Konza Sailor, April 2004, page 3

Mooring assignments have been issued for those members signed up as of 4/4/04 and a copy is printed in this issue of the newsletter. Unless a change was requested, most moorings remain the same as last year with the addition of a few new members. Former members who have not renewed their membership by the deadline will require mooring reassignments if they choose to rejoin the club. Don't hesitate to call me at 785-4687-3541H or 785-539-4811W if you if you need assistance with any mooring issues. Hopefully all moorings will be inspected this year and the database updated to reflect current status of our mooring situation. There are several mooring balls available for use by new members at the present time.

It's been suggested that we beautify the harbor by creating "eco-balls" much like the one (#6) on display last year just beyond the dock. This mooring ball sported copious amounts of foliage and threatened to join our former work barge as an endangered wetland. The biomass from these two floaters alone was sufficient to oxygenate a small European country. The logistics of creating more "eco-balls" would in all probability overwhelm our limited work crew, so that idea will have to be put on hold until we recruit a suitable volunteer willing to shoulder the task. But it would be prudent to mention some of our requirements as well as our recommendations for safely securing your boat to the ball so that the number of recovery operations we have to mount will be held to a minimum.

At least one primary line must secure each boat to its mooring. Two safety lines of the same diameter should also be employed in the event of failure of the primary line. These lines must be 3/8 inch for boats 22 feet and under, and 1/2 inch for larger vessels. Three-strand line is recommended since it will stretch when pulled and will lessen the strain put on the attachment points of your boat. Bungie cords, fishing line or baling twine are not acceptable substitutes! Rigid pennants such as chain or cable are not recommended since they do not have any "give" to them. Bow eyes and cleats look better fastened to the boat than dangling from a vacated mooring ball pennant. The manufacturer recommends that the pennants be secured to the chain rode underneath the ball, but most members choose to secure to the top ring to eliminate dreaded line wrap. Even secured to the top, after many a windy day I've returned to my mooring

only to discover that the lines resemble some sort of macabre pretzel crafted by a drunken macramé artist. It is also recommended that the pennants be 2.5 times the distance from the bow of your boat to the water line. It is the responsibility of the boat owners to ensure that their boat is secured to prevent contact with any other boat while on the mooring, replace chafed lines and to ensure a safe tie-up. If you see any potential problems please notify me or another board member immediately. Members who plan to be away for any substantial period of time will want to notify BOD members and leave extra line in the event of high water.

Unattended boats should not be left at the dock. Tying off halyards to eliminate the clanging is greatly appreciated by those members who value the quiet of the harbor. On a windy day, the deafening cacophony raised by the halyards clanging masts on the boats in the dinghy park is reminiscent of the bell ringing by legions of fanatical French bicycle racing fans at the Tour de France as the cyclists go whizzing by. Please be considerate of others and secure those lines, oui? Bon, merci.

Let me know if you require any mooring related information or repair throughout the course of the sailing season. Remember, following the common sense recommendations detailed above may prevent an emergency call to the Old Salt Salvage Emporium. The boat you save may be your own!