Summer 2001 The Trailer/Sailors Association

Features/announcements 2 What s New this issue 3 President s Column ...... Wayne Bell 3 Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley ...... ed. Debbie Bell 11 From the T/SA Web Discussion List...... ed. John Coppedge 12 New Trailer/Sailors Association web site...... Mike Nelson 13 Press-Gang seizes (trailer) sailor to helm of Clipper Snips 14 Membership news...... David Craigie 14 Classifieds (flags, tees, ads) 14 New Feature Writers sought 21 Ramp Report - Savannah, GA & Charleston, SC ...... John Ulmer 23 Clipper Snips & T/SA Web site Art Contests 25 Top 10 Reasons for Joining Boat/US 25 On The Clipper Snips Horizon... Annual Meeting: Saturday October 13 at Crescent Sail Yacht Club in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI on Lake Cruising Articles St. Clair. More info with the annual dues notice in September. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!

5 The 2000 - 1000 Islands Cruise...... Sue & Joe Orinko 7 Incompatible Rating Systems lead to Trailer Failures ...... John D. Myers 9 The 4½ Day Chesapeake Trip 1999...... John Coppedge 15 North Channel 2001 Cruise: Spanish to Parry Sound One Way...... John Clement 17 Florida Keys Sabbatical Cruise ...... Ferd Johns 24 MacGregor/Venture Fest 2000 ...... Bob Borden

Snips 10 Bilge Strikes Unsuspecting Official ...... Guy Hubbard 16 Alternative North Channel Cruise Announcement ...... Don Ziliox 23 Spring Issue Pictures Identified...... Henk Vanderhulst 24 Crew Sought

Special Items 12+ Trailer/Sailor Tri-Fold Brochure ...... Wayne Bell 13 Directory Update 1/2 page...... David Craigie

The authors of the newsletter disclaim any and all responsibility for any kind of injury or damages sustained which may result from the appli- cation 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.

Clipper Snips Page 1 Summer 2001

What s New this issue

ME. I'm Joe Orinko, the new editor to some trailer sailor who Our regular feature writers have of Clipper Snips. isn't (yet) a member. Get come through with their news them to join, and in a future bits. When Mike Nelson announced his issue, Clipper Snips will list intention to develop the web site for On page 14 your editor is looking you as a T/SA Super Sails T/SA with his wife Diana, president for a few good (trailer) sailors person. Wayne Bell sent out the press gang to (not necessarily marines) to be shanghai another sailor to take over 2. Find Page #13. Cut on the new feature writers to assemble the editor's job. One moment I'm dotted line. The ½ page (4¼" specific mini submissions for thinking of getting Unicorn (Oday23) × 11") is an update to your each issue. ready for the season; the next I'm sit- Spring 2001 T/SA direc- To improve the graphic content ting at my computer, falling into Mi- tory. Just staple or glue it of the newsletter, I've announced crosoft Publisher task, and wondering into the directory. Or just the 2001 TS/A art contests (page where all my time is going. leave it in the newsletter so 23). you ll know where the new But it has been fun, and I hope the members are listed. John Myers submitted a piece result is up to the high standards of about how boat trailer ratings are the previous editors. Ferd Johns article "Florida Keys misleading. (page 7) Sabbatical Cruise" (page 17) is I've snagged this inside cover to re- a great article about extended MacGregor/Venture Fest 2000 port on what went into this issue. cruising. I enjoyed it so much; I by Bob Borden describes a long Although I think everything in this couldn't figure how to make it weekend cruise on Cayuga Lake, Clipper Snips is fine, I want to de- shorter. NY. (page 24) scribe a few items. Sue Orinko and your editor sub- First, get your scissors ready, to mitted the article "The 2000 - Snip this issue of Clipper That's about it for this issue. 1000 Islands Cruise" (page 5). Snips. The centermost 4 page It explains what we found our My jealous Unicorn can now get the sheet (pages 13 16) of this issue first T/SA cruise to be. attention, which it so richly deserves. is designed to be clipped apart: John Clement (page 15) describes The worst way to avoid spring boat 1. Right after page #12 is an in detail the plans for the 2001 maintenance is to start on June 22. unnumbered page containing North Channel one way float a T/SA tri-fold brochure. trip. Hopefully the newsletter Cut on the dashed line to re- will arrive in time to entice you Fair winds, following seas, & proper move from the newsletter. into joining the cruise. trailer tire pressure. Please make the necessary 2 folds to form the brochure. "The 4½ Day Chesapeake Trip The brochure describes the 1999" by John Coppedge (with Joe Orinko costs and benefits of mem- editorial services by Susan), de- bership. Please take a mo- scribes what small sailboat cruis- ment to read this (and recall ing is all about. Like Nike says, why you are a member), and 'just do it'. (page 9) then hand the brochure over

Clipper Snips Winter issue Deadline is I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of heaven, we must sail, sometimes October 1, 2001 with the wind, and sometimes against it, but we must Start thinking NOW, take photos this summer, start writing sail, not drift, or lie at anchor. September 10, mail (e-mail) before September 30!!! Oliver Wendell Holmes

Clipper Snips Page 2 Summer 2001

President s Column Wayne Bell

Dear Trailer/Sailors, ever thinking of sailing the Presque cently learned that Mike and Jan Isle area of Lake Erie, Joe and Sue Collins, from Bloomington, Minne- Before I became the President of the are the people to talk to!!) sota, have put their beloved SeaCraft Trailer/Sailors Association, I knew 26, Y-Knot up for sale. very little of what went on behind Also, in the spring issue of Clipper the scenes to keep our Association Snips, I put out an open call to our Mike and Jan have been members of functioning. It s that way with most members for a public relations person. the Trailer/Sailors Association from organizations we belong too. Some- As an association with no paid staff, almost the very beginning. They have one does the work and events happen, we needed someone who would served the Association in a variety of newsletters get published, etc., etc., push the Association throughout the ways: leading trips to the North Chan- etc. sailing industry. At that point in this nel, writing articles for Clipper Snips, tale, Gary Schafer, from Birmingham, and most recently, serving as guides That s the way it works and normally Michigan called and offered his ser- and friends to the many Trailer/ not much is said about it. But this vices. Gary owns a PR firm and is Sailors who found themselves at the spring, so much has happened within excited to get the word out about Banana Bay Resort in Marathon Key, the Trailer/Sailors Association, that I Trailer/Sailors. Florida. believe everyone needs to be aware of what has happened and how we as Dave Craigie, our Treasurer from In March, Mike wrote from Florida: an Association have been strength- Midland, Oklahoma, agreed to make Sadly, I took Y-Knot out on her last ened by these events. the directory part of his treasurer s sail. Just the two of us: myself and duties when the Dave and Dee Dick- my beloved boat of 23 years. I had Last year, our officers felt that we meyer were unable to continue put- time to think of the wonderful places needed an updated presence on the ting it together. she had taken me and the few times Internet. Clipper Snips editor, Mike she had scared the pants off of me. I Nelson, who is a Web designer in his Don Ziliox, our Cruise Director from learned what she wanted to do, and other life, volunteered to get a new, Michigan, gave us a final gift this the things she refused to do inspite of expanded site up and running. But, spring. Don wrote a letter to Sail the guy at the helm. and it is a big but, he needed to be Magazine. In the letter he mentioned relieved of his Clipper Snips duties in the Trailer/Sailors and gave my ad- I will bring her home to Minnesota order to devote his time to the WEB dress and numbers as a contact per- and put her up for sale. And the new site. (Mike and spouse Diana have son. From that one letter, we gained owner had better take good care of already begun work on the Web Site. 25 new members to the Association. her. Because if I ever stop by a ma- It can be found at http:// rina someplace and see her neglected To Mike, Gary, Joe, Dave and Don, www.trailersailors.org/ see page 1) the owner had better run, fast and we say thank you for the work you are far. At this point in the story, Joe Orinko doing on behalf of all Trailer/Sailors. stepped forward and accepted the edi- In the fall issue of Clipper Snips, we Fair winds, tor s position. Joe, and his wife Sue, will bring you some more of Mike live in Erie, Pennsylvania. They sail Wayne Bell and Jan s collection of hints on sail- Unicorn, an O Day 23. (If you are Ps: By way of Dave Craigie, I re- ing. Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley Charles Brennan (ed. Debbie Bell)

Making Your Own First Aid Kit boating style first aid kits. All the actually have to use them. The (and hoping you never have to use glop in the world, crammed into a following list of disasters is not meant it) . white plastic box with a red cross on to show how accident-prone I am but the side. These look great until you (Continued on page 4) I originally started out with those

Clipper Snips Page 3 Summer 2001

...Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley

(Continued from page 3) dirty fishing rag as a compress and a now I have those little bags with the to show why you, and you alone, have piece of fishing line to staunch the zip-loc top, and put aqueous silicon to determine what you need. flow, all the while, trying not to think on the metal items, so they won't rust. of my millions of brand-new I keep anything metal in the bags so I once caught my finger in a boat microscopic buddies. I now carry they won't fall apart on me when I winch, ripping up my middle both gauze pads and sanitary napkins really need them. Where possible I fingernail. I imagined the inevitable to act as sterile compresses. I also use anything else as a substitute for hospital report, Right middle finger have Ace Bandages to provide a metal. caught in wench. I immediatly means of providing a compress that whipped out my cool first aid kit and The other "gotcha" in those kits are won't slide off. I also have a kind of got the bleeding under control. When expiration dates. There is usually a teflon tape that is supposed to work I went to cut the gauze, I couldn't do clearly marked shelf life on the even when wet. it. The girl I was with, couldn't do it aspirin, antacids, burn creams, etc. It either. I ended up at the hospital. I I once had some sun block drip into only takes one episode of squeezing found out from a nurse that the my eyes. It shut me down for most of out something that you are expecting scissors in the kit were right handed a day. I couldn't keep my eyes open to use to deal with an exhaust pipe scissors, and we were trying to use without them burning severely. Even burn and getting a watery slime them left-handed. I have played with washing them out in the salt-water did instead of a soothing cream to them at home and discovered the no good. The Visine included in convince you of the need for a nurse was right. Now I have both left my little first aid kit didn t help. renewal schedule. With the hot and right handed scissors, in marked Fresh water did no good either. No Florida sun (the first-aid kit stays packages, and also single edged razor fluid really did, as the sun-block I had aboard at all times), I routinely divide blades for when I'm too mangled to wisely chosen was designed not to the expiration dates in half. The dates work scissors. break down from water, an idea that are marked on the outside of the lid, sounded great in the drug store. I on a piece of adhesive tape. Fire coral stings don't react much to now carry industrial strength eye- those light cortical creams that are By now, you DO know not to get wash aboard, as well as a usable eye- supplied in first aid kits. A shaker of adhesive tape in those tin spools, cup and much cheaper sun-block. good old Adolph's meat tenderizer instead of on a plastic tape dispenser, works great. There is also a product I was now to the point that my right? Starting to get the general called a wipe-out patch, which accumulated glop would no longer drift? provides immediate relief and is good fit into that cool little white box. I got When putting together a first-aid kit for more severe stings such as an a fishing tackle box with all the little for the boat, consider the following: unfortunate collision with a school of compartments. What is nice is that I jellyfish. could cram and wedge band-aids and 1) The first thing is to give your first- what not in the little compartments so aid kit, a highly jaundiced and Another time I was out in a small boat that the wind would not blow them skeptical eye. Where could it be in rough weather cutting some chum everywhere the first time I really need improved? when the knife went into my thigh. them. This is about the time I noticed The knife didn't go in too far because 2) The second thing is to plan what-if that those little boating first-aid kits the bone stopped it. I opened the first situations. What works for me, is to have not given a whole lot of thought aid kit, and opened it to get some sit on the front porch on a rainy day, to metals in the marine environment. bandages of the appropriate size and with sufficient rum and a legal pad The tweezers rusted badly and got the wind took half of them into and pencil, and think gloomy brittle. The first time I tried to Biscayne Bay. thoughts. I then write down worse remove a piece of sea-urchin spine, I finally recovered some from the they broke. I was forced to finish case scenarios. When sobriety box. Imagine my dismay, when the surgery with my Leatherman . returns, I cut out the more bizarre bleeding caused the bandage to slide Likewise, my scissors were showing solutions and implement the rest. off. I tried a bigger one. Still no dice. rust flecks, and my razor blades 3) The third thing, and most dicey, is The spray from the waves rendered looked equally bad. It seemed a poor to learn from the things that may or my skin too wet for bandages of any trade to fix one ailment and have to size. I was reduced to using an old, deal with tetanus for doing so. So (Continued on page 5)

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...Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley

(Continued from page 4) mangled my finger on Sunday, and by get a fish-hook out of a bicep. (The may not happen to you and learn from fish s final revenge before giving up Monday evening, had located left- them. Deal with your hard-learned his life. Tasty too, but I had to eat handed scissors. I've had to use them knowledge, quickly and decisively. I him left-handed!) since to to cut enough skin open, to The 2000 - 1000 Islands Cruise Sue & Joe Orinko

Although we had sailed our Oday23 Uni- north on I-81. The mileage according corn for 17 years, we had never tried a T/ to Mapsonus.com is 329, 6½ hours at SA cruise, also called a group sail. Our 50 mph. expectations really kept us from trying it, until last summer. We learned the cruise The cruisers were to meet at Welles- is what you make it - fun. ley Island State Park by 2:00 pm, so we elected to leave Friday just after work and 'motel it' just east of Buf- falo, knocking off 3 hours. TS/A Boats, Canoe Point, NY We got to the park Sue said 'no way'. We had antici- at about 1 o'clock, pated a relaxing vacation, and claw- and met up with ing our way 20 miles was not in our Bob and his grand- plan. They assured us it wouldn't be son Jay Smith on that bad, but we decided to wait, and Tabber-J find our own way. We watched as (MacGregor 25), our new friends sailed away Carroll and Anne About an hour later, back they came Seibert with their daughter Katie and When we first joined T/SA, the ques- telling us that Sue had 'called it right'. her friend Noelle Smith on Sandpiper tionnaire mentioned 'Group Sail'. Only Lee & Polly had stopped at an- (MacGregor 26C), and Norm Thoughts of the wife-swapping movie other island, and would catch us later. Jennings on Dauntless (Venture 23). 'Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice', flashed By mid afternoon, the wind was more through my mind. We discounted it, We dunked from a very shallow ramp manageable, and plans were changed as 'nothing for us'. and motored to Canoe Point State to sail to Gananoque, ON. Park on Grindstone Island. There we Any number of people recommended Still with a bit of big wind, we sailed met up with Mike Morris on Rose the Thousand Islands as a great loca- (Venture Newport 23), Polly & Lee tion to cruise. And each year, we Cleveland on Polly IV (MacGregor read about the Thousand Islands Newport 23), and Peter Christie on cruise in late June. Last year we got Slainte (MacGregor 26X). We chat- the information and decided to try it. ted with our new friends and turned The cruise hosts were Bob Borden in. and Carroll Seibert. Where were Next morning, the group had planned Ted or Alice? to sail to Kingston to meet 3 other From Erie in northwestern PA, boats. We awakened to fog with 20+ Wellesley Island New York is a mph winds, and white caps on the Customs check-in at Gananoque, pretty straight (if long) shot. East on river. The group was going to try to I-90 past Buffalo and Rochester, then make it, motoring if necessary. (Continued on page 6)

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The 2000 - 1000 Islands Cruise cont d

(Continued from page 5) and Bill Parsonage and Tom Miller with them and learned their late de- with our little 80% jib + main, and on Suzy-Q (Laguna 26). The whole parture from Kingston was from Polly lagged behind the group, enjoying the group didn't stay together long, the slipping off the dock, and getting her sail to Canada. After checking in at first group electing to overnight at pride wet. customs, we all had dinner at The Cedar Island Provincial Park, while We left them to motor through a Golden Apple, a quaint restaurant the rest stayed in the harbor. group of islands toward Gananoque. with a picturesque garden. We opted The next morning we decided to do It was the first time we used the fish for a slip at the municipal marina; the some touring of Kingston, and since finder to help find the proper channel. rest of the group motored to over- everyone else had already done that, We tied up at the municipal docks, night at Beaurivage Island Ontario group 1 went one way (to Clayton), walked around the town, and had a Park. and group 2 went another (to Ganano- couple burgers at a nice tavern. The following morning we motored que). We spent the day on land, On our previous visit, we had over to meet at Beaurivage, and the shopping for tee shirts, visiting the spooked 2 Blue Herons, who were flotilla sailed east on the Canadian farmer's market, and walking to Fort fishing from the docks. On this middle channel of the St Lawrence Henry (where we received O' Henry bound for Kingston ON. candy bars, and learned the canon is fired every day at 3:10 pm; not at cruising Americans). After another restaurant dinner downtown, we battened down the hatches and experienced a huge thunderstorm. Next day, our cruise had been re- duced to 2 boats, and we waited a bit for the Cleveland's to leave with us for the Bateau Channel back to Ga- nanoque. We were doing figure '8's Beaurivage Island, Gananoque, ON in the harbor, and eventually left, Deadman s bay from Fort Henry, ON figuring we'd contact them on the If was a perfect sailing day, allowing VHF and they'd catch up to us soon. us to beat with all our big sails. With morning, I carefully peeked out the Sue at the helm, I was able to get pic- With a following breeze, we sailed windows, and watched one walk on tures of the boats as we creamed down the channel, just on the other the finger pier right next to us, and along on very long tacks. We were side of Wolf Island where we had spear a fish. Of course, my mate comfortably heeled enough to listen sailed to Kingston. We passed the missed this early morning experience, to the gurgle of the exposed sink thru- Triton yacht club (about 95% sail; our dreaming of a bigger sailboat (I hull fitting. boat club in Erie is about 95% hope). power). We stopped at Aubrey Island In late afternoon, with the wind less- We sailed some and then motored and grilled up some chicken for ening, we sailed into deadman's bay back the Canadian middle channel, lunch, and (tried) to soak our feet in just south of Fort Henry. When the past Canoe point, around Grindstone the water (way to cold). There was a big cannon at the fort boomed, we Island. The 'wind was right' so we large rock just off the dock, and the quickly tacked to get out of range of hoisted our sails and tacked to the waves lapping over it, made a very their guns, and motored into the har- entrance of the American narrows. relaxing sound (and the kind of men- bor. On one long tack to the south shore, tal memory we like to remember the Group 2 T/SA boats past us head- We all gathered at the municipal when life is running stale). ing for Clayton. docks in Kingston, and met Harvey While relaxing there we saw Polly Haag and his son Christian on Star- We motored through the American and Lee Cleveland sail by, so we left fire (Oday26), Val & Roland Duper- Narrows to Alexandria Bay, arranged Aubrey and motored over to find ron on Harmony II (MacGregor 26x) them at Bostwick Island. We chatted (Continued on page 7)

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The 2000 - 1000 Islands Cruise cont d

(Continued from page 6) We reduced sail, (little jib and reefed had cruised alone, we always felt that for dockage, had a snack and motored main) and still the rig was overpow- help and friends were (somewhere) over to Boldt Castle on Heart Island. ered. We tried a couple long tacks, close by. As we finished that tour, some black but the wind and current were more Next morning we motored back to clouds move in, and we zoomed than we felt up to. Beside with all Wellesley Island State Park for pull- across the river to our dock for the that wind, it wasn't very quiet any- out. My apprehension about the shal- night. way. So I donned my slicks, and we low ramp was unfounded; as the motored back up river, heading up the Alexandria bay is a nice town full of group manhandled Unicorn back onto Canadian Middle Channel, expecting tourist things. We walked in the rain its trailer. to find our group somewhere on Georgina Island Provincial park. As we left we all stopped for lunch at Chappy s 50 s Classic Diner in Wa- When we didn't find them we called tertown, NY. We certainly filled the the group, and Val Duperrin an- back parking log. Happily the long swered that they were back at Canoe ride home was uneventful. Point NY. We continued motoring to the docks, and were very happy to The cruise was fun, using all the have all those helping hands pull us sailor skills that are unused in our into the dock. normal sailing location. My concern Young T/SA Cruisers: Jay Smith, for how constraining sailing with a That night, Friday, we ate supper, Katie Seibert, Noelle Smith group would be, proved to be un- shared a toast or two, and related our founded. We had just the right bal- solo adventures on this group cruise. to Valeriani's Italian restaurant. By ance of alone time (it was a romantic We felt fortunate that although we dinners end, the rain was gone, and cruise), and time with new friends. we poked into (all) the shops on the main drag. The cruise (but without us) is being Next morning, we sailed out and repeated from June 23 through June downriver (northeast) hoping to reach 30. Plans are to meet at Canoe Point Sister island light (we had seen pic- Saturday night, and go from there. tures). It seemed a nice easy down- For additional info, contact wind run. We took some pictures of Carroll Seibert (570) 662-3799 [email protected] the lighthouse, and turned back, to Lady T/SA sailors: Anne Seibert, Bob Borden (570) 724-5601 find 20+ mph winds coming from Val Duperrin, Sue Orinko where we wanted to go. [email protected]

Incompatible Rating Systems lead to Trailer Failures John D. Myers

The way boats and trailers are rated Gross means total of everything, In the case of my boat the inboard often leads to incorrect matching of trailer, boat, and gear! The maximum diesel is not included because the boat trailer to boat and ultimately over- weight a trailer can carry is the could be ordered with an outboard. I loaded trailers that breakdown. A GVWR minus the weight of the wrote to Hunter Marine and Catalina trailers is designed to provide satis- trailer. Yachts to ask them what was included factory service if the trailer is not in their displacement calculations and A Boat s displacement however is loaded in excess of either it s Gross they both responded stating that the listed as the factory delivered base Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or published displacement of their boats weight or dry displacement weight. the maximum front and rear Gross included no sails, batteries or options That means without fluids, sails, bat- Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR s). (Continued on page 8) teries or any factory or dealer options.

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...Incompatible Rating Systems lead to Trailer Failures

(Continued from page 7) as empty as possible and lug it up the the trailer. If that is missing you can and no fluids in the tankage. Thus the ladder just before launch or carry it estimate the capacity of the trailer by true weight of a boat is the published down the dock after launch. However it s tire s maximum load rating. Just weight plus the weight of every op- I am concerned that I still can not re- multiply the maximum load rating of tion plus everything that any owner move enough gear to add up to 720 one-tire times the number of tires on has bolted on or tossed in the bottom Pounds. Even if I can it still puts the the trailer. Also axles come in fixed of a locker. boat at the maximum rating with no increments of 2,500 or 3,500 or 4,300 safety factor. or 5,000 or even 6,000 Pounds. The factory brochure for my 25 foot Watkins lists the displacement as I visited a RV dealer and obtained I visited boat dealers in town and 4,800 Pounds. The boat is on a 7,000 some brochures on travel trailers to called boat trailer companies to try to Pound capacity dual axle Magic Tilt compare RV ratings with boat trailer find out trailer weights, but had no trailer capable of carrying a 27-foot ratings. The brochures listed the luck. Boat trailer brochures seem to boat. This at first glance sounds like GVWR and the factory weight. The only list the GVWR and not tell you a good match with adequate safety factory weight provided a 25% to how much the trailer alone weighs or factor but after I weighed the boat and 40% safety margin depending on the how much load it can carry. On two trailer at a public scale, I found out model, plus there were no options to occasions the factory representative that the rig actually weighed 7,540 add weight. If I replaced my 7,000- said just use 1,000 Pounds. That was Pounds. Which is 720 Pounds over Pound capacity trailer with a 10,000- before I had told him whether I the maximum weight! The table be- Pound capacity trailer I would only wanted to know about the weight of a low shows the details. have about a 20% margin of safety. I single, double or triple axle trailer. would have to buy a Why do RV trailers list GVWR and Description Weight in 12,900-Pound capac- actual weight and boat trailers list Pounds ity trailer to get a 40% only GVWR? RV trailers don t have Generic Trailer Rating 7,000 margin of safety! to carry anything but clothes and bed- Actual Trailer GVWR 6,820 This is true because as ding. With out the trailer weight, the the trailer capacity load capacity of the trailer cannot be Empty trailer weight -1,580 increase so does the calculated. So how do dealers, boat Trailer carrying capacity 5,240 trailer s weight which factories and custom trailer builders must be subtracted determine the proper capacity trailer Watkins 25 Displacement -4,800 from the gross capac- to use? Spare capacity W/O options 440 ity to obtain the carry- Is your trailer correctly matched to ing capacity. Actual boat & gear weight 5,960 your boat? What is your safety mar- Weight of options 1,160 It now seems obvious gin? To find out you need to weigh why tires, bearings, the whole rig at a public scale, then Total weight of boat, & trailer 7540 and axles fail on boat return and weigh just the tow vehicle Trailer is overloaded by 720 trailers. We load and subtract it from the total. If you them beyond their can leave the boat in the water, go Before I had my rig weighed, I used ratings. We treat them often as neces- back to the scale again and weigh the to haul 40 gallon of fresh water (320 sary evils with little or no preventa- empty trailer and vehicle. Be careful Pounds) to the lake to avoid filling the tive maintenance, then dip their hot to have the same amount of gas, peo- tank at the marina. I also used to bearings in lakes and oceans. We ple and gear each time in the tow ve- cram everything possible in the boat should not act surprised when they hicle at the weigh station. Farm Ele- to save carrying it from the parking fail. vators, City Dump Transfer Stations lot to the marina. I often carried an and Truck Stops all provide scales, What can you do to prevent failures? inflatable dinghy , dinghy outboard often for free. Compare your boat Know your trailers and tow vehicle s motor, spare gas, and canned food and and trailer weight to your trailer s GVWR. Know the weight of your drink for a two-week vacation. All GVWR to see if you are overloaded. boat and tow vehicle. Don t exceed that was over and above the 720- Next calculate the safety factor by the GVWR of either vehicle.. The Pound overload. Now I keep the boat (Continued on page 9) trailer GVWR is printed on a tag on

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...Incompatible Rating Systems lead to Trailer Failures

(Continued from page 8) travel trailers have a 25 to 40 percent in a future article I will share what I subtracting the actual boat and trailer safety factory and they don t get their have learned about tires. weight from the GVWR of the trailer, wheels wet! then dividing by the GVWR and mul- In a previous article I shared my ex- tiplying by 100%. Remember that perience with axles and bearings and The 4½ Day Chesapeake Trip 1999 By John Coppedge approved by Boss (Susan Coppedge)

The weather forecast for the Chesa- slips over. After settling up, we drove suppose a layer of fresh water on top peake area was for summer conditions up to West Marine at Heritage Harbor of the salt may not be uncommon here - temperatures in the 80s and sunny. for a free sun faded canvas bag, and that would freeze at 32F. We Not bad for the middle of October. charts, and other minor stuff like bu- motored by one example, however, a Having loaded The Muddy Wench, tane for the stove. The people we met defunct lighthouse with a permanent our MacGregor 26X, on Thursday were very friendly and helpful tilt of about 45 degrees we really night, we left work at noon on Friday doubted they built it that way. We set out noting some really shallow and were underway by 1:30. Seven water in the channel out to the bay. We anchored near Oxford for lunch. hours later, we arrived at Breezy We wondered how some of the big We were not even tempted to jump in Point Marina (found on the Internet) boats in the marina ever got out. No despite the sunny, mild weather. and were gratified that the combina- wind, so we cranked up Rudy (the There were literally thousands of tion number for the gate lock we got small jellyfish all around over the phone the night the boat a regular school - before actually let us in. and I heard somewhere that Breezy Point is south of An- swimming among jellyfish napolis on the western shore would not be a pain free of the Chesapeake chosen experience. After lunch, we because it is one of the boat continued exploring, motor- ramps on the Chesapeake, ing up Trippe Creek check- which is closest to Cleve- ing out possible anchorage land, OH. We were also spots for the night. There happy about the directions was still no wind so we mo- we got during that same tored back to the Choptank, phone conversation since north up Broad Creek and the directions from two dif- into Santo Domingo Creek. ferent Internet systems This area is really quite guided us to within 10 miles Evinrude motor named by the Boss), pretty, with lots of coves and little of the marina and then said, drive to and took off across the bay to the inlets to explore, but often not much your destination . Forty minutes later Choptank River. I have to admit 10 water. Minimum draft was really an we were sipping cold duck and look- to 15 knots capability is great for advantage there. ing up at the stars. times like this. From a PBS show, I Santo Domingo Creek had a bunch of We must have been very tired since knew wintertime ice has regularly fishing boats anchored there, which, we awakened to the marina manager knocked over or destroyed most navi- we reasoned, might nosily head out banging on the hull wanting his gation aids that were built on pilings before we wanted to be awake the money before he left for the Annapo- or other foundations, but found it hard next morning, so we motored to lis boat show. Apparently, we had to believe. This is, after all, south of Leadenham Creek past Caulk Cove slept through 3 or so hours of fisher- Cleveland and brackish water at that. and found a secluded anchorage. men launching their boats just two It ought to be harder to freeze, but I (Continued on page 10)

Clipper Snips Page 9 Summer 2001

...The 4½ Day Chesapeake Trip 1999

(Continued from page 9) dered take out After abandoning 3 potential anchor- Secluded, protected anchorages ages since they were not up to stan- That evening, we anchored off Wye abound around here. dard we ended up anchoring in Hud- River in Lloyd Creek. We had a son Creek for our last night. The next day, there was wind. We really decadent night. The Boss had sailed out of Broad Creek into the bought a $10 battery powered TV at a The last morning found us with a Choptank under reefed main and house sale. We kept it on the boat dead main battery. We switched over jenny. The ride was a little bumpy. reasoning it might be useful for to the second battery, which was also We motored through Knapps Narrows watching the news and seeing what dead. Starting a 48 hp motor with a on Tilghman Island where we found a the weather map looked like. We rope is no fun, but I have gotten good ~35 ft sailboat hard aground in the ended up watching a movie! In our at it. A few weeks later I found out channel with the stiff wind attempting defense, night falls early that time of the AB switch was wasting 2 amps to blow him into even shallower wa- year and it hasn t happened again. when on and leaked between both ter. We found out later that the draw- Large helicopters kept circling around batteries when set to A or B. We fi- bridge operator had been telling eve- overhead that made us wonder if there nally made it through a season with- ryone there was plenty of water in the had been a jailbreak. It wasn t until out having to pull start the motor by channel. According to our depth we got back that we learned about the getting a new higher capacity main sounder, there was, if you hug the red Wye Peace Accords. battery and adding a low amp anchor channel marker close enough to risk light (.07 amp). We carry a car bat- The next morning (Monday), it was your paint (or wax) job. Anywhere tery that is totally disconnected from overcast and there was very little else, you were lucky to get 2 ft. Any- the electrical system in case the main wind so we explored up the Wye how, we tossed the poor guy a line battery goes dead. Just because we River. We found a beautiful anchor- and attempted to pull him off. 48 hp are paranoid does not mean the uni- age near Dividing Creek for future wouldn t budge him, so we had to verse is not out to get us, so the fact reference. By 11, it was raining abandon the attempt. The tide was that we are prepared for a dead main lightly and we tried to go through ebbing, so the poor guy had quite a battery means it will probably stay Kapps Narrows again (the 35 ft. boat wait. charged and, so far, it has. was gone), but just missed the bridge We sailed north outside the Poplar (it had just closed). We turned around On first appearance, this trip was in- Islands past a crew that was laying and started heading toward Dunn sane. We drove 14 hours to spend 3 pipe to Eastern Bay. Then Rudy took Cove. By now, it was raining pretty days on the water. The Chesapeake over and we motored up to the St. hard. Since we had to leave the next was a neat area and we had a ball ex- Michael's Maritime Marine Museum. morning anyway, we decided to just ploring the rivers, inlets, and towns. You can tour a screw pile lighthouse go back to Breezy Point and pull out We traveled about 140 miles averag- and see other interesting stuff. The early. Naturally, about a 1/4 of the ing 45 miles a day. It was a great Boss wanted crab from a local restau- way across the bay, the rain quit and way to ignore the end of summer for a rant that is known for it, so we or- the sun came out so we turned around. little longer.

My boat has a bilge pump with an likely to hit anything; and then it hap- pump was or the water quality of automatic switch which activates pened. what was being sprayed in her direc- whenever the water level rises above Just as the boat reached the booth, a tion. I just kept driving, hoping I a certain level. jet of water spurted from the side of wouldn t have to explain bilge pumps As I and my sailing partner Nick the boat and splashed all over the low to a state trooper. Teliha were trailering on the Florida door of the toll booth. Some water I did describe what had happened to Turnpike, I pulled into the toll booth must have surged into the bilge, trip- Nick, and like a couple a kids we both and paid the toll for my four-axle rig. ping the switch and pumping the jet dissolved into laughter. A pleasant-looking middle-aged lady of water overboard. In the days and weeks that followed took my money and I pulled away I saw the whole event in my rear- we enjoyed a great cruise along the from the booth. I kept an eye open view mirror and it didn't look very coasts of Florida while remembering through the rear-view mirror to en- inviting. I m quite sure that the lady the tip we get the toll collector sure that the boat and trailer was not in the booth had no idea what a bilge Guy Hubbard

Clipper Snips Page 10 Summer 2001

From the T/SA Web Discussion List John Coppedge, Board Moderator

The following is a synopsis of the intimidate us. I pretended I had nothing entrance fee to the park is waved if you threads on the board that are, I think, to do all day, except argue with the are using the boat ramp. of interest to the most people. Due to Guarda, until they saw it my way. On We found the keys to be a strange space considerations, the attempt was the passage back from Cuba, 150 nm in combination of deserted marinas (we made to condense the information into 42 hours, we ran into a wide variety of were the only cruising boat at John the allowable space. The full text post- wind conditions. In the middle of the Pennecamp and one of about 4 at Bia ings are archived to members of Gulf Stream, we got hit with 25 knot Honda) and crammed anchorages (Key TRAILSAIL at http:// winds and 12-17 foot waves. Twenty West was a zoo and most ID d anchor- groups.yahoo.com/group/trailsail. hours later, we ghosted into Key West ages had lots of boats, but with our with just a breath of wind. Mike and Jan Collins leave the Keys minimal draft, we were able to find Boca Grande FL relatively deserted places). We sailed Dave Craigie: Mike and Jan have almost all the way to Key West (except wintered aboard their S/V Y-Knot at Robert D Hodgson: We drove down for areas with narrow unfamiliar chan- Banana Bay Marina on Marathon in to Boca Grande today and lunched at nels) and made there in 3 days with our the FL Keys for many years. They the "Loose Caboose". Nostalgically, sailing speed bouncing around between have hosted and helped more T/S's find we remembered its quiet village atmos- 5 and 7 knots with winds ranging from their way to the Keys, Joyce and I in- phere during the years when we took abeam to aft. Took the fast cat to Dry cluded, than any other member I know. our boat there. Those carefree days Tortugas (2.25 hours each way at 27 Mike has made reservations for mem- cannot be relived because the town is knots - leave at 8AM and back by bers, helped them set up, scrubbed so packed and the docks we rented at 5PM). We would be very tempted to many boat bottoms it gives me calluses "Uncle Henry's Marina" are now occu- do that again. just to think about it and always asked, pied by large - some huge - yachts "what else can I do?" This year, after whose affluent owners book their After three nights in Key West, with over fifty years of marriage they made spaces year round. There are no va- the forecast suggesting higher east the decision to return to land. They cancies and there won't be any. The winds and rain, we cheated and mo- have found a nice Florida style home Dock master, Paul Robbins, recalled tored back to Islamorda at 10 knots in the Stuart FL area where they will visits by the T/S A members. I told (wind was on the nose anyway) and spend their winters. I know my sincere him how much we'd enjoyed staying in spent the windy cloudy day at anchor. thanks go out to them for all the pleas- his marina and he truly regrets no Other than a dingy ride into town and a ure they have given us and if you know longer being able to accommodate us. VERY wet ride back. Mike and Jan, I know you will feel the Five thousand extra docks are needed For the first time, the forecast was for same. I am sure that Mike will still be along the coast. One new feature: at winds in the 10-knot range, so we mo- anxious to talk to anyone about sailing long last a new pumpout has replaced tored back up to Angelfish Cut and an especially the Keys and Jan will the old one, which never worked. sailed to John Pennecamp and were happily show you how to do rubber- Florida Keys able to do some snorkeling on the trip stamping and how to live aboard a back the next day. small S/V. Good Luck (to them) on John & Susan Coppedge: We used this new adventure and God Bless. the ramp at Homestead Convoy Point - It was an active trip with the GPS David and Joyce a state park. They have lots of ramps, claiming we had traveled 350 to 400 a lighted parking lot, and roving secu- nm. Cuba rity. The ranger wanted our car and Joseph T. Orinko: We rented a Curt + Nancy Naegeli: We were told trailer info so the security guards 'treetop cottage" on Conch Key (1/2 where we could anchor and where we would know it was not abandon and way between largo and Key West). It could go and were searched upon en- they made a big point that they would included the use of a Catalina 22. It tering and leaving each port. Most of not be responsible for any theft or van- was a week s rental, and had a distance the cruisers we met, hated Cuba, and dalism problems (which has happened limit of 10 NM - about to Marathon fled in all directions. We had a good once in something like 6 years). The time and didn't let the Cuban officials ramp and storage was FREE - even the (Continued on page 12)

Clipper Snips Page 11 Summer 2001

...From the T/SA Web Discussion List

(Continued from page 11) "Big Bad Gulf Stream", to the Baha- little tricky but less so for shoal draft- and Islamorada, and a clause about mas, was no big deal. After a month ers. Essentially, you must stay south small craft warnings. of "Life, Bahamian Style", WOW, we of the entrance then motor along the went back to Florida with a new defi- beach until in the harbor. Our week was perfect tourist weather nition of provisioning. Southeast wind (land lubbers don't care about 25mph The entrance to Cat is also tricky but got us going back to the Bahamas, winds). We got out twice, sailed by a easily done. Get a cruising guide. this time, fully provisioned. bottlenose dolphin and a sea turtle. Clearing in was easy but expensive. Rest of week we did the tourist things Bahamas biggest and largely undis- We paid a $100.00 cruising fee that - like auto driving to Key West. covered island, Andros, drew us with included a fishing license. intrigue. We anchored at the base of All totaled it was nice, flying and not an estuary, near a low tide whirlpool We had two weeks and had great having to trail all that way, but it's not (only accessible by vessels with less plans to sail to Abaco, but the easterly like having your own boat there. For than 3 feet of draft at high tide) where wind was consistent and strong at info about 2 cottage/sailboat rental I caught Red Snapper. about 30 kts. It quickly became obvi- locations, contact Joe & Sue. ous that we couldn't get there and At Little Harbor Key, we agreed that Canada & Booze back to Miami in the remaining time we had found paradise: Conch, Fish, unless the weather remained perfect Curt + Nancy Naegeli: The law beautiful beaches, aqua colored water which, of course, it usually doesn't states 40 oz. of hard liquor or 24 bot- and Guinness Stout. WOW! when you need it to. tles of beer. Motorhomes may have Max Miller: Mandy and I crossed several types of liquor that may add The easterly wind was so strong, in the stream from Miami to Bimini last up to more than 40 oz. This is OK as fact, that boats were getting pinned June in a chartered 32 footer. We mo- long as the person(s) are not trying to beam against the piers in Bimini Har- tored out of the MacArthur Causeway bring in several bottles of the same bor. at 0300 arriving early afternoon. You kind of liquor. want to arrive in daylight so that you Markers are few in the Bahamas. You Bahamas can see your way in. have to read the water and if the wind is rippling the surface, you can t see Curt + Nancy Naegeli: Crossing the The entrance to Bimini Harbor is a the bottom. If you anchor, you might

New Trailer/Sailors Association Web Site Mike Nelson

By the time you read this, the new Classified ads (only members ads to have the web site complement, not TSA website should be up and run- will be listed, but anyone can buy) replace, Clipper Snips. The web site ning. The url is: Cruise announcements is good for very recent information, Ramp information because it can be updated immedi- www.trailersailors.org. ately, whereas Clipper Snips only Table of contents from a recent comes out 3 times a year. Clipper Snips (to entice prospec- The co-webmasters are Diana and tive members) Over time the site will grow to in- Mike Nelson. As you have probably Membership application form clude more information. The site is read by now, Mike has handed over (printable and downloadable) for TSA members, but we also hope it the editorship of Clipper Snips to Joe Link to the TSA e-groups discus- will also help attract new members. If Orinko. sion group you have suggestions for content, or contributions, please send them to: . The initial site will contain the fol- Tips and techniques lowing pages Most of this material will also be [email protected] Home--with current TSA news printed in Clipper Snips. The plan is

Clipper Snips Page 12 Summer 2001

Clipper Snips Page 13 Summer 2001

Clipper Snips Page 14 Summer 2001

North Channel 2001 Cruise: Spanish to Parry Sound One Way John Clement

This is a two-week, one way trip from Eric (now 13) will be along for at approx. Cdn $35. There is a new Spanish to Parry Sound, through some least his 10th Georgian Bay cruise 2001 edition for Georgian Bay just of the world s best cruising grounds (we've lost track), and welcomes fel- issued. for trailerable sailboats. On arrival low kid-explorers, fisherfolk & fire- The Ports guides provide excellent we will charter a small bus to take a wood scroungers. detail, aerial colour photos, and useful driver from each boat back to retrieve Cruising Guide background information, plus hints on trailers & tow vehicles for pull-out at boating safety re local conditions. Can Parry Sound. (Strongly recommended): "PORTS be bought at most marinas and boat Cruising Guide to Georgian Bay, The The area supply places in Canada and, I m told, North Channel & Lake Huron". (I in the northern US or can order on- The North Channel is a relatively pro- have no affiliation other than as satis- line from "The Nautical Mind" book- tected area north of Manitoulin Island in Georgian Bay of Lake Huron. It North Channel 2001 One Way Cruise Plan offers great fresh water sailing, quiet anchorages, lots of interesting islands Sunday July 15 Launch at Spanish, Ontario, where there is a and gunkholes, and excellent sailing good ramp, local parking, and a friendly for trailerable boats. For more infor- helpful marina staff. The cruise will begin mation see the spring 2001 issue of that evening with the traditional pot-luck Clipper Snips or contact me. dinner on shore near Spanish. Comments: Monday July 16 Benjamins and/or Croker; It's a tough to choose between these favorite anchorages We have tried to build in a bit of at both islands. flexibility, to accommodate for per- sonal preferences and for any adverse Tuesday July 17 Little Current (Spider Bay Marina). (this is weather. The schedule may be also an alternate launch site. Kids love the viewed as a reasonable guide to tv/vcr. Parents enjoy a restaurant meal where/when the cruise will be at any Pumpout, gas, groceries, etc, etc) given time, but not as a rigid agenda. Wednesday, July 18 McGregor Bay (shorter distance option: At any time we normally expect to be Heywood Is); NE McGregor Bay is the new within VHF range of the locations favourite anchorage for Taranui s first listed. We normally plan a net at mate. Serene, beautiful, Lots of fish. both 9 am and 9 PM, and announce Thursday, July 19 McGregor Bay (lay day, rest and explore) the net channel on Channel 16. Dur- ing the nets we discuss and agree Friday:, July 20 Covered Portage/Killarney (pump-out, gas, on the plans for the next day. shopping) Saturday, July 21 Fish and Chips at Killarney then on to either As we reminded cruisers last year, most trailer sailors value serenity on Bad River or Muskrat Bay North Channel cruises. These are Sunday, July 22 Bad River or Bustards events for those who enjoy nature, Monday, July 23 Lay day fun, and quiet family times, and who like to sail and visit in the company of Tuesday, July 24 Britt, Byng Inlet (pump-out, gas, groceries) a fine and friendly group of fellow Wednesday, July 25 Shawanaga Is. sailors. The N.C. cruise is probably Thursday, July 26 Parry Sound, Big Sound Marina. (full shop- not suited to those who prefer to party ping etc) late and loud, or who like the sound of jet skis. We usually have several Friday:, July 27 Back to Spanish for vans/trucks/trailers boats with kids and they have a great Saturday, July 28 Haulout and set off for home time exploring on land and by dinghy, fied customer for many years). Cost (Continued on page 16) fishing and swimming, etc. Taranui s

Clipper Snips Page 15 Summer 2001

...North Channel 2001 Cruise

(Continued from page 15) earnest we may find that changes boat anyway, just bring them in store in Toronto: http:// need to be made to the float plan. If the dingy), www.nauticalmind.com/guides.html you contact me we ll keep you in- a whistle or other sound device. formed about any revisions to the Crew available: Ontario expects boats to pump out plan. Last year we had a couple of boats their heads/portapotties at approved Coming north across the border? that were looking for crew. This year locations. According to Dept of the the situation is reversed and we have A general overview: Bring suitable Environment regulations, heads/ a (T/SA member) hopeful portapotties should be potential crewmember look- Sunday 7/15 through Saturday 7/28 permanently fas- ing for a berth. He describes One Way Cruise Spanish to Parry Sound tened (some use a cou- himself as a 61-yr. old ex- ple of screws that can be perienced small boat sailor who is ID, ownership and insurance papers backed off when there is also a backpacker & outdoorsman but etc for vehicles and boats. If you a need to remove pp from the boat), has no real cruising experience as yet. have not brought your boat north be- and connected to a deck-mount pump- Contact me to be put in touch. fore we can put you in touch with out. This is not a difficult task to rig someone experienced, for advice. up if your boat is not yet so equipped. Options for Side Trips Thetford portapotties, for example, Dogs OK with proof of current vacci- Taranui and Rosa~Linda are consid- have available a pump-out top fitting nations (including rabies). No guns. ering transiting the Trent Severn Wa- exchangeable with the main top screw Reasonable food/drink supplies for terway to Georgian Bay on Sun 8th plug. This allows pumping out, but personal consumption, but don t bring and continuing by water to Spanish to also removing the pp when this is the full bar . Fishing licenses are join the cruise. We expect to meet up needed. Having said the above, we required, and can be bought at any with Bell s Toil and His Idea II at know of no trailer sailor who has had large sporting outfit, hardware store Britt en route. (Yep, Wayne and Deb- a problem re head regulations. Note: etc. (e.g. Canadian Tire). There is a bie just could not resist the lure of pump-outs are widely available and lower cost short-term visitor s permit Georgian Bay and have changed their are normally not expensive. We in- available. plans to come along). Other boats sist on responsible disposal during T/ would be welcome to join. Canada has expectations re safety SA cruises. No bush dumping equipment on ALL boats including please. Last year Taranui cruised from Parry dinghies. You should have a dinghy Sound to Midland, then from Midland Please contact me with any questions safety kit including: down the Trent-Severn waterway to or suggestions, or if you think you Lake Simcoe. We enjoyed it so much oars (you have these normally), may join any or all of the 2001 North Channel Cruise. we plan to do it again after the main a waterproof flashlight (even a cruise, instead of hauling out at Parry tiny one will do), Hope you can join us. Sound. We d invite those with enough a 50 ft floating throwing time to join us, and will find a way to John Clement line (can make this out of float- P23 #182, "Taranui" retrieve the trailers for any who are ing yellow line plus a plastic bot- able to come. Aurora, Ont. tle with a bit of sand or water in it [email protected] Comment on water levels for heft ), Water levels remain below historical PFDs to fit everybody in the din- norms. Once the season begins in ghy (you have these in your big

Alternative North Channel Cruise: Don Ziliox will not be making the above one way cruise. Don Ziliox He will be sailing the North Channel at a date not deter- 1340 Elmdale NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 mined when Clipper Snips went to press. Interested Phone (330) 854-3796; cruisers can contact him for more information: email through Randy Benens at [email protected]

Clipper Snips Page 16 Summer 2001

Florida Keys Sabbatical Cruise Ferd Johns

I left our home in Bozeman, MT at to install them in the tightly packed permitted me to begin my research in midday on 29 January 2000. The confines of the van hood. The accom- earnest. Galveston, New Orleans, 1991 GMC conversion van had been panying conversation proved Eric had Panama City, Seaside, Apalachicola, checked and everything repaired ex- been a merchant mariner, a pig Yankeetown, Tarpon Springs, Sara- cept for a slightly noisy alternator. farmer, a stock handler, a mule rider, sota, Naples, Marco Island, the Ever- The mechanic (probably motivated by and had once owned and sailed a glades National Park, and then di- guilt at the already sizable bill) and I Contessa 26 extensively. He offered rectly to Marathon, arriving midday decided it might last out the trip. I me a smoke, and I gratefully took it, Monday 14 - Happy Valentine's Day. drove west to Three Forks (an area of in spite of the fact that I had quit I selected the Marathon Boatyard to Montana which gets little snow) to smoking six weeks ago. That ciga- be the recipient of major contributions pick up Surprise (Oday 23), and then rette was the first of many. I was for the use of their yard and Travel- hit Interstate 90 east. Trailer bearings back on the road by 1830, just as Lift. They are great folks - not cheap, had been repacked, and four new tires darkness and bitter cold enveloped us, but knowledgeable and friendly - and fitted. I had just crested the first pass, and Eric was $40 better off. NAPA right next door to West Marine. I only 15 miles east of Bozeman, when did considerably better than Eric, but managed to find a cheap ($65/night) the van alternator seized up room at the tiny Siesta with a shriek, shredding a Motel just across from the brand new serpentine belt airport. Captain Pip's (which drives the water (just across the street pump, air conditioning and from the Boatyard) power steering as well as agreed to store the van the alternator), and burst and trailer for $65/month, into flames under the hood. and I was in business. All A portable extinguisher took it takes is $. care of the fire, and I alter- nated between coasting with I spent the rest of the the engine off and short week installing the new spurts of power to limp into motor mount, rigging, an old style Montana "truck stepping, launching and stop" just as the last drop of completing other essential tasks including provision- antifreeze steamed out of the radiator. Ferd s Trailering routes. An ancient Toyota truck, its rotting ing in preparation for Annapolis body held together with scrap sheet they took plastic. What a start! sailing buddy Don Hurd's arrival at metal and rusty screws, pulled up, and 0230 Saturday 19 February. We de- The next several days were spent out- cided to sleep in a bit, and get under- I met Eric. "You goin' sailing? running a winter storm, which chased Where?" After a brief rather dis- way after a MacDonald's breakfast me through Wyoming, Colorado, and Conch Cafe lunch. tracted chat, Eric pulled over to his New Mexico, and west Texas. Pull- 1949 motor home complete with ing (and stopping) 4,000+ lbs. of The following account of our Tortu- homemade wind generator, hesitated boat, equipment, and trailer in the gas trip is covered in even greater de- for a minute, and returned. "I'm a bit mountains in winter can be very excit- tail, because you might find some of down on my luck. Maybe I could ing. Only one lane of the Interstate the info helpful if you ever plan a help you out, and then you could help was plowed through Wyoming, which similar cruise. I am always frustrated me a bit. I've got tools". It was 1435 made passing situations equally excit- when I cannot determine times of on Saturday afternoon, tomorrow was ing, but roads were good elsewhere. year, weather, transit times, etc., from Sunday, and I was five miles from the The bad weather prompted me to skip accounts of Trailer Sailor cruises I nearest NAPA store without transpor- several places I had originally wanted would like to emulate, so have I erred tation. Eric and I removed the old to photograph and document, but by (probably greatly) on the side of pro- alternator, drove his truck to pick up a the time I got to Galveston on 3 Feb- viding more info. rebuild and a new belt, and struggled ruary, improving weather conditions (Continued on page 18)

Clipper Snips Page 17 Summer 2001

...Florida Keys Sabbatical Cruise...

(Continued from page 17) We crossed the Key West shipping reality - due to recent shoaling) and We left Marathon Boatyard under channel at 1645, and observed sunset carefully threaded the rather confus- power, fully provisioned (a "no ice" at 1822. The steadily rising but still- ing maze of channel markers leading cruise) including 16 gallons of gas favorable wind, predicted by NOAA around the western edge of the fort. and 22 gallons of water, at about 1430 to increase to between 15-20 knots, We approached the southwestern har- on Saturday 19 February. There will encouraged us to reef the main just bor entrance at 1100. Once inside, we be no fuel, water, provisioning or re- off Satan Shoal at 1703, and we were better protected from the seas pair facility anywhere for the entire passed between Cosgrove Shoal and and the wind, which was at least 25 one hundred and fifty-mile round trip Marquesas Rock at 2140, having knots steady and gusting higher by beyond Key West. With the Boot shifted into our night watch routine--- now. It still took several attempts to Key bridge right around the corner three hours on and three off. The lack solidly set the Bruce anchor in the from the narrow marina entrance ca- of a compass binnacle light and shallows just south of Bird Key. We nal, Don was trying to explain that a clouds obscuring the stars made hold- were in good company, with the com- VHF call rather than horn signals was ing a good course a bit stressful, and mercial fishing fleet and several lar- the current procedure to get bridges to the steadily increasing wind and ger sailing and power yachts. We open. During the discussion, another building seas prompted us to drop the decided to eat, read and sleep away boat approached, the bridge opened, jib at the 2200 watch-change to avoid the rest of the day and night. We had and we followed her out Boot Key future trips to the foredeck in the made it! Over 100 miles from Bahia Harbor channel. dark. Honda in 22 hours in a 23' boat. It was sunny, almost hot, but a slight Surprise, although not heeling exces- Our next day included: quartering breeze allowed us to sail sively, really began to thrash over the a brisk row ashore, (just barely). Ferd persevered until steep waves. Don was having real 1730, fired up the Suzuki again, mo- trouble sleeping in the V-berth cabin a relaxed and informative self- tored through the cut at Bahia Honda forward (his and finally got the 13 pound Danforth choice), with all to "sort of" catch in the terrible hold- of the motion and ing ground in the lee of the old bridge noise. We found abutment off the beach. The Bruce ourselves consis- might have been a wiser choice in the tently adjusting eelgrass and silt bottom, but winds our heading were so light that, despite the infa- northward at mous current through the cut, we every half hour were still there in the morning. The fix to compensate squalor and disorganization in the for the large Landfall at Ft Jefferson cabin were astounding, but we man- amount of south- aged a quick and dirty dinner, a sound erly set and leeway due to current, guided tour of historic Fort Jeffer- night's sleep, breakfast and some titi- seas, and our inefficient sail configu- son, vation(?) before getting underway ration. We never saw Rebecca Shoal a one-minute $30 radiotelephone under power at 0845. We motored light, but spotted a strange white light reassurance call to Don's wife (and "sort of" sailed at times) west south of our course, which the chart Diane, south west in the Straits of Florida at didn t show The dawn, however fee- opportunities to be smugly conde- 5 knots, picking up marks just where bly breaking, brought its usual com- scending to the horribly seasick the GPS predicted. The fitful morn- fort at 0610, although there was noth- day-trippers who had ridden the ing wind increased and steadied ing in sight but water churned into huge power catamarans out from enough for a decent broad reach by steep five-to six-foot seas. Fort Jef- Key West, and noon, and at 1500 we made the joint ferson on Garden Key appeared, just a marked drop in wind velocity decision to pop into Oceanside Ma- where it was supposed to be. At by afternoon. rina (just east of Key West) to top off 0930, after much discussion, we by- Most of the fishing fleet left by noon, fuel tanks and then head non-stop for passed the north entrance (which was the Tortugas. closed - again, not on the chart, but in (Continued on page 19)

Clipper Snips Page 18 Summer 2001

...Florida Keys Sabbatical Cruise...

(Continued from page 18) bow dropped off the crest of each Just after Ferd relieved Don, the port- although NOAA was now predicting steep eight-foot sea. able toilet broke free of its moorings 18-25 knots NE, and a large group of At 0140 the centerboard pennant sud- and the two components separated. overdue sailors on 35-45 footers (with denly sucked down to its knotted bit- What effluent spilled, was all at the strong diesel auxiliaries, no doubt) ter end and the boat stalled without head of Don's bunk, so he had to were planning to leave for Key West steerage or forward motion. Don twice struggle aft to the thrashing in mid-afternoon. We had intended to could not retrieve the pennant while cockpit on hands and knees carrying a wait out the weather in safe harbor (a tending the tiller. Going topside, Ferd heavy, awkward, sloshing two-handed good plan), but herd instinct and the was instantly awakened by several load. The toilet tanks spent the rest of rapidly dropping wind eroded our re- heavy doses of green water which the night sliding around under the solve, so, after much discussion and greeted him as he came on deck. He helmsman's feet until somewhat supposedly thoughtful consideration, too was unable to retrieve the pen- calmer conditions permitted their re- we decided to try to sail back during nant. There were anxious discussions assembly and re-stowage. At 0420 a this apparent lull (a bad plan). We of worst case scenarios over the brightly lit coastal tanker passed thought the weather on the way over down the starboard side at about 1500 had been bad. We had a lot to learn. yards making about 12-15 knots to- The beginning was perfect. We left ward Key West. I hope she came that the anchorage under power at 1550, close to verify that we were all right, and set sail at 1610 just off Iowa but I wonder if she even saw us at all. Rock. We were initially able to just We had really drifted southward, and hold our desired track of 095 at 4+ at the 0500 fix, tacked to come to a knots with a reefed main plus 110% heading of 030 to bring us back jib, and Rebecca Shoal light appeared within the outer reef (Don works for right where it was supposed to be at the NSA, so an unanticipated stop in 1950. The wind was rapidly increas- Ft. Jefferson National Park Havana would have been more than ing in strength, so we dropped the jib embarrassing). for night safety. We could only hold shriek of the wind and the unremitting The light of dawn only allowed us to 120 without a foresail (why hadn't I pounding of the hull; perhaps the see how steep the constantly breaking ordered that storm jib?), and it was board had parted company with the waves were, and to note that during very slow going with a lot of leeway, keel in spite of its recent overhaul, the night the new Danforth had been but we were still riding reasonably and was simply being dragged along washed overboard from its steel comfortably at this point, so we re- below by the pennant. Finally, sev- mounts on the bow pulpit. It was still signed ourselves to a tedious slog and eral hard pulls followed by a last- far too rough to motor--the prop set the night watch. It got worse and ditch all-out snatch brought the board would seldom even touch the water. worse. The wind increased to a up, the helm began to respond, and The dinghy needed bailing again, but steady thirty with higher gusts, the we were under a bit of control again. by 0830 conditions had moderated seas continued to build, short and There was a sharp kink in the wire enough for us to motorsail, in spite of steep because of the shallow Quick- section of the pennant; the pennant frequent cavitation (thank you, Suzuki sands to the north. Waves began to must have snagged a lobster pot, engineers) and an occasional thunder- break over the cockpit. At 0120 Don which acted as an effective anchor ous fiberglass-stressing drop from the noticed the dinghy was swamping, until the wire finally sawed through crest of a rogue wave (thank you, and after dragging it alongside and the buoy line, releasing us. We could O'Day). The new outer reef light hanging over the coaming (well har- see nothing. tower structure was finally sighted, nessed, of course) to bucket-bail at Just at that moment, the ship's oil confirming our GPS position, and the the peak of every other wave, an ex- lamp chimney parted company with wind and seas continued to moderate hausted Ferd headed below for some the lamp and shattered, depositing somewhat as we headed for shelter in off-watch sleep. He was immediately tiny glass shards all over the cabin the Marquesas. An exhausted pair dead to the world despite the increas- sole. Ferd pitched them over the side finally pulled into the entrance to ingly violent motion and booming (to leeward) before finally crawling Mooney Harbor (21 long hours to crashes of the fiberglass hull as the into his madly lurching bunk at 0220. (Continued on page 20)

Clipper Snips Page 19 Summer 2001

...Florida Keys Sabbatical Cruise...

(Continued from page 19) with ramming by an enormous motor- Keys; maybe impossible. cover only forty five "crow flight" yacht whose slip we had inadvertently Don decided to wait to snorkel, so it nautical miles from Fort Jefferson) blocked. He continued to make a was a titivate and dawdle day. Salt and anchored at 1300 near two rafted name for himself by indulging in a bit encrusted sails, clothing and gear commercial fisherman riding out the of additional confusion regarding slip were hosed off with fresh water and weather. assignment and location, but at last hung on the lifelines to dry (they just Don cracked a beer to celebrate, and we were both luxuriating in the spot- love us here), and our bilges were immediately located one hitherto un- less shoreside showers. They were pumped, cleaned and freshened. An discovered glass shard with his bare very welcome (but for some strange "El Cheapo" taxi ride to Marathon got foot, but was so relieved to be rela- reason, wildly rolling). In spite of our us our wheels as well, and we were tively motionless and dry that he just normally penurious tendencies, we really set by either land or sea. It laughed at the extremely bloody re- eventually convinced ourselves that was: this place was well worth the $62 sult. Eat, sleep, read, explore by din- steaks on the park grill, nightly docking fee. After all, it in- ghy--this beautiful and well- protected iced down drinks, spot proved an idyllic contrast to our cluded air conditioned showers, a laundromat, pool and hot tub--all (almost) fresh fruit and salad from available to marina the Marathon supermarket. guests, and all only showers and flush toilets. a few (still rolling) cold fountain drinks, and steps away from the ice cream cones available from epicenter of action eight until five. Tough life! in Key West. Just We spent several more days just re- one more in a series laxing at Bahia Honda, sailing and of interesting yet snorkeling at will, interspersed with highly-contrasting obligatory meals at Monte's Seafood experiences--and all and the Conch Cafe. Don was finally Surprise in the Marquesas enjoyed (or en- (barely) able to fly out of Marathon dured) in the space on Thursday 2 March. T/SA ers recent mini-adventure. We spent 36 of a single week. Marilynne and John Bricker from On- hours there, cleaning up, re-stowing, One more great day in Key West gave tario then arrived in their heavily and checking gear and just plain loaf- us a chance to re-acquaint ourselves modified MacGregor 25 Pershay , ing, before leaving under power for with the touristy pleasures of Duval and were most generous and hospita- Key West on Friday morning. Both Street, Mallory Dock, old Fort Taylor, ble neighbors. wind and seas were right on our nose, the Truman Annex redevelopment The concession staff at Bahia Honda but conditions were moderate, and we (always bittersweet nostalgia for ex- became a second family during this made good progress until we hit a Navy guy Ferd), and to just wander solitary period, and I enjoyed daysail- just-submerged tangle of potwarp, the neighborhoods and docks at lei- ing in and out of the marina whenever which wrapped the prop and stalled sure. the spirit moved (often). I also or- the engine. We hoisted the main and Then it was time to un-moor, gas up dered a bulletproof storm jib from Ferd hung off the stern to operate on (ouch!), and head back to Bahia Abaco Sails in Marathon. John intro- the prop. Once the multiple poly Honda. We powered all the way, duced me to avid Trailer Sailors Leo- wraps were cut free, the engine fired leaving the fuel dock in Key West nard and John in Marathon, and then up immediately (thanks again, Su- Harbor at 0930 and arriving at Bahia my family flew into Miami to join me zuki) and we motorsailed the rest of Honda at 1630, with good naviga- for Spring Break. the way to Key West Bight. The tional marks the whole way. Three VHF didn't work (operator error) for The weather, which had been quite tries to get the Bruce to set well and reasonable, suddenly turned foul. My check-in at the Galleon Resort, so we we gave up and went inside the break- landed temporarily at an unoccupied wife Beth doesn't like Florida, sailing, water to tie up alongside for the rela- or tent camping. She only got to berth so Don could arrange a slip. tively modest fee of $25/night. It's Ferd was subsequently threatened "enjoy" two out of the three in the really hard to beat this place in the (Continued on page 21)

Clipper Snips Page 20 Summer 2001

...Florida Keys Sabbatical Cruise...

(Continued from page 20) got the water pump replaced at Coco duty shortly after noon. It was the windy, hot, muggy conditions, as it Plum Marina (great mechanic for third of April, and it was over. was judged too breezy and rough to Honda and Suzuki), and went back to The second half of the long road trip sail (or snorkel). We four spent time wait out the weekend until the Boat- (11,000 land miles all together - with shopping/eating in Key West, and yard reopened no trailer failures!) allowed me to went to Miami Beach a day early for I drove the van to pick up the trailer at document Coral Gables, Boca Raton, their return flight home. It was very Pip's, loaded up the dinghy, returned Clewiston, Celebration, St. hot, and Ben and Laura (teenagers) to the Boatyard to park the rig, and Augustine, Savannah and Hilton Head were bored and unimpressed. caught "El Cheapo" ($20 Marathon/ SC, Augusta GA, Gloucester VA, Don McLaughlin, a fellow architect Bahia Honda) back to the boat. Early Annapolis MD, and DC. I then made from Bozeman, arrived to crew my Monday morning, and Surprise and I a beeline straight home, power- last week. We just puttered around were underway for the last time this driving to arrive prior to my son Ben's Bahia Honda, enjoying many sails, a trip. That new storm jib was tested on 16th birthday on 6 May. Wow! great snorkel at Looe Key and an air a screaming first reef beat up to Mara- Over three months as a vagabond: I conditioned van trip to Key West. It thon in 20 knots NE and gusty, motor- was glad to have gone, and I was glad was fantastic, but got very hot, espe- sailing at times to point just a bit to be home and back at work. What cially the last two dead still nights. higher. We sadly chugged into the an experience! marina, I dropped her husky stick sin- Finally, it was time to go, but the out- Ferd Johns, 2355 Whitetail, Bozeman, gle-handed (thank goodness for bri- board disagreed, and stopped pump- MT 59715, (406) 586-3298 ing water. I put Don on the bus north, dles and mechanical advantage), and she was hauled and ready for road [email protected] Ramp Report - Savanah, GA & Charleston, SC John Ulmer

When I think of the southeastern In- it may have its nice days, also is not Charleston on the Intercoastal you tercoastal Waterway I think of all good; there is just too much chance of will cruise through historic George- those lucky live aboard sailors that cold weather ruining your cruise. But town and the beautiful Waccamaw move south with the seasons, their in spring and fall the temperatures are River to Myrtle Beach and beyond. boats carrying them down to the land mild and the cruising is delightful. South of Charleston are Beaufort, Hil- of endless summer. It is this gentle, You will find palm covered islands, ton Head and Savannah. cruising way of life of which dreams dolphins visiting your boat, towns full The second ramp is at Savannah, are made. But the reality is that it is a of southern mansions, and lots of Georgia. Launching here will let you darn long trip and it is often cold and friendly people. For those that crave cruise either north toward Beaufort nasty as the winter weather overtakes solitude there are plenty of quiet an- and Charleston or south through the the migrants on their way south. chorages and sandy beaches that mys- sea islands of Georgia to the Florida Trailer/sailors have the advantage teriously appear at low tide. The border. From Beaufort south it is of- over the live-aboards when cruising summer boaters and jet skies are gone ten possible to pick alternate routes the southeast coast. We can quickly and you will have the waterways through the islands, so you can ex- head for the best part of the waterway pretty much to yourself. plore different water on your way and can get there when the weather is A quick look at the charts will show back. at its best. that there are some really good cruis- One way cruises are also possible as This is not an area you would want to ing possibilities south of the North Charleston, Beaufort, and Savannah cruise in the summer. The burning Carolina state line, and I have two are all served by Greyhound buses. sun and high humidity would quickly good ramps to get you on the water Beaufort is located halfway between drain your energy and send you run- where you can enjoy them. Charleston and Savannah and would ning back to the cool waters of the The first ramp is at Charleston, South (Continued on page 22) North Channel. Winter, even though Carolina. If you go north from

Clipper Snips Page 21 Summer 2001

...Ramp Report

(Continued from page 21) comes up too quickly, take the next they will think your rig is abandoned be a good place to end a short cruise turn instead; it will also take you to and tow it away. The marina office is from either of these cities. the ramp. If traffic is too heavy to at the gas dock which is out at the end Beaufort is a delightful town and make the lane change, just go another of the docks. The ramp is wide, con- makes a good stop when you are trav- mile to the traffic light and turn crete, and has a good dock at the end. eling the waterway. It is a joy to walk around so you can come back on the The per day parking fee at the Mu- past the fine old homes on tree shaded north side of the road. (For info call nicipal Marina is pretty high and I streets. It has every convenience that the Savannah Bend Marina at 912- wish I had another ramp to recom- you may need, from a downtown right 897-3625) mend. I do have a report of a ramp at next to the marina to busy shopping CHARLESTON Wappoo Creek - Wappoo Cut, right centers and fast food restaurants. The easiest and safest ramp that I under the old James Island bridge, but There are lots of good public ramps have found in Charleston is at the I have never seen it. The report says on the various rivers and creeks, but Municipal Marina. This is a very the ramp is busy with powerboats and none seem to have safe overnight large complex of boat related busi- jet skies and doesn't have a dock at parking. I know many of the locals nesses located on the Ashley River. the ramp. The report also says there do park overnight, but I would not This is a very popular stop on the sea- is safe overnight parking but it gives feel comfortable leaving my rig at any sonal migration of the liveaboards. no details. If anyone has better infor- of the ramps that I have seen. There is a good anchorage just across mation on this ramp or knows of a While Beaufort may not be a good the river and the marina office seems better ramp with safe overnight park- place to start a cruise, it is an excel- to be where all the migrants gather. ing in the Charleston area, get in lent place to end one. There is good The marina controls the docks and touch with me at the address at the transient dockage right downtown at you should contact them if you will end and I will add it to the list. (For the city marina and a good ramp is need overnight dockage. During the info call The City Marina 843-723- located there as well. You could spring and fall migration they can be 5098 or email them at leave your boat at the dock and take very busy, so call ahead if you need a [email protected] ) the bus back to your car, then have an dock. The ramp is controlled by the SUMMARY easy pull out at the Beaufort ramp. people in charge of the parking lot. Great Lakes sailors need to be aware (For info call the Downtown Marina There seems to be no charge for the of the tides when launching or retriev- at 843-524-4422). use of the ramp itself, but there is a ing a boat along this bit of coast. SAVANNAH fee to get into the parking lot where None of these ramps are any good at the ramp is located. If you plan to low tide, but a 6 to 8 foot tide range The ramp at Savannah is easy to reach leave your rig here you will be and easy to use. It is a public ramp means that at high tide you can launch charged 7 dollars a day for the park- just about anything you can haul in on located right on the Intercoastal with a ing, which can add up pretty quickly. very friendly and helpful marina right a trailer. You will want to know Your rig will be safe, you are right in when high tide is expected so you can next door. They will let you store the yachting center of Charleston. your rig in their fenced and patrolled time your arrival at the ramp. There parking lot for a small fee and they To get there take I-26 into Charleston, is usually only one high tide a day so have transient dockage if you need it. interstate ends at Rt. 17. Go south on you don't want to miss it. You can Rt. 17 for a just a mile or two and turn check the tides on the internet before To get there from Interstate 95 take left on Lockwood Drive. The inter- you leave home by looking up the Rt. 80 exit and just stay on Rt. 80 section has an off ramp and can be HarborTides.com until you reach the launch ramp. This confusing. If in doubt, just follow the This is an area that I ve always will take you right through historic signs for the cruise boats to Ft. Sum- wanted to cruise but have avoided Savannah down some delightful live ter. The marina entrance comes up because I was only free in the (too oak shaded streets to the suburb of quickly on Lockwood Drive and will hot) summer Now, with retirement Thunderbolt. The ramp is on the first be a right at the first traffic light. You close, I will soon be heading south to road on the far side of the Intercoastal must pay to pull in and park. Ask at sample a little southern style cruising. bridge. It is a SHARP left turn, so the toll booth about arrangements for change lanes before you cross the long term parking for the car and bridge; a short road takes you to the trailer. Make sure you notify the marina and ramp. If the left turn parking attendant of your plans or

Clipper Snips Page 22 Summer 2001

Clipper Snips & T/SA Web site Art Contests

Clipper Snips is attempting to in- We want drawings that say 'being a spring 2002 issue of Clipper Snips crease it's graphic content. To accom- trailer sailor is fun'. Soooo, take (converted to black and white) with a plish that we're announcing 2 cruising along the drawing materials on your short description. The photos will art contests. cruising activities this summer. Fig- also appear on the new TS/A web site ure out your picture in your mind in full color. 1. (Junior) Trailer/Sailor (based on your experiences this sum- Submissions (drawings and photos) Drawing contest mer), then 'Draw it up'. Good luck. Clipper Snips will accept entries in 2 Entries must be postmarked/received categories based on age: 2. (Senior) Trailer/Sailor Photo by midnight September 30, 2001 contest Group 1 - age 9 and under Clipper Snips will accept entries in 2 Submissions must represent an origi- Group 2 - age 10 through 12 categories based on age: nal work of art by a T/SA member or Entries are to be original artwork, cre- the family/crew of a T/SA member. Group 1 - age 19 and under ated in 2001 in color (paint, crayon, A text description must accompany marker, etc.) on 8½" by 11" white Group 2 - age 20 and over each submission (who, what, when, paper, and show a Trailer/Sailing ex- Entries are to be original photogra- where, age of artist). perience of this summer of 2001. phy, taken in 2001. One submission per person (send in The TS/A board members will choose Submissions on any size up to 8½" by your best). one winner and 2 runners-up in each 11" (they'll be scanned anyway), and category. show a Trailer/Sailing experience of Scanned graphics can be E-mailed to this summer of 2001 [email protected] The winner will receive a very special T/SA tee shirt and the title 2001 TS/A The T/SA board members will choose Printed submissions must be mailed Junior artist. one winner and 2 runners-up in each to the address below. category. The winning entry and 2 runners-up Good luck to all artists, and have fun will appear in the fall 2001 issue of The winners will receive a very spe- sailing (it will show in your art work). Clipper Snips (converted to black and cial T/SA tee shirt and the title 2001 Joe Orinko white) with a short description. The T/SA Photographer Editor, Clipper Snips drawings will also appear on the new The winning entry and 2 runners-up 433 Lincoln Avenue TS/A web site in full color. in each category will appear in the Erie, PA 16505

Henk Vanderhulst s Spring Issue Pictures Identified

July 2000 July 2000 North Channel Region of Lake Huron Georgian Bay near Killarney Secluded small Needle Bay off Iroquois Bay Covered Portage cove is much favored 81º 32' 48" 46 06' 09" Chart 2206-3 (Can) 81º 32' 48" 45º 59' 56" Can. Chart 2204-5

Clipper Snips Page 23 Summer 2001

MacGregor/Venture Fest 2000 Bob Borden

Mac/Ven Fest 2000 was held on and each sailor contributed a dish to there. A park ranger eyeballed us Cayuga Lake over Labor Day share. Good food and good from his car and apparently not liking weekend. Six MacGregors and Three companionship was the order of the the odds, left in a few minutes. If this Ventures attended, launching at Allen day. is truly the rule, it seems like a waste Treman State Marine Park, Ithaca of a nice facility. Our destination for Saturday night NY. The ramps there are great with was Long Point State Park, 14 miles Sunday morning some of our group ample room to rig, launch and park farther north, on the east shore of sailed across to the northeast (4 to 5 the rigs, and the fee was only $5.00 Cayuga. Due to beating into a strong miles) to visit Goose Watch for the weekend. A long canal leads north wind, it was almost dark when Winery , one of several on the lake. to the lake so there is always calm we arrived. The rest of our group sailed south. water at the (6) ramps. They also have overnight slips Evening brought most of available at the marina. us back together at Norms again for picnic leftovers For the sailors arriving on and fellowship. Some Friday, Taughannock State spend the night at Norm s Park, 6 miles north on the dock and the rest returned west shore, was our to Taughannock. destination to spend the night. There is room for Monday was breakfast at about five boats to tie up at Norm s and with a strong the pier and good anchorage north wind jibs only we for many more. The park is a are back at Allen Treman great place to visit. A ¾ mile in a short time. It was a walk up the gorge takes you fun weekend largely due to to Taughannock Falls with the effort and generous their awesome height and hospitality of our hosts rock formations. The park T/SA boats at LongPoint State Park, Cayuga Lake, NY Norm and Bettye Jennings. also has picnic tables, To them we say thanks so swimming area, bathrooms, and much. Long Point has a nice protected concession stand. D midsummer harbor, which will accommodate Cayuga is my favorite of the Finger there are also concerts every Saturday about 12 boats. It has bathrooms, Lakes largely do to the nice launching night. (No ramps for sailboats). picnic tables and (although we didn't and retrieving facilities at Allen Sailors arriving Saturday sailed need them this time, two Sailboat Treman Park. For more info about directly to Norm and Bettye Jennings friendly launch ramps. Cayuga contact Norm (in the place. Their year around home is 1½ directory) - He ll be glad to fill you There is one catch however, a nasty miles north of Taughannock on the in. little sign that says No over night west shore. Norm grilled burgers, mooring". With our group and others hot-dogs and sausage. Bettye had there were at least 12 boats tied in prepared macaroni & cheese and chili,

I received a request from a newly enrolled old member, She would also suggest we start a Trailer/Sailor Associa- Nancy Thompson. She is 63, single, has sailed for quite tion Single Sailors Subsection. Maybe the association a while, and has several boats including a 25 MacGregor could discuss this, and formalize a procedure for crew Venture, 20 Streaker, 19 Hunter, 16 Mutineer, and a 13 available/sought. Maybe a section of the directory. Or sunfish. She (and perhaps some of her fleet) would like maybe something on the new web site. someone to sail with her.. She s thinking of going to the Send in your comments to me at [email protected] North Channel, but would like some crew.

Clipper Snips Page 24 Summer 2001

Top 10 Reasons for Joining Boat/US

Our accord with Boat/U.S. entitles T/ course/test. I was surprised at 3. Marina discounts. They re S A members to join BOAT/U.S. for my score. about 10% - we ve used it at half-price: $9.50 instead of $19.00 Battery Park Marina in San- 7. BOAT/U.S Towing Service, annually. In return we agree to keep dusky. It worked. which covers on water or trailer- members informed about the services ing, including trailer repairs after 2. Auto rental [Avis, Budget, offered by BOAT/U.S. breakdowns. Reimbursement of Hertz] (they didn t beat Alamo (Move over, Letterman) Below are up to 50% per incident, maxi- in Florida, but we weren t rent- this editor s Top Ten Reasons to mum aggregate of $2,500 per ing a limousine either). Join Boat/US. year. All BOAT/U.S. members 1. Motel discounts If you use a in good standing enjoy this cov- 10. They do a lot of good things for motel room twice per year, and erage. Coverage varies with boaters (even sail boaters). can lower your standards to Days membership fee add-on charge. Whether lobbying in Washing- Inn, Ramada, Howard Johnson, ton, or funding local waterway 6. BOAT/U.S Trailer-Assist Wingate Inn, or Travelodge related projects, this group uses program. Enrollment is $10 (compared to sleeping on 2 its membership money pretty per year, but provides up to $150 foam over fiberglass, they re all well. worth of service. It covers flat nice places to stay) you can eas- tire repair, broken axle, seized ily save the $9.50 cost of mem- 9. Equipment Discounts. BOAT/ wheel bearings, jump-starts, bership. Attending the Annapo- U.S has to be close to West Ma- lockouts, etc. Should your tow lis boat show last fall (our 1st rine and the other discount vehicle or trailer suffer a break- time), we saved $20 on three stores. But for us PA boaters, down, prompt service is avail- nights of Days Inn motels (over they don t have a site in PA, so able by calling the BOAT/U.S. the same rooms without the they don t collect any money for Dispatch Center, which is open Boat/US discount; I checked). I Governor Ridge. 24 hours a day. promptly spent the savings on 8. Web Site (www.boatus.com) my expensive habit (sailing), but 5 BOAT/U.S Magazine. A pretty Their web presence is probably it was real savings. nice little periodical (not Clipper better than most. The site ex- Snips, but they gotta print stuff When you join, find a friend who s plains all the good stuff they do. for the power boaters, too. already a BOAT/US member there It includes close-out items at big is a rewards program in place. reductions. I would particularly 4. BOAT/U.S boat insurance. recommend their on-line boating On The Clipper Snips Horizon...

I d like to gear Fall issues to stories Summer). SA Super Sails-persons. about Southern destinations, so we can Some how to articles describing 2000 Cruising Western Lake all either plan on duplicating them, or at least let them warm our hearts when our problems fixed this sailing sea- Ontario by Tom Larimer. boats are on the hard son. A survey question the results to Some items on the horizon are: A report of record attendance at be printed in the Spring Issue. the association annual dinner (see Comments to the Editor . (We Log of Rose: Sarasota by Mike page 111 for particulars). don t have space for long critical Morris. Regular artic letters; but may consider long Art contests winning entries (in les by feature writers (perhaps complimentary ones). full black and white). some new ones, too). Some great summer 2001 articles A full page directory addendum Have a great sailing summer. (most of these will appear in the of new members; and a list of T/ Spring 2002 issue, to prepare for Joe Orinko

Clipper Snips Page 25 Summer 2001

Trailer/Sailors Association

The Trailer/Sailors Association is a non-profit organization formed more than 15 years ago. Its members provide a exchange of ideas and information about all aspects of sailing trailerable sailboats. Our more than 500 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 spring, summer and winter seasons, is the official publication of the organization, provid- ing cruising articles, association announcements, how-to articles, and free classified ads.

Association Officers:

President: Wayne Bell, 344 Creek Dr., Slippery Rock, Trailersailors.org Webmasters: Mike & Diana Nelson, PA 16057, (724) 794-4704, E-mail: 2717 N. River Rd., Yellow Springs, OH 45387, (937) [email protected] 767-9487, E-mail: [email protected],, [email protected] Membership Treasurer: David Craigie, 101 W. Mar- shall, Midwest City, OK 73110, (405) 741-2555, E-mail: Launch Ramp Advisory: John Ulmer, 659 S. Canal St., [email protected] Box 4101, Canal Fulton, OH 44614 (330) 854-3796, Clipper Snips Editor: Joe Orinko, 433 Lincoln Avenue, E-mail: [email protected] Erie, PA 16505-2449, (814) 456-6469, E-mail: Gizmos, Gadgets, and Galley Column- Debbie Bell [email protected] (ed.), 344 Creek Dr., Slippery Rock, PA 16057 (724) 794- 4704, E-mail: [email protected] Public Relations: Gary Shafer, 812 Pleasant Street, Bir- mingham, MI 48009, (248) 647 0738, E-Mail: TRAILSAIL Discussion Board Leader: John [email protected] Coppedge, 2557 Queenston road, Cleveland, OH 44118 (216) 932-9126 Cruise Recorder: Don Ziliox, 1340 Elmdale NE, Grand E-mail: [email protected] Rapids, MI 49505, (616) 361-8230

PRSRT STD Clipper Snips Editor U.S. Postage 433 Lincoln Avenue PAID Erie, PA 16505-2449 Dayton, OH Permit #966

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Clipper Snips Page 26 Summer 2001