THES IG NAL - Etobicoke Yacht Club

Monthly Newsletter of The Etobicoke Yacht Club
1968-2013
300 Humber Bay Park Road West, Etobicoke, Ontario M8V 3X7 - Tel: 416-259-1159 - www-eyc.ca
THE SIGNAL
The Commodore’s Message - Murray Eastwood
In preparation for the Annual General Meeting, the Nominating
Committee (NC) swings into action. By way of background the
2014 NC was headed by Velma Jones (a past Commodore) and
it has representation from each of the docks, dry-sail and the
current Commodore and three past Commodores. The objective of the NC is to identify and recruit club members for the
board positions that are open due to turnover on the board of directors. The
usual practice is for board members to hold their positions for a period of 2 to
3 years, so it is normal to have several board positions turnover in any given
year. This was the first year I have been part of the NC and it was a new and
insightful experience. Relative to previous years, the task seemed lighter than
usual, as only two board positions needed to be filled. And while it turned out
to be a challenge the committee was satisfied with the result.
The ideal candidate for a board position is a member who has been an active
member of the club for a number of years and has experienced the processes
at the club and participates in various club events and activities. In addition,
it is beneficial if the candidate has committee experience in the area for which
they are under consideration. For example, a candidate of Director, Facilities
Water should have experience in launch and haul-out, dock maintenance and/
or mast stepping. A Treasurer should have experience with Finance Committee
and/or the Planning Committee. For some positions, the NC also seeks candidates that have professional work experience in the area. Having facilities
management experience and/or project experience in the real world is considered a strong positive for the position of Director, Facilities Land. For these
reasons, the ideal candidate can be difficult to identify in some cases, as members of the NC don’t know everyone at the club and their activities.
On the other side of the coin, there are members who are aware of a board
vacancy and make their interest known to the NC. If that member has appropriate experience it is an ideal result and the selection is easy. However, there
are many members that have the experience, but have reasons why they don’t
want to serve on the board, such as: over-loaded with work or family responsibilities, away from the GTA for a good part of the winter or other reasons.
The other issue that comes up is turning to the same group of members who
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
1
have served on the board and are still active at the committee level of the club. To be sure, serving on the board is a significant time commitment and involves directing and managing people
and processes, which is not everyone’s cup of tea.
To shorten the story, the only way that a member is identified and willing to serve on the board
is when all these factors align. Given that we are a volunteer, self-help type club, most long-term
members should aim to work up to a leadership position within a work committee. While this
could lead to the board it may not, but may allow others to step up to a board position. Having
well-staffed committees for key functions at the club is important in terms of depth of management and experience and provides a method to develop future board members. In conclusion,
members should consider their long term career at EYC and think about strategies to develop
their knowledge base and valued contribution. At the end of the day it means more than the 30
hour minimum, to be sure. If more members thought along these lines, the NC would have an
easier time of it.
Another related factor to think about is membership turnover. There is a general rule of thumb
that clubs like EYC will experience (almost) complete membership turnover every 25 years.
Based on the assumption of 400 senior members, we would have about 16 members retire and
an equal number of replacement members each year. Based on my own observations this is
about what we are experiencing. So that’s about 80 new members over five years – that seems
like a lot of new members. That might explain why the NC is challenged to identify board candidates – they don’t know many of the new members. Accordingly, new members should get to
know their volunteer team leaders, introduce yourself to board members – don’t be shy! But
most importantly, be an active member, participate in club events, read The Signal, go to Town
Hall meetings and the AGM.
In closing have a great holiday season and best wishes for 2015. Anne and I are looking forward
to the New Year’s Levee – hope to see you there. Don’t forget the boat show in January – something to look forward to. n
Murray
Vice Commodore - Colette Boyle
It’s definitely winter! A bit of a shock to have experienced -17 degrees and 60 Km
winds as early as mid November. Yet, that’s what we had and it is forecast to be
much of the same over the winter months. Our yard looks particularly cold and uninviting. However, if you are in the area pop by and have a look at your boat just to
check that the winter cover you put on is still there!
As you know I am committed to openness and transparency in all club matters albeit some of the work done at this level is not very exciting. So, here is a year end update from
the VC chair:
The Bar Services Committee has one task left and that is to ensure our outside area including
the Gazebo bar flourishes next season (and indeed for many thereafter) by continuing to improve our compliance with the liquor licensing laws. What will this look like? This may involve
some cosmetic changes to the perimeter fencing and how we access the licensed areas but the
focus is to change as little as possible, at the minimum cost, but still achieve compliance. We are
working on the plans for this at the moment. If we as a club decide at some future point that we
want to re-vamp the landscaping of our licensed areas then that will be a larger matter for you,
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The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
the membership, to decide upon and a separate working party would be set up to handle that
which would be a much bigger project.
Following upon the much publicised survey on the clubs electrical systems and hardware earlier
in the year we now need to implement its recommendations. To ensure we do this and it does
not fall by the wayside we have in place an Electrical Implementation Committee comprising
Chris Ufton, Gord Passfield (DFW), Ken Fairweather (Interim DFL), Graham Thomas (Finance)
and myself as Chair.
We have made a start at a very simple, but important, level by having all of the plants, trees
and vegetation removed and cleared around our existing equipment.
At the present time, the committee is arranging the recommendations of the survey into a scope
of work which can then be priced to allow decisions to be made as to how to implement this over
a reasonable time frame. Our work is not at the same level as you may have heard is required
of our neighbours, Mimico, as the original systems here are designed differently and are working
….in the main. We do however need to repair and maintain a number of areas which have suffered neglect over the years. The good news is that these works can be done within our current
budget with no additional debentures or hefty fee increases. However, the indications are that
we need to start to seriously consider the longevity of our existing systems and start to budget
for the future. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever.
Next, (and more excitingly)……Your Club Needs You.....at……
The International Toronto Boat Show………!!
Where? Direct Energy, Exhibition Centre, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto M6K 3C3
When?
Why?
How ? To register your interest in volunteering complete the Registration Sheet.
Registration Sheet:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Friday 9th January 2015 – Sunday 18th January 2015
We need volunteer members to staff our promotional booth at the Show.
The Registration Sheet will be posted in the Club House on 1st December 2014.
This will be divided into days and each day shall be broken down into slots for each
shift….there are a number of shifts for each day.
Please ensure you fill out the sign-up sheet correctly i.e. one person per slot.
Filling out the Registration Sheet will let us know your interest and your availability
for that slot.
Please note that registering does automatically confirm you for this slot.
You will only be confirmed once you receive confirmation from Cindy Burton.
As communication for this event can prove to be challenging, contact this year with
the organizer Cindy Burton will be limited to e-mail only to ensure clear and effective
communication. [email protected]
This is a popular event and a fun way to get your work hours. So register early !!
Meantime, as your next Signal will not appear until the New Year may I take this opportunity of
wishing you and your families a very happy and peaceful time over the holidays.
Best wishes of the upcoming season to all! n
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
3
Rear Commodore - Mac McKenzie
I have written a year end report which is contained in the AGM package. This time
I would like to recognize the racers that won Flags and Trophies. These were presented at the Annual EYC Awards Banquet. Judging by the turn out at this year’s
banquet it seems everyone had a lot of fun. Congratulations to all and thank you
for coming out to participate. I hope to see all of you next year and hopefully
some more boats.
2014
Winners
forfor Racing
at EYC
2014 Trophy
Trophy Winners Racing at EYC
Series /Event Name
Trophy Name
Winner
Tuesday – Small White
Ron Alward
Onawa
Tuesday – Mid Spin
Norm Williamson
Djembe
Tuesday – Large White
Ted Rose
Syndrome
Tuesday – Large Spin 1 Floyd McRae
Zoom
Tuesday – Sport Boat
Black
Minx
Thursday – Large White Captain Morgan Rum Little Bird
Thursday – C&C 27
The 27 Cup
Distant thunder
Thursday – Small White Walter O’Neill
Onawa
Single Handed
Expotition
Double Handed
Epona
Empster B
Marie Curtis
Arome
Kokomo
Frostbite – White Sails
Saucy Sue
Frostbite - Spinnaker
Ed Kirk
Most Firsts
Bob Mackenzie
Onawa
Crew of the Year
Crew of the Year
Valery Lvov
Promotes Sailing
within EYC
Helmich Trophy
Steve Reid
4
Little Bird
Distant Thunder
Hot Water
2014 Flag Winners
Alchemist, Ron Ander
Ariana, Bill Wilbur
Arome, Peter Stevens
Bess, Oleg Koubrak
Black, David Black
Bluenote, Dave Tod
Devious, Hank Bout
Distant Thunder, Jim Wente
Djembe, Willi Steinke
Emster B, Gord Passfield
Expotition, Dave Hymers
Hot Water, John Mcleod
Kokomo, John Baron
Les, John Hagen
Little Bird, Malcolm Little
Magic, Fielding
Morven II, Jeffery
Mr. Bluster, Tom Smith
Onawa, Marc Bernier
Pogo, Charles Bick
Rhumb Punch, Pat McRae
Seventh Heaven, Stan Cooper
Shockwave, Les Wardrop
Still Knot Working, Steve Reid
Stir It Up, Alan Stokes
Syndrome, Rojcik
Westwind V, Percy Ford-Smith
Wildfire, David Sparks
Worthy Pearl, Mac McKenzie
Zoom, Mac Sadowski. n
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
Levels Regatta and EYC’s JSP 420 team
by Lawrence Biricz
An extraordinary thing happened. In late August, I found myself happily scurrying across the
deck of my C&C 27, as the 17 year old skipper (my daughter) at the helm was navigating on
coming sail boats, (apparently it’s called “threading the needle”) and she was encouraging me
to get myself further over the toe-rail for more ballast. Recognizing each successful team needs
to maximize its resources and I was by far the biggest and heaviest of the crew on board. I was
getting comfortable in my role as ballast. Except for my raw winching power, but to be fair, the
other lighter, more skilled and agile crew members were faster into and out of position under
each tack and jib, thereby making them more effective in the end. Still, I was there, in the thick
of it…even if I was heaviest weak link on the team, I was racing… and on my own boat no less.
Truthfully, racing was a goal my wife and I set for ourselves when we joined the club three
years ago. The idea was to get better at sailing before we tackled the racing. Racing, would be
our chance to improve our boats performance. I wanted to see / learn how our boat performs
against other similar boats. The plan was, first crew with a team who could see my skill to them
from a mile out...ballast! And ideally, this would be an A team of racers who knew how to make
their boat perform. And I would translate the knowledge to our boat. Respecting the fact that
Neptune works in mysterious ways… I initially, misunderstood my daughter’s request (let the
records show… I am NOT the first father misunderstanding their 17 year old child…) about registering our boat for the something called the Levels Regatta. “HaHa…good luck! And through a
chuckle I said… “You have my blessing sweetheart.” I immediately turned to my wife… ”Did hell
freeze over this month? No. I think its safe to book dinner with the Morton’s for the weekend”
My daughter, to her credit has a love for sailing that was partly inherited, but mostly developed
through four wonderful summers within the Junior Sailing Program. She entered the program at
13, with limited sailing knowledge or experience. She quickly gained experience with the support
of coaches and accelerated through Can Sail level at a rate of two levels per season. In 2012,
and again in 2013 her diligence was recognized and she was awarded the Sportsmanship Award.
In the fall of 2012, the year our family also joined EYC, my wife and I realized we didn’t pick the
club… the club picked us! This last season, as a Junior Sail Program racer, she achieved the clubs
best two handed regatta result. Finishing third at the Fogh-Bohrman Regatta in an RS Feva. My
daughter’s love of sailing and the enjoyment of being members of the EYC community made
signing up for the Levels regatta a natural extension for the C-420 race teams season. These
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
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seasoned racers, were hungry for one last regatta to close out their competitive racing season
together. They organized themselves, contacted the club’s Race Committee to participate in
the Regatta with the only keel boat they could get their hands on .… mine! In preparation for
the race, the team ran up and down the docks rolling and unrolling sails and choosing what was
best and testing out our spinnaker, a day before the race they realized they didn’t have a PHRF.
Or rather they did, but it was from 1997 and it said the boat was based in New England. They
understandably panicked and called the man who was always good to these Junior Sail Program
racers… Steve Reid. Steve Reid made it happen. He made sure these racers were going to race
and that no one would stop them. This courtesy extended to race day as people communicated
and encouraged us.
At the end of the first day, I couldn’t wait to get home, changed and ready for dinner with the
Morton’s. Charles Morton is my ace in the whole. A keen sailor / racer, who’s skills were finely
crafted as a junior sailor, youth racer at RCYC, and knows more than me about everything to do
with sailing. Charles, to his credit, had me completely fooled as he fained interest in each detail of the race, our starts and wind strategy. At dessert my wife suggested Charles and I retire
to the living room while the ladies finish off in the dining room. This couldn’t have worked out
better… I could ask Chuck some real questions about racing with out being interrupted by passing the Grey Poupon. It dawned on me after a few more libations into the discussion, except for
my knowledge, skill, soft bottom under paint… The key to future success at racing was my sails.
Both size and type. Kevlar or Dacron and everything at 150%. Thanks Chuck… I got it. !
The Sunday races were better for our team, albeit, I wasn’t sure why I had a headache and
a feeling of nausea despite the lower chop on the lake, steadier winds and generally overcast
conditions. Winning was not an option considering the boats we were racing against. Improved
starts, tacks and overall better performance was our result the second day. You can image how
proud I was feeling. We knew we finished in 3rd place in the white sail fleet. This was my first
regatta, on my own boat no less, and with an A team crew!
Its amazing how the world has changed for me since haul-out. Each time I am at the boat, I am
making adjustments, and changes with one goal in mine….Racing with my JSP “A”team at next
year’s Levels regatta. I have no misgivings...doing equally well next season … another 3rd will
be challenging… we all know it only takes one boat and …
Did I forget to mention there were a total of three boats in the White Sail fleet …….The camaraderie lives on…
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The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
Facilities/Water - Gord Passfield
I would like to congratulate everyone who participated in this year’s haul-out for
a job well done. Despite all the hard work, we make it look easy.
On behalf of the club I would like to offer special thanks to all the coordinators
who take on the added responsibility of organizing and supervising this event.
Their years of experience and knowledge is vital to the success of our haul-out
process. Also, a special thanks to all the members who consistently commit to
participating in the weekend’s activities. This annual commitment is necessary to ensure a safe
and efficient haul-out process. This includes the Con-o-lift operators, fork-lift operators, safety
crew, boat handlers, kitchen staff, registration, equipment staff, cradle crew and all the other
peripheral jobs that make the process function smoothly.
A special thanks to Paul Edwards for his role as Yard Coordinator. This is by far the weekend’s
most stressful and demanding position. It is very seldom that a radio transmission made during
this weekend does not include his name. His responsibilities include developing the haul-out list,
planning the yard layout, con-o-lift training and managing the movement of boats during the two
day event. This year saw a record number of boats being hauled and his crew did a fantastic job
of finding a place for each one of them.
Thanks to Michael Claydon and the mast de-stepping crew for their hard work and commitment
to this procedure. Fortunately the weather cooperated this year for both the mast stepping and
haul-out weekends.
Following haul-out the dock crew moved in and began disassembling the end of A dock. As usual
this was performed in the snow. The crews managed to remove eight sections of A dock and
hoisted them onto land in front of the dock shed. This was necessary to gain access to a damaged connection on the main spine. By dismantiling the end sections ourselves we were able to
save $4500. A general estimate for the repair is approx. $3500 + materials. Kropf will also be
providing an estimate for the reinforcement and repair of C dock’s main spine. The sections of
A dock will be refurbished with new decking before they are reinstalled in the spring. Volunteer
assistance will be required. Thanks to the members who braved the cold and assisted with the
dock work party, well done.
I’m happy to see a lot of members accepting the advice to keep a fire extinguisher handy when
installing their shrink wrap. Half of the contractors installing shrink wrap failed to produce a fire
extinguisher when asked.
Late fall the pump-out unit failed inconveniencing many members wishing to winterize their
systems. To operate properly three sensors located within the unit need to be relatively clean in
order to detect fluid levels. Generally they are hosed off a couple of times a season to facilitate
trouble free operations. When the tubes were removed it was discovered that the holding tank
was contaminated with gasoline and the sensors were covered in engine oil grease. The unit
continued to malfunction even after a thorough cleaning. With the help of Chris the manager and
a conference call to the service representative, we were directed on how to proceed further. The
next step was to disassemble a solenoid unit that controls the discharge / suction cycles. As you
would expect it was also coated in gasoline and engine oil grease. The unit was cleaned and the
pump-out was put back in service. While we were there a member approached to inform us that
he had witnessed a EYC member using the pump-out to suction fluids from a powerboat’s engine
compartment bilge the day before. They gave a good description of the boat and the owner will
be re-educated in the proper use of the equipment. I never thought I would have to say this but
the pump out is for “sanitation systems only”. n
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
7
Cruising & Social - Karen Panetta
As I prepare to step down, I have been reflecting on what we’ve done together
over the last year. It certainly was a busy year. Before I sign off, I’d like to send
a special thank you to all of those members who helped me deliver the events. I
sincerely appreciate your support. Here is a look back on the last year.
Cruising
Building on last year’s launch of The Winter Speaker Series, the seminars were expanded to include the following subjects: Coastal Navigation Part 1 & 2, Diesel Marine Engines, Electrical and
Plumbing Systems and Skipper 101. These courses were delivered by Humber Sailing Club at no
charge. I am pleased that both years showed overwhelming attendance by members of Etobicoke Yacht Club and Mimico Cruising Club.
We opened the sailing season with unprecedented attendance at a sold out Cruisers’ Open House
with the House of David Gang Reggae Band. This band plays across Canada and EYC was fortunate to have booked them. The Cruise Captains announced the roster of 2014 cruises around
the lake. All of the cruises were well attended, with waiting lists! The Cruise Captains made an
effort to coordinate themes, dinners and good fun for each and every cruise. Good memories
were had at the following destinations: Toronto Island, Oakville Yacht Squadron, The Commodore’s Cruise at Queen City Yacht Club, Bluffers’ Park Yacht Club, The Great Dinghy Adventure to
Humber Yacht Club, Island Yacht Club, The Oakville Club, Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club, Port Credit
Yacht Club and Port Dalhousie Yacht Club. What a fabulous cruising year! To coordinate a cruise,
there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. The following Cruise Captains made it
happen: Aniko& Andrew Woods, Colette & Cara Boyle, Ingrid Sapona, Murray & Anne Eastwood,
Darren Clark & Natasha Despres, Mustafa &Figen Aksut, Jeannie & Iain Potter, Dennis Miller &
David Joliffe, Sandra & Michael Claydon.
We closed the cruising season with another sold out Cruisers’ Wind Up with the Go Freddie Go
band. I was pleased to announce Gabrielle and Lucas Dufour (parents Maggie and Mark) as
Cruisers of the Year. These children have been on almost every cruise. Sailing through bad
weather and good weather, Gabrielle and Lucas would happily join in the festivities with big
smiles like true cruisers. They were a little surprised at the Cruisers’ Wind Up when we called
out their names for the award. Keep up the sailing kids! You are the future of this Club.
Social
I have been so appreciative of the turn out at all the social events. The following list of parties
keep us going all year round: Commodore’s Levee, Robbie Burns with the Piper, Highland Dancers and delicious haggis, Poker Nights, SuperBowl/Snowbowl, St. Patrick’s afternoon get together with Mitch McCoy, Sailpast weekend with Karaoke Night, Fiddlesix Experience, Midnight Hour
Jazz and a special appearance by Ariel, Disney’s Mermaid.
Friday Night Live was another hit with the following musicians: Kimberley Wetmore and Company, 80’s Bright and Tight Party with DJ Woods, Phil & John Show, Dave Hebert and friends,
Paul & Curtis, Go Freddie Go, Paul Edwards and friends, The Meteors, EYC/Mimico Cruising Club
Friendship Night with The Clay Pigeons, Off the Record, John Campbell, and for the finale Junior
Sailing Program - Alexander Quail and friends.
This year, I introduced the Members’ Appreciation Night with The Meteors band. This was a
wonderful night with dinner and entertainment free to members. The feedback and attendance
was overwhelming.
Again, thank you to all of those who have provided their support for the last two terms. It was a
pleasure serving the Club.. n
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The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
9
EYC PROPOSED
MEMBERSHIP
REPORT – November 12, 2014
Membership
Report -Tracy
Seki
Proposed New Members
None
Resignations, Changes, Corrections
1.
2.
3.
Hans Denker - Crew Member #1122, resignation
William Kirkpatrick - Senior Member #0449, change to Social Member
Dwayne Sadler – Senior Member #1903, change to Non-Resident Member
Applications received to 11/12/ 2014 for consideration at the December 2014 BoD meeting
1.
Donald Hyslop - Senior Membership
Membership Statistics to November 12, 2014
Members
*SENIORS
DRY SAIL
This Month
348
Last Month
350
Last Year
354
*Senior Keel
*Senior Dinghy
Dinghy
8
1
24
8
7
1
2
9
2
1
42
42
6
3
24
8
7
1
2
9
2
1
42
45
6
3
27
8
6
1
2
9
2
1
50
50
TOTAL MEMBERS
495
500
515
*Total Senior Members
373
375
378
*NON RES (Senior)
*LIFE (Senior)
*DSS (Senior)
DSS
HONORARY
INTERMEDIATE
JUNIOR
CREW
SOCIAL
Signal Submissions
Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month. (unless otherwise noted)
Deadline for The Signal is the Monday following each Board meeting.
Deadline for the next issue is December 15, 2014
Please send your articles or pictures to: [email protected]
The Signal Editors: Peter Davidson [email protected]
Liz Rentzelos [email protected]
10
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
Prepared by Tracy Seki #872 - November 12, 2014
Why not print and post it on your refrigerator for quick and easy reference!
EYC Calendar of Events
LEGEND
Bold Red - EYC main events
Bold Black - all other EYC events
Black not bold - not EYC events
** Events require reservations and
payment prior to event.
December 2014
Wednesday
3
Thursday
4
Sunday
7
Monday
8
Wednesdaty 10
Sunday
14
Wednesday 17
19:00
19:00
14:00
18:30
18:30
9:00
18:30
AGM
Social Committee Meeting
Children’s Christmas Party & Santa Visit
Sailing Planning Meeting #12
BoD Meeting
Private Function - (All day)
JSP Meeting
EYC BOARD DIRECTORY - 201/2012
Commodore
Murray Eastwood
Past Commodore
David Wilton
Vice Commodore
Colette Boyle
Rear Commodore
Martin McKenzie
Treasurer
Colin Barry
Secretary
Pauline Jordan
Director - Facilities/Water
Gord Passfield
Director - Facilities/Land
Director - Dry Sail
Colum Tingle
Director - Junior Sail
Michel Paul
Director - Cruising & Social
Karen Panetta
Director at Large
Bob Lee
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
OTHER KEY CONTACTS
Membership Chair
Dock Allocation Master
Cruising Fleet captain
Club Manager
Tracy Seki
Steve Reid
Karen Panetta
Chris Gerred
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
The SIGNAL - Volume 46, Issue 12 - December 2014
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