CAMPER Avoids Whale Collision - Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12

Fire on Palisade Island Saturday May 26, 2012

Something Wicked This Way Comes-The New C&C 101

Raft of Broken Dreams

This stuff can fix anything on your boat....

http://www.sugru.com/

Boat Prep-April 2012

Click on picture to launch slideshow.

New BBQ on Deck April 29th 2012

Boat Shoe Sale At the Club Swap and Shop. Sunday May 20th; All profits go to the club.

I have brought in a few cases of Boat shoes;

As a podiatrist I have been frustrated at the lack of support most women’s sailing shoes offer. The women’s selection have been chosen because they make your butt look shapely ( OK I made that up), will make your feet and knees happy and look hot! There is a limited supply and I have already sold 4 pairs to Gimli sailors who loved them. I hardly had them out of the box! I have Dansko; approved by the American podiatric association, some Timberland and Merrels. They all have removable foot beds and if you do have sore feet or legs, I’ll do my best to help you with choices. One brand has been made to remain odour free and should not mould in damp places. I brought in several in large sizes as these are particularly hard to find at boat shows or in town. I have regular, wide and narrow. Arrive early if you don’t want to be disappointed.

For men; I have a limited supply of Sperrys; Sandals, thongs and slides. Sorry fellers I did not bring in shoes for you as you enjoy a much better selection in town or at boat shows.

I have one pair for a lucky kid who fits them; Timberlands; youth size 2 ½.
Sally Snafu.

Ceremony for Renaming Your Boat

By Capt. Pat http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/rename.htm

Everyone knows that renaming your boat will bring nothing but bad luck and make your boating experience something that you will want to forget. But what happens when, after months of searching, you find your dreamboat with a name that you just cannot live with. For example, my first love was a 28-foot Alden with the most beautiful lines I’d ever seen. She was named Perfidious.How could anything this graceful be named betrayer of trust? Well, I never bought her, but I often thought that if I had, I would have renamed her Magic, after my wife.


Renaming a boat is, of course, not something to be done lightly. Since the beginning of time, sailors have sworn that there are unlucky ships and the unluckiest ships of all are those who have defied the gods and changed their names. So, is there a way to change a name and not incur the wrath of those deities that rule the elements? Yes, Virginia, there is.

According to legend, each and every vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, or Neptune, the god of the sea. It is logical therefore, if we wish to change the name of our boat, the first thing we must do is to purge its name from the Ledger of the Deep and from Poseidon’s memory.

This is an involved process beginning with the removal or obliteration of every trace of the boat’s current identity. This is essential and must be done thoroughly.

I once went through the ceremony after the owner had assured me that every reference to his boat’s old name had been purged from her. A couple of weeks later, he discovered he had missed a faded name on her floating key chain. I advised him to start over, perhaps with a little extra libation for the ruler of the sea. Unfortunately, he declined.

Since then, his boat has been struck by lightning, had its engine ruined by the ingress of the sea, been damaged by collision and finally sunk! It pays to be thorough.

In purging your boat, it is acceptable to use White-Out or some similar obliterating fluid to expunge the boat’s name from log books, engine and maintenance records etc., but it is much easier to simply remove the offending document from the boat and start afresh. Don’t forget the life rings and especially the transom and forward name boards.

Do not under any circumstances carry aboard any item bearing your boat’s new name until the purging and renaming ceremonies have been completed!

Once you are certain every reference to her old name has been removed from her, all that is left to do is to prepare a metal tag with the old name written on it in water-soluble ink. You will also need a bottle of reasonably good Champagne. Plain old sparkling wine won’t cut it. Since this is an auspicious occasion, it is a good time to invite your friends to witness and to party. Begin by invoking the name of the ruler of the deep as follows:

Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (here insert the old name of your vessel) which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea. (At this point, the prepared metal tag is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea.)


In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne into the sea from East to West. The remainder may be passed among your guests.

It is usual for the renaming ceremony to be conducted immediately following the purging ceremony, although it may be done at any time after the purging ceremony. For this portion of the proceedings, you will need more Champagne, Much more because you have a few more gods to appease.Begin the renaming by again calling Poseidon as follows:

Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm.


In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.)

The next step in the renaming ceremony is to appease the gods of the winds. This will assure you of fair winds and smooth seas. Because the four winds are brothers, it is permissible to invoke them all at the same time, however, during the ceremony; you must address each by name. Begin in this manner:

Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (Insert your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.(Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone:) Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.(Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning:) Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath.(Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.


(Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South.) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.

Of course, any champagne remaining will be the beginnings of a suitable celebration in honor of the occasion.

Once the ceremony has been completed, you may bring aboard any and all items bearing the new name of your vessel. If you must schedule the painting of the new name on the transom before the ceremony, be sure the name is not revealed before the ceremony is finished. It may be covered with bunting or some other suitable material.

Welcome all boaters to the start of our 2012 Summer season!

Welcome all boaters to the start of our 2012 Summer season! With the early warm temperatures, we’re already looking forward to another fabulous season of adventure on the beautiful Lake of the Woods!

Sally & Ann, as the co-commodores of the Northern Yacht Club, are extending an invitation to ALL boaters to join us! Whether you sail or cruise along in a power boat or houseboat, we want you to join us for fun, adventure and forging great friendships this summer. Our calendar includes a great mix of social activities, racing and exploring the lake. It’s a perfect way to meet your fellow boaters and learn more about sailing or cruising.

On our agenda for this summer, we need to replace the roof on the club storage shed and to purchase a new BBQ for the upper deck of the Northern Clubhouse. We’ll be holding some fundraisers over the summer to help defer these costs. As the BBQ is well-used by many boaters at the harbour, we appreciate everyone’s support and help with this. Stay tuned for more details.

Membership has it’s privileges! The earlybird registration fee is $90 per boat (deadline May 21st). After that date, the annual fee is $125 per boat. The annual fee includes:
- NYC social events - free for members
- Icebreaker Social including snacks and live music to dance away the night.
- CYA membership and MSA membership
- Email updates on all club activities

Preferred payment is by Paypal available on the NYC blogsite. Less preferred but if you need to you can drop off a check at the harbour to either Sally Broderick (SNAFU) or Ann Peikoff ( Sloop De Jour ) (A Dock). Join early and get set for an awesome season at LOW!!

2012 Northern Yacht Club Calendar

Sat, May 19 – Icebreaker Social
Sun, May 20 – Swap Shop @ Northern Harbour Boater Club 10am – 12 pm
Fri, June 15 – Beer & Brats
Sat, June 23 – Summer Solstice race
Sun, July 1 – Canada Day Beach Party & Dinghy Event
Sat, June 30 – July 4 - Warroad Race
Fri, July 20 – Fish Fry
Sat, July 21 – Queen Island Race
Fri, July 27 – Mexican Night- Taco’s & Margaritas
Sat, July 28 – Fri, Aug 3 – Cruise Week
Sun, Aug 4 – Sat Aug 11 – Lowisa 47
Fri, Aug 24 – Dark & Stormy Night
Sat, Aug 25 – Witch Bay Race
Sat, Sept 1 – Safety Race & Frock Night (Theme “Rockstars” @ LOW)
Sat, Nov 10 – Fall Lift & AGM

Tall Ship Sail Training Adventure of a life time on the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay

Toronto Brigantine is celebrating our 50th anniversary this year -Toronto's only Tall Ship Sail Training organization for youth. It is a unique life transforming experience. Over 20,000 people sailed on the boats over the years. We even trained some of the sailors of the HBC Nonsuch that travelled across Canada and is now at the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg: http://tallshipsintoronto.wordpress.com/2010/04/18/doug-hunter-sails-on-nonsuch/

Our Tall Ship Sail Training experience compliments the sailing experiences that your program provides to youth. This season offers a variety of marine experiences ... the engineering of the Welland Canal, the history of the 1812 Festival at Niagara on the Lake, from the Thousand Islands of Lake Ontario, the provincial parks in Georgian Bay and the winds on Lake Huron. Having fun while learning valuable life lessons around responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

Perhaps you know a teenager that is are looking for a unique adventure this summer. Please Share our flier with them.
Click here: TBI 2012 Summer Program Flier for a softcopy of a flier for the 2012 Summer Schedule.

Comming Soon to "A" Dock

Hi LOWISA 47 fleet!

We are happy to announce that Ash Rapids Lodge has invited us back formid-week layover. Layover day will be Wednesday, August 8th this year, so we will be staying for the Tuesday evening August 7th all day on Wednesday the 8th and leaving morning of the 9th.

The owners, Andrew and Tannis, have a very beautiful island and bay andtheir lodge supplies delicious meals, great drinks, and super cabins forpeople who wish to sleep in comfy beds! Call well in advance if you wish to reserve a cabin.

Their website is: http://www.ashrapidslodge.com/,
summer phone is 807-543-4025 and winter phone is 543-1531.

For those that are regularly on the lake, Ash Rapids camp is a great sailingdestination - just call ahead to let them know you plan on coming!

Why does this exist?

Propane powered outboard, 2 ½ and 5 HP

Lehr is a company that patented the use of propane canisters to fuel small engines, and has introduced the first propane fueled outboard engines. The first two Lehr engines are 2.5 hp and 5 hp. The Lehr outboard is powered by propane from many sources big and small, including the small green BBQ bottles. The picture shows the bottle inserted into the outboard.

With zero evaporative emissions and no winterization needed, Lehr makes sure some boaters never need to carry gasoline aboard. If you have a diesel engine, you may still need some gasoline for the outboard, but with this invention, just grab a few extra bottles of propane from your BBQ.

At the recent Miami boat show the Lehr outboard, won an Environmental Award taking Green Product honors from West Marine and recognition from the National Marine Manufacturer’s Innovation Awards

Claims are that the The 2.5-HP model will run wide open (4,000 rpm) for about an hour on a small camping gas canister. At 3,000 rpm and you can hope for more than double the run time. A 20-pound propane bottle will power the engine for over 2 days.

Price for the 2.5-horsepower model will be just under $1,000, and about $1,600 for the 5-horsepower engine.

http://vimeopro.com/derema/lehr

Sailors

Proof - Life is Better on a Boat

The Lowisa 47 committee is thrilled to announce that Rob Eby will be the Race Officer for Lowisa 47.

The Lowisa 47 committee is thrilled to announce that Rob Eby will be the Race Officer for Lowisa 47.

Rob is a certified CYA Level 3 Race Officer, a certified Level 2 Judge and has been the Race Officer for more than ten Lowisa's.

Lowisa is very fortunate to have such a qualified Race Officer. Not only has Rob always ensured that the on the water aspect of the races are well organized, he is an excellent communicator with the fleet, so those less comfortable with traditional “flags and horn communication” need not worry – Rob does a great job of explaining all situations over the VHF.

Rob is also a fantastic off the water communicator and can be found meandering through the anchorage after each race handing out the printed daily race results and answering any questions from the competitors. (Although not required, some participants take a visit from Rob as an opportunity to provide him and his support team an appreciation rum – he prefers white rum).

Being the Race Officer is a significant job and Rob has always volunteered his time. This saves Lowisa thousands of dollars a year which allows us to keep registration fees low. Without Rob’s continued support, Lowisa would not be the event that is today.

It takes more than one person to run these races and Rob also organizes the Race Committee boats and his support team. Once we know who these people are for Lowisa 47, we will let you know so we can all be sure to give them a big thank-you during the Regatta.

More announcements to come!

About LOWISA 47:
LOWISA is an annual week long sailing regatta held on the Lake of the Woods in Ontario and Minnesota, usually occurring over the first Monday of August. The 2012 event will be held August 4th to 11th.

Not Sailing - but good video to pass time away till spring!

Be sure to watch in HD.

Upcoming Cruising Courses

BASIC CRUISING EVENINGS (6:30pm–9:30pm)
1. Wednesdays, January 25 – March 14
2. Thursdays, March 8 – April 26

Basic Cruising weekend (9am-5pm)
3. Saturdays, April 14, 21, 28 and May 5

Coastal Navigation Course (6: 30pm –9:30 pm )
4. Wednesdays, April 11 – May 30

Celestial Navigation
5. tba

VHF Seminar (6:30 pm –9:30 pm )
6. Wednesdays, March 7 and 14

All courses will be held at the Sport for Life Centre on 145 Pacific Ave. For more information or to register call the office at 925-5650 or send an email to sailing@sportmanitoba.ca

Additional VHF Courses at the Gimli YC
Saturdays, June 9 and 16
Saturdays August 11 and 25

2012 Mid-Canada Boat Show

This year's boat show will take place from March 1-4, 2012 at the Convention Centre in Winnipeg . The show displays three floors of everything you need for summer fun - the newest boats and motors, camping, fishing and water sports equipment, from the top manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. More at www.midcanadaboatshow.com

Sailing Film Premier - O CANADA Project

The O CANADA Project tells the story of New Zealand boat builder Alan West rebuilding the former Spirit of Canada boat, skippered by Canadian Derek Hatfield in the 2006 Vendee Globe singlehanded race, and training five Canadian high performance sailors - - Nikola Girke, Mike Leigh, Kevin Stittle, Rob Fox and Nathan Baron - - as they learn to sail the newly christened and highly demanding O CANADA in New Zealand.

Picture taken Saturday December 3rd at 5:30pm...

How bad do you want your boat bottom sanded??? Guess who is under the tarp?

Sioux Narrows Bridge...

How to get an 80' rig through the 65' bridges of the Intracoastal Waterway using two tons of water. The balls get swung out with an initial turn to port or stbd. The tendency then is for the roll to continue by itself, but is controlled by letting the bags out slowly with a line made off to each bag and running through necessary tackle to a cockpit winch.