- from Bob Hedley, VC-Marine  

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It's time to Spring into action and prepare for Launch and Sailing....

Well, early spring has arrived and it is time, regardless of the weather, to start preparing for Launch and for having our boats at their mooring slips.

There are many projects and job tasks available.  In recent issues of S2S, Sue Hamilton (Harbour and Yard Work Party Coordinator) has been outlining the projects and work tasks available for you to contribute.  

Indeed, our Bubbler, Decking and Sea Wall teams have been keeping the systems working and they are preparing for more substantial work in the early spring.  There are going to be many projects and job tasks available.

I want to focus your attention on the Sea Wall repairs.  Stephen Trevitt, our Sea Wall repair team leader, will need to create two dedicated teams.  This work requires able bodied people who are comfortable working around machinery.  This work will begin in earnest on the weekend of Saturday, March 16th.   However there will also be some prep work on Saturday the 9th.  If you are interested please contact Sue Hamilton.

There is plenty of other work to be undertaken in both the Yard and Harbour so come on down to the club and get some fresh air.

Positions Open:  Yard Master and Mast Yard Team Lead

I recently participated in the Mast Up Task Team forum presented by Roy Little.  Numerous members complimented Roy and the team for their thorough research and excellent presentation.  The dialogue created with about 30 members present was refreshing and helpful.  

During the Q&A, I mentioned that I would be taking action to improve the organization of Yard work and specifically the workflow in the Mast Yard during launch and haulout.   Last year, we improved the Mast Storage by creating two new racks and positioning them to hold our largest masts.  We also built 2 Mast dollies that enable the moving of masts to be done without the heavy lifting.   

These dollies will be tuned and the ground surface will be smoothed out to enable ease of movement for getting the masts to and from storage.   

To do this I am recruiting a Yard Master and creating a Mast Yard team leader position.  Further the work completed under projects and tasks organized by these leaders will be eligible for member work contribution recognition.     

Let's continue to make our club yard a safe place to work and enjoy throughout the sailing season.

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Dear Members,

I will be on vacation from March 10^th until April 1^st..  Should you need anything Lidia will be able to help you at office extension 226.  

If anything is needed for work parties then Mike will do all the ordering.

Rennie

The sun is out, the snow is melting, and we will soon be washing, waxing, sanding and painting our yachts for another summer of sailing, the greatest pastime on earth.  Included in this article is the Sailing Events Calendar for the 2013 sailing season and as you can see, all the ABYC sailing events as well as the LORC schedule, the LOSHRS (Lake Ontario Short-handed Racing Series), and some of the other dates for the major regatta's around the lake of interest to our members.  Some of our club cruises are also noted, with some cruise destinations yet to be finalized.

It is important to note that ABYC is hosting three major regattas this season:

August 10 and 11:   Ontario Laser Masters Regatta which will showcase some of the best dinghy sailors in the Province old enough to have debts.

August 17 and 18:   Beneteau First 36.7 Great Lakes Championship Regatta with the addition of the 10R fleet.

Especially important is Launch starting Friday April 26, then Saturday and Sunday if necessary.

Remember Sailpast on Saturday June 1^st.   We are overdue for a good weather day, so plan to join your fellow sailors for one of the finest traditions in our sport.

 The entire Sailing Events calendar is available at the following link:    2013 Events Calendar 

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As always, ABYC needs your assistance to run all our club races, and these other 3 important regattas.  Furthermore, we are asked to reciprocate and assist other clubs who assist us in running race courses for our larger events.  There are many opportunities to assist on Race Committees, operate a mark boat and set race marks, help with registering, timing, recording and scoring.  We have been dependent on a small core of volunteers, especially on the Race Committees, and we hope that you will step forward and help the club fulfill this schedule.

Your principal contacts to help out are:

Colin Semple, Race Committee Coordinator, and David Steenbergen