Capt Dave's Tips            

2007 is the year of the next America's Cup, but it's still far enough off that it's difficult to follow the circuit of activities that lead to the final challenge next season. 

In February I spent some time with Tom Leweck, founder and editor of a racing newsletter known as "Scuttlebutt" and a newsletter offshoot called "Curmudgeon".  Both have become a mainstay in sailing circles.  Tom has been one of the most visible sailing personalities in California for nearly four decades and has won six National Championships in both keelboat and dinghy one-design classes as well as the North American MORC championship.  A veteran of seven Transpac races and 58 long-distance races to Mexico, it's obvious that his opinions on sailing and more particularly racing are based on some fact. 

There are things about sailing that neither Russell Coutts nor Paul Cayard have figured out yet, but Tom has... and he'll share his insight that will forever change your perspective and priorities.  Guaranteed -- or your money back.  (It's free).  Take a look: http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com 

Click for gallery

   

      So What's NEW!
Ghosts of Lanier Cruise
Seen any ghosts lately?  Want to hear about some? 

The second annual "Ghosts of Lanier Cruise" will occur in October on Saturday the 7th and again on Saturday the 14th.  A lot of research went into developing this special annual outing.  If you're interested in this unique 3-hr evening outing on Lanier and enjoy the enchanting and make believe of certain aspects of the history of Lanier and that area prior to the construction of the dam, you don't want to miss this boat!  Bring your own creative minds and participate in the story telling!    

 
Had Any Good Laughs Lately?


Many of you may remember the "Comedy Night" Windsong events from a few years back at Dave & Buster's.  Well they're back!  This time Jillian's at Discover Mills in Gwinnett is hosting them and Windsong has priority seating!  Headliners direct from the Punch Line will ensure this event tops all from the past as this brand new monthly social opportunity for Windsong students, alumni and staff provide the unique comedy venue that Gwinnett County has been missing!  Jillian's private meeting rooms, bowling lanes, pool rooms, and dining facility offer a unique venue for all activities!   

Come early, stay late, but join us for the Comedy performances this month.

It's "Press Time" and the newsletter must roll, but all of the legal issues and contracts are still being written and reviewed by the  attorneys, so I can't give you any more details other than it will happen and it will begin in October.  It will be fun and I hope to be able to share more details later this month.

Give us a call or drop us a line if you want to be kept abreast of this event!

 

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      Windsong Events
Gill Fall Sale

Mark your calendars now for the Gill foul weather gear sail November 11th 8 am til 5 pm.  Gill, the most popular brand of sailing fashion wear, will be conducting a clearance of their end of year colors and styles to make room for next season's product lineup.  This is an annual opportunity to grab something special to round out your sailing foul weather gear and other attire.   The parking lot is usually packed long before the doors open, so you'll want to bring your breakfast with you to this early sale for the best selection.

The sale will be conducted at their warehouse location below, but you can view their product line at their web site: http://www.gillna.com


Gill North America
1025 Parkway Industrial Park Dr.
Buford, GA 30518
(770) 945-0564

Directions:
1) From I-985 - Exit Friendship Rd.
2) Turn toward Lake Lanier (West) go ½ mile to the 2nd traffic light to Atlanta Highway, SR#13.
3) Turn left on Atlanta Highway and go 1 block to (Old) Holiday Rd.
4) Turn right onto (Old) Holiday Rd.
5) Go ½ mi. and make a hard left onto Thunder Road.
6) Go ¼ mi. and turn right on Parkway Industrial Park Drive.
7) Gill North America is the 2nd building on the left.
 

Sunset Cruises


Mind Reader Or Bizarre Phenomena?

 What an exciting season of performances aboard our Sunset Cruises!  We've added some very enjoyable "Entertainment" this year and this Saturday night is the "Ghost of Lanier" cruise!

 

Last month Jessie Milton delighted the group with his ability to intuitively predict mental images and actions.  I'd call it Mind Reading, but Jessie is more humble about his rare talents, preferring to be called a "Cerebral Entertainer".   By any definition the group was amazed and a good evening was had by all.


Coastal Classes
Capt. C. J. is working hard to schedule everyone interested in participating in Basic Coastal Cruising, Bareboat Chartering and Advanced Coastal Cruising trips this November and December.  If your 2006 training plan includes advancement to any of these levels and he has not been able to contact you yet, you need to let us know immediately!  We are in the final booking stages for these limited class dates from Punta Gorda, Florida.

     So What's Been Going On?

Meal Preparation & Safety
Master Chef Frank Corbett exceeded the expectations of this month's participants in our Meal Preparation clinic.  "So why does a sailing school teach cooking classes?", you might ask. 

Many times on-the-boat food born illnesses make the trip memorable for all the wrong reasons.  This class was designed specifically to address those dangers.

Although the emphasis is on marine environment meal safety, all the theory, tips and tricks apply to home, holiday or special event cooking.

For more information about this unusual offering visit our web: Meal Prep & Safety

 
Is There A Hole In The Lake?
We're down around 10' and we've moved the Trimaran from Aqualand Dock Y to ZB right beside the Colgate.  By year end the lake could be down by as much as 17 feet according to Corp predictions.  This is just fine with us because since most boaters on Lanier don't have depth sounding equipment they just stay home, leaving the lake to those with a bit more professional attitude toward safe navigating.  By year's end every student will be required to bring a gallon of water with them up to the boat so we can pour it in prior to departure! (:>)

We do not anticipate any further changes in our operations due to falling lake levels.  The lake is just fine, come on in!

2007 Dates Coming Online In October
Most of the Sailing Outings for 2007 have already been posted to the Web Calendar and are now available for booking reservations.  The Ground School classes are being added this month.  Annually we strongly encourage existing students to grab the seats they desire before the January Boat Show occurs.  During the January Atlanta Boat Show we usually sell out of most of our seats for the season.  I don't want to hear any complaints from procrastinators next season.  This is the first year the classes have become available this early!

YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!  Start booking classes now or stand in line.

Admission Tickets Are Required - So Is Acknowledgement Of Receipt!
2006 was a trial year for Admission Tickets while we perfected our web registration application.  Starting in January no one will be permitted to participate in Ground or Outing classes without proof of registration.  Admission tickets are automatically emailed on the Monday prior to your class dates.  You must print these and bring them with you as proof of your registration.  Since email delivery is not a guarantee, it is important that you reply to acknowledge your receipt of your Admission Ticket so that we'll know you got it.   

After signing onto our Web Calendar Page, you can now view your list of class bookings via the "MY SUMMARY" menu option.  By clicking the "View Family Summary" option you can view the booking for your family members.

  1. You MUST REPLY to acknowledge receipt of your Admission Ticket.
  2. You MUST PRINT AND BRING your Admission Ticket with you to class.
  3. Your Admission ticket will list the date, time and location of your class. 
  4. If you require detailed directions, acquire them from our web directions page.

Upcoming Classes
We have several seats available over the next few weeks of classes.  

You can click on the class description below for more information.

Ground School Classes:

  10/17, 19 & 24 Coastal Navigation_a
  10/21 Basic Coastal Cruising
  11/04 Bareboat Chartering
  11/07 Advanced Coastal Cruising
  11/10 Coastal Navigation_b
  11/14 & 16 Basic Keelboat Sailing Theory
  11/18 Marine Meteorology
Sailing Outings: (Check the web site for exact times)
  10/07 Sunset Cruise (Ghost of Lanier Cruise)
    Sailing Outing (Skills & Drills)
  10/14 Sunset Cruise (Ghost of Lanier Cruise)
    Sailing Outing (Skills & Drills)
  10/15 Sailing Outing (Skills & Drills)
  10/21 Sailing Outing (Skills & Drills)
  10/28 Sailing Outing (Skills & Drills)
  10/29 Sailing Outing (Skills & Drills)
  11/19 Coastal Navigation_c
     
Windsong
       T-Shirts & Hats

These are great to tell others about
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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 word "WINDSONG" in the subject or you risk censure by our anti spam software.  Daily we receive just over 800 SPAM emails and find the use of filtering software imperative.  Don't risk losing 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 seasons 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!