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Sailing Breeze Published by
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Vol. 36 |
2005 |
WHAT'S GOING ON THIS SEASON! .
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Capt Dave's Tips |
Here's my tip for June; avoid shallow waters! Particularly avoid "Shallowing" waters. There are 3 kinds of skippers; those who've already run aground, those who will someday soon, and those who'd never admit to anything embarrassing in public. So what do you need to know if you have a grounding, in particular the implications of your actions. First, Don't Panic! Forethought would be good. A Boat U.S. or Sea Tow membership with increased towing limits would be better. Below is a boat I came across this April during a transit down the ICW. It had been blown aground during the previous day's violent storm.
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So what's the difference between a "Tow" and a "Salvage". Books have been written on this topic but I want to be brief. A "Salvage" is a successful voluntary rescue of a boat from imminent demise. The intent is to incent others to come to the rescue of fellow boaters even when risks exist to their own lives or boats. The value of their efforts can vary depending on the peril, expertise required and is based on the post-casualty value of the boat being rescued. A "Tow" is in exchange for a pre-agreed hourly rate and usually involves a nonvoluntary professional. Towing assistance usually implies light groundings and a single tow vessel for a limited duration. Be sure that you understand the type of service that you are requesting and what you are receiving. If you're about to loose your vessel due to a hard grounding, sinking or other catastrophic peril, it's likely going to be a "Salvage" operation and you better get the terms identified and know your marine insurance coverage in advance for such likelihoods. |
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If lives are in imminent danger, the U.S. Coast Guard can be called, but just because you'll end up in the water may not mean your life is in peril, unless you don't have life jackets aboard and you don't swim, but that's a different discussion. If your grounding can be resolved by the next high tide, you may elect to ride it out. If your grounding was at high tide on a full or no moon, you better get help and get it quick or you might as well build a deck and put up a mail box because you're going to be there for the next 30 days. For more detailed information enroll in our Bareboat Chartering or Advanced Coastal Cruising ground school classes where this topic is given considerable discussion.
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So What's NEW! |
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Windsong is invited to join Snug Harbor . |
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In July Windsong's Lanier facility will relocate to
the Snug Harbor Boats & Company complex on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. We
are excited about joining this hub of sailing activity where many
sailors have their sail work done by the Sail Loft or purchase boats
from the varied collection of new and previously owned boats. The "Build
Out" is nearly complete and will feature a training area for Windsong in
addition to boat sales offices and room for other related businesses at
the center. We will post more details about the Grand Opening once
the construction nears completion and classes begin.
Want To Add Some
Fireworks To Your Life?
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Windsong Events This Summer |
As many folks know, if it's happening in this town, we're generally there! For those who live in the Gwinnett area there are several excellent concert venues with a variety of free programs. Several folks are planning to join us this season as we sit barefoot and blissful in the grass under the stars and tap our feet to the music by candle light sipping cheap wine. Okay, perhaps all is legal in the city parks but the wine. Take a look at the options and come find us!
http://www.duluth-ga.com
http://www.gwinnettparks.com
http://www.suwanee.com
http://www.mariettaga.gov
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So What's Been Going On? |
Sunset Cruises Begin!
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The first sunset cruise for the 2005 season was filled with adventure and excitement. Our usual collection of games were enjoyed by all as were the snacks and beverages. The winds were absolutely perfect and the temperature was comfortable considering it was still March. Adventure stories and sailing dreams filled the evening until one of the cameras "Walked the plank" and we attempted our first ever "Camera Overboard" drills. "It just slid right out of my pants pocket" it's owner lamented. The recovery was unsuccessful but the memories will still last a lifetime. Everyone rotated between the "Lover's Nest" bow seats and the cockpit; where all the food was. A pair of Lake Lanier Island rental houseboats provided over an hour's entertainment as they zig zagged around the lake crossing our course several times hooting their horns and yelling across the water in the only nautical manner in which they knew; PARTY! |
Kathy and |
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Greg and Diane treated her
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Windsong is not purely an instructional school. We’ve had proposals, pre-wedding parties, romantic escapes, business team adventures, outward bound challenges as well as family escapes aboard our vessels. If you have a dream or know someone in search of one, we can be a great venue.
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Windsong T-Shirts - Get 'Em While They Last! These are great T-Shirts to tell others aboutyour sport and accomplishments |
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Only three dozen were initially ordered and there
aren't many left. This is one of our annual Fund Raising events to
offset the costs of providing the "Something Special" that we've all
grown accustomed to throughout the season. We all enjoy the
benefits that these activities make possible. The white T-Shirts have
the prestigious Windsong logo on the front and the FULL COLOR artwork on
the back that makes this shirt so unusual. Full color for just
$15, what a deal and a great way to support your sport.
Call us TODAY and we'll get one to you.
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This season Snowfox, our newest addition to the fleet sets sail. If you're looking for some new excitement, try our Corsair F-24 Trimaran. Leisurely cruising at 12 knots while sitting only 18 inches above the water can be one of the most exciting experiences you'll have under sail. And that's only the beginning! A multi hull is as similar as it is dissimilar to mono hulls. Twin headsails, a huge mainsail and three hulls provide fast acceleration and a smooth ride. The sound of the hulls slicing through the water as the winds parts your hair is exhilarating. Come be among the first to experience this newest addition to the Windsong fleet! Reservations are "First Come, First Serve". "Snowfox" will operate from Aqualand Marina Dock Y-1a in the same general area as the Colgate 26. |
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"For whatever we lose, it's always ourselves we find in the sea"
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Windsong HATS!!!! These superior quality white embroidered caps will be collector's items. Not only are they extremely comfortable and easily adjustable, they are breathable and offer a long visor to protect your face from the sun. A good sailing hat IS hard to find and these will fit the bill for a number of seasons. One size fits all, but at $15, these are going FAST! Retailers around town sell the same hat for $19.95, but ours are embroidered! |
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HOW SAFE IS YOUR
BOAT? |
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.
I
WANT TO CHARTER A BOAT, BUT NOT SURE I KNOW ENOUGH.
At Windsong we are very responsive to student suggestions. We are
here to serve you and your needs and continue to rapidly implement ideas offered
by our students. Most every week
during the summer we offer "Fun Sails"
for advanced students who want to charter a boat by
themselves, but aren't sure about their abilities to do so. Fun Sails do have a
Captain aboard for safety purposes, but what you do and where you go is up to
you and the others aboard your outing. These are not "Instructional" outings
but could include some instruction if requested. You are on your own to
strut your stuff or merely to kick back and just enjoy some time on the water
without all the "Tacking" and "Gibing" every two-seconds.
"There is something
about going to sea. A little bit of discipline, self-discipline and humility are
required."
Warning
To Returning Students:
If you don't already have outings booked through December you should seriously
consider doing so now.
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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! | |
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Friends don't let
their friends go through life Invite someone to join you today! |
| PLEASE, REACH
OUT AND TOUCH US,
We're listening!! |
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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!
