TELLTALES 30 (June 11, 2008)

• Our first parent orientation on May 31 went well and Ashlyn Weed served as the demonstrator for capsize and recovery. The first session of our basic sailing program is wrapping up its second week with Charlotte Sims and Michelle Thomas directing two full classes (morning and afternoon) of Optimist skippers. Bryan White is coaching another full class of 420 sailors.

• Fortunately, Sammy Waldron is home from the University of Miami and happily filled in for Charlotte, who is participating in a national championship regatta, during this week.

• We had 17 young people attending our sailing counselor training May 31. They will serve throughout the summer and hopefully become certified instructors when they turn 16.

• One sailor showed up at 8 a.m. for the sailing counselor course, which wasn't scheduled until 10:15. She said that her mother read the "Tell Tales" and while we want parents to read them, they are primarily directed to the sailors. It's their responsibility, not the parents.

• Our pizza party was very popular as usual. We cleaned up the boats and put old sails on the older boats (25 through 36) which are being used for the summer sessions.

• We also reassigned boats and the new listing is: Chloe Dietrich, 48; Garrett Lawlor, 47; Stefan Johnson, 46; Sami Tornese, 45; Andrew Sosa, 44; Alicia Muscato, 43; Ashlyn Weed, 42; Evan Langer, 41; Stephan VerHulst, 40; Cara Patete, 39; Jonathan James, 38, and Marissa Phillips, 37.

• Highlight of the day, of course, was the annual parents' race. Eight parents and one brother (Sarah Vogelson's older brother, Steve) entered and only one dropped out. Lloyd Weed garnered two firsts and two seconds to cop top honors while Jeff Johnson placed second and the aforementioned Steve took third. Other good sports were Tony Langer, Sari Reegler, Tom Lawlor, Paul Dietrich, Celeste Patete and Leslie Langer. Very valuable prizes (from the Lost and Found box and Charlotte Sims' organizational efforts) went to all contestants.

• One June 2, one sailor, who had not signed up, appeared at our doorstep for the 420 class. It was full and if Alicia Muscato had not relinquished her spot, that sailor would have been out of luck. The point is that you have to sign up for these activities (classes, helping). And if you sign up, you should follow up and attend, be there, etc. We have these lists for a very good reason.

• There is no limit to the number to the number that can participate in the Special Optimist class which begins next Monday. Those signed up so far include: Alicia, Stefan, Garrett, Ashlyn, Sami, Stephan and Evan. If anyone else wants to join Bryan White's class, let Jabbo know soonest.

• This Saturday's sailing hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. because we have another parent orientation slated for 9 a.m. Garrett will be the demonstrator for Session 2.

• Our appreciation also goes to Jackie Henson Dacey who helped clean the Pram Shed with Charlotte and Michelle on May 29, in preparation for the summer program.

• Unfortunately for us, Zack Jordan moved to downtown Sarasota earlier this month and probably will join Sarasota's Youth Sailing Program. Jonathan James is taking off for the summer but probably will rejoin us in the fall. His sister, Ashley, starts learn to sail next Monday. Mallory and Marissa Phillips may sail with us some during the summer, but will drop out in the fall.

• Correction: In the series results of Tell Tales 29, I spelled it Brian White. It should be Bryan White and I had spelled it correctly earlier. I do know better. Sorry about that, Bryan.