Thinking about Sailing

Fall is well upon us. The fleet is doing well, and preparations are underway for offseason maintenance. I have a few names in the hat who have offered to help out with maintenance and upkeep, however, there is plenty of work and not currently enough man-hours available to accomplish it all. Please consider helping to get the 2020 sailing season off to a good start by spending some time volunteering to work on our boats. 

Several months ago (or maybe a year ago) I mentioned some sailing podcasts that I enjoy listening to. One of those is titled “How I Think About Sailing” by Andy Schell. Andy is a very accomplished ocean sailor who makes his living, with his wife Mia, taking charter customers all over the globe, from the Arctic to the Caribbean. His podcast is, just what its name implies, an exploration of sailing the way Andy looks at things. He is always quick to point out that there are more ways and better ideas out there, his goal is just to articulate his view on certain sailing topics.

With that introduction in mind, I would like to start adding some content to these monthly articles above and beyond the status of the fleet (which changes about as fast as I can sail downwind in 5kts of breeze). That being said, I do not want it to only consist of how Scott thinks about sailing. So, I am excited to announce that I am actively taking suggestions for monthly sailing tidbits to be included with the fleet captain notes. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. One topic that was covered previously, for example, was the concept of filing a float plan. I have more ideas, but would love to hear from you all. You know how to reach me, thanks in advance for your support of this new idea (I hope it works...). 

As the wind and water temps cool and sailing activity slows, remember, there are only 130 days until spring. Keep the faith, we will all be out there enjoying the Bay soon enough.

Remembering Dick Zima

I once again start this letter with sad news of the passing of long-time member Dick Zima.  You should have received an email with details of his memorial service, which was held on Saturday, October 16.  Please keep Pat and family in your prayers. 

As mentioned last month, sailing season is closing.  We had one last Albacore sail on Sunday, October 12th (well actually, just Jim Garret and I taking a cruise around the river; he still beat me!).  Gaby, our Irwin, is still in the water but needs to be pulled soon.  If you want a last sail let Scott Titus know.  I have heard rumors of a November meeting to start planning next year’s Sunday series so we do have hope for a quick winter and getting back on the water next year.

We are starting to fill our 2020 Board vacancies but there is room for a few more.  Do not miss your chance to get to know the club better and help guide our future.  Let me know if you are interested in serving a term!

With the close of boating and sailing, we will be trying a new activity for club members to enjoy our club property.  As approved in last year’s members meeting, Tony Villani has been prepping for deer hunting in the area north and west of the tennis courts.  He completed a survey of the entire property a couple weeks ago and posted signs to prevent non-members from hunting.  Interestingly he found a deer stand that was being used on our property and has contacted the owner to remove it.  

We have also received a duck hunting permit and constructed a blind on the east side of our boat ramp (this will also prevent non-members hunting our waterfront.)  As approved, hunting is limited ONLY to members (who must pay an extra $100 per year) and can only occur when the club is not being used for other events.  Signs will be posted if hunting is in progress. 

See you at the Oyster Roast!

Dick Zima: 12/7/37 - 10/22/19