Banana River Sail & Power Squadron A Unit of the United States Power Squadron® - District 23 East Central Florida www.bananariversps.org Volume 58 Number 10 DRAGON TALES October 2014 “CATFISH HOTEL SHELTER” Location: St. John’s River, Near 520 Take Out Photographer: Ernst Hofmann IN THIS ISSUE BRIDGE REPORTS……………………………………. 2 - 6 CHANGE OF WATCH (New Time)………………… 6 ANNUAL MEETING RECAP…….………………….… 7 SETTING WAY POINTS………. …………………….. 18 - 19 POSSUM BLUFF OUTING……………………………. 20 - 21 CHRISTMAS PARTY AND BELL RINGERS………….. 22 CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE RESERVATIONS……… 23 WARREN WNEK …………………………………... 13 - 16 DISTRICT 23 GALAXY ………………………………. THE BRIDGE AND CONTACT INFORMATION….. NEWSLETTER SUPPORTING BUSINESSES…………. 24 25 26 - 27 ON THE WATER TRAINING……………………….. CALENDAR ………………………………………….. 28 GREAT PLACES TO LEARN ………………………… 9 - 10 GO TO MEETING TRAINING…...………………… 12 FEATURE ARTICLE: THREE DAYS WITH 17 Page 2 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMANDER: Cdr Earl Gillespie, P. That Old Gang of Mine I had my last Bridge and Executive Committee meetings of my terms as Commander of the Banana River Sail & Power Squadron last month. These members are the heart and soul of the Squadron. If I was successful, it was because of the incomparable quality of this group of leaders. The Bridge never failed to be supportive and contribute to the Squadron. Whenever something needed to be done, they did it. They made each of their departments perform so well that never once did they not meet deadlines or delivery of services to the Squadron. They started good ideas, brought up viable alternatives, helped to identify opportunities and gave me excellent guidance and advice. The most, but least recognized, duty they performed was to identify members for new assignments and associations with the activities of the Squadron. Treasurer Bette George, Flag Officer Dick Peoples, Assistant SEO Ernst Hofmann, Secretary Jammie Woessner, SEO Bill Viet, Executive Officer Steve Woesssner The Executive Committee’s excellence was based upon several things. Most important – they showed up for meetings! They never avoided making decisions. They investigated and examined all aspects of the action before us. They never avoided voicing their opinion, regardless of what others might be supporting. They never failed to give me their support and guidance. While they disagreed, they were never disagreeable, and never failed to show respect for each other. They ventured unique solutions and approaches based upon their knowledge set and broad experiences. Earl Gillespie, Ken Poole, Dick Peoples, Ken Peters, Harvey Inventash, Steve Woessner, Ernst Hofmann, Ed LeCun, Al Pappas, Bette George. Missing; Lewis Rivers, James Merker Page 3 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S FROM THE DESK OF THE COMMANDER: Cdr Earl Gillespie, P. - continued... No, neither group gave me everything I wanted; they were not a rubber stamp. We often compromised, based upon ideas and approaches I had not considered. However, when they did agree with whatever I requested, they did so with enthusiasm and total support. We went forward as a team. The Squadron is very fortunate to have such extraordinary members willing to serve. I was very fortunate to learn from them. Behind the scenes was an almost clandestine group; while very active and recognized as they went about making certain everything went on correctly, no one seemed to know that they were hand selected by the Commander as his multiple “right-hand men”. The men and women gave me constant insight into the membership, what might be best attempted, and what might be best left alone. They kept me up on such a wide range of knowledge of the Squadron, including the health of the membership, the methods prescribed by our SOP’s, rules and law, membership needs, and lastly, positive and negative views of Squadron management by the membership. Please join me in thanking the Commander’s Staff: Personnel Officer Bob Becker, Chaplain George Ammon, 2014 Fall Conference Chair Lucy Hixenbaugh, Merit Mark Chair Mary Peters, Flag Officer Dick Peoples, Assistant Administrative Aide Al Pappas, and Liaison Officers Valerie Dietrich and Fred Mueller. I wish to thank the membership of the Banana River Sail & Power Squadron for their dedication and support. Cdr Earl Gillespie, P After nearly a year of planning our Squadron is ready to host the District 23 Fall Conference next weekend, October 3 - 5, 2014 at the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront. Questions: Contact Lucy Hixenbaugh Tel: 321-482-5671 E-mail: [email protected]    All those Squadron Members who have volunteered to bring food items for the Hospitality Suite for Friday and Saturday nights, please be sure to deliver to the room by 3:00 on a serving platter ready to eat. Food for breakfast Saturday morning needs to be delivered by 7:30 a.m. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes for Friday night. A great Bluegrass band will be providing the music. To get into the spirit of “Florida Cracker” wear your best cowboy or cowgirl outfit Friday night or at the very least a great cowboy hat. Page 4 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S FROM THE SQUADRON EDUCATIONAL OFFICER: P/C Bill Veit, JN FROM THE ASSISTANT SQUADRON EDUCATION OFFICER P/Lt/D/C Ernst Hofmann, JN While SEO Bill Veit is touring parts of Europe I would like to bring you up-to-date and invite you to help us determine the education menu for 2015. Let’s start out first by outlining what is being offered for the rest of this year: Marine Engine Maintenance has been rescheduled to Wednesday’s instead of Thursday’s and will start Oct 1 at 6:30 PM at Lew Rivers’ shop. The Senior Safe Boating seminar is still on for Saturday, October 25 at the US 192 West Marine store. Registration deadline is October 20. Basic Boating ABC3 – the last one for this year – will be on Saturday, November 8. We have a new location – the Satellite Beach Recreation Center. Now on to 2015 and its course schedule! Our policy is that we will organize any course when requested by at least five students. So, here is our complete menu of thirteen courses: ABC3 Basic Boating Marine Communications Systems Seamanship** Marine Electrical Systems Piloting** Marine Navigation Systems Advanced Piloting** Engine Maintenance Junior Navigation** Cruise Planning Navigation ** Sail (** To be taken in sequence) Weather Check out the list for courses, which you have not yet taken and let us know which ones you would like to see on the 2015 calendar – list as many as you are interested in and we will put a schedule together. Please reply to [email protected] – I am looking forward to an avalanche of requests. SENIOR SAFE BOATING A special flyer for the Senior Safe Boating Class has been prepared with all the information you will need to understand what is included in the class and how to register. Please see flyer on page 11 of this newsletter. Page 5 D R A GON TA LE S FROM THE SQUADRON SECRETARY: October 2014 Lt/C Jamie Woessner, AP GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING ported that Engine Maintenance MINUTES: General Meeting will start October 2 and the DATE: September 15, 2014 registration deadline is Sept. 20. LOCATION: Satellite Beach Civic Center Sat- So far three are registered. It ellite Beach will be at Lew River's shop. This may be the last class at the The meeting was called to order at 1830 by Cdr Earl. repair shop because Lew is A quorum was present. The blessing was led by P/D/ moving out of town. Senior C George Ammon, SN and the pledge led by Cdr Safe Boating will be at West Earl. Ernst Hofmann introduced the evening's Marine on October 25. The registration deadline is speaker, Gordon England, a project manager at Ap- October 20 and the fee is $10. plied Science Consulting. He spoke about the problems facing the Indian River Lagoon, the solutions Secretary Report: Lt/C Jamie Woessner reported planned and what we can do to help save our lagoon. that work will soon begin on the event calendar for the 2015. If anyone has suggestions or wants to help Chaplain Report: P/D/C George Ammon, SN re- plan the year's events please let her know. The new ported he had received no information about anyone. directory is in the works; if members have informaHope everyone is well and stays that way. tion that needs to be updated please send that information to the secretary. Election: P/V/C Dick Peoples, SN led the election proceedings. D/Lt/C Ernst Hofmann, JN, Chair of the Treasurer Report: Lt/C Bette George gave the Nominating Committee read the slate of officers for financial review of the month and year to date. the 2014-15 year. The Secretary reported that no petitions for nominations for the open seats had been Fall Conference Report: P/D/Lt/C Lucy Hixreceived. There were no nominations from the floor. enbaugh, P reported that we hade reached room resDick Peoples made a motion that the Secretary cast a ervation requirements and are almost at our food single vote for the membership. John George sec- requirement. All donations need to be turned in and onded the motion. The motion passed. The Secretary please have your name on them. People are needed recorded the vote and the slate was elected. to man the registration desk and the raffle tables. Bette George is looking for people to bring food for Commander Report: Cdr Earl thanked everyone the Hospitality Suite for Friday and Saturday. Please for all they had done though out the year. He appre- bring the food by 3pm. The Hospitality Room is open ciated all the help he had received. He invited every- from 4 to 5:30 each night. Friday night there will be one to attend the Change of Watch in October. He dinner and dancing with a great Bluegrass band. thanked the Education Department for their hard There are 70 reservations in for the conference we work and gave much of the credit for our member- need 100 to break even. ship growth to them. Change of Watch Report: P/D/Lt/C Lucy HixAdministrative Report: Ernst Hofmann announced enbaugh, P asked that the time for the event be the details of the Possum Bluff boat/paddle trip. The moved because of scheduling problems for some date is October 18. Everyone will be departing from Bridge members. She suggested Social hour 2-3, the boat ramp on 520 across from the Lone Cabbage Ceremony 3-4 or so and dinner to follow. MemberFish Camp at 9:00 a.m. There will be a picnic. The ship approved the change. registration deadline is October 12. ……….. continued Education Report: Asst SEO Ernst Hofmann re- Page 6 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S FROM THE SQUADRON SECRETARY: Lt/C Jamie Woessner, AP General Membership Meeting Report continued…. Old Business: Al Volkmann announced that the boat parade would be Dec 20 at 6:30 p.m. Space is still available on the party/viewing boat. If the boat is not filled by the Conference seating will be open to the public. Al and others have been searching for a new restaurant for our general meetings. So far Doubles is the top choice. If anyone has other suggestions contact him. New Business: Terri Friedlander is planning the Christmas Party/Dec General meeting. It will be held on Dec 13 at Cocoa Village Marina from 5:30 to 8:30. It will be catered by Leaning Tower of Pizza. Dick Peoples can order booklets on how to fly flags on your boat from USPS. He noted that the last time he was out he saw very few boats flying the American flag or squadron burgees. If you are interested contact him. Meeting adjourned 2040. Submitted by Jamie Woessner, Secretary September 20, 2014 CHANGE OF WATCH New time, same everything else! New Time Schedule 2:00 - 3:00 Social 3:00 - 4:00 Ceremony 4:15 Dinner Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront 3003 North Hwy A1A Melbourne, FL (One Block South of Eau Gallie Cswy, Beachside) For Questions Contact Lucy Hixenbaugh Please see Annual Meeting Recap on the next page written by our newest member Vivian Zahrt who recently completed the ABC3 course. The article contains important information on how you can help save the Indian River Lagoon. Tel: 321-482-5671 E-mail: [email protected] Due to unexpected business obligations of our incoming Commander the time schedule for the Change of Watch needed to be moved up. We apologize for the late change and hope everyone will be able to attend this great event. Page 7 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S OUR ANNUAL MEETING September 15, 2014 By Vivian V. Zahrt, New Member Our Annual Membership Meeting was held on 15 September at the Satellite Beach Civic Center. We initiated the meeting with a pizza party served with salad and drinks provided by our wonderful volunteers. Everyone lined up for the buffet and ate as we listened to a guest speaker talk about the health of our beloved waterways flowing from Cape Canaveral down to the Indialantic. Our guest speaker, Gordan England has over 30 years of experience in storm water management executing plans to provide for healthier river systems. Over the years, massive amounts of drift and water pollution has caused the loss of over 45,000 acres of sea grass and algae, muck build up, and abnormal levels of salinity and oxygen. When an aquatic environment changes, sea animals suffer. Gordon England, P.E.,D.WRE So, what can we as a community do to help protect our underwater neighborhood? We can start by promoting awareness to our land neighbors to reduce the amount of fertilizer we put on our lawns and by keeping our grass trimmings on the lawn instead of blowing it into the drainage systems. Picking up after our pets also helps keep unwanted bacteria out of the water. The Brevard Zoo also launched an Oyster Reef Restoration Project that teaches volunteers to make and breed their own oysters. The best thing about this project is that it is free to our community to learn and use the materials to make an Oyster Mat and promotes the health of the Indian River Lagoon. To find more information on this, visit https://brevardzoo.org/conservation/oyster-restoration. During the rest of the meeting, we discussed the upcoming conference, Christmas Boat Parade ticket sales and had various reports from members. Sadly, it was also Commander Earl Gillespie's last membership meeting and despite only being a new member this month, I know he will be missed. He encouraged us new members to step in and be a part of the squadron, so here we are enjoying meeting so many wonderful new friends. In his words, "Keep the post between the ears everybody!" My family (Nathan Zahrt, Mike & Meagan Wildwoods, and S.S. Hobo Chic) truly appreciate how welcoming everyone has been with our new transition into becoming the new sailors on the dock. So this is to Earl, everyone who taught and spoke at the ABC3 Class, our friendly neighbors Ken & Mary Peters, and the rest of the Banana River Sail and Power Squadron we would like to give our thanks and look forward to the fun and adventures ahead! Al Volkmann Advertising Opportunity to View Boat Parade on the DolFun Complements of the Squadron, all members enjoyed lots of pizza and great desserts. Page 8 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S HAPPY BIRTHDAY OCTOBER , 2014 Colton A. Akin William J. Fehr Roger H. Hill David Hixenbaugh Edmund LeCun Lucy A. Hixenbaugh Megan C. Palmer Richard C. Palmer Tyler J. Palmer Harvey Inventasch Ken Poole David A. Stanley Gail Stewart-Iles Theresa Woessner UPDATE TO THE THREE STOOGES MOE, CURLY AND LARRY This picture is to demonstrate that the three Stooges CAN get together without accident, boat damage, locked cards or spilled coffee. We safely had dinner at the Red Rooster in Micco. Page 9 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 GREAT PLACES TO LEARN As noted so many times, the BRSPS Education Department and their instructors do a terrific job teaching prospective and current boaters how to be both safe and have fun. However, unlike Greek teachers, we cannot sit under a spreading tree to offer instruction. Without good locations to teach, the education program might grind to a halt. So, let’s take a moment to recognize the organizations and businesses that provide such terrific classroom space. Too often, we think businesses seem to care about nothing other than profit. This simply is not the case with those businesses that open their business to our instructors and students. West Marine is a thriving business; they have customers a plenty. Yet, they offer a large space of their second floor to our Education Department for classroom instruction. They welcome the student as they come in, and make every effort to keep the area clean and quiet. Yes, it is a storage area, but the bare wall and shelving seem to provide emphasis to the instruction. Thank you for your generosity, West Marine Store, 1001 W New Haven Ave. (US 192 and Dairy Rd), West Melbourne 32904. Another business is even more closely related to the Squadron; one of our members, Lewis Rivers, owns it. Lewis gives us a triple bonus: He provides service and knowledgeable advice to our members, he teaches a number of classes, and he provides his business location and workshop to the Squadron for a hands-on instruction location. As difficult as Marine Electronics and Marine Maintenance might be, just how much more difficult would they be without an actual shop in which to see and touch those items about what you are being taught? It goes without saying we are indebted to Lewis Rivers and Associates. Who would have guessed we taught “college classes”? Well actually, we don’t. However, we do teach at a University; Keiser University to be exact. Keiser University has been kind enough to offer us as many as two classrooms every semester to teach classes. The Squadron is doubly thankful for this as we then have a very central, thoroughly academic environment to teach. This partnership was offered us a number of years ago and we hope Keiser has benefited as much as we have. The environment is friendly and helpful, and one member of the custodial staff, Rosa, who takes special care of us. Thank you Keiser University. Page 10 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 And where would we be without our old stand-by, and closest supporter, The Recreation Department at Satellite Beach? The David R. Schechter Community Center in Satellite Beach has been a wonderful classroom environment! While we have taught Jr, Safe boating for years at this location, we have also used the classroom and Auditorium for both classes and Monthly Membership meetings. Our newest class offering, Senior Safe boating, was inaugurated at Schechter Center. We plan to expand the ABC3 course to this location. None of this would have been possible without the encouragement and support of the Director, Ms. Kerry Stoms. Kerry has been so instrumental that the Commander George W. Hunt Award, a plaque given in memory of BRSPS’ past commander, which is awarded in recognition for the most significant contribution toward a Junior Safe Boating project in the past year. This year selecting the recipient of the award broke precedence by being awarded for the first time to other than an active member of the Banana River Sail and Power Squadron; Director Stoms. Thank you Satellite Beach Recreation Department and Kerry Stoms. Page 11 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 Page 12 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 GO TO MEETING TRAINING Commanders and officers of District 23 of the United States Power Squadron got together recently for some basic training on Go To Meeting software. D23 Commander Bill Fehr offered the training, with presentation services provided by Ernst Hofmann and the all-important meeting space and meal set up by Lucy Hixenbaugh. The importance of using communications software such as Go To Meeting is that it provides several vital benefits to the District. 1) We can meet anytime, anywhere that is mutually agreed upon – day or week and time of day has no direct influence, 2) With a District as large as ours, travel times in excess of 2.5 hours or more and distances exceeding 200 miles are eliminated, 3) cost of the meeting proper, meals, lodging and travel expenses are virtually eliminated, 4) all members can make all meetings, regardless of location. Although, as if to prove the point of the presentation, several members could not make the meeting, all but one Squadron was represented. A number of discussion points were raised and questions answered. And yes, we always have good eats! Page 13 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 FEATURE ARTICLE “THREE DAYS WITH WARREN WNEK” It seems many new members are sailors rather than power boaters. One of the newest members is Warren Wnek. Publisher of the Blue Turtle News, Warren is well known beachside for his business acumen, leadership, and community service, and surfing. Warren is a founder and past president of Angler for Conservation. He can be found many weekends teaching kids how to fish. You will often find him sailing, surfing and fishing - as he says, ”Being the publisher of the Brevard Blue Turtle News I have the pleasure of a somewhat flexible schedule which allows me to get on the water for extended periods. “ Warren completed both the ABC3 and Sail and has signed up for Marine Engine Maintenance. “When the weather is cooler, my fiancée, and I like to go out two or three times a month. We sail for about 3-4 hours sailing north of Pineda in the Banana River. I enjoy sailing because of quiet, the challenge of catching the wind and the pace. Like others, I find maintaining the boat is the most difficult part.” Warren lately had the opportunity for a solo sail in the IRL, applying his knowledge and recent Sail Class experience to good use. “Recently, a good friend sold his 22 foot Catalina swing keeled sail boat named Cool Breeze to a fellow in Daytona. They needed to get the boat up to Caribbean Jacks Marina in Daytona so I volunteered to sail it up there for them. The Catalina is a decently equipped boat powered with 6.6 Honda 4 stroke engine. The foresail is a genoa without a roller furling, tiller steering and no bimini for shade. Although I had never sailed the Cool Breeze before, I own a 25 foot Catalina swing keel, so more or less I would be sailing the “little sister” of the Salty Dog. It was also the first time I would be sailing solo for three days. “. Getting started, the weather forecast had called for ESE winds of 8-15 knots as I cast off for the first of three days of my trip from off the Grand Canal in Satellite Beach to Daytona. I took off about 4:00 pm (after our daily rain) and sailed to a friend’s house north of Pineda in the Indian River Lagoon. It was a great sail, I only used the main because I could not get the genoa out of the sail bag safely. I quickly found that single-handed sailing requires some extra thinking. As I tied the boat off I thought “ A four hour sail around Merritt Island and a ten minute drive home.” The next morning I set off for Titusville Marina, the wind was only thing lacking, so I cranked up the little Honda outboard and we puttered along. After 5 hours of motoring at about 4 mph, I put the sails up, thinking wishfully that they would fill. They did, but progress was maybe a feeble two knots. I again cranked the motor and puttered north. Pulled into Titusville Marina about 20 minutes before a huge lighting storm hit rain continued for 6 hours. Page 14 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S Ordered a pizza to the boat… A pizza box in a little four foot high cabin along with all my other stuff was pretty cramped. Well, partially because I brought along a portable A/C unit, which made sleeping after a long day in the sun a treat instead of a feat. The next day I set off to the Haulover Canal on my way to Mosquito Lagoon. Again no wind; the lagoon was like glass. Did I mention I had no bimini? The sun was toasty so I had rigged a tarp over the boom to make some welcomed shade. The Haulover Bridge failed to open and the bridge tender had to call the mechanic. It would be at least 30 minutes before he’d be here. OK fine, I motored over the boat ramp and tied off. Broke out the rod and caught a 22” redfish. Titusville Marina About an hour later, I called the bridge tender back and she informed me that the NASA Bridge was also not operating and it had priority over the Haulover, so the delay would be a bit longer than planned. Well this put a kink in my itinerary as I had planned to sail (motor) to New Smyrna Beach Marina. While this would have been a long but doable haul, with a full day on the water, the opportunity was fading away. I spend the time tinkering with little things aboard the boat making it more solo friendly. I used a PVC surf rod holder as a tiller extender. With the extender on I could reach the cabin (beer and food) while still in control of the helm. I caught another red - this one about 30” inches. Thank you, Jeff Reed of Brevard Appraisal, for putting a rod on board for me. Three hours later my new buddy, the bridge tender, gave me a call and said the mechanics were there and they had more extensive issues than anticipated. My heart sunk with the thought of staying the night at the boat ramp. However, they could manually open the bridge for me before they started Haulover Bridge - Broken & Closed! those repairs. Thank you Sir! Thank you Madam! I fired up the Honda and puttered around into the channel and saw the bridge opened in all its glory. Onward to Mosquito Lagoon, with or without wind! Opened Just For Me Page 15 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 I had the opportunity to paddle a canoe through the Mosquito Lagoon last year during the Anglers for Conservation IRL paddle, it is a truly beautiful place. I was hoping to quietly sail it again and see the wild residents, but that was not in the cards. But even with the noise of the little Honda, I was able to see a deer, some otters on the bank, not to mention many different birds, schools of baitfish and swirls and fins of tarpon, dolphin, and other large predators. To the south large thunderheads were beginning to accumulate. With my three hour, delay I rerouted my destination to Camron’s Marina in Edgewater and had been trying hard to get them on the phone. Note: phone reception is a bit sketchy out there. The wind was picking up fairly hard out of the south now and the clouds were closing in. I was being sprinkled on a bit and had some powerful lightning southeast of me. I thought about my aluminum mast and decided it was not a good subject to ponder. I tried Camron’s Marina again. A nice woman answered the phone and said yes they had a slip for me, but I had better hurry because there is a nasty storm coming. Carmon’s is at Marker 47; I was close to Marker 61. The race was on – it was me, the Honda, and a strong tail wind against an angry thunderstorm marching up the lagoon. The light rain was fine, the big lightning bolts were not, and they were catching up. I called Carmon’s again when I hit Racing the Storm Marker 50, because by now the wind was about 25 mph, directly south. She told me my slip faced west and was on the outside, easy to get to, and told me, ’I’d better hurry up cuz its ugly out there’. The docks were welcome site, and my first attempt a docking was pretty exciting. It reminded me of something one of my instructors in the sailing class said ‘Sailing is hours of boredom interrupted by moments of terror’. When I turned west the wind began pushing the boat profile much quicker and I missed the slip and to shimmy between the dock and the Marker pole and come around and try again… that was close, the new owner would not want to know how close. The little Honda strained against the heavy south wind, but this time I was able to slide the Cool Breeze right into the slip. Thank you to the locals on the dock who grabbed lines and had tied me off in a few quick moments without them, the docking would have been much more interesting. Camron’s is an Old Florida fish camp and has all the charm that goes with it. I bought a few rounds of beer for my new friends while the storm dumped on us. When it quit raining, I walked up to the No Name Saloon for dinner. The gal from Camron’s called it the place for “real good eating, you know, like chili dogs and burgers and stuff”. The No Name Saloon is a biker bar that sits on about an acre of land. Compete with an outside stage, dancing cages for the ladies during bike week, a Harley or two, tied up in a couple of massive oak trees that shade the place. A cool place to hang out for a while along with some folks to keep me company. Looking around the place, I spotted the huge smokers. I elected to order the pulled pork and was not disappointed; the portion was huge and the flavor was rich, and the tab was a bargain! My new buddies had told me that No Name offers $2 breakfast on Sunday’s starting at eight, that fit right into my budget. Page 16 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 Some of the guys at the NO NAME reminded me that a launch was scheduled for early Sunday morning. It was about 12:15, right after I had caught my third redfish I was treated to a rocket launch while sitting on the boat. I’ve seen and felt many launches from my Satellite Beach home and have always been impressed with the massive power. But feeling the rumble come up the lagoon that evening was really massive. Sunday AM: Rather than make coffee aboard the Cool Breeze, I decided to walk up to the No Name Saloon and have some breakfast and coffee. Breakfast was some scrambled eggs, a piece of bacon, a sausage and a biscuit and gravy, for $2! It was so good I had two of them. The coffee however was another issue. It seems the drink of the morning at NO Name were Bloody Marys, and coffee was considered a special order. Well, OK. I had two of them also, along with the coffee of course. Sunday morning held the promise of wind, it was 9 AM, and I could feel a light breeze coming from the SE, by lunchtime there was enough wind to put the sails up. Finally!! Even though the Honda is a quiet motor, I was ready for the sounds of sailing: the water slapping the hull, the winds going through the lines, and the The Rocket Launch - seen from vibration of the keel cable from underneath. With both sails up, I Camron’s on the IRL was able to sail for a few hours it was great. As I approached Daytona, the thunderheads again began appearing in the south. With Caribbean Jack’s and a couple bridges in sight, it was time to pull the sails and motor on in. Thank you Bill Veit for telling me about “poor man’s roller furling” it worked great. It was still challenging, securing everything by myself, especially with the wind, and the wakes of the boat traffic. I pulled into Caribbean Jack’s again just in time. The wind had picked up from the south but the slip was better protected and so docking was not an issue. I tied off…. I did it! I traveled three days by myself, and other than a few bumps on my head from a low salon, and a smashed finger from the tiller, Cool Breeze and I were in good shape. After I tied off, I proceeded to the bar and the heavens opened up. Perfect timing. Port Orange Ahead Thanks to the Power Squadron for providing the classes which gave me to confidence to do this trip. The Blue Turtle News is a fun weekly publication all about Florida, it’s residents and the crazy things they do, and interesting facts about this placed we call home. The Blue Turtle can be found in many restaurants on the beaches south of PAFB and in Melbourne. We’re also on Facebook at Brevard Blue Turtle . Pick up a copy and like us on Facebook. Page 17 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 On The Water Training Nothing can be more fun for a student than to get in the boat after completing the ABC3 Class and passing the test! The On the Water sessions, two or three students at a time, gives everyone a chance to apply the "book" and learn the "how to's" in an actual water environment. One of the advantages of the ABC3 Boating Class taught by the Education Department of the Banana River Sail & Power Squadron is the inclusion of an On the Water Class to conclude the instruction. Over the years, this portion of the ABC3 class has been a highlight for the students. They review and put into actual practice a number of boating skills while they have the take the helm has been exciting. Many students have never been in a boat before; seldom has a student been at the helm of any boat. The smile they have when they first take the vessel up on plane is priceless. Bringing the vessel to a stop isn’t half as much fun as full power turns or circling – just ask. Although the class is held in an 18-foot Carolina Skiff, It seems awfully long and wide as they attempt to dock. They want to hear, “Well done – perfect!”, not “Let’s bring it around and try again.” Each student has to demonstrate docking with the wind and against the wind. They hear, “You can’t go too slow!” and “Lock to the dock.” so many times, it is engrained into their docking procedures forever. We have to admit that teaching the class is as much fun for the instructors as taking the class is for the students. Seeing a nervous, shaky student gain confidence and exhibit safe boating skills makes all the effort worthwhile. Knowing that we help boaters become safe and confident keeps instructors volunteering their time to USPS boater education. Page 18 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S Setting Waypoints – Possum Bluff Run Preparation Possum Bluff Leader Ernst Hofmann wanted to verify old waypoints to Possum Bluff and establish the validity of new waypoints to the canoe/kayak take out at Rt 520. There was thought of also checking out the shelters on this on this route as well as those on the other side of Lake Poinsett. Unlike other exploratory trips on the St. Johns, we only were turned around once! After leaving Lone Cabbage area going down ( or north) on the St. Johns we initially saw as many alligators as we had ever encountered on this route. As seen in this picture, we had as many as three in the frame at one time. They were not bothered in the least with our presence, and although they slowly drifted, we left before they did. Anzuelo on the St. Johns Three Lazy Alligators The major difficulty we encountered as we went to Possum Bluff this time was, could you believe it, too much water. The last time we were in the area, the river and deeper channels were pretty defined. Because the water was considerably higher this trip, the primary channels of the river were difficult to read. Consequently, we ran over/jumped as many as three sand bars. The Power Line take out is awful. They were over grown and there is no way to get in the water without quite a bit of effort. However, the shelter called the “Catfish Hotel” was exceptional. The shelter just north of the Power Line takeout is very nice. Anchorage at Possum Bluff Power Line Take Out Catfish Hotel Shelter Page 19 October 2014 D R A GON TA LE S We crossed Lake Poinsett and that is where we were turned around. The St. James empties into the lake and that entrance south on the river was difficult for us to locate. We went up the St. James to find the shelters. The two shelters we found were in good shape and more than adequate for paddlers to haul out, rest and recover, or hide from a storm. The shelters are named, and no, the one is not named the “Cancer Shelter,” some vandal changed the word “Canoer.” Poinsett Shelter Canoer Shelter The several hours spent on this trip were well worthwhile. As the pictures indicate, there was plenty of avian activity and the greenery seemed to appreciate the new water levels. A good scouting exercise: great weather, smooth waters, a solid vessel and most of all, good boating partners. Page 20 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 Page 21 October 2014 Page 22 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 You are cordially invited to the BRSPS Holiday Party Saturday, 13 December 2014 Holidays already? The joys of the upcoming season wouldn’t be complete without a December party and squadron meeting to add to your calendar. Please join us at the lovely Cocoa Village Marina for the price of only $12 per person. We’ll be ordering a delicious Italian feast. Please bring a light appetizer or dessert to share with all. Party will be from 5:30 to 8:30 pm starting with happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30pm. Cocoa Village Marina Address 90 Delannoy Avenue, Cocoa www.cocoavillagemarina.com And please don't forget to bring an unwrapped present for the Salvation Army kids! Please call Dan or Terri at 321 259-1626 or send an email to [email protected] if you can come share in the festive atmosphere with our boating friends. Terri and Dan Friedlander Give Yourself the Gift of Joy – Be a Salvation Army Bell Ringer Those who have volunteered in the past to be Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army know that it’s a great way to give back to the community while giving ourselves that special feeling of holiday spirit. We have submitted our application for several Satellite and Indian Harbour Beach grocery locations for the 14 November – 24 December campaign. I will receive more details soon about where and when but right now I am asking all interested individuals to email ([email protected]) or call (482-5671) me to give me a rough idea of dates, times (like morning, afternoon or evening) and number of hours you would consider volunteering. Don’t delay, we were too late last year and missed out. Within the next two weeks I will be laying out a final plan with the Salvation Army based upon your inputs. Thanks for considering this impactful and time-proven way of donating to our local community. Dave Hixenbaugh Page 23 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 Page 24 D R A GON TA LE S October 2014 Page 25 BRIDGE OFFICERS Commander Cdr Earl Gillespie. P (321) 777-5659 Executive Officer Lt/C Steve Woessner, P (321) 777-0643 Squadron Educational Officer P/C William Veit, JN Secretary Lt/C Jamie Woessner, AP (321) 777-0643 Dragon Tales October 2014 MEMBERS AT LARGE Lt Harvey Inventasch, SN P/C Edmund LeCun, JN Lt Lewis Rivers, AP Lt Kenneth Peters, N Lt Ken Poole EX-OFFICIO P/C James Merker , AP Editor Lt Anne Cope Milonas (321) 636-8514 [email protected] Treasurer Bette George (321) 255-9876 ASSISTANT OFFICERS Asst. Educational Officer P/D/Lt/C Ernst G. Hofmann, JN (321) 777-9462 Asst. Administrative Officer Aid Al Pappas, SN (321) 777-2460 (321) 482-5671 Web Site: www.bananariversps.com Banana River Power Squadron Voice Mailbox—321-220-7775 October 2014 OCTOBER 2010 01 DISTRICT FALL CONFERENCE 02 DISTRICT FALL CONFERENCE OCTOBER 2010 continued 03 DISTRICT FALL CONFERENCE 04 BRIDGE MEETING 06 ADVANCED PILOTING CLASS 13 EXECUTIVE MEETING ADVANCED PILOTING CLASS 20 ADVANCED PILOTING CLASS 23 CHANGE OF WATCH AT EGYC 27 ADVANCED PILOTING CLASS NOVEMBER 2010 01 BRIDGE MEETING Dragon Tales Page 26 Page 27 Dragon Tales Complete Air & Heat, Inc. Contractor & Service “Family owned & operated” Since 1975 Sales * Service * Installations 321-773-8434 www.completeairandheat.com THE SQUADRON NEEDS YOUR BUSINESS AD HERE!!!! October 2014 October 2014 Dragon Tales Page 28 Banana River Sail & Power Squadron 697 Palos Verde Drive Satellite Beach, FL 32937 Banana River Sail & Power Squadron web site - bananariversps.org Banana River Sail & Power Squadron Voice Mailbox - 321-220-7775 Membership meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of the month . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Cut here to Clip Upcoming Events - - - - - - - - - - - - - UP-COMING SQUADRON & DISTRICT EVENTS — 2014 October 1 3-5 ENGINE MAINTENANCE STARTS D23 FALL CONFERENCE 1830 5 CHANGE OF WATCH 1400 8 14 15 18 ENGINE MAINTENANCE EXECUTIVE MEETING ENGINE MAINTENANCE POSSUM BLUFF RUN 1830 1900 1830 0900 20 22 25 29 DRAGON TALES DEADLINE ENGINE MAINTENANCE SENIOR SAFE BOATING ENGINE MAINTENANCE 1830 0830 1830 1 4 5 8 11 13 17 SATELLITE BCH FOUNDER'S DAY PARADE BRIDGE MEETING ENGINE MAINTENANCE ABC3 EXECUTIVE MEETING ENGINE MAINTENANCE THANKSGIVING DINNER/GEN MTG 20 DRAGON TALES DEADLINE 13 20 CHRISTMAS PARTY/GENERAL MTG CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Lew Rivers’, 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront, 3003 North Highway A1A, Melbourne Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront, 3003 North Highway A1A, Melbourne Lew Rivers’, 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach BAAB, 674 S Patrick Dr. Satellite Beach Lew Rivers’, 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach 520 Boat Ramp, North side of SR520 across from Lone Cabbage Fish Camp Email copy to [email protected] Lew Rivers’, 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach West Marine Store, 1001 W. New Haven Ave; Melbourne Lew Rivers', 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach November 1100 1900 1830 0800 1900 1830 1830 Starts at DeLaura Middle School BAAB, 674 S Patrick Dr. Satellite Beach Lew Rivers’, 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach Schechter Community Center, 1089 S. Patrick Dr. Sat Bch BAAB, 674 S Patrick Dr. Satellite Beach Lew Rivers’, 355 Tortoise View Dr, Satellite Beach Dinner, 1915 meeting. Satellite Beach Civic Center, Cassia Blvd Sat. Bch. Program TBD Email copy to [email protected] December 1730 1830 Cocoa Village Marina Grand Canal, Satellite Beach