Tracey School & the Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran
Summer 2010 Newletter
Well happy summer everybody! Yea!
Feels good doesn't it?
Where to begin.. we have a lot to tell you about.
Meet Capt. Ed Mustra. His is the voice you will hear on the other end of the line when you call to talk sailing at the Tracey School. Capt. Ed is going to run our school on a day to day basis as well as teach a bunch of classes. We need the help and we are very fortunate to get an experienced educator AND sailor on board to help "get 'er done" (as they say in Florida)!
End of the Meltdown?
2010 is a little busier than 2009 (thankfully) in the sailing business. The hope is that sailors are a little ahead of the curve and an indicator of future trends for our beleaguered economy. The point being: give it some thought and plan a wee bit further into the future if sailing school is part of your plan. Ditto- charters on the Kathleen D.
A three hour tour, three hour tour
Speaking of the Kathleen D- we had a quick sail home to NJ from Florida (Tampa Bay) this year. Typically we break the trip up into either three or four legs. This year we did it in two! Bradenton to Morehead City, NC and MC to Highlands, NJ. It turned into 1000 miles into weather and 400 miles sailing free with the wind behind us. A large low pressure system sat stationary between Bermuda and the Bahamas for almost two weeks! This kept a Northeast to East wind in place for most of the trip to Morehead City. Not what you are looking for when attempting to sail north up the East Coast. Alas, we motor-sailed a lot. Once we left Morehead City and got into the Neuse River and then Pamlico Sound we had some incredible sailing under the asymmetrical spinnaker. We left Pamlico at Oregon Inlet (Outer Banks) and sailed most of the remainder of the trip to NJ. (Most of that under spinnaker as well.) I recall seeing some 15 knot speeds going by on the knot meter, so as fast as we sailed was as fast as our memory of the first thousand miles melted away. Life at 15 knots is interesting and FUN!
After her haul out upon our return to NJ, the Kathleen D is all gussied up, dissected, inspected and corrected for another season of Gilligan's Island doing two and three hour tours! We also have some ASA-104 Bareboat Chartering and ASA-114 Cruising Catamaran, combination live aboard courses offered this summer and fall on her. July is sold out but we still have room for August and September classes.
Please remember, as with the sailing school activities, the charters are selling briskly so plan a little earlier to grab your dates.
Autumn Leaves-
While we are on the topic of our trips back and forth to Florida; we have set the dates for our trip south this autumn. It is hard to even think about the coming autumn when summer is just getting going here in the North East- but we have to plan in advance so you can plan in advance. Our busy lives dictate longer lead times.
The courses we offer heading down the East Coast are Intermediate and Advanced levels on the ASA ladder. All are "live aboard" and include standing watches and night sailing. We NEVER take chances with dangerous weather, but we keep the boat moving in most conditions, provided we can remain safe in doing so. There is an extra element of adventure in these courses you cannot attain in the standard offerings based from a single location.
If you are looking for a sense of what cruising and boat delivery is like while learning the skills you can only learn by doing- then consider one of these legs. I promise you- you will not be disappointed and you will feel a true sense of accomplishment when you finish.
Hot Fun in the Summer time
Sailing, like summer (and I guess life in general) is all about the weather. Since we do not offer "hard water" (ice) sailing instruction our focus is to get you out in the warm weather and sail. So whether it is for some schooling or just to lounge with friends, co-workers or family for a "Perfect Getaway" on the Kathleen D- come enjoy the sun and sunsets provided by Mother Nature. Clear your mind of all those man-made hassles and relax with us- on the water.
I have asked Capt. Ed to contribute and discuss in further detail some of the summer activities planned for 2010.so take it away Ed.
New Adventures
Some of you may remember me as your ASA Instructor last year or before, and yes I am still working as an instructor as well as the official paper shuffler for Tracey School!
We have set up some new items that should interest you, read on.
We are maintaining a full schedule of classes this year for improving your skills as well as training new Sailors. As a special bonus to our Alumni, receive an additional $25 class or boat rental credit for each NEW Student you recommend to Tracey School. The NEW Student must register your name with me when they schedule their class. A NEW Student is someone who has never before taken a class at Tracey School.
Checkout our website at http://www.traceyschool.com for a complete list of classes available, select the CALENDAR option at the top of the page to see a month at a glance, don't forget the ?returning student' discounts available to you. If you don't see what you are looking for, give me a call on 908-821-SAIL or e-mail me at SailTraceySchool@aol.com and we'll try to accommodate your needs and schedule.
If you are not yet Bareboat Charter Certified??
In addition to our combined 104/114 Catamaran Classes scheduled for August and September, we are offering a Bareboat Charter-Monohull Class August 13-15. This 3-day live-aboard class is only $695, includes provisions, and is aboard the Catalina 350 MKII, IRENE.
Book early as class size is limited! (remember our 10% discount to returning students)
Practice Makes Perfect
Also, in case you missed it, The NEW Tracey School Mentoring Program is
now available for weekdays and selected weekends. An instructor will spend an additional 4 hours reviewing on the water skills, practicing sailing maneuvers or just plain sailing around with you in our 22 foot training boat. You rent the boat for the regular half day fee of $100 and for an additional $100 you can have one of our ASA certified instructors work with you for the half day.
You are welcome to bring 2 additional guests to share in the experience, come back with your class-mates, family or friends and hone you new skills with a licensed captain and ASA certified sailing instructor.
Tracey School Sailing Club
Yes, we are continuing the Keelboat Charter for students of the Tracey School, apply what you learned in school. Our certified students automatically earn a membership into our Sailing Club. Once you have successfully completed your ASA-101 Basic Keelboat course you can rent our 22 ft. Seaward Sloop for a half day (4 hours) for $100. Sharpen your sailing skills! You may take up to a maximum of three persons with you. Practice your newly acquired skills and build you sailing expertise
Looking forward to eventually meeting you all, Have a Fantastic Summer and Fall!
