GPSA - Gangplank Slipholders Association

October Peg Leg Award (AKA Peggie) - Celebrating Community at Gangplank

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 20:34:00 +0000

GPSA started a new tradition this year called the Peg Leg Award to better recognize the strong sense of community that makes living at Gangplank Marina so special. That sense of community exists due in no small part to the small acts of kindness that slipholders impart to one another on a regular basis.

We decided GPSA should create an award to recognize these deeds that form the foundation of our community. The award would be called the Peg Leg Award and be given in recognition of being a good neighbor. Why a peg leg? Because we live on boats! And because we think that a good neighbor often provides support beyond what we are capable of doing alone.

Past Peg Leg Award winners include Jess and Travis (January) and Justin and Liz (April). As in the past, we selected five nominations randomly from a hat, and read each one aloud at the meeting. The fifth nominee was selected as the winner of the Peg Leg Award. To recognize as many neighbors as possible for their wonderful deeds, we decided to post all of the nominations below.

The October winner was GPSA President Jason Kopp. Jason has served as GPSA President for 4 years and led the GPSA during the negotiation process on a liveaboard management and transition plan with the District and SW Waterfront developers. Jason will be able to proudly display the Peggie as he chooses until we present our next Peg Leg Award at our January meeting!

Peg Leg Award Nominations for October 2012

Winner: Jason Kopp

Boat: Argo

Why: Jason saved our community!

By whom: Thom Hartmann – Freedom

Other nominations:

Name: Gene Day (and Bob from Bob & Stacy H dock sailboat)

Boat: Adios on A dock

Why: He helped unload literally a giant pile of lumber from my rental truck, working for hours together with me until very late hauling heavy crap down the docks. Bob, too.

By whom: Eve

Name: Jason

Boat: F dock

Why: Tirelessly working for us via GPSA to secure our future on the waterfront with the developer, city, etc.

By whom: Darrell F dock

Name: Justin & Liz

Boat: C dock

Why: they always come to the rescue. Car repairs, printer help, you name it.. Jiz is there ready, willing and able to help.

By whom: Eve (who often needs rescues)

Name: Jason Kopp

Boat: F dock

Why: He has gone out of his in a major way to build a sense of community, not just in Gangplank but in all of Southwest!

By whom: I am 5+ year liveaboard who sees a much brighter future for us all thanks to Jason.

Name: Tonya Nichols

Boat: B-07

Why: helped organize quite a few marina events. Reached out to other neighborhood organizations for volunteers.

By whom: marina employee

Name: Justin Chambers

Boat: C-7

Why: Spent the better part of a day working on the JECAR (formerly JETCAR) fixing the clutch, saving us quite a bit of money.

By whom: Joe & Eve

Name: Darrell Fields

Boat: F dock

Why: Has never said no when ask to do a favor or help………

By whom: F-17

Name: Diane Jones

Boat:

Why: Houseboat tour organizer

By whom:

Name: Bill and Diane

Boat: F dock

Why: Diane and Bill gave their all to have a successful 2012 home-boat tour. The tour was a huge success this year, mainly due to the efforts of Bill and Diane (and of course, all the slipholders that participated). Bill and Diane spent a huge amount of time starting at the beginning of the year planning for this great event. Not only did they reach out to the community through various press releases, emails to blogs, flyers, and word-of-mouth; but they also paid attention to the little details, such as, flowers for the check in tables, sandwiches for the volunteers, the humorous and informative booklet, pennants to identify the boats, and of course, the awesome after-party. From all of us at Gangplank Marina, you arrgh great!

By whom: H-26, Concatemer II

Name: Diane and Bill Jones

Boat: H dock

Why: Great job running the 2012 boat home tour! Seemed like a great event and got lots of great exposure for the liveaboard community, especially among SW neighbors. So many visitors on Saturday said they always walk by and wonder what it’s like to live on a boat at Gangplank, so it was great to be able to invite people inside! People also really seemed to like the “passports” they could get stamped – neat idea! It was a really positive community event – thanks to Diane & Bill for pulling it off!

By whom:

Name: Julie Waesche

Boat: I-dock T

Why: Watching Quinn during boat tour….

By whom:

Name: John and Laura McLaughlin

Boat: A-dock (Panacea)

Why: Provided a temporary boat-home for us and our kitties for a month while our boat was having work done.

By whom: Liz & Justin C-7

Name: Jason

Boat: Argo

Why: All around awesomeness

By whom: Mark H-28, your humble servant

Name: Roger Thiel

Boat:

Why: Sunday coffee for years and years, for being a regular and reliable and decent member of community and for all his delightful idiosyncrasies.

By whom:

Make this Saturday a DC Waterfront Day!

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:01:00 +0000

The SW Waterfront seems to be bustling with activity these days. Last weekend we had an amazing time celebrating the SW Waterfront Fireworks Festival as part of the centennial National Cherry Blossom Festival. This Saturday (4/14) we have another busy schedule:

9AM-Noon: GPSA / AFF SW Waterfront Cleanup site
7PM-9PM: Titanic 100 - A Commemoration at Waters Edge

If you haven't been down to the SW Waterfront recently, be sure to stop by on Saturday.

In fact, why not make Saturday a DC Waterfront Day?

The weather should be absolutely gorgeous the entire day. Come to the Southwest Waterfront in the morning to help with our AFF cleanup site (9AM-noon).

Grab lunch at one of the local restaurants (Cantina Marina, Station 4, or Z-Burger or any of the great new eateries in the Navy Yard neighborhood, where Justin's Cafe is having a Block Party!)

Then, pick one or two major events where you'll spend your afternoon/evening:

Head across the river to Anacostia to check out the launch party for the must-see Lumen8Anacostia, a noon to midnight festival of light, art, music and fun!
Buy a ticket to Long Day's Journey into Night at Arena Stage
Stick around Navy Yard and watch the Nationals play the Reds and explore Global Nepal Fest at Yards Park (selected as one of America's Best New Parks by The Atlantic Cities)

However you choose to enjoy DC's Waterfront communities today, be sure you have plenty of time to make your way back to the SW Waterfront around 7PM to attend the Titanic 100 Commemoration!

Looking for a unique form of transportation to enjoy your DC Waterfront? Consider using American River Taxi for your water commute!

Below are some additional details on our SW Waterfront AFF Cleanup site and the Titanic 100 Commemoration. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Titanic 100 - A Commemoration at Waters Edge

Women's Titanic Memorial on Washington's Southwest Waterfront
Fourth and P Street, SW
Saturday, April 14, 2012 at dusk

WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 2012 at dusk

WHERE: Women's Titanic Memorial on Washington's Southwest Waterfront, 4^th and P Sts, SW

WHAT: Commemoration of the hundredth anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic

Hundreds of images of the Titanic, her construction, crew, passengers, rescue and history of the Titanic Memorial will be projected will be projected 50 feet high

1,517 luminaries will line both sides of the Southwest Waterfront Promenade, each bearing the name of a passenger and crew member lost in the disaster.

Period music will be played throughout the event.

At 9:00PM, a brass ensemble will present a live performance of "Nearer My G-d to Thee," the last song played by the ship’s musicians as the Titanic sank beneath the sea.

There will be no speeches. The Southwest Community sees this as an opportunity for those who have been moved by the story of the Titanic to gather together and – at the waters edge -- be immersed in one of the most enduringly fascinating and epic events in maritime history.

HOW TO GET THERE: The Titanic Memorial is a 5 minute walk from Metro's Waterfront Station. The Titanic Memorial is located at the Promenade Park at 4^th and P Streets, SW.

Learn more about the history of Titanic Memorial and its designer, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, at www.swdcheritage.org/titanic100

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:35:00 +0000

Good Morning, DC!

We look forward to welcoming you down to our neighborhood for the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival today. If you haven't seen the latest schedule of events, be sure to check the National Cherry Blossom Festival website.

The following food trucks will be serving deliciousness all day:

Fojol Bros
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Takorean
DC Slices
Cap Mac
Sidewalk Sweetsations
Goode's Mobile Kitchen
Tasty Kabob

We'll be posting photos of the event to the GPSA Flickr Feed all day! Be sure to check back often to see the latest.

Remember, the event starts at 1PM, and the first 500 individuals that check-in at Washington Kastles Stadium will receive a free, reusable National Cherry Blossom Festival bag.

See you this afternoon!

Live-updated GPSA Flickr Feed Slideshow:

Friday Press Roundup - What's it Like to Live Aboard at Gangplank Marina?

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:15:00 +0000

We haven't done a big press roundup on the Gangplank Marina community since the Boat Home Tour last summer. However, just as we prepare for the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival next Saturday (4/7), we've gotten some great coverage that we thought was worth compiling for you.

This week started off with a wonderful piece in the Southwester by GPSA board member, Karen Anderson, describing the palpable excitement at Gangplank Marina as the boating community prepares to celebrate the arrival of spring. CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Then, on Tuesday, Kate Barrett Gallery posted an interview with GPSA president, Jason Kopp, on Neighborhood Nomad. The purpose of Kate's blog is to explore what people, businesses, design, and infrastructure are needed to find the places we identify with strongly enough to call home. With these ideas in mind, Kate begins her post with the following question: "What’s more nomadic and neighborly than a tight-knit community that floats?" We couldn't agree more! CLICK HERE to read the full interview.

The week ended with news of our floating community traveling across international waters to the liveaboard boaters of London via Urban Boater Magazine. This London-based boating magazine decided to contact us to learn about life at Gangplank Marina, and came away wondering why more people don't know about our lively neighborhood that constitutes one of the largest liveaboard communities in the country. CLICK HERE to read the full article, featuring Gangplanker Justin Chambers.

If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Gangplank Marina, be sure to check our Facebook Page and Twitter Feed on a regular basis.

We'll look forward to seeing you on April 7 for the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival and the opportunity to show off our Pink. CLICK HERE to check out some photos from last year's Pink Palooza.

Just one small example of the beauty we find every

day while living on DC's Washington Channel

Marina in Bloom!

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:45:00 +0000

In case you haven't been monitoring our Facebook Page, let us tell you that the cherry blossoms are already popping in Southwest DC! Here are just a few photos:

And amazing art in celebration of the centennial celebration is starting to pop up all around the Southwest Waterfront as well. Whether it's the fantastic public art installations from The 5x5 Project at Gangplank Marina or Arena Stage, boats bursting with pink, or preparations for the April 7 Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival, it seems that something exciting is happening every day. We'll try to keep you up to date on the latest, so be sure to check back often. In the meantime, here are some photos of what we've seen around the marina during the last couple of days:

Preparing for the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:40:00 +0000

We've been busy lately doing all sorts of exciting prep work for the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival. Our latest effort was a proof of concept for some lighted cherry blossoms we hope to produce in vast numbers to help transform the marina with pink on 4.7.12. Check out the shots from our prototype session above.

If you don't have April 7 marked on your calendar already, make sure you add it now! The Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival will be huge for the centennial anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. We'll have 8 full hours of programming that will culminate in spectacular show of fireworks brought to Washington DC directly from Nagaoka City, Japan. For an example of the amazing fireworks shows that Nagaoka puts on every year, watch the video below:

More info on the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival can be found below. We look forward to seeing you at what will surely be one of the highlights of the National Cherry Blossom Festival this year in Washington DC!

Peg Leg Award (AKA Peggie) - Celebrating Community at Gangplank

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Travis and Jess with their Peggie!

GPSA started a new tradition at our January meeting last Tuesday. Recently, our board decided that we wanted to do more to recognize the strong sense of community that makes living at Gangplank Marina so special. That sense of community exists due in no small part to the small acts of kindness that slipholders impart to one another on a regular basis.

Although the nomination period was just a few days before the first meeting, we received nine nominations for the first award. We selected five nominations randomly from a sock monkey hat, and read each one aloud at Tuesday's meeting. The fifth nominee was selected as the winner of the Peg Leg Award. To recognize as many neighbors as possible for their wonderful deeds, we decided to post all of the nominations below.

We were delighted to present the first Peg Leg Award to Travis Johnson and Jess Dankert. Travis and Jess have done amazing work to make our community a fun, inclusive place to live, including serving on the Bridge of the Port of Washington Yacht Club, and organizing the first-ever Boat Home Tour!

Jess and Travis will be able to proudly display the Peggie as they choose until we present our next Peg Leg Award at our April meeting!

Peg Leg Award Nominations for January 2011

Jess Dankert - because the floating home tour was awesome mainly due to her hard work!

Liz Chambers - is an outstanding neighbor, is constantly helping and supporting the community.

Justin and Liz Chambers - They are great neighbors and always lend a hand when needed

Joe Henderson - Joe helped me get my winter water working. This entailed sharing his plumbing expertise with me, checking my new pump installation, helping me take out my broken water tanks, and rigging up my hoses so that I'd have the water system working. Plus, the same morning he made me coffee and brought me danishes. Thanks, Joe the Plumber!

Mikhael Schlossman - Mikhael came to my rescue when I fell off my ladder and came over, used his EMT experience to check and see if I was OK, brought ibuprofen for the pain, and checked back on me. The next day he went to the store and bought groceries as I had nothing in the house to eat. When I tried to pay for it he suggested I donate the money to the Combined Federal Campaign to help someone else! That's truly paying it forward.

Travis and Jess - For making 2011 an amazing year!

Linda and Phil Stiles - They help everyone on B-Dock. They take care of the holder's boat. They put up the holiday lights on B-Dock. They are always there when you need them, for help with maintenance, watching your boat when you're gone, coordinating dock events and a glass of wine or an ear to listen.

Liz Chambers - Liz and her husband Justin are always helping their neighbors and supporting the community. Liz was a hallmark of last year's POWYC bridge and highlights this year's GPSA Board. We are lucky to have such a neighbor.

Roger

Dec 18, 2011 Captain's Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:33:00 +0000

Dec 18, 2011 Captain's Coffee, a set on Flickr.

Today there was another wonderful display of community at Gangplank Marina, as over 30 neighbors gathered to share coffee and breakfast treats at the last Captain's Coffee of 2011.

We look forward to more adventures in 2012. One of our major goals will be to continue working to connect DC citizens to their beautiful rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia.

We are thankful for the wonderful support we continue to receive from our friends and neighbors in Ward 6 and throughout the District.

From our community to yours, the Gangplank Slipholders Association wishes you a happy and safe holiday season, with plenty of time for family and friends! We look forward to another amazing year with you in Southwest DC in 2012!

A Floating Community Fights To Keep Traditions Alive

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Be sure to check out the Great WAMU 88.5 Metro Connection piece on one of our favorite traditions at Gangplank Marina, our Sunday Captain's Coffee.

You can listen to the entire piece here: A Floating Community Fights To Keep Traditions Alive

Dec 12, 2011 Sunset at Gangplank Marina

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Dec 12, 2011 Sunset at Gangplank Marina, a set on Flickr.

Just a quick post to share this amazing sunset with you. We couldn't be happier to live in this beautiful part of the world!

Holiday News at Gangplank Marina

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Here's a roundup of all of the recent and upcoming holiday activities at Gangplank Marina:

1) Parade of Lighted Boats In-Slip Winners Announced! There was heated competition of in-slip displays this year at Gangplank Marina. As always, we celebrate all of those who participated to make our waterfront sparkle with holiday cheer! You can find pictures from around the marina here. Picking a winner was a tough decision. However, the following boats were ultimately selected:

Winner: Seeking Wild

Runner-up: Argo AKA "The Gingerbread Houseboat"

2) WAMU 88.5 Metro Connection Visits Captains Coffee: Mark from Metro Connection visited Captains Coffee this morning to interview participants as part of a series focused on traditions in DC communities. The segment will air next Friday at 1:00 PM and Sat at 7:00 AM. You'll also be able to listen to the show online: http://wamu.org/programs/metro_connection.

3) Holiday Party to Collect Donations for Dockworkers: Slip holders will celebrate the holidays and community once more by gathering this Tuesday Dec 13, from 6-9PM on La Joyeuse for a special tradition: a potluck style party to collect donations for a holiday bonus for our hardworking marina staff. We are greatly appreciative of all of the amazing energy they put into making our marina such a wonderful place to live.

Missed This Year's Parade of Lights? Relive It Now!

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:52:00 +0000

Originally Published on Tommy Wells Blog

Southwest Waterfront Parade of Lights

There was palpable excitement in the air on Saturday afternoon as Gangplank Marina slip holders put the final touches on their boats for the Annual Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Power tools buzzed and whirred and hammers slammed as each display was perfected.

Around 3:45PM, one boater’s loudspeaker crackled to life with “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” He turned on his lights, cast off his lines, and headed out to the staging area at the front of the Washington Channel. Other parade participants soon followed suit.

The Parade of Lights is a joint effort of the District and the City of Alexandria. It begins in the Washington Channel at 5:00PM and reaches the Alexandria Harbor by 6:00PM. Local boaters enter to compete for prizes from “Best in Show” to “Best Try, Most Spirited Crew”. It is a favorite holiday event of Southwest residents, including the live-aboard boaters at Gangplank Marina. This year, Gangplank had six boats participate in the parade, more than any other marina or boat club.

By 4:00PM, the seawall along the Southwest Waterfront was brimming with excitement. Over 100 people had gathered for the Southwest Tree Lighting at 7th Street Landing. The Washington Waterfront Association and Hoffman Madison Waterfront sponsored a beautifully decorated tree, free photos with Santa, live reggae music, hot cocoa, and a bonfire for making S ‘mores. The event was family friendly and everyone present was clearly enjoying the jolly mood!

Organizers snapped a photo with Tommy and Santa shortly before 5:00PM. Then, everyone turned their eyes towards the water. If you haven’t seen the Parade of Lights before, I’d describe it as one of the most unique, creative and festive holiday celebrations you’ll find anywhere in the District: boaters use ingenuity, imagination, and holiday light displays to create incredible floating art.

Right at 5:00PM, the John Glenn Jr. began to pass down the channel with a beautiful display of green and red lights reflecting in the calm water. She was followed by another 45 boats with stunning displays, including a fire breather, a sea turtle, and a Santa merman. Cameras clicked in rapid-fire succession alongside the crackling of the bonfire as those gathered at 7th Street Landing tried to capture every moment of the festive atmosphere. Once the parade concluded, many people stayed to enjoy the mild weather, beautiful fire pit and warm company of their neighbors.

Parade of Lighted Boats

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:24:00 +0000

Parade of Lighted Boats, a set on Flickr.

Some photos from the Dec 3, 2011 Parade of Lighted Boats in Washington, DC

GPSA New Marina Design Charrette

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:01:00 +0000

On Nov. 15 at 7:00PM over 50 slipholders from Gangplank Marina crowded into the Harbor Patrol community classroom.

The Gangplank Slipholders Association (GPSA) had worked tirelessly over the past 6 weeks encouraging slipholders to attend a charrette focused on the Hoffman Madison Waterfront (HMW) plans for a new Gangplank Marina in the Wharf development on the SW Waterfront.

The result was the largest number of participants GPSA has had at a single meeting this year. The charrette was divided into two sections:

Identifying and ranking community values and priorities for a new marina
Providing feedback on early marina design renderings

Slipholders worked intensely for 2.5 hours to provide feedback they hope the HMW team will find beneficial in terms of preserving the unique community at Gangplank and creating a marina that is part of a world-class waterfront.

The process and results of the charrette are detailed in the GPSA Charrette Report. After the report was compiled, GPSA emailed a copy to the HMW team on Nov. 23 and requested a follow up meeting to discuss the results. GPSA hopes to continue working with the developer to facilitate the successful redevelopment of a SW Waterfront where people will want to live, work, shop, and spend their free time enjoying the beauty of our city.

Below is a brief summary and photos from the event.

Slipholders value their community. The number one priority in both portions or the charrette was maintaining the current marina community. Slipholders believe spaces that encourage regular community interaction and spaces that accomodate larger community gatherings are equally important. An indoor community space is highly desired.
Other top priorities include safety and security, walkability, convenience of services, minimalist and functional design, well-placed lighting and avoiding light and noise pollution from landside development, and additional services to assist in more eco-friendly living.
With regard specifically to layout, new ideas included alternative slip orientation that would promote longevity of boats, boating equipment, and the marina, encourage community interaction, and enable safe navigability.

Parade of Lighted Boats Dec 3 at 4PM!

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Mark your calendars for DC's only maritime holiday festival!

This Dec. 3 programming will begin at 7th Street Landing starting at 4PM (Lighting of the Southwest Waterfront's Holiday Tree and free photos with Santa).

The Parade of Lighted Boats will begin at 5PM. In addition, Gangplank Marina slipholders will compete for the best in slip lighted boat this year. You'll have an amazing view of all of the action from 7th St Landing.

As the parade concludes, the party will continue at 7th St Landing with a waterfront bonfire and free s'mores!

GPSA Election Results

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:32:00 +0000

GPSA members gathered last night in the Harbor Patrol Community Classroom to elect their 2012 Board. The election results are as follows:

2012 GPSA Board

President - Jason Kopp
Vice President - Eve Bratman
Secretary/Treasurer - Liz Chambers
Community Liaisons - Mark Grabowsky and Megahan Peterson
Communications/Advocacy Chair - Karen Anderson

Congratulations to our new board, and thank you to everyone who attended last night's meeting

Stay dry and visit the Pride of Batlimore II when you have a chance this week!

Arrival of the Pride of Baltimore II

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:09:00 +0000

Arrival of the Pride of Baltimore II, a set on Flickr.

The Pride of Baltimore II has just arrived. The crew will be offering free dockside tours tomorrow through Sunday. Check their website for a schedule: http://www.pride2.org/come_aboard/p2_thisweek.php.

Upcoming Elections at 7PM on Tues, Oct 18 at the Harbor Patrol Community Classroom

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:45:00 +0000

GPSA is working hard to represent slip holder interests as the Southwest Waterfront redevelopment plans move forward, and we need your help!

Serving on the GPSA board is a great way to contribute to your community and help maintain our right to live, work, and recreate in the Washington Channel.

If you are interested in serving as a GPSA board member, please contact current GPSA president, Jason Kopp (gpsa.president@gmail.com).

Our goal is broad representation so that the slipholders can truly speak with one voice. Membership is free. If you are interested in getting involved, attend the meeting, check out our website at gpsadc.blogspot.com, follow us on Twitter, and like our Facebook Page.

Hurricane Irene - The Morning After

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:03:00 +0000

Hurricane Irene - The Morning After, a set on Flickr.

The live-aboard community seems to have weathered the storm fine. Besides a few downed tree branches and one mangled bimini frame, I didn't notice any additional damage when I walked the docks this morning.

The Capital Weather Gang says that we should expect light rain to continue for another 2-3 hours. Winds are slightly weaker this morning 20-25 mph sustained, down from 30-40 mph overnight.

I shot a quick video this morning to give you a better idea of current conditions at the marina:

Hurricane Irene - 12:40 AM update

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 04:40:00 +0000

Irene continues to batter the marina with fairly heavy rain and strong winds (sustained 36 MPH and gusts upwards of 45 MPH). Despite knocking us around in our slips, our boats seem to be handling the weather rather well. The latest reports seem to indicate that we will be experiencing similar conditions for another few hours.

The Capital Weather Gang blog reports that today's rainfall of 2.99" (prelim) at Reagan Nat'l was the wettest August day since 8/27/1971. All the rain definitely allows a boater to test how water-tight every window, hatch, and porthole is.

Nothing else too exciting to report at the moment. Hoping I can get a few hours of sleep in between all the rocking.

Goodnight, Irene!

9:00PM Update

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:00:00 +0000

Not much has changed since my last update, although winds are certainly starting to gust stronger now. Perhaps around 40-45MPH. Otherwise, things are actually fairly calm in the marina. About 1.67 inches had fallen by 7:52PM according to NOAA. That amount is expected to at least double in the next several hours.

Below are a couple more recent photos from the marina, as well as a very appropriate video shared by Veronica O (AKA @Dizzyluv25). Enjoy!

Harbor Patrol surveying the channel at dusk

As night falls, Gangplank Residents get ready to feel the full force of Irene in DC!

Hurricane Irene - 6PMish update

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:24:00 +0000

Hurricane Irene, a set on Flickr.

I stepped outside for a quick walk and took some additional photos.

Everyone seems to be pretty hunkered down at this point. The wind has picked up a bit, probably gusting at about 35 mph now. Rain is steady and getting slightly heavier.

No real problems to report in the marina at the moment. I stopped in at a neighbor's for an incredible bowl of chili! Now, back on the boat and getting used to the rocking.

Irene will probably disturb our sleep a bit tonight as sustained winds are supposed to reach 40mph late this evening and early into tomorrow. All the more reason for hurricane parties to run a little later!

Hurricane Irene at Gangplank Marina

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Hurricane Irene, a set on Flickr.

I know a number of folks are wondering what it is like in the marina today as Irene approaches DC. I'll try to take pics throughout the day to let you have a peek into how the Gangplank Marina community is weathering the storm!

Hurricane Irene Preparedness

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:24:00 +0000

All Gangplank Slipholders,

Please be sure to speak with your neighbors regarding hurricane preparedness and follow the Dockmaster's instructions below as we prepare for possible severe weather this weekend.

You can track the forecasted progress of Hurricane Irene here.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gangplank Dock Office
Date: Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Subject: hurricane preparedness Irene; mass email
To: Gangplank Dock Office

Due to the recent forecasts the marina is required to initiate the first phase of its hurricane preparedness plan.

The plan is located here… http://www.gangplank.com/documents/SevereWeatherPreparednessPlan-PDF.pdf

What this means for slip holders;

· Take down or secure all canvas and eisenglass

· Clear your upper decks and tie down all furniture

o Reduce windage

o Prevent airborne missiles

o Take down and secure Biminis

o Secure all items and stow portable fuel tanks.

· Clear items from the docks

o Plants

· Check dock lines

o Look for weak spots or chafing to be addressed

o Double lines up

o Keep extra lines on hand

· Dinghies need to be taken up out of the water before Friday

· Bilges

o Clean out possible pollution sources

o Confirm bilges operate in automatic mode

· Check batteries

o In case the city loses power

· The marina is pumping all boats in the marina out this week

· Boats on T-heads need to get anchors ready to help relieve strain on the docks.

· Don’t rely on the highways they may be clogged if you need to get to the marina.

· The marina will not allow incoming boat traffic beyond Wednesday August 24th though Monday August 29th unless the hurricane changes track.

Jeremy Heckler
Dockmaster
GPDockOffice@comcast.net
202.554.5000 WORK
202.554.2740 FAX
600 Water St., SW
Washington, D.C. 20024
www.Gangplank.com
Facebook Page

DC's 1st-Ever Boat Home Tour a Huge Success!

noreply@blogger.com (GPSA President) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:05:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who attended our Boat Home Tour this past Saturday. The sold-out event was a huge success, and we're hoping to make the tour an annual occurrence.

We raised approximately $4,000 that will be split between the Alice Ferguson Foundation and Earth Conservation Corps. You helped us celebrate Live-Aboard Boater Day 2011 in style, contribute to cleaner DC waterfronts, and empower local at-risk youth with leadership and job skills.

If you attended the tour, we'd love to hear your feedback. Please share your comments on this post in terms of what went well and what you think could be improved for next year. How was the check-in process? Was it easy to find your way around the marina? Did you have a favorite boat? How can we make the tour better?

If you'd like to download a PDF copy of this year's tour booklet, please click here.

Below we've compiled links to recent press about the tour. Thank you again for helping to make this event a huge success. We enjoyed sharing our homes and meeting all of you. If you'd like to stay in touch, please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or subscribe to our blog listserv (in the upper, right-hand corner or this site).

Article by Lydia DePillis (Housing Complex), staff write for the City Paper - With Future Finally Assured, Liveaboards Host an Open House

Article by Kate Barrett Gallery for her blog, Neighborhood Nomad - If I had a Houseboat

LIFE AFLOAT (Blog by Jaye Lunsford) - What’s it like to live on a boat in the middle of downtown Washington, DC? (Aug 13, you can visit and find out!)

WTOP report by Michelle Basch: D.C. residents livin' on the dock of the bay

Washington Examiner reporter Hayley Peterson's THE 3-MINUTE INTERVIEW: Jason Kopp

Hill Rag article by William Rich (SWTLQTC): Plans Move Forward at The Wharf

"I'm on a Boat" and "Want to see a house boat?" Blog posts and video from 7th St Landing at The Wharf (Special Thanks to Hoffman-Madison Waterfront for sponsoring the event and providing use of 7th St Landing as the event check-in):