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Sailing With Style
American Sailing E-News March 2012
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Greetings!
March has arrived, and Spring is on the way. And for sailors, Spring means more and more opportunities to be on the water! Of course, there's a lot to look forward to, including the Vernal Equinox, St. Patrick's Day, and the South West International Boat Show, March 22-25. Find out what's happening in the sailing lifestyle in this month's issue of ASA's "Sailing with Style!"
Please enjoy, and email us with your suggestions so that we can continue to improve it. We hope to see you at one of ASA's flotillas, member events, or regional boatshows soon! Sincerely,
Charlie Nobles
Executive Director |
Photo of the Month
for March 2012
Photo by b. cohen
It was a beautiful day for sailing in Biscayne Bay, which
made a wonderful backdrop for the 2012 Miami Boat Show.
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American Sailing Association
Showcases Its Inaugural On-the-Water Training Series
In Miami to Sold Out Crowds!
by Lisa Carrington
Photos above by b. cohen
Photo by Lisa Carrington
With beautiful Biscayne Bay as a backdrop, the American Sailing Association launched its unique interactive sailing adventure at the 2012 Progressive Insurance Strictly Sail Miami International Boat Show. From February 17th-20th, dawn until dusk, ASA escorted 400 participants with diversified skill levels and sailing experience onto sleek monohulls and catamarans, captained by some of the best ASA Certified Instructors in the southeast.
Captains Will Miller of Charleston Sailing School, Harlin Allen of Yachting Vacations and Sailing School, Gary Wall of Smarter Sail, Tony Wall of Biscayne Bay Sailing Academy, Joe Cetner of Yachting Vacations and Sailing School and Bert Cohen enthusiastically led the hands-on adventure for all eager sailors who were fortunate enough to participate in the popular event. In addition to the boats loaned to us by our schools, Sunsail also generously donated a catamaran and a monohull to complete our fleet.
Lea Obermeyer of Smarter Sail, and Lisa Carrington, the ASA Marketing Director, welcomed crowds of eager sailors to the sold out event at the Discover Sailing Booth! While most guests had pre-registered online for a variety of complimentary and fee based educational courses, others walked up to the booth and added their names to the growing waitlist, in hopes of hopping aboard last minute.
All participants donned the most technical and safe PFDs available on the market. Both Mustang Survival and BlueStorm provided ASA with top of the line harnessed versions of their deluxe inflatable PFDs for all guests and captains, reinforcing that integrating marine safety is an important part of the ASA instruction. After leaving the docks, all participants experienced a multitude of opportunities to get behind the wheel, handle the lines, and simply learn to sail. Students were thrilled, some experiencing for the first time, the excitement of the boating lifestyle through hands-on education and adventure.
Read More |
The Nautical Chef
Couples Afloat
By ASA Instructor and School Owner,
Stacy Brooks Connelly
 Ahh, it's that time of year again! Spring is in the air! For couples aboard boats it can be a very special time. Sometimes living aboard together, whether a new couple or a long-married couple, can be challenging. Dealing with weather, problems with the boat, visitors aboard and a myriad of other daily challenges to the yachting couple can cause tension. Take the time to put things in perspective and enjoy the beauty around you, and each other. The life that couples live aboard is very different and very special in so many ways.
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Sailing the Greek Islands
What to Expect and Where to Go! By Valerie Weingrad 
I can remember learning about Greek Mythology in school and thinking that someday I would l
ove to go to Greece. Little did I know that I would one day call this place my second home. The mythical, magical islands and stories, the generous people, the Aegean blue water that
you see nowhere else in the world and then there's the sailing! Greece is on the short list
of places you want to go.
As you look out your airplane window you can
see the islands, the water and the city with
the Acropolis and Parthenon perched high
on a hill. Everything is white, sandy and blue
with the occasional patch of green. Once a
rriving in Athens the marina is a short 25
minute taxi ride away.
Alimos Marina, the home of the boats for the
last ASA flotilla, is one of the largest marinas
in all of Greece and perhaps the Med. There
are 100's of boats lined up Med moored on numerous piers. Café's and tavernas are on
the marina grounds as well as grocery shops
and markets within walking distance. Once onboard and moved in you can explore the
area, do some shopping or meet at the Skipper's Place for a cold drink. This is a sailor's hangout, so a good place to pick up some "local knowledge" before casting off the next morning.
There are over 3000 Greek Islands, depending who you talk to. With so many choices it's hard
to decide where to go, but the nice thing about Greece is that whichever islands you visit you won't be disappointed! From Athens you can
sail the Saronic Islands and the Cyclades Islands. The decision is usually bases on the weather and how much time you have.
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Come join us at the
The Southwest International In Water Boatshow
Houston, TX - March 22-25, 2012
This year, ASA will be participating for the first time in Texas' largest in-water boat show, the South West International Boat Show. And if it's the biggest thing in Texas, you know it's going to be HUGE. You'll be able to find us there along with many of our sailing schools.
WHEN: March 22-25, 2012
WHERE: South Shore Harbour Marina, Bay Area Houston, Texas
All the biggest boat manufacturers will be there, including Beneteau, Hunter, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Catalina, and Leopard. Come check out their latest models in the beautiful warm-weather setting of the Texas gulf coast. Over 400 boats will be in the water, and many of them ready to demo!
At the ASA booth you'll meet some of our instructors, who love nothing more than to chat about sailing, and you can find out how to take the next step in your sailing dreams, whether you're just getting started or you're already an experienced hand. Since this will be our first time at the show, we're extra excited! Texas, here we come.
With live music every day of the show, food from local restaurants, and free seminars by sailing experts...why wouldn't you want to be there?
CHECK IT ALL OUT HERE!
As a special bonus to ASA members and readers of the Enews, here's a coupon for $2 off show admission. (Just click on the link twice to download the PDF.) We can't wait to see you there!
SWIBS Coupon
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ASA FEATURED FLOTILLA
Victoria and San Juan Islands Flotilla, June 15-22, 2012
This summer ASA will once again be cruising the
islands of the Puget Sound in our hugely popular
flotilla. Join us and see some of the most unique
and beautiful places in the world, encompassing
both Canada and the United States. Planned
stops include the lively city of Victoria, B.C.,
on Vancouver Island, historic Roche Harbor,
which dates to the 1880s, tranquil Winter Cove
in the Canadian Gulf Islands, and Rosario
on Orcas Island.
Wildlife abounds, with opportunities to see
orca whales, seals, birds of prey, and more.
The natural setting is astonishing, from the
green islands that dot the water to the
towering mountains and peaceful sunsets.
Of course, the main attraction is the sailing!
The San Juan Islands are famous for strong
winds and currents, creating a challenging and
exciting sailing environment. Armed with expert
local knowledge from ASA's flotilla leaders, sailors
of any level will have a great time experiencing t
his one-of-a-kind locale.
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SAILING CAMP for
Grown-Ups is ComingSoon in June!
Plan on joining ASA for Members'
Week on the Summer Sailstice
June 15th to June 22nd, 2012 at
the beautiful Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida.
It's time for summer sailing, seminars and fun, at the ASA Members' Week! What is Members' Week?
It is best described as sailing camp for grown ups.
Once a year the ASA selects a beautiful land based resort so that family members, sailors and non-sailors alike can experience a taste of sailing as much as or as little as they like.
Whether you prefer to sail, visit the spa, or just lay by the pool, you'll have plenty of like-minded people around. You are just about certain to make new lasting friendships by meeting others that share your passion.
For the sailors we have planned a week of sailing.
Try out different keelboats boats from Catalina, Hunter
and Beneteau as well as small boat sailing opportunities
on a Compac, Topaz or Happy Cat. Practice your skills at docking, man overboard or learn to fly a spinnaker.
Daily seminars provide an opportunity to introduce your family to the fun of sailing and the lifestyle. The laid back atmosphere encourages those who have never before
been aboard a boat to give it a try. ASA certified instructors captain the various boats and give informal training designed to whet your appetite for more. Making new friends may be just the ticket to give you some one else
to share that first charter with on your next vacation.
The Renaissance Vinoy Resort Hotel has been the pride of St. Petersburg for 80 years, a monument to grace, elegance. The resort is an internationally sought after destination located right on the waterfront. This grand historical landmark was first opened on December 31, 1925 and has attracted many a sophisticated clientele. You may even notice discrete signage that requests you not take photos or disturb any celebrities staying at the resort. Located along the waterfront and within walking distance
to museums, shopping, dining and entertainment there is no need for a car.
If you don't feel like walking you can hop the local trolley called the looper and ride out to the end of the Pier for a beautiful view of Tampa Bay. Tour the local galleries like Chihuly or Salvador Dali. Just come and enjoy all the area has to offer.
Don't Miss out on all the Fun!
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS
For more information contact
Kathy Christensen
310-822-7171
OR
Jean Levine
727-644-7496
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The American Sailing Association partners
with Harris Connect to Produce Our 2012 Member Publication!  
This handsome publication will be a welcome addition to your personal library. It will be a great way to show pride in being a member and instructor of the American Sailing Association, and a valuable resource as well.
Harris Connect, a leading provider of multi-channel solutions for organizations, has been selected to compile this first ever edition. It is expected to be the definitive "who's who" of the American Sailing Association including a special Instructor Section.
This publication will be an excellent tool that you can use to connect with the wonderful community of members. In addition to an instructor section, it will feature a beautiful editorial section and photo gallery containing member submitted photos.
Members will also have the opportunity to share their experiences on the art of sailing, their travels and voyages.
American Sailing Association members will becontacted by phone, e-mail and mail in March to verify and update their contact information.
Be on the lookout for information on how you can participate in this first ever publication at asa.com.
Don't be left out. Be part of our 2012 Publication promoting the art of Sailing!
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THE SCUTTLEBUTT
Upcoming Event March/April 2012
The biggest thing going this month is the
South West International Boat Show, near Houston, Texas! Be sure to take advantage
of our admission coupon, which you can download below.
Mar 11:
Daylight Savings Tme Begins
March 17:
Know about some great sailing events
going on in your area in March/April 2012?
Let us know!
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