25 December 2007

... and we are losing Sabina....

Just a note...

Sabina will be leaving to move home towards the end of January. Plan on a farewell party for our good friend, and watch here for news on location, time, etc... etc...

Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone is having a great time, enjoying the company of family and friends. We have been very lucky with our Maskwa family, and we are all blessed to have each other. 'Tis the season for giving, etc, but it is a season to say thanks, and we are lucky indeed.

The Maskwa Christmas Spectacular went very well, with some of us getting home around 0330ish.. or so... actually, that is still kind of foggy. We have 2 good boxes of food for the Chicago Food Depository, and I will be bringing that to their location. Nicole and Sabina were the undisputed Twister champs, and neither had ever played before that night! (pics to follow...)

Stay tuned for pictures, and more info on when we are all getting together again. We still need another midwinter party, and I am sure we will all have some fun ... again.... and maybe even have a drink or two!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Scott

02 December 2007

A Maskwa Christmas Regatta

Hi Gang!!

Well, Saturday, December 15th will be the annual Maskwa Christmas Regatta Party Spectacular. As usual, it will be at Don's house, so please check your email, or get in touch with me for directions, etc.. etc... etc...

We will be collecting food for the Chicago Food Depository, so please bring canned goods, non-perishable items, stuff like that. I will be taking the box or boxes to their center the day after the party, and it is always nice to go with a little bit more than a little bit less.

Hope the winter is treating everyone good so far..... :-)

Scott

21 November 2007

Whale's Party

Hey Gang...

Well, Whale is having an Open house Party at his place, December 8th, from 3:00 PM till 8:00 PM. Let me know if you need the address, since it is his new place, etc.. etc.. etc... Whale is our guy, let's go over and join him for some fun.

18 November 2007

Silver Bullet (Scuba Steve's ride)

Silver Bullet finishes 2nd in Class!!

Our very own Steve helped bring Silver Bullet to a 2nd place finish on the Carib 1500 these past two weeks. They finished Monday at midnight (or maybe Tuesday,) Nov 13th, after starting Nov 4th! That is a serious LONG race! (1500 miles, in fact!) Let's hear it for Steve, and the crew of Silver Bullet!

In addition, Loren Thompson (Kahuna) raced on Crescendo, and they took a 1st, so Chicago sailors fared quite well.

Go Chicago!!

Carib 1500 finishes... waiting on results...

Hey Gang!

Well, waiting to either 1) Hear from Steve, or 2) the R/C to post the results. From what I can tell, Silver Bullet got in sometime on the 14th... they have not posted results yet, but I think they were 3rd or 4th. Go Steve!

17 November 2007

Katie joins the ranks of Captain (officially)


Our own Katie is now officially recognized as a Captain! Congrats on passing the test!!

15 November 2007

A new Racer on her way!!

Hi gang!!

Well, happy news! Our own Debbie (Mini Mouse) has had her little girl. Sarah Renee was born on Nov 4th, to the tune of 7lbs, 4oz., and was 19 in. long. Both mom, dad, and baby are doing great. Sorry for the late posting on this, but I wanted to wait till I had pics to put up here, and then I had to wait till I could resize them. (Shame on me!!)

Deb, Ann, and Ma Matthies:


We get to see dad here!!


Congrats from Maskwa to Deb, Ryan, and baby Sarah. Life is good!!

31 October 2007

Memorial for John Finn

I am sorry to come to you with sad news but I am sure that by now you have all heard about the tragic accident on Lake Michigan last week. We will surely miss our friend, crew-member on some weekends and competition on beer can races.

There will be a memorial service for John C. Finn of the yacht Jason
November 4th from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. about the Clubship.

Please call 312-938-3625 if you plan to attend.

This is the information from the Columbia website.

23 October 2007

Post Season Sailing, and River Trip!






Hi Gang!!

Well, Saturday the 20th was simply one of the BEST sails of the year! Very simple to ask ANY of the gang that was there (all 14 of us,) and they would all most likely agree.


Met down at BPYC on the dock a little late for starting, but we didn't miss our start signal! Rounding the South end of Burnham Harbor, we set the main. Only a few moments decision (quote - 'I don't think we'll have to jibe...') we set the "Bear Face" medium 'chute, and we were off. Instant 7 kts under those sails, with a nice breeze from the WSW. With Katie flying, and then soon with Rohit flying and George driving, we rapidly reached speeds of 8.5 kts sustained. Hit the magic 9 kts with a little work. Not too bad, for 5 weeks after the end of the season, only a few regulars, and a heavy boat! Simply lovely! Took the chute down as we neared Waukegan, and after passing EVERY sailboat that had been North of us from the start of our sail.




Added pics here so y'all could 'join in,' and be with us vicariously. It was really a fantastic day, and Now it is time to enjoy the offseason. We will all be getting together soon, to celebrate, and have fun. Hope you enjoyed the season, and let's look forward to the next! Maskwa Rocks in 2008!

Scott

p.s.. I finally have a good picture of Splash posted!

17 October 2007

"River" Trip

Hey gang,

Well, we are a go for Saturday, unless something changes drastically with the weather. Boat Call is 0830, and we plan on being off the dock by 0900. We should be able to get to Waukegan in 6 hours, and then we can train it back. The stop is right next to the harbor. Weather should be moderate.... not terrible... so here's hoping!

15 October 2007

Smooth Moves and Yacht Rock

Hi Gang!!

Well, for those of you who did NOT make it, both the Brunch at Katie's abode and Yacht Rockin' at Cobra Lounge made for the perfect combo.

First, we met at Katie's Kozy Apartment for some fritatas, sangria, and the embarassment of our Bears. Sigh. O.k., that out of the way, we had some funky conversation, and then The Bear, Splash, Yours Truely, and my lovely Mrs wandered over to Cobra Lounge for some Smooth Moves.

A bit of a late start for our band, but when they hit the stage, Smoothness and grooviness abounded. Rockin' us with the groovy sounds from the 70s that made superstar artists our of... Steely Dan... Hall and Oats... Michael McDonald... Kenny Loggins... well.. and many more, a great time was had. Cobra even brought in a beach for all those who wanted to play around, and truely live the experience. Yachties of all types were spotted, and the 70's lived on for one night, at least.

Check them out---
http://www.myspace.com/feelthesmooth

We really had a great time, and thanks to Carl at Cobra for the great venue, Smooth Moves for the groovy jams, and our own Katie, for the killer brunch, great bubbly, and getting us together.

Ciao.

Scott

11 October 2007

Tuesday's Lovely Sail.....


Well, we had a positively lovely day for a sail on Tuesday. Winds were strong and steady out of the W/NW, so there were NO waves, and the amazing thing is... here.. in this first picture---

So, you can see something interesting in that photo. That kind of folded over sail is a REEF. This is something that you have to do when the wind is TOO STRONG for the amount of sail that you have up. We had consistant winds of 25 kts, with frequent gusts to 32-33, and of course, the occasional stronger gust.

We were doing a steady 7 kts in that breeze, under a reef and no headsail. Pretty sweet. We did see 8 kts a few times, but we had to feather up in the puffs of wind.. some of them were pretty strong.



So, probably one of our last evening sails this season. The plan is still to get the boat out of the water on the 20th. More details to come on that when needed. The sail/motor will take about 5 hours at least, so we will try to start at BPYC nice and early, and then take the train back from Waukegan. Rain date is set for Oct 21st.


See you all soon,

Scott

Katie's Sunday Party!!


Hi Gang!!

Well, quick news, here.

Party at Katie's new place. The plan is to have brunch, watch the Bear's game, and then have a cocktail or two till Yacht Rock comes on the stage at Cobra Lounge. Her place at 2:00 PM or later, jsut come on along when you get the chance. At least, that is the plan from Katie... Check your email for further info like addresses, etc.... Speaking of Dark and Stormy's....

30 September 2007

Sunday's Cruise... and the Mighty Wind

Today's conditions were great. Sunny, warm (~ 80ºF), and windy (about 15-20 kts. out of the south). It was a perfect day for a race... if the season didn't end two weeks ago. After we hoisted the main, it was rather apparent that a reef would be a good idea. That is correct ladies and gentlemen, conditions called for a REEF and I'm not taking about a shoal created by coral polyps. I'm refering to the sailing technique in which one reduces the amount of sail area because (and I know this is hard to believe) there is too much wind.

Needless to say, we sailed with main only and held pretty steady around 7.5 kts! In fact, there were times when the boat was overpowered. I know it's amazing to think that such a thing could happen in 2007 on Lake Michigan but, I have experienced it first hand. Now, you might think I'm a nut like those who have claimed to see the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot. But, I tell you that it was real and not some sort of government consipracy to conceal a top secret military project. Air really can move in speeds up to and in excess of 20 knots. If you don't believe me talk to Don, Crystal, Ute, Andrew, the other George, or Dave. They can all confirm my story.

- El Splasheriño

P.S. Happy anniversary to Nicole and Scott. I think God sent the wind in their honor because Scott is such a blowhard *ha ha ha*. Seriously, happy 1st anniversary and many more to follow.

29 September 2007

Sunday Sailing. (30 Sept 2007)

I have received word from our illustrious skipper that the cruise is a GO! Don plans to arrive at Burnham around noon and would like to leave dock around 1pm. He anticipates that we will return by 5pm, possibly sooner depending on the weather.

NOAA is forecasting a day that is mostly sunny, high temperature around 80°F (25°C), south winds 15-20 kts., and waves 3-5 feet. Currently, the surface temperature of Lake Michigan is approximately 65-68°F (18-20°C). So, plan accordingly.

- Splash

24 September 2007

Sailing THIS weekend!! Plus, big news!

Hi Y'all!!

Well, just came from sailing on Turning Point... what a PERFECT night out!!....

Talked to Don... He is now the Grandfather of a lovely baby girl... Addison was born today (Monday,) and weighed over 9 Lbs!! Don said she was as big as a 2 month old... so they will be releasing mom and baby in a day or two, and all is well with both.

There WILL be sailing this weekend. Not 100% sure which day. Sat or Sun, and I will be in Napa, enjoying a wine tasting on the occasion of Nicole and my First Anniv. SO, Splash will be the clearinghouse for the weekends sailing info. Please get ahold of him through either here, or his cell phone (I would rather this number not be made public - S McA).... or, chips_g@ameritech.net (and let the spam begin - S McA).

Hope all is well with all...

Scott

p.s.. you can congratulate Don at skipper@maskwa.org.

23 September 2007

Crew Pics


Your Race Committee..... (should get more volunteers out of this....)

Not Related to Sailing

Hi Gang...

Well.. as we are in the off season, life continues to move along rather nicely. We are getting ready to hopefully do some fall sailing... Nicole and my wedding anniversary is coming up... Don will soon have another grandchild... (note on THAT: Last time we spoke, he said they are going to induce his daughter in the next few days. Don (and Maskwa) will have a new nephew!! (or neice... don't know yet...)

So.... I'm hanging out, reading some online news info......
sailinganarchy.com
sailflow.com
weather.com
WSJ
all the fun stuff....

And then I stumble across this, and it was one of those moments that rang clearly, like a bell.

(The link will be at the bottom... but please read this, and then click...)

I'm not sure what other Universities do it, but it started as a "Last Lecture Series." Great and famous professors give what would be their "Last lecture," if they knew that they were fated to die (hint... we all are...)

Well, it is a little bit different for THIS professor.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid452319854/bctid1199157902

http://www.etc.cmu.edu/global_news/?q=node/42 (click on "Play it now".. it's about 90 minutes.

Just food for thought... and a glimpse of the big picture...

Back to our regular scheduled sailing chat.....

21 September 2007

More Crew Pics


Nice pics so far, Scooter. Now my picture was a bit over the edge but, somehow appropriate. However, your pic was from the wedding. Come on. Let's at least have one of you on the boat....

- Splash McAllister

17 September 2007

Crew Pics


Traci

Crew Pics


Andrew

Crew Pics


Steve

Crew Pics


Doug and Shanghai Chris

Crew Pics


Doug

Crew Pics


uummm... Don, again

Crew Pics


Young David

Crew Pics


Katie

Crew Pics


Our Skipper

Crew Pics


Out of control George Splash

Crew Pics


Nicole and Scott at the wedding

Crew Pics

Well, since we have more than just our little crew visiting this site, I am going to post pics of the various characters sailing on Maskwa. We'll have the regulars, and even guests will appear on here from time. If you have any pictures you would like posted, please let me know. I will try to post without comment... most pictures speak for themselves.

16 September 2007

Chicago Yachting Association Ball

This Year's CYA Ball will be Saturday, November 10th, in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Tickets are $90 per person prior to October 10th, and $100 afterwards. This is a good time for all... get dressed up in formals, and dance, drink, and dine till midnight-ish.

Here is a shot from last year's ball---


Please let Don know if you are interested in going. We will try to get a table. It is simply a fun time, and we can play dress-up.

It started cold and windy




Well, at least it started cold....

The Sheldon Clark Regatta was a fitting exercise in frustration for the last race of the season. We had lovely wind as we headed out. Leaves on trees were flapping, the flags on the masts were snapping, and it was all of 46 degrees F. As we motored out, we could enjoy the wave action on the boat. Nice big rollers, more smallish ocean swells, than lake waves. Fun to sail up and down, not just left and right.

Well, we got the sails raised, and that pretty much, like for the rest of the season, shut the wind off. We had a great start, even as the wind was working it's way down to single digits. We have raced in slow wind all year, and are getting better and better. We sail quite well down to 6 kts or so, when earlier this year, anything below 10 was the death of us racing. But, sure enough, the wind ran out.

Now, this is NOT terrible. The R/C could shorten the course (easily enough,) or let us bob around trying to finish 4 legs, when it took us 2 hours to finish the 1st leg. And what a leg! Started upwind, started clocking around (Don and Bill read it perfect, and positioned us well on the racecourse,) then it died the first time. A little becalmed, time for a sail change. Wind moving, but from the other side; sail change again, no wait! Different sail change, let's put up the 'chute! Bobbed around with that for a bit, then dropped it, loaded up the code 1, and made it around the mark!

Excellent work so far. Rounded in second place, might be able to correct to first, and away we go! Bang! Abandon Race!

Yup, the R/C decided to abandon the race, with some boats up starting leg 4, some on the 3rd leg, some of us finally around on the 2nd leg. What a pain. Fitting end to the season, though.



We had a great time with "Turning Point on Maskwa Day." Nicole, Darcy, and Bill joined us for the last (damn cold) race of the season. Nicole and Darcy did wonders making us go fast with excellent tacks, and Bill stood behind Don with a batten and the handheld compass finding us a course to go even faster. Too bad it was all ruined by the R/C, but that is just how it goes.

More sailing to come... no more races, but we will be doing some fun sailing, and Maskwa will be sailed (hopefully) up to Larson's Saturday, Oct 20th.

Sheldon Clark Driftfest

Well, that sucked.

For those who were not there, the last race of the season was quite fitting.

We left the harbor, and the wind was snapping the flags on the masts, and creating nice waves. The forecast was not terrible, but gave a bad forboding; the wind would die sometime during the races today. Well, that was not the half of if.

As we were working our way to the 'box,' the wind was already dying in fits and starts. I remember looking back at Traci and Ute on the rail, and saying "This is gonna suck." Little did I know how correct that would be.

A race delayed... Upwind, Downwind, reaching,becalmed, and sailing for 2 hours; ALL on the first leg!
Race abandoned!

More to come....

12 September 2007

Sheldon Clark Regatta-- Saturday, September 15th

Well, we are down to the last (official) race of the season. We have had a good turnout so far
this year, but we have also lost some serious key players for Maskwa. Jean, who left for a position in
Denver; Doug, who left the country and moved to California, and Chris Ritchie, who REALLY left the
country and moved to Shanghai. Now THAT is getting away from it all

So far for the race, we have signed up:
George
Nicole
Ute
Traci
Amanda
Darcy

in addition to Don and I, We will have Bill from Turning Point, too. (That's GOOD news.) So that gives us 9... we
can certainly use another head if anyone is interested.

Heading out to the lake now for the "un-beercan." Hey... it's sailing..... :)

Best,

Scott

10 September 2007

Maskwa Blog



Hi Gang!!

This will be an attempt to keep y'all up to date on what is going on with our (Don's) boat, as well as a link to a Google-Calender so that you can write your names in on the schedle, see what we have planned, events, sailings, and results.

Please let me know if you have any ideas on what we can do to make this simpler, or prettier.

Best to all!

Scott