Alberg 30 Cruising

Well once again September, October and November have gone, and in the Chesapeake area that means three months of moderate temperatures, generally good winds, and plenty of sailing. The only down spot for the Laughing Gull was hitting a rock going into the PSA creek - there are only two rocks, the other one is in Rock Creek! The engine water pump had gone, and I had managed to sail all the way into the creek - only to cut the corner of the island. We were hard aground on an ebb tide - it was almost a long stay! We got pulled off with the help of Larry Morris on Solstice.

Speaking of helping Albergers, I lowered the mast for the first time this year. We used the A30 A Frame, and had a crowd of helping hands. The value of this association is (in part) the advice and help that you get from the various members - there is virtually nothing that has not been done before by a member. If you have a question, reach out on the mail list or over the phone. During the winter there is nothing people with an old boat hang up like to do more than see how others have done it, provide their opinion, and lend a helping hand.

The boat is now out, and I have a small chunk of the bottom of the rudder out - what to use as filler? Let me know.

As we head into the winter months, we invariably start thinking about next year. What spots on the Bay have we not visited? Should we try for the ocean? Do I need a bimini? How do I keep the beer cold longer? These are all issues that can be discussed one way or another in the winter seminars. If you have any ideas I would love to hear them. I was thinking perhaps of a standing rigging discussion as I will be replacing various bits and pieces while the mast is down. Let us know your thoughts.

I say "us" as Ray Meyer will be taking over as Cruising Commodore next year, and he will be arranging the seminars. I look forward to seeing everyone there.

I think I will finish with the words of them Eastport Oyster Boys - http://www.oysterboys.com/ (summarized somewhat). You have to admire these guys for just not taking themselves too seriously:

""A good hat, a good dog, a good boat

A good hat can keep you cool when its not
A good hat can keep you warm when its not
Keep your brain all safe and dry
when the rain falls from the sky

A good dog will be your very bestest friend
A good dog will stick with you through thick and thin
They won't bust when you come home late
Give you a big kiss and then they'll shake

A good boat is all you need to get around
A good boat will take you where you are bound
She will take you near and far
When you are there you are where you are
A good boat is all you need to get around

Let's consider women for a minute
They'll judge you by your hat and how you look in it
If they like the way you float your boat than you hold her tight and don't let go
As long as your good dog aint agin it.

A good hat, a good dog, a good boat""

Well we all have the good boat. I recommend the Tilley as the appropriate hat for that mid summer sun, and as far as the dog - I recommend getting one that likes your wife!

Hey don't give me a hard time - the previous Commodore copied entire chapters!

October Cruising

The Fall Cruise has come and gone, and is written up elsewhere in this issue. We have managed to do a good amount of sailing in September and October, and the boat looks as if she is ready for her winter rest. To top it all off we know the end of the sailing season is nigh when we start having conversations about the February seminars. My boat comes out early in November, and I plan on taking the mast down this year for the first time. We shall see how that goes.

Other than the Fall Cruise, I cannot let the Queenstown Race go unmentioned as it is one of the best weekend cruises of the year. We had a great showing, with plenty of kids all having a good time. The only unusual excitement on the raft up was Austin Williams (4yrs) going backwards off the foredeck immediately after his mother had told him to be careful - do they do that on purpose? He was hauling on a line, and went over backwards much to his surprise. His lifejacket did what it was meant to do, and popped him face up still wondering what had happened! Mike Niklich without any hesitation jumped right in after him. Half way through the process he decided that jumping in and swamping the little guy was probably going to create too much consternation. He ended up hang on with one hand and grabbing with the other while all available people tried to haul them back aboard. It is much easier to haul a four year old aboard than a 40 year old! If you have not had a look at the pictures on the blog, they are pretty good. My favorite is the one showing three of the mothers in the fleet AFTER we had taken all the kids to the raft up party - they ended up having their own party all alone on an eight boat raft up. (http://racing.alberg30.org/). Next year for those that can make the Chester River for a weekend, consider attending as a cruiser.

We have the Die Hard Cruise coming up on November 7th hosted by Mike and Trish Lehman on Broad Creek off the Magothy River. Please let them know if you are going to make it so they can plan accordingly.

As we put the boats away, remember one of the benefits of the Association is there are many people to call on with questions, or to get a hand getting things squared away for winter. If you have questions or need a hand, let people know through the Alberg 30 mailing list - you are sure to get plenty of responses.

See you at picture night on December 6th at PSA.

NOTE - The Racing Blog site has a number of good pictures related to this event - just follow the link at the top of this page.