Clipper Snips

Trailer/Sailors Association The magazine of the Winter 2009 Trailer/Sailors Association www.trailersailors.org

Features/Announcements 2 What does the TSA Board Do? Mike Nelson 3 Thank you Denise Hodgson 4 The History of the Little Current Cruisers Net Roy Eaton 6 A Short Sailing Story Troy Cain 7 Anchoring Tips Howard Staley 8 North Channel ‘Early Bird Special’ Cruise John Clement 12 2009 North Channel Trailer/Sailors Cruise Plans Bryan Childs 17 2009 Kentucky Lake Cruise Tom Grass 18 Just Sit Right Back Troy Cain 19 The Amazing Port-a-Boat John Ulmer 23 Where Have all the Rocky Fork Sailors Gone? Howard Staley 28 North Channel Cruise #3—July 2008 Rick Haynie

Regular Columns 9 From the Treasurer Howard Staley 10 Ramp Report John Ulmer

For T/SA Tee-shirts For T/SA Hats ($13US) T/SA Wear ($13US), contact: Flags ($16US), Doris Lockie ,67 Springbrook Drive contact: Wayne Bell, 344 Creek Drive for sale Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 1L4 Slippery Rock, PA 16057, [email protected]@ [email protected]@

The authors of the newsletter disclaim any and all responsibility for any kind of injury or damages sustained which may result from the application of any or all ideas or suggestions appearing in any articles of Clipper Snips. The authors of the newsletter furthermore give no warranty, express or implied, as to the merchantability, fitness for purpose, advertised quality, or any other matter of any products advertised in Clipper Snips or appearing in any articles of said newsletter.

What does the Trailer/Sailors Association Board Do??

By; Mike Nelson include assuring that all board positions are filled and doing their respective jobs, performing general over- Well, another year has gone by, and some of us are al- sight of association activities, and resolving issues ready thinking about next summer’s cruises. I am de- among the board and with the membership. lighted to see the summer North Channel cruise ex- MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY panding to include several options, as described else- The membership secretary is responsible for maintain- where in this issue. In addition, a cruise to Kentucky ing the association database (the info that appears in the Lake for late spring has been organized. I want to en- annual directory). The tasks include: generating mail- courage efforts such as this to help combat the percep- ing lists for Clipper Snips and renewals; updating the tion that we are only about the North Channel. If you database with new member information as it becomes want to plan a cruise, or help promote a joint venture available; and generating the files for the year-end di- with another group, please feel free to use any or all of rectory. The Publisher, the Trailsail List Manager, the the Association resources: post it on our trailsail dis- Webmaster, and the Directory Editor use the database. cussion group; write it up for Clipper Snips; send it to Currently the database is maintained in MS Excel and the webmaster for posting on our web site. is shared with those board members via Google Docu- In other news: Eventide and her trailer have undergone ments. extensive work by our boat builder member Dave ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Laux. Dave reports that the days of Eventide being a The associate membership secretary is responsible for center of entertainment with our tow strap launching updating and maintaining the “cruising references” and method are over. We are happy about that; others have “other references” sections of the database. These data expressed dismay at the loss of this annual show. come from renewal forms and new member forms. The 2008 annual meeting was held in London, Ontario this past November at the Forest City Golf Club. The NEW MEMBER SECRETARY team of Alice & Niko Jukema, Doug MacKenzie, and The new member secretary handles all new member Mike Morris did a great job of planning and execution. applications (web-based as well as paper/mail based). Those of you who didn’t attend missed a wonderful The tasks include: adding new members to the data- event, which included a visit to one of the largest pri- base; informing the trailsail list manager of new mem- vate Cadillac collections in North America. Perhaps we bers; informing ramp advisor of new members; for- can persuade that team to repeat it in 2010 (hint, hint). warding any checks received to the treasurer; verifying In addition, after dinner, Henk Vanderhulst was pre- PayPal payment; sending a welcome letter (e-mail) to sented with a life membership plaque in recognition of new members. his years of helping members of the Association. We TREASURER are pretty sure the 2009 meeting will be near Detroit. The treasurer manages the association’s finances. More about the 2009 meeting will be announced later Tasks include: keeping the books up to date; managing this year. the checking account; creating annual renewal letters Finally, I thought the membership might like to know and questionnaires; coordinating annual meeting letter more about what the board members do, so here is a to get mailed with renewal letter; send new member summary of the job descriptions of each of the board lists to CS Editor; receive & record renewal dues & positions. Note that a few of these positions are cur- update database; send questionnaire responses to mem- rently vacant, and in need of volunteers to take them bership secretary and assistant membership secretary; on. Other positions may become available over the write checks to pay bills (and send to assistant treasurer next few years. Contact me if you would like to help for co-signature). support our Association. ASSISTANT TREASURER The assistant treasurer co-signs all checks written by PRESIDENT the treasurer. Currently the president plays this role. The president is essentially the general manager of the WEBMASTER association. The president is also the official public The webmaster maintains, designs, edits, and revises representative of the association. Other responsibilities the association’s web site.

ASSISTANT WEBMASTER CLIPPER SNIPS RESOURCE EDITOR The assistant Webmaster assists the Webmaster in site The CS resource editor is a newly created position maintenance and design. This position is currently un- whose primary responsibility is to solicit articles from filled. the membership. This position is currently unfilled. TRAILSAIL LIST MANAGER CLIPPER SNIPS ASSOCIATE EDITOR The trailsail list manager manages the trailsail discus- The associate editor assists the editor with organizing, sion list on Yahoo. Tasks include: inviting new mem- editing, and formatting articles. bers to join; verifying applications to join the list CLIPPER SNIPS ASSISTANT EDITOR against the membership database; removing expired The assistant editor proofreads final copy of materials members from the list. for CS. TRAILSAIL EDITOR PUBLISHER The trailsail editor compiles interesting posts from the This is a newly created position. The publisher over- trailsail list for publication in Clipper Snips. sees production (printing) of Clipper Snips from cam- LAUNCH RAMP ADVISOR era-ready copies or electronic files; prints other mem- The launch ramp advisor maintains the association’s ber materials such as renewal letters and annual meet- database of ramp information. Tasks include: scouting ing notices; maintains & manages the mailing list to out ramps, writing up reports for Clipper Snips and meet bulk mail requirements; and mails these items to sending ramp information to individual members on the membership (using bulk mail where possible). request. DIRECTORY EDITOR PUBLIC RELATIONS The directory editor takes the updated database at the The tasks of the public relations position are still being beginning of each year and uses it to create the member determined. The current PR person has designed a tri- directory (in MS Word). The directory goes to the pub- fold color brochure for the association. The tasks of lisher to be printed and mailed out with the winter issue this position include: creating publicity for the organi- of Clipper Snips. The President is currently filling this zation (at low cost); and more to be determined. position. CLIPPER SNIPS EDITOR The Clipper Snips editor is responsible for collecting, organizing, editing, and formatting materials for Clip- per Snips, and sending each issue to the Publisher. The editor also manages the efforts of the CS staff (see below).

Thank-you from Denise Hodgson Editors Note: I received an email from Denise Hodgson asking me to express her thanks to all who participated in Bob’s memorial service last summer in the North Channel. Rather than trying to put my words to Denise’s email, I thought I’d just copy her email into this edition.. Of course we’re all happy to hear from Denise and wish her well. Bob will be missed by many. We are all so very fortunate for the vision he had. “Thank you to all of you who took part in a memorial service for Bob Hodgson in the North Channel last summer. I have received a copy of the Fall edition of Clipper Snips where it is mentioned. Bob would be proud of his Clipper Snips now, it is such a nicely presented little magazine. Wonderful memories of the North Channel cruises are a great gift. I am now living full time in Florida and am only about 3 miles off the I75 at Sarasota and would be happy to see any members who are passing by. (941-378-3270) Thank you Kathy and happy sailing.”

The History of the Little Current Cruisers Net By Roy Eaton, reprinted with permission helpful and willing volunteers associated with the Net, checking in regularly under the name The official Net ended yesterday and this is a Paradise, helping out in any way and at any time special, more informal broadcast with a little his- they could be of service. tory of the Little Current Cruisers Net. th On the 7 of July, Blue Heron, Raggedy Annie In July of 2001, my wife and I and our two cats and Eleuthera checked in and would be added to left Spider Bay Marina aboard our sailboat Mys- a mix of new friends which would grow over the tic Loon for what would turn out to be a nine years. The numbers of checkins slowly grew and month cruise. The winter of 2001-2002 was by the end of that year, I had recorded 1024 spent in the Bahamas where much of it found us calls. On the last broadcast of the 2005 season, a in the Sea of Abaco where I first listened to a boat called in by the name of Catamount, with Cruisers’ Net out of Marsh Harbour and then did Fred and Jennifer Bagley on board. Fred had a Canadian news segment for the show. written a number of cruising articles for national In 2003, we formed the first yacht club on Mani- magazines and he asked if they could interview toulin Island, the Little Current Yacht Club. I Bruce O’Hare and me for an article about the was Commodore for the first three years. Bruce Cruisers Net. It would later appear in Cruising O’Hare, the man who talked me into taking on World magazine. Bruce had it framed and it’s the job, was one of the LCYC Rear Commo- hanging in the Anchor Inn Lobby. dores. He said that if I would run a Net here in the North Channel, he would provide space at In 2006, we became a legal entity. Fully licensed the Anchor Inn and said they would donate all as a shore station, we were granted permission to the equipment needed. broadcast on Channel 16 and on Channel 71. On the first broadcast day, the number of boats call- In July of 2004, I did the first broadcast of the ing in doubled – yes 2 boats called in that morn- Little Current Cruisers Net. I didn’t keep any ing - old friends on Enchanted Summers and our records and frankly, I don’t remember too much new friend Dave Naples calling in as Paradise. about those early broadcasts other than being in But word of mouth and the Cruising World arti- a very tiny, very hot, cubical under very creaky cle spread the news about the existence of the stairs here at the Anchor Inn. Near the end of the Net and, by the year’s end, 2073 calls had been 2004 season, I received a call from the Coast recorded. Guard about an overdue boat. Had it called in? It hadn’t but I realized that I needed to be keeping There have been numerous changes during the track of callers and their location, or where they years while some have stayed the same since the were headed in case of a similar occurrence first broadcast. Being a ham radio operator the In 2005, I was all set with a Microsoft Excel re- broadcast from its earliest years starts with the port all set up with columns for the many boats words “Is there any emergency, medical or prior- who would call in. First recorded broadcast was ity traffic.” This has generated calls from a on July 4. One boat called in that day - Old Sam boater with an embedded fish hook in his hand, a Peabody. On July 5, once again, one caller. This woman with terrible back pain, a boat with a time it was from a boat named Jiggs which genoa halyard at the top of the mast and no would turn out to be Dave Naples of Paradise, an boson's chair to retrieve it, and lost dinghies, American who spends the summer at their cot- cameras, and assorted gear. In each case we, or tage on the Strawberry Island Channel. Dave to- the boating community, were able to provide as- gether with his wife Sandy and their best friend sistance. Also at this time of the broadcast, I re- Elliot Shore would become to this day the most port on any Coast Guard or family emergency

4 calls which I may have received. The Net is reg- ing their daily specials, sale specials in the istered with the Canadian Coast guard and the different stores, etc. Commercialization is Air, Search and Rescue unit out of Trenton and not allowed on a VHF broadcast in Canada. they have my personal phone number. This year You may note that, although I certainly wish for the first time, I received a phone call from the to thank the Anchor Inn for providing us American Coast Guard about an overdue boat with wonderful facilities to do our broad- and, having heard of our service, they made use cast, the only PR they get on air is the short of it. sentence “The Little Current Cruisers Net broadcasts each morning at 9 am on Chan- The Net ran every morning during July and Au- nel 71 from the Anchor Inn, where boaters gust thanks to Dave Naples of Paradise, Tom who have their own laptop can enjoy free Geggie of Mystic, and LCYC Past Commodore Margaret Van Camp, who all took turns kindly high speed wireless internet service.” hosting the Net during my absences this summer. Four years later, from that little mouse hole under the stairs, I’m now sitting in a beautiful spa- From the beginning, I’ve reported the news of cious conference room on the 2nd the day together with Manitoulin events. A floor of the broadcast used to be about 1 to 1-1/2 pages in Anchor, with air conditioning, windows over- length. Today, a normal broadcast runs 6-7 looking the harbour, private washroom, lots of pages with special days running to 8 pages. seating for visitors and, behind me, an entire News from the fields of sports, business and wall graciously given over to the hanging of 45 health, have all been added in response to boat- club burgees donated to the Net by visiting boaters requesting the information. “This Day In His- ers from around the world. On behalf of the tory” comes from my time in the school system boaters who listen to the Net, I thank very much when, for several years, I would report it over the owners of the Anchor Inn - Bruce and Kelly the school’s PA with the morning announce- O’Hare and Rob Norris - for their never failing ments. The history reports on our area, which I support of the Net both financial and personal sprinkle in over the summer, are a result of the and for their work to make it happen. persistence of a very special lady aboard the yacht Inua, who kept insisting I just had to write Stats 2005 2006 2007 2008 1st day checkins 1 2 20 42 up the tales I had been telling her and her friends. People stories, especially about the chil- Last day checkins 16 26 24 53 dren who sail these waters with their parents and Average # of calls 16 33 56 76 grandparents, come from the privilege of meet- Season’s total 1024 2043 3450 4708 ing and interviewing youngsters like Elsie. She was a Grade 4 student aboard Reshtimimi, who Distinct Boats Calling in ???? 532 742 825 had just come from having her hair cut and sent away. She very articulately told me about the “Wigs for Kids” program. Elise’s grandmother had died of cancer and she wanted to do something in her memory for children with cancer. I featured her story and told about the program the very next day. So far, the only request I’ve consistently turned down is to report items for sale by boaters. This is a regular feature of Carib- bean Nets along with restaurants announc-

A Short Sailing Story

By: Troy Cain we should pull into Whitehall creek and run her The Crew for the weekend of June 21-23 in- up on the sand to steady Bill's second assent to cluded Bill Paviol and his daughter Sarah, my the top. This time we ran a new line through the Mom and Dad, Bonnie and Ralph Cain, and two coupling and down through the proper outlets as local Annapolis, crew members, Louis and Rob. well as secured the Dutchman for the mainsail. We had an easy time getting out to the boat on The wind was calm Saturday, but we did finally Friday night as the winds were calm and the got out for a nice day sail (nice in that Mr. and Shuttle boat was in operation {Only till 7:30}. Mrs. Cain did not have to "lean" too much and it (thank goodness we did- was a comfortable n't have to use John ride for them. Both Denver as he looks like Louis and Rob drove he's still drying out from the boat for the day the weekend (float) he out to the Chesa- took with Murphy and peake Bridge and me, & his motor is still then back to the not running; why I dock. An uneventful would buy an Antique sail but hey, some- outboard motor. times you have to just let the wind di- We picked up the Pitts- rect your sails. burgh gang at the dock and headed over for a With Sarah at the drive-by of the Naval helm, we headed Academy from the water and then into City down the Severn River to one of the most beauti- Dock. It was Bill's idea to try "ego alley" where ful creeks known as Saltfork creek. We drove the downtown Annapolis boaters like to run by what had to be $1M homes; one having its down a tightly vested outlet in full view of all of own mini marina with dozens of watercrafts & the tourists and well wishers at Pusser's (A tradi- toys. It was a quiet anchorage where we put the tional watering hole in this drinking town with a new anchor down and cooked a wonderful din- sailing problem) Well, we made the tight turn ner of Deer Steaks on the grill. We took a swim and to the surprise of Mrs. and enjoyed the fine anchorage of Saltfork while Cain, "Oh my, are those some huge motor Mr. and Mrs. Cain cooked a wonderful dinner yachts, this is just an incredible place! aboard.

After breakfast @ the Navy Base. We picked up Before breakfast, my mom & I watched, with Louis and our newest crew member, Rob, on binoculars, a mother Osprey feed her two babies Saturday morning and began to motor sail out while the father patrolled overhead, keeping a into the bay when we realized the Jib was stuck large hawk at bay. Breakfast consisted of pan- and had to send Bill up the mast again (his sec- cakes, eggs and toast while Bill made a 3rd trip ond for the season) to attempt to fix the problem. up the mast to finally fix the problem & secure Well, we were being rocked around by every- some lines. We motor sailed down the Severn to thing from crab boats to ski do's so we decided the MWR; home port and unloaded the crew &

11tons of food. We un-hanked & removed the that you will meet while sailing the Chesapeake NEW MAINSAIL from the boat because we Bay. Good Friends, good times and good times needed to get a few zippers put into the sail had by all cover and off it was for Pittsburgh. Bonnie and Ralph enjoyed the company of Sarah (10) so The June 21-23 Crew. much that they invited Bill and Sarah to join Come join us for a weekend....you won't regret them at the Slippery Rock Campground on the it. 4th of July weekend while they were up at Mo- raine with Bill's brother Ed. Bill, Sarah Paviol, Bonnie, Ralph and Troy Cain Troy Cain wrote: What a neat trip to the bay and with great com- I can tell you; John Denver still floats when pany. You just never know the kinds of people loaded with gear & two fat sailors!!!!!!

ANCHORING TIPS you just pull it out, all without a hitch (pardon the pun). Oh, Oh, remember, I have only a trailerable By Howard Staley boat; who has room for 3 or 4 plastic buckets sitting around. Not on my boat!! The Problem: The Trailerable Boat Solution: “Here is the end of the anchor line honey…“oh, x*#%”,… “wait a minute”,….“#$%*&,…….. Hold Substitute a large, zip lock plastic bag for the bucket, on a minute honey, I need to untangle this #$%^ and store your rope in the bag. Just like you would %^& * rope !!”…“who coiled this *&#!% rope do if you had a real anchor locker or a plastic bucket. anyway,…don’t they know any better”…you did That is, simply just feed (or drop) the line into the sweetie”…………. plastic bag as it comes onto the boat. No coiling the line!!! Leave the starter end at top of the bag (or Does this sound familiar?? Yea, (I heard it on the even sticking a few inches out of the zipped up bag) other boat, over there) Of course, they may have and you are all ready for the next time you use the been talking about our boat….., before we saw the anchor line. See the picture of my 2.5 gallon Hefty light. Brand Zip Lock (heavy duty) bag with the anchor How often do you wish you had an anchor locker for line stored in it.. Works great EVERY TIME. And, each of your anchor lines? They are so low tech and you can store the bags of line almost anywhere on so clever. You feed, or just drop, the anchor line into your boat. Heck, you could even use the bag for a the locker, as you bring it onto the boat, and just let it cockpit reading pillow. Kathy and I do. jumble at the bottom of the locker, ……it is so sim- The Conclusion: ple, so easy. No coiling the line; and, most impor- tantly, the next time you use the anchor line, it magi- “Here is the end of the anchor line, honey.” “Thank cally pays out from the locker without tangling, you, Sweetie.” without knotting. Walla Now, how do we get a boat that has two, three or four anchor lockers? We need that many because, we sometimes use that number of lines when anchoring/tying to the shore in North Channel. Aw heck, we are on a trailerable boat. Who has even one anchor locker? Hey, I have a solution. I saw someone on a big powerboat use this method. He used a plastic bucket to keep his anchor line in. Worked great! You just drop the anchor line into the bucket, as you are pull- ing up the anchor. Then, when you needed it again,

2009 North Channel “Early Bird Special” Cruise

By: John Clement Please plan to be able to bring a dish to share. It’s also good to bring a variety of snacks for Last year “Taranui”, with the help of sharing at other times. We will plan a pancake “Eventide” led a cruise we titled “A Taste of the breakfast, weather permitting, somewhere where North Channel”. This was tailored to boats with we find good blueberry picking. Bring some sailing experience, but little or no specific North pancake mix, and if you have one, a burner re- Channel experience. An account of this cruise, movable from the boat. written by Lynnae and Ben Belfadhel from “Brain Waves”, was published in the last edition This cruise is limited to ten boats. If you wish to of Clipper Snips. join please send me an email ([email protected]) with the subject titled “Early Bird Special Sign- In 2009 we plan a slight modification of this up”. Please include the following information: cruise, under the title: “Early Bird Special”. This cruise will assemble at Little Current on Boat Name July 11th (one week before the main cruise), and Boat Make, Model, and Length leave the following morning. We plan a No- Skipper’s Name Float-Plan week of relatively lazy cruising. This Crew Members (if children, please in- will be suitable for experienced boats, and also clude their ages) for skippers with little or no cruising experience Launch Date who seek a relaxed week of familiarization with Launch Site (note that we will start in cruising in the North Channel. This cruise is in- Little Current) tended for capable sailors with properly Home Port equipped vessels (see the article “Are you ready Email address for the North Channel”, and the list of required/ Brief outline of sailing experience recommended equipment posted on our web site, described below) and with the basic knowledge I do expect all those interested in registering to of the nautical rules of the road. This cruise will first read the article about last year’s cruise (see end by joining the kick-off pot-luck dinner of the the Fall 2008 Clipper Snips) and to have read the subsequent cruises. If, after the “Early Bird Spe- article “Are you Ready for the North Channel?” cial” you want to continue cruising you can join which is available in the cruising section of our all or part of the following 2 week cruise, or one web site. of the optional cruises at the same time. (Note that these require separate registration). These Additional information such as preparation cruises are described elsewhere in this issue of (entering Canada, things to bring, etc) and Regu- Clipper Snips. lations (vessel requirements) can also be found on the Trailer/sailors website There is no specific float plan for the “Early Bird www.trailersailors.org. Updated cruise informa- Special”. The intention is to sail where and tion will be posted on this website, as well as on when the wind dictates, and to anchor for the our Yahoo discussion group. night in anchorages “Taranui” enjoys visiting (or that “Eventide” can persuade “Taranui” to try). We will plan to visit a marina in mid-week for pump out, supplies, fuel etc. We will hold at least one pot luck dinner during the cruise.

From the Treasurer: The following is Trailer/Sailors Association’s Annual Financial Report, for the year ending December 31, 2008. As shown, T/SA is in good financial shape, in that we have a safety level of funds to finance almost a full year’s activities. This is a financial position that we want to maintain.

As the report shows, we spent $481 more in the year 2008 than we received. While it is normal, from year to year, to spend either a bit more or a bit less than we receive, we, of course, cannot regularly spend more than we receive (after all, we are not the government!). The board has taken two steps to remedy our 2008 over- spending. These are:

Curtail two areas of spending which will save about $700 annually. The first is to notify members of the annual meeting via email and Clipper Snips rather than by mail, and the second is to enclose our dues reminders in Clipper Snips rather than by direct mail methods.

Initiate steps to keep our existing members and to attract new members. Please re-read the President’s Col- umn in the last issue (Winter 2008) of Clipper Snips, page 3, where Mike discusses that each of us must do our own individual part to recruit new members from our boating friends.

We could increase our dues, which have remained unchanged for several years, but we prefer to hold the dues as is unless items, such as postage costs, significantly increase.

Please direct your suggestions, comments or questions about this report to Howard Staley, Treasurer, at treas- [email protected] Trailer/Sailors Association Annual Financial Report For the Year 20082008

Beginning of Year Cash Balance (Jan 1, 2008) $7,025

Cash Income:

Member Dues Renewal $4,291 New Member Dues 796 Sale of T/SA Flags/Shirts 152 Other Income 116 Total Cash Income $5,355

Cash Spending: Web Expenses $343 Directory / Clipper Snips Publishing & Mailing 4,624 Annual Meeting Expenses 90 Dues Notices Printing & Mailing 575 Other spending 204 Total Cash Spending $5,836

Spending in excess of Income -$481

End of Year Cash Balance (Dec 31, 2008) $6,544 End of Year Cash Balance (Dec 31, 2008)

RAMP REPORT - TWO RAMPS IN THE NORTH CHANNEL

By: John Ulmer help. Here is how you get to the ramp from Rt. 17. We all know about the wonderful cruising to be had It doesn’t make any difference if you are coming in Lake Huron’s North Channel, and we all know that from the east or the west; when you get to the yellow many of our members cruise there every summer. blinking light in the center of town turn south and Unfortunately, we also have many members that only cross the railroad tracks. dream of going north. If you are one of those dream- This is the road to the ramp and it’s fairly long. Just ers, the best way to make your dream come true is to keep going until you come to a cemetery. If you start join one of the Association’s group sails. You will doubting that you are on the right road, look for a big make new friends, learn a lot, and have the benefit of wind generator sticking up above the trees. It will be an experienced leader that knows all the best places, ahead of you and a little to the left, and is located at and how to get there. the ramp. When you reach the cemetery there should If you can not join a group, or simply prefer to cruise be a small blue sign telling you to turn left. Make the on your own, this report will give you the informa- turn and follow the road a short way to the marina tion you need for two of the very best ramps in the and the ramp. North Channel. With this information you can plan Rigging space at the ramp is very limited, so make your cruise knowing that you have a good place to sure you talk to the dock master before you start rig- launch, and that your car and trailer will be there ging your boat. He will tell you where to park while when you get back. you set up your mast. He’ll also tell you where to As wonderful as the North Channel is, let me put in a leave your car and trailer while you cruise. word of caution here. The North Channel is big wa- The concrete ramp is 28 feet wide, which gives you ter in a remote area and should never be taken lightly. two 14 feet wide ramps with concrete walls along Even if you are part of a group sail, there will be both sides to tie to. The wall is high so it is hard to times when you will feel very much alone and times get into and out of a boat. There is a lower floating when help may not be near if you get into trouble. dinghy-dock near the ramp. To safely cruise these waters, you need both a well equipped boat and enough experience to handle it The ramp is 4 feet deep with a drop off at the third properly in a variety of wind and wave conditions. bollard on the concrete wall. From the third bollard It’s best to learn your cruising skills before you head to the water line on the ramp is 27 feet. This gives an north. angle of 8.5 degrees and a slope of 15 percent. The approach ramp seems to be steeper than the ramp SPANISH The ramp at Spanish is very popular with Trailer/ Sailors, and many of the Association’s group sails start here. The town of Spanish is located on Rt. 17 about 60 miles west of Sudbury, Ontario. By launching here, you start your cruise in the Whalesback Channel, which is very good cruising indeed. From here, the prevailing west wind should be behind you as you work your way east through the islands. Keep in mind that you will probably be beating against that same west wind as you sail back to the ramp. Getting to the ramp from downtown Spanish is easy, but only if you know where you are going. If you don't, the ramp signs on the road will not be of much

10 itself. Water levels were about a foot low in 2007 when I measured the ramp. There is a $4.50 fee to launch and $4.00 a day charge to park. This is a steep ramp and I have an email in my files that warns boaters to keep their trailer winches at- tached until the boat floats free. The writer said they’ve seen boats launching themselves as the trailer was backed down the ramp. Be careful. Ed. Note: The marina has a nice facility with well- kept heads, showers, and a small “living room” with couches and TV. There is also a coin-laundry and a store where you can buy charts. Starting in 2008, the building was locked at 9 PM. There is a small grocery store, LCBO, and hardware store in town, along with a few restaurants. Breakfast is no longer served and then drive up Rt. 6 to Little Current. at the marina, but there is a B&B a short ways up the Once you reach Little Current, getting to the ramp is road that does serve breakfast, with a reservation. easy. Just go west for a quarter mile on Water St. For more information call (705)844-1077 It’s the one closest to the water. Unfortunately you may not recognize Spider Bay Marina when you get there because the sign is VERY small and hard to LITTLE CURRENT - read. Look for the first driveway on the right after SPIDER BAY MARINA you pass Boyle Marine. Boyle Marine has a big blue building near the water that you can’t miss. If you The ramp I use when I visit the North Channel is the get to the city park you have gone too far. The road one at Spider Bay Marina in Little Current. I like it dead-ends at the park and you will have to turn because it's located right in the heart of the North around. Channel cruising area. From here you can sail east The ramp is concrete, 14 feet wide, 4 feet deep and toward Baie Fine and Killarney, or west to the Benja- 24 feet long, giving it an angle of 9.5 degrees and a min Islands and the Whalesback Channel. No matter slope of 16 percent. There is a drop off at the end of which way you go, the cruising will be glorious. the ramp but the water is clear and it is easy to see. Little Current is the biggest town in the North Chan- There is a very long dock to tie to at the ramp. nel, which means that sooner or later everyone ends Launching costs $8.00, and there is a $3.50 daily fee up here. It's pleasant to walk along the Government to park. Parking is safe and you can stay as long as Wharf and see all the cruising boats and talk with the you want. This ramp was also measured when water other skippers about where to go and how to get levels were a foot low. For more information call there. The Government Wharf is located right in them at (705) 368-3148 town, but is often crowded. You can usually get a The North Channel provides some of the best cruis- dock at the marina, and if you do, you will still be ing in the world. Come on up and see what everyone within easy walking distance of town. The town has is talking about. And one last thought, if you want a all the stores and services you could need or want. peaceful night’s sleep, make sure you have some It’s fun to check out all the restaurants and select the means of keeping the bugs out of your boat. If you one you’ll go to when you celebrate the end of your don’t, you’ll wish you had. cruise.

Little Current is located on the northern shore of Send your ramp reports or request for ramp informa- Manitoulin Island and is reached from Rt. 17 by tak- tion to : ing Rt. 6 south from the city of Espanola. If you are John Ulmer, 659 S. Canal St., Canal Fulton, OH coming from the south, you can also get there by tak- 44614 Phone : 330-854-3796 ing the ferry from Tobermory on Ontario’s Bruce email - [email protected] Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island,

2009 North Channel Trailer/Sailors Cruise Plans are in the works It is bitter cold in Michigan with plenty of snow on the ground. It’s time to dream about sailing and planning for the 2009 Trailer/Sailors North Channel cruise. We have formed a planning team that is generating new ideas for this year’s cruise, with more choices for you. Cruising in the remote North Channel area is not like day sailing. (I know, duh) The US and Canadian Coast Guard have minimal requirements, which you must comply with. For detailed information go to our web site www.trailersailors.org and view “Cruising in Canada” and “Are You Ready”, an outstanding article by John Clement and Mike Nelson. The Trailer/Sailors association has put together an additional list of “Required/Recommended Equip- ment” that we believe all our members should have when cruising. This list can be found on our web site within the Cruise section. Please review this list and your vessel’s equipment. Just a reminder for anyone that did not attend last year’s NC cruise, for all US citizens you will need a passport or a special identification card obtained from the US Post Office that is good for Canada, Baha- mas, and the Caribbean. (Ed. Note: I got back in last year after the annual meeting without a passport, but they were NOT happy with me.) The following information relates to the North Channel 2 week cruises. See the separate article relating to the 1 week Early Bird Special cruise.

2009 North Channel 2 Week Cruise – July 18 to Aug 1 We will be launching at Little Current again. All of our members appreciate the town’s facilities and friendly service. This year we will have the use of a pavilion just built at the West end of the town docks. I have been in communication with the town manager and he has not established a rental rate for the pavilion. Assuming the rate is reasonable we can all contribute after arriving in Little Current. I will let you know the cost via email. Plan to launch at the Spider Bay Marina, park in the marina’s lot and move/tie up at the finger docks along the town wall. For the evening of July 18th, I will investigate the possibility of reserving a group of dock slips and will contact all that sign-up. Anyone that needs assistance in rigging, launching, or dock- ing should look around and find another Trailer/Sailor member. We are all willing to help each other. We will have three separate float plans as listed below. This is to meet the requests of our members, make it easier to manage, and be able to use smaller anchorages. I am sure that during the cruise we will meet up in some of the larger anchorages or marinas.

Family No-Plan Cruise – July 18 to Aug 1 - Shawn Blackwood and Chris Holderness

This is a new float plan idea for this year. The cruise will be led by Shawn Blackwood and Chris Holder- ness, both Canadian sailors who have much experience in the North Channel. It is intended to include all the vessels with young crew so that the youngsters can socialize. (or maybe to provide some peace and quiet) There will be no set cruise plan but the partici- pants will establish the next destination over socializ-

ing in the late afternoon or early morning prior to departure. Typically departure will be late morning after family activities filled with swimming, snorkeling, hiking and exploring. The afternoon provides better sailing winds with arrival in the late afternoon. Expect this plan to meet up with the Main Float Plan.

Adult No-Plan Cruise – July 18 to Aug 1 - Bob Rouda, et al.

This year we are offering an option for those who prefer to sail whither the wind blows, rather than follow a fixed float plan. Bob Rouda, Mike Nelson, Howard Staley, and Dave Laux will coordinate the cruise. On-water leading will be informal, with a daily group discussion of each day’s proposed destination. Each boat will be responsible for its own navigation. We plan to periodically share an anchorage with the main cruise for blueberry pancakes or potluck or dinghy cocktails. This cruise is open to all members. If more than 10 boats decide to join, we may split the group from time to time so that we can enjoy some of the smaller anchorages. We expect all boats to have the same level of skills and equipment required for the main cruise. These requirements have been posted on our web site under the cruising section.

If you are interested in this cruise, please send an e-mail with the information listed below to Bob Rouda, ([email protected])

Main Float Plan – July 18 to Aug 1 - Bryan Childs and Robert Paquette

Robert Paquette (of Firecracker) and I will lead this cruise as described in the following section titled:”Main Float Plan”. A complete listing with coordi- nates and distances can be found on our web site. We will maintain the route as planned depending on the weather. We will limit the attendance to about 20 boats. This year we plan to have “Spin- off cruises” from the main fleet. This will consist of a small number of boats that will cruise into some more adven- turous area. One potential spin-off cruise is listed in the float plan but we have others in mind.

Each night at 9:00pm and each morning at 8:20am the cruise leader will conduct a T/S net. We will all communicate using your VHF radio using a selected channel. Because of all the other T/S fleets that are around we will use low power and communicate only with the main fleet. The purpose of this communication is: 1. Discussion of the weather report, 2. a review of the cruise route, and 3. an open mic. The open mic is to introduce any boats that have joined or are leaving the cruise, or skippers that need assistance or instructions. All of our cruise leaders will be using the Little Current Crusiers Net to identify the location of their fleet.

Activities:

Pot Luck: We will kick off the cruise with the traditional pot luck dinner at the pavilion at Little Current on July 18th. See the float plan for the time. Please bring a dish to share. There are no specific assign-

ments for the dish. We seem to always have vast varieties of entrees, desserts, etc. and plenty to eat.

Dinghy Hors D’oeuvres: At selected anchorages we will tie up all the dinghies and share nibbles such as chips, cheese, nuts, etc. This is a non-scheduled event that will occur at most anchorages. Look for the collection of dinghies in the anchorages.

Dinghy Bingo: This is bingo that we play in the dinghies, usually tied up at the stern of one sailboat (the number caller) or on the shore. Please bring an item to add to the collection of prizes. It should not be expensive, just a fun item.

Pancake Breakfast: As noted in the float plan and weather permitting, we will have a pancake breakfast on a selected rock or beach that can accommodate the fleet. This will take place at 9:30am after the morning net. During your hiking, plan to pick blueberries. Bring your blueberry batter, plates and utensils. Many boats have removable burners that can be used on shore. If you do not have one just bring your batter. Others will offer the use of a burner.

Jammin’ As we have done in the past we will have musical jammin’ sessions so bring your musical in- strument (guitar, banjo, tambourine, etc) and/or your singing voice. I will gather some of the old sailing and campfire songs to share. Don’t be shy. This is not a professional performance, just to have some musical fun.

Sailing Nautical Challenge: At one dinghy hors d’oeuvre session I will provide a list of 20 questions to be answered. These questions will consist of sailing, nautical, and navigation questions. This will be the third year we have done this. I am amazed at how knowledgeable you are. The winning team will get a lavish prize.

How to Sign-up: If you wish to join the cruise please send me an email with the subject titled “NC Cruise Sign-up”. For the Adult No-plan Cruise send this information to Bob Rouda at [email protected], for the Fam- ily No-Plan Cruise and the Main Cruise send the email to Bryan Childs at: [email protected]. Include the following information:

Float Plan: Family No-Plan, Adult No-Plan, Main Float Plan. Boat Name Boat Make, Model, and Length Skipper’s Name Crew Members (if bring children, include their ages.) Launch Date Launch Site (some launch and meet in Little Current) Home Port Slip Needed for July 18th Email address

Again, I will be out of town the months of April and May. Please start your sign-up in March. I will continue the completion of the registration in early June. While I am gone Lynette will be collecting your sign-up emails. I will confirm your enrollment with an email response and provide your update to the cruise list and the final cruise list prior to my departure to Canada on July 17.

For any questions send me an email ([email protected]) and I will do my best to respond.

Thanks to the North Channel planning team: John Clement, Rod Brandon, Chris Holderness, Robert Paquette, Larry Roth, Howard Staley, Shawn Blackwood, Bob Rouda, and Mike Nelson.

15 2009 Trailer/Sailors North Channel Cruise Float Plan

Main Float Plan - Starting East Cruise Leaders: Bryan Childs - "Blue Max"/Robert Paquette - "Firecracker" Date Destination Activity Sat. Little Current Little Current is located east of Sault Ste. Marie. Take route 17 east July 18th and route 6 south. Launch at the Spider Bay marina and motor to town docks. Potluck dinner at 6:30pm Sun. Haywood Is- Skippers meeting at 9:00am. Depart around 11:00. Not a long dis- July 19th land tance. Meet for libations at the campsite just east of bay.

Mon. Thomas Bay If the weather permits sail on the south side of Badgeley Island. July 20th Otherwise take Lansdowne Channel. New cruisers will need instructions for entering Thomas Bay. Spin-off Trip to An optional trip to McGregor Bay is planned. Dead reckoning will McGregor Bay be needed since this area is not marked. Chart 2206 is required. This will be discussed in Little Current and be limited to 10 boats. Tues. Covered Port- Provisions/pump out can be obtained at Killarney. May want to July 21th age Cove stop for lunch at the fish bus. Wed. Covered Port- Day trip to Killarney for fish lunch at the bus. July 22th age Cove Spin-off Trip meets back with Fleet at Covered Portage Cove Thurs. Little Current Plan for dinner at the Anchor Inn. Dinner will be at 6:00PM. Con- July 23th tact me upon arrival if you plan to join us.

Fri. Louisa Island A short sail so treat yourself to breakfast in town. July 24th If we have a large fleet we may need to use Mosquito Bay or Bell Cove. Sat. Eagle Large anchorage for the fleet. Some may want a side trip to Fox July 25th Harbor. Sun. Gowan/John Plan to sail on the south side of Aird Island. If the weather is poor July 26th Island we will sail the Whaleback Channel.

Mon. Long Point A short day so we can enjoy this beautiful anchorage. Instruction July 27th for entering will be needed.

Tues. Long Point Good place for a pancake breakfast. Meet on the point at 9:30am July 28th Wed. Gore Bay If the weather is good we will head across to Gore Bay. If not we July 29th can return via the Whaleback Channel. Plenty of good spots to eat at Gore Bay. Thurs. Croker Island Good stopping place for the trip back to home port July 30th Fri. Mosquito Bay Option for anyone that would like to head to Little Current on Fri- July 31st day, spend the night and pull out early Saturday morning

Sat. Aug 1st Little Current Head to Little Current and pull out

2009 Kentucky Lake Cruise By: Tom Grass May all inter- My wife Tracy and I joined TS/A in 2008 after ested cruisers learning of the Lake Huron cruise. We became from both interested in sailing the north shore of Lake Huron groups launch at last year's Strictly Sail boat show in Chi- at one of the cago. Soon after joining the Trailsail Yahoo many fine ma- Group - I read David Williem's thread concerning rinas such a cruise on Kentucky Lake. as Green Turtle Bay, Kentucky Kentucky Lake in May and early June is Dam Ma- very comfortable with good winds from the west rina or Kenlake Marina and then all meet or southwest in the day and cool temperatures at at Pisgah Bay on Saturday afternoon - May 30th. night that make cruising a pleasure. This beautiful lake, 4 miles wide and over 120 miles long is From this anchorage we envision a family centrally located to cruisers in the eastern portion friendly, relaxed cruise down Kentucky Lake for of the US. Tracy and I have sailed with the Heart- two, four or six days. There are numerous natural land of America cruise on Kentucky Lake for five coves along the Land Between the Lakes ( the consecutive years. For the past three years - we eastern shore of the lake) - large enough to anchor have in fact launched Grasshopper II (our Hunter in overnight, to duck into in the advent of bad 26) at Kenlake Marina at the start of each sea- weather - or just to anchor and swim and eat son. Needless to say - we love sailing on Ken- lunch. In addition there are numerous marinas tucky Lake. further south that can be utilized if desired, including Paris Landing State Park (Tennessee) Ma- Now there are two groups of sailors interested in rina, Leatherwood Marina and Pebble Isle Marina. cruising Kentucky Lake this spring; the Trailer/ Sailors Association and the annual Heartland of One of the defining aspects of the HOA cruise has America Cruise (a Catalina 22 Association sanc- been its encouragement of young cruisers. Over tioned cruise). Both groups comprise sailors the five years of this cruise we've had kids ranging whose experience levels range from novice cruis- in age from eight years to mid teen. They have ers - to experienced cruisers to award winning rac- contributed to the character and success of the ing skippers. cruises each year.

Since interest has already been expressed for In conclusion: some TS/A sailors to be on Kentucky Lake during the Proposed Dates: May 30 thru approximately June 6th. period mid Where: Pisagh Bay - Kentucky Lake (at mile May marker 30 approximately 5 miles south of the ca- through nal connecting Kentucky Lake with Lake Barkley) mid June - Contacts - David Craigie of TS/A 405-613-7774 we are pro- Tom Grass of HOA 314-397-9837 posing here that during If you need additional information - please refer to the last our web site: http://www.geocities.com/tgrass462/ week in HOA_Cruise_2009.html

Just sit right back, and you’ll hear a tale... By: Troy Cain went under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Just sit right back and you will hear a tale, a tale Above the Bay Bridge the Cpt found some of an eventful trip, with the captain, and Popeye wind. Jeff and Corey did a good job getting the too, with Patrick, Bonnie and Dianne just to sails up. Then came the first of 2 storms. The Cpt made an excellent call before the storms name a few. hit and sailed Relentless back to the South side Like the opening, it started from Pittsburgh, but of the bridge. Then the crew rolled up the we had to make a detour home as Troy had for- Genny about 10 minutes before the storm hit. got to kiss Lora Good-Bye. So our starting point The Cpt decided to leave the main up; to see was from Troy's house, after we pried those two how Relentless would handle in a heavy blow apart. It rained on us about 1/2 way down, but (the Cpt needs the practice). It was raining so we were lucky and it stopped raining right as we hard it came down in buckets and visibility arrived at the MWR dock. The Cpt & Ray then was below 30’; we could not see anything, took the shuttle out to Relentless & brought her even the bow. Saw a large sailboat anchored in to the dock to pick-up the Girls & Patrick. ahead, so the Cpt got Relentless turned around The weather on Friday evening was calm as we and now we’re headed back towards the Bay motored around the bay, where Dianne took over Bridge. So we turn around again, weird not be the helm and did an excellent job. Patrick took able to see the radar towers,to stay oriented. So over the wheel after the Cpt visited EGO AL- we finally head back in; the CPT still wonder- LEY a second time in 2 weeks (again without ing why only he is on the deck during the hitting any million $ yachts.) Patrick never had storm, but he decides the new dodger needs any sailboat experience, but always did a fine job windshield wipers. as he started working towards his Small Boat After getting drowned like rats, we made it Sailing Merit Badge (Maybe it should be called back to the dock, showered & changed clothes. “Yacht Sailing Merit Badge”.) He drove us un- So we went back out later in the evening. We der the Academy Bridge and we went into an Anchored ($ 0) near the Annapolis mooring anchorage and had dinner on the boat: chicken, field for dinner, taking the water taxi in for pasta salad and dessert. We then headed back to dinner at the Boatyard Bar & Grill. We chow the MWR dock to drop off the Girls (they slept down on soft shell crab sandwiches, mussels, in the van). Patrick and Ray slept in the cockpit. fish, French fries with cheese & bacon after Oh what a beautiful evening. starting with Maryland crab soup. Saturday we meet Jeff and Corey )NEW Took a little tour of the area, walking from CREW Members) to assist us Rookie Sailors. Eastport over the drawbridge and into Annapo- The Cpt and Ray had to get propane for the grill lis proper. While walking over the skies dark- & could not just exchange the tank because the ened; threatening another major T-storm. Troy one on board was a smaller tank. Finally, after and Patrick decided to run the last mile & try searching everywhere, we had it filled. We first to catch a water taxi before they shut-down thought it was a Pet Store, Fish and Paws, but it (they don’t run during T-storms) The Cpt & did not sell any pet supplies, but everything else Patrick made it to Relentless and the Cpt was including a great big deli; beer, liquor, wine quite impressed with the holding power of the coolers & even 10# blocks of ice we’ll be stop- new Delta Plow anchor & 30’ of 5/8 chain. ping there again on the next Friday trip down. They then blasted over to the dock near Phil- We finally got back and away we went. We even lips & picked up Bonnie, Dianne, and Ray at

18 the dock while the storm started to rage. You took the tour of the Naval Academy (worth see- guessed it, another T-storm came in. Driving ing). Bonnie, Dianne, and Ray stayed behind be- back across the Severn we were the only boat cause they could not keep up, plus it was hot and still on the move (other than tow boats). The humid. The temps at this time were in the high view was like something from “the storm of the 80's pushing 90's heat index was at 97. We left Century” movie; watching waves being blown for home around 2:30 and again hit another apart and the foam flying like snow was some- storm. thing the Cpt had never seen before. For some Some songs that come to mind to remind us of reason, once again only the Cpt is on deck; still our trip; Raindrops keep falling on my head; It’s looking for the windshield wiper switch. God raining again; Splash Splash; Have you ever seen was kind and the dock @ MWR was calm (no the rain; Rain Rain; Purple Rain. dancing). We dropped Bonnie and Dianne off at the dock and went out to the mooring to try to Despite the weather we still had enjoyable time. hook up. An eventful trip out with rain blowing We had fun; there could not be a trip that Ray & coming down in sheets, lots of thunder and could go on without getting hurt, banged up, or lots of lighting (actually the extra light was help- something else happening. Well Ray kept to his ful) trying to get it secured. It took over 30 min- tradition. Coming from the cabin to the deck Ray utes trying to hook up with the wind, rain, and did his comedy routine of smacking his head on waves. The Cpt finally backing up to the moor- something (we still don’t know what) causing ing & grabbing the ball himself. Done, hooked him to be his normal self of being DIZZY. Ray for the night & asleep in 10’. has a bump on his head with a cut. Patrick told him, “You’re not bleeding bad, so sit down & be Sunday morning we packed up everything from quiet!” the boat and headed for breakfast at the Navy Base. After enjoying our meal Troy and Patrick This ends the tale of the ROOKIE SAILORS. The Amazing Port-a-Boat By John Ulmer That was a tough list of demands and I wasn’t willing to compromise on any of them. I already After a lifetime of boating in all kinds of water- had plenty of boats that almost did the job. Now craft, I felt the need for yet another boat. This I wanted the right boat. time I wanted a small, car-topped boat that I could easily take with me as I traveled around the country. I’m now 65 years of age, and not as strong as I used to be, so the boat had to be light enough for me to lift it onto the car without help. I was hop- ing for something well under a hundred pounds. It couldn’t be so big and bulky that it would kill my car's gas mileage, and it had to be fast. I wanted to be able to plane the boat with a motor small enough to be carried on my car’s bicycle rack. That meant a motor no larger than my little three horsepower Mercury, which weighs just 28 pounds. Folded and ready for travel

For years I had seen the Porta-Bote ads for their lean into a turn. Instead, it corners flat, and even little folding boat. They claimed it was very with my 3 HP motor, the outer chine tends to dig light and only four inches thick when folded, so in on high speed turns. This puts a lot of cen- car topping it would create about as much drag trifugal force on the people sitting in the boat. I as car topping a surfboard. They also claimed it would guess that a high speed turn in this little would reach amazing speed with a very small boat could get very exciting. motor. It looked like the boat for me, so I bought one of their new, ten foot, square stern The Porta-Bote people are happy to tell you their models. It is an interesting boat, and over the boat is flexible. They say it makes their boats years I have learned some useful information. more seaworthy because they give a little with First, the boat really the waves, but flexi- does fold to only 4 bility can be a prob- inches thick, but only if lem when getting you don't fold the ply- into or out of the wood seats and transom boat. Standing on in with the boat. The the bottom is like seats are covered with standing on a water thick foam flotation and bed, and the flexible are so bulky that it’s gunwales don’t give very difficult to even fit you much to grab them into the folded onto if you lose your boat. If you do get balance. them secure in there the boat will be much I also found that thicker than four inches, but still much better opening and closing the boat takes a fair amount than any other kind of boat, even a kayak. If you of strength, particularly in colder weather. The leave the seats out, you have to find room for key to opening the boat is a five foot long stick them somewhere in your vehicle. Without the which is provided with the boat. It has a half seats and transom the boat weighs less than less round cutout on each end. You stand on one than 40 pounds, and even my 65 year old back gunwale and place the end of the stick on the can lift the folded boat onto my car or van. Once other gunwale. Then you force the boat open there, it has almost no drag, and you never know until you can put the other end of the stick on the it’s there. gunwale you are standing on. The stick keeps the boat open until you can install the seats. Second, the boat really is fast. With one person aboard, my little Mercury can easily plane the Once you have the stick in place, the rest of the boat at about half throttle, and at full throttle it boat goes together in less than five minutes, but can reach speeds of around 10 to 12 MPH. Un- it's not easy getting that stick in place. I’ve been fortunately, three horse power just isn’t enough thrown a few times as I’ve tried to open mine, to plane the boat with two people aboard; you and some older people might not be able to do it will need about 5 horsepower for that. at all.

I have a brochure showing a Porta-Bote ap- With one person aboard, the boat is very dry at proaching warp speed with a 5 horsepower mo- planing speed. Even in a chop, the boat just tor and one person, but I’d be very careful at that bounces over the waves, forcing the spray down speed. The Porta-Bote is very stable and doesn’t toward the water. However, at lower speeds,

20 with two people aboard, the bow hits every little Porta-Bote being towed that way and it seems to wave and a lot of water splashes back on the per- be veering off to the side. Attaching the painter son sitting in the middle seat. closer to the waterline might fix the problem, but there is no place to attach it. The Porta-Bote comes complete with a set of aluminum oars, and it does row easily and tracks The Porta-Bote people say that instead of towing fairly well, but my ten foot boat just isn’t big the boat, enough to row well. With two people aboard you can easily just fold it up and carry it on there isn't enough room between the seats to get deck. The ads show an eight foot Porta-Bote in a full stroke with the oars. Your hands keep folded and tied to the life lines where it takes up bumping the other person's chest. almost no deck space, but I wouldn’t want to be the guy trying to open or close it on the fore deck Even if you are alone, you'll find that the oar of a small sailboat. locks are too close to the My Porta-Bote middle seat for serves my needs you to really very well, but as get your back always, there are into your things that can be strokes. That improved. said, using a short rowing IMPROVEMENT stroke, I have 1 : There is no rowed my boat place to attach a a couple of line to the back of miles, just as it the boat, and there was designed, is no place to grab without any it if you want to undue strain. pick up the stern. I The twelve cured both prob- foot boat, with lems by attaching a more space between the seats, may not have this few handles to the plywood transom of the boat. problem. IMPROVEMENT 2 : In a boat this small, it’s If you are solo, and want to improve the boat for important to sit in the center of the boat, but I rowing, just place a board wide enough to sit on noticed that if I did, the motor would be directly between the middle and front seats. This will behind me, making it difficult to use the tiller. allow you to sit a few inches forward of the mid- My solution was to move the motor bracket to dle seat and get in a full stroke with the oars. one side and place the motor off center. The motor is much more comfortable and easy to use For trailer sailors, the big question is, does the from its new position. Porta-Bote make a good tender for a larger boat, and I’m not sure it does. They certainly are light IMPROVEMENT 3 : After a few high speed and would be easy to tow, but there is no good runs, I found that the prop would often cavitate, place to attach the painter. There are a couple of which caused the engine to race and all forward reinforced holes in the bow where you can attach progress to come to a quick halt. Once I figured a line, but the brochure shows a picture of a out the problem, the cure was easy. I just made a 21 cutout in the transom that lowered the motor two tie it down tightly. I just tie the stern to the front inches. This put more prop in the water, and I of the trailer and put a fairly loose line over the also adjusted the tilt of the motor to move the boat in the back. The boat bounces a little as prop away from the stern of the boat. Problem you go down the road, but I have safely trailered solved. the boat as much as fifty miles this way.

IMPROVEMENT 4 : Concrete boat ramps are IMPROVEMENT 6 : This isn’t really an im- not the best place to assemble a Porta-Bote. provement to the boat; its a better way to car top You’ll block the ramp while you’re putting it it. Car topping with one of today’s modern cars together and the concrete will scratch the boat. isn’t easy. There just isn’t enough space be- Instead, I park near some grassy spot near the tween the front and rear car topper to properly ramp and put the boat together there. Porta-Bote support the boat and keep it from blowing side- sells a nifty two wheeled cart to get the boat to ways in the wind. In the old days you could water, but I made would just tie the my own, which I bow and stern to the like better, and car bumpers and that cost me almost would take care of nothing. the problem, but modern cars don’t With my cart I can have bumpers that easily push the you can tie anything boat all over the to. parking lot, and pull it up and My solution was to down a boat ramp use just one car- without help. The topper to support the cart is small front of the boat, and enough that I can then I made a take it with me on bracket out of 2x2’s the boat, so I have that I could attach to it handy when I my bicycle rack that come back to the ramp. I just slide the boat onto fits into the trailer hitch on my car to support the the cart and wheel it back to the car. All very back. That way I had enough space to properly quick and easy. carry the boat, and as a bonus it provides a place to carry the motor and gasoline without smelling IMPROVEMENT 5 : A really nice discovery up the inside of the car. The plastic bucket hang- was that I could transport the boat, fully assem- ing from the carrier contains a one gallon can of bled, on my 4 by 8 utility trailer. The trailer is gas. I use a long cable to lock the motor to just one of those cheap ones from the local dis- something solid on the car. If it’s an overnight count store. I put a plywood bottom on it and trip, I take the motor into the motel with me. padded the sides, and now the boat just slides on and off. The boat rides better when it goes on All in all, the Porta-Bote is a fun, versatile, and the trailer stern first, which means that you can’t enjoyable way to get on the water. The more I leave the motor on the boat. The solution was to use the boat, the more I appreciate it. Because it attach a motor bracket (looks like my bicycle is so easy to take with me, I’ve been able to ex- rack) to the trailer tongue and carry the motor plore a lot of interesting water that I otherwise and gas there. Because the boat flexes, you can’t would have had to view from shore. 22

ern most, very top end of Lake Huron. It is Where Have All The the body of water that lies between the northern (mainland) shores of Lake Huron and Rocky Fork Sailors Manitoulin Island, about 20 miles to the Gone? South. .. By: Howard Staley In the heat of July and August it is easy to make a decision, to sail……uh…uh, North!.. …, to Lake Huron’s North Channel, to cruise in our 24 foot Neptune, sailboat.

Kathy and I make this cruising decision almost every summer.

North Channel’s summer daytime temperatures are in the 70’s to low 80’s, then down to a cozy 50’s at night…. all with low humidity. The winds are generally mild and steady, but at times quite strong; rain and fog, although in- How do we get there? Towing the boat, we frequent, add to the maritime ambiance. Of take Interstate 75, north, through Ohio and course, the mosquitoes arrive every sunset Michigan, across the (9:30) leaving you confined to the mosquito Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Pen- netted protection of your boat for the rest of insula. While high up on the bridge, Lake the evening. Heck, usually you are ready for Huron’s blue water view to your right, and bed anyway. Lake Michigan’s view to your left, create a chill of excitement for what lies ahead of you. Where is this place? In Canada, at the north- A nice travel break is to stop in St. Ignace, just on the north side of the bridge, to spend the night in an old knotty pine type motel. (remember, for the next 2 weeks you will be sleeping in a V berth!) Definitely enjoy dinner at one of St Ignace’s waterfront seafood restaurants and savor the view of Mackinac Is- land and its busy ferry traffic. The next morning, continue north on I-75, across the very flat Upper Peninsula and on to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Still on I-75, cross the International Bridge, high over the Sault Locks, to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. (while on the bridge, look down to see the large ore boats locking through) Proceed east on Canadian

Route 17, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) to rock! A typical travel day might include set- Spanish, Ontario. Spanish is where we ting sail at 10:00 or so, sailing for about 5 launch our 24 foot sailboat, Aeolus. Ramps, a hours to the next anchorage (about 15 to 20 lift sling and a mast raising pole are available. miles), anchor, usually with one anchor out and maybe two stern lines to trees on shore; Total travel time is 11 hours, per Mapquest. then settle down to relax……… When re- We take longer since I tow only at 55’ish MPH freshed, we hike the new island and pick wild and stop regularly along the way. The entire blueberries for tomorrow morning’s pancakes, road trip is easy level towing. explore the area by kayak or dinghy, visit other boats in the anchorage, nap, read, and eat, etc. What do you have when you get there? Often we would layover at the anchorage for Unlimited Wilderness Sailing. an extra day(s) to further enjoy its beauty and “Simply, one of the best sailing and cruising just for plain ‘ol relaxation. You wonder

grounds in the world” (quote per the local Chamber of Commerce). where the time goes. (Or more honestly stated, There are several small harbor towns, hundreds “who cares where the time goes”) of rock and pine tree covered islands with their protected anchorages, untold square miles of During port visits, there are the town docks to crystal clear water (you can see the bottom to roam, restaurants to relax in, other boaters and 15 feet), islands teaming with wildlife, such as local people to talk to, historical museum vis- bald eagles, loons, sand hill cranes, herons, os- its, shopping, ….. even rent a car for a day to prey, a few black bears, mink, and beaver, etc. explore Manitoulin Island. In visiting with It is true wilderness island sailing dotted with other boaters, we ran into folks whom we met occasional port visits. last year at an anchorage (and with whom we subsequently visited last fall in their Tucson, We anchored overnight about 80% of the time; Arizona home); we met another boater whom sometimes close enough to shore where we we initially met three years ago at the docks in could just step off the boat. Otherwise, we Port Sanilac, Michigan where they joined us swim or dingy to shore, to hike and explore, for a couple of days sailing to Lake Erie’s Put- or, to read a book and nap on a sun warmed in-Bay, on their way to the Bahamas. Re-

Kathy and I spent 4 weeks in this isolated splendor. It was our 6th year sailing North Channel.

For the first two weeks we joined a group of 8 boats, sponsored by the Trailer/Sailor Asso- ciation. T/SA is a US and Canadian group of trailer sailors who primarily share information and their own experiences through a thrice yearly publication called “Clipper Snips”. T/ SA also organizes sailing trips in the North Channel and other cruising grounds. Here is a link to their web site: http:// www.trailersailors.org/ meeting these people and sharing their ad- ventures is much of the fun of being here. The T/SA cruise consisted of 3 separate sailing Last summer we were invited to the home of a Little Current resident for dinner (simply a nice couple with whom we struck up a conversation at a local music-on-the-town-docks event). What an enjoyable evening in our newfound friend’s home, overlooking the Little Current harbor, food and wine, and listening to other guests entertain with their harmony folk singing and guitar music.

How was our trip ? Statistically, it was 675 road miles (one way), 300 total sea miles, 4 1/2 weeks, with 22 nights at anchor, 5 nights at a dock, and 2 nights in a motel (going and returning). groups: Group #1 was an introductory one week cruise for sailors new to the North Channel area; Group #2 was a two week cruise staying within the North Channel area; and Group #3 was a two week cruise extending east into the open waters of Georgian Bay covering 170 miles of sea travel. #3 is the group we joined. The sailboats ranged from 21 to 26 feet. Precisions, Cata- linas and MacGregors were most common. The trip required extensive use of paper chart navigation, supplemented by GPS waypoint navigation. There are many, many islands, and near surface underwater rocks at harbor en-

25 trances that required you to “read the water waves brought to us by a 35+ knot headwind. colors and wave patterns” using a bow watch. That was by accident and I never want to do You had to pay close attention to the wind, the that again! We also did a lot of kayaking and waves, the bottom conditions (i.e., mud, sand, island hiking while our “mother ship”, aka rock, weeds, etc) and the weather forecast Aeolus, was at anchor. All in all, the two when anchoring for the night. In many areas we had to follow the lateral (red & green) buoy system and navigate using range markers. VHF usage was required to send “Security” warnings to safely transit narrow one way cuts (specifically a cut called “Little Detroit”), and for other needs like requesting the Little Cur- rent swing bridge to open and let you pass and to receive weather reports. Our sailing group also had a VHF radio net at 0830 and 2030 to keep all the boats informed of plans. At 0900 each morning there also was a radio net from Little Current that broadcast to the entire North Channel. weeks was a great trip into new waters (for us) and we are looking forward to next year’s ad- We started our voyage launching at Spanish, venture. Ontario, then sailed to Little Current (on Manitoulin Island), then through the swing The TS/A trip photos are not yet published for 2008; however, here is the link to the 2007 trip pictures: http://www.trailersailors.org/ gallery2/main.php/v/NC2007/ Note the average age of the sailors.

The third week of our cruise was on our own, that is, not with the T/SA’ers any more. How- ever, we did add a guest on board; Paul, who use to sail Persuasion, a Catalina 27, at Rocky Fork, joined us in Little Current. He wanted to see the North Channel with the thought of returning next summer, on a charter or on his own boat. We showed him six days of sailing, with two harbor visits and anchorages at four bridge and on to Killarney and further points islands. It was really nice to have a third crew- east to a town called Britt, with many nightly member for a while. It gave the off-watch per- anchorages in between each port stop. Some son time to totally relax…… and do a lot of days we sailed ALL day; other days we mo- quilting. tored due to no wind, or headwinds. Many boats carry jerry cans of gas for extended Our fourth week was totally by ourselves, cruising. One day we plowed into steep 8-foot ……. just Kathy and me. We took it easy by

26 actually sailing only three days and spent the others enjoying layover days at anchor. In Oak Bay we relaxed to a whole day and night of rain drops tap dancing on our cabin top, and in Fox Island Harbor, just reading, hiking, bird and wildlife watching, visiting other boaters in the anchorage, swimming, kayaking and of course, napping. Such is life in the North Channel and the splendid isolation of wilderness sailing.

At week’s end, we loaded our “floating pop-up -camper” on its trailer and headed home.

Will we go back ?

Yes!…, Of Course!,

same time next year.

ter. But Henk, the very epitome of self-sufficiency, North Channel decided that he could handle the problem himself and discovered that the drain hose had come off the Cruise #3 - July 2008 bottom of the sink allowing water enter when sailing on that tack. After tying up the hose, the prob- By Rick Haynie lem was solved. Unfortunately, during his adven- We arrived in Little Current Saturday evening as the ture he lost his hat. potluck was coming to a close, we never make it in time for the potluck. We also missed the sing-along, Day four was a lay day at the Bustards and we as we rigged Step II and along with the help of the spent the morning picking blueberries. The first Bosmans of Dream Catcher got her launched and time I saw wild blueberries I was surprised at how settled for the night. One of these days we’ll be able small they were! The ones we picked this summer to start early enough to catch all the festivities.

Day one found us attending the info-meeting for Group #3 at 9 am. This was led by Henk Vander- hulst who was to be the leader of our Group of 8 boats. We all received Way-point & Itinerary lists of our cruise. Henk asks for a volunteer to be the Weather-person: Howard Staley of Aeolus will look after the weather. Catching the 11:00 bridge opening out of Little Current we managed to sail a little in Lansdowne Channel on our way to Covered Portage Cove. While anchored in Covered Portage Cove, Aeolus reported seeing beavers, mink and two otters and a few of the boats had problems with the anchors dragging. We have had better luck since replacing our Danforth of unknown pedigree with a Delta. were fairly large and filled up our sandwich bags. We participated in and enjoyed the blueberry pan- Day two found us motoring to Killarney for fish cake breakfast at 1:00. Later, even though there was and chips, ice and a pump out. Around 1:00 our threatening weather all around, we traveled by kay- boats met at Red Rock just east of Killarney. It was aks and dinghies to a secluded bay on the east side decided that we would go by way of the Collins of the Bustards for swimming and relaxation. Rick Inlet due to unfavorable wind conditions. After we found out that his Tilley Hat does indeed float! An- departed the wind became much more fair and we motor sailed and sailed on the outside. The pleasure of sailing was countered somewhat as a plague of black flies descended upon us. Henk reported, “we all get to enjoy a taste of Canadian wild-life”. Hun- dreds of flies come aboard each boat and we are very busy fly-swatting. Soon our cockpits are covered in dead bodies. Undaunted, we anchored at Sugar John Bay for the night.

Day three found us leaving Sugar John Bay for the Bustards. We got to enjoy a nice day of sailing. Henk was having a problem with his boat taking on water. After hearing of his problem, Xanadu volun- teered to send a crew member to help Henk bail wa-

28 other marketing claim substantiated. spot where you wanted to be afterward. It took us quite awhile of looking around and when we had Day five we left the Bustards. We looked like baby finally settled on a spot a very friendly local sailor ducks following mama duck as we followed Go came up in his kayak and told us of a wonderful Gently as we started our journey to Britt. We en- anchorage. In Xanadu’s words we were “tucked joyed a nice sail. The weather was nice when we snugly behind a small island.” It was a beautiful got to Britt and docked at the marina, but a little secluded spot. Karen from Xanadu also reported, “I misty. We enjoyed a shower which was probably had just gotten into the water for a dip when Gary the best spent toonie of the trip! We headed out for spotted a bear also getting into the water. The bear a walk after getting laughed out of the marina store calmly proceeded to swim across to the other side when we asked for a map of Britt. Apparently it is and climb the bank to disappear into the woods.” not possible to get lost in Britt. We were told to just Henk lead us on another wonderful dinghy and follow the road out front and we would find all that kayak tour this time to a beaver lodge dam in Black Britt had to offer. It rained a bit and we stayed out creek which has a nice lake behind it and lots of lily front of the Little Britt pads on the Inn before heading way. We found down the road, we got out that the wa- as far as the post office ter was black before heading back to from the tannin the Inn where we met from the many up with the rest of the pine trees in the group for a nice group area. Henk also dinner. Aeolus and Step pointed out in- II came away with a teresting rock souvenir pen with an formation inscription on the side called a lava stating “This Pen has inclusion. These been stolen from: Jim were apparently & Teri Little Britt formed when Inn…” (the waitress molten lava told us we could keep forces its way them after signing our through solid credit card slips). We rock. It looked had a walk with Howard and Kathy after dinner. as if it might have come through a pipeline. This time we got past the post office. We stopped at the little general store across from the post office Day 7 turned out to be one of the most challenging and found out that the owner loves to bake and that days of the cruise. We headed to Bad River. We around 9:00 the next morning there would be fresh sailed most of the way to Obstacle Island, we en- baked bread! (one of my vices). joyed looking for and following the buoyed route, Arlene didn’t even get out her “knitting”. We Day six found us pumping out one tank, fueling up stopped here for lunch, Go Gently reports that another and buying a few groceries. Arlene and “never will we anchor again in this bay!” the weeds Karen from Xanadu walked down to the grocery were so bad that some of the boats had problems store for fresh bread, rolls and frozen sausage and staying in place. Although west winds had been cheese patties (made at the store, which turned out building all day, it was decided through radio con- to be good). We headed out to Black Bay where we tact that all boats would continue on to Bad River. met up with Go Gently and Day Dreamer who had When we got into the open water it was a very spent the night near Olga Island Bay. As usual we rough ride! We found out later that the wind had had trouble anchoring, not so much with the process been clocked at around 35+ knots with waves of setting the anchor but more with ending up in the around 6 feet high. We were following Taranui and 29 watched them as many times they seemed to launch in calm winds (Step II along with a number of the skyward off the crest of wave, turn and drop down other boats were concerned about fuel. We had used the other side. The boat following us told us that we a lot on our “wild ride” on Saturday and were con- were doing the same thing! It was one wild ride and serving what we had left). We were able to get in after awhile it was decided that we would turn some sailing doing a lot of tacking and trailing be- around and head towards the Bustards. What a wel- hind everyone else. We were able to keep one boat come sight it was to turn and see those three light insight that we thought was part of our group. It houses! We hadn’t seen them earlier because we turned out to be Day Dreamer who said they were were so focused on what we were doing to stay on watching us for most of the way. Following the course. Henk was busy using both hands on his channel into Beaverstone Bay the sky up ahead was tiller and outboard so that he didn’t hear the radio gorgeous; it was white clouds streaked with multi- talk that had everyone but him retreating to the Bus- ple shades of blue. We found our anchorage at No- tards. He continued on to Bad River and joined us ble Island which was fairly crowded with Trailer in the Bustards by 9:00 the next morning. The best Sailors (part of cruise #2 lead by Bryan Childs was part of this day was sharing already anchored an enjoyable dinner aboard when the leaders of Aeolus. our group got there). We did not Day 8 was a well deserved do much of any- lay day! We spent the thing that night but morning picking blueber- fix and eat dinner ries and I decided to try and then off to bed. making a blueberry cobbler. The only things it had in On Day 10 we left common with a blueberry Beaverstone Bay cobbler was that it had for Thomas Bay blueberries and biscuit with a lunch stop at dough. The cobbler was Mill Lake. This made using a bake packer. time we went The bake packer is a pan through the Collins with a 1 ½ inch tall metal grid in the bottom of it, inlet. It is very narrow in places but it is very beauti- with a lid. Your product goes into a food safe plas- ful (I found myself saying, “this is beautiful” a lot tic storage bag and is laid on this grid over 1-inch of on this trip) with rocky walls. During our lunch stop water. You boil/bake your product for a set amount Taranui asked if anyone would be interested in a of time. I have used this to make biscuits, omelet, quick trip to Killarney for fuel and ice. We were chicken casserole (hamburger helper does not work interested and so the two boats took off before the I found out because of the amount of liquid it takes others and headed for Killarney. In Killarney we got to cook the noodles) and now blueberry cobbler. supplies which included s’more makings for our The best thing about this method is that when you campfire the next night and got rid of some trash are done you have a something good to eat, hot wa- and recycling. After taking care of business in Kil- ter and no mess! (Google, bake packer oven for or- larney, we sailed for Thomas Bay with Taranui in dering information) I told Karen from Xanadu about the lead. It was a little rough but compared to what mine when we first met 3 years ago and she bought we had been through a few days earlier it did not one and uses it a lot. Around 3:00 we all gather seem that bad at all. After anchoring in Thomas aboard Aeolus and Taranui for a cockpit party. It Bay, we were given some advice from John Clem- included some very good food and conversation. ent as to launching an anchor from the stern. This proved to be far more practical and safe than carry- Day 9 found us leaving the Bustards for a second ing an anchor to the bow for launching. We tied off time. This time it was10:00 and we were headed for to shore and settled in for the evening. Beaverstone Bay. We motor sailed part of the way 30

Day 11 found us with another lay day. We had a while Arlene was getting information on food stor- free morning and then met with our group and some age and the cooking of food on board a small vessel from cruise #2 and headed by dinghy and kayak to out for a long period of time. We then got ready for go up the Chikanishing River where we went on the potluck at Browning Cove. It was nice with lots what was called a challenging hike on the bluffs of good food. Afterward, some went back to their over looking the Chikanishing River in Killarney boats while others made their way to a rocky beach Provincial Park and the Collins Inlet. It proved a for a Memorial Service in honor of Bob Hodgson. very challenging hike for us. The first part was up and down rocks and we had a hard time keeping up Day 13 found us leaving for Little Current. We with everyone. The last part was a path through made the 10:00 bridge along with FireCracker who woods and was much easier to hike. It was again had just missed the 9:00 bridge with Xanadu and a beautiful! After the dinghy ride back to Thomas few other T/SA boats. We spent some time hauling Bay, a swim in the cool waters felt very good! We out and helping others haul out before we unrigged had an enjoyable dinner Step II and got aboard Step II with Howard ready to leave. and Kathy before heading We decided to over to the campfire. Henk walk into town for spoke a few words as we lunch but turned reflected on the last week around to take the and a half together. We car (we were not drew numbers and then took looking forward turns picking thoughtful to the walk back). gifts out of a bag from Henk We are so glad and his wife. We ended the that we went back evening with a sing-along for our car be- led by Murray Cleland. cause we met Howard and Day 12 found us on a short Kathy there. We motor sail back to Killar- all loaded into our ney. The city dock was full car and drove into so Aeolus rafted off our boat and we spent a very Little Current where we had a nice lunch at the An- enjoyable time in Killarney with our new friends. chor Inn before bidding our friends a good bye and We started out with cinnamon rolls and beverages we headed for home (we were very jealous for they and ended up with fish and chips where we met up still had 2 more weeks on the water in the North with others from our group. We then headed off to Channel) Heywood Island. We followed Aeolus and at one As we headed for home (it would take us the better point thought maybe they had lost their way, we part of two days), we reflected on our 3rd cruise in later found out that they were getting lined up with the North Channel. This time we went further than the range markers into Lansdowne Channel. We before and found Georgian Bay to be as beautiful as then had some sailing down the Channel. When we the North Channel. We enjoyed the small group that got to Heywood we practiced anchoring using the stayed together and bonded as a group over the 12 advice given the previous night (this meant Arlene days that we spent sailing. We are looking forward did not drag the anchor up to the bow) it worked to returning again in the years to come. fine but again we did it a few times because we never ended up the first couple times where Rick Thank you to the crews of Go Gently, Aeolus and wanted us to. We finally made it over to Day Xanadu for their thoughts on the trip that helped us Dreamer to see their boat. We visited a lot of nice to write this “story” of Cruise #3 July 2008. boats on this trip with very nice crews! While we were doing this visiting Rick was gleaning informa- The Crew of Step II, Arlene and Rick Haynie tion about different boats (looking to upgrade) 31 Trailer/Sailors Association The Trailer/Sailors Association is a non-profit organization formed more than 20 years ago. Its members provide a exchange of ideas and information about all aspects of sailing trailerable sailboats. Our more than 400 members are scattered across the USA and Canada, and the diversity of their experiences enrich the association and heightens our collective interest in small sailboat cruising. Clipper Snips, published in a Winter, Spring, and Fall issues, is the official publication of the organization, providing cruising articles, association announcements, how-to articles, and free classified ads.

Association Officers:

President: Mike Nelson, (937)-767-9487 [email protected] Public Relations: Contact him about T/SA official business. Gary Schafer, (248)-649-4911, [email protected] Contact him for brochures & PR. Launch Ramp Advisor: John Ulmer, (330)-854-3796, [email protected] Webmaster: Contact him for ramp info. Chris Holderness, (519)-741-0199, [email protected] Clipper Snips Editor: Contact him about web site issues. Kathy Blackwood, (705)-748-0359, [email protected] Contact her about article submissions. Membership Secretary : Dallas Thomas, (810)-694-0626, [email protected] Clipper Snips Assistant Editor: Contact him about your personal directory information. George Kobernus, (231)-933-9321, [email protected] Contact him about article submissions. Assistant Membership Secretaries: Carolyn and Mike Richards, (810) 227-8336 Clipper Snips Publisher: [email protected] Gregg MacMillan, (800)-771-3171, [email protected] New Member Secretary: TrailSail List Manager: Mike Forbes, (317)-872-0232 [email protected] John Travis, moderator, (920)-459-8382, [email protected] Contact him to join the list. Contact him about new memberships. TrailSail Editor: Treasurer : Bob Rouda, associate moderator, (651)-481-0226 Howard Staley, (513)-933-8114, [email protected] [email protected] Contact him about your dues.

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