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The Sheet
Web site: http://members.aol.com/aksailclub | Email: aksailclub@aol.com
In a hotly contested five race series Ben and Birgitt Robar proved once again that they are very tough to beat on the waters of Big Lake. The wind cooperated and the rain was minimal for the races. Close quarter racing and even collisions were the norm this year. Seconds rather than minutes separated the winners from the runners up.
Megan Gould's friend Irene did an outstanding job in the committee boat by starting races and timing the boats. She was assisted by Dan Gould, Hannah Gould and Kashina. Vice Commodore Tim Gould organized and pulled off the best race series and event this reporter has been to.
The Governor's Cup
1st Place Ben and Birgitt Robar
2nd Place Tim Gould and Megan Gould and Mike
3rd Place Dave Johnson and Elayne Hunter
4th Place Paul Willing
5th Place Jeromey Reed 
Big Boats - The Lieutenant Governor's Cup
1st Place Chris Remick and Tom Gould
2nd Place Ray De Ley and Tyler
3rd Place Bob Boyer and John McKinnon and Shanon
It was good to see John and Joan McKinnon again. John even got out on the water for a taste of racing on the RL with Bob Boyer.
Get your detailed racing results here - ASC_2003_Races.pdf
Oh, and don't forget International Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19, 2003 http://www.talklikeapirate.com
Yes folks, you heard it right...And we're not talking about the kind of wine that comes in a cardboard box with the handy faucet at the bottom. Culture and sophistication have come to the club.
Kudos to Dave Johnson and Elayne Hunter. They brought a fine assortment of Merlots; one from California, one from Chile and one from Australia. Everyone swirled, sniffed and sipped the wine and enjoyed some excellent munchies and conversation.
If wine wasn't your cup of grog, then you could quench your thirst with some fine Moose's Tooth IPA from the pressurized tap. Apparently sailing can be very dehydrating and leave a coating of dust in the throat that needs frequent rinsing.
Life sure is rough camping at Big Lake.
After a tough day of racing, what better to go with a keg of IPA than some live tunes by Captain Tim Gould and The Keel Haulers?
Rain looked like a real possibility in the afternoon so Chris Remick went home and fetched his portable carport for the band to perform under. He also fetched his long lost guitar so he could play with the band. Way to go Chris!
Tom Gould also stepped up to the mike for a rousing rendition of "Long Tall Texan.." Life can be sweet!
Racing, a wine tasting, live music... What do you do for an encore for that? How about the best darn fireworks display in Alaska? Jerry (of Jerry's Discount Fireworks in Houston) along with Bart and Barb on Saddleback Island put on their usual incredible show for Labor Day Weekend. Wow, oooh, ahhhh and coooool pretty much sum it up.
If you buy fireworks, buy them from Jerry. He donates the fireworks, the labor and the time to make this happen year after year.
Hi Members of the Alaska Sailing Club,
The date for the work party is Saturday, Sept 6th. We will bring the floating docks into the shore, pull the RL sailboat out of the water, winterize all the other club sailboats and pull the work barge out of the water. The club site is in good shape so we should be able to take care of these projects with ease.
After all the work is done (hopefully by 4 PM ) we will have our fall ASC meeting and elect new officers for the up coming year and talk of any other club matters needing attention. We can talk about what is working and what is not working within the club. If anyone has any ideas, suggestions or comments, this is the time to voice them.
Bring some food because we will fire up the grill and have a big meal in the clubhouse after the meeting is done.
Hope to see everyone out there Saturday,
Hi Sailors,
This has been one of the best summers Alaska has ever seen, and time spent at the Alaska Sailing Club has been very enjoyable. There have been warm sunny days with the wind always picking up about five in the evening, what a great combo. Of all the great accomplishments that have happened at the club this summer, the best one may be that the floating docks are all in good shape. In the past, by this time of year there were always extra sheets of plywood on the walking surface, covering holes in rotten plywood. Additionally, a couple of the docks were always chained together due to the fact that the corner brackets had ripped out of the 2 by 10’s. This year, our docks are in good condition! In the future we can improve the stability of the plastic drum floated docks, and hopefully, that system will stand the test of time.
As most everyone is aware of, there are changes occurring at the club. These changes began over two years ago, and they are finally beginning to take shape. As was discussed in the fall of 2002 annual meeting, the club’s land has been transferred to private ownership, and the lease with the Mat Su borough is no more. The motivation to buy the land was driven by the assumption, first told to us in 1993 by Pam Strahan, employee with the planning and development department of the Mat Su Borough, that in all probability, the lease would not be renewed when it expired in 2024. If that happened, then the club would be gone forever. Seven years later, we finally got it together and purchased the land.
Many have heard some aspects of the development, and the reason the overall transformation has been vague and slow going is because it takes time to get those involved in the process to agree on the details. This has been a most challenging task, yet it is now happening and I’m sure the club will greatly benefit from this action. The first and foremost goal is that the ownership of the land the club sits on will be transferred to the Alaska Sailing Club Inc. when the land has been paid off and has a free and clear title. I expect this to happen in 5 to 8 years. With ownership of the land, the Alaska Sailing Club might just last 500 years!!!!!
The development plans are now agreed upon, and some action will soon occur. One may ask “How will the club look in five years and what types of development can one expect this fall?” The five-year plan may include having a septic system, some kind of bathhouse and maybe a water well. There may be as many as six cabins (14’ by 20’) along “trailer row” and possibly five more cabins located on the hillside. There are no plans for any major excavation work to be done on the hill, which protects us from the west wind, and it will stay right where it is. Hopefully, the bent sections of drill pipe along our shoreline will be improved upon; the landscape around the hoist will also be improved so that one doesn’t have to be nimble like a mountain goat to launch a Skipjack or a Hobie. Maybe we can build a fort for kids to play in and even plant flowers.
This fall, cabin development may begin. On September 6th and 7th, we are going to install a septic system and replace the existing railroad tie retaining wall with something more permanent. This is not the official work party (that will occur later in the month), but rather something unofficial. The septic will be located by Rick’s van, and is far enough away from the water’s edge and high enough above the water table to be acceptable to the DEC. It is also far enough away from our future water well to also make the DEC happy. All are welcome to come out and help, we will also get a load of top soil to fill in some of the pot holes along the shore line and to cover any dirt that may be move during the day. Some grass seed will be planted, so that our club is ready for the next summer when it arrives. On a positive side note, the club will not incur any costs for either the installation of the septic system or the replacement of the retaining wall.
The Alaska Sailing Club members that are helping to pay off the note on the land ($55,000) are: Steve, Rae, Rick & Deb, TL & Teri, Chris & Karen, Elayne, and me. All agree that the welfare of the club is the overriding concern. If anyone has any comments and suggestions, just ask any one of the above sailors, we are really going to try to get this right the first time.
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The Sheet
Web site: http://members.aol.com/aksailclub | Email: aksailclub@aol.com
Seasons change... and like someone flipped a switch - from HOT to COLD - fall is in the air. As I sit here typing this article the chilly rain is pounding outside at the club site. Just a week ago it would be amazing that no one else would be here on a Saturday. The photo at right is a trick - late fall last year - the leaves aren't that yellow yet.
The Governor's Cup is just around the corner, then the work party and then mean old Mr. W_ _ _ _ _.
The club is changing too... 
Kudos to Steve Anastos for the sauna - an amazing piece of Lego like construction. I personally haven't tried it, but all that have gave rave reviews. Apparently you're supposed to roast yourself to a golden brown, then run and jump in the lake or snow bank. Repeat as required until done.
We all miss T.L. Stanbro. T.L. is overseas serving our country and missing out on a great summer. Take care T.L. and get home safe and soon. Email him if you can, it's a little piece home that those guys really appreciate.
Tim Gould has done a great job sponsoring and organizing the summer race series. The Independence Day Regatta was fantastic.
Tim took first (big surprise)
Matt took second (Matt who? See below for answer)
Jeromy took third - Way to go Jeromy, persistence does pay off.
Matt Flickinger showed up out of the blue, dusted off his Laser and took home the second place trophy. Matt proved that submariners can still sail and he even demonstrated his unique method of 'rinsing off the sails' after a dusty race (capsize the Laser, on purpose, without getting wet -usually).
For those who don't know Matt he virtually grew up at the club. His grandparents, John and Joan McKinnon, were charter members. His mom Jan was club secretary. He's a past Governor's Cup champion and he used to publish The Sheet. See the 1997 The Sheet archived copies for samples of his work. He joined the US Navy after high school and has worked aboard subs most of his tour. During this visit he kept the kids enthralled with amazing Navy stories.
It's hard to believe it, but it's only two weeks until the Governor's Race for 2003.
This year's series will consist of six races; three on Saturday August 30th and three on Sunday August 31st. No racing on Labor Day.
Be there or be square.
The club is changing too...
Things are looking a little junky around the club site since the storage shed was removed to build the sauna. We should seriously consider another one, of some type, to properly store all those things required to run a sailing club.
New members are like puppy dogs - they need to be trained. If you encourage someone to join, you should personally take the time to explain the rules and common courtesies of the club and train them on setup and stowage of the equipment they plan on using, e.g. RL, Skipjacks, Laser, hoist, etc.
Hopefully the spirit of the club and the thread to the club's great history will remain intact during and after all the coming changes. It is good to see open email communications and discussions on issues that affect everyone. We need to make sure all members are notified of major projects and changes, otherwise it's not a club at all.
Family matters and other pressing obligations have prevented timely publishing of this newsletter this season. Dave's email notices have been a good and sometimes better alternative. This newsletter and the message board are VERY public so it does limit what can be published. But it does help garner new members, maintain a bond with sailors all over the world and provide a central point for photos, forms, etc.
If you have articles and photos to submit, send them to the club email address with a notation in the Subject line like "Article for The Sheet". I can't do it alone, or we end up with Paul's newsletter. If enough articles are submitted I can just format and publish them. Just think - here's your chance to write about sailing to a world wide audience. And it is truly world wide; I get emails from people all over the world who have visited our web site.
RL sailors, be sure to check our Links page for the new link to the RL web site. You may even see some Alaska photos there. I've corresponded with these blokes in Australia and they're a very friendly and helpful group.
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The Sheet
Web site: http://members.aol.com/aksailclub | Email: aksailclub@aol.com
The work party is done. The weather is warm. Let's get to sailing. What's the best way to become a better sailor? RACE dude.
Vice Commodore Tim Gould has scheduled and volunteered for confirmed race committee duties as shown in the table. Anyone can sign up (just email all members) for the open weekends for race committee duties.
The duties are basic: Layout course, set the marks, set a start time, call a brief skipper's meeting, shanghai a time keeper and go race.
Way to go Tim!
|
Date |
Event |
Race Chairman |
|
|
June |
7th & 8th |
Ice Breaker Regatta |
Gould |
|
14th |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
21st |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
28th |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
July |
4th, 5th, 6th |
Independence Day Regatta |
Gould |
|
12th & 13th |
Sailing Class & Fun Race |
* |
|
|
19th |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
26th |
Saturday Series |
Gould |
|
|
August |
2nd |
Saturday Series |
Gould |
|
9th |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
16th |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
23rd |
Saturday Series |
* |
|
|
29th, 30th, 31st |
Governor’s Cup |
Gould |
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The Sheet
Web site: http://members.aol.com/aksailclub | Email: aksailclub@aol.com
Yes, this news story is 6 months late but it's still true. It must have something to do with the winter being that long.
The race series was spiced up by big boat participation and a good turnout all around. Tim and Tom gave instruction and racing tips onshore and on the water; where we watched the stern of Tim's Skipjack most of the time.
The first race was held late in the day and finished in the dark. The others were held in mostly light and variable winds (typical Big Lake). The last race provided some excitement with a fresh breeze out of the north. Note nice wind indication on the water in the photo.
|
TIM |
3.75 |
|
MARK |
10.75 |
|
PAUL |
14.00 |
|
TOM |
15.00 |
|
JEROMY |
25.00 |
Other participants included Alice, Chris, Karen, Gary, Sarah, Taylor, Tyler, Ethan, Dan, T.L., and Megan.
Congratulations Tim Gould on a fine series. And congratulations to Ray De Ley who took honors in the big boat challenge. Details are available in ASC_Gov_Cup02.pdf
By Paul Willing - Sheet Editor
Spring is in the air, at least from our twisted Alaskan viewpoint. It has been one weird winter - an ice boat would have been the ticket rather than a snowmachine on Big Lake.
It's time to send in those membership applications and dues so we can pay the bills and get ready to sail once again.
We didn't actually issue paper work party vouchers last year so you're on the honor system; if you didn't participate in some real work, send an extra $25.00.
Everyone should have email membership forms by now. Please note dues are up $25 this year.
The Spring Work Party is currently scheduled for Saturday May 17 from Noon to 5:00 pm - see Commodore's Corner below.
The fall work party on Saturday Sept. 21, 2002 tucked the site in for another winter's nap.
Elections were held with the following results:
Commodore Dave Johnson
Vice Commodore Tim Gould
Secretary Karen Remick
Treasurer Birgitt Robar*
Harbormaster T.L. Stanbro
*Birgitt would prefer to pass the Treasurer position on to someone else next year, but agreed to remain this year. Hopefully someone will volunteer to train with her this year and be willing to assume the position next year. Birgitt has done it for many years, let's give the girl a break! Congratulations to new and re-elected club officers. Let's show them support and work together to make the club a better place.
Selected Meeting Items from Karen's Meeting Minutes:
Repairs
Work needs to be done on the shoreline due to erosion, and four (4) docks need to be built. This work is slated for the spring work party. Two of the docks will be built the weekend of the spring work party, and the other two will be built the following weekend.
Thirty-six (36) more 55-gallon plastic drums are needed to float the docks. Any member discovering any drums for sale is asked to purchase them. You will receive reimbursement from the club.
The winch is in dire need of repair. Dave is taking it to an electrician to determine the problem and hopefully receive an effective repair at a reasonable cost. Ten (10) gauge direct burial electrical cable is also needed to replace the romex wire currently buried between the club house and the winch.
Suggestions
Gary suggested having a Buccaneer Race next year. Everyone would dress up as pirates. What a great idea!
Gary also suggested getting Alaska Sailing Club Member T-Shirts for members so they can be distinguished from guests at the sailing class and open house.
Elaine has suggested building a sauna by the shed in the spring.
These are all things to think about and hopefully be able to implement for our next sailing season.
See you at the lake!
By Dave Johnson - Commodore
All of the motorcycles out and about so early in March has caused me to begin thinking about Big Lake, lets go summer!!!!!! Hope all is good with you. I was at the club last weekend and all looked good. Steve and I went out there and cut down some trees, some were leaning towards the clubhouse and some were blocking the sunlight around the grill area. It was fun being out there.
How does May 17th sound for the Spring Work Party? It is early, but it may be an early break up. The following weekend May 25th, is the holiday weekend, and that time may be just have fun time. Maybe we can even have an opening of the season race.
I just e-mailed Birgitt and inquired as to our funds that are available to replace docks. We need to build one and I think we can repair the one we pulled last fall by putting new 2 by 10's around the outside and installing 2 by 4's on 1 foot centers. That dock currently has the 2 by 4's on 2 foot centers. I looked at the wood and the 2 by 4's and the plywood look good. Hopefully, we can order enough wood to build one dock and repair the other. I scored 6 more plastic drums this winter, so we almost have enough to float the second dock.
I'm trying to get the sailing class set up for June 14th. I dropped the hoist off at Hayden Electric, they are looking at it right now. I'll let you know the outcome.
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