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As the weather warms, we can all feel that it’s almost time to sail! Classes are full, last minute work is being completed at the boatyard, and the harbor is ready for our fleet! Thanks to everyone who helped ready the boats and to those that will move them up the river. If you have never volunteered for the river trip, keep your eyes on Slack— it’s a fun way to start the season. Hope to see everyone at our official kickoff party on May 11 at COLYC and on’t forget to register!
Meighan Depke, Editor
 
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From the Safety Committee
After a long winter, the sailing season is finally here! Soon we'll all be heading to the harbor to board our fleet of wonderful boats. Skippers, as you gear up, put on your sunscreen, and get ready to set sail, here are a few important reminders:
Always Check your Boat's Status Before you head to the harbor, log on to my.sailchicago.org and review the status of your boat on the Fleet Status page. Are there any issues or warnings that you should be aware of? More importantly, has your boat been taken out of service? Remember, you are responsible for knowing the maintenance status of your boat. Sailing a boat that is out of service is the same as sailing a boat without a reservation. This is a serious rule infraction.
And while you're on my.sailchicago.org, take a moment to review the current wind/wave conditions and the weather forecast for your sail.
Carefully Complete the Pre- and Post-Sail Checklists The checklists are an essential and required part of every sail you do. They ensure that you have put eyes on and assessed your boat’s critical systems and safety equipment before setting sail, and that you consistently close up the boat after sailing completes. These checklists are also the primary way skippers communicate maintenance issues — even small ones — to our boat maintenance teams. Remember, failing to complete the checklists is an infraction of Sail Chicago rules.
Proceed with Caution We're all eager to get out on the water, but for most of us, it's been at least six months since our last sail. Our skills are rusty! Keep that in mind as you head out on your first sails of the season. Bring along another skipper or experienced crew. Use careful judgement about the wind and wave forecast, and be conservative in estimating your own skills. Let's make sure our sailing this summer is safe and fun — see you out on the water!
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New Tiller Time Policies
Tiller Times are one of the most important ways that students can practice their skills, and all students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of them. Unfortunately, demand is high, and available Tiller Times are limited. So, to allow as many students as possible to practice, the Board has put the following new policies in place:
1. Every student is limited to four (4) Tiller Times per season. You will not be able to sign up for more than four.
2. If you cancel your seat on a Tiller Time with less than 24 hours notice, it will count toward one of your four Tiller Times.
Students should practice as much as they can, and we want to make sure that everyone has a chance! Tiller Time usage will be monitored throughout the season, and adjustments to the rules will be made as needed. Keep an eye on The Telltale where any changes to these policies will be announced.
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Become a Sail Chicago Instructor
Interested in joining the Instruction Team? The Instructor Prep class gets you ready to teach at Sail Chicago! Candidates should have a minimum of two years skipper experience with Sail Chicago, and be confident and competent sailors. Prep begins with the Sail Chicago Skills and Standards for the Colgate 26 Instructor Exam. Candidates will then shadow a minimum of one Sail Chicago instructor and complete a shadow form. This is followed by two OTW classes with a Sail Chicago Instructor Trainer (certified Basic Keelboat Instructor). Instructor trainers will share learning practices that make Sail Chicago's classes safe and fun. Candidates will then demonstrate those practices. Finally, candidates will conduct a Tiller Time sail while being observed by Instructor Mentors. The Mentor then completes an observation form, gives solid feedback, and makes recommendations on improving the candidate's teaching style. Classes open soon, and there is limited space, so start planning now! Questions? Contact Monte Lewis at leadinstructor@sailchicago.org.
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Waitlists for Classes
Registration for the 2024 season is complete and all classes are full. If you signed up for the lottery but weren’t able to register, your name has been added to the appropriate waitlist. Students who were able to register for their chosen class have also been added to the waitlist for the next class in sequence. Waitlist order was determined by the number assigned in the registration lottery. Waitlists are now posted on the Sail Chicago Data Hub.
Crew Waitlist
First Mate Waitlist
Skipper Prep Class Waitlist
If you missed sign up for the lottery, add your name to a waitlist here.
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Pre-Sail Orientation
With sailing classes about to begin, a reminder — before attending the first class, new students are required to attend a Pre-Sail Orientation (PSO). This is an opportunity to learn about Sail Chicago as an organization, find out what is expected for class, meet some seasoned members of the club, and ask questions. Sign up for a PSO on the my.sailchicago.org portal under Instruction > Course Availability. The 90-minute course is available in-person or virtual, so find a date and time that works for you. For questions, please email our PSO Coordinator, Nina Wheeler, at pso@sailchicago.org.
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Social News
Kickoff party at ColYC:
Saturday, May 11, 3-6pm
Register today for this fun event to kick off the season, catch up with old friends, and make new sailing buddies. The event is open to PAID members and their guest only, so be sure to get your 2024 dues paid if you have not already done so. The cruiser Calypso will be available for touring during the Kickoff event.
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Tall Ship Windy Educational Tour:
Saturday, June 8, 11am
This 90-minute hands-on learning experience is a great way to enjoy physics, history and storytelling while taking an active part in sailing the vessel. Learn about maritime heritage on the Great Lakes as history comes alive with an exciting educational adventure for curious minds of all ages. Cost is $35 plus tax and fees. Children under 18 are $25.
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Friends and Family picnic: Saturday, July 20
Happy Hour events: Aug + Sept dates TBD
End of Season Dinner at ColYC: Thursday October 24
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Our April Happy Hour had an amazing turnout at Lizzie McNeil's to watch the bridges raise and boats pass through. Ok it was only 2 boats, but the weather was perfect and it was fun to mingle with friends, watch the bridges, and gaze at all the sightseeing boats.
 
 
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Mooring Line Reminder
Please do not loop the mooring line over the pickup wand when departing the can — it should be left it in the water. Although convenient, doing so has caused damage and entanglements to the pickup wands and tether lines.
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Call for Videographers
Once again this season, Sail Chicago is looking for a team to create instruction videos. The video team will create content, record video, edit, and post to the Sail Chicago YouTube channel. Interested? Have video production skills? There will be a pre-season meeting so please contact Doug Sink at ddsink@icloud.com or 630-418-1318 if interested.
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Learn or review first aid skills in this four-hour course, Sunday, February 25 from 8:30am-12:30pm at Columbia Yacht Club in the Upper Salon. 
