Just saying 'Hi', seeing as how I just stumbled across this site. Just posted in the 'seeking' crew section as the friend I usually sail with has moved away. Gene! Have you been helping anyone find their lost cell phones after a midnight sail lately?

Gary

Hey Gary welcome to the forum! How'd you find us? Glad you stumbled across the site

Took a little internet work, Chris. Didn't pop up to easily. I 'thought' I remembered the MCSC having a forum years ago where I'd read a few posts about people seeking crew, or seeking TO crew. As my friend just moved away, went searching. Couldn't find it, so just started a few various searches and you popped right up. How long has this forum been up and running? ~Gary

Cool - glad you found it. I had Peter at the sailing center publish this forum in the "Jib Sheet". I'd like to push them to recommend it to MCSC members during class. I think a lot of new sailors would love the opportunity to talk to others in the community, plus be able to keep in touch with those they take classes with.

I've had this up and running since August of last year or so. For quite awhile it was just PilotAlso, Pablo and I but as the search engines started picking us up and the publication from MCSC we've been slowly growing.

I figured it would be a great way to find others to sail with. You hear a lot about people needing crew for races, boat deliveries, or cruises. I figured this would be a great way to connect people and also a chance for everyone to learn new things and meet other locals.

Oh, I completely agree! I have often thought I should get more exposure by sailing on other boats, but... you know how it is. Easier to simply drive down and sail my own. Maybe that'll change this year. This year, I'll try and get on some other people's boats. I'll post in a month or two about 'reciprocal (sp?) sails', where other owners and I might sail in each others craft. You know, me with them on theirs, then return the compliment? Actually, an on-going thread might go over well. Meet new people, get exposed to different water craft... maybe learn a few tricks.

I love the profile pic. Looks like a fun moment

Also, I like the idea of starting a thread about getting on others' boats. That was kind of the idea of this forum. Get people mingling a bit, cruise aboard some other boats and learn new things.

Unfortunately I cannot currently reciprocate any cruises, but I'd be happy to let anyone drive my Civic

The wife actually said the other day she assumes we'll have to take out a loan for a boat... This assumption really opens up the possibilities!! I was under the impression we'd have to take my bonus from work and buy a marginal boat but now it looks like I can shoot for the stars Take out a nice 30 year mortgage on a Pacific Seacraft or an Island Packet The American way!

Yes, Chris, that pic was of a 'fun' moment. 'Twas, 2007, returning from a cruise up into Lake Huron. Hell of a storm somewhere West of the Mackinac Bridge. I went under the bridge and into mayhem. Didn't even think about the CURRENT funneling eastward, channeled by the straits. No real danger, but was trapped up against a lee shore all night, would make 50 yards headway, then lose all or more of it on the next tack. Mostly concerned about not making any headway should the storm get worse, or move towards my position. This pic was snapped shortly after dawn, storm dying out, had turned the tiller over to my buddy. Max swell/wave height we had to slam through was eight, maybe nine feet. Made the tacking interesting, though, timing was everything!

Yes, I'll start that post. Also, I think I know you, even though I cannot quite make you out in your avatar. Sail with me anytime, OK?

Didn't even think about the CURRENT funneling eastward, channeled by the straits. No real danger, but was trapped up against a lee shore all night, would make 50 yards headway, then lose all or more of it on the next tack.

Were the seas too heavy for the motor or the current too strong for it? Sounds like a tiring night Hat's off to you for taking on the straits in a storm on a trailer-sailor!

I'm certain I'll take you up on your offer I was a fairly regular fixture at the sailing center in 03-04, but haven't been around there as much lately. I was in some classes this last summer, but was down at SSYC a lot more with janders350 --

This time of the year they're easy to find. They're right on the top of the ice.

Gene

Yes, well, your flashlight sure did the trick in the dark. I guess they come in handy that way, sometimes!