Commodore's Corner

Ahoy Pelagians!

As previously mentioned, Past Commodore Russ Vickers is serving our club as Chair of the Nominating Committee.” Three committee members are working with Russ to fill open positions. Since 1969 the Pelagic Sailing Club has been serving our mission to bring competent sailors and crew together to sail. We are dedicated to sailing safety for all our members and guests.

We have concluded the Northern and Southern Cruises. I had a great Northern Cruise with 2 awesome and seasoned Pelagic sailors, Dee Dines and Barry Perlman. They participated in every way during the entire journey, and I could not be grateful enough to them and our other boats and crew for such an enjoyable time on and off the water!

On one of our sails, we discussed true north and magnetic north sailing. I use magnetic and I am truly a regional sailor and only sail overseas or anywhere on vacations by renting or chartering a vessel as many Pelagians do. I explained that aviation (flights everywhere) sail by a magnetic compass and not true north for navigation. I do not know if this is well known but I know it is important for all of us to know the difference, how to make a correction, read a chart and then as a last resort use electronics. Knowing the deviation which changes throughout regions of the world with latitude and longitude is important or we may fall off the end of the world! This does require training to understand it well and then how to use dead reckoning. I am not expert!  We got caught in some fog on one or two legs of our sailing in early August, but we all did well with sharing our knowledge and helping. 

We have time for some impressive fall weather sailing and then chartering or sailing down south this fall and winter! Enjoy the water and thank all sailors that sail with us anywhere and everywhere. 

Our next public meeting is at SHYC on September 17, 2026.

Have a happy fall season.

Thank you and be safe.

Regards from the Commodore

Rich A Afrikian, S/V Lune

781-910-8111