Hi-

My name is Jay. I found this site after googling “Milwaukee sailing crew wanted”. I have recently started a new job in Milwaukee and will be moving here asap. I’m in temp housing here during the week. I’d like to get myself embedded in the MKE sailing world and would love to get some sailing in on Wed. nights if possible.

I am originally from the north east. Relocated to Chicago in 2004. I’m a member of the Storm Trysail Club (www.stormtrysail.org/) with experience ranging from racing various dinghies in youth sailing programs on Long Island Sound, to racing various keel boats in Level/One Design and handicap events along the east coast. I have extensive experience racing J/120’s. I have done almost all of my distance racing in the double-handed class on a J/120 over the last 9 years, including 4 Newport-Bermuda races.

I am able bodied, safety conscious, sea worthy, easy going- not a yeller - out for fun, and competitive. I’m equally happy to fill any position, including rail-meat, as needed.

I look forward to meeting some or all of you, and hope to see you on the water.

Cheers,
Jay

Howdy Jay,

I'm not much of a racer as I found out this weekend but I love to sail.

I'm always happy to share the boat with Milwaukee Sailing Forum members.

Gary has taken out a bunch of guys in his boat. He is reported to get the rails of Sushi Bucket wet from time to time. I can't wait to sail with him.

Welcome to Milwaukee. I'm sure we'll be seeing you out there.


Al

I'm in awe. A real honest to goodness salt water sailor. Welcome. I look forward to sailing with you.

Guy

Hey Jay,

Welcome! You've got an impressive sailing resume. I'm sure you'll be welcomed aboard most any boat in the area. If interested in racing, there are Wednesday night races out of South Shore yacht club, MAST racing on Friday nights and a number of decent regattas, one of which was just this last weekend. There are probably more circuits that I'm not aware of but those are the ones I'm most familiar with. You may want to start looking for a boat for the "Hook" race. It's a good distance race with a lot of entrants and nice boats. The Chicago to Mac race is another coming up which is a great race and usually has some pretty heavy hitting racers in it.

Any stories about the Bermuda races? Those have always sounded like quite an adventure.

Hello Jay
Its good to hear from you. Wednesdays at SSYC are a good place to start. I may know of somebody looking for a crew member in a couple of weeks aboard a Mumm 36 I can let you know.

Welcome to the area, Jay... and don't let Al fool you like that! It's Guy who is the local hotdog/hellion who loves to bury the lee rails, not I! (Last time I was out with him, he had to have his son start bailing as we were shipping so much over the gunwale from the buried rail, LOL's!

As for me, I do not race. Have done it once, found it very enjoyable. Would like to do so in future, but never networked to make the acquaintance of a skipper who'd offer me a berth. One day, perhaps.

As for you, I'd be happy to get together some day for a sail. I'm a rather down to earth type of guy who has never minded listening and learning from a 5 year old, if a 5 year old knows something I do not. Point being, is that if we do ever sail on my vessal, I'd appreciate it very much should you offer me suggestions, improvements, tips, etc. Doesn't mean I might take them, mind you, but I always appreciate hearing, learning.

In any event, a most 'Welcome aboard' to you!

~Gary

Wow, thank you all for the warm welcome and information! I appreciate it and will follow up on your direction. I'll try to coordinate with you and let you know how I make out I'll probably start with walking the dock at SSYC next week. Wayne, please do let me know if your Mumm 36 contact is looking for crew- much appreciated.

Thanks again. I'll keep you posted, and hope to meet you soon.

Jay

-I'll try to update my profile (picture etc.) when at home and at my computer this weekend. Hope everyone has a great 4th!

Thanks Gary. I'm with you on learning. I'm always happy to share what knowledge and experience I have- take it or leave it and I always bear in mind what my grandfather (and father) always say: "Whenever you think you know all there is to know about sailing, think again." So I never think I know it all (or a lot, for that matter..) and I'm glad to learn from anyone and everyone else willing to share. Thanks for your note- J