[Sloop Scoop 2009] #2 9/26 -- 10/7

[Sloop John B]

Autumn greetings!

We're still in the water and will be for a couple more weeks. I've 
actually been out on the Sloop quite a bit this month with a few 
folks finally making it on, and will try to enjoy the remaining days 
we have after a slow June and July.  If you're on facebook, go to the 
Sloop Scoop group and check out Matthew's awesome in the water and 
underwater photos made possible by Nikki's cool waterproof camera housing.

RIP Arne
Again, I'm sorry for the break in communication, but this time it was 
due to sad news. Gordon's brother Arne died September 6th, from lung 
complications after fighting cancer for the past year.  Arne taught 
me so much about sailing--I always felt secure with him on the 
helm--even as recently as a rough river trip last Spring.  I've 
learned even more about taking care of a boat. In the midst of the 
chaos of a broken impeller in a narrow Sturgeon Bay channel, he had 
the presence of mind to say "Lisa, you have a boat now, you're going 
to have to do this someday so you better come down and watch." My 
first full season I had to do some repairs on the hull.  Arne, a tool 
and die maker, insisted on giving me a die grinder because "Everyone 
has to have a die grinder."  I can't imagine a spring commissioning 
without a die grinder, and may fellow die-grinder-less boaters have 
borrowed it, so I know that's true.  Even this past summer Gordon 
consulted Arne regarding my engine problems.  He will be missed.  The 
Sloop dressed ship for him the days after he died in remembrance.  So 
I've been with Gordon and his family quite a bit lately, and not 
really thinking about sending out emails recruiting for cruisers and crew.

SAILING
It looks like a wet Saturday and a windy Sunday, but we'll try to get 
out tomorrow.  If you are reading this email and want to go, contact 
me.  I'm sorting out at time.

Next Wednesday night (September 30th--and if we're still in the water 
October 7) will be a cruise--no more races.  Meet at the harbor at 
6:30 and well try to get out before 7:00 since it's hard setting up 
in the dark.  The following weekend, October 3 & 4, I'll try to sail 
both days, probably late morning/early afternoon.  I'd like to stay 
in until the weekend of the 11th but we may not make that this 
year.  So if you're free for a weekday day sail, or next weekend, or 
tomorrow, let me know.

MAST DROPPING AND RIVER TRIP
These will most likely happen within the next couple of weeks.  I'll 
give more details next week, once I coordinate with Isle Marie and 
Two Acres, our partners in the flotilla.

Hope to see some of you before the season ends.  Enjoy fall.

Skipper Schuy/Lisa
cell:  773-343-0153
General information: http://www.jewellgems.com/sloopscoop/index.htm
(what to do and bring, directions to the harbor (long-winded but 
interesting and accurate), etc.)

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SCHEDULE (many things permitting . . .)
no fixed schedule--see paragraphs above for approximate dates and 
times and contact me.