2010 DRYA Winter Sailing Seminars
January 6, 2010:
“Sailing, Pure and Sometimes Simple”
is a potpourri look at the joys of sailing from four different viewpoints by people who are living their dreams. Chuck Knowles and Margi Schneider are a year round live aboard
couple who regularly leave the daily routine of their Detroit jobs to explore the world from the water. “Skip” Gmeiner has enjoyed growing up on, sailing and maintaining a famous NY 32 classic yacht Apache that has been in his family, and at the DYC, since 1940. John Barbour’s local racing prowess is well known to many of us who have raced the bigger boats; he will share his Mackinac race experiences with us. And finally, Dawn Riley, a local woman who got her start on Lake St. Clair followed her dream to become the pioneering CEO and Captain of America True (America’s Cup Campaign) and one of the best-known sailors in the world. Join us to hear their stories at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on the evening of January 6, 2010 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm for the first seminar in this year’s outstanding series.
January 13, 2010:
“The Weather, Briefly.” Mark Twain said, “Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Lets talk about what we CAN do about it or at least work around it. Weather is presented as a pure science but we can talk about some truths about weather and the environment. Join us at the Edison Boat Club (EBC) on Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00pm, as private sector meteorologist Rick Foltman, a meteorologist for DTE Energy for 28 years, shares his insights on weather on the Great Lakes and how to be prepared for whatever comes our way.
January 20, 2010:
“Basic Trauma and First Aid for Sailors” We all plan for safe and smooth sailing, but as you know, mishaps can and do occur. As we never know which one of us may be the victim, it is important that all on board know what to do and when to call for professional help. Bring your crew and join us as Katherine Pitus, DO, Board Certified Emergency Physician and Fleet Surgeon at NSSC instructs us on how to deal with on-board emergencies. Join us on Wednesday evening, January 20, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the North Star Sail Club for what could prove to be the most important seminar in the current series.
January 27, 2010:
“Introduction to Navigation” Sure, we all have great electronic equipment on board, but what are those displays telling us, and how do we use the data to enhance our sailing experience? Every sailor, whether skipper or crew, should have basic navigation skills. Join Kaye Soka and the members of the Great Lakes Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, January 27 at 7:00 pm as we explore the fundamentals. We’ll review the wealth of information contained on nautical charts and how to use it; aids to navigation; and the magnetic compass. Attendees will receive a listing of helpful navigational resources, plus quick and easy tips and tricks for safe navigation.
February 3, 2010:
“Basic Racing Rules” Sailboat racing is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing. These rules apply to the sport worldwide, and some of them can be baffling. This seminar concentrates on only those rules that the newer sailor needs to understand to enjoy sailboat racing safely. This informative and entertaining seminar again will be led by Ted Everingham, an International Judge, a US SAILING-certified Umpire and Senior Judge and past Chairman of the US SAILING Judges Committee. Join us at the Bayview Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, February 3, 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
February 10, 2010:
“Sailboat Racing Tactics” Al Declercq, of Doyle Sails, Detroit, will discuss racing tactics and make it seem simple as he discusses the gathering of pre-race information, using that information to plan your strategy, and executing your strategy. In addition he will present sail handling techniques that win races. For an evening that may change your standings, join us at the Tompkins Center, Windmill Pointe Park (home of the Grosse Pointe Sail Club), on Wednesday evening, February 10, 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
February 17, 2010:
“Purchasing a Used Sailboat: Perspective of Surveyors & Brokers” Are you considering the purchase of a previously owned (loved) sailboat? Join us for an informed panel discussion on the topic. The panel will include Jeff Desandre (surveyor and restorer), Phil LePage (moderator, sage, and blue water sailor), Jack Reed (broker) and Jack Moorman (surveyor). Topics will include what kind of boat to buy? Why would I want to use the services of a surveyor? The benefits of working with a broker? Hidden caveats of used boat purchases? Should a cruiser consider a used racer? These topics and much more will be covered along with time allocated for questions from the audience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn not only what to consider in the boat you want, but also the strengths and weaknesses of the boat that you already have. Join at the Detroit Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, February 17 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
February 24, 2010:
“An Introduction to Marine Navigation Systems” Today’s navigation systems, both hardware and software, provide a wealth of information. Properly integrated and interpreted, this information can help a sailor be more competitive and safer. This session will provide an overview of the options available for collecting, integrating, displaying and interpreting navigation information. Tim Metcalf, a USCG-licensed Captain and longtime sailor, who owns and operates TCM Marine Electronics Services, will lead this session.
Join us on the evening of Wednesday, February 24, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Edison Boat Club as we learn together what goes into the modern navigation station.
March 3, 2010:
“Engine Maintenance & Trouble Shooting” Everything in sailing is important, but some things are more important and frustrating than others. You may understand this better if you have been in the situation where the engine fails to start or charge the batteries. Warren Roosen of Blue Water Marine will give us some “tools” to help keep us problem-free… and deal with the inevitable… when he discusses the maintenance and trouble shooting of diesel engines. This new offering to the series seminars will be held at the North Star Sail Club on Wednesday March 3, 2010 from 7:00 -9:00 pm.
March 10, 2010:
“Cruising the Great Lakes and the North Channel” This, our last seminar of the season, will bring racing and cruising together as Bob and Linda Cowles, seasoned racers and the originators of the “Cocktail Cruising Class” race from Port Huron to Rogers City, present their experience with this new race and their many years of experience cruising the fabled North Channel. Then, Phil Doolittle will share insights about Great Lakes cruising and the Great Lakes Cruising Club’s support of the cruising community. This should be a most entertaining and informative evening. Please join us at the Ford Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, March 10 from 7:00 -10:00 pm.