The New Colgate 26 Arrives: She arrived in Atlanta on April 13th and was promptly hoisted into her cradle in the Aqualand Service Yard for 3 weeks of final preparations.  Wesley Compton was in charge of the commissioning to include hull barrier coat and foulant preparation, mast hoist and rig tuning in addition to the installation of all the electronics gear.  The sails were sent off to to Wayne Patillo at the Sail Loft for lettering and the Stack Pack Lazy Jack system was ordered.  A Nissan 6 hp 4 stroke outboard was purchased along with over two thousand dollars of accessories including life jackets, performance instruments, marine radio, fenders, dock lines and snubbers, anchor and line, battery, life ring, flares, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, horn, spot light, cleaning brushes, external fuel tank and tiller cover.

On May 13th the commissioning was completed, she was registered with the D.N.R. and "SPLASHED" into Lake Lanier.

She is now located at Aqualand dock ZB-2 and is undergoing final preparations and staff training prior to scheduling for classes and charter.

The first week of June the staff will be attending a week long Performance Training program offshore in Florida as well as on Charlotte Harbor Bay aboard similar Colgates as a final orientation on the new boat.

The plan is to begin teaching on the new Colgate in early June with the first Chartering Orientation scheduled for late June.

MONTHLY SOCIAL PROGRAMS
During the spring and summer months we offer socials from 6-9 pm as an opportunity to share refreshments and to catch up with all your sailing buddies and compare notes about your explorations and sailing journeys in addition to attending various programs that are offered without charge.  The agenda for each program is subject to change so that we can react to areas of current interest as events and opportunities present themselves.

Due to the limited seating capacity of the Sailing Center, reservations are required in advance.

The programs are free of charge, but volunteers and snack contributions are encouraged.

If you'd like to contribute any of the following items or any other dish that is your specialty
call us today so that we may both plan for these fun events.

Chips & Dip
Cookies & Brownies
Cake
Soft Drinks
Finger Snacks
Frozen Shrimp Platter
Crackers & Cheese
Nuts

The following socials have programs planned so far for this season.

  May 22nd Having just returned from the British Virgin Islands, Dave will present the highlights of sailing in the Caribbean paradise and answer questions about chartering opportunities, cruising destinations in addition to tips and tricks of cruise planning.
  June 19th Captain C.J. from our Punta Gorda affiliate will come up for a presentation about the Coastal Sailing Opportunities in Charlotte Harbor and out to the Keys and Dry Tortugas.  Dave will present footage from his trip to the Tortugas last October.
 
 

The April monthly social was a packed house as those interested in sailing in Greece sat spellbound by Valerie's presentation.  Valerie Weingrad shared the excitement of sailing in Greece followed by an added bonus of  a brief discussion on the Virgin Islands.  Charter programs are presently offered by Custom Sailing to both destinations but Greece is their unique specialty.

This is the year of the Olympics in Greece and the excitement and enthusiasm was abundant as she carried us all back hundreds of years with her historic tour of the cities and land marks visited during their sailing tours.
 

The May monthly social will feature a very fast highlight of Dave's recent trip in the British Virgin Islands including a quick glimpse of the land based excursions and a sampling of the challenges the group faced.

The trip started with a stay at the famed Westin on St John followed by a tour of the island and then on to the secluded yet beautiful Lambert Bay Resort on Tortola for a relaxing evening complete with an incredible sunset prior to boarding the following day and setting sail for 9 days.  The end of the trip was punctuated by a stay in the historic Hotel 1829 high on the hillside near Black Beard's Castle on St. Thomas with it's incredible view over the harbor and town water front.

Each year presents different treasures and challenges and this season's trip was certainly no exception!

Eating is always a highlight of island sailing trips and it doesn't get any better than Lobster in Anegada.  Anegada is always the treasure near the end of the trip, but this year's agenda included the anchorages of Norman Island, Yost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, Leverick Bay, Cane Garden Bay and Anegada.

Each year has a highlight and this trip included the "Full Moon Party" at the famous Bomba Shack on the Tortola north shore.  Come meet Bomba himself as he sat and talked with Dave during the May event.

Come join us for this fun filled, yet fast, tour of this tropical sailing paradise!

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED IN ADVANCE

National Vessel Examination Q & A Page

 HOW SAFE IS YOUR BOAT?
Once again Windsong staff are busy conducting U.S. Coast Guard approved and U.S. Sail and Power Squadron sponsored Vessel Safety Examinations (VSE) at Aqualand Marina.  Safety inspections are free and cover all the Federal and State requirements for your size vessel (Sail or Power) in addition to general overall suggestions appropriate for safe and informed boating.  We do not issue citations nor report you to authorities for non compliance.  Our intent is to inspect and educate. So far this season we've inspected brand new boats that have failed as well as seasoned boaters who were surprised to learn that they were merely one DNR (law enforcing agency on Lanier) stop away from a hefty fine for violations they were unaware of.  One boat in particular had an inoperably crushed ventilation hose and another had cracks in their refueling hose leading to their fuel tank. If you or someone you know owns a boat, call us and we'll make arrangements for them to receive a courtesy inspection.

WARNING To Returning Students:
If you don't already have outings booked thru December you should seriously consider doing so NOW.

We presently have the following sailing openings.

  5/22 11:00  
  5/23 11:00 & 1:00  
  5/29   1:00 & 3:00  

We presently have the following ground school openings.

  5/25 & 5/27 Basic Sailing Theory  
  6/08 & 6/10 Basic Sailing Theory  
  6/22 & 6/24 Basic Coastal Cruising  

FOR SALE!  GOT SOMETHING TO SELL?  Try Our For Sale New Site Free.
Although we intend to limit items for sale to our student members, we will consider items submitted from the general public as well.  We'll play it by ear to see how it goes.  Just remember to let us know when the item is sold so that we can keep our web site current.  So here's the link Items For Sale.

GOT A BUSINESS YOU WANT TO ADVERTISE?
As a suggestion from one of our students, we're starting a Student Business Links web page. If you work for, own or are a principle in a business or hobby that you'd like to have included on this free links page, send us your web address and a brief description about your business and services. Any special discounts extended to fellow students should be mentioned as well.  Students would certainly like to do business with one of their own over a perfect stranger, so let us know about your business, service or hobby.

This month's newsletter is short and sweet (cause we've been out of town a bit)
but intended to keep you informed of the latest developments and events.

PLEASE, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US,

                We're listening!!

Many times student's suggestions are implemented on the spot!  We pride ourselves in our customer service and attention to the needs of our students. If you have thoughts or ideas, drop us a line or give us a call.  All things are possible; you just need to ask. 

Thanks!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our students for their loyal support through the season(s) and encourage everyone to bring one new friend along each year as you sail.  As we grow and expand our operation, we want to make our products and services available to all who may be interested, but first, some one has to make the introduction.  Share the love of your sport with those who may be interested in our unique collection of programs. You'll be glad you did and so will they!