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Around the World of Sailing

26 June 2002

Finish Line

Water Level Update

Weekly Water Level Update
Available on line at:
http://www.torresen.com/atwos/2001/oc/1024/frw.htm

Below you'll find water level info that pertains
to Lake Michigan and Huron.
For information on other lakes see:
http://huron.lre.usace.army.mil/levels/weekly.html

Difference from Chart Datum +11
Difference from last month +4
Difference from last year +9
Difference from long term average for June -11
Difference from Record High -40
Difference from Record Low +22
Forecast for 21 July 2002 +2


Complete Great Lakes Water Level info at:
http://www.torresen.com/weather/weather/water_level/

Rowing Reporter

The Rowing Reporter is a weekly column of commentary and
observations by Ike Stephenson, Marine Informationist. It
concentrates on the home waters of Around the World of
Sailing, Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.
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 Man Overboards

The recent 635 mile Bermuda race saw at least three man overboard incidents. This equates to 1 incident per 212 miles of racing. In the Volvo Ocean race boats sail a combined 256,000 miles with 0 man overboard incidents.

The question might be asked why the disparity in incidents considering the relative amount of sailing done. 

The Bermuda race was one of the roughest and wettest on record. The wind angle plus the Gulf Stream current combined for seas that pounded both boats and crew. 

2 crew went off Morning Glory shooting a reported 15 feet in the air during the process. Boomerang had a crew fall overboard while making up a jib sheet during a sail change. Bright Star had a man go over when a wave flipped him over as he came on deck. Reports indicate that he wore a PFD. All crew were successfully recovered.

This space often speaks in favor of increased usage of PFD's. Obviously in certain cases a PFD is not all that is needed. Certain sea conditions literally call out for safety harnesses to be worn. Despite that fact all the overboard sailors were experienced and in the case of Morning Glory America's Cup level sailors they failed to stay onboard. 

Not surprisingly then Mike Howard who recently completed the VOR with Assa Abloy made this comment, "I became a believer in the necessity of wearing a harness in questionable conditions, especially at night."

File all this under: if they offer something better I will gladly learn.

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Readers Write

In response to last week's "Finding My Sailing" Nice Phil Nunn responded thoughtfully. Below I've reproduced some of Phil's thoughts and my comments.

"Knowing our personal view of sailing is important because it shades how we relate to other sailors, and more importantly, how we relate to non-sailors who are considering buying a boat and getting involved. These interested non-sailors are the people who are the potential for the future growth of sailing."

Yes, knowing what we feel about sailing can help us grow an activity we enjoy. Having experienced many kinds of sailing the Rowing Reporter will in coming weeks present some different ways of experiencing sailing. It's hoped these ideas will be of interest to both current and potential sailors.

"Are many of these people trying to escape the noisy go fast modern world for a few hours? Wilderness outfitters emphatically answer, "Yes!"

It is very true that all sorts of wilderness and extreme travel is increasingly popular. A sailboat can be a low cost, friendly, wilderness exploring vehicle.

"I knew what I wanted, and now thoroughly enjoy the solitude beyond 10 miles out. I sincerely believe that is the last wilderness, a place where I can be alone in a natural place governed by natural rules. The rhythm of my tiny white boat and the waves as I sail the vast boundary between the sea and the sky is a spiritual experience for me."

Phil's point about the last wilderness is a good one. Let's compare a point in Lake Michigan 10 miles out to a state park. I often visit state parks and feel they are one of the great recreating bargains available. Still, the beaches can be crowded, some trails are closed, cars whiz by as you hike, rules are posted. 10 miles out on Lake Michigan you can be alone as you desire, the natural cycles can help or hinder, sunny and moderate, dark with lightning, or breakers and rain. A state park pass is $ 20.00, a year while a coastal cruising sailboat's cost measured in at least 4 figures. Still I give Lake Michigan the edge in cost benefit analysis. 
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Around Alone Americans

American Around Alone entrants Tin Kent and Bruce Schwab are on the east coast. Next up for both is their solo qualifying sail to the Azores Islands and return. Tim will sail outbound with crew and then solo back while Bruce will reverse the process and sail the 1st leg solo.

Both sailors are better off nautically than financially. Both need to raise money for the 1 July entry fee deadline. 

It was a year ago that Tim Kent's Everest Horizontal visited Muskegon after the Queens Cup. Unfortunately for he and Bruce they are still in the most uncertain phase of Around Alone- getting to the starting line.

Individuals or companies that want to see a quality American presence in Around Alone should consider financial sponsorship. Visit http://www.everesthorizontal.com and http://www.oceanplanet.org to learn more.
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Rowing Reporter Interactive- Bringing people together,
passing messages and answering questions. The Rowing
reporter seeks comments, questions and suggestions.
Send email to ike@torresen.com.