Capt Dave's Tips

Wow, where has the year gone!  Last Saturday my favorite radio station played Christmas music all day long.  I enjoyed the music and the memories that it elicited, but realized at the same time that I didn't think I'd feel quite the same way after the 8th week of hearing the same tunes. Fortunately it was apparently only a one day experiment because I haven't heard them played again since.  It did make me stop and realize that the world we live in today has changed since I was a small child.
 
I remember when pumpkins went on sale only weeks before Halloween and Christmas decorations didn't appear in the retail stores until the day after Thanksgiving.  Christmas trees and music in the stores didn't occur until much later in the season.  I feel that the meaning associated with the holidays as with other significant celebration events throughout the year have lost some meaning since I was a child.
 
I remember as a child my parents and grand parents lamenting that things just weren't as good then as they were in the "Old Days".  I remember thinking to myself that I'd never say that when I got older, but I'm afraid to suggest that I believe things are continuing to change and not always for the better.
 
As we approach the end of this year it's time to start thinking about our New Year's list of resolutions.  My personal belief is that attending at least one wedding and one funeral each year keeps one's life in perspective.  This year I attended the funerals of 3 separate family members and one very close good friend but didn't make it to any weddings.  It has not been the type of year one would hope for.
 
I am a relatively new grandfather and have been privileged to spend some precious time with my 3 year old grand daughter this year.  I was afraid that my life was so busy that I'd be a horrible grandfather, but I found that the stolen moments that I spent with her offered some balance and perspective.  There's never a good time, so I just make time when the opportunity occurs.
 
Without going all sentimental on everyone I think that change is good and necessary.  I think that progress mandates innovation and evolution.  I do think that a lot of things have gotten worse during my generation.  I think that some research, science, discoveries, and integration between societies here in America as well as across the seas have strengthened the world we live in and the world we will leave behind for our children.

My list of resolutions are mostly private but share a common theme.  I think we all go through life rushing things.  I think we're compelled to take short cuts and over focus on "the bottom line".  I think that we ignore ourselves too much at times.  I think that we don't really stop and spend quality time with those around us that deserve better.  It dawns on me that things do change with time.  There is good and bad and historians will spin it to "make" their own version of history.  I guess it all depends to some extent on the biases of the teller.  It occurs to me that we can control the legacy that we all leave to our children and their children, but the story of our lives will be left to the biases of our teller too.  For now though many of us are the "Teller" who interpret the meaning of the events in our lives as we present them to those around us by our daily actions, values and priorities.  The view of the world that our children will see, remember, cherish or regret is very much still within our control.  We shouldn't choose to rush the major holiday or events in our lives or harshly judge those around us. Our eyes and ears affect what those around us learn from our interactions.
 
Let's all spend a little time next year looking for the good and supporting the change of the bad.  I think the news overstates and focuses only on the bad.  The world will be different 50 years from now, but how we live our daily lives and treat those around us will have a profound affect when done in sufficient numbers. 

I think we're all very fortunate to be sailors.  I think our shared interests and dreams says something about us.  Next time your on the boat during a class I encourage you to stop and ask yourself the following.  Are you there to escape or to engage?  Are you running from or running toward?  Are you rushing through or living in the moment?  Is your objective to finish or to experience?  Are you doing or are you living?

You are very lucky to have those moments onboard.  Be sure in your own mind why you are there.  What will your legacy be?  How will others tell "Your" story?  Will it be spun, rushed or savored?  It's up to you to set the example.

He's Checking His List And Checking It Twice!
If you have no clue what to give a special someone or two on your Christmas shopping list, let us help out.  Windsong offers holiday gift certificates in any domination or for any combination of classes and/or outings. Tell us your budget and we'll put together a certificate that may just change someone's life!  Give the gift of sailing.  What an unusual gift to someone you care about.
Want To Start The Year Of Right?
For many years I've had a tradition of spending the first day of each new year sailing.  Yep, January 1st, I'm up early and on the water usually by noon.  I'd likely be there earlier, but I usually do something special the night before that keeps me up a bit too late to beat the sun up the following day, unless of course I haven't made it home yet.  But that hasn't happened in quite a while!   The past few years, we've formally invited students to join us and last year in particular was great fun.  I brought a small surprise gift for everyone participating and we all shared our list of "Resolution" and some great conversation as we leisurely sailed down the lake enjoying each other's company and the scenery.  No matter what you were up to the night before, the pains the following day can be greatly eased with a healthy dosage of sailing.   We can only take a few folks, so if this sound like fun to you, I wouldn't wait to long before booking your seat!
12 Volt Marine Electrical Systems
	What a wonderful class that we had this month. We offered yet another unusual and unexpected program for a sailing school.  Lately our programs appear more like what you'd expect from a college technical campus, but we feel ours were better!   This class covered a lot of theory but also offered an opportunity for everyone to actually test circuit voltage, continuity, resistance,  cut wires, crimp connectors, and even solder.   Our brilliantly constructed sailboat model had running lights, cabin lights, a circuit panel, guest battery switch, a fan and even a marine VHF radio!

Avoiding The '06 Price Increase!

There are certain inevitable truths in life.  One is that costs continue to rise each year.  As we continue to broaden the spectrum of programs, locations and sailing options to meet customer expectations, our exposure to rising costs increases.   If you're contemplating additional ground school classes next season, register before 12/31/05 and lock in this season's prices.  You can actually attend any class date any time next season but by registering before year end you can save some hard cash!  Buy yourself an early Christmas gift by prepaying for some sailing outings as well.      2006 Calendar of classes should be posted to the web by Thanksgiving.  We will still offer "Early Bird Discounts" for those who can plan 60 days ahead for ground school classes and sailing outings.   Compared to other "Recreational Alternatives" this still represents a huge value!  When considering that all of our boats are in excellent condition, come with a complete crew and a highly experienced certified instructor, these prices are still much less expensive than renting or owning your own boat. Plus, you just can't beat the great company that our other students provide.  In a time when most students don't even know anyone else to join them in sailing on a regular basis, our weekly outings provide an attractive way to enjoy the sport of sailing all year long without ever having to scrub a boat or varnish any teak!

SWEAT SHIRTS (with Windsong Logo on Front) Taking PREORDERS Now! Silk Screen Logo on Dark Navy Shirts- $35   These are the best fall and spring sailing apparel because they keep your ears warm while allowing you to hear!

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.

HATE THAT SPAM?

Ever noticed that all official Windsong emails have the word "WINDSONG:" in the subject? That's so that you can use a filter or rule to intercept and redirect Windsong emails into a dedicated folder based upon this trait.  That way we won't ever wind up in your SPAM folders and accidentally deleted.  This is actually a two-way street.  Any replies from you will automatically contain the same identifier in the subject and we can prevent it's accidental deletion as well.  So any emails from you to us should contain the words "WINDSONG" in the subject or you risk censure by our anti spam software.  Daily we receive just over 400 SPAM emails and find the use of filtering software imperative.  Don't risk loosing our emails, filter TODAY!

	Friends don't let their friends go through life without experiencing sailing! Invite someone to join you today!

PLEASE, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US,                 We're listening!!

Many times students' 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 simply 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 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!