From the Poop Deck
Seaworthy Ideas and Stuff
Paul Kurkowski
Ahoy mates and happy March to all. It won’t be long now before we start prepping our joys of summer for the big float. For me it’s like being a child. Thanksgiving has just happened and Christmas is just around the corner. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!
LORAN has, once again been saved from the chopping block. Yep, the Department of Homeland Security said the country needs a jamming proof navigation system. Upgrades and operation costs are estimated @ $350 million. That includes the $160 million already spent.
Thank you, California. [Folks you are gonna love this.] In a lawsuit against The EPA it has been alleged (the EPA) did harm in allowing water vessel discharges incidental to the normal operation of the vessel. All the EPA was trying to do was, to stop ocean-going ships from discharging their water ballasts. Remember my little friends the Zebra mussels?? Well don’t plug up your scuppers just yet but, maybe, just maybe by September 2008 we all, I mean anyone, who operates a water vessel in these United States will have to apply (and pay) for permits of operation. Jeez, when will it end? Remember California and how they started that ridiculous boat luxury tax?? Good grief already!
I recently saw a news story in which some of the people living on Harsens Island were up in arms over the ferries not running because of the ice flows coming down stream on the St Claire River’s North Channel. This was leaving them stranded either on the island or the mainland. HELLO, you live on an island in Michigan. Winters get cold here. Don’t like getting stranded? Well, get a helicopter. Jeez, what is up with these people? They must be the same ones that want that goofy freakin’ bridge built.
Arr, for thems that wanted to know… Louis Vuitton-America Cup Racing starts Monday May 14. We can watch it all live direct from Valencia, Spain on the Versus Network (was Outdoor Life Network/OLN) starting at 8:30AM. That won’t interfere at all with the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Good thing too, ain’t I right mates?
Casting off all lines. Color me gone.
Paul Kurkowski “Space Hunter”
Race Report
Paul Krutty, Race Chairman
The racing program is coming together. Ron Rabine is assisting with editing the Sailing Instructions, the Invitation to Race and Race Application. Jack Gray will be my representative at the ABYRA Skippers Meeting. And, Erv Zimmerman will arrange for printing and assembly of sailing instructions.
There will be an ABYRA Skipper’s Meeting, Friday, April 27. All skippers planning to race in the CRCA Thursday Spring and Fall Series should attend. Sailing Instructions for ABYRA and CRCA will be available at that meeting. If you or a representative are unable to attend, the CRCA Sailing Instructions as well as the Racing Application will be on line by April 15.
ABYRA Skippers Meeting
North Star Sail Club
April 27, 2007
7:30 PM
6:00 PM The bar will be open and food
will be available for purchase.
If you are a racer or non racer interested in crewing on a race committee boat but would like a refresher course on how to run a Race Committee, please contact me and I’ll arrange a group class or one on one instruction, depending on interest. I think that cruisers or those with racing interest might like the opportunity to be out on the water more often to enjoy our sport.
Being a Race Committee member would give you a chance to become more comfortable with the idea of racing and maybe get you into the game on your own boat or as crew.