ASA.com    ASA Chandlery   Our Blog    Facebook Fan Page    Twitter Feed

web2

Join Our Mailing List
Quick Links

 Check out  the ASA Flotillas for 2012 

ASA MEMBERS ONLY  

Promos Deal Map

 

Interested in Advertising in the E-News?
zen boat ad


Kansas City Sailing Ad

Weems & Plath Ad

Become an ASA Instructor
Join Our Mailing List
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Facebook

Sailing With Style
American Sailing E-News
April 2012 


Greetings!

 

April is here and the weather is getting good for sailing!
It's a big month for ASA-we'll be giving free sailing lessons on San Francisco Bay, flotilla sailing in the Caribbean, and helping new sailors get certified. In this issue of Sailing With Style, we've got sailing news, a winning Mussels recipe to keep your crew happy on the water, and info on some of our exciting events coming up. Enjoy, and we'll see you out on the water!

  

 

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 April 2012            

         

Photo by Gary Cooper 
 
Sailing in Panama City, FL.

logo png


 PURSUE YOUR SAILING DREAMS WITH ASA

ASA puts you at the helm at 
Strictly Sail Pacific 2012

April 12th-15th 2012 
  
  

Nothing beats hands-on experience when it comes to learning new skills and improving existing skills. This year, Discover Sailing and ASA have teamed up to create a selection of on-water, hands-on learning events that will add more fun and excitement to your Strictly Sail Pacific experience, and take your sailing skills up a notch at the same time.  All learning events provide hands-on practice with an ASA certified instructor and are taught while underway aboard 30' to 40' sailboats.

 

The first of the on water learning events features a series of three 90-minute hands-on skills workshops including Introduction to Sailing, Coastal Cruising and Docking Under Power.  These sessions are offered for a nominal registration fee.   

 

TAKE YOUR SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

If you're looking for greater content and more practice time, sign up for one of two brand-new 3 1/2 hour on-the-water sailing clinics. Choose from the Advanced Cruising Skills and the Introduction to Cruising Catamarans seminars.  There is a registration fee for both events, which includes a one-day ticket to the boat show. 

 

   

 
photo by b. cohen

 
Visit the Strictly Sail Pacific web site  for more information.  

Space is limited and advance registration
is highly recommended.
 
 

 

 
 

 

The Nautical Chef  

A Winning Mussel Recipe

By Gwen Risner, ASA Member and  

                     Flotilla Mussel Contest Referee    

 

What happens when you put together an ASA flotilla in Croatia, 40lbs of mussels, 18 hungry sailors, and a handful of experienced cooks?   The best mussel cook off ever!   The morning of September 7, 2011 was clear, sunny and made for pleasant motoring down the Krka River as we listened to Captain Jean "John" De Keyser spin a story about his buddy Zoran the mussel man.  We heard these were the best mussels cultivated in the region with each mussel lovingly raised to its most tender self as only Zoran knew how.  After stopping by Zoran's floating river side stand, we had our delicious bounty onboard.      

 

 

Zoran the Mussel Man

 

Winds picked up to 15-18 kts providing an easy sail to reach our final destination of Kaprije Island by 5pm.  Just enough time to clean, de-beard the mussels and allow the chefs to plan their strategies.   

 

 

Cleaning and debearding the mussels

 

 Buzara is the traditional way of cooking mussels in Croatia.  This technique involves simple fresh ingredients usually involving garlic, parsley, wine and breadcrumbs.  Our cooks experimented with various techniques and brought some of the nearby Italian influences into their pots of deliciousness.    

 

The hardest part of the entire experience was the cleaning and de-bearding, which makes you appreciate the pre-cleaned version we buy at the local grocery.    Our boats were all willing to do their part ,even Ariana's crew who were allergic to shellfish.   Creativity abounded during the various cooking processes.    Chef Dirk insists that playing the right music makes the mussels more tender, and apparently it worked as they cooked to succulent perfection to Ravel's Bolero.   

 

The people of Croatia are always so gracious and Kaprije was no exception.  A local restaurant, Neptune's, allowed us to bring in our pots of mussels for the judging and provided a seaside sunset view for dining.  After several plates full of mussels, fresh bread and side vegetables the judging began.  It was initially too close to call but after recounting the hanging chads, first place went to the crew of Sarah.    

 

Here is their famous recipe:  

 

ASA Croatia Flotilla Winning Mussel Recipe

By Team Sarah:  Lori and Scott Lawson   

& Ella and David Goss

 

10 Cloves garlic

3 yellow onions diced

Olive Oil 3 Tbsp.

2-3 lbs. very ripe and fresh Roma tomatoes

4 Tbsp. butter

1 Cup half & half or whole milk

1+ Cups fresh Italian Parsley

3-4 Dried red chilies chopped fine

2 Cups water

5 lbs. fresh small mussels

Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano & Sage to taste

 

Heat oil in deep walled pan and simmer 1/2 the garlic and 1/3 of the spices followed by the onions. Cook on medium high, stirring until onions are almost clear. Add tomatoes and cook down to a chunky sauce. Add butter and the rest of the spices and garlic and simmer. Add half and half to create a creamy sauce. Add water as sauce cooks down. Add mussels and any needed water to keep the sauce more on the medium thin side. Cook mussels until just done, add parsley and serve with lots of hearty crusted Italian white bread to sop up the juices.


 

Team Sarah hails from Montana and Alaska Pictured Left to right:   

Ella and Scott Goss, Lori and Scott Lawson  

 

Good food made even better with a little friendly competition, makes for the best ingredients to a good time.  Could an ASA Flotilla be a contender for the next Food Network show?  

 

Join ASA as we return to Croatia for two more Flotillas Week 1 September 1-8, 2012 and Week 2 September 8-15, 2012 - Join us for one week or both as we cruise the blue waters of the Dalmatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik and back  to Split.

 

 

logo png




Aegean Rally July 14-23, 2012 & Aegean Regatta August 18-26, 2012

  Why not join the ASA this summer
 in the Greek Islands? 

Interested? Read more...  

Join the crew of a 57ft racing ketch as she races around the Greek islands. 2 regattas to choose from, each sailing in totally different island groups.

 



 

 

 

ASA Catalina Newport Flotilla

October 13 - 20, 2012   

   
 

  

You are invited to participate in our October 13 - 20, 2012 Catalina Newport Flotilla.  Our fleet of some ten boats will sail the same itinerary and gather for beach cookouts, dinners ashore, dinghy races and other activities.  Experienced skippers and first-time crew are both welcome!  Your flotilla leader will be on hand throughout for advice and guidance.

 

About 25 nautical miles offshore lies beautiful Santa Catalina Island.  Pristine waters surround the island, nearly all of which is a nature preserve. There our fleet will visit Avalon, jewel of the island, with fine dining, jeep tours, zip line, and an underwater park, as well as rustic Isthmus Cove for an exclusive cocktail hour at the hilltop Banning House, hiking or spotting wild buffalo.  We'll enjoy a typical downwind crossing, spotting dolphins and perhaps migrating blue whales, to visit Newport Beach and Long Beach where you may tour the Queen Mary or visit the renowned Aquarium of the Pacific.

 

The flotilla departs from and returns to Marina del Rey, California.    Go to www.bluepacificboating.com/catalinanewportflotilla.htm or call 1 (800) 398-8830  to charter and ask about the ASA Catalina Newport Flotilla.  To participate in your own boat, email  or call Capt. Roger at 949-258-3491. If you are a qualified captain or interested in being crew, we have boats looking for both.

 

This trip is designed to accommodate beginners and experienced sailors alike. Families are welcome.  We look forward to seeing you next fall in Southern California! 

  

!

asa logo

SAILING CAMP for
 Grown-Ups is Coming
Soon 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!
We have sold out of our original room block but have a few rooms available for a limited time ONLY. 

BOOK NOW!
before it's too late
 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE DETAILS 

  

 

For more information contact

Kathy Christensen  

  310-822-7171

OR

Jean Levine   

 727-644-7496

 

 

logo png
             
      

American Sailing Association Member Showcase Album
in Production
       




 
    Don't be left out. Be part of our 2012 Publication promoting the art of Sailing!  
  

ASA members share a love of sailing. Our adventures on the water forge lasting ties with our sailing mates. Wouldn't it be great to enjoy those experiences well beyond the relatively small circle of people with whom you sail?  

 

That's why ASA is collaborating with Harris Connect to produce a new member showcase album that will help you connect and share your best sailing memories with each other. This company specializes in and has a long history of putting together high quality books for enthusiasts, whether they are owners of the same make of car or people who love to sail.  

 

In addition to a (general) ASA Member Section of the book, Instructors will have a dedicated section. Those of you interested in participating more fully may do so by submitting your profile, favorite sailing story and/or photo for inclusion in the Instructors section.  

 

The Harris Connect staff will be contacting members by post card email and/or telephone over the next few months.   They are working hard, on our behalf, to capture the sailing lifestyle which embraces us all.   Please assist us by responding to the Harris staff to confirm your information and share your photo and personal message. With everyone's participation we expect this album to be the most comprehensive and outstanding record of the ASA and its members.  

 

The American Sailing Association values your privacy and Harris Connect is only collecting information for the purposes of this publication which is available to ASA members exclusively. All information contained in our album is protected by copyright laws and is for official Association use and for individual communication of a personal nature between members.  

 

All current members of ASA, including Instructors, will be automatically listed in the album which will include up-to-date contact information for each individual. However, you may opt out of having your personal information published by calling  

1- 800-736-7785. Thank you for your assistance and participation in this valuable project. 

 
        

 

Sailing Blogs We're

Enjoying This Month:

 
 



THE SCUTTLEBUTT 

Upcoming Events

April/May 2012  

  

 

Don't get fooled this month! It's not 

summer yet, but sailing season is getting underway all around the country, and as you can see there's a lot to do!  We hope every bunny has a great EASTER!  

  

 

April 8:    

  

     

April 12-15:  


-ASA will partner with Discover Boating to offer free on-the-water sailing lessons and advanced cruising clinics.

-Visit us in booth 340!

 

April 20-28:

ASA St. Martin Flotilla  

In addition to enjoying a beautiful Caribbean cruise, ASA will be delivering books to an elementary school on the islands of Anguilla!

  

April 22:

Happy Earth Day 

  


Know about some great sailing events
going on in your area in April/May 2012?

 Let us know! 

  

 

logo png

NEW ASA
MEMBER BENEFIT
Charter Savvy Magazine 

   

CharterSavvy is the new online magazine devoted to bareboat chartering, and you'll now receive each quarterly issue as part of your membership benefits.   

   

Each issue of CharterSavvy is filled to the brim with compelling stories and great photography of bareboating worldwide, with insider tips on everything from itineraries to the best local pubs, gear to take and not-to-miss sights.  You'll find features, departments and columns that will captivate, entertain and educate anyone interested in bareboat chartering.   

 

CLICK HERE to check it out and activate  

your FREE subscription by entering your  

name and email address.

By the way, CharterSavvy is committed to protecting your privacy,  and will not share your email address with anyone.