[etchells-fleet11] Malfunctioning Hoists

[Ted Jones]

J,
 
You are correct that you did inform me of the time table  for the repair and I transmitted the information to the fleet.
 
I too am in favor of instructions. However, technically, we have to allow public use of these cranes and the question comes up of how do we enforce, "no instructions, no use" even among our fleet members? The Etchells fleet owners have used these and other cranes for so long that operator caused damage is rare. The operator damage is usually caused by people outside of the Etchells fleet. Case in point, below and last year when the guy tried to step his mast with the 5 ton cable hoist.
 
BTW- I was not there, this weekend, so I did not observe the damage or cause.
 
T

--- On Tue, 9/2/08, Jim Clark <clark at chicagoyachtclub.org> wrote:

From: Jim Clark <clark at chicagoyachtclub.org>
Subject: RE: Malfunctioning Hoists
To: "Jack Bernhardt" <jbernhardt at ilchamber.org>, "Joseph Haas" <jhaas at holdenindustriesinc.com>, "John Regan" <jregan at elginlawyer.com>, wall at chicagoyachtclub.org, "Bob Christie" <rchristie at henderson-lyman.com>
Cc: "Mark Passis" <mark.passis at convergentproperties.com>, "Edwin (Ted) Jones" <flamingo4 at sbcglobal.net>, "Bowman Lingle" <bclingle at hotmail.com>, partycpw at aol.com
Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 9:51 AM



Mr.. Bernhardt:
Thank you for your comment. Staff and the Flag have certainly been aware of the condition of the most Western of the cranes. I believe I informed fleet captain Jones that the repair to that crane had been approved by stations. The repair to that crane will be over $7,000 and as such required the oversight of the Stations Committee, Finance committee and the Board of Directors. In addition the committees and the Board also approved the long awaited brake for the trolley on the middle crane which also will cost the club better than $1,000. I agree with you that it appears that the breakdown on Saturday appears to have some user error involved. I for one was not aware of the NOR issue of the Etchells fleet regarding the cranes. We do our best to stay on top of the crane issue, but will not just do band aid type repairs as you pointed out, improper maintenance and use can cause damage to the boat, the crane, and the potential for personal injury. I would
 like to see crane operation instruction, but do not have a resource for that at the present time, as we would want to have someone who could be an expert on rigging and heavy lifting. I will work to see if we can make that happen, and perhaps take the same approach as we have with RC boats that in order to use you must attend the instruction.
Jim Clark



From: Jack Bernhardt [mailto:jbernhardt at ilchamber.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 9:31 AM
To: Joseph Haas; John Regan; Jim Clark; wall at chicagoyachtclub.org
Cc: Mark Passis; Edwin (Ted) Jones; Bowman Lingle; partycpw at aol.com
Subject: Malfunctioning Hoists




All...........The Etchells fleet relies on properly functioning hoists in order to enjoy their sport and membership in the Chicago Yacht Club.  That enjoyment was compromised this past weekend as only three Etchells (those that had launched on Friday – myself included) were able to race.  The other seven or so boats that wanted to race could not launch due to a malfunctioning middle (the largest) hoist and the fact that the west hoist has not been operational for at least the last three successive weekends - maybe more. They all missed a great day for racing. 
 
Here is my take and suggested action steps:
1-      It appears to me that no one has pushed getting the repair of the west hoist done.  We keep hearing it will happen “soon.”  When is soon? Who is responsible? Who is pushing the vendor?
2-      The Shields Fleet needs to:
a.      Be reminded and cautioned that the NOR’s specifically state that the hoist are not to be used for boat maintenance on race days between 8:00 & 10:30 AM.  I arrived at Belmont at 8:00 or a little later.  Mike Schwartz’s Shields was on the hoist. The NOR’s further state that the race committee “may” protest any boats that violate this provision and are subject to a 40% penalty.  I feel that this provision should be enforced.
b.      Buy proper slings.  I personally did not see how the hoist's wiring was damaged but I was told, by two other Etchells people, that the cable was snagged when Mike was hoisting his Shields. This is not intended to be a slam on Mike.  I like and respect Mike.  The problem may have occurred due to the long standing operational issues with this hoist.  I understand that the correction is in process.  I was also told that another Shields was on the hoist Friday night and was very much out of balance due to improper slings.  These hoists require correct hoisting equipment. If the slings are jury rigged damage to the hoists, boats, or worse, injury to people can occur. 
3-      Have someone bird dog and prioritize the repair of the west hoist. 
4-      Alert the RC to enforce the “hoist rule.” 
5-      I am cc’ing the Shields fleet captain, Mark Pasiss on this email and making these suggestions:    
a.      Alert fleet members regarding the NOR “Hoist” provision.
b.      Require that all fleet members have appropriate lifting slings if they intend to use the hoist.
c.      Let them know that the Etchells fleet would be pleased to offer a lifting procedure instructions to avoid any additional misuse of the hoist with the potential for hoist –boat – people - damage or injury. 
CYC’s race committee does a great job.  We just need to be assured that other CYC staff, committees and officers that have a direct impact upon our racing, place a high priority on issues important to our fleet.  Certainly effective and properly maintained hoist are key issues that need to be elevated in priority.
 
Jack Bernhardt
Vice President Membership & Marketing
Council Executive Director
Illinois Chamber of  Commerce
311 South Wacker Drive
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL  60606
P: 312-983-7112
F: 312-983-7101
E: jbernhardt at ilchamber.org
www.ilchamber.org
 
 
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