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May 1, 2008 |
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Club Cruising
As I am writing this, Cher is packing up the boat for our 6 day Club cruise to Islamorada. I have found that it’s best to stay out of the way when she is doing this. My responsibility is leaving with a clean boat (just the outside. I’m not allowed to clean the cabin. I think that’s a good thing), making sure all systems are in order and to make sure the tanks are full. Oh yes, I’m also responsible for the “things” that we need when we get there. Things like a dock hose, the shore power cord, deck mop, etc. I think it’s safe to say that I’m responsible for all the things on the outside of the boat.
Actually, I think this is not all that unusual. In talking with fellow “captains” it seems that we have all sort of marked out our “territory” with our first mates. It’s a good system. In my case it assures that we will arrive at our destination with enough food and clean clothes. Not just enough cold beer.
Cruising is truly a bonding experience. Not just with our first mates but with the others that we cruise with. I guess the RV’ers have known that for a long time. The trip is fun but it’s what happens when we get there that makes us look so forward that we are actually willing to go great distances when we only get a mile from a gallon of gas.
I know we all share the same love of being on the water but do you ever think about how many days your boat sits at the dock because you’re not signed up for a Club cruise? Sure happens to Cher and me. I don’t know why but it seems like we need to have an event scheduled or the boat just sits there. It really makes us appreciate belonging to our Club, the opportunities it has given us to be on the water and go to all the cool places and most of all, the many great friendships that we have developed.
Steve and Diann have put together a very active cruising schedule for our Club. They are working hard to plan events that offer something for everyone and somewhere every size of boat. It’s like having a personal travel agent. I hope you will join us and take as many advantages as you can to get your boat away from the dock and to get out on the water for a little of that special bonding.
I have to go now and find my deck mop. Hope to see you out on the water. |
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Editor: Fred Buchas |
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“check your e-mail on a regular basis so that you know what is going on with the Club” |
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Some Tidbits From Your Fleet Captain(s) Steve & Diann Saunders |
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Steve & Diann Saunders FLEET CAPTAINS
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Our trip to Crow’s Nest this month (Saturday, April 12th) was a lot of fun with flat seas and sunny skies. On the way North, we ran along the coastline and it was just beautiful….it truly was what Florida and boating is all about. We had a delicious lunch at Crow’s Nest and enjoyed those we all sat with. As we left the restaurant, we took a group photo of the fishing towels we received from Lisa Gautier at Grady White. (As always, thank you Lisa for all that you do for us, but they sure do look too nice and white to dirty!!!) On the return trip home, we decided to take the Intracoastal Waterway for some different scenery and ended another wonderful day in paradise!!
Also, we are having our luncheon trip to Cabbage Key on Saturday, April 26th with about 30 people and 9 boats. A first for our Club!!! What another great turn out this will be for those going.
And…by the time you read this Newsletter, we will be making the final preparations for our journey to Islamorada leaving on Friday, May 2nd. We are all looking forward to a safe trip with calm seas and beautiful weather. Upon our return, we will let you know how the trip went and all we did. Check out our website for the great photos which we are sure will explain a lot of our stories to be told.
Some other thoughts that came to mind that we thought we would bring to your attention are the following:
BUDDY SYSTEM FOR LONG TRIPS – For trips that are over an extended length, i.e., Islamorada, we need to follow a form of buddy system, where if one boat develops a problem, not all boats stop, unless we can do a quick fix. Prior to leaving on the trip I will try and class groups of three so that the boat experiencing the problem can be safe escorted to a safe harbor and chose to either standby for a repair or the two other vessels can rejoin the trip, albeit further back. I welcome comments and suggestions.
FLOAT PLANS – This has been a staple of our club and the Float Plan template is on our website so that each captain can file a float plan with a reliable person on shore that would/could report you being overdue.
PROTOCOL ON THE WATER – this applies when we travel together as the Grady White Club. The persons doing the planning make reservations according to each of your input for timing and place to meet as well as meals for you and all reserved guests. Please note that we can wind up with additional expenses for the group, if you do not show up at the last minute without any notice. We do realize that emergencies and health issues do arise at the last minute and can thoroughly understand; however, please be considerate and give us as much notice as possible so as to not incur any expense for others, as we can always be contacted either by cell or home telephone.
Also, if you have agreed to be part of the trip, this means that if our response states which vessels are going to meet at a point, i.e., Marker 5, at 10:00 a.m., then we ask for the courtesy of a call or radio call to us or another vessel coming on that trip stating your cancellation. Otherwise, as good stewards of your time, we standby and wait until after 10:00 a.m. for you to arrive. If all other vessels are at the agreed to point on time, you cause the group to wait unnecessarily. Then once we proceed, we expect everyone has had the opportunity to decide they are part of the trip, not just drop out without a call to the lead boat. Whoever takes the responsibility to guide the group takes a head count of boats and expects to arrive with all the scheduled boats for dockage.
We did not choose to be fleet captains but did agree to take the position when we were voted in. If “following” the group is not for you, we can understand, but if you sign up to go, please either offer to lead and plan the next trip, or join us in the scheduled group event as planned.
Your Fleet Captains, Steve & Diann Saunders |
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“making the final preparations for our journey to Islamorada leaving on Friday, May 2nd” |
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“if you sign up to go, please either offer to lead and plan the next trip, or join us in the scheduled group event as planned.” |
A Report From Treasurer/Web MasterDan Eisenberg |
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Dan Eisenberg TREASURER/WEB MASTER |
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As of today we have a total of 48 boats in the roster with 3 new boats expected shortly.
Hopefully everyone is taking full advantage of the new web site at www.tarponcoastgwbc.com.
The first tab is CALENDAR. Clicking on it opens up a page with the current month’s club activities displayed in a calendar format. You can also look at future months to see what is coming.
The second TAB is TRIP PLANS. Clicking on it opens a page with a list of the upcoming boat trips. Details for each trip are linked to this page. A nice feature of this page is a table with links to photos of all our past trips. If you want to find photos from an earlier trip this is the place to start.
Next month I will review more of the WEB site features.
Dan |
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As of today we have a total of 48 boats in the roster with 3 new boats expected shortly. |
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“Check out the club photo gallery on Flicker”. |
The Safety SceneSafety Officer/Newsletter Editor-Fred Buchas |
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Fred Buchas SAFETY OFFICER |
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more “safety in numbers” but don’t let this give you a false sense of security |
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An often overlooked safety device is a “sea anchor” |
Other Items & Member News |
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A Word From The Commodore-Dan Clark |
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Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar: May 21, 7:00pm
Monthly Dinner meeting – The May monthly dinner meeting will be held at the Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse in Port Charlotte. Don’t forget that we will have a 50/50 raffle with half going to the Club and the rest going to the lucky winner.
Our guest speaker at the meeting will be Terry Griffin, a noted lawyer and author who will talk to us about liability on the water. Should be very informative.
If you have already responded to Dan Clarks e-mail concerning your attendance at the meeting, thank you. If not, please email me by Sat, May 17, if you are planning to attend. Johnsemple@verizon.net
As a reminder, please remember that e-mail and our Web-site are our only means of communicating with the membership, and it is important to check your e-mail on a regular basis so that you know what is going on with the Club.
Also, our club policy allows our Club members to invite guests to our monthly Club meeting when the speaker’s topic would be of interest to them. Please let me know if you are bringing guests.
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News From The Secretary-John Semple |
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Dan Clark COMMODORE
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Cruising Safety
A review of cruising safety issues seems especially important as we prepare to embark on our club trip to The Keys.
Many of us have recently had our boats inspected or should have at least used the safety check list to perform our own inspections. Please keep in mind that the requirements for the Coast Guard inspection are more like minimum requirements and there are additional safety concerns that you should be considering before leaving on a long cruise.
A float plan is a club requirement. The fleet captain needs to have a file copy from each participating boat. If you have previously provided one and your information is unchanged then you are in compliance. You do still need to file a new float plan for each trip and give it to someone who can verify your safe return at the time stated on your plan.
As captain, you and you alone are responsible for the safe operation of your vessel and the safety of your passengers.
Traveling in groups affords us some benefits of having more “safety in numbers” but don’t let this give you a false sense of security. If some major unexpected weather or sea condition changes were to occur, assume that every other captain will be too busy handling their own problems to help you. The bottom line here is “don’t leave on a trip with a group that you wouldn’t feel capable of making alone day or night in a worst case scenario!”
We all have GPS units but are you proficient enough with it to navigate your trip alone day or night? A backup hand held GPS is a great idea in case of electrical failure. Also don’t forget the lowly compass and charts. Sometimes overlooked these days in lieu of high tech devices they will at the very least allow you to get back to land.
Remember to check your communications gear (see my last month’s column).
A “ditch bag” is a great idea. This bag should contain life saving essentials that can be grabbed quickly in the event that you have to abandon your vessel. This should include signaling devices, first aid and prescription drugs, fresh water and food etc. Follow this link to a more complete list on our web site. http://tarponcoastgwbc.com/links/member_inputs/DitchBagList.jpg
Make sure that you carry enough bottled water on your boat. Also remember that while most of us prefer not to drink the water we carry in our boats water system it can be a valuable source of potable water in an emergency. Use a water treatment additive for best results.
Carry a second anchor completely rigged and ready. What if you had to find a safe anchorage because of deteriorating weather and rough seas? Two anchors are better than one in those conditions. An often overlooked safety device is a “sea anchor”, properly sized for your boat. In the event of engine failure at sea in bad weather it will keep you oriented into the wind and waves and prevent capsizing.
This list could go on and on and I have to continue to get my boat ready. I hope you have found some of these points helpful or it has at least reminded you of some safety concerns that need attention on your own boat.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip! |
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John Semple SECRETARY |
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Copyright © 2008 Tarpon Coast Grady-White Boat Club All rights reserved |
Our Vice Commodore-Burt Wahlburg |
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Ahoy!
It’s the time of year that we truly enjoy cruising both to our favorite ports of call and fishing with friends and neighbors. The temperatures are beginning to rise and hopefully the winds will begin to subside, maybe someday soon!! In preparation for the long awaited cruises now is the perfect time to look back on the previous year’s experiences and take that inventory of items currently on the boat and items we should have had along, pillows come to mind on the Key West trip., and luckily one of our fellow members came to the rescue. (Thanks Doug and Cat Cox!)
Be sure to check all systems, ensuring they are working properly. Flushing and sanitizing the water tank, checking the bilge for unexpected visitors..(yes, our little lizard’s and an occasional unwanted four legged creature have found their way onboard, even up on the lift. (Can you say “fruit rat?”) In addition one should take stock of spare parts that might be needed on an extended cruise; spare bulbs, fuel filters, hydraulic oil , and the never to be forgotten duct tape, which can temporarily hold together loose wires, and the torn hem on a pair of pants!
Being members of a club like ours usually ensures that one our fellow members will come to the rescue, but being self sufficient in case of an unexpected side trip is worth the time spent in preparation. An ounce of prevention and forethought goes a very long way in making a pleasurable vacation cruise which will leave plenty of time for relaxing and spending time with fellow club members and making new acquaintances. |
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Burt Wahlburg VICE COMMODORE
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I’m still looking for member contributions. It could be almost anything that would be of interest to the membership. It could include your personal fishing or cruising stories or just information about hot fishing spots, dining or cruising destinations etc.
Fred Buchas fbuchas1@comcast.net |
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HOME | CALENDAR | TRIP PLANS | MEMBERS | LINKS | NEWSLETTERS |
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Website Links: Use Your Browser Back Button To Return Here
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“take stock of spare parts that might be needed on an extended cruise” |
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Our featured speaker at our May meeting will be Terry Griffin. Terry is a lawyer, author, Grady owner and Captain. Terry will speak to us about liability on the water and what we need to do as operators in case of an emergency. Terry will have autographed copies of his books available. H. Terrell Griffin
Terry has spent his adult life soldiering, studying, lawyering and writing, in that order. He was born in Waycross, Georgia, and at age twelve moved to Sanford, Florida. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.
Terry earned degrees in history and law and upon graduation from law school, Terry returned to Central Florida to practice law.
He is a board certified trial lawyer and has practiced in Orlando since 1968. Terry owns a Grady White and holds a Master’s Captain’s License.
Terry's first novel, "Longboat Blues" has become a regional bestseller since its publication in November 2005. His second novel, "Murder Key" was published on November 1, 2006. Both mysteries feature Matt Royal, who has been described by one reviewer as "Travis McGee with a law degree." Terry’s new book “Blood Island” will be published in late 2008.
Terry and his wife, Jean, live in Longboat Key and Maitland, Florida. Web site: terrygriffin |
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“we need to follow a form of buddy system, where if one boat develops a problem, not all boats stop” |
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Dick Williamson explains SPOT |
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Members at the April’s Club meeting were treated to an informative discussion about the SPOT personal locator and tracker. Dick Williamson from SPOT explained this new technology to the group and answered questions on how a boater can use the locating and tracking features. The SPOT locator offers the boater the features of an EPRIB as well as a real time precise tracking capability that friends and family members can use to follow your trip from their home computers.
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May Speaker Will Discuss Liabilities on the Water |
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April’s dinner speaker was Dick Williamson from “SPOT Satellite Messenger.” |
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Don’t miss or May 21st dinner meeting featuring lawyer, author and Grady owner Terry Griffin |
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REPRINTED FROM PREVIOUS ISSUE |
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For more information: http://www.findmespot.com/Home.aspx |
