May is shaping up to be a busy month. Aside from the fact that launching boats will be a major activity we have many other things happening. Our basic skills training is in full swing and the first phase will be completed on May 15, 2021. Once that portion is completed we will begin on the water training that will begin immediately after the class type presentations are completed. The on the water portion will likely take us into late June or July depending on demand and need. Our goal is to have everyone on the water by early June.
Registration for on water slips is up this year and even after adding slips we only have two on the water slips available at this time and continue to look at options should the need arise. Slips for day sailing remain readily available. We do have a number of new members who will be using the three club boats and we ask that you use the boat reservation section of the club website to reserve time slots that you wish to use the boats. The reservation section will let you know if a boat is a available and it is a courtesy to other users to schedule your time in advance. We have a bridle for lifting the O’Day 17 into the water and if you have never used a hoist and bridle before please let me know so that we can have you properly trained to safely use the hoist.
The Go Hoist has been getting used to get bottom paint on boats and repair swing keel lifting lines. The hoist is presently in the upper parking lot and will remain there through the end of the month. If you plan on painting your boat we do require that a tarp or plastic sheet be used under your boat to prevent paint from being splatter on the ground. There is a large tarp in the dock house that can be used as well as some sheets of plastic. They will be readily identified by the bottom paint they have captured. We do have the ability to have two boats on jacks at the same time so we should be able to meet everyone’s needs. If you have not been trained on the hoist you must go through training. It does require a minimum of two people to raise a boat. Let me know if you want to use the hoist and require training. If you have been trained we do need to review a couple of changes that have been made to maintain the performance of the hoist. Remember to NEVER get under a boat that is suspended by the hoist alone. Jacks must be properly placed under the boat and secured with chain before you can safely work under the boat. If you are unsure what is necessary let me know and we will have someone to work with you.
We expect to receive our new windows for the clubhouse any day. Provided that there are no surprises the installation should only take about a day. The new windows will not only protect the house from further rot but will give us better ventilation through the house on those hot days.
We have had an initial meeting with the Prairie Creek staff concerning a multitude of subjects. Our expectation is that we will regularly scheduled meetings to address items that are of interest or concern to either side. During our initial meeting one of the issues that was addressed is the lack of enforcement of the now wake zone in our harbor area. This issue is being addressed with the DNR and we will see some changes. First, MSC will no longer be responsible for the placement and maintenance of the no wake markers. The city is purchasing new markers and the DNR will place the markers. Another major issue is the fishing from our shoreline and the trash that is left behind. We have authorized to post the shoreline as a no fishing zone along the perimeter of our lease. We are working on obtaining the signs and getting them posted. A third issue is an old nagging issue of finding fish hooks in our rigging. Coupled with this is the issue of boaters anchoring in areas which impede our ability to dock. The DNR is responsible for all on the water enforcement. The parks staff will assist us in setting up a meeting with the DNR to address these concerns and as we move forward we will update you on the progress.
On October 2, 2021 Prairie Creek Reservoir will be one of only two locations in the United States that Ironman will conduct a half and full marathon on the same day. This is going to be a major event and will attract thousands of people to Muncie and to Prairie Creek. We do not have many details yet but we have been told that the week leading up to the event will have athletes training in the area to prepare themselves for the event. We do know that the area around the club will be shutdown and we will not have access to the club on that day. As in the past they will be looking for our assistance in providing safety vessels for the swimming event. We do not have any definitive details at this time but we do know the number of participants is significantly greater resulting in a greater need for vessels.
On Saturday May 29, 2021 we will be having our annual Memorial Day breakfast followed by the sock burning. Check out the website and Facebook for details. In years past we have had a photo directory in the clubhouse to allow members to names and faces together. We are continuing to maintain that directory and ByVonda Bauer-Thomas has graciously agreed to take member’s pictures so that the directory can be updated. The weather will determine the exact locations of where the pictures are being taken so look for information at the breakfast.
May the winds be with you,