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Dock Days happen at the beginning of sailing
season in late April and at the conclusion of sailing season,
which is usually the last Saturday in October. Docks are an integral
part of the CSA physical structure and operation. They are, of
course, essential for launching and returning boats to the CSA
port.
CSA has five docks - A,B,C,D and the daily
use dock. The daily use has two launching ramps for heavy trailered
boats while the other docks have cranes for launching lighter
weight vessels.
Prior to the beginning of sailing season,
the CSA docks chairperson and fleet captains contact members
who are willing to help with maintenance and repairs. Some of
this work requires heavy lifting and mechanical skills. In a
docks work party, some members will help with maintenance on
the docks, while others may choose to be involved in putting
them in the water.
Dock maintenance generally includes replacing
dock boards, cleats and rebuilding flotation fixtures. This is
done on the weekends to allow members to earn work hours toward
reimbursement on the next years membership. The last docks party
before the opening of sailing season is the most important for
this is when the docks are reattached to the sea wall.
At the end of the season, the work process
is largely reversed. Docks are removed from sea walls, collapsed
and stored for the winter. Dock days can involve hard work, but
they are always fun as well. Work party members meet new people
and learn about their sailing experiences.
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