Hard to believe we are half way through the season. We have just completed the SPARK program. This was a joint program that we did with 4H and Purdue to introduce youth to sailing. Thanks to Justin Curley, Jay Magee, Roger Domingo, Gary Divine, Keith Addison and Steve Scherschel for putting the program together and introducing these young minds to a new world. As a result of this program we have picked up one new membership and have another one interested. We could not have asked for a better more respectful group of kids who were active participants. We are currently reviewing the program to see if we need to make any adjustments or changes.
Along the same lines Prairie Creek Reservoir will be opening a youth learning center at the Prairie Creek office. We have been asked to participate in this program and although we few details at this time we are putting together a display about sailing that will be part of a larger youth program. As we get more information on the goals and content of this program we will pass it along. There is a projected soft opening for early August which does not give us much time to be creative. The target group for this program are K through 12th grade students. This is another opportunity for us to attract the next generation of sailors.
A couple of months ago we changed some of the hardware on one Go Hoist that is more robust than the original equipment. Since the trial was successful we have just upgraded the second hoist. With this change the hooks on the blocks have an addition plane to swivel in and each block has a grease fitting which should improve the life of the blocks. During the installation of the new hardware it was noted that some adjustments were made to the hoist which could have compromised its performance and safety. If you have not used the hoist before or if you have not used it in a while and are unsure of its rigging please contact myself or Steve Scherscherl before using it. Do not make any adjustments to the safety chains, the rigging or the structure. Safety has to be the first priority.
The new dumpster from the Parks Department is in place. There are no trash cans around the club so everyone needs to deposit their trash in the dumpster. For special events we will place trash cans in strategic locations but on a daily basis the dumpster is the only place to dispose of trash. If you have food or wet trash it is recommended that the trash is placed in a plastic trash bag to minimize the potential of smelly trash.
On July 22, 2023 we will start Basic Skills Training. The first four weeks this will be in a classroom setting with on the water sessions scheduled individually. You should have received a separate email on this training. If you wish to attend these classes please send me an email with the names of those attending. As of July 16, 2023 I will close the registration so that training material can be prepared..
Just a quick reminder that the lower parking area is for drop off, pick up and handicapped parking.
Happy sailing,