As we approach the middle of August there still remains much to do. Among the projects remaining one of our priorities is to complete work on the Snipe sailboat that was donated to the club. At this time we are updating and upgrading the running rigging to ensure the safe operation of the boat..Several people have been involved in getting this boat ready to launch. Among those who are helping to get the boat launched are Frank and ByVonda Bauer-Thomas providing technical support and power washing; Leon Pinson for replacing all the running rigging; Mike Pace, Jerry Priddy and Ali Symanski for assisting on rigging replacement and multiple other tasks that were necessary. The boat is a great addition to our fleet and should be a fun ride. As soon as all the work is complete we will post the boat’s availability.
Last month I mentioned that we are working with Prairie Creek staff to create a learning center that is to open in early September. We are developing a display for the center and will be adding information to the display in the months to come. The purpose of our display is to provide visitors to the center information about sailing and history events in sailing. The center is to focus on individuals from kindergarten to high school. There will be other displays the center that will focus on other subjects from Indiana history to native fish and plants and general science. We will be looking for ideas and volunteers to work on future displays so if you have interest in working on this project please let me know. The goalie to stimulate interest in sailing and hopefully a new generation of sailors.
At this point we have completed three of the four sessions of dry land skills training. The last session which will be held on Saturday August 19 will focus on safety and knots. Once this session completed those in the class will maven to the on the water portion of the class. The on the water portion of the class will begin with basic sailing skills and crew commands. Once the bsasic skills are mastered we will move into man overboard practice and finally more advanced techniques for sailing without a rudder and collision avoidance techniques.
We continue to have issues with fisherman leaving hooks our rigging. Make Sure that you do a detailed inspection of your rigging to include the tension on your turnbuckles. We have had some reports of rigging being loosened. We will continue to highlight the safety issues associated with fishing around our boats.
Upcoming Events:
We will have our Labor Day cook out on Monday September 4, 2023. Check the website for details and volunteer requests. We will be serving hot dogs and hamburgers and have a pitch in for sides and desserts.
September 30, 2023 is the Ironman at Prairie Creek. There will be road closures on this day so access to the club will be limited. We willl be looking for volunteers to man safety boats that will be anchored around the swim course. Check the website and watch for other emails pertaining to this event. Participating as a safety is a fun event and gives you an interesting perspective of the swim event.
On October 13, 2023 the Ball Foundation members will be taking a bus tour of Muncie hidden gems. Among their stops will be the sailing club. They will be stopping at the club where they will have lunch and receive a presentation about the club and its contribution to the community. Our initial understanding is that there is significant interest about the club and membership.
Let there be fair winds,
Joe Kucharski