Page 4                                                                   Konza Sailor                                                      April 2004

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ple time to learn details of the strange sea saga.

It seems that the three KSU students had reconditioned an old, very small powerboat and were on the maiden voyage. They had launched the boat at Spillway Marina and then had motor failure in the middle of the lake. While the students attempted repairs a wave swamped the boat, immediately sinking it and the 3 life preservers stowed in the bow. The students were left struggling in the troughs of the waves with little hope of rescue, so, the best swimmer decided to go for help. Because the boaters had little knowledge of Tuttle Lake, he swam to the wrong side. The two guys left behind, one a very poor swimmer, had only a 6-gallon fuel tank to keep them afloat.

When we finally reached the victims they were near exhaustion. They had been in the water for hours and the poor swimmer cried that he was about to give up. They were fortunate that our boat had a boarding ladder but, even with the ladder, we had difficulty getting the exhausted swimmers to safety.  After prying the fuel can from the poor swimmer's hands, Jane provided first aid for his fuel burns. A few hours later the three students were treated at Memorial Hospital and released to tell their tale.

Post Script:  Other than to expand on the lack of safety regarding the incident it would be wise to think about the rescue of a man overboard. It is indeed difficult to pull a person into a boat and may be impossible to do if the victim is incapacitated. The crew of a keelboat should consider using a boomvang or mainsheet attached to the boom to help with the rescue.

Support for Sea Scouts

As you probably know, BVYC is the sponsor of Sea Scout Ship 5074.  Several BVYC members are on the support staff ready to assist Chris Ross, the new skipper; however, the ship could use a couple more adult helpers. To learn more about this worthwhile commitment to youth sailing, give Chris Ross or Bob Mullen a call.

Racing Seminar

A small group of enthusiastic sailors wanting to get in the fast lane met last Friday evening at the home of Racing Director Randy Zelenka.  As the group gathered the sailors were entertained by previews of Randy's racing video.  Afterwards, Marty Ottenheimer presented an overview of a yacht racecourse and the most pertinent racing rules.   Marty used miniature models of buoys and boats to illustrate the salient points.

The group discussed the scoring system for BVYC as well as equipment to be used on the racecourse.  All attendees were provided a waterproof placard of racing rules put out by US Sailing and were encouraged to refer to websites by the International Sailing Federation and US Sailing.

Undaunted by the strange jargon that included warning flags, leeward marks, overlap and rule 18, Randy's wife, Valerie, kept vigil in the kitchen preparing a tasty array of snacks and liquid refreshments.  Of course, it was an enjoyable evening and all attendees appreciated the work of Randy, Val and Marty. 

Spring Sailing Calendar:

CHAPMAN - SHIPLEY - BENNETT SERIES

  • April 18

  • May 2

  • May 16

SCOTT LIEBLER MEMORIAL RACE

  • Saturday, 29 May, long distance


Reminders:


    1.  For the CHAPMAN - SHIPLEY - BENNETT SERIES races the Captain's call will be at 1:00 p.m.; the race will start at 2:00 p.m.

     

     2.  The SCOTT LIEBLER MEMORIAL RACE  times will be announced later.

     

      3.  Remember to tell Race Director Randy Zelenka that you will be racing so he knows whom to expect.