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Editors: Doris Dallain, Tom Olsen

May 2008

 



 
 

 
 

In this issue:
 
 
 
Our New Toolbox
Commodore's Message
Cruising Guide
Membership Report
Learning Opportunities
Cruising News
Social Events
Events at a Glance
Sunshine Lady
Communications
Meeting Minutes


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Our New Toolbox

Those of you who check out the Seafarers' website frequently may have noticed a new feature on the menu  -- the TOOLBOX.

 
 
     
     
 

When you click on this item you'll go to a new page with a bunch of handy guides, forms, instructions and links.  Included are the new Cruise Leader Planning Guide and the Cruising Checklist, both created by Past Commodore Art Armstrong, which make it easy to plan a cruise or just be on a cruise.  Also included are Maintenance Tips, links for Tide and Weather data, and Boat Safety information, including the information required to meet the Safe Captain's Challenge.  We're going to be adding directions for cruising destinations as well as other useful information in the future, so check back often.

Click here to check out the new Toolbox!

To view the past 12 months' newsletters, click here (be sure pop-up blocker is off):
May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April |

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A Message from Our Commodore: Barry Jollett

 

Cruising..........

 The Seafarers is a party club with a boating problem?  NOT!  Nearly all our cruises have been filled this year.  But, we still have many members who have not cruised with the club.  To help more members join in the fun as well as step up to lead a cruise, the board is working on several issues to make it easier to cruise with the club and assist cruise leaders in

planning cruises.

Art Armstrong, Past Commodore and an experienced cruiser, has prepared a presentation “Cruising Checklist” which provides the members with a list of items they should have for cruising with the club. Art also is reintroducing an updated “Cruiser Leader Planning Guide”.  This guide provides any cruise leader with the information needed to effectively plan and implement a cruise.

We are introducing a “Guest Column” in Waypoints for members to describe a destination or anchorage that they really enjoy that we might not otherwise know about.  If you have such a destination please write a brief piece and forward it to Tom Olsen at  www.jeriandtomo@yahoo.com to include in a future issue.

Lastly, safe boating is a club priority.  For those members who have not met “The Challenge” we will post the information on the website to provide you with the tools to meet “The Safe Captains Challenge”.

You will be notified as each of these is added to the website.

The weather has been fantastic lately; I hope you have been out on the water!

Barry

 
 
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Past Commodore Art Armstrong's Cruising Guide and Checklist

We want all our Seafarers to be active in the cruising schedule. The following is a check list you may want to use that will make getting ready a little easier. The Seafarers have three kinds of cruise events: The lunch cruise which is a same day event; the raft up which is a same day event; the overnight cruise and/or raft up which is a more than one day event.

 The following guidelines should help you prepare for all three events:

  • Looking for a cruise event? check the PGI Seafarers web page - calendar.
  • Find an event on the web page and sign up online. The sign up will tell you who is going on the cruise. Look for a confirmation from the cruise leader and/or check the web site to be sure your name is listed on the sign up sheet.
  • The week of the cruise: start getting a long range weather forecast. Remember the following with regard to Seafarer cruises: A small craft warning posted on the day of the event automatically cancels the cruise. A small craft advisory on the day of the event means the event may be canceled by the cruise leader and/or the Cruise Director at their discretion. Ultimately, as the captain of your vessel, it’s your decision to determine the safety of your vessel and passengers.
  • If a captains meeting is posted it’s in your best interest to attend the meeting. You will get all the information you need to plan the cruise.

Check List For Your Vessel

  • Check your fuel. Remember the 1/3 rule.
  • For docking you need a minimum of five dock lines. Carry more.
  • Check oil levels in your engines and transmissions and carry extra oil.
  • Make your First Mate happy, check the air conditioning and head (toilet). Carry extra deodorizer for the holding tank.
  • Carry a step device to help exit your boat.
  • Check your running lights.
  • Check fire extinguishers to be sure they work.
  • Make sure you have life vests for each person aboard.
  • Do you have a chart that shows the route to the event? Don’t cruise without charts.
  • Check to see that your VHF radio is working. Call SeaTow or Boat US to verify your radio is working. Carry a cell phone as a backup.
  • Carry a copy of the sign up sheet for the event. It has all the vital information you need to get in touch with a club member going on the cruise.
  • Check to see your power cord is working. Carry an extra length if you have one.
  • Have you filled your water tank and emptied your holding tank?
  • In an emergency be familiar with the call signs:May Day- May Day- May Day; Pan- Pan, Pan- Pan, Pan-Pan; Security, Security, Security
  • For more on checklists go to the Seafarers web site and click on “ When did you last?” written by your Past Commodore Jim Doolittle.

Supply Check List

  • Check the cruise leader’s agenda for the cruise or go to the Captains meeting. You will learn what food supplies to bring for the event.
  • Always carry a First Aid kit.
  • Pack a blanket and coats for the winter events. Pack rain gear for all events.
  • Carry insect repellent and suntan lotion on your boat.
  • If you have folding chairs and a table bring them.
  • Aspirin and Alka Seltzer are recommended for the day after a Seafarer cocktail party.
  • Think about how you plan to prepare the food you brought on the trip. Do you need to pack a fry pan, toaster oven, blender, etc.
  • Do you need a cooler for extra storage for drinks and food.

Finally, and most important, make out a Float Plan. This is to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back. 

Art

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Membership Report: by Jane McQuaid, Membership Director

Activity in the Membership Department has slowed down considerably over the past month.  This is a result of our club currently being at full capacity; however, we do not have anyone on our wait list.  This would be an opportune time for those of you who have friends who are interested in joining the club to apply for membership. They would be eligible for membership immediately upon resignation of any current members.  These potential new members would still be welcome to attend our socials and meetings, which would give them a good feel for what we are all about.

For those of you who are new members, I have your name badges and burgees and will get them to you at the general meeting or the socials.  I would also like to applaud you for so quickly getting involved in our club activities.  I am sure you are enjoying all that we have to offer.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 505-7269.

If any members need a new name badge or burgee, replacement costs are $12.50 ($14.50 with a boat name) and $20.00, respectively.

Please call or e-mail me (jemcquaid@comcast.net) to purchase a new one.  Also, if any members have a new e-mail address or have acquired a new boat, please let me know so I can update the club records.  

See you at our next general meeting, socials and cruising destinations!

Jane

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Learning Opportunities: by Steve Rutherford, Education Director

Here is the May tip-of-the-month, by Warren Stevenson:

 


Steve

Let’s “Summerize”!

Many of us are away from our PGI home and boat for extended periods during the summer. During this time the boats must endure the harsh Florida summer environment sitting on a trailer, on a lift, or in the water. Here are a few things to consider as you “summerize” your boat. This is certainly not a comprehensive coverage of the topic, but hopefully it will be helpful and if nothing else remind you to get the job done before the last minute.

FUEL

There are varying opinions on how much fuel to leave in your tanks over the summer. Most experts (former sperts) suggest leaving the tanks full to minimize moisture laden air. Be sure to add stabilizer to gasoline and biocide to diesel. Note that there is a federal mandate in place to increase the amount of ethanol in gasoline and the Florida legislature is considering a state mandate beginning in 2010. Ethanol can have serious effects on fiberglass fuel tanks and rubber fuel lines in boats built before the mid eighties. Beyond that, it attracts moisture from the air. Most gas now sold at marine fuel docks does not contain ethanol, but if you buy gas for your boat at gas stations it may have ethanol in it. If you have ethanol in your boat fuel there is stabilizer formulated for this at West Marine. There are many other fuel and oil additives on the shelves which you can use if you choose, but most are probably unnecessary. One other fuel-related issue is the filter: it’s a good idea to change this now so it will be done when you start your engine next season.

MOLD

Mold loves to grow in Florida boats. It needs food and moisture: the food can be supplied by various organic materials including dirt; therefore cleaning dirty surfaces including those touched by your sweaty oily body can prevent mold growth; this is true, for example, on the vinyl upholstery in the cockpit; clean those surfaces before you put the cover on and you will avoid a more difficult cleaning job later. Putting water-absorbing canisters in the cabin is helpful as is putting small items that might mold in Ziploc bags or tightly knotted garbage bags.

BATTERIES

Some boaters leave their shore power plugged in so that the batteries will remain charged via a trickle charger. Another approach is to remove the batteries and put them in your house to keep cool. They can be recharged when you return, although if you will be gone six months or more a trickle charger is best, since completely discharged batteries never fully recover.

CANVAS

Your boat cover deserves some attention. Waterproofing it every year or two is a good idea. Wash the cover in a mild detergent and put it back on the boat wet to stretch properly. After it dries, spray on a waterproofing solution available at marine supply stores; one light coat followed by a heavier coat will do the trick. Another good idea is to lubricate the snaps so the cover will go on and off easily without ripping the canvas around recalcitrant snaps. A special lubricant is available, but Vaseline or a Chapstick (very convenient) works just as well.

TRANSOM PLUG

Whither the transom plug? When your boat is left on a trailer or lift, that is the question. If you could be sure that no water would get in or that your bilge pump would remove it, then the plug could be left in. Florida summers being what they are that is probably a bad choice. During Charley, the engine compartments of a number of boats on lifts filled with water. This overloaded the lift cables, which broke and dumped the boats into the canals. Probably you should remove the plug and put it someplace where you can’t forget to find it before you put the boat in the water next season.

HURRICANES

Finally there is the hurricane issue. Preparing your boat for a hurricane is a good topic for a later Tip of the Month, but in the meantime you can refer to an excellent document prepared by the Coast Guard Auxiliary on Marco Island. They have generously allowed us to post it on the Seafarers website. It is listed under Interesting Links. 

There is much more that could be written about preparing your boat for the summer, but this is probably enough to digest in one newsletter. Let me know if you have ideas we could incorporate in the future and have a good summer wherever you go.   

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Cruising News: by Damon Roy, Cruise Director


Ok, nearing the middle of the year we’ve had some terrific cruises to date; and even more fun and exciting destinations on the schedule!  Be sure to check the calendar every week to be up-to-date, because the cruises are filling fast!


March 28-30, our Past Commodore, Art, and his wife, Lynne Armstrong, lead us to “Uncle Henry’s Marina” on Boca Grande (a new spot for this group). We were welcomed by the marina and what a great time we had!  Between the bike rides into town, golf-carting and the “Stamp-Mobile”, well, let’s say we didn’t lack for ways to get around town!  It was a wonderful trip and we thank the Armstrongs for a super cruise!  Click here to see the photos!

Mike & Margie Fauci took a group of day-boaters to Bert’s Bar & Grille at Matlacha on April 3rd.  The scuttlebutt is that everyone had way too much fun and they’re calling for another trip soon.  See these photos here!

Palm Island, here we come on April 27th!  With Ray Mason & Jane McQuaid leading the way, we’re sure to have a blast!  This cruise was on a waiting list (I told you cruises were filling up!) but a space or two has just opened up, and we’ll report the “happenings” in next month’s newsletter.

Speaking of sold out, our trip to ‘Tween Waters in May is also full, with a waiting list.  If you’d like to join this group, use the calendar or use the link below to go to the online form and you'll be added to the waiting list.  We’ll be sharing our usual fine edibles dockside Friday night with shopping, beaching, and pooling on Saturday.  To finish the day, we’ll dine at The Green Flash Restaurant. ALWAYS a great time at Tween Waters!

(Click appropriate image below for information and to sign-up -- if no form appears, check that pop-up blocker is off)


Tween Waters Cruise
May 30-June 1

In the works:    (click on listings in Bold to go to signup form)

June:  20-21  Marina Jack’s in Sarasota –SURE to become a favorite!
         27-29  Pelican Bay Raft-up and Cayo Costa Picnic
July: Ft. Myers Beach- CRUISE LEADER NEEDED… we had a great time last year and we’ll share our details with you!

NOTE:  For those of you who like to raft out for the fireworks; the party is at Laishley this year, not off of Harpoon Harry’s!  ANYONE INTERESTED IN LEADING A RAFT-OUT FOR THIS EVENT?

We need volunteers to help with day cruises; this can be to local restaurants for lunch, to beaches for picnics, or just to a neat place you know of, that you’d like to share with your fellow Seafarers.  PLEASE contact me, your cruise director, and he’ll help you plan a cruise to wherever it is you’d like to go!

 Damon

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Social Events: by Terry Miller, Social Director

Hi, All!

 Well, winter is officially done, and the snowbirds (or most of them) officially gone.  We had a great time wishing them all goodbye at the Bye Bye Birdie party.  You can see more pictures from that party here.

But the Seafarers never quit having fun!  By the time you receive this month’s Way Points, the Kentucky Derby Party will be just around the corner, and the June event ( pool and dinner at Coral Rock) will be on the horizon.  The announcement for that will be on the calendar soon.  We have events scheduled for July and August as well.  And don’t forget the socials at St. Andrews CC the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.  Party on!
 

 Terry Miller
 

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 Events at a Glance - Click here to check the Calendar for updates/signups

April

3
8
17
22
27
30-5/1
Kentucky Derby Party - PGICA 5 pm
Social at St. Andrews Country Club 5-7 pm
Lunch Cruise to Lazy Flamingo, Bokeelia
Social at St. Andrews Country Club 5-7 pm
General Membership Meeting, PGICA 7 pm
Overnight Cruise to Tween Waters
 
 
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 The Sunshine Lady

The Seafarers are fortunate to have Cris Schieb, the Sunshine Lady, on our team. Please contact her if you or someone you know needs cheering up. A sympathetic ear and a smiling face can really make a difference in someone’s life.

 

Contact Cris at: 941-575-2744 or email her at pastadiva@comcast.net

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 A Reminder from our Communications Director: Tom Olsen

Photos:

Each of you is a Seafarer club photographer! Contributing your photos will document the club’s activities and assure that we have pictures from every event. Any member taking digital photographs at Seafarer events is encouraged to send two or three selected and captioned photos to Lynne Armstrong, at  ARASALA@AOL.COM.   Please do not download tons of photos to Lynne for sorting.

Thank you for your contributions.

Tom Olsen

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Membership Meeting Minutes -- Click here to view.

     

 
 
  Original Newsletter Layout Design:  John Magnin