could read this book without fantasizing about what he or she would do in the same situation. Could you wake up alone on a broken sailboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, determine where you are, which way to go to reach civilization and how to make the boat take you there?
Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea
By Tami Oldham Ashcraft with Susea Mcgearhart (2003) Click here to order: $19.95 at Amazon.com |
| Friday Night Overnighters |
|
 Escape & Get Your Piece of Paradise
Something more for PSC members: Take a boat out on selected Friday nights, anchor overnight and return before noon on Saturday. Enjoy the magic of a quiet anchorage and a relaxing meal and drink by the star light. Grilling aboard is your option.
And to make it easy, an LSA instructor will be available to assist with finding a suitable anchorage, help with anchoring and coordinate any 'raft-ups.'
Friday, May 2 <> Friday, June 6 <> Friday, Jul 11
Leave the dock no later than 7:00pm
Return by 12 noon on Saturday
And yes, all boats will have heads or porta-potties.
Call 770-614-5724 for reservations. | |
|
|
|
|
| Pick Music for de Dock Office and patio |
|
 Looking forward to the new dock office, and accompanying patio, you can looking forward to spending time relaxing around the dock before or after sailing. (Some of us already do that in those great, colorful adirondack chairs.)
Here's a starter:
Great boat songs
If I had a boat by Lyle Lovit
Come Away to Belize with Me by Jerry Jeff Walker
Moondance by Van Morrison
Southern Cross by CNSY or Jimmy Buffett
Party songs
Banana Boat Song (Day-O) by Harry Belafonte
Jammin' by Bob Marley
Red, Red Wine by UB40
Louie, Louie by The Kingsman |
| Reading can be Fun |
|
 PSC Sailing Book Exchange and Library
This Summer, we're introducing the book exchange. It's simple: bring your old sailing-related book(s) to the club and be able to borrow books that others have contributed. It will be on the honor system--no checkout or record keeping required.
Drop off your books any time. We'll have a formal opening in May. |
| The Alternate Lifestyle (Pirateering) |
|
 Cultivating Your Inner Pirate Style
OK, so everyone knows that certain someone who is "vain to the max" and will go to extremes to show that they are so cool, hip, bad, etc. Well, it's sad to say that this vanity has been around for a long time and many of the same fashion statements were used by the pirates of yesterday year.
How to Look Fierce, Yet Practical: From The Pirates' Code by Joshamee Gibb
Tattoos always intimidate. Additionally, they are extremely practical, as they may record a specific time in one's life or travels, or mark one's identity lest one should be too inebriated to remember it, or be killed and rendered unrecognizable.
A rose and thorns symbolizes manly strength
A sea creature will serve to remind you of the perils of the sea
A snake or skull represents the underworld
A sparrow means "freedom". It also indicates that a sailor has traveled a considerable
amount of nautical miles.
 Body art is another way to instill fear and affect an enemy's surrender. Decorating your face with extra eyes or teeth, or painting a skeletal pattern on the exterior of your skin can incite, alarm and dismay.
Wear black coal, tar, or grease under your eyes. It will keep the sun from blinding you on the water, as well as darken and disguise your demeanor.
A pirates coiffure should, above all, attempt to look menacing, whether he is adorned with locks, beard, scarf or hat.
Beards may be utilized to hold small knives, smoking fuses or varied devices to motivate submission. They are also useful to warm the chin and chest in inclement weather.
Long hair may be desired by some, but in a gale can cause dire consequences when trying to read a compass or map. Dreadlocks are easier to take care of, don't flutter too much in the wind, and are delightfully functional for stringing beads, shells, jewels, ribbons, coins or other dangly bits such as animal bones or ladies favours.
Any sundry item may be included to mark one's travels and showcase the exotic locations a pirate has visited.
(LSA Comment) Wow, Matt just made an appointment for his first tatto. He won't say where the new piece of artwork will be installed. He's sooooo vain ! |
| Boat Drinks: by Aye Cay |
|
 It's worth the read to get to the end of the story. :-)
There's nothing so exhilarating and fantastically fun as being out on the ocean in a sailboat heeled over with waves crashing over the bow. That is until you get seasick. It happens to nearly everyone at some time or another, and any sailor who says he never gets seasick likely has little experience on a sailboat at sea or is simply lying. Once overcome by nausea, the joy of being at sea is replaced by a longing for either a rapid death or dry land, whichever comes first.
I am tired of the heave and swell,
the deep lunge in the belly, the gut's
dumb show of dance and conterdance,
sway and pause, the pure jig of nausea
in the pit of a spinning world.
- from the poem Motion Sickness, by B H Fairchild.
Seasickness happens when your inner ear and your eyes send confusing signals to your brain. Your eyes look at the deck or at your cabin walls. These are ordinarily non-moving things, so your eyes are telling your brain that all is stable. Your inner ear, on the other hand, may be screaming to your brain that the world is constantly moving in many unusual directions.
As most sailors know, there are ways to prevent seasickness. Get your mind off how you feel by staying busy on deck. Keep a positive attitude, don't go below deck, avoid alcohol and spicy food, and keep your eyes on the horizon. If your eyes see what your ears are feeling, you will have a better chance of avoiding serious seasickness. However, if you're like me, that may not be enough to keep you from going to the rail sooner or later. Always leeward!!
Dramamine and Bonine are common over-the-counter remedies made with antihistamines, which are effective for many. They cause drowsiness but are available in non-drowsy formulas. You may also see a doctor for a prescription seasickness patch (with the active ingredient, scopolamine) that adheres to the soft skin behind the ear. This is a powerful prevention method, but it is known to have some nasty side effects such as blurred vision and dizziness. In order for any preventative medications to be effective, you must take them before you get into conditions that will cause you to feel sick.
In addition to the drugs, some claim that acupressure wrist bands prevent seasickness without any side effects. You can simulate the wristbands by using your fingers to place pressure on a point on the underside of your arm about an inch and a half above the wrist crease between two tendons.
Finally, there is some evidence that ginger has a beneficial effect on seasickness. It appears to be related to its action on the gastrointestinal tract rather than the central nervous system. Some studies say it is effective, others disagree. The usual recommended dosage is about a gram. The dosage is consistent with easy administration via a biscuit or ginger snap cookie. You may also want to try drinking ginger ale or ginger beer. Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic drink made from ginger that is most easily found in the mixer section of liquor stores. Follow this link to validate (if it's on the internet, it must be real, right?).
That brings us to the connection between seasickness and boat drinks. One of the classic sailor drinks is the Dark & Stormy, which is made with your unfortunate seasick companion's spare ginger beer.
THE DARK & STORMY
2 oz Gosling'sŪ Black Seal rum
8 oz ginger beer (do not substitute ginger ale)
Pour rum over ice, add ginger beer, and stir.
Note: If use white rum instead of Goslings with ginger beer, you've made a White Squall.
"Health - what my friends are always drinking to before they fall down." Phyllis Diller
"The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind." Humphrey Bogart |
| Staying happily married and still enjoy your time on the boat (part 2 of 2) |
|
Dinghy Notes - Shallow Thoughts from Honez (Rich Jones)
(Continued from last month: Having celebrated his 25th anniversary and reflecting on the joys of marriage, what a lucky guy I am to have such a wonderful woman and of course how he could spend more time on the boat, Rich shared several learnings. The under riding theme: It's all about her comfort and happiness.
1. Sail the boat upright
2. No surprises
Here are three more learnings from Rich:
3. No yelling - Be cool boy, be cool. All commands should be given in a calm voice with a smile on your face. The best way to ensure that this happens is to plan ahead, go slow and be prepared to try again. One of the most common causes of yelling is anchoring; pick a secluded anchorage so that you don't have the stress of dodging other boats. (You can tell her it's because you want more alone time with her.) Organize the anchor, chain and rode before you get there. Decide on how the spouse on the pointy end of the boat will communicate with the spouse in back end before you have do it. When you have a problem and have to start over you say, my bad baby, let's try again, you look great! (Never forget you are going to have to sleep with this woman later.)
4. She is going to have to pee - Such a simple thing remember, so easy to forget and a big bummer if not planned for. If you are taking out a boat without a head then make sure you stop off and let her pump bilges before you leave. Make sure she understands that this is a sailboat and goes slow. You need to know well in advance of her pending needs so you can get back to dock before the situation becomes desperate. It is a good idea to get the porta-head from the dock staff before you leave. This is an excellent opportunity for you to explain that if she will just pay for your 103 and 104 certification, you can take a boat out with a real bathroom. (My Sweet Jane will tell you that that was the best sailing investment she ever made.)
5. Happiness over perfect sail trim - Let it go man. Relax and enjoy the day. More importantly, let her relax and enjoy her day. If the tell-tails are not streaming back 100% of the time, it is not the end of the world. 5 knots or 5.25 knots, who cares? Remember it is all about her comfort and happiness. Next weekend, Sweet Jane will be back to her horse and you will back to burying the rail.
Click here to share your comments, advice or request for last month's article along with congratulations to Rich on the occasion of his 25th wedding anniversary |
|
Regatta Update (Show us what you've got) |
|
 Gotta Regatta !
Sun, Mar 30 Opening day of Spring Series
Sat, Apr 19 2nd day of Spring Series
Sun, Apr 27 3rd day of Spring Series
Sat. May 17 4th day of Spring Series
Sun. Jun 1 5th day of Spring Series
Sat. Jun 21 6th day of Spring Series
Save the dates; RSVP by calling the dock at
(770) 614-5724. |
| Club Events, Clinics & Regattas |
|
Get the most from your club membership
 Docking Clinic
Saturday, April 12th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Do you find yourself driving up to the lake looking forward to a pleasant day of sailing but realize your morning is being ruined by the increasing levels of stress over the challenge of docking your boat ?
If so, it's time to take the "Docking for Dummies Clinic" taught by our Hal.
Hal provides easy to understand tips to magically place your boat where you want it. The clinic consists of one hour classroom presentation and two hours of on the water application, without yelling !!
The price is -- FREE -- to our club members. Please call the dock for reservations (770) 614-5724.
 Spinnaker Clinic
Saturday, May 10th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Have you ever wondered how to rig, set and control a spinnaker sail without causing major damage or loss of limb ? Please feel free to join us for am exciting day of "flying the chute". You don't want to miss this clinic --- it's better than a ride at Six Flags !!
The price is -- FREE -- to our club members, please call the dock for reservation (770) 614-5724
 Saturday Night Movie & Dinner on the DockSaturday, May 10th, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Believe it or not --- The Passport Sailing Club will be kicking off our first ever "movie night on the dock" to be held onboard our new "houseboat". Of course the first featured movie of our summer series will be "Captain Ron" !! What a fun and inexpensive idea for a Saturday night date !!!
A grilled dinner along with deserts will be hosted by Matt & John for all registered guests.
Cocktails at 7, dinner at 8 and Captain Ron at 9.
Please call the dock to reserve your spot (770) 614-5742
Cost: Food and soft drink fee $ 20 per person. BYOB
 Anchoring & Raft Up Clinic
Saturday, June 14th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
OK, so you just spent your first romantic night anchored in a secluded cove, the dinner was perfect, the wine selection was fantastic, the company was warm and inviting, but you just couldn't seem to fall asleep due to the possible nightmare of DRAGGING ANCHOR and waking up on the other side of the lake.
Please join Capt. Matt for an interesting and hands on clinic designed to allow you to enjoy the peaceful night of "hangin on the hook". We will also demonstrate how to safely "raft up"(tie side by side) several boats while at anchor.
The price is -- FREE -- to our club members, please call the dock for reservations (770) 945-8810.
 Capri 22 Regatta, Spring Series for 2008Come join us for a fun, hands on, 'sort of laid back' racing experience. The typical regatta is organized with an experienced skipper on each boat, followed by a blind draw of crew members. We sail three (3) one hour races within Big Creek and finish with a cookout back at the dock.
Your sailing knowledge will dramatically increase. Your fun-o-meter will get a work out and your party skills will be improve !
Regatta Dates:
Saturday, Apr. 19
Sunday, Apr. 27
Saturday, May 17
Sunday, Jun 1
Saturday, Jun 21
Please call the dock for reservations (770) 614-5724
Cost: Food and soft drink fee of $ 20 per person
* Race committee receives complimentary dinner (along with any bribes from racers). Contact us if you want more info about serving as race committee for an individual date.
Watch for these Future Clinics
The Basics of a Diesel Engine
Intro to Coastal Navigation
Bareboat Management Tips
Outboard Engine Overview
|
| From the Dock |
|
 An Alternate Cost of Sailing
We had a little time on our hands and decided to put our Clark Howard hat on, and do some price comparisons for sailing club services around the southeast.
After searching high and low, we found a similar outfit in Jacksonville Florida, The Sailboat Club www.sailboatclub.comthat provides a fleet of boats (22 to 27 feet). After reviewing their fleet, we notice that most of their boats are not as new and nicely equipped as our club fleet.
The unlimited sailing membership for one year in the The Sailboat Club is $ 250.00 per month.
Also, the offering of free clinics, regattas and socials does not compare with the Passport Sailing Club events.
Wow, the Passport Sailing Club is such a fantastic value/deal !! Seriously, we challenge you to find a better sailing club at a lower rate.
|
|
Sailing Fantasies |
|
 Basic Coastal Cruising and Bareboat Certification Courses
Basic Coastal Cruising - 103 and Bareboat Certification - 104
in Pensacola, Florida !!
OK ....so you have this dream about sailing the Caribbean with your arm around your girl and your hand around a cold beer and your bare foot around the hem. 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 Cruising and Bareboat Certification.
Sunday, Mar. 30 thru Friday, April 04 $1,350
Sunday, Apr. 6 thru Friday, April 11 $1,350
Sunday, May 04 thru Friday, May 09 $1,350
Sunday, Jun. 10 thru Friday, Jun. 13 $1,350
Don't wait to register ! 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, 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.
 Advanced Coastal Cruising (ACC-106) in Pensacola
For those who are ready for the challenge of breaking free from the confines of coastal cruising and daytime sailing, check out LSA's advanced sailing trips.
You will be expected to safely act as skipper and crew of a sailing vessel 40' to 50' in length in coastal waters in any conditions. You and your USCG licensed, Certified Instructor will plan your trip, including the navigation necessary and set the watch bill to be used for the overnight adventure! You'll learn advanced techniques for sail trim and heavy weather sailing. Refer to your Log Book for complete course description!
Thursday, May 29 thru Sunday, June 1 $1,250
including offshore night sail; Max. of 4 students
Prerequisites: Bareboat Chartering & Intermediate Coastal Cruising (BBC-104) and Coastal Navigation (CON-105)
Live the Sailing Dream ....... Gotta Go !
"Bareboat Charter the Big Boats on the Emerald Coast !
Discover the beauty of the northwest Gulf Coast aboard one of our late model Beneteau sailing yachts. Whether cruising for a few days, or enjoying a week-long trip, these varied waters offer something for everyone. If you're looking for solitude and nature, there are countless coves with tree lined shores and sparkling emerald green waters. If you're looking for spectacular dining and tropical nightlife this region boasts a variety of restaurants and beach bars with numerous full service marinas along the way.
Presently Lanier Sailing Academy, Pensacola Bay has stocked three sharp cruising boats: Beneteau 393, 343 & 331.
 My wife and I enjoyed our first 4-day sail. Having sailed 22 and 25 foot boats, sailing a 34 was at first a bit daunting. By sunset, we felt right at home. Our first night aboard was quite an adventure, and just after sunrise, we enjoyed sailor's coffee on deck while pelicans stared curiously. After a crystal clear morning sail, we went exploring some of NW FL's most pristine bayous and backwaters in our dinghies. And on a sail in the Gulf of Mexico, dolphins escorted us for miles. I look forward to continuing the tradition by sailing many a sunset with my mates.
|
Humor: Photo Caption
|
|
<> Is that a noodle or are you happy to see me?
<> Insert blue tab B into red slot
<> I understand it can get red, but isn't it being blue a bad thing?
Deadline is the 20th of this month.
|
|
