Previous Editions

REMINDER – Labor Day Monday is a Sunday…for Fleet #1. Huh? Well, it’s
the last race of the Second Sunday series. Then Wednesday the 8th wraps
it up for the counters and we’re into three Wednesday nights of Fall
“Fun” races. Anyone seen a summer around here somewhere?

SCORES to date (more or less) are posted at the clubhouse and at:
        www.sail.accelogy.com

SSC FALL REGATTA – Saturday and Sunday, September 11-12. Graham
Alexander says the 5O5’s will be there. For Dinghies it’s Skippers’
Meeting on Saturday at 10:30 AM, First Start at Noon. Don’t miss the
"Real Sailors Breakfast" both days. See NOR in the Cross Bearings. Hope
you can make it. BUT WAIT! There's MORE! Mohican Sailng Clubs HAPAZARD
Regatta is the same weekend, as is PRSA's PRESIDENTS CUP. The days are
packed!

The field of contenders for Fleet #1 Champion is, ahem, somewhat narrow.
The Big Winner earns, among other good and valuable things, a slot in
SSC’s Champion of Champions Regatta, which will be sailed in THISTLES
this year, on September 18th (and/or 19th, if weather dictates). In case
you’re not the one, perhaps you could offer PC Doug Wieber a hand with
the event, if you’re available.

There seems to be some confusion regarding dates for the SMSA Fall
Invitational. It’s September 25/26, as currently indicated at the ISCA
website.

ISCA is looking to SSC for 2006 Nationals. We’re hoping for an official
thumbs-up at the upcoming SSC monthly board meeting. May tentatively
schedule it for the week between Jr. Bay and the I-LYA Regatta. If you
have thoughts on this, now’s the time to speak up.

Cheers,
Mike Zuilhof

Just wanted to put in a little plug for the 2004 National Championship. It
sure crept up on us, didn't it?  Just a week away!!!

If you haven't already committed to being there, I sure hope you're still
considering it. North Cape is a great venue (Jim Ward's favorite place to sail, I
hear!) and this year you can do Nationals in just four days - Saturday the
24th, thru Tuesday - and use only two days of vacation!

OR ... Put together a Womens or Juniour Team -- you'll be done racing on
Saturday.

Remember.. some day, when you can't sail anymore, you probably won't be
thinking, "Gee, I should have spent more time at the office!"

The NOR says you can even camp right next door. Check it out! :

     http://www.dieballsailing.com/Interlakenationals.htm
     http://www.dieballsailing.com/Interlakenationals.htm

Hope to see you there!

Warm regards,

Mike Zuilhof, Fleet Captain
Interlake Fleet #1
Sandusky Sailing Club

     http://sail.accelogy.com/     http://sail.accelogy.com/

The throwouts are gray. Note that if you showed for at least one race in the
series, you got a score, even if you didn't sail enough race to "qualify" for
an award.

More interesting to note is that we had EXCELLENT turnouts this spring, most
notably June 23 & 30, both Wednesdays, when we had 18 and 16 boats,
respectively. Let's see if we can continue that trend!

Cheers,
Mike

Race Committee Notice:
Bob Speers, SSC Race Committee Chairman has advised me of the following.  This notice will be posted on the SSC Bulletin Board

Notice to Racers:
   The 2001-2004 RRS discusses the use of enhancements to simple course marks that enable better racing conditions: offset mark at the weather end of a weather leg, gates at the leeward end of a leeward leg, and a limit mark behind the race committee signal boat.  These enhancements are often used at regional and national regattas.
   In-as-much-as two of the objectives of SSC race management are (1) to provide excellent racing conditions and (2) to provide opportunities for skippers to prepare for regional and national competition, these enhancements may be used when appropriate and feasible.

Posted 8-27-03
PC Bob Speers, Race Management Team Chair

End of Year Fleet # 1 Party/Meeting:
Our Social Chairpersons, Chris and Brian Malott will be hosting this affair at 5:00 PM on Sunday, October 26 at SSC.  As is our usual custom you will have the opportunity to roast, in the form of a gag gift, any other Interlaker(s) you so desire.  This year, we will not be assigning gifts for all competitors.  If you want to present a gift please do so.  If you want to present multiple gifts you are welcome to do so.

As always, the high light of the evening will be the presentation of The Blue Velvet.

This year, during the business portion of the party, an election will be held.  If the fleet concurs, Don Guy has agreed to continue serving as your treasurer.  However, Chris & Brian Malott, who have done an outstanding job serving as our social chairpersons for the last three years, and fleet captain(s) for two years before that, would like to take a break.  Also, after three years, the old fart who writes these letters feels it is time for someone else to bring some fresh ideas to the table.  Thus, please give some thought on who should lead this group in the future.

Leadership at a Higher Level:
I am very pleased to announce that Hank Boissoneault is now serving our class as Vice President.  In this position, Hank is responsible for running (from the class’s point of view) the Nationals (North Cape Yacht Club will be the host) in 2004.

Succeeding through the chairs, Hank will most likely assume to position of Class President in 2005.  Congratulations Hank!  Also, additional contrats to Hank and Kelly on their fourth place finish, in very trying conditions, at this year’s Nationals!

Wednesday Fun Races:
A reminder – the first start of the Wednesday Night Fun Races sailed in September will commence at 6:30.  In the past, these races have been sailed in Main Bay.

Don't forget to check out the Interlake Fleet 1 website,  www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1   This address links to ISCA and SSC websites and all the scores are posted here..

Sincerely,
Mike Muhn, Fleet Captain

RESULTS
Wednesday nights:
Nine races were scheduled, seven races were sailed.
Thus, four races were needed to qualify.  We had
thirteen boats qualify.  Results are as follows:

1.      H. Boissoneault, 4 points
2.      Huntley, 6 points
3.      Zuilhof, 11 points
4.      Jackson, 12 points
5.      Muhn, 14 points
6.      Ziss, 15 points
7.      Roshon, 19 points
8.      McAllister, 24 points
9.      Malott, 30 points (Malott wins tie breaker)
10.     Bracy, 30 points
11.     Brolis, 33 points
12.     Ashyk, 35 points
13.     Gagner/O’Leary, 43 points

Sunday mornings:
Nine races were scheduled, eight races were sailed.
Thus, five races were needed to qualify.  We had
eight boats qualify.  Results are as follows:

1.      Huntley, 5 points
2.      Jackson, 10 points
3.      Zuilhof, 15 points (Zuilhof wins tie breaker)
4.      Muhn, 15 points
5.      Ziss, 22 points
6.      McAllister , 26 points
7.      Malott, 30 points
8.      Ashyk, 37 points

Sorry for the confusion!  If you care to note, it is a
fact that your fleet captain took the biggest hit with
the corrections.

Mike Muhn
 

RESULTS

Wednesday nights:
Nine races were scheduled, seven races were sailed.  Thus, four races were needed to qualify.  We had eleven boats qualify.  Results are as follows:

1. H. Boissoneault, 4 points
2. Huntley, 9 points
3. Muhn, 14 points (Muhn wins tie breaker)
4. Zuilhof, 14 points
5. Jackson, 16 points
6. Roshon, 19 points
7. McAllister, 25 points
8. Bracy, 30 points
9. Malott, 33 points (Malott wins tie breaker)
10. Brolis, 33 points
11. Gagnet/O’Leary, 42 points

Sunday mornings:
Nine races were scheduled, eight races were sailed.  Thus, five races were needed to qualify.  We had  eight boats qualify.  Results are as follows:

1. Huntley, 4 points
2. Jackson, 13 points
3. Zuilhof, 15 points (Zuilhof wins tie breaker)
4. Muhn, 15 points
5. Ziss, 22 points
6. McAllister , 26 points
7. Malott, 30 points
8. Ashyk, 37 points

If I have made an error in calculating the scores, I have every confidence that they will be will be pointed out, and if need be, corrected.

INTERLAKE OVERALL FLEET CHAMPION TROPHY
As many of you may know, Jim Huntley (husband of Barb, father of Brad, Brenda and Bryan) passed away, April 30.  When Jim was a relatively young man, he sailed Comets and Interlakes at SSC.  Along with Norm Winkel, he is responsible for founding what is now known as the Sandusky Islands Race.  The first time I was introduced to Jim in 1973, he was sailing and racing a beautiful wooden (natural finish) Olsen 35 yawl named “Cheetah”.  Later, he purchased a Santana 30 “Gazelle”.  Jim’s competitive sailing days came to an abrupt end in 1982 when he suffered a very serious stroke.  However, he continued to be active at SSC attending various social events and took great pride helping and greeting old friends at the registration desk of the Islands Race.

In memory of Jim, the Huntley family is deeding a perpetual trophy to SSC.  I am very pleased to announce that this award will be presented each year to the overall Interlake Fleet Champion.  Our fleet champion is determined by qualifying in, and counting, at least half the scheduled series +1.  Thus, you must qualify in at least 3 of the 4 series sailed (two Wednesday and two Sunday).
 

TALL SHIPS IN SANDUSKY
Thursday, July 17th, the tall ships will be arriving in Sandusky Bay at 3:00 PM.  Bob Speers has informed me that an armada of greeting vessels will solute the ships as they enter the Bay.  As Sandusky’s NUMBER ONE sailing fleet it is appropriate that Interlakes are represented.  However, since we are totally dependent on the wind (both direction and amount) individual discretion should be considered in dealing with boat traffic wakes etc.  If you are interested
in participating, please give Bob Speers a call.  He can be reached at 419-433-5144 or [email protected]
 

ISCA NATIONALS
This year the Nationals will be hosted by Portage Yacht Club and will be sailed on Portage Lake near Pinckney, Michigan (north of Ann Arbor).  The dates are August 10-15.

While many details concerning this regatta will be published in forthcoming editions of the "Intercom", I would like to again touch on a few topics associated with this year's event.

1. Qualification Series will be sailed.  You must finish in the top half of the fleet in the first three races to qualify for the Championship Fleet.  No scores will be carried over to the Championship or Challenger Series.

2. Protest Arbitration - A non-binding arbitration for most 2-boat protests will be available.  Take your issue to an arbitrator (no more than a 15 minute process with both skippers - no witnesses).  If you accept the arbitrator's decision, and it's against you, take a 40% penalty.  If you do not accept the arbitrator's decision, you can go through a regular protest hearing, complete with witnesses etc.  And who might you ask will be the arbitrator?  Read on!

3. Race Management - The Principal Race Officer (PRO) will be Tom Ehman Jr.  Tom has previousl6y served in this capacity when Portage Yacht Club has hosted the Nationals at both Glen Lake and Portage Lake.  Some of you may recognize Tom's name due to his association with the America's Cup.  Tom is indeed an America's Cup veteran.  In the 2000 challenge, he joined AmericaOne bringing two decades of America's Cup experience.  Ehman advised the team, especially Paul Cayard and John Kostecki, on rules, protest and strategy.  This was Tom's seventh Cup campaign.  In 1980 he served as Rules Advisor to the Defenders.  In 1983, Ehman was the rules advisor to New York Yacht Club when they battled the Aussies' winged-keel; then in 1987 was Executive Director of the New York's America II Challenge.  When San Diego won, Ehman was hired as manager of the organizing committee that ran the successful 1988 and 1992 defenses.  In 1995 he was rules advisor for Team Dennis Connor with Paul Cayard at the helm.  Tom is a native of Ann Arbor and a lifelong racing sailor.  He has won a handful of collegiate and dinghy national tiles, but is better known for his leadership roles in US Sailing and the International Sailing Federation over the past 25 years, and for the development of on-the water umpiring.  An international judge and umpire, he served on the Olympic jury in 1992 and 1996.

4. Chief Judge - If you read "Sailing World" I'm sure you are familiar with the name and qualifications of Dick Rose.  Do I need to say more?

5. Portage Lake - Portage Lake is a "real" lake; spring fed.  The water is very clear and features a sand bottom.  Adjacent to the yacht club is a beautiful beach that kids can have a wonderful time playing in the sand and very shallow water.

7.   Mooring - No lifts are available.  However, the Flying Scot Fleet plans to vacate their in-water hoists the week of the Nationals making these available to all participants.  Therefore, your boat will be lifted out of the water when not being sailed.

So, if you want to rub shoulders with the "Big Guys", learning and benefiting from their experience, participation at the Interlake Nationals this summer is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity!

NOTES & REMINDERS:
I highly encourage all members of Fleet 1 to join your Class Association, I.S.C.A.  Annual dues are $30.00.  Checks should be made out to I.S.C.A. and sent to Class Secretary  Lisa Aspery, 264 Crandell Dr., Worthington, Ohio  43085.  If you plan on sailing in this year's Nationals, hosted by Portage Yacht Club, joining I.S.C.A is mandatory.  In fact you must be a member of I. S. C. A. 14 days prior to the start of the event.

Don't forget to check out the Interlake Fleet 1 website,  www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1   This address links to ISCA and SSC websites.

Sincerely,
Mike Muhn, Fleet Captain

The March 6, Newsletter mainly dealt with issues pertaining to our class.  This letter hopefully will bring you up to date with happenings around SSC.

This past Saturday, March 22, the Race Governing Committee met at SSC.  Various topics were discussed including input regarding the final schedule of this year's events.  Since the April "Cross Bearings" most likely will not include the schedule, a copy of the schedule is included as an "excel" attachment.    This hopefully will enable all of you to compare our local dates with those on the ISCA Traveler's Series (included in the last newsletter) to aid in how you want to plan for the upcoming sailing season.  Please note that due to no major regattas being sailed in Sandusky this year, we have picked up a Sunday date.  Thus, both Sunday Series will consist of nine races utilizing both Mondays on Memorial and Labor Day weekends.  Also please note that in addition to all races, cruising activities have also been listed.

Speaking of cruising, the SSC Cruising Fleet is certainly alive, well and thriving.  They have scheduled many cruses for various weekends this summer.  The cruising fleet has an open invitation for all SSC members to join in on their activities. This invitation most definitely includes members who want to participate utilizing boats that do not have a "stick" used for propulsion (powerboats).

Two notes regarding starting procedures:

The race committee will conduct false starts for fleets that do not appear for a given race.  As an example, assuming the Thistles due not appear, the committee will go through the starting procedure as if they were there.  The effect is our fleet will not start before 7:35 PM on Wednesdays or 9:35 AM on Sundays.

The second issue concerns Individual Recalls.  This year our committees will be going strictly by the book, that being "The Racing Rules of Sailing" 2001-2004.  Please read rule 29.2   You will find no verbiage discussing hailing of boats etc.  Those in attendance at the Race Governing Meeting agreed that SSC should be consistent with the rule book, get in line with other clubs that are presently following the published rules, relieve the committee of the burden of attempting to hail individual boats, and put the burden (without any crutch) of starting correctly completely on the competitors.  (Berne, I guess your antics regarding this issue, hit a sore spot with the committee.  Guys like Speers have a way of getting even when you embarrass then with special glasses - megaphones etc)  All kidding aside, as Interlake Fleet Captain, I endorse this decision.

Notes & Reminders:

Fleet Dues are now being accepted.  We need your five bucks ($5.00) to be paid before you race locally.  If not received, you will not be scored.  Please make check out to Interlake Fleet Number One and send to Don Guy, 1232 Marlboro St., Sandusky, Ohio  44870.  (Joe O'Leary keeps telling me that someday he and Tom Gagnet will finish first.  Joe you already have accomplished your goal - congratulations on being the first to pay your dues this year!

Speaking of dues, I highly encourage all members of Fleet 1 to join your Class Association, I.S.C.A.  Annual dues are $30.00.  Checks should be made out to I.S.C.A. and sent to Class Secretary  Lisa Aspery, 264 Crandell Dr., Worthington, Ohio  43085.  If you plan on sailing in this year's Nationals, hosted by Portage Yacht Club, joining I.S.C.A is mandatory.  In fact you must be a member of I. S. C. A. 14 days prior to the start of the event.

Saturday, 4/26, @ 9:00 AM - SSC Spring Workday and General Meeting

Don't forget to check out the Interlake Fleet 1 website,  www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1   This address links to ISCA and SSC websites.

Hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Mike Muhn, Fleet Captain
 

As I write this, looking out my window I see icy streets, snow covered lawns and snow squalls.  However, in just about a month, major league baseball games are scheduled to be played in Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago etc.  While I'm not a big baseball fan, at least inside the ballparks the grass will be green (probably painted) and hopefully warmth will be in the air.  It's time to think about boats and soft water!

Over the past three years, through these newsletters, I have tried to give the members of Interlake Fleet #1 a "heads up" concerning issues involving Fleet #1, the Interlake Sailing Class Association, and SSC.  Please remember, as fleet captain, I don't dictate policy, especially with regard to ISCA and SSC.  Obviously, I do have some influence over Fleet 1 activities.  For the most part, a fleet captain is just a messenger.  If you are unhappy about any aspects of the message, I would definitely like to know, but I do not expect to be shot for simply delivering the message.

With that said, on Saturday, March 1, Hank Boissoneault and I (Hank as Northern Ohio Regional Vice President of Interlake Sailing Class Association and I as Fleet Captain) traveled to Wapakoneta and attended the ISCA Spring Fleet Captain/Executive Committee Meeting.  While  many agenda items were discussed at the meeting, I would like to address three topics that head the list in importance:  ISCA Travelers Regatta Schedule, Nationals and Boat Measurement Issues i.e. Sharpened Chines - Concave/Convex Hull Shapes.
 

Following is the 2003 Interlake Travelers Schedule

 REGATTA HOST CLUB LOCATION CONTACT PERSON
May  3-4 Chief's  (*)    (Founders Cup)         Leatherlips Y.C. Powell, Ohio Scott Savage 614-889-7729
May  24-25 PRSA Spring (**)Regatta Potomac River Sailing Association Alexandria, VA Martin Howell 703-837-1668
June  ??? Cattail (**) Jolly Roger S.C. Toledo, Ohio Tom Marriott(734) 847-0365
June   14   GSA Regatta (not a Traveler’s Regatta) GlenMar Sailing Assoc. Rocky Point, Md Tim Fawcett [email protected]
June  21-22 Interlake Stakes  (**)  Hoover Y.C. Westerville, Ohio Tim Lohner(614) 848-6349
June   28 Sandusky  (*) Sandusky S.C. Sandusky, Ohio Mike Zuilhof 419-621-7808
July  12-13 Indian Lake  (*) Indian Lake Y.C. Russells Point, Ohio Chip Wood (614) 873-2249
July    12 SMSA  (*)Summer Regatta Southern Maryland S.A. Solomons, Maryland Barbara Herbig
July  26-27 Great White Northern    (**) Grand Traverse Y.C. Traverse City, Michigan John Briggs (231) 947-8797
Aug  4-6 I-LYA Bay  (*)Week Put-In-Bay Y.C. Put-In-Bay, Ohio Ray Gall 419-836-8110
Aug  9-10 Spitzer Cup (*) Lorain S.C. Lorain, Ohio Rich Wismer (440) 327-4557
Aug 10-15 ISCA NATIONALS (**) Portage Yacht Club Pinckney,  Michigan  Clark Chapan313  453-4765
Sept  6-7 PRSA  (Not a Traveler’s)President's Cup Potomac River Sailing Association Alexandria, VA Martin Howell 703-837-1668
Sept  6-7 Haphazard (*) Mohican S.C. Lucas, Ohio Joe Murr(330) 262-0296
Sept  20-21 Clark Lake (*) Clark Lake Y.C. Clark Lake, Michigan Daniel Hockenberry 517-529-3169
Sept 20-21 SMSA  (*)Fall Invitational Southern Maryland S.A. Solomons, Maryland Barbara Herbig
Sept  27 Snow Flurries (*) Port Clinton Y.C. Port Clinton, Ohio Dave Nighswander (419) 734-1253
Sept 27-28 Hot-To-Trot  (*)  Portage Y.C. Pinkney, Michigan [email protected] Ann Taylor734-453-5788.
Oct  4-5 Snowball Regatta (Not a Traveler’s) Buckeye Lake Y.C. Buckeye Lake, Ohio Tracy Davis 614-899-9717
Oct  4-5 Poltergeist  (*) Indianapolis S.C. Indianapolis, Indiana Hans Haupt 317-283-1548
Oct  11 Fall Blowout (*) North Cape Y.C. North Cape, Michigan John Greiner 419-726-3755

Jan 1  2004 PRSA  HangoverRegatta (Not a Traveler’s) Potomac River Sailing Association Alexandria, VA Martin Howell 703-837-1668
 Travelers Series. ** = score counts double in Traveler's Series calculation.

Change PRSA URL Website to WWW.Potomacsailing.org
 

You will note that our Sandusky Interlake Regatta is scheduled as a one-day event, Saturday, June 28th.  About 18 months ago, when a questionnaire was sent to the members of Fleet 1 concerning this regatta, the vast majority of members indicated that you would support this event with the new format.   You all kept your word, and as a result, last year we had an outstanding turnout of  "locals" for this regatta.  Hopefully this year you will mark your calendars and save this date.  (We know that a number of boats are planning to attend from the Chesapeake Bay Area and a number of boats have also already committed from the Columbus Area)

Speaking of dates to circle on your calendars, Saturday July 12 is also an important date.  This year, "little" boats have also been invited to participate in what has become the major charitable event at SSC - The Hospice Cup.  In recent years, we have found it very difficult to find a date in the schedule to sail the Johnson's Island Folly.  Participating in the activities associated with the Hospice Cup gives us the opportunity to revive a "Folly" type event; complete with water balloons etc.  Quite possibly "the race" might consist of a "poker run".  In any event, this day can provide the opportunity to show off our boats, fleet enthusiasm, and introduce what we are all about to family, friends and members of the community who normally don't participate in activities on, or around, the water.  Saturday, July 12th promises to be a fun day for a very worthy cause.  I hope all Interlakers will participate!
 

ISCA Nationals

This year the Nationals will be hosted by Portage Yacht Club and will be sailed on Portage Lake near Pinckney, Michigan (north of Ann Arbor).  The dates are August 10-15.

While many details concerning this regatta will be published in forthcoming editions of the "Intercom", I would like to touch on a few topics associated with this year's event.

1. Measurement - Chine radius and bottom convex/concave shapes will be measured (more about this later)

2. Qualification Series will be sailed.  You must finish in the top half of the fleet in the first three races to qualify for the Championship Fleet.  No scores will be carried over to the Championship or Challenger Series.

3. Protest Arbitration - A non-binding arbitration for most 2-boat protests will be available.  Take your issue to an arbitrator (no more than a 15 minute process with both skippers - no witnesses)  If you accept the arbitrator's decision, and it's against you, take a 40% penalty.  If you do not accept the arbitrator's decision, you can go through a regular protest hearing, complete with witnesses etc.  And who might you ask will be the arbitrator?  Read on!

4. Race Management - The Principal Race Officer (PRO) will be Tom Ehman Jr.  Tom has previousl6y served in this capacity when Portage Yacht Club has hosted the Nationals at both Glen Lake and Portage Lake.  Some of you may recognize Tom's name due to his association with the America's Cup.  Tom is indeed an America's Cup veteran.  In the 2000 challenge, he joined AmericaOne bringing two decades of America's Cup experience.  Ehman advised the team, especially Paul Cayard and John Kostecki, on rules, protest and strategy.  This was Tom's seventh Cup campaign.  In 1980 he served as Rules Advisor to the Defenders.  In 1983, Ehman was the rules advisor to New York Yacht Club when they battled the Aussies' winged-keel; then in 1987 was Executive Director of the New York's America II Challenge.  When San Diego won, Ehman was hired as manager of the organizing committee that ran the successful 1988 and 1992 defenses.  In 1995 he was rules advisor for Team Dennis Connor with Paul Cayard at the helm.  Tom is a native of Ann Arbor and a lifelong racing sailor.  He has won a handful of collegiate and dinghy national tiles, but is better known for his leadership roles in US Sailing and the International Sailing Federation over the past 25 years, and for the development of on-the water umpiring.  An international judge and umpire, he served on the Olympic jury in 1992 and 1996.

5. Chief Judge - If you read "Sailing World" I'm sure you are familiar with the name and qualifications of Dick Rose.  Do I need to say more?

6. Portage Lake - Portage Lake is a "real" lake; spring fed.  The water is very clear and features a sand bottom.  Adjacent to the yacht club is a beautiful beach that kids can have a wonderful time playing in the sand and very shallow water.

7.   Mooring - No lifts are available.  However, the Flying Scot Fleet plans to vacate their in-water hoists the week of the Nationals making these available to all participants.  Therefore, your boat will be lifted out of the water when not being sailed.

So, if you want to rub shoulders with the "Big Guys", learning and benefiting from their experience, participation at the Interlake Nationals this summer is probably a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Boat Measurement Issues i.e. Sharpened Chines - Concave/Convex Hull Shapes.

Remember, I am just the messenger!  I must confess, I was not aware of these issues until after the Nationals were completed last summer.

In the Interlake Specifications found in past editions of the ISCA Membership Directory Constitution, Bylaws, Specifications that has been sent to every Interlake Owner who joins ISCA, Article II - #5 states "All hulls must come from a mold approved by the Chief Measurer or must be measured by the Chief Measure or a measurer approved by both the Executive Committee and the Chief Measurer."

One of the benefits of having a single builder of our boat is over a period of time all boats come from the same (approved) mold.  When the mold wears out a new one is produced off of the class plug.  With this understood, in the past, little concern was given concerning measuring each and every hull that has been produced.

The mold produces boats that have a relatively flat hull shape aft of the chain plates.  Chines are rounded to approximately 1/4" radius.  This radius is relatively consistent aft of the chain plates all the way to the transom.  This radius is also consistent on boats manufactured back in the early sixties to the present.  (As evidenced by measuring and examining many boats numbered from the mid 200's through this year's production)

It is a fact that over time fiberglass/gelcoat construction will shrink.  You may see evidence of this by observing the profiles of the balsa blocks in the bottom of your boat, especially when the hull is shined up.  It is also a fact that hulls can naturally take on either a convex or a concave shape over time.  This can be the result of merely being stored on a trailer.  In fact, boats falling into the 300 series were built with flexible hulls that "oil canned" to some degree when sailed.  (Back in the sixties when these boats were built, flexible hulls were thought to be fast. Today, everyone says a stiff hull is fast)

As a result of this phenomenon, some Interlake owners have contracted, or attempted themselves, to "fair" their hulls.  During this process, in addition to merely sanding the hull, material may have been added to aid the procedure.  In some instances, a newly faired hull might end up with hull chines much sharper than a 1/4" radius and possibly an altered convex/concave shaped hull.

Thus, at the meeting March 1, Scott Savage, the Interlake Sailing Class Association's Chief Measurer handed out the following document:

From the Chief Measurer

As the new measurer I have been task by the Executive committee to address issues that arose at Nationals this past year.  More specifically the issue of hull shape as it applies to the Interlake.  After many hours researching the topic and reading and re-reading the Interlake Specifications and Chief Measurer's interpretations we opened the topic to further discussion at the fall meeting (at the Poltergeist Regatta at Indianapolis) of the general membership.

The result of these efforts is an interpretation approved by the Executive Committee of the I.S.C.A.  The wording is as follows:

11.  Deck and Hull Repair Revised 11/16/02
Although new fiberglass decks and hulls come from an approved builder, any person can repair a hull or fiberglass deck to approximately its original appearance and shape.  Persons contemplating more than a simple repair must seek the prior approval of the Chief Measurer and describe the nature and method of the repair completely.  The repair must meet the minimum requirements:

A. After repair, the hull and deck must be capable of fitting back into its original mold, i.e. the repair must not modify the shape on the outer (gel coat) side in such a way as to interfere with the body of the mold:
B. After repair, the boat must contain at least the amount of flotation as when it was built.  If foam has been removed after the original manufacturing date, it must be replaced at this time;
C. The materials used in the repair must be equal to or greater than the original materials in weight, thickness, and strength; and
D. The interface between the repaired area and the original deck must be carefully sealed to avoid water intrusion into the core of the deck or hull.

The upcoming Nationals will be our first experience with this interpretation.  Molds have been produced from the Class Mold to check the chine and transom as well as radius gauge to confirm compliance.  If you hull has been repaired or modified, please contact me for help in remedying the situation.

Scott went on to say, that while trying to pull in the reins on this issue, he certainly does not want to offend or point fingers at anyone.  As Chief Measurer he wants to be as accommodating as possible and work with everyone who may be affected.  He is very willing to look at any and all boats to see if they are in compliance and offer suggestions of what to do to bring them into compliance.  Scott further stated that he will be available all day Friday before the Chief's Regatta in Columbus, as well as the rest of the weekend to look at individual boats and give advice.  He will also be visiting just about every fleet this summer prior to the Nationals to do the same.  When asked if he were in favor of allowing boats out of compliance to compete at various regattas, his response was he was in favor of allowing participation as long as the owner was making an effort to correct the problem.

I concur with Scott.  With regard to Fleet 1, our policy will be that of helping those affected to come into compliance.  Just as we had centerboard cut down parties a number of years ago, I am in favor of having some "sanding parties" (owner of boat being sanded would be required to furnish the beer).  You are most welcome to continue to race in SSC races, but compliance should be everyone's goal.

As a start, please refer to the following sketches:  The first depicts a hull that exhibits a concave shape.  If you lay a straightedge (batten will do) from the chine to the keel rocker any gap cannot exceed 3/4".
 

     Concave Shape  Max 3/4"

The second sketch shows a convex hull.  Again laying a straight edge from the chine to the keel rocker, the maximum gap anywhere along the edge is 3/8".  These tolerances appear to be quite liberal to account for hull shapes that may have changed naturally over time.

                   Convex Shape Max 3/8"
 

Following is an outline of a mold that has been produced to check chine radius.  Molds like this have been produced for each station.  However, since the radius appears to be consistent from the chain plates aft to the transom, this template hopefully will aid in determining if your boat is in compliance.

This chine template and straightedge method can be used while a boat is on a trailer and certainly can be used with a boat hanging on a hoist.

When asked how long it would take to correct the problem, Scott replied "obviously each boat is different".  He went on to say, that the all the boats so far observed by him, none needed modifications to correct a convex/concave hull - only sanding was needed to round the chine.  Bottom line - if only the chines need to be rounded, you should be able to correct the problem in less time than it has taken me to write this newsletter.

One last reminder.  As fleet captain, I certainly am not the ultimate authority concerning measurement issues.  Scott Savage, our Chief Measurer is.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give Scott a call at 614-889-7729 or e-mail him at [email protected]  Scott wants to help you!  It should be obvious by now, that hulls of boats will be measured at this year's Nationals.  If your boat is not in compliance by then, you will not be allowed to race in that event.
 

Notes & Reminders:

Fleet Dues are now being accepted.  We need your five bucks ($5.00) to be paid before you race locally.  If not received, you will not be scored.  Please make check out to Interlake Fleet Number One and send to Don Guy, 1232 Marlboro St., Sandusky, Ohio  44870.

Speaking of dues, I highly encourage all members of Fleet 1 to join your Class Association, I.S.C.A.  Annual dues are $30.00.  Checks should be made out to I.S.C.A. and sent to Class Secretary  Lisa Aspery, 264 Crandell Dr., Worthington, Ohio  43085.  If you plan on sailing in this year's Nationals, hosted by Portage Yacht Club, joining I.S.C.A is mandatory.  In fact you must be a member of I. S. C. A. 14 days prior to the start of the event.

Saturday, 3/8/03 -  Sandusky Junior Race Team Fund-Raiser.  Cocktails @5:00 PM, Dinner at 6:00PM

Saturday, 3/22/03 - SSC Race Governing Committee at 9:00 AM.  Final SSC Race Schedule will be confirmed at this meeting

Saturday, 4/26, @ 9:00 AM - SSC Spring Workday and General Meeting
 

Don't forget to check out the Interlake Fleet 1 website,  www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1   This address links to ISCA and SSC websites.

Hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,

Mike Muhn, Fleet Captain

On Tuesday, March 12, all fleet captains were asked to attend the SSC Board of Trustees Meeting.  Other fleets have complained that the burden of required Race Committee Duty was too much for them to bear.  After a lengthy discussion, a motion was made, and passed, to suspend required Race Committee Duty for members of the racing fleets.  Thus, in the foreseeable future, none of us will be required to service on the Race Committee.  I would like to commend the members of the Interlake Fleet for serving in the past without complaint.  Even though our fleet was assigned twice the dates of any other fleet, the policy of rewarding our members for serving worked very well.  Thank you for your support!

On Saturday, March 9, Hank Boissoneault and I (Hank is now Northern Ohio Regional Vice President of Interlake Sailing Class Association) traveled to Wapakoneta and attended the Association's Fleet Captain/Executive Committee Meeting.  We were successful in getting our new Interlake Regatta on the Traveler's Series Schedule as a double star event.  We also took the opportunity to poll those in attendance on their preferences concerning preferred length of the event, number of races sailed etc.  The overwhelming sentiment was to have a one-day event with three races sailed.  (There was not one vote favoring a two-day regatta)  Thus, the SSC Interlake Regatta will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2002.  Mike Zuiloff will be chairing the event.  Speaking from experience, hosting a one-day regatta is definitely easier than a multi-day affair.  However, conducting any successful regatta, takes a lot of manpower.   I trust you will enthusiastically support Mike when called upon and will make hosting out of town Interlakers and sailing in this regatta a priority!

Berger Duty:
The Interlake Fleet has been assigned the month of July.  There are five Wednesdays:  Following are the assignments:

July 3   -  Jackson, Malott, Engeler, Heilman, Speers

July 10 -  Guy, Ward, McAllister, Muhn, Freeman

July 17 -  Zuiloff, Sausser, Koch, Roberts, Kyle

July 24 -  Semans, Stauffer, Ziss, Doller, Babson

July 31 -  Ashyk, Boissoneault, Huntley, Roshon , Gagnet/O'Leary

Since there are five individuals assigned to each date, we should be well covered.  If you cannot make your assigned date, kindly arrange to swap with someone on an alternative date.

Notes & Reminders:
SSC Board Member Stacey Brinker (Stacey has been charged with coordinating regattas) is looking for a chairman for the SSC Fall Regatta.  If interested please give her a call at 419-621-5600

Fleet Dues are now being accepted.  We need your five bucks ($5.00) to be paid before you race.  If not received, you will not be scored.  Please make check out to Interlake Fleet Number One and send to Don Guy, 1232 Marlboro St., Sandusky, Ohio  44870.

Speaking of dues, I highly encourage all members of Fleet 1 to join your Class Association, I.S.C.A.  Annual dues are $30.00.  Checks should be made out to I.S.C.A. and sent to Class Secretary  Lisa Aspery, 264 Crandell Dr., Worthington, Ohio  43085.  If you plan on sailing in this year's Nationals, hosted by Port Clinton Yacht Club, joining I.S.C.A is mandatory.  In fact you must be a member of I. S. C. A. 14 days prior to the start of the event.

Saturday, 4/13, @ 6:00 PM - Fish Dinner sponsored by the J-24 Fleet

Saturday, 4/27, @ 9:00 AM - SSC Spring Workday and General Meeting

Saturday, 5/11 @ 6:00 PM - SSC Spring Party

Travelers Regatta Schedule can be found on the I.S.C.A. Website.  The easiest way to get there is to go to our Web Site - www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1 and link onto the class website.

Hope to see you soon!

Mike Muhn, Fleet Captain

On Feb 2, I attended a Race Governing Committee Meeting at SSC.  The main purpose of the meeting was to finalize the 2002 race schedule.  With reference to one-design, our schedule follows:

Wednesday #1                          Sunday #1                  Wednesday #2                          Sunday #2
5/1   (Tune up)                          5/5   (Tune up)              7/10                                         7/21
5/8                                           5/12                              7/17                                         7/28
5/15                                         5/19                              7/24                                         8/4
5/22                                         5/26                              7/31                                         8/11
5/29                                         5/27 (Monday)             8/7                                           8/18
6/5                                           6/2                                8/21                                         9/1
6/12                                         6/9                                8/28                                         9/8
6/19                                         6/16                              9/4   (Fun)
6/26                                         7/7                                9/11 (Fun)
7/3                                           7/14                              9/18 (Fun)
                                                                                     9/25 (Fun)

Note - Special Events are scheduled on the following dates

SSC Laser Regatta is scheduled on 6/22 - 6/23 (Saturday, Sunday)
SSC Interlake Regatta is scheduled on 6/29 - 6/30 (Saturday, Sunday)
Interlake Nationals (Port Clinton) is scheduled on 8/12 - 8/15 (Monday - Thursday)
SSC J-24 District 12 Regatta is scheduled 8/24-8/25 (Saturday, Sunday)
SSC Fall Regatta is scheduled on 9/14 - 9/15 (Saturday, Sunday)
SSC Champion of Champions is scheduled on 9/21 -9/22 (Saturday, Sunday)

No Series Races are scheduled for dates that are occupied by Special Events.  Also, in an attempt to support our Class and our neighbors, Port Clinton Yacht Club, no Wednesday Series Race is schedule for Interlakes, Wednesday August 8/14 (Interlake Nationals).
 

SSC Race Rules and Course Descriptions:
Other topics of discussion at the Race Governing Committee Meeting were new racecourse nomenclature and simplified SSC Race Instructions.  The bad news is just about the time we finally learn the numbers representing various courses displayed on the race committee boats we decide to change them.  The good news is there definitely is a "method to the madness" regarding the new nomenclature.  Furthermore, the re-working of the SSC Race Instructions brings them into line with the "simplified rules" and eliminates duplicated verbiage on topics that are covered in the U. S. Sailing Rule Book.  The reworked SSC Race Instructions will result in a publication that can be printed on one side of a sheet of paper.  The vision is to utilize the back of the same piece of paper to print course drawings.  This one sheet than can be laminated and easily carried on our boats.  BEFORE RACING THIS YEAR, MAKE SURE YOU PICK-UP AND READ THE SSC RACE INSTRUCTIONS AND DESCRIPTION OF COURSES TO BE SAILED.

As was the case last year, J-24"s will be sailing on the Auxiliary Boat Course Wednesday nights and with us on the One-Design Course on Sundays.  In addition, occasionally, auxiliary boats may also be joining us on Sunday's sailing on the one-design course. If they are present, they will start 10 minutes after the last one-design class hopefully eliminating any prospect of sailing through the one-design classes.
 

Race Committee Duty:
When fulfilling race committee duty, your entire crew will be required to serve.  If you normally sail with two on your boat both must serve.  If you sail with three, the additional person is also encouraged to serve.  On the day you have race committee duty, your boat may sail utilizing an alternative crew.  However, your boat will not be scored.  (See alternative below)

The Race Governing Committee has suggested the scoring of boats serving race committee duty is to be directed by the individual fleets.  In 2001, the following procedure was implemented and worked exceptionally well.  To refresh your memory, when you are scheduled to serve on race committee duty, your duty will count as a race sailed in the effected series, regardless if the race is actually sailed or not (blowout).  Under the low point scoring system, your score for that race will be your best average of races needed to qualify less one race, less one point.

The bottom line is, serving on race committee will positively help you qualify for a series and will actually help your total score.  However, if you do not fulfill your obligation once assigned, the penalty will be an automatic DSQ for that race that cannot be thrown out

The Interlake Fleet has been assigned the following dates for race committee duty by the Race Governing Committee:

First Sunday Series:                                          First Wednesdays Series:

5/5, 5/12, 5/27, 6/2, 7/7, 7/14                              5/1, 5/8, 5/22, 5/29, 6/12, 6/19, 7/3
 

Second Sunday Series:                                       Second Wednesday Series:

8/4, 8/11, 9/1, 9/2                                                    7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/21

I would strongly suggest that you look at your calendars and reply back ASAP (e-mail or phone call) regarding preferred dates (at least three), or alternatively, dates in which serving would be impossible due to personal commitments, junior activities, traveling regattas, etc.  I will do the best I can to honor your requests based upon order of receipt. This year it may be necessary for some to serve twice.  If necessary, those folks will be randomly chosen (names pulled from a hat).  No one will be assigned double duty in the same series (alternative scoring too advantageous).  If I don't receive a response, I must assume you have no preference and accordingly I will arbitrarily assign a date(s) to you.   Once a date(s) is assigned, you are responsible to fulfill the obligation(s).  I must provide a completed list to Jeff Witter, chairman of the Race Governing Committee 2/28/01.
 

Fleet Dues:
Fleet Dues of $5.00 should be sent to Don Guy, 1232 Marlboro Street, Sandusky, Ohio  44870.  Please make your check out to INTERLAKE FLEET #1.  (Remember, your scores will not be counted until your fleet dues are received)
 

Interlake Regatta
You will note that an "Interlake Regatta" appears on the SSC Schedule, the last weekend in June - this year June 29-30.

To review, in November of  2001, SSC Board Member Chris Malott advised me that SSC had decided to drop our multi-class Summer Regatta.  The main reason is lack of participation (for whatever reasons) by both the big boat fleets and one-design classes.  I expressed to Chris that I understood that SSC cannot continually subsidize regattas that lose money but, that as Interlake Fleet Captain, I was disappointed that SCC would no longer offer a regatta in the summer for centerboard class boats.

In view of these circumstances, fellow Interlaker and SSC Board Member Mike Zuiloff began promoting an Interlake Regatta.  In December, Mike advised that he had talked to many Interlakers outside SSC and had received nothing but positive feedback.  Mike also took the initiative of investigating the proposed 2002 schedule of SSC and other clubs that have Interlake Fleets in an attempt to pick a date hopefully void of conflicts.  That date is the last weekend in June - this year June 29-30

You, as Interlake Fleet Members of SSC were than polled.  We received 15 responses - all containing some "wiggle" room, but all indicating a positive reply to this initiative.  Thus, armed with your responses, I as fleet captain  made a decision to endorse the idea of this regatta and approached our Flag Officers and Board members.  The Board has approved the regatta.

Now the ball is definitely in our court.  In addition to already chairing a high profile Laser Regatta at SSC the weekend of June 22-23, in absence of anyone else who would like to step forward, Mike Zuiloff has also agreed to chair this event.  To make this a successful happening, when called upon I hope you will give Mike your unconditional support.  Now that we know this event will definitely happen this year, if at all possible, each of us needs to make a commitment to sail in this regatta.

New Members:
To date, we have three new members and two new boats.

Tim Kyle of Sandusky  has been very active in the Junior program at Port Clinton Yacht Club   In addition to owning  an auxiliary boat (I believe a Pearson 31) Tim also sails Interlake 1237.  Tim is owner and proprietor of Midas Muffler (Perkins Ave & Columbus)

Tom Gagnet & Joe O'Leary of Toledo Ohio.  Tom and Joe have recently purchased Interlake 1371.  If you went to this year's boat show in Cleveland, this is the Interlake that was on display.
 

Looking forward to Spring!

Mike Muhn, Interlake Fleet #1 Captain

Those of you who know me well recognize that when presented an option of killing multiple birds with one stone, I will almost always choose that option.  Thus, the following verbiage will serve three purposes; wrap up the 2001 Interlake Fleet One sailing season, hopefully inform those who did not attend our year-end party and/or SSC Awards Banquet of happenings transpiring at those events, and serving as a year end report to the Interlake Sailing Class Association.  As is the case with previous newsletters, this correspondence will be posted on our website.

In 2001, Interlake Fleet # 1 took a giant step into the electronic information age by posting our fleet web page on the internet.  This project was headed by Andy Sausser.  Our address is www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1  I encourage you to check it out - especially if you are a fleet captian.  On the home page you can click on various areas of interest such as, About the Interlake, About Us, Fleet Roster, Latest News, and Race Results.  The page is also linked to the Sandusky Sailing Club web page, and the Interlake Sailing Class Association web page.  Also, Andy has made it very simple to e-mail either himself (Web Master) or the Fleet Captain directly from our home page.  The Web is indeed a tremendous aid in communicating to our fleet.

 On Sunday, October 21, Brian and Chris Malott, our fleet social directors, hosted our year- end meeting/party.  On the business side, it was decided that to qualify as overall fleet champion, and consideration for representing Interlake Fleet # 1 in the SSC Championship of Champions Regatta, a competitor must qualify in a minimum of three of the four series sailed at SSC.  If a competitor qualifies in all four series, his worst series score will be thrown out.  The slate of officers who served in 2001 will again lead our fleet in 2002.  Fleet Captian - Mike Muhn, Sec/Trea - Don Guy, Measurer - Phil Doller, Social Directors - Brian & Chris Malott, and a new pposittiion, Web Master - Andy Sausser.  After several gag awards were presented, our fleet's most anticipated award, The Blue Velvet Award, was announced.  Each year, the Blue Velvet is awarded to the Fleet # 1 Interlaker who is involved in the best crash of the year.  This year the award went to Jim Ziss who crashed his boat into the sea wall at the opening of the Sadler Sailing Basin.  Jim, who is a member of the dock committee, looked splendid wearing the blue velvet coat, blue velvet hat, blue velvet bow tie, and sitting in the blue velvet lounge chair, complete with foot rest, was heard to say there is a solution to the problem - simply widen the opening!  Let it be known, it is confirmed, the Blue Velvet Committee, which is made up of previous members, has announced that there are already two candidates for the year 2002 - both involving Fiberglas and concrete.

On Saturday, November 3, SSC held its annual Awards Banquet.  Interlakers dominated in receiving the major awards presented by the Sandusky Sailing Club.  Paul McAllister was named SSC Sportsman of the Year.  Bernie Ashyk was recognized and named as this year's SSC Outstanding Service Award recipient for past and current contributions to our club.  Bill Muhn, who is full of "Interlake Blood" was named Junior Sailor of the Year.  And last, but certainly not least, Steve (Action) Jackson was honored as SSC's Sailor of the Year!   In addition, Chris Malott will be joining fellow Interlaker Mike Zuiloff on SSC's Board of Trustees.  Bernie Ashyk will assume the duties of Asst. Treasurer, a position formally occupied by Ruth Anne Van Fleet.  Ruth Anne, who crews for Steve Jackson, is now our new Rear Commodore, the first female to run through the chairs at SSC.  CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, 11/30 - Sunday 12/2/2001, I-LYA Fall Meeting, held at Sandusky Radisson

Saturday, 12/8/01, @ 1:00 pm - SSC General Meeting (Budget)

Friday, 12/14/01,  @ 6:00 pm - SSC Children's Christmas Party

Saturday, 12/29/01, SSC Adult Holiday Party
 

Mike Muhn, Interlake Fleet # 1 Captain
 

Interlake Fleet #1 News, Comments, Happenings

At SSC, Wednesday Night Fun Races will continue for the next three weeks (through 9/26).  Please note the change in start time to 6:30 for all classes.  I would also suggest checking the bulletin board for information on starting sequence, location of course(s) etc.  Also, don't forget that SSC will be hoisting our fall regatta the weekend of 9/15-16.

For those of you who are looking for a shortcut to dramatically improving your skills, as well as a whole lot of fun, I strongly suggest traveling to one of the fall regattas.  In addition to the SSC Regatta 9/15-16, below is a schedule of these events.  All of these regattas are on the Interlake Traveling Schedule with the exception of SSC and Clark Lake:

If you would like additional information, give me a call.  Over the years, Judy and I have been to all of these events and can give you the do's & don'ts, driving instructions etc.  (As this is being written Boissoneault and Muhn are strongly considering going to Clark Lake 9/22-23)

Hopefully, all who have participated in the Wednesday and Sunday Series are aware of the posting of results on the Interlake Fleet Number 1 Web Page (www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1).  Again, thank you Andy Sausser!

For those of you that are interested, below is a matrix of the overall finishes of those qualifying for three and four of the four series sailed.
 
 

                            Number of  Series            Place/Points                   Place/Points
                           Sailed & Qualified           Three Best Series           Four Series

Boissoneault               4                               1 - 3 points                      1 - 5 points

Jackson                       4                               2 - 7 points                      2 - 13 points

Muhn                          4                               3 - 9 points                      3 - 14 points

Zulioff                        4                               4 - 11 points                    4  - 16 points

Malott                        4                                6 - 25 points                    5 - 36 points

Ashyk                        3                                5 - 22 points

Ziss                            3                                7 - 26 points

As a result of the above, Steve "Action" Jackson will be representing our fleet in SSC's Championship of Champions Regatta 9/22-23.

Last, but certainly not least, in the next couple of weeks, we will be selecting a date for our "Pre - SSC Awards Banquet Interlake Awards Party.   If you have any preference, or non-preference, with regard to date and time please advise me, or our super social directors, Chris and Brian Malott   Also, please let me know who you would like to receive your gag gift (Stahl, Koch and Boissoneault have already been selected - I wonder what for?)

JULY WEDNESDAYS:

7/4       Commodores' Day

7/11 Semans
            Stauffer
            Koch
            Mallot

7/18     Babson
            Boissonault
            Ashyk
            Zuiloff

7/25 Roberts
            Guy
            Ziss
            Sausser

Thus, I made an executive decision to eliminate Huntley, Roshon, Freeman, McAllister and Muhn from the "hat name pulling exercise.  Bill Semans was also eliminated from the hat pulling as he escaped a Race Committee Duty Assignment.  You will note he is first on the list for Burger Duty!

Assigning the crews from four boats to cover each date is probably an overkill, but many hands make the chore easier.  On your assigned date please check in with Rear Commodore Bryan Boissonault.  Like previous years Bryan will have everything supplied - we have to cook, clean and collect the money.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

As information, the SSC Board approved changes to the starting sequence and
signals per the RRS 2001-2004 specifications.  (5,4,1,0 sequence with class
flags.)

A discussion, to include handouts and practice exercise will be conducted at
the April 28 General Membership meeting.  Class Flags will be designated by
the Race Management commitee and communicated at the meeting, in the Cross
Bearings and included in the 2001 SSC Sailing Instructions.

When we last met as a Race Governing commitee it was our understanding that
the RRS would have options for Starting sequences. As a result we were going
to keep our old seqence by including the necessary verbage in our SI's.
Unfortunately, the RRS only include 1 starting sequence option which is
dramatically differant in timing, visual signals and sound signals.  All 16
SSC members in attendance at the Race Management seminar strongly supported
these changes to our SI's by adopting the new system.  The Board has agreed
with this opinion.

Did you know?
    -No more Yellow, Blue & Red Shapes on the signal rack.
    -Class flag up signals the warning.
    -New addition of 1 minute sound signal (Long sound)
    -Next class flag up signals the start of the previous class.
Say what??  Better plan to be there to field the questions from your fleet.

Please give your fleet members a head's up to attend the April 28 meeting for
a full discussion and practice on changes to RRS 2001-2004.

Jeff Witter

Above are the 2001 Interlake Race Committee Assignments that have been sent to SSC Race Governing Chairman, Dennis Verbiar.

This year, due to the increased personnel demands required to run two separate race committees, (Wednesdays) no active member of Fleet 1, regardless of other SSC commitments such as Regatta Chairmen, is exempt from serving.   (I lied, P. C. Bob & Martha Speers were excused since they are the Race Committee Chairmen for every Sunday Race)

To those who responded with specific requests, thank you.  In all cases your choice was accommodated.  The remaining active members who did not respond had their names pulled from a hat.  (Just as he narrowly escaped receiving the Blue Velvet, last year, Dr. William Semans proved slippery once again as he appears to be the only active member who did not have his name drawn)

I did make a conscience effort to avoid known scheduling conflicts (Huntley, Roshon, Freeman, McAllister during Junior Bay Week - Jackson during Mackinaw Race - Roberts in the early spring)

If for any reason you are unable to serve on your assigned date, you are responsible for finding and making sure a substitute crew (minimum two people) show up and serve.   To help facilitate this possibility, an Interlake Fleet # 1 Roster (taken from the 2000 SSC Yearbook) is included as an attachment and will also be posted on the website

This past Saturday, Mike Zuilhof, representing the SSC Board, and myself traveled to lovely Wapakoneta , Ohio to attend an Interlake Sailing Class Association Fleet Captain/Executive Committee Meeting.  Our main objective at this meeting was to include SSC's Summer Regatta back on the Interlake Travelers Series schedule.  I'm happy to report we accomplished our mission and we were even able to have the class recognize the regatta as a "double star" event (significance will be explained below).

To qualify for this series you must sail in eight (8) of the scheduled regattas.  However, double star regattas count as two.  (We are hopeful that having the SSC Summer Regatta recognized as a double star event will encourage outside boats to attend.  With that said, experience has taught me that the only way to guarantee boats will come to our event is for us to travel to other regattas)

The Interlake Sailing Class Association also accepted a proposal received from our neighbors, Port Clinton Yacht Club, to host the Nationals in 2002, dates yet to be determined.
 

Please note the following:

? This correspondence, in addition to being e-mailed to you individually, will be posted on the Interlake Fleet #1 Web Site.  The address is  www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1/index.htm.  Previous newsletters have also been posted on the site.

? Armed with all the information previously sent to you and now also posted on the website, please remember that I must receive a response by 2/28/01 indicating your preference for race committee duty.  Please give me at least three alternatives, as the list is approximately half completed (thanks to those who have already responded).  If I don't receive a response, I must assume you have no preference and accordingly I will arbitrarily assign a date to you.  Once a date is assigned, you are responsible to fulfill the obligation.  Per the directive of SSC's Race Governing Committee the penalty for not showing up for assigned race committee duty is a DSQ for that race.  Furthermore, a skipper who does not show up for assigned race committee duty and is observed on the race course "shall receive two (2) DSQ's, one for the race and the second for the other race series.  DSQ's cannot be used as throwouts!"

? Once the Race Committee Schedule is completed I will e-mail it to you and it will be posted on the Web Site.

? The Interlake Sailing Class Association would appreciate your support.  In addition to receiving the class newsletter, "The Intercom", membership provides the association with a financial base that translates into promotion of the Interlake and protection of your investment.  Dues of $30.00 should be sent to ISCA c/o Lisa Aspery, 264 Crandell Drive, Worthington, Ohio  43085.

? Speaking of dues, our fleet Dues of $5.00 should be sent to Don Guy, 1232 Marlboro Street, Sandusky, Ohio  44870.  Please make your check out to INTERLAKE FLEET #1.  (Remember, this year your scores will not be counted until your fleet dues are received)

Mike Muhn, Interlake Fleet # 1 Captain

This past Saturday, as the Interlake Fleet Captain, I attended an SSC Race Governing Committee meeting chaired by Dennis Verbiar.

Following is a summarization of policies and procedures that will effect our racing this summer.  As I am certain you will ascertain by some of my comments, as a one-designer I think the vast majority of what the Flag Officers and Race Governing Committee is attempting to implement is very positive.
 

Sundays:

? Auxiliary boats will not be racing on Sundays.

? First start will be at 9:30 AM for the entire summer.  Now you don't have to worry about times changing in the middle of the season.

? Course:  1 - 6 as used in previous years

? Start sequence will be:  Thistles, Interlakes, misc. centerboard classes (CJs, Lasers), J-24s.  Thus, J-24s will be starting 10 minutes after the Interlakes.  This should eliminate their fleet occasionally sailing through ours

? Escort 1 (Bob Speers' Crew) will be managing Sunday races.

? Races will be held either in East or Main Bay - to be determined by Race Committee day of the race.

? Possible second start after conclusion of first race.  If the committee can start a sequence by 10:45 an optional start may be provided.  The race (course #7) will be to the windward mark and back to the basin opening.  Scoring is to be determined by fleets.  Possibly our fleet could use these optional races as a tie breaker to determine Championship of Champions representative and/or most certainly a device to semi-eradicate possible sins that may have occurred in an attempt to win the Blue Velvet.  Your ideas are most welcomed!
 

Wednesdays:

? Two (2) separate racecourses, each with their own committee boat and race committee, will be utilized.  Escort 1 (Bud Everingham's Crew) will conduct the races for one-design in East Bay.  Escort III will set up a separate course in Main Bay for auxiliaries and J-24's.  Escort II (chase boat) will be setting marks for both courses.

? First start for one-designs will be 7:30.  (First start for auxiliaries is 7:00, allowing Escort II to set marks on both courses)
? Course:  1 - 6 as used in previous years.  (These courses will also be used on the auxiliary racecourse in Main Bay.  Thus, all permanent marks have been eliminated)

? Start Sequence on one-design course will be:  Thistles, Interlakes, misc. centerboard classes (CJs, Lasers)
 

The obvious price in providing two separate racecourses is the additional person power required.  As you may suspect, the fleets are being asked to satisfy the burden of additional personnel needed.  Thus, when fulfilling race committee duty, your entire crew will be required to serve.  If you normally sail with two on your boat both must serve.  If you sail with three, the additional person is highly encouraged to also serve.  On the day you have race committee duty, your boat will not be welcomed on the racecourse and will not be scored.  (See alternative below)

The Race Governing Committee has suggested the scoring of boats serving race committee duty is to be directed by the individual fleets.  Thus, to make this a positive experience, I suggest when you are scheduled to serve on race committee duty the race will count as a race sailed in the effected series, regardless if the race is actually sailed or not (blowout).  Under the low point scoring system, your score for that race will be your best average of races needed to qualify less one race, less one point.

Recognizing that the preceding sentence sounds like IRS instructions I'll attempt to clarify with an example:  Nine race series, need five races to qualify.  Your top four scores are 7, 4, 8, 2 - a total of  21.  Twenty-one divided by four is 5.25.  Your score for the race sailed, or not (blowout), the day you are scheduled for race committee is 4.25.  Thus, your score for the series would be 7, 4, 8, 2, 4.25.  The bottom line is, serving on race committee will positively help you qualify for a series and will actually help your total score.  However, if you do not fulfill your obligation once assigned, the penalty will be an automatic DSQ for that race that cannot be thrown out

The Interlake Fleet has been assigned the following dates for race committee duty by the Race Governing Committee:

Sundays:  5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, 7/8, 7/15, 8/12,  8/19

Wednesdays:  5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20, 7/11 7/18, 7/25, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 9/26

I would strongly suggest that you look at your calendars and reply back ASAP (e-mail or phone call) regarding preferred dates (at least three), or alternatively dates in which serving would be impossible due to personal commitments, junior activities, traveling regattas, etc.  I will do the best I can to honor your requests based upon order of receipt.  I do not anticipate anyone having to serve twice, but if indeed necessary, those folks will not be assigned double duty in the same series.  I must provide a completed list to Dennis Verbiar by 2/28/01.  If you have not responded by 2/28/01, your name will be randomly inserted.  Please note that Mike Muhn has already chosen Wednesday 5/9 and Don Guy has claimed Sunday 5/20  (There are privileges for those who serve as fleet officers)

Speaking of Don Guy, our fleet treasurer, Don has informed me that annual dues are now being solicited.   They have been dropped to $5.00.  (The majority of money collected goes to purchasing a fleet ad in the SSC yearbook that is more or less mandatory)  Checks should be made out to Interlake Fleet Number One and sent to Don Guy, 1232 Marlboro Street, Sandusky, Ohio  44870.

Scoring - This year Andy Sausser, our Interlake Fleet # 1 Webmaster, will be posting the scoring of races on our WEB PAGE  www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1/index.htm .  In addition, this page will be printed out and posted on the SSC bulletin board.  If you happen to notice that your name has not been included on the scoring sheet, look at your check register to make sure you have paid your fleet dues.

Sunday, February 24, I will be traveling to Wapakoneta, Ohio to attend an Interlake Sailing Class Association Fleet Captains Meeting.  If you have any issues that you feel should be presented to ISCA, please let me know.  Mike Zuilhof currently is in the process of completing paperwork that hopefully will get our summer regatta back on the Interlake Travelers Regatta schedule.

This year we are going to attempt to communicate with the members of Fleet #1 utilizing e-mail.  The price is definitely right and it is fast.  Hopefully this old fart can make it work!

For those of you that are not aware, your new fleet captain for the year 2001 is Mike Muhn.  Thanks to Brian and Chris Malott for doing a great job the last two years!

Thanks to Andy Sausser, our fleet has a WEB PAGE!  Type in www.geocities.com/interlakefleet1/index.htm and I think you will like what you see.  This page also has links to the Interlake Sailing Class Association (ISCA), Sandusky Sailing Club, Fleet Captain, and Webmaster (Andy Sausser).  Armed with this address, hopefully you will have all the resources you need with regard to racing schedules, traveler's series, date of Nationals, etc.

For those of you who could not attend our year end fleet meeting/special awards party, the main topic of discussion centered around reducing the number of series and increasing the number of races in each series.  Those in attendance favored adoption of a schedule consisting of two Wednesday Series and two Sunday Series.  The first series on both Wednesdays and Sundays will consist of 9 races.  The second series on both Wednesdays and Sundays will consist of 7 races.  To qualify for a series, you must start in at least 1/2 +1 of the races actually sailed.  In other words, if nine races are sailed in a series, to qualify for that series you need to sail five, if eight races are sailed you still need five, if seven races are sailed you need four etc.  The series will be scored utilizing low point system utilizing the same system described above.  If nine races are actually sailed, the best five scores will count, eight races sailed, five best scores will count, seven races sailed, four best scores count etc.

The other news coming out of this get together is that after strong competition from six of our members, it was finally decided that Patty Heilman was the most deserving of what has become the top award of our fleet - THE BLUE VELVET AWARD.  (I hope you noticed the picture in the last "Cross Bearings" showing Patty actually looking very good wearing the infamous jacket and sitting in the new blue velvet chair, complete with footrest, at the SSC Award Banquet)

On November 18, I attended a Race Governing Committee Meeting at SSC.  The purpose of the meeting was to finalize the 2001 race schedule.  With reference to above our schedule follows:

Wednesday #1                          Sunday #1                  Wednesday #2                          Sunday #2

Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year, thus the Island's Race will be held on Saturday, July 7.  Please note that due to the shorten time it now takes the "big" boat to sail the Island's Race (mainly due to shortened courses and much faster boats) the race committee has agreed to conduct one-design races the following Sunday, July 8.  This eliminates the slot we traditionally used for the Johnson's Island Folly.  Due to the probability of low water again this year, which makes it difficult to circumnavigate Johnson's Island, maybe the Saturday the Island's Race is scheduled, our fleet could have a sail away to the sand bar to enable us to at least solute Johnson's from a closer distance.

On Saturday, February 10, 2001 another Race Governing Meeting will be held at 9:00AM at SSC.  At this meeting, topics of discussion will center around courses to be sailed, where courses should be set up (weeds), should one-design sail on the same courses as big boats etc.    (At the last meeting, our fleet was the main voice of one-designs as Thistles were not represented and the J-24's can't quite make up their mind if they want to sail on the small boat course or with the big boats)   At his next meeting I will be stressing consistency, i.e. if we start sailing in East Bay on Wednesdays, all races should be sailed in East Bay on Wednesdays.  Competitors should not have to worry about whether the committee boat will be coming to them in the East Bay, or if we should sail to the "yellow" boat stationed out in the Main Bay.  In my opinion, too much confusion resulted from too many changes in mid-season last year. If you have input, please express yourself to me by the meeting date, or better yet, plan to attend the meeting yourself!

Question?  Who is the Fleet #1 Member who already thinks spring is here, or are you just waiting for one more fall sail?

Hopefully, this correspondence will aid you when thinking and planning your 2001 summer.