COMMODORE’S CORNER

Hanko Rosenblad

(904) 491-1300 (home)

(904) 277-0074 (work)

(904) 710-7310 (cell)

From the Commodore

As summer slips away and we are in the height of our hurricane season, I hope that everyone is preparing their homes and boats for any storm that may affect us on and off the Island. Axel and I just returned from the Keys, where we were visited by Katrina in Key West last Friday. We departed on Saturday after the flood waters dissipated and the roads were cleared. NOAA put the winds at West in the area of 85+ miles per hour. Sadly, on our drive off the Keys, we noticed numerous boats that had broken from their moorings and were stranded along the roadside or on sand bars. We also saw quite a bit of damage to the fishing fleet at Islamorada. It seems that they were taken by surprise by the eventual track of Katrina and did not have time to properly secure their vessels at the dock. I guess it's never too early to make sure that you boats are well secured and that you have plans to put out storm tackle when it seems that we will be on the receiving end of one of these "beasts of nature". The visual effect of the damage caused by a category 1 Katrina was overwhelming and we can only pray for the folks currently in her path. Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend and let's all get together on Tuesday, September 6th for our next meeting.

Hanko

VICE COMMODORE

Roger Henderson

rogwan@att.net

(904) 277-3499 (home)

Fellow Sailors,

Fellow sailors and power boaters, I think most of us will be glad to see this hot weather behind us. The “moonlight cruise” was a pleasant relief from the heat. Whisperer and Mary Wanda-er sailed under a clear sky, cool temperature, and a ten-knot wind. At approximately 0400 hrs. we dropped anchor by Tiger Island, slept for a few hours, and then motored home before it got too warm. Yes, the Mary Wanda-er, with captains Charlie and Rog, is back in action. The ‘bikini race” on August 27th will be our first time back chasing an allusive trophy. It sounds like we are going to have a great cruise, with several boats, to St. Augustine over Labor Day weekend. Cruise chairperson, Butch Beard, will share the details at our September meeting. Remember to drink lots of water while out boating on these hot days. Fluid replacement is a must! I wish all on you “GREAT BOATING” and I look forward to seeing you at the September meeting.

Roger Henderson

Vice Commodore

Additional comments:

The “AISC Moonlight Cruise” was a success considering the only two vessels that participated were “Whisperer” and “Mary Wanda-er”. Mary Wanda-er left AIYB at approximately 1930 hours. Whisperer was having dinner downtown and joined us underway just east of Fort Clinch. We motor-sailed out to the first tower, at which time we stopped engines and sailed from there. We sailed north to STA, off of Cumberland Island, and then did 180 deg. and sailed home. We anchored between the spider and Tiger Island around 0400 hrs. and slept till around 0730 hrs. We sailed under a beautiful full moon at around 3.5 K. I am disappointed that other members were unable to join us. If Rear Commodore Blanchard and Vice Commodore Henderson could stay awake and enjoy the evening, I am sure other members would have enjoyed the cruise also. This time of year, full moon cruising is a wonderful way to sail and avoid the intense heat.

REAR COMMODORE:

Joe Blanchard

jlblan2@bellsouth.net

(904) 277-4257 (day)

(904) 753-1007 (cell)

The Scuttlebutt is placed on the website each month and past issues are archived to that site. The Scuttlebutt is also e-mailed to each member who has submitted an e-mail address. A few hard copies of the Scuttlebutt are available at the meetings. A Calendar has been added to the website, check it out. The Membership list is located on the website as well. Also, check out the very helpful links on the website. If any club member has Cruise Reports, Photographs, or any other items of interest for our Scrapbook please send them to me.