Lots to be thankful for: ET Challenge, lake overnighters, regattas and dock parties....

 

 

 

 

 

 

After reading the recent Docklines about the VOR Game, I had to write and tell about the regatta simulator I've found called Virtual Skipper (or "VSK").

This is a very realistic match racing simulation that can be played against the AI-computer boats, or online against other people, similar to Volvo Ocean Race.  I've found this more realistic in the controls and ambient effects.  There are tides, wind shifts, wind shadows from competitors, and even shore effects.  You can race ACCs, Melges 24s, Big Cats, or Offshore boats. 

 

It's a free, but big, download.  Or you can go full boat and pay $30 for all the tweaks.  I haven't had the nerve to go the full paid version as I may be somewhat addicted to VSK, or so my wife is telling me.  That's OK, I've gotten my daughter hooked too.  My wife can't fight two of at us the same time.  I'm still playing and actually learning some racing strategies while I'm at it.

I'd like to set up a virtual LSA team for the winter.  That is if we make it around the world on VOR.
 
Fair winds,

 

The Volvo Ocean Race (http://www.volvooceanrace.org/) is underway.  The best sailors from all over the planet are racing around the world in state-of-the-art Volvo Open 70 sailboats.  The conditions are extreme and the speeds are fast.
 
Now you can join the Volvo Ocean Race from the comfort of your living room by entering the Virtual (on-line) Volvo Ocean Race.  The route follows and mimics the conditions of the real race.  There are over 40,000 participants racing on-line so far.  Being a virtual racer entails logging onto the race a couple times each day to adjust sail selection and heading and check on your competition.
 
Some Passport Sailing Club members have formed our own Virtual Volvo Ocean Race team.  You are invited to join us!  As a member of our group, you can track the progress of your Lake Lanier sailing buddies while keeping the trash talk flowing.  If there's enough interest, maybe we could even come up with some prizes or at least a party or two along the way. 
 
Here's how to sign up (it's free and easier than it sounds, I promise):
 
1. Log onto the website for the virtual game (http://www.volvooceanracegame.org/home.php)
2. Follow the steps on the website to register for the game and outfit your sailboat.
3. Once you have joined the race, use the magnifying glass icon on the main game screen to search for Rich Jones's boat, which is called Sweet Jane.
4. After you've located Sweet Jane, click on "Send a Message" which is located under Sweet Jane's picture and current stats.
5. In your message, tell Rich your boat name and ask to be added to the team.
6. Look for a message back from Rich a day or two later inviting you to join in.
 
Note: You can join the race at any time even if you missed the start.  You'll be placed toward the back of the fleet, but don't get discouraged.  The next leg of the race will start everyone from the same spot.  Be glad you didn't have to bob your way through the doldrums.
 
We hope to see you in virtual Cape Town, which is our next port of call. 

 

It's been rumored that Lanier Sailing Academy is planning a one week cruise onboard a 100' schooner along the coast of Maine for the summer of 2009.  This rumor is completely true !!

 

OK guys, this is one dream event that you must check off of your "bucket list"

 

Details to follow after the holidays !!

Interested in putting your Bareboat Certification 103/104 skills to use?

 

Opportunities abound, from the easy, nearby and inexpensive trips of Pensacola, to the more exotic British Virgin Islands, St. Martin or maybe even Tahiti. Nov/Dec is the best time to plan for a Winter/Spring trip to some place extra fun.

 

LSA has scores of members who are experienced coastal cruising sailors.  Let us know when you're interested in going and where and we'll match you up with others of like interests and dreams.  Please contact John or Matt for further details.  (For the safety of all involved, Bareboat Certification is required to participate in this referral program.  One certification per couple).

 

 

Penguin Regatta
Saturday, January 10th (Yes, we said January !!)  10:00 am - 6:00 pm
 
More frosty details are on the horizon ---- buurrrrrrr.  (The cold is just in your head.)  
 
The price is -- FREE -- to our club members,

please call the dock for reservations  (770) 614-5724 

 

 

 

 

Heavy Weather Sailing Clinic
Saturday, February 7th, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

 

Please joing Capt. John for a three hour overview of offshore heavy weather sailing.  This classroom presentation will provide videos of various high risk situations that will allow for "What Now Captain?" discussions.  This is the best way to absorb these sailing skills without becoming sea sick!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch For These Future Clinics
Understanding the weather

Bareboat Management Tips
Spinnaker Freak Out
Docking

Anchoring

Sail Making & Repairs

 

Celestial Navigation
Naked Sailing  :-)

 

Basic Coastal Cruising BCC-103 &  

 

Bareboat Certification Courses BBC-104  
 
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 helm.  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 !! 
 

 

2009 Schedule for Pensacola
     Sunday, March 8 thru Friday, March 13  
     Sunday, April 5 thru Friday April 10  
     Sunday, May 3 thru Friday May 8
     Sunday, June 7 thru Friday June 12
     Sunday, October 11 thru Friday October 16

     Sunday, November 8 thru November 13 

     Sunday, December 6 thru December 11 

 

These award winning classes are in big demand and will sell out 120 + days before start date.  Don't delay !! 
 
Feel free to call Cindy or Matt at (770) 945-8810 to learn more about your sailing dream in paradise.