Tag Archives: Summer Series

News, Series Racing, Summer Series

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!

News, Series Racing

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

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

Events, News, Series Racing

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 

News, Series Racing

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

News, Series Racing

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 

News, Series Racing

Summer Series Week #7 – August 22, 2023

Ahoy sailors! 

Week 7 is here! The weather looks good right around 80 and sunny, winds ENE Around 7-8 MPH. 

Should be a good night. 

Race Chair is Myself and Dave Dunlap on the Lenczycki pontoon.

Jacs, afterwards per usual. 

—

Fair Winds

Walter (Wall-E) Elsner

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary 

News, Series Racing

Summer Series Week #6 – August 15, 2023

Ahoy! 

Week 6 is upon us already. Weather is looking decent at temps in the 70s and winds forecasted anywhere from 2-12 but it appears that there is a shift predicted around that time tomorrow, we’ll see if it comes in early or stretches out further. I’m also only looking at one model so who knows.

John Hayward is RC again this week! Thanks in advance, John! 

Jacs after as usual. 

We have a date set for our year end party/ awards banquet. It will be Friday October 6th at Travler’s Pub, further details in the coming weeks.

This Week CRAM held a Regatta in St. Ignace on Lake Huron. Wind was AMAZING the whole regatta we got 11 races in over the course of 3 days! ALCA was represented well with First place taken by myself and Lidsay, and third place taken by Michael Kucharski in the Hobie 16 Fleet.

Larry Maniak Took first place in the open Fleet on his A-cat. 

—

Fair Winds

Walter (Wall-E) Elsner

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary 

News, Series Racing

Summer Series Week #5 – August 8, 2023

Good Morning, 

I believe we are on week 5, its tough when we skip a couple.. lol 

weather is looking good for Tuesday! Right around 80 Mostly sunny. winds forecasted to be 7-12 sustained gusting 14. should be a beautiful day!

John Hayward is our race chair! thanks John!!! 

Jacs after sailing! 

This weekend come join CRAM for st martins bay! CRAM Sailing – St. Martin’s Bay

—

Fair Winds Walter (Wall-E) Elsner

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary 

News, Series Racing

Summer Series Week #4 – August 1, 2023

Ahoy all,

Week 4 is here! Hopefully we get more wind than last week. Weather is looking to be in the mid 80s and partly cloudy. The wind is looking a little light at the moment at about 4 mph out of the NNE. HOWEVER that forecast has DOUBLED since yesterday afternoon. So we’ll keep an eye on it and see if we can get something to work with. DO YOUR WIND DANCES!!! 

John Hayward is race chair, Thanks in advance John! 

Jacs afterwards for results, dinner and drinks.

Fair Winds

Walter (Wall-E) Elsner

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary