April 2009 Issue 2 Sailorgram Commodore Eric Vasquez 978-521-9017 FROM THE MASTHEAD Vice Commodore Bob Chadwick April 2009 • Eric Vasquez, Commodore 978-373-6106 lthough there are no boats in the water, the Club is very busy behind the scenes.This time Rear Commodore of the year is full of planning, organizing, thinking and re-thinking. In a phrase, we are David W. Hewey A 978-373-6038 “flat-out-busy”. Here, take a look: Secretary To start, I want to thank R/C David Hewey for joining Angela and I to the April 8th.“Mayor’s Gary Gastman 978-462-6533 Social”, held at the North End Boat Club.Attendees were the Harbor Commission, representa- tives of the Coast Guard, our harbormasters, marina owners, and the host club.This is the annu- Treasurer Douglas Cornell al “meet and greet”, and Mayor and AYC Member John Moak led the meeting to talk about cur- 978-474-4323 rent events and to gather feedback from our various community partners. These are the meet- Collector ing minutes: Pamela Mertinooke 978-388-4515 The city would like to have the fireworks for Yankee Homecoming, and need some fundraising to support the event.The fireworks costs around $25k for a 37 minute show.You’ll remember Measurer William R. Gynan last year a fog bank moved in between the light show and us, but as you know, the show must 978-462-1157 go on and it’s slated again for this year. Continued on page 2 Membership Committee Daniel Streeter 978-462-4605 Mooring Committee Gene Piermattei 978-374-7940 House Committee Robert A. Saldarini 978-463-8219 Regatta Committee Bruce Brown 978-521-6802 Entertainment Committee Angela Vasquez 978-521-9017 Activities Committee Rob Brun 978-462-1948 Sailing Camp Sue Manzi 603-474-9644 Steward/Club House 978-465-9053 Looking “fabulous” at the AYC Annual Meeting. Eric Vasquez photo April 2009 Issue 2 FROM THE MASTHEAD continued from page 1 August 13, look for a Friendship Sloop On May 15, the Coast Guard will be using what is called a in the harbor – last year the tall ships “Rescue 21” Radio System. It will give them a better line of brought in about 10,000 people to positioning, it will also identify the many hoaxes they deal the city.There will also be some other with. NY/CA/OR are running it now, and it works well. tall ships coming: the Alabama and The system is 90% reliable with +/- 2° of accuracy. Nothing the Shenandoah in August/September. will change for the boater. Harbormaster Ralph Steele informed Ralph asked for help again in collecting waterway permit the department has purchased three fees. 85% boaters are basically compliant, but it was stated terminals that will accept credit cards that folks who got fines, didn’t get any previous warning; from boaters, so you can now simply fair warning was requested. Ralph informed that he would swipe your card and out comes a circulate a letter outlining the procedure and will give until receipt. These credit card terminals will be at Cashman August 1 to get a sticker. Park and at the Boardwalk. The Harbor Commission will try taking reservations over the phone and hold the reservation Ralph also voiced concern about empty moorings, as there until 6pm with a credit card. The reservation system is new are 100 names on his waiting list.The Harbor Commission’s and at “trial phase” to see how it will work.They will only motto is “use it or lose it”. There is no real definition on use 1/3 of the town dock for reservations. “mooring use”.They are thinking of instituting a regulation that allows you to use the mooring a certain number of Ralph also informed that a new flagpole at Cashman was days, or a certain amount of time that will define “use”. dedicated to Wally Lazinski, who founded the Harbor There was a case with the Inspector General down on the Commission. Ralph said they are replacing 10 pilings (made Cape where empty moorings were reverted back to the of steel ?” thick) at Cashman Park, and they will extend the Harbormaster for re-allocation.They can legally do this, my dock 25’ out into the river to help reduce landing back up. friends. This is reported to be the busiest ramp in the state. State is paying for the project, which will take two weeks for con- Closer to home, our Executive Committee received struction. approval for badly needed Galley improvements; the Regatta Committee has set their annual schedule, and our Chain Bridge is slated to be open May 15, only for cars, not Locker House is seeking a new face lift. trucks. All this can pretty well illustrate that this really is the Mayor Moak spoke about dredging the river, he said most of busiest time of year.What I ask you all to do is join in on all the money is available, and it is slated for late fall or early the fun, 2009 is going to be great! spring. The Mayor is not willing to wait another year for the Fair Winds and Following Seas, dredging, it is costing $2M and the permits required are Commodore Eric T.Vasquez incredible. 170,000 cu.yds. will be coming out of the mouth and deposited on the beach. Landscape Committee Needs You Please plan to give some time on Opening Workday to the Landscape Committee. That morning is our time to clear away what winter has wrought, salvage and repair the courtyard area, the rose bank and the front gardens. Gardening interest/ expertise is always welcome, but not necessary. We need lots of hands to rake, weed and spread mulch. So please bring your rakes, trowels, shovels, pruners, loppers and gloves and lend a hand. Wheelbarrows are especially needed, and we will also have some extra tools on hand. By lunchtime we will have the grounds looking glorious and ready for summer! Thanks for your help, Nancy and Doug Cornell 2 April 2009 Issue 2 A Marion to Bermuda Story submitted by Jim Grenier, Sailorgram Editor CELESTIAL NAVIGATION SEMINAR recently had the pleasure to sit down with Captain Presented by OCEAN NAVIGATOR MAGAZINE IGeorge Duffy who gave me this story for use in the Rescheduled to May 2, and May 3, 2009 Sailorgram. The 2-day Ocean Navigator celestial seminar is a hands-on In the early 1970's George was asked to navigate a 40 course covering basic celestial theory, sight reduction of sun, foot cruiser from Boston named Moon Goddess on the moon, planets, stars, and specialty sights of certain bodies, Marion to Bermuda Race. "It wasn't anything special, just like the noon sun sight and latitude by Polaris. a typical cruiser" said George, "but I couldn't resist the The class covers related topics such as time and time zones, invitation." sight planning, sextant accessories and offshore navigation plotting techniques, especially dead reckoning. Practical The entire crew was outfitted with "team" apparel -- from plotting of each kind of sight, as well as celestial running hat, shirts, jackets, etc. with the boat name. Even neckties, fixes, is covered in detail. Sextant use is discussed during presumably for looking natty when coming ashore in one session, but no sights actually are taken during the Bermuda. In addition to the class.The emphasis is on practical use of celestial naviga- usual accroutrements for a tion, with plenty of pencil and paper work. (Up to a dozen long-distance race, there was sights are reduced and plotted during the weekend, with also an envelope that was numerous additional exercises.) using H.O. 249 and H.O. labeled "OPEN ONLY IN 229 in conjunction with the Nautical Almanac. CASE OF EMERGENCY." Students will find the Introduction to Celestial Navigation seminar to be a comprehensive, yet fast-paced, celestial Like all the other boats, they navigation course. Over the past dozen years, alumni have crossed the starting line navigated in Marion-Bermuda Races and have made numerous and headed south, boiling celestial-only ocean crossings. along as well as a fiberglass Students should bring to class: (1) 2009 Nautical Almanac 40 footer could. George, of (either blue or orange version) (2) Volume 2 of H.O. 249, (3) course, did a fine job of navi- parallel rules and dividers. Optional is volume 1 of H.O. 229. George showing off his “natty” gation using both charts and Marion Bermuda race necktie. Cost: $295 per person sextant. George's skill got them right at the finish line.There were no mishaps or Discounts available for additional family members or multi- disasters along the way. "It was just a nice fine sail with a ple members of the same Marion-Bermuda race crew. nice crew" said George. Class location: Sippican Women’s Club, 152 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738 In the meantime, the crew's wives had flown down to Bermuda to meet their valiant sailors when they finally Instructor:Tim Queeney, Editor, Ocean Navigator Magazine docked.The boat owner's wife asked George about the Web Site: www.oceannavigator.com To register or for more information contact: Dave Jackson, trip and upon learning everything had gone quite well, Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship she asked George to bring her the envelope labeled (207) 236-7014 "OPEN ONLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY." (207) 236-7015 George went below the Moon Goddess, retrieved the [email protected] envelope and returned with it to the woman. "Well, seeing as you didn't need to open it before, you Don’t Miss a Great Race! should open it now." she said.