Coming Events!
2012 SUMMER RENDEZVOUS
"Trailbosses" Ted, Sally, Jack and Wendy, are excited and anxious to welcome you to the eastern shores of Georgian Bay for the 2012 GLGBA Rendezvous! Here are excerpts from an article written for the GLGBA Newsletter by the Slumskies and the Wards...
"The 2012 rendezvous will be held in Parry Sound, Ontario on July 26-28 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday). We will have dedicated space at Big Sound Marina, and plans are underway to install 50 amp service (thanks to the Great Lakes Cruising Club Rendezvous being held there two weeks prior). The "straw vote" taken at the 2011 rendezvous indicated that eighteen boats are planning to make the trek, plus the "trailbosses", making a total of twenty boats! Given the "extended cruise" location, we will be absolutely thrilled to have twenty boats present, and ecstatic if even more! For those planning to arrive via land cruiser, twelve rooms are available and will be reserved at the Bayside Inn. The Inn is within walking distance to the marina, and the owners are friendly and hospitable.
We plan to hold our sessions at the Parry Sound Museum. The views and grounds surrounding the museum cannot be beat. However, the uphill hike is another story! The town will provide us with bus service, likely supplemented by our very own taxi service, known as the "Slumskie Kids!" Further details have yet to be confirmed, but Canadian back bacon and pickerel are sure to be on the menu. Our Rendezvous will correspond with the Festival on the Sound, an annual celebration held in the area. We plan to pre-book tickets for the Friday night performance, hand no idea what the performance will be, but guarantee it will be good! While session planning is still underway, we hope to focus on the history and heritage of the area, supplemented by the odd technical insert, courtesy of "diesel Bob" and others. More will be coming as we firm up details.
A key item from the Charlevoix presentation was the Ward's offer to "lead the convoy" from Killarney to Parry Sound. Further planning and details will emerge as this plan comes together. However, given that Georgian Bay presents unfamiliar waters to many, this offer was very well received. While the Wards and others are "cruising the bay", the Slumskies will be hard at work "on the ground" making final preparations." (Webmaster's note; When available, you will be able to access registration forms and other information which will help you get into the swing of things as the 2012 Rendezvous approaches.)
If you have questions about this event, feel free to contact one of the GLGBA officers. And, be sure and visit our Photo Gallery for some great shots from past Rendezvous!
Past Rendezvous'
GLGBA's major event is the annual rendezvous, held at a Great Lakes port. Each rendezvous attracts 25 to 30 boats of all sizes plus 6 or 8 crews who, for reasons of distance or scheduling, decide to attend via "land yacht". Our rendezvous is a 3-day event convening on Thursday and ending Sunday morning. Programs typically include seminars on technical, historical and culinary subjects, plus tours of local landmarks, boat visits and ample opportunity for social interaction.
1996 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
1997 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
1998 - Frankfort, Michigan
1999 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
2000 - Mackinac City, Michigan
2001 - Bay Harbor, Michigan
2002 - Sioux Ste Marie, Ontario
2003 - Manitowoc, Wisconsin
2004 - St. Ignace, Michigan
2005 - Frankfort, Michigan
2006 - Rogers City, Michigan
2007 - Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
2008 - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
2009 - St. Ignace, Michigan
2010 - Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
2011 - Charlevoix, Michigan
2011 RENDEZVOUS
Bob Knight, Commitee Chair for the 2011 Rendezvous, reports that things are shaping up for a great time in beautiful Charlevoix, Michigan, August 4-6. Great Lakes cruisers know that Charlevoix is a premier destination, and a good turnout is expected for an exciting agenda.
Here's an article written by Bob and Andy Knight for the February 2011 GLGBA Newsletter...
"The port of Charlevoix, widely known favorably among yachtsmen on the lakes, is to be the site of our 2011 gathering. The city, along with the state of Michigan and private benefactors, have in the past few years financed a totally rebuilt waterfront area at the west side of Round Lake as parkland with stunning marina facilities, floating docks, 40 of which have been 'blocked' for our members
Registration of attendees at the marina will be held on the afternoon of August 4, and a welcome reception is scheduled in a tented facility located in the park area immediately adjacent to the marina. Members Dick and Joni Webster will be furnishing information that is sure to tempt many of our members to arrive earlier in the week so as to taste the pleasure of exploring Lake Charlevoix itself, its anchorages and marinas.
To assist in planning for the event, you will be sent during February a 'Letter of Intent' that will let the planners have an idea of how many persons are committed to come to the Rendezvous, and who may probably be planning to join the gathering, or definitely not expecting to register.
Rendezvous Fee of $195. per person will cover costs of meals - breakfast and lunches on Friday and Saturday, and also dinner on Friday night, with a banquet scheduled for Saturday evening at the Charlevoix Golf and Country Club. (Webmaster note: Bob reported in an earlier article that, for members driving to the Rendezvous, a number of rooms have been blocked out for our members at the Weathervane Terrace Inn, located near the Charlevoix Round Lake Marine site. For reservations, call (231) 547-9955.)
Informative sessions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday morning at the pleasant meeting rooms of the Charlevoix public library, located jut an easy walk from the marina.
Friday will feature a presentation and a dialogue with our members about contemporary 'best practices' for safety at sea, to be conducted by Ron Trossbach, who formerly headed the Navy Academy sail training program, was the 2008 Chairman of the Newport-Bermuda race committee that safely attracted more than 250 yachts and who is one of only four accredited Moderators for US Sailing Sanctioned Safety at Sea Seminars. That afternoon, Ron will conduct some 'on the water' demonstrations at the marina and we'll see in action and receive Ron's counsel on the use of contemporary safety gear.
For those who have never 'dared' Georgian Bay with its notable waters, we will be treated on Saturday to a presentation by the Slumskies, who along with their partners, will be hosting the 2012 Rendezvous to be held at Parry Sound. We'll learn from 'those who have been there' the best routing, charts to bring, ports in which to overnight en route, and we'll all have a chance to have our questions answered, and to discuss options, including the prospect of flotilla travel.
While most of us spend the summer enjoying our vessels, the Renezvous offers the only occasion on which all members can gather for the Association's Annual meeting to be conducted by President John Cahill. That event will follow the Saturday morning presentation of the Slumskies with a catered luncheon to be provided at the library.
For those in the mood for sightseeing, there will be an optional tour arranged for Saturday afternoon during which attendees will enjoy a visit to the famed and unique 'Earl Young' mushroom/stone houses. This is to be a guided tour with transportation supplied as a part of the modest tour cost.
Saturday evening - a banquet! This is to be held at the Charlevoix Golf and Country Club located just 2.5 miles north of Charlevoix, with transport there and back to be provided. Entree preferences will be offered in registration forms to be sent to all members well before the event. The club has been recently constructed and boasts elegant meals and service, with a large bar reached before the dining room where those that wish can purchase beverages of their choice. Wine and soft drinks will be available at each table.
With the forgoing plans now made, we organizers confirm our enthusiasm about the Rendezvous site and the facilities and programs to be presented there. Don't miss it!"
(Webmaster's note; When available, you will be able to access registration forms and other information which will help you get into the swing of things as the 2011 Rendezvous approaches.)
If you have questions about this event, feel free to contact one of the GLGBA officers. And, be sure and visit our Photo Gallery for some great shots from past Rendezvous!