Announcements
7/8/2009
BEAUTIFUL NIGHT ON THE NORTH COURSE
Some photos from John HIckey:
7/7/2009
NORTH COURSE TODAY. Please make sure to check the Googlecalendar regularly for infomation about courses to be used, dock party dates, and RC duty.
Any significant changes to the calendar will be posted here on the home page of the site.
The Google Calendar is the official calendar we will use. We have discontinued the PDF version, because it became difficult keeping both correct and up-to-tate. Please disregard earlier versions of the PDF calendars you may have printed.
6/22/2009
NORTH COURSE on 6/23. Make sure to leave a little early tomorrow to make it for an on-time start on the North Course. The Dock Party has been postponed until next Tuesday (6/30) and will be hosted by Sunshine on C Dock.
6/21/2009
Those who made it out for Day 2 of GEICO Cup had a day to remember. We had a steady breeze of 18-20, with gusts to 30! The Spin boats raced over 11 miles in their two races! Many thanks to Pat for his work on RC, Liz and Shirley for registration, Sarah for buying for the cookout and awards ceremony and to Prag and Peter for their help on the grill. Thanks too, to Te-KEEL-la and Papaya who visited us from down river. Pat Williams took this nice shot of Chiripa, and will be sharing other photos soon. Here are the results:
6/20/2009
Terrific Day 1 of GEICO Cup. After a wet morning race in light air, the fleet had an excellent afternoon race in a strong southerly breeze. Tomorrow promises to be a lot of fun on th North Course. If you didn't make it out today, come on out tomorrow. The first gun will be 10:30 on the NORTH COURSE. Daily and overall awards to be given at the AFTERDECK following the race.
Here are today's results:
6/17/2009
GEICO CUP NOR updated today, 6-17. Please click here to see the updated NOR. What you need to know:
- Saturday's racing will take place on the Tuesday night, Middle Course. Sunday's course will be announced on Saturday (tentatively North Course).
- It is possible that the RC will require boats to "thread the needle" (sail between the committee boat and start/finish mark on upwind and downwind legs) to make it easier to shorten courses. If the RC decides to require this, it will make an announcment at the 9:00 am skippers meeting and on the water.
- Awards for Day 1 will be presented at a cookout on SATURDAY afternoon.
Remember:
- Skippers meeting at 9:00 am.
- Rendezvous at N-6 on Saturday at 10:00 am.
- Saturday cookout following racing in the Grove!
- If you paid $40.00 for the entire Spring Ahead Series, all you need to do is check in. Otherwise, you will need to register and pay $20.00 at the 8:30 am Registration at the Afterdeck, on Saturday morning.
Look forward to seeing you on the water!
Good eating on C-Dock
Thanks to Phil Akers and crew for a great We Wuz Magnificent last night, and thanks to John Hickey for these shots:
6/5/2009
TRACK OUR FRIEND IN THE BIG RACE! Click on the link to the left to follow TEAM REPRISAL, as well as Bob Fleck, who is navigator aboard the TP52 Anema&Core (I believe this is a video of this impressive boat).
Support Leukemia Cup at the Boat Yard Sale!
6/4/2009
The 61st Annapolis to Newport Race starts at noon tomorrow. If you would like to watch the progress click the new thumbnail photo of Reprisal on the left of the screen. Wish us luck and we'll be back in a few weeks!
Bob Fleck found a copy of his terrific article on Potomac River currents!
"Sailing on the Potomac is a ‘unique’ experience to say the least. Your current strategy will make a huge difference in your finish time. During a 5 mile race where you are averaging 5 knots, you will save 61 seconds if you can reduce the effect of current by .1 knots. The effect is even more for slow races for the same 5 miles if you average 3 knots, you will reduce you finish time by 3 minutes and 27 seconds by reducing the current effect by the same .1 knots. The slower the race, the more the current will effect your finish time. So, it pays to know as much as you can about how the current flows on your racing area, how to ‘see’ the current, and how the current will effect your boat..." Click here for the complete article.
Team Reprisal readies for the Annapolis-Newport Race. Doug sends us the following note about their upcoming race.
Once in Newport, we plan to relax for a few days, get the crew headed home, and then meet Bob & Lisa Fleck, who will help deliver REPRISAL back to the Bay via the C&D canal. Our total trip should be around 1200 NM once we arrive at B dock again
If you wish to follow our progress online, there will be a link on the Annapolis Yacht Club web site to I-Boats, which will tack all the boats via transponder for the race.
See you all in mid-June. Doug & Liz Savage
5/29/2009
Spring Ahead Tomorrow! The weather looks to be terrific! So get out there, even if you haven't been able to make it on the other Saturdays. Trophies will be awarded at the next dock party (June 9) for daily and overall results for the three weekends. Optional Skippers Meeting at 10:00. Start at 11:00. Hope you can make it!
5/28/2009
Race Summary from Jurate. Rumor has it that Jurate kicked ass last night in the non-spin fleet, and here is their response when asked to reflect on the race:
Here is what we think worked for us.
First: The Catalina 27 is a boat well suited to medium wind like we had Tuesday. It was designed to sail in the Transpac races and my understanding is that they expect 12-18 knots most of the way in those races. In light air we get killed by the little light boats and in heavy air, our rudder comes out of the water sometimes. In short, the #1 thing for us last night was that the wind was ideal for our boat.
Second: We won the start by being on the favored (pin) end and just staying close to the pin (luffing and doing 360s) until about 45 seconds before the flag, then accelerated as much as we could in the last 30 seconds. We had one boat near us to leeward but we were able to sail down the line on starboard only about 2 or 3 boat lengths from the pin and then head up and across the line in clear air exactly when the flag went down --with very good speed.
Third: Once out in front we had clear air for the whole first leg and by playing every wind shift we could detect, we did not have to tack at all to reach the mark. We kept getting lifted again and again. We switched helmsman for upwind and downwind legs so that the helmsman could have maximum concentration, then a rest, then go back to the helm and focus again. So we were concentrating well at the helm on all legs. Upwind, we put maximum tension on our forestay (by tightening down the backstay to the max) and on our halyard because the winds were medium strength. We also tried to adjust our jib leads exactly right to get all top and bottom jib telltales flying at equal strength most of the leg. So the jib was really powering well.
Fourth: We had reasonably good mark roundings (not great) and then great downwind legs with our downwind helmsman, a.k.a "Backwind Bobby" Cooney. On the downwind (reaching) legs we got our main going by tightening the boom vang to take most of the twist out of the top of the sail. The jib did not do us as much good downwind. Not sure why. Consequently, on the second downwind leg, we got caught by a faster boat (lower PHRF) and had to duel it out with her (boat name withheld to protect the innocent). We finally defeated her with a tactical move, sneaking up quickly on her windward flank when big tourist boat luffed her briefly. We got in her air while she was slowed a bit by the big boat, and then we totally destroyed her wind and flew past while she wallowed helplessly in really bad air. Sounds mean, and, of course, we are really sorry to do that, but that was the only moment during the race that we though we might get beat, and we were desperate.
Fifth: During the winter Jurate was in a big warehouse while we fixed up the damage to the hull and topsides and rigging from a crash last fall. While it was there, we put new barrier coat on the bottom and our entire crew of 4 people spent days and days wet sanding the bottom so that it is now as slick as a greased pig. This won’t last, but it is working right now to give us a few tenths of a knot better speed than last fall.
That is about it. It was fun, except for blowing up the engine.
5/26/2009
Greetings from Craig. Hope you all had a good memorial Day weekend. Craig sends us the following update:
We had a memorial ceremony yesterday. We laid a wreath at the flag poles. The U.S., U.K., France, Romania, Nepal and Afghans attended. We read the names of all of the fallen during the time period we have been here. We played Taps, British taps, and French Taps. The French also sang a song in remembrance of their dead. I’m keeping busy. I have organized a 5K/10K footrace for June. I have organized an evening volleyball league. This has taken lots of time because I had to build a sand volleyball court first. I made a relaxation area for the Soldiers called “Alamo Beach.” The guys like it.This picture is a school we are supervising the construction on. It is taking forever for it to be completed.
Don’t think that I’m just goofing off here. I don’t sleep much. All of these activities are wrapped around 10 hour work days."
May 24, 2009
Check out Fliker for some great shots from last Tuesday. Rick Davies and Dale Eager have shared some terrific photos. If you have any to share, let us know and we will let you know how to upload them to our photo stream.
May 13, 2009
Mt. Vernon Yacht Club has sent us the NOR for the Spring Fling. Anyone who has "flung" will tell you that these are terrific regattas. Take a look at the NOR for the Saturday June 6 event in the Googlegroup (message dated May 13). Let's make sure DISC sends a good number of boats!
May 11, 2009
Crew Match is being updated. If you are looking for crew, or looking TO crew, visit this section of the website, and send your interest/needs to comments at discsailing dot org.
Saturday Race Summary from Rick Davies, aboard Lynn L
Current and tide running strong on Saturday, it seemed that they would be big factors in determining success. Near the start we make three current speed measurements, expecting that the fastest reading would be in the channel. We were surprised to find that the nearer we got to the Maryland side, the faster the current, with the fastest reading of 1.75 mph obtained near the Danger marker near the Maryland shore, well out of the channel. We clocked 1.5 near Buoy 6, and 1.25 in the channel near the Virginia shore. That seemed to dictate favoring the MD side for the windard legs and the VA side going downwind.
We started pretty well in both races, but so did most of the other boats, leading to a cluster at the pin in Race 1 and at the RC end in Race 2. That's not good for Lynne L, since with her short waterline and light weight she falls back quickly in the disturbed air behind the big guys. In both races we lost ground on the first windward leg. Going downwind on the VA side, I like to think that the roughly half-knot we should have been gaining from the current put us closer than we would have otherwise have been, but we rounded the leeward mark well behind the leaders. I think we held our own in both long windward legs, sailing in clear air, particularly in the great fresh breeze of Race 2, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that in Race 1 we corrected out to only three and a half minutes behind Circe, a formidable competitor. Not quite so good in Race 2, seven minutes off, but overall we are not discouraged by the results. Looking forward to Tuesday.
Rick Davies
M-17 Lynne L
May 10, 2009
DISC in May 2009 Spinsheet
May 7, 2009
Observations from the PRO. Pat Williams shares some observations and answers some questions you might have in a message dated today (5/7) in the Google Group section of the website.
May 6, 2009
Saturday's Race is on the Middle (Tuesday Night) course! Reprisal will serve as RC. Skipper's meeting at the Afterdeck at 10:00 am. Racing to begin at 11:00. Remember, trophies are awarded for each day's results. So don't worry if you couldn't make it out last week! See you there!
Race recap from Reprisal. This week's race summary is brought to us by Doug Savage, winning Spin Fleet skipper on Tuesday night. We will be looking for another contributor next week!
Sadly, the angle was too tight for a chute and I became involved in a private battle with COUP DE VENT, which did not benefit either of us and drove us into water that was only 3 inches deeper than our keel! The bulk of the fleet remained close by. Happily, Joe suggested a change of tactics to create a break away, (we owe everyone at least 60 sec per mile), so we popped our chute, bore off into the current and dove for the VA side of the channel at best angle. We wanted to stay well clear of the tall buldings at NRL because of the windshadows, which had clearly stopped the non-spin leaders dead ahead of us. We also avoided the strong current of the pier, caused by the constriction of the channel.
We took our lumps in the current at first, but accelerated up to 4.6 kts (boat speed) and managed to fly the chute at 40 degrees apparent all the way to the mark. We attempted a 180 degree spinnaker gibe at the mark with hilarious results, then raised the genoa and sailed down current to the finish. We finished well ahead of the fleet, mainly due to our escape from the wind shadows at NRL and the decision to sail our own race vice mixing it up with boats. Thanks crew!
Doug Savage
May 5, 2009
Race recap from CIRCE. During
the 2009 Season we are going to ask EVERY boat to share their
experiences (what worked, what didn't work, etc.) with the fleet so
that we can learn from one another. Steve Deatherage and Shawn Lofstrom
get things stared with their account from last Tuesday's race:
"CIRCE
approached the first race as a shake down. We were out on the river
early, and planned conservative moves since we could really have used
one more crew in light of the predicted high winds. The waves were
larger than usual and were a somewhat uncommon factor that needed to be
considered. The different wave patterns that resulted from the current
and wind moving in different directions were something I have not seen
much before. It appeared to make it easier to read the river depths –
but that didn’t prevent Circe from grounding just after passing the
leeward mark.
The
Start was fairly straight forward but, as is often the case for
non-spin boats, we worked hard to stay away from the spin fleet's start
and still be close to the line. With the wind, being farther away from
the line would have helped on our final approach by allowing us to
cross the line with more hull speed. In our pre-race sailing, we
estimated that the windward, right side of the river was favored
because of smaller waves. However, even with that assessment, we
sailed to both sides of the river before making a long starboard
layline to the mark.
Downwind, we tried both wide tacking angles and wing on wing. The last windward leg was exciting as Summation, with a longer waterline and heavy keel, cut the waves more quickly and gained on us. We held the lead by making a short tack just 2 boat lengths from the finish, allowing us to shoot the line."
Thanks to Steve and Shawn for their account. If you have a particularly interesting (either good or bad!) night on the course, please contact us ASAP following the race! Less-experienced racers, please feel free to volunteer your experiences and questions!Save the Date! Leukemia Cup Kickoff!
More info will be coming from Loree at the Society. But for now, get this event on your calendar.
Saturday's races will be on the Middle (Tuesday night) Course! There will be an optional Skippers meeting at 10:00 at the Afterdeck. Bill Davenport will serve as RC. Bob Soli will be collecting membership and racing fees/applications. Have fun!
814 has a new home. It looks as though the modified Luders 16 on G-dock (AKA Submarine Boat) will be headed to a new home in Ohio. My thanks to all of you who passed on the story to websites and listserves across the country. Lots of interst, lots of offers. Lots of nice memories recounted. Messages came in from Louisiana, South Carolina, Ohio, Maryland, Chicago and California (including one accompanied by these beautiful photos of William Simpson's traditional Luder's 16 in Chicago). I will be sharing some of these messages in a follow up article after the boat actually moves (tentatively set for 2 weeks from now).
April 29, 2009
Ask the Rules Guy! As you may know, following the terrific March Rules Seminar, Kristin Berry of Gale Force Sailing became a DISC member and agreed to field weekly questions related to race course scenarios and the racing rules. Several of you sent in good questions following yesterday's race, and the answers have been posted in the Racing section of the website:
- Who was right as we approached the leeward mark on opposite tacks?
- What are the rules about hiking out during our races?
- is it legal to use a whisker pole?
Click here to read the answers from the Rules Guy. And send additional questions to Prag Katta (pippsk at gwumc dot edu).
April 28, 2009
The season begins! Could you imagine a better way to start the season? Great breeze. Nice temperature. Terrific RC. And scores posted already!!! Thanks to Pat and Robbie for coordinating the quick posting of the results.Our monitoring of visits to www.discsailing.org tells us that just about ALL of you will visit the site on Wednesday--the day following the race--to check results. So next time you do, PLEASE TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO REVIEW THE CALENDAR!!! There are many holes in the RC and Dock Party calendar that must be filled. It will eliminate a lot of scrambling and heartburn if you would all make a commitment now (remember, each boat must serve as RC crew and a member of each crew should help with a dock party or other social event) so that we can fill the calendar at the beginning of the season.
Please note that at the Skippers Meeting there were several dates for which multiple people volunteers. In these cases, we selected folks randomly, and the others will have to choose other dates. If you put your name on a volunteer sheet, please review the calendar to see whether or not you have been slated for that date.
All other volunteer offers will be put on the calendar on a first-come, first-served basis. Thanks for your help in making sure the 2009 season is a great success.
Happy sailing!
NOR for the Spring Ahead Series. Its available in the Racing section of the website. See you this Saturday! 10:00 am optional Skippers Meeting at the Afterdeck.
Let's be ready for an on-time start tonight! Can you believe that it is already KISS season?!? Here is an update about how we will run RC this season:
After earning certification this winter, Pat Williams agreed to serve as DISC's Principal Race Officer (PRO) for the 2009 season. He will work with volunteer RC crews (each boat needs to sign up, just like last year) to conduct the races from aboard Allura (with the exception of a couple of dates when he is scheduled to be out of town). Pat's involvement in this manner will help ensure more consistent RC performance, more accurate scoring, and a whole lot less hassle associated with maintaining the RC gear and moving it from boat to boat. We are very grateful to Pat for this offer.Each boat racing in DISC is expected to sign up to serve as the RC crew at least once during the summer (each boat must provide 4 volunteers), and will receive the series average score for that race. Pat, as PRO, will be in charge of the race and will guide RC crews in carrying out their duties.
RC crews are required to be ready to depart B Dock at WSM by 5:45 pm SHARP!!! on the night of the race, so the RC boat can be in place ready to start the race at 6:30 pm. Crews are invited to use the facilities on board Allura and bring along food and drink (Pat will provide the grill). Pat says that you are welcome to bring along an extra person or two who just wants to sit and watch the race.
April 24, 2009
All boats that have gotten a PHRF certificate should be included in this Entry List. Please check the informaiton in the list and email me at Robert(at)robertleary.com if you see anything that doesn't look correct about your boat. Please especially check to see that I have you in the correct class (spin or nonspin) and your sail numbers and your phrf ratings correct. This is the information that we will use when scoring boats this season.
Thanks,
Robert Leary
April 22, 2009
What you missed, if you were not at last night's Skipper's meeting
Many thanks to all DISC members able to join us last night. For those who were unable to attend, the Tuesday night series begins NEXT WEEK! The KISS NOR and the 2009 Sailing Instructions are pasted in the Racing section of the website. Membership forms (on line and PDF) can be found in the Member section. We will be circulating additional details to all members via e-mail. For now, just make sure you get your PHRF certificate, and meet us on the water for a 6:30 start on the 28th!
DISC STORE is up and running! Visit the beta version of our new DISC Store, right here on the website!
Anyone recognize this beautiful boat? She is available to the right person, for $1.00.
I had wondered about her
for years, as she is berthed near Chiripa on G-dock. I had heard
different stories about her past, but none were as interesting as the
truth, which I learned last weekend, as the current owner was removing
items from the boat.
“814,” as she is called, is a modified Luders 16 (26’ LOL, 16’ LWL) commissioned by the late Travis Taylor, in New Orleans in 1973. She was sailed hard by Travis through the Caribbean, to Venezuela, Bermuda, New York Harbor, Maine, and, of course, to her home at WSM. You will notice that there are no lifelines, and during these journeys she had no engine and electronics. The only exit from below is a circular hole, about 2.5 ft. in diameter, which is covered by a clear Plexiglas dome. During inclement weather, the helmsman sat in a hammock just below the dome, and steered with lines running back to the tiller. During the day, the helmsman sat on a chair on a track spanning the beam of the boat. Having sailed to Bermuda on a 43’ boat, I can’t even begin to imagine the trip aboard 814.
Sadly, Travis passed away while single handing 814 on a passage to Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas. He was only 31 years old. 814 was found adrift by a freighter, and eventually returned to WSM.
Why am I telling you this? Without a little Divine Intervention, 814 will meet its maker at the end of this month, when she is slated for demolition. She is in need of considerable work, including at least $7K in blister repairs (she is a solid hull boat—no core, but has been in the water for a long time) and her current owner believes that it is time to put her out of her misery.
HOWEVER! If the right person steps forward and is willing to bring her back to life, her owner is willing to sell her for the very reasonable price of $1.00. Yes, a buck. So think about it… If you think you might be remotely interested, contact us at comments@discsailing.org. But you have to act FAST! I know I have been moved by this story and the beauty of the hull. Hope someone else feels the same way.
PS: If you are not familiar with the Luders 16—one of the prettiest damn hulls that was ever made—take a look at http://www.l16.org/. They are absolutely beautiful.
Details regarding Tuesday's Skippers Meeting
The primary purpose of this meeting is to make sure that DISC members have all the information they need for the upcoming season. In 2009, there is important news to share regarding:
- Important changes to the way Race Committee duty will take place
- Changes to the Sailing Instructions that everyone needs to be aware of
An important part of this year’s agenda will be the opportunity for members to share ideas, suggestions, and concerns. So please come prepared with any and all constructive ideas about how we can make the 2009 season as enjoyable as possible.
On Tuesday evening, volunteers will be available at
See you there!
April 14, 2009
Annual Skipper's meeting on Tuesday, April 21.
The annual DISC Skipper's Meeting will be held on the evening of Tuesday, April 21 at Indigo Landing. This is an important meeting for skippers and crews to learn what about plans for 2009 and changes in how we will conduct our racing activities. It is also a good time for potential new members to get involved. Stay tuned for more details!
April 8, 2009
A reminder from Loree at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Hello Leukemia Cup supporters!
April 5, 2009
Photos from the 3rd Annual Cherry Blossom Regatta, complements of John Hickey:
4/3/2009
Cherry Blossom Regatta: Suggestions from our Race DirectorTomorrow is going to be a beautiful day with VERY HIGH WINDS. Some things to keep in mind:
Inspect your boat!
Look over your boat very carefully before deciding to head out to race. For many of us this is going to be the first race of the year. There may be things that needed attention at the end of last year that you've forgotten about. Please be thoughtful and careful and also remember that everyone is going to be moving a lot faster than what we are used to. Especially keep this in mind when making collision avoidance decisions. You're going to have to make those decisions earlier than normal.
Look out for commercial traffic!
Since we are going to be on the north course, it is especially important to be aware of commercial traffic. Those big flat tour boats like Nina's Dandy don't have much hull below the water. That means they will not have much control in high winds unless they increase their speed so if they are out there and they most likely will since this is the height of the cherry blossom festival, they will be moving fast and not have good steerage. Lets give them lots of room.
Remember, the water is cold!
The water in the Potomac is still very cold. The water temperature at Little Falls today is about 46 degrees. It is strongly suggested that everyone on board wear life jackets.
Respect the Committee Boat!
Pat Williams has been gracious enough to loan his boat for race committee. DO NOT HIT ALURA!!! This includes getting hung up on the anchor line, which is going to be very long to compensate for the increase in pressure due to the wind. If you do hit the boat or the anchor line you will without question be disqualified from both races that day, and possibly further actions will be taken.
Good luck!
3/31/2009
Love this photo...
This shot was taken by Wayne Williams during Titanic III. 37 degrees, and blowing a steady 13-15, as Chiripa, Wiz, and Sparky's new boat battled to weather. Quite a day. Just wanted to make sure that it made the home page at some point in time. See more in the Flicker site to the left.
3/29/2009
Update from our CBYRA Delegate, Bob Minelli
Thanks to the Bob Minelli and Robbie Leary, this year DISC will hold 4 CBYRA sanctioned events at WSM: the Cherry Blossom Regatta, GEICO Cup and the Leukemia Cup. This will make it a lot easier for DISC members to compete for CBYRA High Point and other honors. Click here for an update from Bob to more. Good stuff!
Cherry Blossom Regatta Next Week!
Hard to believe that it's that time of year again! Skippers' Meeting at 10:00 at the Afterdeck. North course start at 11:00.
Prize for the winners of spin and non-spin are haul-outs and washes. (Thanks to Brian Pavlik and Guest Services). Post race reception and results in Indigo Landing bar with food graciously provided by our friends at Indigo Landing (Thanks to Bill and Katherine.)
We had more than 20 boats in 2008 for a great day of sailing. And the view of East Potomac Park was gorgeous. Lets beat that number for 2009.
Please let us know if your your boat is joining us! We need to let Indigo Landing know what the numbers are so we get enough grub for all the hungry sailors. Don't Be Shy- Send me an email
And get us your PRHF Certificate!
Updated Calendar
Visit the Calendar/Results section for an updated PDF calendar for the 2009 Season.
3/19/2009
Leukemia Cup Kick Off.
Hello Leukemia Cup supporters!
Hope you are all well and have made it through the winter :) I am sure we can all agree that we're ready to head into spring to enjoy longer days and more time on the water!
What better way to kick off this year's sailing season than with a special presentation on sailing and racing by Leukemia Cup Chairman and renowned sailor Gary Jobson! Hope you can all join us at the Capital Yacht Club on Wednesday April 15th for this very special presentation! Click here for details!
Please feel free to forward on to your clubs... we'd love for this to be an early start for all of the National Capital Area sailing community's involvement in the 2009 Leukemia Cup Series!
Look forward to see you all again soon! Loree
Get your PHRF certificate ASAP! The DISC officers just
received a list of all members who have valid certificates for 2009. We
currently stand at about 1/2 the fleet. If you have not submitted your
application, do so ASAP! One procrastinating officer reports that his
certificate just arrived, about one week after mailing the application.
But the process will be slower as the beginning of the season nears. Please make sure to scan your certificate and e-mail it to Robbie Leary.
Titanic IV on Saturday! Come on out and play this Saturday for the 4th and final Titanic of 2009. Skippers meeting at 11:00 am and first race at 12:00. Please give us a heads up if you are planning on racing.
3/14/2009
DISC greetings from abroad. Craig sends his greetings from Afghanistan. "Alive and doing good stuff," he says, refering to the photo (right). Did anyone know we had such an artist in our midst? Meanwhile, your commodore is is wrapping up far less serious business in Pto. Ayora, Galapagos. I just turned my computer around from where I am sitting to snap the shot (below). There is a beautiful breeze. Would be a great day for sailing... Did I hear that it snowed in Washington the other day?
Titanic IV on Saturday! Don't miss the fun. Skippers meeting 11:00 am, racing to start at 12:00 pm. Let us know if yo plan on racing. We would like to get a headcount.
3/6/2009
On-line registrations are rolling in for the upcoming Rules Seminar. By paying on line before Sunday, you will help speed things up on Tuesday evening. Please make sure to you confirm your participation with Gary. This is a great time to take care of your annual DISC membership and racing fees, too. On-line and printable registration forms have been posted in the Members section of the website.Don and Nancy (photo above) send their regards! Click here to learn more about what they have been up to down on the York River.
Have your PHRF certificate ready? Remember: Each DISC boat must have a valid rating certificate filed with the DISC Race Director in order to be scored. If you haven’t taken care of this, now is the time to do it. Visit http://www.phrfchesbay.com for an application. Contact any DISC officer if you have any questions about the process.
Titanic IV during the weekend of March 21-22. We have had a great turnout for all three races this winter. If you haven’t been out yet, please join us for our last winter race and some post race festivities. Details to follow.
2/28/2009
Titanic update. A DISC spotter down at WSM just called in and said it is breezy, but sailable, and the winds are supposed to come down a bit.We will have a 11:00 Skippers meeting. Folks can take a look at conditions then.
2/24/2009
RACING RULES BOOK ORDERS DUE TODAY (TUESDAY)! Apologies for the second change in cut-off date; we just want to make sure we place our order in time for a March 10 delivery. If you want a book and have not ordered one, please e-mail Gary Hauptman ASAP.
NEED CREW FOR SATURDAY'S TITANIC? Several experienced hands have expressed interest in finding a ride on Saturday. If you need crew, please send an e-mail to comments at discsailing dot org, and we will fix you up... Again, if you plan on sailing, please help us get a headcount of the boats that will be on the water.
2/23/2009
DISC HAPPY HOUR TUESDAY!!! At Indigo Landing. Non members welcome! Let's catch up and talk sailing!
GET YOUR PHRF CERTIFICATES. Don't have one yet? The clock is ticking. Remember, you need a valid certificate to be scored this year!
TITANIC 3 THIS WEEKEND! Stay tuned for details abou the third Titanic Race of the season, which will take place on Saturday, February 28.
2/19/2009
RULES SEMINAR! Doctors claim that the best way to keep your brain healthy is to learn new things. Join DISC for some great brain calisthenics. Our NEW RULES Seminar, taught by the esteemed Kristen Berry (photo), will take place on Tuesday, March 10 in the Indigo Landing Charleston Room at WSM. Registration starts at 6:30 and training begins promptly at 7:00.
Price for DISC members is $15. Price for NON-members is $20. (Check or cash - No credit cards!)
The 2009 - 2012 version of the Racing Rules have some important changes from the previous rules. Learning the rules of the road is as basic as sail trim. We urge that every boat competing in our races have at least oneperson participating in a rules seminar. At this price, the entire crew should come.
Kristen Berry will provide some class materials but you need a full copy of the rules. There are several sources for the rules books and for the guides to the rules (which include diagrams, race course scenarios, etc.). Amazon, West Marine and US Sailing are all good sources for these books.
As a CBYRA club, DISC can order "Understanding the Racing Rules 2009-2012," written by Dave Perry. It is an "indispensable guide for sailors and racing officials", which in addition to easy to understand explanations, includes the complete text of the ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing, 2009-2012 and US SAILING Prescriptions.
Here is the deal: For anyone who reserves a spot at the seminar AND requests the Dave Perry rules book NO LATER THAN FEB 27, DISC will order books from US Sailing. We will provide the books for the (additional) meager sum of $24, which is less than the US Sailing member price.
So, respond to Gary Hauptman or comments at discsailing.org via email, confirming your attendance and requesting a rules book, and we will provide it for you at the seminar. We do request your reservations even if you don't need the rules book so we can be sure that the room can handle the crowd. And keep in mind that this is a bare bones training session. Brown bag it or get your food from Indigo Landing.
See you in school!
2/15/2008
RACING RULES SEMINAR! Boat racing is a game of preparation, tactics, strategy and skill. But if you don’t know the rules, you should stay home and watch it on ESPN 14. In the interest of minimizing conflicts and maximizing fun, DISC is presenting a NEW RULES seminar. World-class sailor and coach, Kristen Berry will present a fast and furious training session on the 2009–2012 Racing Rules. There are some important rules changes which everyone needs to be aware of.
Details are still getting worked out but, in DISC tradition, it will be on a Tuesday (March 10). Plan on a 6:30 registration and about three hours of knowledge and wisdom. Price will be CHEAP. Frills will be FEW. Parking will be FREE. Most likely in our usual hangout in the Indigo Landing Charleston Room.
This is your Save The Date Heads Up. We will send updates on specifics – price, confirmation of place and time. Suggestions on which rules book to buy. For now, put this on your calendar. Skippers, alert your crews and sailing friends. There are new rules and old ones. And it’s best when everyone knows the basics and can help avoid those little mishaps that can spoil a sailing day.
P.S. – If you want to see the bio of the trainer, Kristen Berry, see http://galeforcesailing.com/about/the-owner/
Stay tuned for more details.
2/12/2008
DISC HAS MADE THE BIG LEAGUES!!! Take a look at this upcoming cover of Sail Magazine!
2/9/2009
(photo credit : SpinSheet)
Our friend Carl joined us for the Titanic II, sailing aboard Red Boat with Bob and Johanna. This is a photo of Carl Schaefer’s Cadence II, a Belgian-built Etap 30. Carl sails with the Herrington Harbour Sailing Association (www.hhsa.org) in Herrington Harbour North. In asking about the boat, I learned that the Etap is constructed like a Boston Whaler-- double-hulled with a closed-cell foam core throughout. The cored double hull makes the boat incredibly stiff and “virtually unsinkable” (hmmm… no wonder he didn’t bring her up river for the Titanic). This summer Carl will be racing mostly on the Bay in club races, Screwpile, Eastport-Solomons Race and a few other distance races like the summer Oxford.
If anyone is in contact with friends no longer sailing with us on the River, we would love to receive similar updates and photos!
Happy Hour! Tomorrow! Tomorrow is the second Tuesday of the month. That means it is the day officially designated for our winter DISC Happy Hour. We had a great time last week when we had our makeup session ... sure hope to see everyone at the Indigo tomorrow at 6:00!
And a fine time was had by all. That is the story line from Saturday's great and epic Titanic Race 2. Nine boats made it to the line for a fine day of sailing. Led by the current Pennant holder Wiz, the fleet sailed a decent course (2C) to start the afternoon. With minimal urging from On the Edge (Murat) a second shorter race was pulled off before the current got the best of the boats and we scurried back into the marina for chili and dogs...
A slight error was made in scoring by the super computer aboard Allura... It seems the RC gave the day to On the Edge but did not notice the SUPERB performance by Little Tomato in race 2. Completing the course in an impressive 40 minutes 35 seconds, Tomato finished SECOND in race two, bumping the awarded first place finisher (On the Edge) to 3rd... OUCH... That makes CHIRIPA the reigning Pennant holder going into Titanic Race 3 (right now scheduled for 28 Feb).
Titanic 4 should be mid-March leaving the fleet ready for the Season. Hope to see you out on the water soon. Patrick
Take a look at the photos already on our Fliker site.
2/2/2009
If you have questions about the process for obtaining your PHRF rating certificate (required for scoring in 2009!!!) print out an application form at http://www.phrfchesbay.com/applform.pdf and bring it along to the Landing.
Hope you can make it!
1/26/2009
Tangent takes 1st at 2009 KWRW. With 8 bullets, a second and a third. Conrats to Bob and Lisa! See photos below.1/25/2009
Greetings from Craig! Our good friend Craig, skipper of OPFOR, writes us that as the founding (and only) member of the Afghanistan Yacht Club (see official burgee in the photo--click to make larger), he has extended club privileges to all DISC members! Here is a note from Craig, himself:
“I’m keeping busy… When you are on the other side of the world, you have a lot of time to think about what is important. Our club is not just boats and competition. It’s friendship. Craig.”
Best wishes from all of us, amigo. We are thinking about you…
1/20/2009
The Flecks have been spotted! And they are kicking ass, as usual. Bob and Lisa are down in Key West for Race sailing a Cape Fear 36 named Tangent. They took 4th in the Ft Lauderdale feeder race but are currently in 1st place in PHRF3. Here are a couple of pictures!
Clarification regarding the offer of a donation to DISC. The generous offer of a donation to DISC for every GEICO phone quote made by a DISC member before the end of January is a personal offer from Frank Gallagher--not GEICO. So thanks Frank! And let's go folks! Let's get those quotes!
When you call in (1 800-342-9070) make sure to use the referral code: 47709. Quotes on auto, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, commercial products, homeowners (primary home), renters and condo all qualify! Internet quotes will not result in a donation. This offer runs through January, so act fast! And don’t forget to use this referral code!
1/4/2009
Thoughts about the 2009 Season. Click here for a letter from the Commodore and here for the bios of the new Club Officers.
1/3/2009
Happy New Year! DISC's sailing calendar got off to a good start with the First Annual Freeze your MaSt off Regatta, which will support the important cause of MS research and outreach. Participants included Wiz, Truculent Turtle, Allura, Little Tomato, Lynn L., Red Boat, Too Many Cooks, Mo Dean, Liberty Belle, and Chiripa. Congratulations to the skipper and crew of Wiz, who took first place. Thanks to Pat Williams for supplying First Prize (a bottle of champagne) and taking photos, and to Sarah Keitt for the post-race chili. We look forward to some additional winter racing this year, and for an even larger turnout next January 1.
12/31/2008
Latest list! Allura, the first to confirm, was left of earlier lists of Freeze your MaSt off participants. Lynn L has move from "maybe" to "yes". Mo Dean, Tomato, Belle, Chiripa and Blue Boat will be there. Still hoping to see the unveiling of the Minellie Mystery Boat! Hot (we hope) chili at G17 following the race, complements of Cafe Chiripa and crewmember Sarah Keitt! See you at the Skippers meeting at 1:00 pm!
12/29/2008
The list of participant's is growing! As of today, Mo Dean, Little Tomato, Liberty Bell, Blue Boat, Chiripa, and maybe Lynn L. and Sparky's new boat are planning to play on New Years Day. Come join us! Skippers Meeting at 1:00 at the Afterdeck; first race to begin on the Tuesday night course at 1:30.
Update your boat page. Send us links and content. This is a good time for us to improve the web site. If you would like to update your boat web page (or create one, if you don't have one yet), send content/changes to the "comments" address. Also, share useful links and "write ups" of your experience racing, cruising or repairing your boat. This past year we got the website platform up and running. During 2009 it will be up to DISC members to pride new content to make it more useful and fun.
12/26/2008
Get a Quote from GEICO and secure a donation to DISC! As announced at the DISC Awards Ceremony, GEICO's Frank Gallagher will make a personal contribution to DISC for every completed phone quote using the referral code: 47709. Call 1 800-342-9070 for a quote on auto, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, commercial products, homeowners (primary home), renters and condo. Remember, Internet quotes will not result in a donation. This offer runs through January, so act fast! And don’t forget to use this referral code! Click here for a copy of the referral card.12/24/2008
Freeze your MaSt off on January ! Looks like we might have a good showing for our first race of the new year! Let us know if you plan to bring your boat out to play, or if you need or would like to crew. More details to follow. Hope to see you there!!!
Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!!!
11/25/2008
Don't miss the 2008 DISC Award Ceremony and Winter Membership Meeting!
By now, all members should have received an agenda and updated DISC bylaws that will be voted on at the meeting. Be sure to get comments on the by-laws in writing to VC Janice Minshall by November 28th so they can be reviewed and addressed. Also we would like to have nominations for officer positions and for the two fleet captains by 11/28 so they can be included in the ballots. Send nomination to Gary Hauptman with "nominations" on the subject line of your e-mail.
Please spread word about a special offer for anyone who might attend and who is not YET a DISC member: The cost for adult non-member who attend the annual winter meeting is $10.00. We are encouraging the not-yet-members to become DISC members by signing up for membership at the meeting by paying just $25. This amount will entitle the new member to the awards ceremony (including voting rights). These memberships will remain valid for the entire 2009 season.
So skippers, let your crew know that they are welcome to attend on 12/2 and to join DISC for just $25. AND PLEASE LET GARY KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND BY 11/28 so we can be sure to have sufficient grub and grog for the festivities!!!
11/13/2008
S2 7.9 Back in Production for 2009
11/11/2008
Notice of Annual Meeting and Call for Nominations
The Daingerfield Island Sailing Club (DISC) will conduct its 2008 Fall/Winter Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 in the Chart Room at the Indigo Landing Restaurant, Washington Sailing Marina at 6:30 pm.
The business conducted at this meeting will include the election of DISC Officers. DISC members will select officers for the following positions:
--Commodore
--Vice Commodore
--Treasurer
--Secretary
--Spinnaker Fleet Captain
--Non-Spinnaker Fleet Captain
Janice Minshall (Vice Commodore), Murat Erol (Treasurer), and Steve Deatherage (Non-Spin Fleet Captain) have decided to not stand for re-election.
Richard Knab (Commodore) and Gary Hauptman (Secretary) have expressed interest in standing for re-election for an additional term in their respective positions. Bob Smith (2008 Spin Fleet Captain) has expressed interest in running for the position of DISC Treasurer.
If you are interested in serving in any officer position, or would like to nominate a candidate, please forward the name(s) of candidate(s) to Vice Commodore Janice Minshall at jsminshall-at-gmail-dot-com. Names must be submitted by November 28 to be included on the ballot.
Officers serve for a one-year term and can be re-elected. Elected officers will be responsible for the formation of policies and guidelines for the DISC. Nominees may provide a candidateʼs statement and/or make brief comments to the membership at the December meeting, prior to the election.
Again, nominations should be submitted no later than November 28 and should include the name and contact information of the candidate, position running for and a candidate statement if desired. If you are nominating someone other than yourself, please let us know if he or she has been contacted and has expressed a willingness to serve.
We look forward to seeing you on December 2!
--DISC Officers
10/15/2008
This Saturday's Race Format:
We will be doing the Mt Vernon Sprint this Saturday. We will most likely have a rabbit start.
There will be a skipper's meeting at 10AM at the Afterdeck. It is strongly advised that all skippers attend the meeting. There we will discuss the rabbit style start and how we will deal with situations like OCS that could arise and would need to be dealt with in a manner different from what has become the norm at DISC.
It looks like it will be a perfect breezy day and sailing south of the bridge will be a blast. Unless the wind changes we should be able to do the entire race in around 3 hours. A pdf with the course info for the Mount Vernon Sprint has been posted here on the DISC/Racing page I'm sure there will be some questions. Please email me or bring them to the skipper's meeting.
See you guys on Saturday,
Robbie
10/08/08
Grand Finale!What a terrific last Tuesday on the water. Thanks to Split Decision for their work on RC and to Phil Akers to yet another terrific Chili Party! Remember: We still have two more weeks of racing with the Fall Classic! Daily trophies are awarded, so if you missed the first one, come on out to play on the 18th and the 25th!
2008 Parade of Lights. Mark Your Calendars for the 2008 Holiday Parade of Lights on Saturday December 6, 2008. Enjoy fun...parties including the Captains Coordination Reception, Closing Awards Party and a Sunday Bloody Boaters Brunch. Details to follow!
10/3/2008
Can this possibly be our last Tuesday night?!? The Split Decision will be committee boat for the last Tuesday night race on October 7. They plan to start the sequence promptly at 6:30 PM. Since sundown is at 6:42PM the boats will be finishing in the dark. Please notify the committee boat on 68 upon crossing the finish line. Not earlier!! Failure to adhere to this procedure may result in an error in being scored or not being scored at all. A short race is planned. Phil's 24th Annual Chili party will follow the race. Click here for details.
10/1/2008
Register on line or at the Skippers Meeting. If you plan to race in the Fall Classic, you can register on line (there is now a Fall Classic option), by mail, or at the Skippers Meeting at 10:00 am on Saturday. See you on the North Course.
9/29/2008
The NOR for the Fall Classic, which begins this Saturday, October 4 can be found in the Racing Section of this website. Registration forms can be handed in at the Skippers Meeting at the Afterdeck at 10:00 am or completed on line (On-Line Membership Form, Member's Section) or mailed to the DISC treasurer. Racing will begin at 11:00 on the NORTH COURSE. High tide is 12:09 pm, which is perfect for the north course.
Also, to avoid confusion on the starting line, please remind the Race Committee if you have recently switched fleets. Thanks!9/23/2008
Wonder what Masters is all about? Read these accounts from Reprisal, Blue boat, Chiripa, Infidel and Liberty Belle. Hope you will join us next year!
9/17/2008
Mt. Vernon Fall Fling on Saturday, 9/20! This is a terrific race on one of the most beautiful parts of the Potomac River. Click here for the registration form.
9/12/2008
Our regatta on SA. Take a look at this great piece by Peter Howson on the home page of Sailing Anarchy. Nicely done. And here is another picture from John H. If you have any pics you would like to share, please send them along!
Above: Shifty weather leg of Race 1 of the 2008 Leukemia Cup (photo: John Hickey)
9/10/2008
Another Leukemia Cup in the books. Thanks to everyone who raised funds for this event, and especially those DISC members who worked hard on the Regatta Committee: Pat Williams, Marcia Green, Dale Eager and Tim Dixon. The Regatta Committee members are essential to the success of this event. If you would like to participate on the Committee next year, please speak to one of this year’s members. Congrats to the winners, and especially the skipper and crew of OpFor (below, right) who were unbelievably fast! Here are the results:
Spin A
1. Coup de Vent/Dale Eager
2. Too Many Cooks, Nelson Pemberton/Don Peloquin
3. Reprisal, Doug Savage
Spin B
1. OpFor, Craig Eckman
2. Chiripa, Richard Knab
3. Sabrina, Dana Shafie
Non-spin A
1. Blue Boat, Bob and Johanna Soli
2. Firefly, Rob Gibb
3. Valkyre, Eric Rehe
Non-spin B
1. Runneth Over, Bill Davenport
2. Hawkeye, Tim Dickson
3. Time Sweep, Marcia Green
9/6/2008
PLAN FOR SUNDAY.
Thanks to Hanna (right) Leukemia Cup sailing will take place on Sunday, 9/7. Here is the plan:
8:00 am Registration (if you did not sign in on Friday)
9:00 am Skippers Meeting at the Afterdeck
10:30 am First race
3:30 pm Post Race celebration
For DISC sailors, racing will use the usual Tuesday format. For those unfamiliar with our racing, you can find the Leukemia Cup Sailing Instructions here.
8/28/2008
NEW NAMES ON CREW MATCH. Looking for crew for the upcoming Leukemia Cup? Several individuals have recently offered their services.Visit the Crew Match page for details.
8/25/2008
TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEWEST BOAT PAGE. Rick Davies , a first-year member of DISC recently updated his boat's web page. Take a look and learn more about this terrific boat:
TONIGHT! LEUKEMIA CUP HAPPY HOUR!Dana Shafie informes us that the DC Hard Rock Café (10th and E NW), through the efforts of Ameri Vermillion (former Indigo Landing Events Manager and sponsor of the Cherry Blossom Regatta), has volunteered to host a Happy Hour on Monday, 25 August from 5-7pm for the Leukemia Cup Regatta. All the bartenders have very generously offered to donate all tips received during Happy Hour directly to the NCR LLS!! As an added attraction, the lovely Loree Lipstein has volunteered to be a guest bartender, so start thinking up complex rum drinks with which to challenge her! Lets show our DISC pride and drinking prowess by attending this event in force and showing our thanks to the bartenders and management of Hard Rock for making this happen for us! Drink early and often!
8/18/2008
JL. Cup, Masters
and Infidel.
First, as Pat Williams mentioned earlier this week, it is time to SIGN UP FOR LEUKEMIA CUP!!!! The link is: www.leukemiacup.org/nca. If you don't act fast, your boat's name won't be on the T-shirt. There is still time to raise funds for this important cause.
Second, the weekend after L. Cup, the Masters of the Potomac takes place. For you newbies, this is a 57 mile race that begins at Quantico Yacht Club and heads south to a turning mark off of Colonial Beach. If you are thinking, "Man… I am not sure this race is for me…" give me a call and we can talk. I was asking myself the same thing last year at this time, and have to say it was one of the best sails I have ever had. A bunch of boats will be heading down that way, so you will be in good company. Clickhere for the NOR and registration form.
Third, take a look at our most recent Boat Web Page http://disc.org.googlepages.com/chiripa224. This is the page for INFIDEL, owned by Steve Riker. Steve crewed aboard Chiripa last summer, and it is great to see him moving up the fleet on his own boat this summer.
If any of you without a page would like one, or if you need your page updated, please let me know.
Last, bit CERTAINLY not least, thank to John Hickey for the great photo above, taken last Tuesday.
Jump on in! The water is fine! This just in from Arlington County officials:
Arlington County has lifted the advisory it issued on Thursday, August 7 for the Four Mile Run stream from Westover Park to the Potomac River. The advisory was issued following a second release of portable lavatory waste into the storm sewer system that empties into the park near N. Kennebec Street and the bicycle trail at I-66.
8/8/2008
Report from the Cruising Chair. Those who participated in the 2008 Mattawoman Dash had a memorable weekend. Click here for a report from Pat Williams.
8/7/2008
Read before jumping in to clean your bottom!Bob Minelli shared the folloing alert related to Four Mile Stream:
An illicit dumping of portable lavatory waste into Four Mile Run Stream near Westover Park is affecting waters and parks all the way to the Potomac. Residents are advised not to fish in or have any contact with the waters – including wading or swimming – until further notice. Arlington's Fire Marshall's Office and Department of Environmental Services are investigating this 2nd dumping in as many weeks at the same location. BLR/OEM Sent by Arlington County OEM to All users (e-mail, pagers, cell phones) through Arlington Alerthttps://www.
8/6/2008
Order your DISC Burgee, hat and window sticker. Over the next week we are taking orders for some terrific DISC items. Take a look at the attached flyerand respond ASAP if you are interested. Don't miss out!
8/4/2008
The deadline is August 16th! To get your boat's name on the Leukemia Cup T-Shirt, You have to register at the following link:
www.leukemiacup.org/ncaDon't wait till the last minute...
Also the Regatta Raffle tickets are in. Click here for a copy of the flyer. See Loree at the society to get yours or if you need some, send me a note and I will pick them up for you and deliver them on Tuesday....
The count down is on. Our biggest regatta of the year is just over a month away.
Cheers, Patrick
7/31/2008
Last call for weekend cruise! Hi all, last call for boats heading south for the weekend... The winds are from the NW tomorrow night making the sail south a great opportunity. They swing around to the south over the weekend making the return trip a breeze...So what are you waiting for? Come along. Right now I have Crows Nest, AIRWORTHY, Split Decision, Allura, Lynne L, Chiripa and Liberty Belle.... Should be a lot of fun and we can welcome Reprisal back from the Gov Cup of Saturday... Friday boats heading south are leaving around 3-5 pm so you won't be along out on the river..... Cheers Patrick7/30/2008
Many thanks! To our friends at the National Maritime Heritage Foundation and the skipper and crew of American Spirit, for a special night on the water. Thanks also go out to Prag Katta (DISC member and crew on Chiripa; Prag came up with the idea and made the connections), John Hickey (for taking many terrific photographs) and Dale Eager and crew (for running a good race). We look forward to future collaboration with the NMHF.
Here are a couple of photos from John:
Above, Spin Start. Right, Cheerleaders on American Spirit, Left, Chiripa at the finish.
7/29/2008
North Course on Tuesday, 7/29! Make sure to leave the Marina early enough to arrive for the 6:30 start on the North Course. The Committee Boat will be the schooner American Spirit. There is still room for family and friends to watch the race aboard Spirit. See message below (7/17) for details.
Another nice shot from John Hickey. This one from last Tuesday's light air race:
7/22/2008
West Nile at WSM! This piece was recently in the news... Make sure to have some insect repellent handy!!! ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - Alexandria city health officials say mosquito samples taken last week from Daingerfield Island have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Officials say no human cases of the virus have been reported in the city this year. They recommend residents eliminate mosquito breeding grounds by emptying water from containers such as birdbaths at least once a week.
7/17/2008
Friends and family can watch our 7/29 race aboard the beautiful schooner American Spirit! Spirit will serve as the platform for our next north course race on July 29 Click here for more information about a terrific opportunity for spectators to see firsthand how we spend our Tuesday evenings.
7/16/2008
Last night was another beauty on the Potomac. Thanks to John Hickey for another terrific shot.
7/10/2008
I'll come upwith a more permemant place to put the video, but for now here it is:
YouTube (Thanks, Dale):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Uxggua3g0
Channel 9:
http://www.wusa9.com/rss/local_article.aspx?storyid=73779
Another beautiful (and eventful!) night. A dismasting, several groundings, another TERRIFIC photo from John Hickey (above), and a beautiful breeze which gave us a terrific windward-leeward course. Check out the 7:00 pm news on channel 9 for a short piece about Leukemia Cup with footage from last night's race. We will try to get it posted to the site.
If you haven't accepted your invitation for our Googlegroup, please do so soon!
7/1/2008
Just gotta say... Has there been a nicer night on the water than last night on the North Course? Thanks, Allura, for the great courses. And thanks to John Hickey for this TERRIFIC shot from last night.
Keep this great boat in the fleet! Yes, the speedy Firefly is for sale. Buy it soon, before Sparky has second thoughts. Details here.
6/30/2008
NORTH COURSE TOMORROW!! DON'T MISS IT! Leave a little earlier than usual so that we can start promtly at 6:30.
The 2nd Annual Aydod Memorial Cruise/Regatta was lots of fun! Seven boats rafted up along the Maryland shore opposite Mt. Vernon on Saturday night, and were treated to some spectacular fireworks (lightning storm passing over Washington, DC). Click here to read more about this memorable trip. Thanks, Pat, for pulling it all together!
Accept your invitation to join our Googlegroup! Help make the transition to the new e-mail listserve as smooth as possible by confirming your membership ASAP. Let us know if you did not receive an invitation.
6/25/2008
Next Tuesday (7/1/2008) we will race the NORTH COURSE!!!
Members: You will be receiving a message from Googlegroups! We will be managing our future e-mail communications using this tool. Please let us know if you have any trouble with these e-mails.
6/21/2008
Here it is! The much anticipated NOR for the 2nd Annual AYDOD Memorial Regatta and Cruise on June 28-29. Take a look here and ready you crew for lots of fun on this down-river sail. Contact Pat Williams (e-mail in the NOR) with any questions and ideas. It would be great to get a tentative headcount!
6/20/2008
And the Geico Cup winners ARE... Those who participated in the First Annual GEICO Cup were treated to two days of fantastic weather, great racing, a tasty cookout, and a lively awards ceremony. Thanks, GEICO, for sponsoring this terrific event! Non-Spin results: 1st Place, Hawkeye; 2nd Place, CIRCE; 3rd Place, Blue Boat. Spin Results: 1st Place, Reprisal; 2nd Place, Coup de Vent; 3rd Place, On the Edge. Additional photos can be seen in the Flikr site and results are included in the overall Spring Ahead Series.
We still have 7 XL Regatta T-shirts for crew members who did not receive one. Send an e-mail to Richard Knab to claim them. First-come, first served!
Invitation to Thursday Night Race Night with DC Sail. Take a look at the attached letterto DISC members from DC Sail's new Director, Sarah Meharg.
6/14/2008
Join us for the 2nd Annual AYDOD Memorial Regatta and Cruise on June 28-29--an almost Summer Sailstice 2008 Event (only a week after the actual solstice!). Summer Sailstice is the global holiday celebrating sailing held annually on the summer solstice and the weekend closest to it, the longest sailing days of the year. This international event was founded to connect the global sailing community in a fun, creative, multifaceted, multi-location sailing holiday.
The second annual AYDOD Memorial Regatta and Cruise will begin on Sat 28 June. This almost-yearly event will take the DISC Fleet south of the Wilson Bridge (Yes, Virginia, there is water to sail on south of the beltway) to Mt Vernon and Craney Island. So let’s go sailing!
On Saturday morning we will depart from the marina. For those for whom sailing means “we be racing” we will sail a course from a starting line just south of the Wilson Bridge, south to turning Marks off from Mt. Vernon and a finish across from Mt. Vernon along the Maryland shore. As this is a less-than-competitive event, the use of spinnakers and such are tolerated but not necessarily encouraged. There will be two classes scored. One for racers and one for those desiring a more genteel style of life… Those who simply want to make their way down river to meet up with the fleet are encouraged to do so!
Post-race festivities (awards ceremonies, drinks, dinner etc…) will be held at an evening raft-up that will gather opposite Mt. Vernon for an enjoyable evening on the water…
Sunday finds us up and ready for one more day of relaxing sailing as the fleet heads south past Mt Vernon for a circumnavigation of Craney Island before returning to WSM Sunday evening.
NOR and other details will follow in the coming days. Please contact me via email at aydod@comcast.net, if you are interested in this “fun” and enjoyable event.
Thanks Patrick
6/12/2008
Still time to Pre-register for GEICO CUP! It looks like we will have a good fleet sailing both Saturday and Sunday, and a number of boats sailing only one of the two days. So don't miss out! Skipper's bags! Great racing! A Saturday afternoon cookout! And BEAUTIFUL Woodbury Pewter trophies provided by GEICO.
Send an e-mail to Gary of through the website ASAP to let us know which days you will be racing and and estimate of the number of crew.
Pat Williams and Robbie Leary (RC on Saturday and Sunday, respectively) could each use some extra hands. We also need some volunteers to help man the grill on Satuday pm. Please let us know if you can help!
6/9/2008
PLEASE PRE-REGISTER FOR GEICO CUP!!! It is very important for us to get some numbers. Please let us know if you plan to race--either both days or one of the two days--and approximately how many crew will accompany you. AS AN ADDED INCENTIVE, THOSE WHO PRE-REGISTER BEFORE TUESDAY NIGHT RACING WILL RECEIVE 2 REGATTA T-SHIRTS!!!!!
DISC Sailors clean up at Mt. Vernon. Congratulations to the sailors who braved the heat on Saturday at Mt. Vernon's Spring Fling. Rumor has it DISC sailors took home all the trophies! More details about the racing will be posted soon.
6/6/2008
Boat looking for crew. For GEICO Cup and Tuesday nights. Take a look at Crew Match.
6/5/2008
Pre-registration for the Geico Cup is now open!Please help us organize a great event by pre-registering for the upcoming regatta on June 14-15 (see attached flyer). Skipper’s bags, including a regatta T-shirt, will be available to all skippers who pre-register. Bags will be available to those who do not pre-register on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
To pre-register, all you need to do is to send an e-mail by the end of Wednesday, June 11 to comments@discsailing.org indicating your boat name, whether you intend to race one or both days (in the case of the former, please indicate which day), and an estimate of the number of crew members racing with you. You can complete your registration on the morning of the 14th.
Click here for some more details.
6/4/2008
Anyone interested in bringing a Wavelength back to the fleet? Pictures can be deceiving, but man, this looks like a nice deal for someone willing to travel to Texas! Take a look: http://www.sailingtexas.com/swavelength24100.html
Join the DISC fleet at Mt. Vernon on Saturday! Phil Akers/Split Decision will be heading south with several other boats at 8:30 am. Let us know if you plan to sail, are looking for crew or are looking for a ride. The registration form (see link in the message from 5/30 below) can be delivered to the committee boat prior to the race. Lots of fun! Don't miss it!
We was magnificent! And VERY wet! Fun was had by all who braved the rain, lightning and high winds to make it to the end of C Dock on Tuesday for hot dogs and potato salad prepared by Phil Akers. Fair-weather partiers (you know who you are) will be pleased to know that there were lots of leftovers, so another one of these events will likely happen soon.
6/3/2008
New material has been posted on the Leukemia Cup page, including information about the June 21 Kick Off Event. Click here to check it out!
5/31/2008
"Return of Boat Killer!". Click here to read Pat William's account of the demolition of Osprey, which is archived in the Members section (Member Notes and Articles). Click here to see a list of items from Osprey that are being sold to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
