Konza Sailor, March 2004, page 5

It is that time again, time to start fixing things at the club. Along those lines the spring workday will be on Saturday, April 3. We have many small projects planned this year including finishing the paint on the shelter, shaping the trees, replacing the cables on the mast hoist, and reinforcing the roof attachments on the old shelter that now protects the committee boat and the Ford tractor just to name a few. Also, if you think you will be needing to use the Ford tractor in the future, Bart, Wayne and I will

Last fall disaster struck at the Blue Valley Yacht Club when the Ford tractor attached to the committee boat and trailer rolled down the ramp, ran over the toes of one of our members, and came to rest submerged in the lake. Fortunately the member's toes weren't severely crushed. The tractor, however, suffered considerably. After several weeks at a repair shop and a bill of $1053.43 the tractor is once again running.

In an attempt to preclude similar mishaps in the future, club members will not be allowed to drive the Ford tractor until they have received instruction and demonstrated proficiency in driving, backing and parking the tractor. The photo below shows Randy Zelenka demonstrating the ability to back the committee boat and trailer down the ramp. At the bottom of the ramp he parked the tractor, simulated launching and recovery of the boat, and then pulled the boat up the ramp.

think you have the need to use the tractor, you must contact one of these individuals and arrange for training and certification. Bart will be available during the April 3 workday to train and certify as many persons as time allows. If you require training and certification after that date, it's up to you to coordinate a time with one of the members of the committee.

It is important that everyone understands the limits of the Ford tractor. That tractor is NOT adequate to launch and recover keel sailboats; keel sailboats need to be launched and recovered by heavy automobiles or trucks. The Ford tractor is, however, adequate to launch and recover the committee boat, catamarans, day sailors and large sailing dinghies. The launch and recovery of small sailboats (Sunfish, Lasers, 420's, etc.) should be done either by hand using the hand dolly or by using the John Deere (Outhaul - - as it is often called.) Another main use of the Ford tractor is mowing the Club's acreage outside of the dinghy park.

Of equal concern regarding safety is the use of the boat lift. If you plan on using the boat lift, coordinate with Vice Commodore Ken Hays to receive instruction (first-time users) and to get the keys. Ken will instruct you on the proper positioning of the lifting straps, the use of the locking end portion of the lift frame and other safety considerations.

All of us should be thankful that even more serious injury and property damage did not occur during last fall's accident. The Board of Directors solicits your understanding and cooperation as they implement policies and procedures in an attempt to minimize the possibility of accidents with the Club's machinery.