SOUNDINGS
Transcription
SOUNDINGS
SOUNDINGS June 2007 Vol. XXXI-No. 4 Official Publication of Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron A UNIT OF UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS ® DISTRICT 22 Contents Personnel Calendar of Events From the Bridge Executive Officer Education Officer Administrative Officer/Boating Quiz Picture Page, Rumrunners C&R Adventures on the Geramar, Cathy Gerasin Picture Page April Monthly Meeting Major Meteor Showers/Quiz Answers Picture Page, Cabbage Key C&R Boating Activities Picture Page, Useppa C&R Picture Page, Sarasota C&R THE S ANIBEL • C APTIVA T RUST C OMPANY Building & Preserving Wealth 2407 P ERIWINKLE W AY, S UITE 7 239.472.8300 • T OLL F REE: 800.262.7135 http://www.sancaptrustco.com Page 3 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 11 Pages 12-14 Page 16 Page 17 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 23 2 SANIBEL-CAPTIVASAIL SAIL & SQUADRON SANIBEL-CAPTIVA &POWER POWER SQUADRON A UNIT OF UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS® A UNIT OF UNITED STATED POWER SQUADRONS® http://www.usps.org/localusps/sancap http://www.usps.org/localusps/sancap/ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2007-2008 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2006-2007 Commander Cdr Ed Harwell, SN Executive Officer Lt/C William Hay, JN Administrative Officer Lt/C Donald Rice, AP Commander Cdr Mary Paige Abbott, AP Educational OfficerOfficer Lt/C LeeLt/C Schaff, Executive Ed PHarwell, SN Secretary Lt/C FayLt/C Carney, S Bradford, AP Educational Officer James Treasurer Lt/C David Kentner, P Hay, AP Administrative Officer Lt/C William Member at Large P/C Mary Paige Abbott, SN Secretary Lt/C Fay Carney, S Member at Large Lt Corky Boyd, P Treasurer Lt/C Michael Neal, P Member at Large Lt John Plumb, P MemberMember at Large at Large Lt John P/C Topp,Robert AP Allen, JN Member at Large Lt Corky Boyd, P Member at Large Lt Gerald Mundt, P ASSISTANT OFFICERS 2007-2008 Member at Large Lt Deane Manolis, AP Assistant Educational Officer P/C Thomas B. Gillis, JN Assistant Secretary Tom Fitzgerald, JN -2007 ASSISTANT1/Lt OFFICERS 2006 Assistant Treasurer 1/Lt Victoria Ross, S Assistant Educational Officer (open) Assistant Secretary (open) INFORMATION PLEASE! Assistant Treasurer 1/Lt David Kentner, P Boating Course P/Lt/C Joanne Heroy-Giller, S PLEASE! Co-op Charting/SERAT INFORMATION D/Lt James Strothers, SN C.G. Coalition Lt John Topp, AP Boating Boating ActivitiesCourse Lt Tom P/Lt/C Niswonger, S Heroy-Giller, S Joanne MeetingsCo-op & Programs Lt Hal Theiss Charting D/Lt James Strothers, SN Membership Lt Marge S AP C.G. Coalition LtLieblein, John Topp, Membership Involvement Lt Bonnie and Lt Betty Boating Activities Lt Fitzgerald Tom Niswonger, S Hayes Property Officer Lt John Plumb, P Meetings & Programs Lt Hal Theiss Public Relations Committee Membership Lt Marge Lieblein, S Radio Technical P/Lt/C Jim Bradford, AP Membership Involvement Lt William Hay, AP Roster/Computer Services Lt William L. Helfers, AP John Plumb, S Safety Property Officer Lt John Lt Carney Public Relations (open) Supply Officer Lt Fred Gerasin, S Radio Technical (open) Telephone Committee P/C Charles E. LeGette, SN Vessel Safety Examiner Services P/C Robert J. Healey,L.SN Roster/Computer Lt William Helfers, AP WebsiteSafety P/Lt/C Jim Bradford, AP Lt John Carney Webmaster Lt SandyLtTrevor Soundings Editors Corky Boyd, P [email protected] Lt Julie Boyd, S SOUNDINGS STAFF Lt Fred Gerasin, S Supply Officer Telephone Committee Editors Vessel Safety Examiner Lt Corky Boyd, P Lt Julie Webmaster Boyd, S Website 239-395-0464 [email protected] P/C Charles E. LeGette, SN Advertising P/C Robert J. Healey, SN Cdr Ed Harwell, SN Lt Alexander Trevor Lt Cathy Gerasin Lt/C Jim Bradford, Lt Ken Nirenberg, S JN [email protected] P/C Charles LeGette, SN Circulation Managers Photographers Lt Jerry Nelson, P Lt Susie Kentner Soundings inLtthe officialNelson publication of Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron, a non-profit organization dedicated to Sharon Lt Carol Allen, P the promotion of boating safety and education in Lee County, Florida, and a unit of United States Power Squadrons®, Address Changes for Members Lt Georgia Plumb District 22. Soundings is published during the first week of each month except in July & August. Squadron members are Lt submit William Helfers, AP10th of the month. encouraged to material by the 3 4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS June-September, 2007 Thursday June 7 at 1000 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Bank of the Islands. All members are welcome. Tuesday 19 June at 1800 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING & DINNER. Mayor Mike Denham will discuss the work being done in Sanibel to improve water quality. Important -- please note: It is important to have an accurate count for the Membership Dinner Meetings. Reservations may be cancelled up until 12 noon on the Monday before the meeting by calling Charlie LeGette at 437-0595 or emailing him at [email protected]. Reservations not cancelled will be billed $15.00 per person. Thurs-Sat June 28-30 D/22 SPRING C&R at Little Harbor (Bahia Beach), Ruskin, FL. See D/22 Website: http://www.usps.org/localusps/d22/ There will be no meetings during the months of July and August. Tuesday 18 Sept at 1800 MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETING & DINNER Thursday 4 Oct at 1000 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Bank of the Islands. All members are welcome. Monday 10 Dec at 1500 “AMPHIBIAN” CRUISE & TRAIN TRIP. See important reservation information on page 20. Cruise Leader Tom Niswonger. IN MEMORIAM MARY LOUISE PERRING HUSLER May 5, 2007 We of the Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron extend deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Soundings in the official publication of Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron, a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of boating safety and education in Lee County, Florida, and a unit of United States Power Squadrons®, District 22. Soundings is published during the first week of each month except in July & August. Squadron members are encouraged to submit material by the 10th of the month. 5 FROM THE BRIDGE COMMANDER Cdr Ed Harwell, SN _________________________________________ HEROES AND FRIENDS The title, a line from an old country song, applies so well to San/Cap Sail & Power Squadron. Heroes show you what’s right but good friends are with you the rest of your life. We have plenty of heroes in San/Cap. Think about Marge Lieblein’s years running the best membership program in the District. Bill Helfers, the roster guru. Julie and Corky Boyd performed a minor miracle with Soundings. Jim Bradford and Sandy Trevor performed a near impossible task in a record time by getting Soundings on line. Juggernauts Tom and Judy Niswonger built an invincible C&R program with their “Persistence” including a first, “C&R Planner’s Guide.” Steve Abbott, Bill Hjerpe, and Bruce Balas with their genus as instructors. Mary Paige Abbott, a mentor to me, after completing a very successful year as Commander, is now a National Committee member. Joanne Heroy-Giller, made us the only squadron in the district to show a significant increase in membership through her public boating courses. She has also been awarded the Power of One Award for enrolling new members. Thanks heroes. Fortunately for me these heroes are also my friends. The Jennings and Rosses demonstrated it by staying on my disabled boat at the Sarasota C&R and offering help. Those of you who did not attend missed the most fun ever on a San/Cap C/R. Twelve of my friends came to Tampa as San/Cap delegates: Mary Paige & Steve Abbott, David and Susie Kentner, John and Fay Carney, Jim Bradford, Jim Strothers, Jim Hock, Harry Randall, Victoria and Dave Ross, Bonnie Harwell. It turns out we were 2 over the certified number which looked good. Bill Lucas chaired his last of nine conference committees. He has chaired about nine conferences. Jim Strothers gave the seminar on Coop Charting. We all got a free lunch and drink coupon tickets. I also thank Claire Randall who “encouraged” Harry (just out of cataract surgery) and Jim Hock (who hasn’t made a conference in 18 years). San/Cap garnered Distinction in Journalism, Website, Star Squadron Recognition, Boca Ciega Teaching Aids and Educational Fund Certificate Awards. As secretary of the Commanders Meeting, I can tell you all squadrons are on the web with their newsletters and directories. The new conference meeting place will be about 50 miles closer to us in at the Sarasota Hyatt. It meets District financial needs better and has much more to offer, i.e. Armand’s Center, Selby Gardens, Mott Aquarium, Ringling Museum and Mansion. It also has boat slips. National Officers Cdr Ernie Marshburn and V/C Creighton Maynard were the featured guests. National ran in the red for many years. Last year National posted over $100,000 in the black, through fiscal housecleaning. The seminar courses are very successful. Now there are 12 and others coming. The three year waiver, for experienced sailors who do not want to take a public course to join the squadron, has passed. It’s up to individual squadrons to what extent they want to participate. The new certification program which will give legal significance to courses taken has also passed. I feel we are very fortunate to have the current National leaders. They are being competitive in the current competition for the boater’s attention. Out of respect for member’s time and opinions, I have tried to run meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure and the National Agenda. This insures everyone an equal right to express his/her opinion. I have had to “drop the gavel” occasionally but it is only out of respect for whoever has the floor. Be assured when you have the floor your right to speak will be equally defended by the chair. I certainly apologize if I have been arbitrary at times. I never want to disrespect my heroes and friends. 6 Executive Officer Lt/C William Hay, JN ___________________________________________________________ MID YEAR BREAK As I write this article many of our members are leaving or have already left the area for their homes in northern states. By the time this writing is released, Dianne and I will be getting ready to leave for northern Michigan. It has been an interesting and prosperous season for our Squadron. Last year Mary Paige Abbott as Commander through her planning and foresight positioned the organization for a solid year. In February Ed Harwell assumed the position of Commander and kept the momentum going. The Membership Committee chaired by Marge Lieblein, has done an outstanding job. While membership across the country has dwindled or remained stagnant, we are one of the few squadrons where membership has increased. Our Squadron currently boasts membership of some 430 members, over 40 of which are new members since last November. The Educational Department under Jim Bradford and now Lee Schaff, has done an outstanding job of scheduling and conducting not only the traditional USPS grade and elective courses, but also the new seminar series. Since stepping down as Educational Officer with our Squadron, Jim Bradford has now accepted a position with District 22. He was also recently appointed as Flag Officer by our Commander, and has also agreed to fill the vacant post of Radio Technical Officer. Our thanks to Jim. It’s members like him that keep the ship afloat! As we come upon our mid year break, this is an excellent time to review and report activities of members for merit marks. Anyone chairing an event or overseeing any committee should take the time now to report all member efforts to P/C John Sampson. John can be reached at [email protected]. Did anyone notice in the latest issue of The Ensign, that one of our departed USPS members had 52 merit marks? Amazing! As indicated in a previous article, the Squadron still needs to certify additional Vessel Safety Examiners (VSE). In our Squadron the Vessel Safety Committee is chaired by P/C Bob Healey. He and the other four VSEs have performed 42 VSCs this year to date. Their goal is to reach 100 for the year. The VSC program is recognized Nationally to be one of the basic functions of the USPS in pursuing its mission of “Safe boating through education." Help save lives, prevent injuries, and avoid catastrophes. Train and become a VSE. For details call P/C Bob Healey at 239-466-4169. Finally our Squadron is in a strong financial position thanks to the efforts of our former Treasurer Mike Neal. Our new Treasurer David Kentner is definitely a keeper. We may want to nickname him Scrooge. David has a unique way of wringing every last nickel out of the investments, while at the same time cutting costs to the bone. His many years of experience as a CPA keep him constantly on watch for new ways to better the Squadron finances. The Squadron is truly fortunate to have a Treasurer with such talent. Hope everyone has a fun and more importantly a safe summer. See you in the fall. I look forward to another season upon our return. 7 Educational Officer Lt/C Lee Schaff, P ______________________________________________ BOAT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION New from USPS Boat Operator Certification. The graphics illustrate the four levels of Certification: Inland, Coastal, Advanced Coastal and Offshore. To qualify for each level, a combination of Courses, Seminars and Skill Demonstrations will be necessary. To progress from one level to the next you must complete the previous level. For example, to qualify for Coastal Navigation you must first complete all of the requirements for Inland Navigation. As your SEO I will attempt to schedule classes starting in the late fall or early winter to meet our local needs. If you wish to become certified and have not completed the necessary courses or attended the necessary Seminars, plan now to attend. B oating is fun… we ’ll show you how 8 9 LIVE ON THE RIVER IN A LUXURY CONDO AT HARBOR PLACE 14813 LAGUNA DRIVE SPECTACULAR VIEWS AT 1/3 THE COST OF SANIBEL ONLY $660,000 2398 SQUARE FEET UNDER AIR PLUS 2 LANAIS 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS PRIVATE ELEVATOR DIRECTLY INTO FOYER CLUB HOUSE, POOL & SPA PRIVATE SAND BEACH FISHING PIER NEXT TO MARINA BUTTERFLY GARDEN CLOSE TO SANIBEL & THE BEACHES Make it a Power Squadron Father’s Day DIRECTIONS: McGREGOR TO THORNTON RD. LEFT ON THORNTON TO IONA . CROSS IONA TO LAGUNA, STRAIGHT TO THE RIVER. For the man who has everything Contact Fred Gerasin [email protected] or 395-3325 CALL JERRY MUNDT, REALTOR® AT 239-292-6456 SOUTH SEAS SANIBEL & CAPTIVA PROPERTIES 1020 PERIWINKLE WAY, SANIBEL ISLAND, FL 33957 9 Administrative Officer Lt/C Don Rice, AP ________________________________________ This month brevity carries the day…and why not? We’ve had a terrific season and as many of our members head north for the summer our activities wind down. I do want to recognize a few people who helped make our events and activities successful. First, a couple of belated thank yous to Bob and Judy Perlstein for hosting us at St. Charles Yacht Club for our December C&R and to Danny and Annette Tomlinson for co-leading the Sarasota cruise. (One of our eagle-eyed readers called me to report these omissions.) Second, a salute to someone who does about the toughest job in the squadron …. finding interesting (and willing) speakers for our monthly membership meetings. Hal Theiss carried out this assignment with great distinction this season and we all owe him a big “thank you.” Speaking of speakers, Hal would be very interested in hearing about any speaker you think would be interesting for our membership … and would respond to your persuasive invitation. We try to do a variety of subjects while leaning toward boating themes. In my first report as AO I asserted that if the bar at membership meetings opened on time, had the right stuff, and didn’t run out, I’d be judged a success in this assignment. Of course, that would not happen without dedicated bar tenders who I’d like to recognize here. Our three top tenders, Mike Richmond, Hal Tray and Frank Hiatt made me feel right at home at the bar, never complained about the pay and provided generous pours to all. Others, who served periodically, always with distinction, include Bob and Mickey Adams, Susie Kentner, Cathy Gerasin, Bill and Dianne Hay and Dick Waterhouse. Thanks to you all! (JC, you can pick the beer next season.) Fair winds and following seas to all. See you back here in September. B OAT I N G Q U I Z What’s your Boating IQ? Adapted by Lt Charles Hohns, S 1. When not in a special anchorage area, a vessel at anchor between sundown and sunrise need not show any lights. 2. When two power driven vessels are on nearly reciprocal courses as indicated by the fact that you can see the red, green and white masthead lights of the other vessel, the vessel down wind has the right of way. 3. Quarantine buoys are yellow. 4. Intracoastal Waterway buoys use special markings in yellow. 5. The Intracoastal Waterway buoyage system considers coastal passage from New Jersey to Florida. 6. Normal atmospheric pressure at sea level is 29.92 pounds per square inch. 7. A clockwise circulation is characteristic of a high in the northern hemisphere. Answers on page 17 10 Rumrunners C C& &R 29 March Hosts Lts Jean and Paul Robinson, P Photos by Lt Georgia Plumb, Lt Susie Kentner and Lt. Corky Boyd, P Scott Withers, P; Lt John Plumb, P and Lt Georgia Plumb; Lt Jane Withers Lt Jim Hock, JN; Lt/C Bill Hay, AP and Dianne Hay; Lt Julie Boyd, S and Lt Corky Boyd, P Lt/C Don Rice, AP and Vic Clevenger, AP Seated: 1/Lt Tom Fitzgerald, JN; Lt/C Lee Schaff, P; Irene Schaff; Lt Nancy Albrecht, S; Harry Albrecht, AP; Lt Jean Robinson. Standing: Lt Bonnie Fitzgerald; Lt/C Fay Carney, S. 11 Gerasin & Marx Adventures on the Geramar. Venezuela to Curaçao by Cathy Gerasin This was our third adventure on Geramar since Fred’s sister Tricia and her husband Dick Marx left the Netherlands over 5 years ago. Their boat, the Geramar, is a 46’ Malo Yacht built in Sweden (Maloyachts.com). She weighs over 28,000 pounds and draws 7 feet of water. She’s a true blue water yacht built for ocean cruising. The year they did the “Crossing” we met in St. Lucia for Christmas and two years ago we met in St. Thomas and sailed all over that area with them. This year it was Venezuela. We made reservations months in advance with Aeropostal to fly to Venezuela. After three previous flight changes we learned the day before we were leaving that our flight had been changed and we were to now leave at 2:30 with a layover in Caracas. Still still scheduled to arrive around 10 pm. Word was “they’ve been getting some bad gas” (not good news for a passenger to hear) so they needed to stop mid-way. Here’s a good hint if you are flying out of Miami: Just before we left town we learned from SCSPS members Lani and Rich Ream about The Wyndham Hotel at the airport in Miami. Slick deal for parking. $90. for two weeks and they will deliver us to the terminal. Cost -- only $6. per day and Fred’s sister Tricia aboard Geramar, our floating $8 if you wanted to park under cover home for three weeks. Puerto Cabello, Venezuela We checked in at Aeropostal at 12:00. No gate number, but the flight departure was changed again to 1:30! They weren’t sure what to do with our luggage at the baggage check-in but they took it anyway and we just crossed our fingers. At 1:15 we found out our flight had been changed again. We were now scheduled to fly direct to Valencia, leaving at 4:30. Oh where oh where will our luggage go? Fortunately we only need a bathing suit on this vacation. At 5:30 they announced the flight would leave at 6:30. We finally left at 7:05!!!! Poor Tricia and Dick were there waiting for us with Carlos from the marina. He drove us back to the marina, a 90 minute ride. We didn’t get to see much of that part of Venezuela, but what we could see was VERY poor. Nothing but shacks and lots and lots of poverty. We finally arrived at our destination, Puerto Cabello Marina, at 2 am. Up at 8:30 to a flood in our toilet. It took us a bit to figure out the plumbing on the boat. Got it all cleaned up before anyone discovered our oops! Fortunately it was just salt water ... nothing nasty! The plumbing continued to be a mystery for quite some time. We soon learned that hot showers are a thing Curaçao → of the past and remained so for two weeks! We motored out of Puerto Cabello Marina 2 days later and Puerto Cabello º sailed all day to Chichirivichi, a lagoon that’s part of Venezuela. We hit quite a squall at one point with pretty good waves that had us rocking and rolling. It didn’t last long, but it was exciting for a bit. We touched bottom a couple of times trying to find an anchoring spot. It was close to sundown and difficult to see the sandbars. The next day we took the dinghy to the beach and took a nice long walk. The water was gorgeous, but the trash … tons of it, mostly plastic stuff, was depressing. Such a shame to see so much garbage on the 12 beach. Pulled up anchor at noon. I’m pouting that my camera quit the first day out of our vacation. No pictures this trip. I’ll live, but not happily! We spent the rest of the afternoon anchored off another small island off Chichirivichi. We swam, rested and then took off just after sunset (6:30 pm) for our overnight sail to Bonaire. I have to give Tricia and Dick credit. They really work hard on these overnight sails, particularly Tricia who spent all the time inside where it’s hot, stuffy and rocking and rolling! We had some pretty rough seas. Fred and I both battled seasickness. Dick and I did the first shift. Fred and Tricia did the longest. As we motored into Bonaire there was a rainbow to greet us. Bonaire is known for its salt mine and tourism. After lunch we took the dinghy to Bonaire, registered and walked around town. It’s a charming town with little houses and building painted in bright yellows, golds, blues and greens. Lots of metal that looks like tile roofs. Neat and tidy and full of charm. They’ve decorated for Christmas. We had beers at Karel’s Cappuchino Bar and dingy tie-up (really it’s a bar right on the water… cool location for watching sunsets). Basically we just hung out at BonDick and Tricia in Spanish Waters Bay, Curaçao aire. We went snorkeling, relaxed, read, shopped, went to Karel’s dinghy bar, snorkeled some more and overall had a blast! The best snorkeling of all was December 14th right around the boat. We found a super reef right near the sea wall that was absolutely loaded with fish, everything you could want to see. Dick suggested we put what we saw to music so came up with: 10 tangs a-marching, 9 trumpet fish playing, 8 sergeant majors, 7 Parrot fish, 6 whatevers and on and on until … and/or instead of a partridge in a pear tree we saw a monkey around some guys neck! It was truly awesome. The best time ever for me. Two days later we pulled up anchor and once more were on our way. Put up just the genoa and sailed across at about 5.5 knots all the way. Good wind and a little bit of rough seas. We dropped anchor in Spanish Waters Bay, Curaçao at 5:30 pm … just in time for sunset. Got our first pictures of us on the bow of the boat in the bay here with Tricia and Dick’s camera. Tricia fixed a terrific steak dinner to celebrate the arrival. We listened to Christmas carols and had a spectacular evening. We saw fireworks briefly on the other side of the island. It’s a huge island with a population of over 1,000,000. The homes and landscape we’ve seen so far actually look more like Mexico. Quite hilly and at night the lights are sprinkled up and down the hillside. What a perfect evening. Only 5 more days of vacation to go. Where did the time go? The next day we caught the 10:15 bus to go grocery shopping. We had one hour to shop, and the bus was free. Nice market with good selection of food. We had barely walked into the market when Tricia ran into a couple she knew from other sailing adventures. In the afternoon we caught another bus and went to Willemstad for the day. What a gorgeous, gorgeous town. Beautiful buildings in bright colors of pink, yellows and blues. It almost looks like something you’d see at Disneyland, Fred and Cathy in Willemstad, Curaçao 13 including the huge Christmas trees all decorated around the town square. We crossed Queen Emma’s floating bridge (It’s the world’s oldest swinging bridge and the world’s longest moving pontoon bridge) The other big bridge in town is the Queen Julianna which is one of the biggest of its kind in the world … really quite lovely and impressive at 185’ high. Despite what we had heard about snorkeling, nothing was going to compare to that little reef we found in Bonaire. We did see quite a few fish and it was, as always, fun to snorkel in a new area. It’s interesting that you don’t see a lot of live coral like you see in the pictures. So much of it has died already. It’s really sad. Sunday was our day to go to Willemstad and shop. Fred and I hung out on the boat in the morning while Tricia and Dick ran some errands and we “swabbed the decks.” After lunch we headed to town on the 3:00 bus. We had dinner at this really cool restaurant that was right on the waterfront in what was part of an old fort. The food was okay, but the atmosphere was fantastic. Everything was decorated with lights for Christmas; it was really, really pretty. We took a cab home and got to see the city at night … it was absolutely lovely, all lit up and just beautiful. Truly a picturesque city. We moved to Porta Marie on Tuesday. That morning we had clouds and a little rain and two different rainbows. It was quite windy and choppy, but promised to be good winds for the move. This was a cool location. A resort area with nice little beaches, umbrellas and swimming area with restaurants. Man-made reefs and quite a few interesting fish. Where they had a marker to designate the swimming area there was a buoy that looked like a sponge and it was loaded with little baby sergeant major fish that looked like little bees in a hive. We were the only ones anchored there. It probably sounds like all we did was eat and sleep on this trip, but that seemed to be the “order of the day.” We listened to Christmas carols and Top, Barry the Barracuda; middle, sergeant majors and bottom, blue tangs read and listened to the waves lap on the boat. We all watched the sunset and tried to catch the green flash. We attempted to get pictures of the little sergeant major fish with the underwater camera but instead came across Barry the barracuda and got quite close, close enough to see his VERY SHARP teeth. He seemed to take a liking to us … came to find out I’d forgotten to take my watch off and it seems barracudas like shiny objects. We tried to move away from him and he just kept following us. After a bit we got nervous and decided it was time to get back to the boat. Barry followed us for quite some time! He was pretty good sized and I’m not kidding about seeing his teeth, he gave me a pretty good smile … if you want to call it that. We had a real nice sail back to Spanish Waters Bay where we spent our last night. It Cathy at play was so hard to believe we’d be home the following night. Can’t say I wasn’t looking forward to a nice long hot shower and some A/C, but the trip was terrific. Tricia and Dick showed us such a wonderful time and we saw so many really cool places, I wonder where we’ll be next year?? This was a wonderful trip and we’ll always remember it. On the other hand, there’s no place like home and we loved coming home to our brand new screened in deck and spa! Merry Christmas to us!! 14 Seafood • Grill Rawbar Downtown Santiva 6250-C Pine Ave. 472 5253 Four Winds Marina Bookelia 16501-B Stringfellow Rd. 283 5959 15 Downtown Sanibel 1036 Periwinkle Way 472 6939 Monthly Meeting 17 April P/C George Irwin, SN; P/C Alan Boers; P/C Betty Boers, SN; Marguerite Irwin, AP Speaker David Moreland from Shell Point Frannie Rector and P/C Charlie Ringle, SN P/Lt/C Joanne Heroy-Giller, S; Roger and Cynthia Timms; Lt Marge Lieblein, S; Mickey and Peggy McLinden. Photos by Lt Susie Kentner Lt/C Don Rice, AP buys 50/50 tickets from Lt Steve Cservenyak, S. John Carney and Joe Bejin 16 Vern and Libby Frankwich MAJOR METEOR SHOWERS, JUNE-DECEMBER, 2007 Excerpted from Astronomy for People website. Author Wes Stone. http://skytour.homestead.com/met2007.html SOUTH DELTA AQUARIDS (maximum July 29 [broad]) Moon: Full Moon (major interference) Best viewing window: The last hour before morning twilight on Friday morning, July 27. Recommended for: Early risers who want to brush up on their meteor observing before the Perseid peak. PERSEIDS (maximum August 13, 5h UT [August 12 @ 10pm PDT; August 13 @ 1am EDT]) Moon: New (no interference) Best viewing window: Sunday evening, August 12, from the end of evening twilight until morning twilight on Monday morning, August 13. Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteors. ALPHA AURIGIDS (maximum September 1, 11:37 UT [4:37am PDT; 7:37am EDT] Moon: Waning Gibbous (major interference) Best viewing window: The last couple of hours before morning twilight becomes too bright on Saturday morning, September 1. Strongly favors the West Coast of North America. Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteors, especially if you live where it's dark and the radiant is above the horizon during the predicted maximum. ORIONIDS (maximum October 21 [broad and irregular]) Moon: Waxing Gibbous (minor interference) Best viewing windows: Saturday, Sunday and/or Monday mornings, October 20-22. 2am - 6am local daylight time are the best hours as the radiant is highest then. Other mornings in the period of October 1725 may also be productive. The Moon sets early earlier in the shower period, allowing more dark-sky time. Recommended for: Anyone interested in meteors. LEONIDS (maximum November 18; 3h UT [November 17; 7pm PST; 10pm EST]) Moon: Waxing Gibbous (minor interference) Best viewing window: The maximum is not well-defined. The predawn hours of Sunday, November 18 may be the best bet. Morning observing is a must for the Leonids, as the radiant rises late. Recommended for: Anyone interested in serious meteor observing. GEMINIDS (maximum December 14, ~17h UT [9am PST; noon EST]) Moon: Waxing Crescent (minor interference) Best viewing window: Friday morning, December 14 from midnight until morning twilight. (Viewing can be productive even before midnight). Recommended for: Anybody with clear skies on maximum night! For more information, check these websites: http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/meteors/showers.html http://www.imo.net/calendar/2007 Quiz answers: 1. F - Must show a white all-round light; 2. F - Neither vessel has the right of way; 3. T; 4. T; 5. F - Considers passage from Florida to New Jersey; 6. F - 1013.25 millibars; 7. T. 17 Specializing in Weekly, and Seasonal Vacation Rentals on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Now offering rentals in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Visit our website to see all the properties that we offer in Southwest Florida Rentals: Sanibel & Captiva Islands VIP Vacation Rentals 800.237.7526 239.472.1613 www.viprental.com Rentals: Bonita Springs VIP Vacation Rentals 866.308.9157 www.vipbonitasprings.com Rentals: Fort Myers VIP Vacation Rentals 239.481.6111 800.344.2906 www.viprentals.net 1560 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, Florida 33957 18 Cabbage Key C&R 12 April Bonnie Harwell, P and Cdr Ed Harwell, SN Dick Jewell, JN and Shirley Jewell Claire Randall C&R Leaders Claire and Harry Randall, AP with John Dopoulos Hans Widerstrom and Hans Walderstrand Photos by Lt Julie Boyd, S P/C Bob Allen, JN; Marilyn Helfers; Carol Allen, P; Lt Bill Helfers, AP on board Fastplay. Shirley and Dick Jewell, JN on Spirit.. 19 Andrea and Ken Giedt and Dick Waterhouse BOATING ACTIVITIES Lt. Tom Niswonger, S Here we are at the end of “season” and hard at work planning for Fall 2007 and season of 2008. I want to again thank all those Cruise Leaders who made the season such a success, -- the Jewells, Perlsteins, Helfers, Allens, Jennings, Niswongers, Robinsons, Randalls, Knutzens, Tomlinsons and the Rices. Also thank you to my dedicated Cruise Committee, Cathy and Fred Gerasin, Joanne Heroy-Giller, Walt Knutzen, Danny Tomlinson and John Topp. I hope the coming season will be as well attended as this past one. There will be a complete Cruise Schedule in the September Soundings. Plan now to go on the “Amphibian Cruise” on 10 December 2007 (see the box below) and get your deposit in quickly. We are limited to 64 people. Have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you in the fall. “AMPHIBIAN” CRUISE & TRAIN TRIP Monday, 10 December 2007 At 3:00 pm, we will board the Seminole Gulf Railway for a dinner and train ride to Punta Gorda. We will detrain and board buses going to Fisherman’s Village. For the next hour we will be on a tour boat cruising the canal system and viewing all the Christmas lights and displays which are extensive. The displays are very elaborate and there is competition among the homeowners for prizes. There are 109 miles of canals in Punta Gorda. After the cruise, it is back to the train to finish our meal and the ride back to Ft. Myers, arriving around 9:00 pm. The total cost is $71.50 per person (gratuity included) and we must have a deposit of $25.00 per person by June 25th and the final $46.50 by October 25th. There are no refunds for cancellation after November 1, 2007. Please make checks payable to Sanibel-Captiva Sail & Power Squadron and send to Tom Niswonger, 1137 Golden Olive Court, Sanibel, FL, up until June 10th. After June 10th, please send checks to P.O. Box 160, Charlevoix, MI 49720. MOVING SALE Lots of marine gear and fishing tackle -- rods, reels, lines, pfds, charts, fenders, and miscellaneous good stuff, cheap. Also, some patio stuff, bbq, hifi etc. Bob and Tricia Maxeiner, 791 Limpet Drive, Saturday, May 26, 9-12. Power Squadron members welcome Friday afternoon May 25, 2-4 pm. 20 Useppa C&R 2 May Pat and Walt Knutzen, S Above, Hosts Joyce and Lt/C Don Rice, AP Lt/C Fay Carney, S and Lt John Carney Right, New members Rich and Lani Ream Photos by Lts Julie Boyd, S and Corky Boyd, P Joyce Rice; Judy Niswonger, S; Barbara Cameron; Lt Julie Boyd, S Annemarie and Hans Widerstrom 21 Also In the Lounge only: Happy Hour - 2 for 1 Drinks Appetizer Specials between 4 - 7 p.m. Live Entertainment & Dancing Nightly Late Night Menu Jazz and Reggae Top 40 Classic Rock The JACARANDA 1223 Periwinkle Way Sanibel FL 33957 For reservations call 239 472 1771 The BEST SELECTION in Boating! Anchor and Docking Boats and Motors Books and Videos Cabinet and Deck Hardware Clothing Cordage Electrical Electronics Engine Systems Fasteners Fishing Interior, Cabin & Galley Navigation Paint & Maintenance Plumbing Safety Sailboat Seating and Covers Watersports and more Boat US/West Marine Center 12901 McGregor Blvd. Located in the Bridge Plaza Shopping Center on McGregor Boulevard between Cypress Lake Drive and College Parkway, near the USA gas station. 22 Sarasota C&R 18-20 April Judy Niswonger, S and P/Lt/C Yvonne Neal, P C&R leader Walt Knutzen, S at the helm, Hugo Leiva and Dana Ballinger and Pat Knutzen. Photos by Lt Susie Kentner, and Lt Victoria Ross, S Multi-talented Cdr Ed Harwell, SN John and Caren Dopoulos, S Lt/C Dave Kentner, P; Janiece and Ivan Davis, P 23 http://SanibelLiving.com [email protected] [email protected] For All your Fishing and Sporting Needs TRUE VALUE® Hardware SUPERMARKET Live Bait • Rods & Reels Boating Equipment Ice • Beer & Wine Hot Food Hardware • Housewares Appliances • Paint DIY Supplies • Beach Items Gifts • Propane Tanks Filled Screens Repaired Butcher Shop Seafood Market Onsite Bakery • Deli Organic Products Hours: 7 am — 9 pm Monday through Sunday We Deliver 24 Phone: (239) 472-1516 www.baileys-sanibel.com