From the Poop Deck
Seaworthy Ideas and Stuff
Paul Kurkowski
Ahoy there mates and a very happy springtime to you all. Once again we find ourselves at that time of year when the smells of spring are paint, varnish, oil and cleaning fluid. Many have already floated the hull and put the big stick up. While others tune the rig and start provisioning an exclusive group have already had their first shakedown sail. Yet still, a handful more have participated in a race or two. Do not fret, as it is a long season. For most of us, our final sail of the season won’t happen ‘til early October.
For those still in the early stages of readiness, a few helpful reminders: open the through-hulls especially for the engine. Then tighten the alternator belt and check the fresh water impeller. Check them batteries – all of them, even the flashlights. Speaking of lights, check them too. Remove the excess fluid from the transmission and or change it if you haven’t. Check the engine oil. Make sure the color and level is correct .After all, you changed the oil, as recommended, last fall just before hauling it out. Make sure your outboard engines are circulating cooling water and the lower units are full with grease.
Stuff: further evidence that the lake water is getting better was reported from the Detroit River. The dinosaur era fish called Sturgeon were re-introduced on the Canadian side of Fighting Island. Recently a 7 foot, 132-pound Sturgeon was caught, tagged, and released. The spawning ground riverbed consisting of rock chucks will be perfect for eggs of hatchlings. The oily Sturgeon was at one time caught to use as fuel in ships boilers. Green technology? I don’t think so but maybe there’s a future in Sturgeon Farming. Then too and in addition, there’s always Caviar…
That’s it for now.Casting off all lines. Color me gone.
Paul Kurkowski “Space Hunter”
Race Report
Paul Krutty, Race Chair
. Welcome back racers.
As of this writing, we have nine boats registered for JAM and four for PHRF. It would be great to increase both fleets.
If any members are on the fence about whether to race or not, come out and join us on Thursday evenings for some friendly competition.
Paul Krutty “Sea Quell”
Fun Race - Saturday, May 31
Doug Post, Fun Race Chairman
This year's fun race will take place Saturday, May 31. First gun will be at 11 a.m. at CR1. There will be one start only. We're racing with just a single sail (main or Genoa) unless the wind is really light, then we'll have to resort to two sails.
Scoring will be by the "still being invented system." The order of finish counts, but not as much as having fun. If I told you how the scoring system worked, then what fun would that be? As always, points will be awarded for making the members of the race committee laugh; the harder we laugh, the more points you score.
The course will either be to the A mark (course heading 330 degrees) or the B mark (course heading 030 degrees). Green flag up = 10 minute warning; green flag down = start.
A barbecue picnic will follow the race at the Markley Marina gazebo at around 3 p.m. Look for the CRCA banner. Cost per person will be $5. Remember to bring your own beverages and lawn chairs.
As has been tradition, a general membership meeting will follow the picnic.
We hope to see ya all there. This is one event that you don't need to know the rules of racing. Just come out and have a good time! If you need on-course instructions, just motor by the committee boat shortly before the race begins.
Your Fun Race Hosts
Doug & Jean Post "Whippin' Post"
C22 Fleet Activity
Mike Bracket - Captain, Fleet 130
The Catalina 22 Fleet will be hosting the Eighth Annual C22 National Sailing Association Great Lakes Cruise July 20-26th. This year we will launch our boats at Lexington MI and sail 'down stream' to Toledo Beach Marina on Western Lake Erie. We will make stops at Port Huron, Metro Beach, Tri-Centennial State Park, Elizabeth Park and Toledo Beach. We already have several boats registered and expect 12 to as many as 15 participants from as far away as Idaho and Kansas. If anyone is interested in participating, let me know.
Mike Bracket “Gunsmoke”
Winter Party Report
Don Tishler
As much as I remember it , everyone had a good time. Good drinks, good food and fellowship prevailed. I thought the 13 couples would be too many for my apartment but it was just fine. People were chatting in the kitchen, some in the den and others scattered in the living room and hallway. Lots of make-up conversions; it was a long winter. Mike Barber was late due to being at the American Sailing Association Banquet. He’s this year's president. His games got postponed till later and Don forgot to give out the prizes so there will be double prizes at our fourth of July outing.
P.S. Suggestion to future hosts. When you work all day preparing till a half hour before guests arrive and haven't eaten, don't sit down and have a drink or two to get in the mood.
Don Tishler “Hockey Puck”