OCALA SAILING CLUB AUGUST 2013 OCALA SAILING CLUB, PO BOX 2191, OCALA, FL 34478 PAGE 1 Date/Time Event Location/Host August 1, 2013 @ 6:30 PM OSC Buccaneer Night Big Bob’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza ~ Ocklawaha August 15, 2013 @ 6:30 PM OSC Pot Luck Dinner Meeting Hosts: Terry and Dee Davies ~ Ocala (See Page 28) August 18, 2013 @ 1:00 PM Sunday Sailing @ The Point Lemon Point, Lake Weir CALENDAR OF CLUB EVENTS NEWSLETTER August 2013 Ocala Sailing Club Website: www.ocalasailingclub.org Sailing in Jamaica!
It's the middle of summer and the newsletter is usually on vacation, like the rest of us. However, this summer there is much to report and Jan Schumacher, our trusty and enthusiastic Secretary, has been busy at the computer grinding out the results to officially share with you these reports. So, if you have been on vacation or just plain couldn't take part in any of these events, you are in for a treat.
Ocala Sailing Club had a boatload of sailors destined for Jamaica to participate in a sailing event of which we are all anxious to hear. Ed and Lynn Sims have put together a great article containing words and photos to do just that. Maybe this is the start of something new!
Also, our sailing club was approached prior to summer to provide assistance for the Marion County Department of Parks and Recreation in a program
for their summer camp on "Fire and Wind". Wayne Birkenmeyer stepped forward to help out in that regard. Joan Bernat has shared a very nice report about that. Many thanks to Wayne for helping out this program in the name of our club.
Sunday the 28th, a group of OSC members got together for a kayaking paddle on the Rainbow River. I managed to get back from my trip to Delaware in time to participate in that adventure with Kathy Olbekson, Marc & Sally Melanson, and Charlene Johnson. Sally has provided some photos of that pleasant event on the water. Many of the club members have kayaks and the folks that were on this trip are anxious to do it again. So keep that in mind for those days when the wind is on vacation.
Enjoy the Newsletter and we look forward to seeing you at dinner on Buccaneer Night (Thursday, August 1st) at "Big Bob's" ~ one block from our favorite Lake Weir, in the town of Ocklawaha. The fare is Italiano and it is good! Come rub shoulders and share stories with these busy world travelers and active sailors.! ! !! ! ! Your Commodore,
Treasury activity was very slow this past month with us receiving only one more paid membership dues.
We currently have a combined bank balance of $2,695.80 - $1,391 in Checking and $1,304.80 in Savings. We received $0.04 interest payment in July in our Savings account and the monthly transfer of $100 to Savings was done for both June and July this month.
With the switchover of account signers last month, we incurred a $10 service fee on the Checking account for which I am working with the bank to reverse the charge.
As a reminder, membership dues are $50 individual/$75 family.
I look forward to seeing everyone for August activities!
John, Paul, and Ed arrived in Kingston at about 7:00pm and were greeted by Ian Gibson, Andrew (Royal Jamaica Yacht Club’s Commodore) and Robert (Second Rear of the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club). After an amazingly fast trip through Customs and Immigration (they had some pull) we went to the parking lot and were treated to a cold RAZZ beer. Then off to Ian and Sanchia’s house for a Meet and Greet Party -- more beer and of course, Appleton Rum! The rest of the Florida group was already there – Patti Moring, Karen and Kenny (friends of the Morings), and Maria and David from Gainesville’s Gulf Atlantic Yacht Club. We met the owner and brewmaster of RAZZ beer along with some members of the RJYC.
Wednesday July 3rd
Up and off to prepare the J-22 sailboat for the afternoon’s competition. We went to Gloria’s in Port Royal (where Captain Morgan hung out) for an outdoor lunch. I ate some of the best fish I have ever had and (of course) some RAZZ beer!
Then back to the RJYC to practice for the 5:00 pm afternoon “beer can” race. (This was a fun, casual race - not part of the regatta.) The wind was blowing pretty hard so the practice allowed us to get accustomed to the conditions before the race. It was a long distance race around half of the bay.
After the race we changed into our blue blazers and long pants for a formal party (with that good Jamaican rum). We were greeted by the Governor General (he is appointed by the Queen) and his assistant. Wow, we’re big time now! Dinner was served and we were treated to a wonderful musical jam session which included Rupert Bent III and his father Rupert Bent II -- they are both magnificent musicians.
Today is a free day and we were treated to a road trip into the mountains. The mountains are very steep and the road has many switchbacks allowing for some extraordinary sights. Occasionally we would see homemade, wood-framed sleds with wheels and a steering wheel at the edge of the road. They are used to slide down the mountain roads; and this prompted a Jamaican team to enter the Olympic Bob Sled competition. And they did very well! First stop- the military base and hospital that was built by the Brits in the 1800’s.
We stopped at “Stepping Stones” (Ian’s parent’s weekend home at 5,000+ feet elevation) for a fried chicken and RAZZ beer (no rum!) lunch that Ian had brought. Their property had beautiful flower gardens that terraced down the mountain side and
we enjoyed a fabulous view of Kingston and Kingston Bay. On the way back down the mountain (several thousand feet up) we stopped by Ian and Sanchia’s property where they are planning to build a home. Their view includes the mountains in one direction, and Kingston and Kingston Bay in the other. It will be an awesome place when complete! They have numerous coffee plants and bananas trees growing on the property. Ian picked some green bananas and next day he boiled them for us to taste. They have a different kind of taste – not sweet like the bananas we have here. After a little rest and a change of clothes, we ventured on to Rupert and Michelle’s home in the hills above Kingston for another beautiful view, and yet another magnificent party of burgers on the grill with all the fixings… and of course a selection of beverages (more rum)!
Friday July 5th
Up and dressed in blue blazers again to meet with the Jamaica’s Minister of Sports, Hon. Natalie Neita-Headley, MP (see the attachment of the agenda) to discuss sailing as a true sport for everyone -- not just for the very wealthy. Maria, David, John, Paul, Ian, Rupert, Andrew, Robert and I attended. All things considered, it was a successful meeting. The Ocala Sailing Club presented the Minister with an OSC burgee with our website and signatures, and the Gulf Atlantic Yacht Club’s information and Maria and David’s signatures.
After our meeting, we went to an outdoor eatery called Scotchie's Jerk Center (restaurant) for the best Jamaican jerk pork I have ever had. And on to the Bob Marley Museum for a very enlightening tour and learned about his many accomplishments during his very short lifetime. The next stop was The Devon House for some great ice cream. It was originally an old plantation, but now a popular shopping area. We met up with another group of people at a place called Medusa’s Bar and Grill for evening drinks (more rum). The food looked terrific but I was too full to order anything!
Saturday July 6th
Back out to the Yacht Club for the first three J-22 class races. The wind was moderate (about 15-20) for the bay this time of year and we sailed all-right considering we were just learning how the boat sails.
After the races more drinks (rum) and relaxing around the pool. The afternoon delight was seeing the Miss Jamaica contestants parade around the pool for photo ops. Later that evening we went to the “Driftwood Party” at Medusa’s Bar and Grill. For $15.00 per person we were treated to all the food and drinks (more rum) we could consume… including jerk chicken, pork and fish… and an oyster bar to boot! Another great party with music and dancing!
Sunday July 7th
Up and back out to the Yacht Club for the day’s racing. Afterwards we relaxed by, and in, the pool (my first time in) -- and was it ever refreshing! Then a shower and change of clothes for the “prize giving” (trophy presentation). Although we did not get a trophy for racing, we did receive a Royal Jamaica Yacht Club shirt and hat for our presence as guests.
The Ocala Sailing Club awarded the first, second and third place finishers in the J-22 and cruising classes an OSC tee shirt with the Jamaica sponsors (Walkerswood foods, Caribbean Dream and Razz beer) on the back and a hat – all which were well-received.
The party (and more rum) continued on into the night at Jo Jo’s Jerk Pit. Patti, Karen and Kenny left for home.
Monday July 8th
Today we went to Wortley Home for orphan and abandoned girls – ages 8-16. There were about 14 girls who live and go to school there. Paul (it was his idea), John and I purchased some school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, notepads and binders) in Ocala
and brought them with us to present to the school. Rupert’s family has helped this school for some years and thought it was a good cause for us as well. We really appreciate Rupert’s help on this and we would like to help the school again - maybe with some toiletry and personal items. The rest of the day was for relaxing and shopping. We went to a “craft store” (gift shop) and got our “little take home items which are normally required when traveling abroad.” Maria and David left for home today. In the evening we invited our hosts and hostesses to dinner at a restaurant of their choice as a thank you. Ian and Sanchia, Rupert and Michelle, and Andrew and Katherine selected a Chinese restaurant and the food (and more rum) was excellent! We bid everyone farewell and went to our respective residences for the evening. Cookie, whose family owns a coffee farm, brought us each a bag of Blue Mountain Jamaican Coffee. Thank you Cookie -- I have rea$y enjoyed it!
Tuesday July 9th
Today was get up, get dressed, get packed and get to the airport day! Checking-in and going through Customs and Immigration in Orlando went without a hitch, and then a pleasant ride home discussing our week’s adventure. Wow… it seemed like a whirlwind trip and everything was excellent -- from our hosts, the Yacht Club, the food, and the sights and sounds of Jamaica. (I’m out of rum).
7-2-13 Jamaica's finest Welcoming Committee PIC #2 - Robert Scott (2nd Rear Commodore), Ed, John, Paul and the “host-with-the-most” Ian Gibson
7-2-13 Jamaica's finest Welcoming Committee PIC #1 (with RAZZ beer to boot!) - Robert Scott (2nd Rear Commodore), Ed, RJYC Commodore Andrew Thwaites, Paul and “host-with-the-most” Ian Gibson
7-3-13 outdoor lunch with our Jamaican friends @ Gloria's Restaurant in Port Royal -- Kenny and Karen Hatch (from Ocala), Malcolm (from Jamaica), Patti, John and Ed
7-3-13 outdoor lunch @ Gloria's Restaurant in Port Royal
7-3-13 Rupert welcomes us to the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club for an evening of festivities
7-3-13 RJYC - John, Katherine and RJYC Commodore Andrew Thwaites
7-3-13 RJYC - Rupert Bent II and Rupert III
7-4-13 John and Paul on the Jamaican’s “practice” bob sled
7-4-13 Newcastle - a settlement in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica - formerly a British military station – now used by the “Jamaica Defence Force” for training purposes
7-4-13 Newcastle barracks - a settlement in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica - formerly a British military station - now used by the “Jamaica Defence Force” for training purposes
7-4-13 Ian's parents summer home
7-4-13 Ian's parents summer home entrance (named “Stepping Stones”) at 5000+ft. elevation
The Royal Jamaica Yacht Club is honoured to receive sailors and executives from the Ocala Sailing Club and the Gulf Atlantic Yacht Club, both from Florida USA.
This is a significant visit as it the first time for many years that two Sailing Clubs have paid an official visit to the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club.
The Royal Jamaica Yacht Club is one of two sailing yacht clubs in Jamaica (the other being the Montego Bay Yacht Club) that promotes year round yacht racing. Both clubs have an expansive racing calendar involving several classes of sail boats. The various classes include:
Picos® - children/youth
J15s – youth, manned by 1 or 2 teenagers
J22s – 22ft long sailboats manned by a crew of adults.
Cruisers – sailboats over 27ft manned by a crew of adults.
The Executive of the RJYC is expecting that this visit will encourage more visitors from other clubs based in the United States of America to visit, compete and share of their experiences with the Jamaican sailors.
Due to migratory and economic pressure, competitive sailing has suffered a decline over the past thirty (30) years, yet we are hopeful that with the private sectors sponsorship and technical support from the International community we will be able to attract many more visitors and be able to host international events. We have a tremendous asset in Kingston Harbour.
The Royal Jamaica Yacht Club believes that properly managed, our Regatta’s may far exceed the existing best known Caribbean Regattas, namely the St. Marteen’s Heineken Regatta and the Grenada Sailing Week.
Accompanying the sailors will be Mr. Rupert Bent and Ian Gibson, local sailors who have made a name for Jamaica in the United States of America circuit. They have performed exceptionally well over the past few years, delivering the following results at the USA Harpoon National Championships: 2nd place in 2010, and winning it in 2011 and 2012. In 2013 they came 2nd after 4 tie breakers. Their participation was made possible by sponsorship from Walkerswood, Caribbean Dreams, RAZZ Beer and Jamaica Broilers Ltd.
Without a doubt, sailing is poised to add to Jamaica’s reputation for sport success.
Team, please see attached brief sent to the Minister and guidelines for tomorrow's visit.
Meeting time: 1100hrs
Meeting with? Minister Natalie Neita-Headley, Minister with responsibility for Sports.
Venue: Office of the Prime Minister, Jamaica House
Assembly time at the OPM: 1030hrs
Objective of visit: To communicate that:
1) sailing is a sport worthy of investment and has the potential to bring pride to the people of Jamaica.
2) the potential for Kingston Harbour for Sports Tourism has never been fully explored.
Points to emphasize: Not looking a handout; we are willing to play our part in national sport development; Minister should visit us at the Club.
Dress code: Club blazer and tie
Estimated duration of visit: 15 - 20 minutes.
Press coverage: Photos to be taken which will be sent to our publicist to get in the press. If possible, please take someone whose role will be dedicated to taking pictures. The Club's camera will be used.
FIREWISE NATURE CAMP SAILING EVENT ~ JULY 18, 2013
Adventures on Lake Weir with FireWise Nature Camp Kids
By J. Bernat
Sailing began as a way to explore the world and today most modern sailors sail because they love the water, adventure and sport. Why is it that almost every robust, healthy boy with a robust, healthy soul in him at some time or another, dream about going to sea. Remembering my first voyage as a passenger on a sail boat, there was something mystical about sailing, just you the wind, and the sounds of silence.
July 18 was one of those days, a day to dream about sailing but for parks and recreation FireWise Nature Camp Kids the dream became reality, a day of fun and sailing in a Harpoon 5.2 sail boat with Captain Wayne from Ocala Sailing Club and a great 4 legged first mate named Harley.
The kids where split up into groups of 6 and each time Captain Wayne explained where he sailed from and how long it took him to sail to Lemon Point. Sand diagrams about wind, direction and tacking, a great visual for the kids. By the third group of kids, Captain Wayne became an expert in sand diagrams.
For some of the kids this was their first time on a sail boat, when the boat started to heel a little the look on their faces was priceless. They learned about wind filling the sails, and how wind pushes the boat forward. Some of the kids couldn’t believe the boat was moving that fast and there was no sound, no motor. By the end of the sail they understood the power of wind.
A lesson that was well received sail boats and fire have a common element – wind pushes a sail boat forward, also wind will push fire forward.
Whether you’re inspired by famous explorers such as Amerigo Vespucci or the winner of the America’s Cup sailing races, or you just love the feel of the wind on your face, sailing today was a sport to state the adventurous side of parks and recreation FireWise Nature Camp kids.
Ocala Sailing Club, “You Rock!”, and thanks for an awesome day on Lake Weir! Fair winds to all!
OSC August Pot Luck Dinner MeetingThursday, August 15, 2013 ~ 6:30 PM
Terry & Dee Davies16590 SW 46 Circle
Ocala, FL352-245-0046
~ Bring a Dish to Share and BYOB Drinks ~
• Exit 341 - One exit south of Rt 200 on I-75• Go west on Rt 484 about 1.5 miles west of I-75; you will come to a light.• Turn LEFT at the light. That light is the main entrance to Marion Oaks - at the waterfall.• After you have made the LEFT turn you are on Marion Oaks Blvd. Go approximately 3.9 miles on that
main road - Marion Oaks Blvd. - until you come to SW 43rd Terrace Road - turn RIGHT onto SW 43 Terrace Rd; there is no street on the left, it's only possible to turn right. SW 43 Terrace Rd is just before a 45 mph sign after you’ve come over a slight rise past a light blue house.
• Go 1 short block and turn left at the first road – it is Marion Oaks Golf Road.• Go to the third RIGHT - past SW 45th Circle in and 45th Circle out - and turn RIGHT onto SW 46th
Circle • Once you turn RIGHT onto 46th Circle, our house is straight ahead – you will drive right into our driveway. Park anywhere on the circle or along the street.
