Category Archives: Events

News about upcoming Events (typically not related to a specific racing event).

Events, News

2024 Year End Awards Banquet Info & RSVP

Our year-end dinner/celebration is Sunday September 22 at 5:00pm at La Cantina in Paw Paw.  If you were at our last get together at Jac’s, you may have seen the limited menu that Julie L and I selected.  This menu is included below. We ask that you RSVP with either a yes or no – by replying to this email, along with your dinner selections and if you want to add a side salad.  We have the back of the restaurant to ourselves, and later, we will have our trophies/gifts/meeting in the room downstairs.  Fleet-provided appetizers will be provided soon after 5pm, so be sure to arrive on time!

Again, simply reply to this email by no later than Monday September 16th with your RSVP.  

Weather permitting, our commodore Wally Elsner has offered to host a bonfire not far away.  If you want to attend,  BYOB and your own chair.  

Let me know if you have any questions – 

Kathy  – ALCA Secretary 

ALCA Year End Banquet Meal RSVP
ALCA Year End Banquet Meal RSVP
Events, News, Series Racing, Summer Series

Summer Series Week #6 – August 13, 2024

UPDATE: We are CANCELLED for the night due to <3 winds on the course. Any interested sailors can meet us, at 6:30 PM, on the patio at Main Street Pub on S. Westnedge (just North of Jac’s, on the opposite side of the road).

Tuesday marks our 6th week of the summer racing series – and the forecast looks a lot more pleasant, temperature and sunshine – wise than last week……but sadly light variable winds of maybe 5mph – ugh!  Feast or famine!  Wally is our RC on John Koryto’s pontoon, and we go to Jac’s afterwards for results.  If we are cancelled, stay tuned, as I know there is music from 6-9pm at Jac’s and we may find another venue.  

Great news – we have a pontoon and RC for our last two weeks – thank you Dave Stiemsma!  

This week the Wave 100 is being held off the Lake Michigan coast – they start off Tuesday from South Haven, sailing to St Joe, then to New Buffalo Wednesday and finally on to Michigan City on Thursday.  You can learn more about the event on the Formula Wave Class Facebook page.

Save the date: Saturday, September 7th (rain date Sunday, September 8th) for the Commodore’s cup, Fleet 126 racing off Washington Beach in Michigan City.  Stay tuned for more details!  

Kathy – ALCA Secretary 

Events, News, Series Racing

Year End Party Date Set

Good morning!

Julie and I were talking last night about getting a year end date set, and looking at our schedules, along with CRAM’s regatta dates, we decided to pick Sunday September 22, a Sunday to make it easier for Michael K. to attend.  Also, it’s easier to book a restaurant for a late Sunday afternoon. 

Also, since last night was so painfully loud at Jac’s with the music, I’m thinking we should try a new place if we have another cancellation.  Maybe Main St Pub or Monelli’s. 

Stay dry and don’t float away!

– Kathy Rubino

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary

Events, News, Series Racing

Letter From the Commodore – 4/29/2024

Ahoy Hoy,

Dear ALCA Fleet 519 members,

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of warmer weather and the gentle breezes that beckon us back to the water, I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as we embark on another exciting sailing season.

Since our humble beginnings in 1984 with just a dozen passionate sailors, our fleet has flourished into a vibrant community of over 30 individuals dedicated to the exhilarating sport of catamaran sailboat racing. From those who are just dipping their toes into the world of sailing to seasoned veterans who have navigated the waters of national and international competitions, our diverse membership truly reflects the breadth and depth of our shared passion.

As we prepare to hoist our sails and set course for adventure, I am reminded of the countless memories we have created together on the water. From the thrill of crossing the finish line in a closely contested race to the tranquil moments spent gliding across the lake at sunset, each experience serves as a testament to the joy and camaraderie that define our beloved sport.

Our sailing schedule for the upcoming season is brimming with excitement, with our Spring Series set to kick off on May 7th, followed by our much-anticipated Summer Series starting on July 9th. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a novice eager to learn, there is something for everyone to enjoy as we gather every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM to share in the thrill of racing and the beauty of Austin Lake.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated officers who tirelessly work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of our club. Your commitment and passion are the wind in our sails, guiding us toward success both on and off the water.

Our current officers are:

– Commodore: Walter Elsner

– Vice-Commodore: Michael Kucharski

– Secretary: Kathy Rubino

– Treasurer: Faith Akert

– Race Chairman (Not an ALCA Officer position): Floating

– Statistician/Scoring/Webmaster: Andy Lenczycki

As we prepare to embark on this new season of adventure, let us remember the values that unite us – sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a shared love for the sea. Together, we will continue to promote the sport of catamaran racing and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Fair winds and following seas, Walter Elsner Commodore

Events, News, Series Racing

Spring Meeting (3/24/2024) Summary

Good Afternoon, Folks!

A big thanks to those of you who came to the meeting on March 24th – it was great to reconnect!  To summarized what happened:

  • The revised by-laws were adopted  (see attached)
  • Sailing seasons were voted upon and this is what the majority wanted: 

Spring May 7th through June 25th (8 weeks), 

July 2nd off 

Summer July 9th through August 27th (8 weeks) 

  • Format will be Portsmouth A and B, with 1 start for each race 
  • Race Chairman will be on a volunteer basis (see by-laws for responsibilities).  if there is no race chairman or committee boat for a given week, races for that week will be cancelled
  • Sign up for Race Chair can be found on the following link:  Sign Up Here.
    any questions, please let me know.  Also, once you sign up please let me know.  The officers ask that you only sign up, do not move the names that are entered already.  Everything is open for discussion, in the event of someone wanting a week that is filled.  Also, please see the PDF for the most recent sign-ups.  
  • Depending on the sign-ups, Dave Dunlap and myself will have an early season training session at our place on a Sunday afternoon before the start of the season (May 5).  
  • After sailing gatherings will be at Jacs again this year. 

    For now, I think that is it.  Thank you to all who have joined already!  

Kathy 

Fleet Secretary 

Events, News, Series Racing

Race Committee Informational Session Sunday May 5th

Happy Spring!

The start of sailing season is quickly approaching with the first Tuesday night race scheduled for May 7th.  A big thanks to John Hayward for signing up to be race chair for the first two weeks of racing!  Thanks also to the others who have volunteered – I will include the link below so you can see where we are at with our sign ups.  Dave and I are planning to hold an informational training session for running our races at our place on Sunday May 5th at 1PM.   Dave will have the marks, flags, horns, etc available for demo,  and  we will go over the running of the program on the tablet for the start sequence as well as the mechanics of the stopwatches for timing the finishes.  We’ll also take a look at the forms and have the committee boat binder available so future race chair persons can become familiar with it. Our address is:  5061 South Long Lake Dr. Portage.  

Sign up for Race Chair can be found on the following link:  Sign Up.
Any questions, please let me know.  Also, once you sign up please let me know.  The officers ask that you only sign up, do not move the names that are entered already.  

Everything is open for discussion, in the event of someone wanting a week that is filled.

We are having it early so it won’t interfere with anyone’s dinner Cinco de Mayo plans!  Hope to see you here! 

Kathy

ALCA Secretary 

Events, News, Series Racing

ALCA 2024 KICKOFF MEETING & PARTY

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Happy End of Winter Everyone!

As we say hello to spring this week, it’s also time to start thinking of getting back on the water!  Our spring kick-off meeting will be held Sunday March 24th at our place on Long Lake.  The fleet will provide  pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw; please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share.  Water, soft drinks and coffee provided, BYO adult beverages.  

Where: Kathy Rubino and Dave Dunlap’s house on Long Lake

             5061 South Long Lake Drive, Portage

When:  March 24th Sunday 

             2:30 pm – arrive, social time

             3:00 pm – meeting starts

             4:00 – 4:30 pm – dinner

At the meeting, we will discuss and vote on the by-law changes; the updated by-laws were sent out 2 weeks ago to 2023 members.  These changes were necessary since no one has stepped up to be a PRO, and describes the operation of the fleet without a PRO as an officer.  The revised by-laws describe the best solution the officers were able to come up with. 

We will also vote on the usual: 

  • sailing format
  • fleets
  • racing schedule. 

It’s time to renew your membership – remember to bring your checkbooks or cash for joining!  See the membership form – I will have these available at the meeting.  

RSVPs appreciated –  Hope to see most of you!  

Kathy Rubino – ALCA Secretary 

Events, News

Reminder: Year End Banquet & Trophy Awards – Friday, October 6, 2023

The year end banquet and trophy distribution will be at Traveler’s Pub on Portage Road, Friday, October 6th.

– Cocktails/Happy Hour 6 pm – 7 pm Appetizers provided by fleet (don’t be late!)

– Dinner to follow

– Trophies/awards by Statistician

– Fleet meeting, thank-you’s and election of officers by Commodore

– weather permitting, bonfire at Dave and Kathy’s 

Events, News, Regattas

Fall Racing Opportunities

Ahoy Hoy, 

Just wanted to chime in and let everyone know that there are a few racing opportunities still this month. The first is with Fleet 126 in Michigan City this upcoming Saturday September 23rd with a rain date on Sunday. Please reach out to Michael Kucharski with any questions. 

Secondly, the final CRAM event of the year is in Muskegon on September 30th and October 1st CRAM Sailing – Muskegon Lake Regatta

Enjoy fall, and see you at the year end Party details to follow.

—

Fair Winds

Walter (Wall-E) Elsner

ALCA Fleet 519 Secretary 

Events, News

Update on the Fleet 126 Michigan City 1-Day Regatta Scheduled for 7/21/23

Giving you a heads up. Our Race Committee has moved Race 1 from Saturday to this Sunday due to the weather forecast and because anticipated sea and wind conditions are more favorable on Sunday. Boats will be arriving between 8:00am and 9:00am on Sunday. Our Skippers Meeting is scheduled for 9:00 am at the Beach Boat ramp with the first race scheduled for 11:00am. We will be finished by 5:00pm and departing the parking lot no later than 7:00 pm Sunday evening. No parking lot barricades are required and we will not be putting up any beach fencing as this is only a day regatta with no overnight beach boat storage. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you as always for your keen assistance and support. 

Regards,

John A. Nekus – Commodore, Hobie Fleet 126

Mobile: +1 312 656 1689 – Email: johnnekus@gmail.com