Five Tips to Keep Winter Away From Your Boat Trailer

From Scuttlebutt.com

If your boat trailer is going to spend the off-season outside exposed to the elements, Boat Owners Association of The United States has five tips to protect your investment and eliminate problems down the road:

1) A little spray will do you:
Spraying lubricants such as WD-40 on metal trailer roller assemblies, winch gears and electrical connections will keep moisture away and rust at bay. It's also best to take care of any rust spots now on the (galvanized) metal trailer frame: sand, prime and paint. (Trust us, this will be the last thing on your mind come springtime.)


2) Don't park under trees:
Some boaters think their boat will be protected by storing it under trees but the opposite is true - ice, snow, and howling winter storms can snap off tree limbs which come crashing down. Falling leaves and needles can also stain boat covers and gelcoat, or make their way inside where they can block transom drain holes.


3) Turn it around in the driveway:
If you're going to leave the boat on the trailer in your driveway for the winter, face the hitch away from the street if possible, and put a lock on the trailer hitch. The name of the game in avoiding boat theft is to make your rig as difficult as possible to steal.

4) Take care of the tires:
In addition to being a theft deterrent, removing the tires and storing them in the garage or shed will keep the sun from damaging them. With the tires off, this may also a good time to repack the bearings (Another thing you won't want to do in the spring). Block the frame and secure plastic (contractor grade) trash bags over the hubs and brakes to keep them dry. If tires won't be removed, position the trailer so that the tires rest on a piece of plywood or plank to prevent dry rot, and cover them (again with plastic bags) to keep the sun off and hubs and brakes dry. To avoid flat spots from happening, move the trailer periodically a few inches throughout the winter.


5) Help water drain:
 Keeping the boat and trailer rig in a slightly nose-high (bow up) position will allow water to drain out the transom drain hole. This can be easily done by placing a small block under the trailer jack. (Don't forget to remove drain plug and tie it to the ignition key where you will find it in the spring). Also ensure that the boat's cover is tight and periodically check inside throughout the winter - critters love to hide aboard boats and find them appetizing.
Source: http://www.boatus.com/pressroom/release.asp?id=561

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Induction of Evert Bastet to the Quebec Sailing Hall of Fame

Montreal, Octobre 21th, 2010

QUEBEC SAILING HALL OF FAME

It is with pleasure that we announce the induction of Evert Bastet into the Quebec Sailing Federation Hall of Fame. The induction will take place at the top of the Olympic Tower during the Quebec Sailing Federation Gala on Saturday night, October 21th.

Mr. Bastet is the second person honoured since the launch of the Quebec Sailing Hall of Fame in October 2009. By inducting him to the Hall of Fame, the Quebec Sailing Federation wishes to bring recognition to his exceptional achievement as an high performance athlete and Olympian and to his dedication and long term involvement in the sport.

Evert Bastet, born in Venezuela, moved to Canada in 1955 with his family. Bastet started sailing in his youth, describing the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club as his “extended backyard”. His first victory, at the national level, took place in Calgary during the 1965 Canadian Youth Championship. This was the beginning of many great accomplishments to follow.

Amongst many achievements, Bastet, part of the Canadian Olympic Sailing team, has qualified in seven Olympic Games. This includes the 1968 Mexico, 1972 Munich, 1976 Montreal, 1980 Moscow (boycotted), 1984 Los Angeles, 1988 South Korea and 1992 Barcelona Games. With his team members, Evert finished 4th in the 1976 Montreal Games and won Silver at the 1984 Los Angeles Games in the Flying Dutchman Class. He has since been Team Leader for the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games. It is difficult to beat five decades of involvement in the world’s largest organized sporting event!

At the local level, Evert has long been involved with the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club and the Hudson Yacht Club as participant, official and executive.

Over the years, Evert Bastet has already received numerous awards and recognitions for his contribution to sailing in Canada. Most recently, he represented our country in carrying the Olympic Torch for the 2010 Vancouver Games. Also, the Canadian Yachting Association honoured Mr. Bastet in 2007 with the Rolex Sailor of the Year Award. This award is presented to those who have brought recognition to Canadian Sailing and the CYA. Most notably, Mr. Bastet has been inducted in the Quebec Sport Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1994.

The Quebec Sailing Federation (FVQ) considers itself lucky to count Evert Bastet among its members. Since 1994, an FVQ trophy was named after him. The FVQ Evert Bastet Trophy recognizes an exceptional athlete at the national and/or international level. It is our pleasure to now include Evert Bastet as an honoured member of the Quebec Sailing Federation’s Hall of Fame.

The induction of Evert Bastet will be a part of the Quebec Sailing Federation 40th anniversary celebration. A cocktail reuniting Quebec sailing Olympians, volunteers, and members who have contributed to the development and the promotion of sailing for the last 40 years will precede the Gala during which the winners of the 2010 awards will also be unveil.

Congratulations and Thank You to Evert Bastet.

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Fédération de voile du Québec