From the Poop Deck
Seaworthy Ideas and Stuff
Paul Kurkowski
Ahoy mates and Happy Holidays! Now that our boats are all tucked away with care, I am sure we are hoping that the 2009 will be fair. [I know, it’s a bit lame bit, what the heck.]
Hey, in case you did not know the Clean Water Act of 2008 was signed into Law on July 29. Recreational boats are permanently exempt from it’s requirements. It was signed, somewhere over our nation aboard Air Force One. I don’t know, I am glad it was signed, and signing it in the White House pool would be asking a bit much but jeez, in the air and on the Presidential jet? Talk about lacking ceremony.
If you haven’t acquired a DSC marine radio for your boat you should consider it. It is the wave (get it? wave?) of the future, just like digital TV. Once you have it, you apply for a Maritime Mobil Service Identity (MMSI) number. Then you and your boat are both permanently registered with our U S Coast Guard. Hailing another boat with DSC and a MMSI is a wonderful feature. It’s kinda like, hey your radio is ringing, answer it! There is also a “one button distress signal”. If your DSC is connected to a GPS it’ll broadcast your position. Imagine that, all you do is push one button. There obviously is more to it then what I have written. Just remember, the future is here and it is starting right now.
This is my last writing for the year of 2008. In closing, I would like to say that it has been fun and adventurous. I look forward to seeing all of you again in 2009. Participating in the CRCA cruising and racing has always been a very large part of my sailing season. I hope it remains part of yours. I know too as with most undertakings, the more the merrier. I can’t think of another bunch of people that are more merrier. What a year it was!
That’s it for now.
Casting off all lines. Color me gone.
Paul Kurkowski “Space Hunter”
CRCA Web Site, www.crcasail.org
Remember, you can check our web site for cruise schedules and race results. The site also provides the opportunity to set up your own e-mail account or use ahoythere@crca.org to send a message to the whole club.
Social Scene
Becky & Glen Ellison, 2009 Social Committee
Commodore Ball 2009
We the CRCA are deemed to be socially acceptable I am told. Some people I believe have the ability to hose us, but not for long. This hosing was considered socially acceptable to all those that attended the November meeting, thanks to Dave & Julie Otey. It was enjoyable to see everyone.
The 2009 Commodore Ball will be held at Gino’s Surf Lounge on Jefferson in Harrison Township. The time for the Ball is Saturday, March 28, 2009 starting from 6:30 to 11:30 pm. Your invitations this year will be distributed via electronic Ahoy There mail. There will be no invitations via the USPS. It was announced that the fee to attend would be held to $60 per person. There will be the usual premium mixed drink bar with great food and sheet cake for desert. Our DJ of many years will be will us to help along the party. That doesn’t take much for CRCA group though. Your payment will be required by February 15, 2009 for the ball. Please make checks payable to CRCA and mail to the address on the invitation. Any questions please feel free to give a call. Hope everyone can plan on attending, as this is our biggest event of every year. Formal dress attire makes us all interesting and different. Yes, we the CRCA, do clean up quite well.
Becky & Glen Ellison “Adventure”
Cruising Column
Becky Smith and Judi Schoenherr
2009 Cruise Committee
Hello CRCA Cruisers:
Happy New Year to All of You.!
Thank You for a tremendous 2008 Cruising Sailing Season, and Thank You Again for those of you who responded to our cruising poll.
It was a great year; however, it is time to look forward to the 2009 season.
The March Catscan will contain the 2009 Cruise Schedule and Reservation Form.
Cruise leaders are needed.
See you at the Commodore’s Ball,
Becky Smith “Twice Blessed”
Judi Schoenherr “Morning Star II”