Tag Archives: Summer Series

Summer Series Week #3, July 23, 2024

Hi Everyone!

Tuesday is the 3rd week of the summer racing series – and we are looking at partly cloudy skies with temps in the mid 80s and SW winds around 8 mph.  There is a 30% chance of isolated thunderstorms.  Steve Chapman is our Race Chair – remember to check in at committee boat when you get out onto the water!  After sailing we will go to Jac’s.  If we are cancelled, we will go somewhere TBD, we will let you know via email or on Facebook.  

Kirk Bartling, a new skipper, is looking for an experienced skipper to race with him;  if interested, contact Kirk at kirkbartling@yahoo.com if you’d like to help him out.

Also, many of you receiving this email have not sailed or joined the fleet this year.  If you would like to still receive emails let me know by replying to this email.  Otherwise this is your last email, particularly if you’re not a fleet member.  

That’s all for now!

Kathy Rubino – ALCA Secretary 

Summer Series Week #2 – July 16, 2024

Hi Fleet!

Batten down the hatches!!!!!! Once again we are looking at severe weather coming our way – scheduled for overnight into the first part of Tuesday.  Race time we are looking at winds out of the west at 11-15 mph.  Michael Kucharski is our race chair on John Hayward’s pontoon with Sydney rounding out the race committee.  After sailing we go to Jac’s.  In the event of a cancellation, stay tuned for where we are gathering.  

Year end party is tentatively scheduled for Sunday September 22nd.  We will cement the date once the venue is in place.  Also, our website is back up and running – thank you Andy!

– Kathy Rubino

ALCA Secretary 

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

Summer Series Week #1 – July 9, 2024

Greetings!

Who’s ready to start the summer racing series?  I am!  I am!  Let’s see what the weather gods have in store for us!  Forecast calls for temperatures in the high 70s, with SW winds at 5 mph, and a 60% chance of rain…….BOOOOOO ( but my boat IS ready!). Our Race Chair is Michael Kucharski on John Hayward’s pontoon, with Sydney completing the race team.  Remember to check in at the start finish line so the RC can mark you down on the attendance sheet!  We go to Jac’s afterwards (or instead of, if racing is cancelled).  If you don’t see marks in the lake, check your emails and Facebook for cancellation information.  

Also, our webmaster and statistician, Andy Lenczycki, has gotten the website up once more, here is the link:  

We still need a Race Chair with a pontoon boat for the last two weeks – the sign up sheet can be found here:

See you tomorrow either on the water, or at Jac’s!

– Kathy 

ALCA Secretary 

We’re Baaaaack!

After 2 months of down time for our website, it has FINALLY been restored. NOT a big fan of our website provider, JustHost.com. After spending several hours with the JustHost support tech people several times from May 6 on, then several hours July 4, 5, 6, & 7th, the website was restored. Even the tech I was texting with today was not aware that their support team had been able to restore the site (I only found out by accident while I was online with him).

Sorry for the lapse in service – let’s get back to SAILING!

No Racing This Week – July 4th Week

Hi!

As if you haven’t figured it out already – there is no racing tonight!  Enjoy your 4th of July and see you next week for the start of Summer Series on July 9th!

– Kathy Rubino

Fleet 519 Secretary

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

Spring Meeting (3/24/2024) Summary

Good Afternoon, Folks!

A big thanks to those of you who came to the meeting on March 24th – it was great to reconnect!  To summarized what happened:

  • The revised by-laws were adopted  (see attached)
  • Sailing seasons were voted upon and this is what the majority wanted: 

Spring May 7th through June 25th (8 weeks), 

July 2nd off 

Summer July 9th through August 27th (8 weeks) 

  • Format will be Portsmouth A and B, with 1 start for each race 
  • Race Chairman will be on a volunteer basis (see by-laws for responsibilities).  if there is no race chairman or committee boat for a given week, races for that week will be cancelled
  • Sign up for Race Chair can be found on the following link:  Sign Up Here.
    any questions, please let me know.  Also, once you sign up please let me know.  The officers ask that you only sign up, do not move the names that are entered already.  Everything is open for discussion, in the event of someone wanting a week that is filled.  Also, please see the PDF for the most recent sign-ups.  
  • Depending on the sign-ups, Dave Dunlap and myself will have an early season training session at our place on a Sunday afternoon before the start of the season (May 5).  
  • After sailing gatherings will be at Jacs again this year. 

    For now, I think that is it.  Thank you to all who have joined already!  

Kathy 

Fleet Secretary 

Photos from Summer Series Week #1 – July 11, 2023 Posted

Photos taken from the Committee Boat during Summer Series week #1 are posted on the ALCA website at: 7-11-23 Photos

Summer Series Week #8 – August 29, 2023

Ahoy hoy,

This is sadly our final week of racing this year. Temps looks to be in the low 70s with a small chance of scattered showers. BUT, as long as we don’t have any lightning we should be fine, getting wet won’t kill us. but we’ll continue to monitor the situation. Winds are forecasted to be glorious at 10 gusting 15 out of the NE. Assuming the weather stays fair we should have a great night!

Race Chair for the week is Michael Kucharski, Thanks in advance Mike! 

After sailing gathering at Kathy & Dave’s on Long Lake.  Burgers, hot dogs and chicken brats, chips, and water will be provided by the fleet.  BYOB and if you like, a snack, side, dessert to pass.  Assistance appreciated with the grilling.  Parking is available across the street, especially for early arrivers. The party is on even if we are cancelled. Weather permitting, will be outside with a bonfire, so dress accordingly.  

https://goo.gl/maps/GsP4c6NMq5hfz5jw5

5061 South Long Lake Dr, Portage
Kathy’s cell:  269-598-7817

Fair Winds

Walter (Wall-E) Elsner

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary 

Update from Kathy Rubino – Fleet After Sailing Results & Get Together

For anyone getting to our place before either Dave or I get back, we are asking to be careful to not let our kitties out.  Patrick will be here, and kitties will be around waiting to sneak outside.  You are welcome to come into the house, enter through the grill porch (east side of house, left hand side if you are facing the house from the lake side).

Make yourself at home, have some snacks and we’ll see you soon!  

Kathy & Dave