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February 2007 Konza Sailor Page 7 |
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I hope everyone is having a good summer. We’ve been delighted to see quite a bit of activity at the club during the month of June. Sailing has been good for the first part of our season, but with the prospect of the Corps drawing Tuttle down substantially over the next two months some of the deep keel boats may have to consider an early pull out. Our ramp allows for shallow draft and swing keel vessels to pull out even when the lake level is reduced to around 1068’. If memory serves that was the case three years ago when we took the Catalina 22 out in November. Although the trailer was well off the ramp and in the ‘muck’ we were able to retrieve the boat with little trouble. Heavier boats attempting removal with the trailer wheels sucked into the mud may risk breaking equipment or risking injury to those helping, so we recommend considering utilizing the Corps ramps, either across the harbor or at the marina. Sailing with reduced lake levels also means the previously submerged or deep obstacles will become a hazard and we urge all sailors to proceed with caution and have a lookout when navigating the harbor. Having had contact with underwater obstructions during low water years I can attest to the fact that those impacts get your complete attention. Fortunately we were sailing at low speed and although our swing keel was knocked up the cable did not break. If the wind allows I recommend lowering your keel only after having left the harbor. Those same obstructions are also hard on motors and rudders so proceed with care. |
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The club grounds have looked very good this season and many of you by now have noticed the new railings at the shelter. These are designed to add a measure of safety to those using the shelter and, in combination with the stairs to be added later, will greatly enhance the functionality and use of the shelter. The BOD has a few other improvements planned for the year, including an enclosure for the “facilities” that will allow for more privacy and give people using the club a space to change their clothes or slip on a swimming suit. Once temperatures drop below those commonly encountered on the surface of Venus work on the enclosure will commence. Construction of the stairs will probably begin this fall since all local contractors are quite busy these days. If no contractor can be commissioned to undertake the project some BVYC members may take on the mission themselves, time allowing. We trust that members like the changes made thus far and we welcome your input. If you would like to help with any of the upcoming projects don’t hesitate to let us know. All BOD contact information is readily available on the website. While our budget does not permit rapid and titanic (pun intended) changes to be accomplished every year, with constant application we can make the club better each season. We hope you have enjoyed the facilities so far and look forward to doing our best to improve them with every passing year. See you on the (rapidly shrinking) water.
Wayne |
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Commodore’s remarks from summer of 2006 |
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Late afternoon sun peaking through the clouds adds color to the Club harbor during the Fall 2006 Annual Pig Roast |