Anyone who knows me personally knows what a sucker I am for technology and gadgets.  I have to share with you the best mapping web site ever!  earth.google.com beats map.google.com hands down, but they're both great sites.  Earth Google downloads a viewer to your computer and then you can go anywhere.  This site requires lots of horsepower so if you have an older slower computer you may need a faster machine. The free version is great, but the upgraded subscription version takes Lat/Lon coordinates where you can create navigation waypoints, routes and tracks.  What's really cool about this web site is that the first image is that of the earth.  From there you can scroll up/down and left/right to any place.  Did I say any place?  Take a visual tour of the British Virgins or Holiday Marina.  You can change the angle, height or slant of the photo. If you zoom down too close the images get fuzzy.  I think that's to protect the privacy of anchored yachts on Lake Lanier because we all know what goes on there!

Try entering your childhood street address and watch the earth turn while "Flying" to the address. You can create your own "My Favorites" list of places you frequently visit.  You can update your "View" options to turn on Lat/Lon coordinates on your map.  Way too cool, huh?  Told you so!  You can even track the exact location of commercial airline flights at: http://www.fboweb.com/antest/ge/intro.aspx.  You can zoom down to Hartsville and see what aircraft are landing and taking off on the runways.  Visit www.google.com/gmm for a version that you can download onto your PDA/Phone for mobile use.

Another new mapping site is VirtualEarth.com by Microsoft.  There's no longer any excuse for getting lost.

One HUGE WARNING.  Don't go here unless you have a couple of spare hours to kill.  It's addicting.

Next month you do not want to miss my Tips on "Escapes" containing some secret or little known nearby treasures for a quick spring get away!

Sunset Cruises
The May sunset cruise was something new and different.  The cruise began with Capt. Dave's usual jokes and humor and was followed by Bill Kahler's  wonderful acoustical guitar performance.  Bill, a local professional performer who plays piano at the Brookwood Grill off Holcomb Bridge Road, is multitalented in several instruments, but his whimsical approach to his work and personal recordings sets him apart from other musicians.  As is so typical of these special outings the sailing and salty tunes made the evening memorable for one couple celebrating an anniversary and others enjoying a special time on the water. Bill wrote some great "Sailing Songs" just for the outing and offered a few "Earthy" songs of humor to boot!

EPIRB Rentals

Not only do Windsong sailors get reduced Boat U.S. membership rates, but being a Boat U.S. or West Marine member has perks too!  Being offshore on a passage can be cause for concern and caution.  Boat U.S. has an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon rental program by which you can add safety and comfort to your trip by renting one of their global positioning devices that will pin point your position in the event of an emergency requiring emergency aid on the high seas.  For $55 per week you can rent one of the 406 Mhz beacons by calling 888-66EPIRB or visiting BoatUS.com/foundation. Note that during the busy sailing season (June-Aug) reservations up to 6 months in advance of your trip are encouraged. Having the ability to request assistance with pin point accuracy is now a much more affordable option.

Upcoming Classes We have several seats available over the next few weeks of classes. Ground School Classes:
	5/20	Coastal Navigation _b
	5/23 & 5/25	Basic Keelboat
	5/22 & 5/24	Advanced Coastal Cruising
	6/04	Bareboat Chartering
	6/6 & 6/8	Basic Coastal Cruising
	6/11	Engine Maintenance
	6/24	Marine Meteorology
Sailing Outings: (Check the web site for exact times)
	5/20	Sailing Outings
	5/27	Sailing Outings
	6/03	Sailing Outings
	6/10	Sunset Cruise
Windsong        T-Shirts & Hats     Get 'Em While              They Last! These are great to tell others about             your sport                   and                      accomplishments.

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 someone 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!