The last presentation of the SSSS/West Marine Cruising Seminar Series was given by John and Ellie Wheeler on March 29th. Forty-seven people attended to learn from John and Ellie’s experiences in Southeast Alaska, and enjoy their marvelous photographs of sea otters, humpback whales breaching, and beautiful tranquil coves. Their stories of the characters they got to know while cruising the area added lots of local color! John and Ellie’s insights into trip planning made the journey seem completely do-able and not so intimidating. I think all of us who came that night are jonesin’ now to go see those beautiful cruising grounds for ourselves!
Where will you cruise this summer? Take lots of pictures to share with us; we’d love to hear about your adventures, no matter where or how far you go!
Micki McNaughton, The Stargazer
Phpoto above: ther last seminar by Steve Worcester
below: Recognising the presenters at the April Meeting to the speakers by Rob Nelson
Reports on the first three nights below
Dave Moorehead and Mickie Hale launched the series in their usual excellent style, with fabulous photos and insider tidbits for those planning to cruise to the San Juan Islands. Nearly 40 folks attended, including West Marine staff. West Marine staffers Nick and Jeff had every single item that could possibly be construed as seating in use by the time the presentation began; they even had to bring out desk chairs from the offices in back. Lots of great questions, good tips from other attendees, and West Marine coupons to use for those recommended cruising guides!
Ken and Sharlyn Russell and Dave Knowlton shared their in-depth knowledge and love of the Broughton Islands to
First Nations culture, and interesting characters! Sharlyn piped up with her side of the story occasionally
an even larger crowd on March 8. Their photos and stories made the area come alive; the Broughton area is rich in
throughout the evening; we especially enjoyed all the bear stories! Dave shared his experiences with the new Small Vessel Reporting System, and will continue to keep us updated on border crossing technicalities.
The third night we were ready for the crowd. Some brought their own chairs, as Debe suggested at the General Meeting. It was good they did. John DeMeyer took us down the Pacific side of Vancouver Island, from Bull Harbor back to customs at Port Angeles. He showed us some interesting anchorages and suggested more. And recommended a cruising guide.
The seminars have been better received than we expected. If you would like us to do this again; if you have an idea to make it even better; if there is somewhere you are thinking of going and would like to hear from someone who has gone; contact Debe Andersen, Steve Worcester, or me.
Micki McNaughton, The Stargazer
photos by Micki McNaughton
Night 2
Twenty-seven people will be far tougher racing competitors this summer, thanks to Andrew Kerr’s expert coaching Thursday evening, April 19th. Andrew discussed tactical, strategic, and technical aspects of fine-tuning racing performance, both in terms of crew and the boat itself. From forestay sag to hunting the line for good start openings, Andrew urged us to think in terms of clear air and clean water to reduce loss of time-and-distance. Andrew’s coaching style encourages a highly mental engagement with racing, not just a reliance on the latest equipment or beefy crew to power you off the line or out of turbulent air and water. We’re very lucky to have Andrew’s experience and expertise available to us here in Budd Inlet. Congratulations to everyone who took advantage of these excellent clinics. We expect great things of you during this summer’s racing season!
Micki McNaughton, The Stargazer
Night 1If you weren’t at the View Point Room in February to listen to Andrew Kerr you missed out on getting some great techniques for Spinnaker Trim. However, you haven’t missed out completely he will back at the Viewpoint room on Thursday April 19th at 1900. This time he will be speaking on Performance Sailing on the race course. Whether you sail a dinghy, a Laser, a Star, or PHRF there will be something there for you to learn.
South Sound Sailing is very lucky to have someone with the caliber of Andrew to come and speak to us. Andrew is a champion sailor with more national titles than we can begin to list here. More importantly he is a teacher/coach. He is willing to coach individual boats and we are very fortunate to have as a Member of South Sound. Andrew willingly shares his expertise with us every year at a fraction of the cost it would be if you went to hear him speak elsewhere.
Debe Andersen, D’Lavicea
Andrew sent us an article: Consistency is made at the start