a Unit of the United States Grand Rapids Sail and Power ... · The waterspout The waterspout is published ten (10) times a year, September through June, by Grand Rapids Sail and Power

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Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadrona Unit of the United StatesPower Squadron®, America'sBoating Club within District 9

Waterspout Newsletter

waterspoutVol. 63, Issue 5, January 2017

The official newsletter of the

Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron

1620 Olson ST NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 USA

www.grsps.org



INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INSIDE THIS ISSUEGRSPS 2016-2017 BridgeVIEW FROM THE BRIDGEThe Commanders NewsExecutive Department NewsAdministrative Department NewsGRSPS BIRTHDAYSGRSPS UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS2017 GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOWDISTRICT 9 UPCOMING EVENTSSAVVY BOATERWhat's My Line?SeamanshipAdvertisement: OfficeMaxAdvertisement: Join Our TeamCommander's ClubBurgees for sale ~ $20Newsletter Deadline

GRSPS 2016-2017 Bridge



The waterspoutThe waterspout is published ten (10) times a year, September through June, by Grand Rapids Sailand Power Squadron, 1620 Olson St, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. It is published for Squadron members by the staff of the Squadron Secretary.

The articles, advertisements, and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect USPS or GRSPS policy unless so designated. Articles may bereprinted without permission if credit is given to the author, GRSPS and the waterspout.

All members in good standing and approved non-member advertisers may submit articles and items for publication. They receive no gratuity.

The editor reserves the right to revise, change, or reject any materials submitted to the waterspout, consistent with standards of accuracy, fairness,good taste, and available space, subject to the approval of the Squadron Commander.

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE

The Commanders News

Hello Everyone,I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Holiday season I know our family did. I want to update everyone on the executive

board meetings we have each month. Our November meeting was well attended, and we went over each officer's jobdescription. This year, we have many who are brand new members of the bridge. As officers, we all need to know theexpectations for each role. For those who have been on the board for years, the meeting was an excellent refresher; allowingall of us to be on the same page. I have asked each officer to submit a monthly report, letting our members know what ishappening. The more you know, the better.

I wish more of us would try to make our monthly meetings; held the 2nd Thursday of each month. Greg Heath arrangesgreat dinners and it is a good way to invite friends to see firsthand what we are about and what we do. For those that missedthis year's Christmas Party at Ming Ten, we had an excellent time. Members showed their generosity through their gifts tothe St John's home; blessing the kids who receive the gifts. The white elephant gifts exchange provided an excellent timefor all. The gifts that received the greatest interest were those with alcohol, interestingly enough! IF you missed themeeting, remember it is on the 2nd Thursday of each month. These get-togethers are missing a significant number ofmembers. Our group is only as good as its members, so please think about coming out and having fun with your fellowmembers.

As I am sitting here at my desk, writing this article, I am watching the blowing snow with temperatures about 13 degrees. Iam counting down the weeks until my boat is in the water. Currently, we have 16 weeks until that day. It is quite somethinghow boat owners feel this way, but we do, and it's ok. A lot of people will be going to boat shows this winter, thinking theymay want to buy a boat but have no idea on how to safely operate one. That's where our organization can shine as we havethe courses that will teach them the rules of the road so to speak, keeping them and us safe. We need to make sure we areready as a squadron to guide people to the right course so that they will be safe. I remember an old sailor (Captain DaveSmith from MYC) told me when we were just getting into sailing, the best thing we could do is take classes, read everythingwe could on boating and hang around fellow boaters who can share their experiences with us. Looking back, this is whatour group is all about, and Captain Dave's words still ring true today.



I look forward to seeing all of you on January 14th at Pietro's on 28th Street.

Jack

Executive Department News

Happy New Year Everyone!!! I can’t begin to tell how excited I am for this new year. New leadership, new ideas, andnew enthusiasm all add up to a great 2017 for Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron!! As mentioned in my article last month, we have a few openings in the Executive Dep’t, and we need your skills andtalents. The first position is for Safety Officer. Help keep the squadron aware of the latest in safety equipment and safeboating with monthly articles in each issue of the Waterspout. I can show you the links to sites that give you the information

you need to be on top of the latest safety issues and developments. Another position we are need filling is LegislativeOfficer. Duties include keeping the members updated on legislation which affects boating and boaters, water quality andinfrastructure investments. Vessel Safety Check is my personal favorite program because as Vessel Examiners, we have theopportunity to meet boaters, go over safety equipment, both required and recommended, introduce boaters to ourorganization and provide a real service to our boating community. Most of you are aware of our program. Our certifiedVessel Examiners inspect over 200 boats a year without charge.

Are you interested in something FREE? Well, here it is!! Your admission to the 72nd Grand Rapids Boat Show atDeVos Place coming up February 15-19, 2017 is FREE!!** GRSPS will have our display there and we will have membersstaffing the booth daily. Most shifts are for only a few hours and 4-6 people are needed for each shift. If enough membersare on hand, there will be plenty of opportunities to tour the show, check out new boats, equipment, and toys. Did I mentionyour admission is FREE? All you need to do is help staff the booth for a shift at the Boat Show representing GRSPS andyour admission is FREE!! Denny Webb and Greg Heath are doing a great job of leading this effort and you can beinvolved, too. Sign up! It’s great fun, provides a great service and you get to go to the show…FREE!!

Ten members have committed to this effort and if you would like to be a part of it, just let me know. I will continue to chairthis activity and can use your help.

Your squadron is great fun and provides real service to our community. Be a part of it! Warm wishes, [email protected]

Administrative Department News



Administrative Department News

Hello to all you fellow boaters out there! My name is Mary Blinkhorn and I am your new Administrative Officer.

My husband, Bruce, and I spend our summer weekends on our beautiful 1964 Pearson Vanguard. Bruce spent two yearsrebuilding it (before I met him) and it shows. I love being by the lake and enjoy sailing on the calmest days. I have aterrible problem with motion sickness which means Bruce is available to take guests out for a sail most days.

We keep our boat in Frankfort on Betsie Bay. I welcome any suggestions and opinions regarding meetings and events. Don’t be surprised to see the occasional survey and don’t be afraid to fill it out. I really value your opinion! Together wecan keep our squadron a fun, exciting place to belong.

GRSPS BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY 2017

Robert Wilcox ~ January 6Paul Schweitzer ~ January 6Carolyn Hartley ~ January 6

Brett Treis ~ January 8Terry Grotemat ~ January 9

Marcia Hammerslag ~ January 11Monica Herman ~ January 20

LeeAnna Geiger-Stehouwer ~ January 27



GRSPS UPCOMING EVENTS & MEETINGS

January 2017 MeetingJanuary 12, 2017

The dinner meeting will be at Pietros on 28th street. Social hour at 6:30

Dinner at 7:00

Speaker is Doug Cogswell from Great Lakes Dive Locker. He will be sharing stories on dives

in the Great Lakes.

RSVP to Greg Heath by Jan 10 [email protected]

2017 GRAND RAPIDS BOAT SHOW The 2017 Grand Rapids Boat show is scheduled to run February 15th - 19th, with setuptaking place on February 14th between 3:00-5:00 PM. All volunteers will gain free admission to the boat show for all 4 days. We need 2 people pershift at a minimum. If we get 3-4 people per shift, that will allow 2 people to take a break at a time. It is a fun time to start thinking about the new boating season by seeing what is new with boatsand boating related activities. Contact Greg Heath at [email protected] to sign up for your volunteer time slot. If anybody has Video makingskills and would like to help create a new video to run during the show, contact Greg at the above Email address.



DISTRICT 9 UPCOMING EVENTS

D9 Spring Conference24-26 March, 2017

Concorde Inn, Clinton Twp44315 N. Gratiot Ave

Clinton Township, MI 48036WesternHoe-down theme

D9 Fall Conference13-15 October, 2017

Treetops Resort3962 Wilkinson RdGaylord, MI 49735

Hotel Room $79, Lodge Room $129

These are private events open to members and guests.

SAVVY BOATER

Published by United States Power Squadrons® Public Relations Committee Contact R/C Greg Scotten, SN [email protected]

What's My Line?



What is the difference between a “rope” and a “line”? It usually depends onapplication and if you are on land or on a boat. Whenyou take a “rope” on a boat it becomes a “line” and, depending on the intended use of that line, it can have many other names. Arope bought for the anchor becomes an anchor rode once properly attached to the boat and anchor. There are various namesgiven for lines aboard a sailing vessel.

There are many different types of lines including Nylon, Polyester, Polypropylene, Kevlar® and other high strength lines. Thespecific characteristics of each type of line dictate the application. Nylon isstrong, but stretches and does not rot. Polypropylenelines have less strength and low stretch, but their useful characteristic is that they float. This is the reason polyester is used forski ropes and dingy painters. The remaining very high strength low stretch lines are typically used on sail boats, especially racingsail boats.

Once you have established the type of line you need, the next considerations are size and type of construction. Line size iseffectively the outside diameter. Breaking Strength vs. Working Strength (usually working strength is considered about 20% ofthe breaking strength). The rope manufacturers and line suppliers provide very specific information regarding the size of line youwill need for your specific application. Historically, most lines were laid lines usually, sail boats, especially racing sail boats butstretches and does not rot. Polypropylene lines have less strength and low stretch, but their useful characteristic is that they float.This is the reason polyester is used for ski ropes and dingy painters. The remaining very high strength low stretch lines aretypically used on ,strongstrandOnce you have purchased lines, which can be a significant expense when outfitting a new boat,the care of lines is paramount.

Overloading laid line and has a softer feel to the touch. There are many braided lines including double braided with manydifferent properties.andkinking a line is the most common reason why lines part (break). Sharp bends (knots) and chaffinggreatly reduce the working strength of lines. There are many commercially sold chaffing protection products on the market, butwith a little ingenuity you can turn an old water hose into adequate protection.

Sun exposure and salt water will harm your lines, decreasing their useful life. Keep your lines dry. If they happen to hit the waterthen rinse and dry them before stowing, mildew is not fun. A quick internet inquiry on how to clean lines will reveal manymethods. The key is to get the salt out of your lines which keepsOnce you have a full understanding of the lines required, themflexible, dry, and ready for their intended use. you will want to learn the knots needed to secure the line to the boat/dock/anchor.Take a course with the United States Power Squadrons® and learn hands-on Marlinspike - the science of working with rope andline. To learn more about boating, contact your local unit or the national website at www.usps.org.

Its members always send the invitation: Come for the Boating Education...Stay for the Friends Leigh Ann LongMark LongStaff WritersPublic Relations CommitteeUnited States Power Squadrons XXXXXXX

Published by United States Power Squadrons® Public Relations Committee Contact R/C Greg Scotten, SN [email protected]

SeamanshipWe are very fortunate to live in a country that affords so many opportunities for outside recreation activities. Whether you are ahunter, shooter, boater, fisherman, bicyclist, et al. there are places to do it. When it comes to boating, the more you knowcombined with on water experience can be the difference in a confident and enjoyable day. All activities that we embark uponrequire some level of preparation. We learn from our parents, siblings, observation or possibly pay a professional to train us. There are online computer classes or you can participate in a class room situation, which we prefer as experiences can beshared as a group. Here is just a small example of topics covered in the United States Power Squadrons’® Seamanship course:

1. Sound signals utilized when backing out of a slip or exiting a harbor (Do you know which are appropriate? Do you know



1. Sound signals utilized when backing out of a slip or exiting a harbor (Do you know which are appropriate? Do you knowwhy they are useful?).

2. Spring lines and how to properly attach a spring line to your boat and why.3. Locating and reading channel markers after sunset (This can be tricky if you do not know what to look for. It is easy to lose

your orientation, if you aren’t aware of these valuable markers.).4. The difference between a dinghy and a life raft (Utilizing and towing these can be tricky.).5. The “stand on vessel” and the “give-way vessel” (Do you know the difference and the rational for these rules? Sadly, most

boaters are unaware that there is a navigational rule that applies. Liability, in the event of an accident, is at play. Rules fornavigating in fog or decreased visibility can be critical.).

6. Recommended scope (length) for your boat in certain depths (More than one boater has been guilty of laying far too littlerode and lost anchor hold. Other boaters who might be near you really want you to know and apply this information!).

7. The various knots, how to tie them and when and how to use them (This is a skill set that must be practiced, even after it islearned. It is easily lost!).

This is just a taste of what you will learn from this course. The instructors are seasoned boaters with years of experience and,even more noteworthy, their experience is local. If these topics left you scratching your head or sparked a bit of a long lostknowledge, this class is for you. To learn confident and safe boating, contact your local unit of the United States PowerSquadrons or the national website at www.usps.org.

Its members always send the invitation: Come for the Boating Education...Stay for the Friends℠ Leigh Ann LongMark LongStaff WritersPublic Relations CommitteeUnited States Power Squadrons XXXXXXX

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The Commander’s Club

An Honor Roll of Special MembersRepresenting a minimum gift of $50 per year

David and Sallie BrinksGeorge and Carol Mandigo

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If you would like to join the Commander’s Club, contact John Colley at [email protected]

Burgees for sale ~ $20

Contact: Jim MolenaarEmail: [email protected]: (616) 813-4464

To learn more about what the GRSPS Burgee means, flag etiquette, and how to fly it, please visit the History page on our website at: http://www.grsps.org/history.

Newsletter DeadlineSubmit photos from events, stories of travels, questions or anything you would like to see in the nextnewsletter by the 15th of the month.

Deadline for nextissue is the 15th

Submit photos in jpg format at the highest resolutions.

Send all information or questions to:Brigit Molenaar

H: (616) 340-4829E-mail: [email protected]

Copyright © 2017 *Grand Rapids Sail and Power Squadron*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:1620 Olson ST NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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Grand Rapids Sail & Power Squadron · 1620 Olson ST NE · Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 · USA

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a Unit of the United States Grand Rapids Sail and Power ... · The waterspout The waterspout is published ten (10) times a year, September through June, by Grand Rapids Sail and Power