SIDE VIEW
Many thanks to the USCG for providing us with some very interesting speakers this past month. I know I learned some things, hopefully you did too (as long as you hung around for the program). For instance, it never would have occurred to me to make my own holding tank, much less realize that it needed to be certified by the Coast Guard.
Also, much to my dismay, I learned that VHF Channel 9 is NOT intended to be used for a hailing frequency (as it had earlier been explained to me). So we’re back to the original Channel 16 for hailing and distress. It’ll make things easier for us in determining where to meet someone on the radio, but it will also mean that the distress frequency will need to be monitored by us all so we’ll know when we can and when we cannot use the channel. So much for plans.
Speaking of plans, there’s still a lot going on with the club in terms of cruises. If you have it in mind to voyage somewhere this year, there’s members heading in just about every direction over the next few months. If you end up sailing alone, you have no one to blame but yourself.
Which leads me to this month’s program. I’m trying to work out a cheap alternative to a video presentation. A few days back, a friend at the marina loaned me a tape that I feel I should be sharing with the rest of you. I have to admit it’s a foreign film, and as such, it’s over dubbed. The voice used, I believe, is that of the man doing the sailing (you expected another subject matter?) but the video far out-weighs the audio. Who knows, perhaps we could offer our own soundtrack narration to go with the images.
IMPORTANT WARNING CONCERNING NUDITY: I have to warn you, it’s a foreign film. It’s by a Frenchman, and we all know their attitude towards the human body. Keep in mind that this is a film about a man that sails a thirty foot Alberg sloop (no, it’s not Mark Bailey) from France to Quebec, the long way. Since he’s by himself for the majority of the trip he’s got a certain familiarity with his camera and he is obviously very comfortable with his personal image.
If that doesn’t pique your imagination and curiosity, I guess I’ll have to drive up to Kingsland for the next set of videos. I understand if you buy four, you get a fifth free. Hanging out with this club, a free fifth could come in REAL handy.
So, we’ll see ya’ll at the May meeting, bring your popcorn for the film-fest........