[Sloop Scoop 2007] #6, August 8 - 24

[Sloop John B]

Ahoy again--

***SAILING ALERTS***
There's space for tonight (Wednesday) 1830 hours if the storms pass or 
avoid us before/around then.  Let me know if you want to go (773-343-0153) 
and check back in around 5:00 to see if I can make any better weather 
predictions.

We also will be here until at least Saturday morning, and I plan to do a 
meteor shower cruise on Friday (clear skies permitting) and/or Saturday (if 
we don't cross the lake)***
****************************
A MIRACULOUS RUN
We've gone almost two weeks without any cancelled sails--and a few of them 
surprised even me.  We've had light air and have sailed with full sails 
almost every trip--and we even got to fly our shiny newish sail for the 
first times in two years--(people complained we were going too slow when we 
were at least moving!  Try sitting out at the start of a race in the heat, 
being attacked by flies and moving *backwards*!)

We've had wind and waves and the rail in the water, which, according to 
Deb, "feels like you're really sailing." Gloriously, everyone enjoyed the 
spray and leaping over the waves.  I don't think we scarred anyone for 
life. We've been bodysurfing behind the boat, and swimming to keep up with 
the boat--I couldn't lap the boat with sails down and it going less than a 
knot so I know I'm not in shape!.  The other day we went out to escape the 
heat and did some well-needed scrubbing, and then decided--what the heck, 
let's sail.  It was still a bit breezy, but worth the effort of putting up 
the sails.

I still love the autopilot which allows me to go below and get my own 
water, show people how to tie a cleat, help drop a sail and sit down on 
occasion.  Zadie's a bit fluky in really light air or really gusty air so 
I'll be playing with some settings, but overall, she's more than worth it. 
(Eventually I will stop gushing about Zadie, I promise.)

LIFE GOES ON, BUT KEEPS IN TOUCH
This year I've had several of my former students on board, and I recently 
heard from another who hopes to join us on the water after being on the 
Sloop Scoop list (and reading the Sloop Scoop) for the past five 
years!  It's never to late to become part of the Sloop John B. story, and, 
as any teacher knows, I'll never get tired of hearing about my 
students--especially the ones who still want to see me!  So if you are a 
former student on this list--don't be shy.  You're not the only one, there 
are other people your age, and us old folks are okay, really (and we have 
cars).

CAPTAIN'S LOG FINALLY UPDATED
I hated that the last entry was a long sob story ode to trying to get in 
the water a couple of years ago.  We now have happy stories instead!  If 
you want more detailed descriptions of the sails you were on--or the one's 
you've missed--I finally have updated the Captain's long on the Sloop Scoop 
site
http://www.sloopscoop.com
Just follow the link for captain's log, and you'll find out about the winds 
and waves and the courses we sailed, and the interesting moments for both 
crew and Sloop.  We've been sailing so much I'm already a couple sails 
behind but I'll catch up.  I'm hoping to get up some slide shows soon for 
those folks who aren't on facebook (those on facebook have seen quite a few 
photos already!).

Since I'm keeping up with the log I'll do less play-by-play documentary in 
this newsletter, but I will keep you posted on highlights and my life.

IT FEELS LIKE HOME
The carpet's in, the cushion's are in, the curtains are up.  The cabin has 
been cleaned, the silverware, grilling tools, coffee maker and blender are 
on the boat where they belong. (We've already learned that 12 volt blenders 
don't crush ice well, so we need to pre-crush ice for the more interesting 
drinks.) The new stereo is installed and we can listen to CDs or hook up 
mp3 players.  I'm ready to move in, and the Sloop's anxious for her old and 
new friends to visit often, and bring good music.

COMMUNICATION OR CONFUSICATION
On Sunday, my friend Carmen was on board, and I would start describing 
where something was or what to do, and she could figure out what I needed 
before I finished the sentence.  It was amazing.  Then yesterday, I told 
two of Thomas' coworkers to "let go" of the line after they released it for 
a tack, and I ended up having to peel their fingers off the rope as they 
held on tight after repeated requests to let go.  It was hilarious.  Kinda 
metaphorical, not being able to let go . . .

Skippering entails a lot of direction-giving and it's amazing how someone 
can be touching something and be told--"yes that--you're left hand is right 
on it" and still not be able to hand it to you, and other people can figure 
out exactly which blue-on-white vs. white-on-blue line you want them to 
loosen.  For teaching, I had to learn how to explain things in different 
ways, and yet, on a boat, you don't often have time for multiple 
explanations. It's nice to work with people who think like me, but it's 
more interesting, and often humorous, to work with people who are 
different. Sailing, our little microcosm of paradise, is ever also a 
microcosm of life.

LET'S GO SAILING
Hope to see you soon!  Let me know if you want to sail at a time that isn't 
listed--I can add sails.

Skipper Schuy/Lisa

Land:  773-752-6266, Cell:  773-343-0153
  http://www.jewellgems.com/sloopscoop/index.htm
(UPDATED AGAIN!!!!)
----------------------
SCHEDULE (the usual weather/crew caveats apply . . .)

___Wednesday 8/8
Evening cruise . Meet at the harbor at 1830 hours.  Bring food for dinner 
or buy it at the harbor (any time after 1700 hours).  We should be back no 
later than 2130 hours.

___Friday 8/10
Meteor shower cruise--clear skies permitting.  Meet at the harbor at 2000 
hours.  It will be a late night since the best part of the meteor shower 
doesn't start until 2300 hours.  We'll be in between midnight and 0100 
hours, and people can stay on the boat overnight if it's too late to head 
home.  If you drive, contact me because it will matter where you park since 
the park closes at 11:00 pm

___Saturday - Sunday 8/11 - 12
Michigan City crossing.  Over on Saturday, back on Sunday.  Meet at the 
harbor at 0900 hours.  We'll try to leave by 1000 hours, since they're 
calling for light winds in may be a long day. If you want to go one way, 
there is a train.  Contact me for more information.

___Wednesday 8/15
Evening and fireworkds cruise.  Meet at the harbor at 1900 hours.  Food is 
available at the harbor starting at 1700 hours, or bring your 
own.  Fireworks start at 2130 hours and we should be back after 2200 hours 
(so contact me if you're driving for parking instructions).

___Wednesday 8/22
Evening cruise.  Meet at the harbor at 1830 hours.  Food is available at 
the harbor starting at 1700 hours, or bring your own.  We should be back no 
later than 2130 hours.

___Friday 8/24
Morning cruise.  Meet at the harbor at 0930 hours.
----------------------------------------------------------------
ON THE HORIZON

Wednesday and Saturday fireworks cruises

A race or two if anyone wants to crew