Grand Banks Discussion Forum

[grich737]

Happy Holiday's to All Friends, family and members,

We hope this letter finds you well and wish everyone a happy and joyful New Year. Your committee is hard working on the up- coming event in Roche Harbor and we would like to keep everyone up to date and involved. As of this writing we have had a number of meeting's with Roche Harbor and have some fabulous plans in store. Since this is the big kick-off to the summer season of boating, we have decided to go along with that theme and have one big summer party in Roche. Plans are coming together and there will be something for everyone. Speakers that have already signed up are Bob Smith of American Diesel, Brian Pemberton of Northwest Explorations and Bill Douglass are speaking on the down and dirties of going to Alaska. Not just pretty pictures here but what it really takes to accomplish the trip safely and still have a good time. Ron & Maxie Mauselle will be speaking on inflatable care and maintenance. Lynne Thompson has a presentation on boat records, and this is just a start.

We ask our members if there is a subject they would like to see presented or speak about please let me know asap. I personally would like to see a first-aid demonstration. So, if there are any nurses or doctors out there that would like to help, please let me know. On the kids side of things we are having "movie madness" Friday night with popcorn and drinks right after dinner. So any children out there that have a favorite movie please let me know.

Our committee has taken on the challenge of re-designing our website with much more feature's and add-ons. Some of these will be paypal registration for the event, blogs for our summer cruises, blogs for inviting other GB owners to join up together and useful information like; NOAA weather links and much more. We are hoping to have it up and running by the time of the January Boat Show.

So, with all of this going on, this event is going to be the event of events and we hope to see everyone there. Again, we wish you and your family a great holiday season and be safe.

Kind Regards, Greg Richmond grich737@msn.com, Chair
Bill Douglass Bill.Douglass@lucp.com, President

[grich737]

Hello to all PSGBOA members,

As I write this update to the membership it feels and looks like the beginning of summer from my office. The unfortunate issue is that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and we're to have another six weeks of winter.

During the Seattle boat show we were able to take advantage of the good weather and the kindness of Brian of NW Explorations and had another meeting regarding this years event. Many new things have happened over the winter and I would like to begin this letter with one of them and that is; the new and very much improved Website. Kim Nance has done a wonderful job working with the web designer. We now have a website that gives us more information than ever before. We have four "sticky's" (Website,Summer cruises, 2010 Rendezvous and 2009 Rendezvous) on the home page where each and every member can post his or her opinions. We also added quite a few links to the website from weather to AIS tracking and maintenance forums, to name a few. Under the registration tab we have a paypal link for ease of registration to this year's event, if any member wishes to use it. All members will still have the option to send in their check to the Treasurer and we will post the new address on the website with follow up e-mail. So, I ask that everyone take a look at the website and give us your input. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. http://www.psgbowners.org/

Now for the really good stuff. This year's event will be May 13th -16th. Once again, Scott has assured us weather will be great as usual. We have a great time planned for all. In fact, this year is a big focus on our community, so we have an ‘all inclusive’ atmosphere built into the planning…keep reading, I think you will like where this is going!

· To start off the event, Friday night will feature hors d'ouves and wine on the party barge. Our great friends at Wells Fargo Insurance have sponsored the wine event and we ask every boat to bring your favorite hors d'ouves for ten. Please bring a card with the ingredients so other members are well informed in case of any food allergies. This should be a great time to catch up with old friends and to meet new friends. Friday night at the movie's for the kids down in the main tent. We will have popcorn and drinks for the kids. Speaking of movie's, this year we planned on up-grading or monitor situation to two 50 inch LCD screens. This should enhance how the presentations are shown and be better viewing for all.

· We have a great line- up of speakers so far. Topics range from inflatable boat maintenance, boat records, cruising to Alaska, diesel maintance for both women and men and a presentation on cruising the Great loop. Along with the presentations we will have Seaview Boat yard, Native Bright works and Pacific Batteries on site to answer all your questions on different boating items. Along with the presentations, NW Exploration's have donated one of their boats for the women on the water training. Thank you Brian for all that you have done for us. By popular demand Chef Bill Shaw will have a demonstration for the first 70 individuals to sign up. This will be an additional cost of $15 per-person.

· Then Saturday night is the the summer party bash dinner for both adults and children. I have listed the menu for all to look at. This should be great fun. There will also be a smothie bar for the kids. Our registration fee (see details below) actually includes this meal and cocktail hour (four drinks each person) for everyone. We have negotiated heavily with Roche Harbor to make this a reality. We really believe that sharing a meal helps bring our community together and very much look forward to this event with everyone!

Grand Bank’s MargaritAville Cantina
Nibblin’ on sponge cake, blown out flip-flops, booze in the blender, Smell those shrimp and a brand new tattoo

Hosted Blended Margarita and Ice Cold Corona Beer
• Freshly Fried Tortilla Chips with a Shaker of Salt “If I can Find It”
• Who’s To Blame Margaritas – Lime – Pineapple – Banana
• Long Neck Corona chilled on Ice

Kitchen Sink Salsa and Veggie Bar
• Freshly Made Salsas: Salsa Verde with Mexican Green Tomatoes soaked in Tequila, Roasted Chipotle with Fire-Roasted Jalapeños, Mango and Papaya Salsa, Black Bean and Roasted Corn and Assorted Mexican Hot Sauces.

Shrimp shooter

• Street Side Taco Shack Veggies and Condiments: Fresh Radishes, Sliced Cucumbers Tossed with Vinegar and Sea Salt, Fresh Jalapeños, Grilled Onions, Sour Cream, Shaved lettuce, Tomatoes and Ranchero Cheese.

Fired-Up Mesquite Grill on the Beach

• Beef, Chicken and Chorizo Sausage: Sirloin and breast of chicken marinated with fresh lime, garlic, salt and tequila then flame-grilled to perfection and carved to order. Smoked Pork Andouille sausage char-grilled and sliced to order.

• Catch of the Day Fish Tacos with Fresh Cucumber Salsa
• Fresh Corn and Flour Tortillas

• Fire Box Roasted Whole Pig: Fresh Island raised pork marinated with chili’s, cumin, dark beer, garlic and herbs then placed in our roasting box and slow roasted for Six hours at the party site. Chef-carved tableside with your choice of salsas.

• Refried Beans and Mexicana Style Rice
• Fresh South of the BOARDER TROPICAL Salads and A Couple for the Gringos
• Jamaican Slaw with Sweet Peanut & Tequila Dressing
• Lola’s Black Bean and Avocado Salad
• Flame-Grilled Vegetables with Sweet Chili and Cilantro butter
• Caribbean Tropical Fruit Salad with Papaya and mango
• Basmati Rice Salad with Raisins and Toasted Almonds
• Grandma Hazels Red Potato Salad with Dijon and Horseradish

So, as you can see we have been hard at work to make this a great event. We believe there will be something for everyone and will be a great way to kick-off the summer cruising season. The cost of the event will be $170 per boat for two all inclusive (except moorage and Chef Bill Shaw's demonstration). Children under 12 will eat free. Children from the age of 13 to 20 will be $15 each and each additional adult will be $30 for the dinner.

A note from Roche Harbor for those that may be coming by car:

Roche Harbor is excited to welcome Grand Banks again. We can offer even better room rates than last year.

On Tuesday May 13 the rates are $99/night single rooms, suites and 1 bedroom condos.

On Friday, May 14 and Saturday May 15 the rates are 20% off our regular rack rates.

The effective average rates run:
· $101.80 for a shared bath room in the Hotel de Haro
· $176.47 for a one bedroom condo
· $203.13 for a two bedroom condo
We have held 16 rooms in a special room block for Grand Banks.
Call me 360-317-6155 or Sam Jacobson, Lodging Manager 360-317-6153 with any other question
Brent Snow
_____________
I would like to mention our sponsors at this time and ask that as you walk the docks, please thank them for all of their financial help in making our event the largest and most successful in the Grand Banks Community.
Grand Banks LTD
Wells Fargo Insurance
NW Explorations
American Diesel
Seaview Boat Yard
Native Bright Works
Pacific Batteries

Kind Regard,
Your Committee

[grich737]

Hello to All,

We, your board, hope this letter finds you well and in great sprits for this years event. As we draw closer to the summer cruising season and our annual event in Roche Harbor we wanted to let everyone know how things are shaping up. We have a great lineup of activities that have been posted on our new and much improved website. Please check out the website, there are a number of blogs for all to use. Post your comments and questions or just ideas to make our cruising family of Grand Banks better informed.

Your board is just about finished finalizing the last few details with Roche Harbor. This event will be great fun and will have something for everyone to enjoy. We will kickoff Friday evening with our pot-luck appetizers and hosted wine bar. Please remember to make enough for ten and also bring an ingredient card for those who may have food allergies.

We have brought back our sponsors to this years event, they will be; Grand Banks LTD, Native Bright Works, Wells Fargo Insurance, Seaview Boat Yard,NW Explorations, Pacific Power Batteries and American Diesel. During the event we have tried to make time so you will have time to talk with everyone about current projects, problems or just say hello.

There has been a slight change up to your boards roster. Ken Bowles is now your acting treasure. Your registration payments can be made out to PSGBOA and sent to:



Ken Bowles, Treasurer, 2420 Bigelow Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109
There is a registration form on the website that can be copied, filled out and sent to the above address. Remember there is limited space for Chef William Shaw's demonstration, so if you are interested in this activity it will be a first to register event. There is only room for 70 participants.

I ask you please register as soon as possible, so we have a boat count to give to Roche Harbor. For those that will be joining us by land please contact Roche Harbor and let them know what type of room you would like and don't forget to tell them your with PSGBOA we have special room rates set up.

Last, but not least, I want to take time out to thank you for this opportunity to head up our board. More importantly, I want to personally thank all the board members for their unselfish help and hard work that they have put forth in all that has been accomplished this year.

Bill Douglass, Past Chairman
Ken Bowles, Past President-Present Treasurer
Lynne Thompson, Secretary
Dominique France
Bill Davis
Scott Blake
David Hansel Grand Banks
Kim Nance, Webmaster extraordinaire
When you see these individual's please show them your appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication. We, your board, look forward to seeing you on the docks at Roche Harbor.

Kind Regards,

Greg Richmond
Chair