Category Archives: Events

News about upcoming Events (typically not related to a specific racing event).

Events, News

ALCA Year End Party/Brunch

Happy Fall!

I know it doesn’t feel like it, but it is October and I hope many of you have gotten to extend your sailing/water activities!  This is a reminder about the ALCA year-end celebration, which is a brunch at Louie’s Corner Bar in Texas Corners on Sunday, October 19th.  We will gather at 11:30 am for some snacks and cocktails, followed by a meal and trophy presentations.  Lastly we will be electing officers for the upcoming sailing season, if you are interested, this is the time to give back to the fleet!  

Commodore Wally Elsner has put together a survey for – please click on the following link and tell us what you think. If you are interested in one of the officer positions, please include your name in one of the comments.  https://form.jotform.com/252734405817055

RSVP either to Kathy Rubino or Julie Lenczycki

ALCA Brunch Sunday October 19th 11:30am

Louie’s Corner Bar (Texas Corners) 7177 W Q Ave. Kalamazoo, MI  49009

Thanks,

Kathy Rubino – ALCA Secretary 

Events, News

Save The Date! Sunday, October 19th

Hello!

We just wanted to get a save the date out to everyone about our year end celebration!  

It will be a brunch on Sunday October 19th at Louie’s Corner Bar in Texas Corners. We plan to gather around 11:30 for snacks and brunch cocktails, with brunch to follow, ordering off the menu.  If there are others who were on the water with us (who aren’t included in the email list above – since I didn’t have their e-mails) please extend this to them and copy me so that I will have their email for the future.  

An additional email will be sent as we get closer to the event.   Thanks and have a wonderful weekend!  

Kathy Rubino – ALCA Secretary 

Events, News, Regattas

Michigan City, IN Event 7/26/25

Hi Team,

Here are the details for the race in Michigan City this weekend. I’ve got 5 boats confirmed and with your help, we can get that up to ten! Come have fun with us!

Date: 
Saturday, July 26, 2025

Location: 
Washington Park Beach
100 E. Michigan, 
Michigan City, IN 46360

Times: 
Saturday
9:00AM CT – Competitors Meeting
11:00AM CT – 1st Race
4:00PM CT – End of Racing
4:30PM CT – Awards and Meeting

Sunday (weather date)
All details TBD based on weather, Start of day 9am

Fleet 126 hosts their 2025 regatta season at Washington Park in Michigan City, Indiana! Car & Trailer Parking is FREE prior to 8:00 AM CT, after which it is $40 per car w/ boat trailer. Be early and don’t get charged! Boats can be dropped and set up in the parking lot. Beach wheels should be used to get to the ramp that leads over the walkway to the beach. Race fee is $10, cash, Venmo or PayPal. Please let me know that you intend to join (include sail number, name of skipper and crew), so I can get a headcount and prep RC. Thanks!

Contact for more information: Michael Kucharski, Vice Commodore, 219-229-3071, Email

Side note: We want to grow the local Hobie sport. Even if you don’t intend to race, please let us know that you exist! Beach cats in our area have a strong history, with so many stories. We want to hear them. Get in contact and show your support. Let’s bring back the fleets to our beautiful beach! 

Thank you,
Michael Kucharski
Vibe Manager
Hard Rock Casino
219-229-3071
michaelislostinegypt@gmail.com

Events, News, Series Racing, Spring Series

Spring Series Week #5 – June 3, 2025

Well Folks…….

Here it is:  a hot sunny day with lots of wind!  Forecast for Tuesday is sunny, with a high of 86 degrees and SSW winds at 10-20 mph gusting to 30.  Make sure you are comfortable with these conditions and that you have a righting line if you go out on the water.  Race Chairman is John Koryto on his gorgeous Viaggio pontoon boat and as always, make sure you check in at the committee boat so they can note your sail # and if you have a crew or are flying solo 😳.  

We meet at Main St Pub on Westnedge after sailing, and if you aren’t sailing, please rsvp to this email if you will be joining us.  I will see you at the bar if I don’t have  to show up for jury duty Wednesday morning.  

Kathy  – ALCA Secretary  

Events, News, Series Racing, Spring Series

Spring Series Week #3 – May 20, 2025

Hi All!

Mother Nature just won’t give us a break!  Tuesday we’re looking at a cloudy day with a high of 58 degrees and breezy conditions of 10-20 mph ENE winds and an 80% chance of rain, even into the evening.  I am the Race Chair (🥶❄️❄️) with Dave Dunlap assisting on Jeff Daane’s pontoon boat.  We typically do not cancel until after 5 because we all know how the weather can change from the original forecast. After sailing we will go to Main Street Pub on Westnedge.

Last Tuesday there was a discussion about mid summer social activities, and how much fun our float parties used to be.  So, the ALCA FLOAT PARTY IS BACK this year!  Save the date for Sunday July 20th.  Paid members will receive details on upcoming details for this event.  In the meantime, let me know if you are on the lake and will be joining us via pontoon.  We need at least 5 boats to accommodate the non-lake members who will be attending.  

Just a reminder, if you have a question or comment – just reply to this email (to me), not the entire mailing list (as in reply to all),  unless you really want the whole fleet to receive your comment!

– Kathy 

ALCA Secretary 

Events, News, Series Racing

ALCA 2025 Kick-off Meeting – April 27, 2025

As we leave winter and the snow, it’s time to start thinking of sailing on Tuesday nights!  The ALCA Officers have scheduled the spring meeting for Sunday April 27th at our (Kathy & Dave’s) house on Long Lake in Portage.  The fleet will provide taco’s for an early Cinco de Mayo celebration, and it’s BYO adult beverage.  Dishes to pass are appreciated, and bring anything you’d want to go with tacos, toppings, snacks, slides or desserts.  Water, soft drinks and coffee will be available.  RSVP’s are appreciated, and if you can, let me know what you’ll be bringing. 

Where: Kathy and Dave’s on Long Lake:  5061 South Long Lake Dr.   Portage, MI

When:  Sunday April 27th

            2:30 pm – arrive, social time

            3:00 pm – meeting

            4:00 – 4:30 pm – dinner 

At the meeting we will discuss and decide our racing calendar, have committee boat and race chairmen sign-ups and will have membership forms available.  Please remember to bring cash or check for membership payments.  

We look forward to seeing you!

Kathy Rubino

ALCA Secretary 

p.s. This email is going out to members from last year, previous members and friends from prior years, as well as some new faces.  If we don’t see you at the meeting, on the water or hear back from you, you will be deleted from the list and not spammed weekly.  

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Events, News

2024 Year End Awards Banquet Info & RSVP

Our year-end dinner/celebration is Sunday September 22 at 5:00pm at La Cantina in Paw Paw.  If you were at our last get together at Jac’s, you may have seen the limited menu that Julie L and I selected.  This menu is included below. We ask that you RSVP with either a yes or no – by replying to this email, along with your dinner selections and if you want to add a side salad.  We have the back of the restaurant to ourselves, and later, we will have our trophies/gifts/meeting in the room downstairs.  Fleet-provided appetizers will be provided soon after 5pm, so be sure to arrive on time!

Again, simply reply to this email by no later than Monday September 16th with your RSVP.  

Weather permitting, our commodore Wally Elsner has offered to host a bonfire not far away.  If you want to attend,  BYOB and your own chair.  

Let me know if you have any questions – 

Kathy  – ALCA Secretary 

ALCA Year End Banquet Meal RSVP
ALCA Year End Banquet Meal RSVP
Events, News, Series Racing, Summer Series

Summer Series Week #6 – August 13, 2024

UPDATE: We are CANCELLED for the night due to <3 winds on the course. Any interested sailors can meet us, at 6:30 PM, on the patio at Main Street Pub on S. Westnedge (just North of Jac’s, on the opposite side of the road).

Tuesday marks our 6th week of the summer racing series – and the forecast looks a lot more pleasant, temperature and sunshine – wise than last week……but sadly light variable winds of maybe 5mph – ugh!  Feast or famine!  Wally is our RC on John Koryto’s pontoon, and we go to Jac’s afterwards for results.  If we are cancelled, stay tuned, as I know there is music from 6-9pm at Jac’s and we may find another venue.  

Great news – we have a pontoon and RC for our last two weeks – thank you Dave Stiemsma!  

This week the Wave 100 is being held off the Lake Michigan coast – they start off Tuesday from South Haven, sailing to St Joe, then to New Buffalo Wednesday and finally on to Michigan City on Thursday.  You can learn more about the event on the Formula Wave Class Facebook page.

Save the date: Saturday, September 7th (rain date Sunday, September 8th) for the Commodore’s cup, Fleet 126 racing off Washington Beach in Michigan City.  Stay tuned for more details!  

Kathy – ALCA Secretary 

Events, News, Series Racing

Year End Party Date Set

Good morning!

Julie and I were talking last night about getting a year end date set, and looking at our schedules, along with CRAM’s regatta dates, we decided to pick Sunday September 22, a Sunday to make it easier for Michael K. to attend.  Also, it’s easier to book a restaurant for a late Sunday afternoon. 

Also, since last night was so painfully loud at Jac’s with the music, I’m thinking we should try a new place if we have another cancellation.  Maybe Main St Pub or Monelli’s. 

Stay dry and don’t float away!

– Kathy Rubino

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary

Events, News, Series Racing

Letter From the Commodore – 4/29/2024

Ahoy Hoy,

Dear ALCA Fleet 519 members,

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of warmer weather and the gentle breezes that beckon us back to the water, I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as we embark on another exciting sailing season.

Since our humble beginnings in 1984 with just a dozen passionate sailors, our fleet has flourished into a vibrant community of over 30 individuals dedicated to the exhilarating sport of catamaran sailboat racing. From those who are just dipping their toes into the world of sailing to seasoned veterans who have navigated the waters of national and international competitions, our diverse membership truly reflects the breadth and depth of our shared passion.

As we prepare to hoist our sails and set course for adventure, I am reminded of the countless memories we have created together on the water. From the thrill of crossing the finish line in a closely contested race to the tranquil moments spent gliding across the lake at sunset, each experience serves as a testament to the joy and camaraderie that define our beloved sport.

Our sailing schedule for the upcoming season is brimming with excitement, with our Spring Series set to kick off on May 7th, followed by our much-anticipated Summer Series starting on July 9th. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a novice eager to learn, there is something for everyone to enjoy as we gather every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM to share in the thrill of racing and the beauty of Austin Lake.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated officers who tirelessly work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of our club. Your commitment and passion are the wind in our sails, guiding us toward success both on and off the water.

Our current officers are:

– Commodore: Walter Elsner

– Vice-Commodore: Michael Kucharski

– Secretary: Kathy Rubino

– Treasurer: Faith Akert

– Race Chairman (Not an ALCA Officer position): Floating

– Statistician/Scoring/Webmaster: Andy Lenczycki

As we prepare to embark on this new season of adventure, let us remember the values that unite us – sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a shared love for the sea. Together, we will continue to promote the sport of catamaran racing and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Fair winds and following seas, Walter Elsner Commodore