October - Ventura Yacht Club
Transcription
October - Ventura Yacht Club
The Forecast Laser Racing article on page 50 October 2009 Ventura Yacht Club Established 1938 2009 Ventura Yacht Club 1755 Spinnaker Drive • Ventura • CA • 93001 Flag Officers Commodore Vice Commodore Rear Commodore Dave Witham Michael Raider Gary Bright Secretary Treasurer Port Captain Fleet Captain/Sail Fleet Captain/Power Fleet Surgeon Judge Advocate Chaplain Noelle Chacon Brian Johnson Jim Suley John Berry Gary Meinke Dave Chase, M.D. Mike Stuzane Dotty Massa Board of Directors (Term Ending) Ed Kutchma (09) Don Lawson (09) Jim Suley (09) Stan Whisenhunt (09) Hope Avery (10) Brian Johnson (10) Robin Matt (10) Michael Raider (10) Gary Bright (11) Debbie DeFreitas (11) Norris Leap (11) Dave Witham (11) Yacht Club Staff Manager Office Administrator Office Assistant Bartender Club Keeper Chef Anthony Jesu Robin Lafrican Megan Zavala Chuck Sobel José Silva José Rodrigues Office Hours Tuesday - Sunday 0900-1700 Closed during lunch hour weekdays Telephone Numbers (805) 642-0426 Fax (805) 642-0494 E-mail: [email protected] Web Page: www.venturayachtclub.org Marine Radio VHF: WRV 530 Ch. 71 In case of an EMERGENCY contact The Commodore or a Flag Officer 2009 VYC Committees Budget Cannoneer Communications Cruise Finance Committee Fishing Historian Insurance Juniors’ Program Marina Management Membership Nominating PHRF Representative Predicted Log Race Property Management Race Committee Social Committee Ventura Cup Webmaster Bridge, Treasurer, Finance Committee and Club Manager Jim Modlin Stan Whisenhunt, Chair, Sheri Holzapfel, Liz Cox Norris Leap, Chair, Gary Meinke, Robin Matt, Tom Ramey, Joel Bozarth, John Cooper, Garrett Baum Don Lawson, Chair, Brian Johnson, John Grether, Steve Fedde, Dave Witham Bill Varie Don Mills Brad Barnes Scott Nordeng, Chair, Ryan Cox, Joel Graves, Andy Killion Jim Suley, Chair, Jeff Beller, Gary Meinke, Brian McKenna, Deke Klatt, Malcolm Knight Hope Avery & Debbie DeFreitas, Co-Chairs, Robin Matt, Larry Works Jeff Stansfield John Spille Ivan Cox & Bill Varie, Co-Chairs Bill Fedde, Chair, Gary Meinke, Gail Varie, John Cooper, Ed Kutchma Stan Whisenhunt, Chair Julie Leonard, Chair, Hope Avery, Christina Baum, Dottie Berry, Susan Cooper, Liz Cox, Judy Cunningham, Jan Hester, Peggy Meinke, Irene Stanton Stan Whisenhunt, Chair, Gary Meinke Sheri Holzapfel, Chair, Brian Johnson Michael Raider, Dave Witham From the Commodore By Commodore Dave Witham s we are approaching the close of this year and the end of my term in office I naturally begin to reflect on the year. It has been a sometimes tough year with some of the issues we resolved and yet it has been a fantastic year for events, activities and club participation. And there is still more to come with some of our favorite events for the year like the Columbus Day Cruise (October 9-12) and the Oktoberfest Dinner (October 16). With most of the issues now behind us, and the many wonderful physical improvements to the club (Thanks to the efforts of the Property Management Committee) we have an even better club to meet our needs and provide for years of enjoyment. Probably the most important event this month will be the Election of Officers and the filling of Director’s positions for the coming year. When you receive your ballots please vote wisely and return your ballots per the instructions. The votes will be tallied and election results announced at the Friday Night Club Meeting held on October 23. If you are running for a position as an officer, thank-you for volunteering your time. If you are willing to help by serving on a committee or chairing a committee, thank you as well. When you serve, two things happen. First, you become more actively involved in the club activities and your enjoyment of the club A 4 increases greatly. Secondly, you get the ability to help shape the club and its events. In other words, if you think something should be done differently at the club, volunteer and do it. We have had a good year, mostly because of the great volunteers and member participation this year. I want to personally thank the Board of Directors for many very long Board meetings, and extra Board meetings to work through issues to make the club run well. Our committees have been dynamite as you will hear from Mike, Gary and the Committee Chairs. On a personal note, Jeff Stanfield (as Commodore of ASBCYC) and I were invited and privileged to attend the Annual SCYA Commodore’s Cruise to Catalina Island. We buddy boated down to Avalon to spend a long weekend in the harbor as guests at the Catalina Island Yacht Club. It was great to experience the luxury of the club in Avalon and to meet and greet other commodores from Southern California. It is an event not to be missed by any Commodore. Well, the year is not over yet. We have great Thanksgiving and Christmas events planned. There is still plenty of time to “Have a good time in 2009.” See you at the club or on the water. Dave Witham VYC Forecast October 2009 Vice Views By Vice Commodore Michael Raider he time has just flown by this year and now Summer’s gone. I hope everyone had as much fun this summer as Emily and I did. Please see my report on our fun-filled vacations in this issue of The Forecast. September started out with a bang – in the first two weeks of the month we had a cruise to Coches Prietos, the Labor Day Luau, and our annual Dinghy Party. Except for Friday night the weather during the cruise was described as “postcard perfect.” The VYC Luau is a legendary event. Aside from some Scurvy Pirates, who attacked the fleet, the Dinghy Party was an amazing success. As I write this, our big paint project and the downstairs refurbishment is nearing completion. The bar looks better than I expected and the new paint scheme looks great. Even though part of this project was hired out, this project could not have been completed without member’s help. I’d like to personally thank the members who worked on this project: Bill Fedde, Kim Bernard, Ed Kutchma, Paul DeFreitas, Norris Leap, Tim Foy, Robin Matt, Scott Nordeng, and Lee Coit. There are still a couple of big projects left this year. Next up is the parking lot lighting project which is led by Gary Meinke with assistance from Jon Everhart. Finally we will have the parking lot re-surfaced after completion of the light project. We will do our best to schedule the parking lot project to have the least impact as possible. October is a busy month at VYC. Our Bylaws state: “A Regular Annual Meeting of the Club Members is held at the Club facility located at 1755 T October 2009 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura Harbor, California (“Clubhouse”) or other designated place at 2000 hours on the fourth Friday of October of each year if not a legal holiday.” This is the meeting where the Bridge and Board of Director’s election results are announced. Our Halloween party will be on Friday the 30th this year and you can be sure that Julie Leonard and the Social Committee will have a great party planned. Also, my birthday is on October 21 which just happens to be the date of our monthly Board meeting. I’d like to invite everyone to come to the October Board meeting to help me celebrate my birthday. Here’s a list of other happenings in October: Gal and Guy Series #1, Columbus Day Cruise, Junior’s Day, Caregivers Sail-a-thon, Oktoberfest Dinner Party, and an Art Show to close out the month. In addition to everything else, I’m working on a revision to the Berth Assignment Rules (BAR). Last year when the Board adopted the new BAR we planned at that time to review the BAR after using them for a year. Jim Suley, Bill Crew, and I are working with some of the members of the 2008 BAR Committee to incorporate some lessons learned from using the rules for the past year. I’m also on a committee that is reviewing and updating our Reserve Study. In the near future we will have a “New and Improved” website. In addition to posting the calendar, race information, and dining menus we VYC Forecast Continued on page 7 5 From the Rear By Rear Commodore Gary Bright s my first year on the Bridge winds down, and, by necessity, my attention will have to shift to the massive editing project of member contributions for the Commodore Witham Step-Down (discussed below), I would like to thank the committee chairs under the Rear Commodore’s job description, each of whom has done an outstanding job this year. 1. Junior’s Program -- Scott Nordeng: VYC has had a successful Junior’s Program for many years which has produced many nationally acclaimed sailors. Scott has maintained these high standards this year while coming up with several key innovations and improvements. Initially, as the Junior’s fleet was aging, Scott arranged for the acquisition, on very favorable terms, of six Opti Sailing Dinghies, with two VYC members purchasing their own. This was followed by several clinics at the club, and a regatta scheduled for October. Scott, with help from Norris Leap, Joel Bozarth, and Paul Moore, next proceeded to install new stainless steel storage racks on the docks. This year I have been approached (actually, I may have done some of the approaching) by several new members, and prospective members, who indicated that their first contact with VYC was through their sons’ or daughters’ participation in the Junior’s Program, and all had nothing but positive comments about the program. Great job, Scott. 2. Cruise Committee -- Norris Leap: Norris thought that he wanted A 6 to be port captain (probably so he could boss everybody around), but I think, at this point, we can all agree that he was a perfect choice for Cruise Chair. Norris got the 2009 cruising calendar off to an early start with a reciprocal cruise to P.C.Y.C. in Channel Islands in February. When rough weather required cancellation of the Anacapa Cruise, Norris enlisted Julie Leonard and the Social Committee to come up with the Cruise to Nowhere format. This was such a hit, it looked for a while like no VYC boat would ever leave the harbor again. However, thanks to Jeff Stansfield for getting us back out to sea, there was a great cruise to Prisoner’s on Memorial Day. Norris took it from there with a great cruise to Coches on July 4th, a significant increase in the number of boats participating in the annual Catalina Cruise (coming mostly from new, first-time participants), and another successful Coches Cruise over Labor Day, in which something like twenty VYC boats participated. This was as active a cruise calendar as I have seen at the club, and we will probably see at least one more this fall, and a final Cruise to Nowhere in November to close the season. I would have to say Norris did an outstanding job, even if he wasn’t seven feet tall, and since he is, he definitely did an outstanding job. 3. Race Committee -- Stan Whisenhunt: When Pierpont Bay Yacht Club announced at the end of last season that it could no lon- VYC Forecast Continued on page 7 October 2009 Vice Views Continued from page 5 will have a secure members only section with all sorts of cool stuff. Stay tuned for updates. See you on the water. Michael Raider From the Rear Continued from page 6 ger co-host Wet Wednesdays, many, including myself, wondered if the program could, or even should, continue. Stan was not one of those. He pretty much single-handedly willed the event from the verge of extinction to a popularity which had not been witnessed in years. I know that he had tremendous help from the Stantons, Mike Raider, and countless other VYC volunteers in running the program, but it was his vision and persistence that commonly saw 15-20 boats participating, and standing-room-only for the bar and dinner. Anthony recently reported that the dinners and drinks, even at reduced prices, generated a significant profit for the club. The general race calendar offered some event just about every weekend, and VYC hosted the largest Ventura Cup/Santa Barbara Channel Challenge in years. Again, we can, and should, thank Stan Whisenhunt for all this, and I doubt anyone else could have accomplished so much in a single season. 4. My Thoughts for the Future: Scott has been running the Junior’s Program for a number of years, Norris has hosted countless cruises before this year, and Stan has held just about any position the club has to offer, and some on multiple occasions. I personally think that the above October 2009 achievements this past year could not have been duplicated had these committee chairs not had significant prior experience in their positions. While it may be a club tradition that these positions turn over annually, and while it can be argued that sometimes new blood is desirable, etc., I believe you will see each of the above individuals back in their positions for at least another year, and hopefully longer, because the club, and all its members, will benefit tremendously. Please let them know that you appreciate their efforts. 5. The Commodore Witham Roast: We now have a date, October 24, 2009, with the program starting at 7:00 pm. I am starting to sift through the mountains of material submitted so far, and it is clear we will need a co-host to handle it all. Jeff Stansfield was selected for this important position from a large number of applicants. Linda is getting some photos together from Dave’s past for Dotty Wheeler to start to organize. If any of you have photos of Dave in action at VYC – the more embarrassing the better, please show them to Dotty or myself in the next few weeks. For the vast majority of the VYC membership wishing to participate, Kate is always looking for recruits with musical and/or dance abilities for her group “Davey’s Darlings”, and I will try and provide time for as many of you as possible to share your own “With Him, or Without Him” anecdotes. We should try and finish the program before munchies the following day, and we may need to go with a larger venue to accommodate all the hecklers, so make your reservations with the office as soon as you see a sign-up sheet. Gary Bright VYC Forecast 7 VYC Retains Cup in Great Challenge Weekend By Stan Whisenhunt entura Yacht Club had one of its most successful Ventura Cup weekends in years – both on and off the water. The VYC Gold team scored a huge victory in the team event, almost 50 points ahead of Channel Islands Yacht Club. In the four classes of the Santa Barbara Channel Challenge, VYC boats took three firsts (Rival, Angry Hillbillies and High Voltage), a second (Tortoise), and a third (Front Page). The VYC Gold team of Rival, Angry Hillbillies and High Voltage, completely destroyed the field in the team competition. Taking third in the team competition was the VYC Red team of Tortoise, Front Page and Colt 45. Twenty nine boats entered the two-day regatta, a big boost from the past couple of years. Many thanks go to the VYC support gang who made it all possible. Driving RC boats were Gary Meinke, Ed Kutchma and Scott Nordeng. They had a slew of helpers. Ashore, Cheryl Shaw and Laurie York were simply fantastic as they gathered raffle prizes, sold shirt and BBQ tickets and a whole bunch of other stuff. They, like the RC team, also had lots of helpers, too numerous to mention. It was like old times as a huge throng gathered in the patio area on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. There was dancing late into the evening on Saturday. The only thing V Continued on page 9 8 VYC Forecast October 2009 VYC Retains Cup Continued from page 8 missing from the “good ole” Ventura Cup days was a fist fight. Reports are that the Sunday breakfast was probably the best-attended of the year. Special thanks go to guest Principal Race Officer Dan Alern of CIYC, and his assistant Richard Countess of PBYC. By having outside folk run the regatta it removed the ability of others to claim that VYC was stacking the deck as has been alleged in the past. The only stacking of the deck is that VYC’s boats were loaded with some awesome talent and they proved it on the water both days. Ventura Cup results: 1—VYC Gold, 12 points. Angry Hillbillies, Deke Klatt & Paul Moore, 0; Rival, Dick Velthoen & Paul DeFreitas, 3; High Voltage, Bryan Shaw, 9. 2—Channel Islands Yacht Club, 60.8. Scooter 15.7, Sisu 19.7, Velero 25.4. 3—VYC Red, 68.4. Tortoise, Garrett Baum, 11.7, Front Page, Pat Haskins & Stan Whisenhunt, 24; Colt 45, Dan Chepley, 32.7. 4—Pierpont Bay Yacht Club, 95.4. XS 19.4, Double Down 36, R Escape 40. 5—Ventura Sailing Club, 99.8. Perfect Balance 26.4; Superstition 30.4; 3 Little Birds 43. 6—Anacapa Yacht Club, 105. Maine Squeeze 28, Rambunctious 36, Out Patient 41. 7—VYC Blue, 114.4. Eclipse 35.7, Radio Flyer 39, Wind Dancer 39.7. Santa Barbara Channel Challenge Results: Spinnaker A: 1—Rival (1-2-1); 2— Blue Star (2-1-3); 3—XS (3-3-4); 4—Perfect Balance (6-6-2); 5—Main Squeeze (5-4-5); 6—Colt 45 (4-7-6); 7—Double Down (7-5-7); 8—3 Little Birds (8-9-8); 9—Sprit Decision (9-8-9). October 2009 Spinnaker B: 1—Angry Hillbillies (1-1-1); 2—Tortoise (2-3-2); 3—Rush Street (4-2-6); 4—Fatuity (5-4-3); 5—Alzora (3-5-4); 6—Eclipse (6-8-5); 7—Radio Flyer (7-7-7); 8—Wind Dancer (8-6-8). Non-spinnaker A: 1—High Voltage (1-2-1); 2—Scooter (2-1-3); 3—Rambunctious (4-3-2); 4—R Escape (3-4-4); 5— Too Much Fun (5-5-5); 6—Lizzy Anne (6-6-6). Non-spinnaker B: 1—Sisu (3-2-1); 2—Velero (2-1-3); 3—Front Page (1-3-5); 4—Superstition (4-4-2); 5—Out Patient (5-5-4). VYC Forecast 9 Dock Parties Popular at VYC John & Susan Cooper invited fellow members to help celebrate the 30th birthday of their boat. Brian & Laurie York had a dock party to celebrate Wolfpack’s arrival at their new slip. Dock Watch By Jim Suley, Port Captain hat good fun we had at VYC dock box’s lids as the winds can be this summer. Cruising to the quite strong. If you have any quesislands, all type of racing, socialtions as to why VYC is such a neat izing – we did it all. Yeah, we’re all place to have all sorts of fun please pretty lucky to live in such a neat feel free to contact me or the VYC place. By the time you read this it office anytime. will be fall already. Can you believe Enjoy life. it? This time of year can bring some This month’s nautical quesfine weather to our area. Also this is tion: Flown from the forward mast when we usually get our first Santa or stay, which code flags indicate Anas. I’d like to remind all who have distress? A) Alfa-bravo, B) Novembera vessel at VYC to check their moor- Charlie, C) Delta-Tango, D) Hoteling lines and to latch down your Lima. W Answer: B 10 VYC Forecast October 2009 Let the Good Times Roll Bocce Ball Tournament When: Sunday, October 25 Where: Channel Islands Yacht Club Calling all bocce ball players…. CIYC has issued the challenge and we need your help representing Ventura Yacht Club! The tournament is being held at CIYC and we need to field at least ten, twoplayer, teams. The tournament will start at 11 am CIYC will have dollar beers and dollar hot dogs. Members of both clubs are encouraged to bring a dish to share. CIYC will set up a tent inside the patio for the beer kegs, etc. A little history: Bocce is based on one of the oldest diversions known to man—throwing something at a target. In the case of boc- Roster Changes Add New Members: (T) Bonne Duncan 1363 Spinnaker Dr., Slip 75 Ventura, CA 93001-4360 805-477-8853 (h & c) [email protected] Boat Info: Casa Bonita - Catalina 36’ Sail Member Changes: Heidi Graves New Email: [email protected] October 2009 ce, a small ball called a pallino is thrown onto the court. Players then bowl larger balls toward the pallino to see who can get the closest. The earliest records show a similar type of game dating to 5200 B.C. Bocce shared a fate common to many games of the Middle Ages—it was banned by both kings and the church. Perhaps they were right. Legend says that English Admiral Sir Frances Drake was playing Bocce when he was told that an attack by the Spanish Armada was imminent. His response: “First, we finish the game, then we have time for invincible armada.” How to Enter: There is a signup sheet at the club or you can e-mail Brian York at brianyork1@ mac.com or Norris Leap at [email protected]. We all know what a little team spirit can do to help lead your team to victory. To help cheer on your VYC Bocce Ball team, we are also recruiting VYC Cheerleaders to root our team to victory, so please join us on October 25 and don’t forget the pompoms! Pre-tournament practice sessions will be scheduled once we have enough players entered so sign up soon. VYC Forecast 11 Catalina: What They Didn’t Tell You By Mike Doman & Kim Bernard ary Bright was right. Although we sat diligently with notebook at the ready, we learned absolutely nothing at the Catalina Cruise Seminar. Although we did enjoy the bee. Kim and I joined VYC just before last year’s Catalina Cruise and have struggled to meet people, remember names and make new friends. We missed the trip last year due to work obligations and were disappointed but really did not understand the full impact until time progressed and we got the sense that this was something very special. We realized that we really needed to make it a priority. I’m glad we did – it changed everything. But…if we knew then what we know now… The first hurdle we had was getting there. There seemed to be five different ways of accomplishing this. We decided that the best way was to….follow someone. We buddyboated with new members George and Jeanne Mitchell (fellow rookies) of Eight West and Jeff and Julie Leonard (Catalina vets) of Buena Vida. We thought we’d share with you a short list of the surprises that Catalina had in store for us: 1. Make sure Lars (Larry Works) is there to help you moor because the cove at Isthmus looks like the parking lot at the Oaks Mall at Christmas. 2. The warm water and Buffalo Milks have it all over the cold water and equally cold reception from the Nature Conservancy at Santa Cruz for this little Canadian Boy. 3. If you don’t have wheels on your dinghy, make sure the Wheeler’s grandsons are along. G 12 4. Whatever wine you think you need, double it (even if you have to put it in the bilge.) 5. Make sure you show up early to dinner to claim a table or you may find yourself sitting downwind from the BBQ. 6. Regardless of what Stan Creighton says, bringing your battery operated blender to the picnic table is a great way to make new friends. 7. Whatever you BBQ, make sure it is thin and bring VERY long tongs. (They say the hair on my arms will grow back in time.) 8. Whatever comes over the morning net about departure time, don’t listen to them. Listen to Gary Bright. 9. Call ahead for your Bravo 1 mooring BEFORE you leave the Isthmus and it doesn’t hurt if you serve hot dogs to the Harbor Patrol if you plan on returning. 10. Trolling the waters in the late afternoon is a surefire technique for obtaining a cocktail hour invite. 11. A Chapman’s guide and a dinghy full of coins is required for Moonstone Madness/Howland’s Horrors. It doesn’t hurt to do as Kim did and log VYC Forecast Continued on page 13 October 2009 Social Committee Report By Julie Leonard In our wake: Aloha VYC! The Labor Day Luau was full of the island spirit. What a treat to come home from a lovely island cruise to such a fabulous event. The patio was beautiful, the music was fun, the food was absolutely delicious and the group of people in attendance truly had the aloha vibe. We even got our Commodore Dave Witham up and dancing! Mahalo to all who made this event so special. A special thank you to Una Berkowski for making this year’s luau so special. Security, Security, Security… There be pirates in these thar waters. Two Scoundrels of the surliest kind attacked unsuspecting cruisers last weekend during the Crusin’ the Keys Dinghy Party. These high sea’s shenanigans are quite unusual for our typically quiet waters and are cause for alarm. All boaters are encouraged to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and report any signs of pirates immediately. Other than the threat of confiscated women and rum by the pirates, the dinghy Continued on page 14 Catalina: What They Didn’t Tell You Continued from page 12 the positions of every boat before the Gary was right…there’s no way to game. tell someone about the Catalina trip 12. Gentlemen: Make sure you because you just have to experience bring your “Easy Up” to keep your it. For us, Catalina was an initiation of women happy and meet new friends sorts. We left as yacht club members at Emerald Cove beach. and returned with yacht club friends. October 2009 VYC Forecast 13 Social Committee Report Continued from page 13 party was, as usual, a super fun event. Steve and Elke Fedde hosted the Hawaii destination and were such gracious hosts. Flags were flying, rum punch and Hawaiian pizza were served, and everyone had a great time. Caribbean Islands were at the Von Morganroth home. The generosity and charm was amazing. If you missed this event you really missed out. The lovely hostess and home were appreciated by all. Sadly, at the last minute due to health reasons, our Mexico destination had to be changed. The big beach in the Ventura Keys was a good alternative and our club staff did a beautiful job setting up and serving the cruisers. Thank you Anthony. On the horizon: Mark your calendars now! Halloween Party Friday October 30. The Annual Thanksgiving Pot Luck November 22. Ummm! Trim the club for the Holidays is November 29 during Sunday snacks. Come help decorate the VYC tree. Change of Command December 5. Formal/Semi formal event. Parade of Lights Parties. Friday December 18 will be family night. Bring the kids, grandkids and grandparents for a family friendly evening. If we are all extra good maybe Santa will show up! Saturday December 19 we are trying something new. 14 Party on the Patio for the Parade of Lights! Music, dancing, heavy hor d’oeuvers/Light dinner, no host bar VYC Forecast Continued on page 15 October 2009 Halloween Party! Aaargh Maties… all you Pirates and Wenches need to come in off the high seas n be at VYC on October 30th We’ll be swashbuckling n havin’ fun so... Come dressed so we don’t recken you – Thar be prizes for the ones we don’t recken the best! Thar be plenty of grub n grog to fill your Black Jack Arrrhhh…yu’d better be thr er we’ll sacavange n ravage yur ship N you lily livered souls will be made to walk the plank! Aaaaargh!!! Social Committee Report Continued from page 14 and fun. Bring your friends and show off our recently updated patio and VYC spirit. This will be a new activity for our club and should be a blast. October 2009 VYC Forecast 15 Michael & Emily’s Vacation Adventures By Michael Raider ue to a number of circumstances Emily and I had our 2009 vacations practically back-to-back. Our first vacation occurred in the last three weeks of July, in which we drove to Victoria, BC to cruise aboard our former sailboat, Mouillé, which is now berthed at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC). After we returned, I was immediately sent on a one week business trip to Kauai. After a couple of weeks back in Ventura, we then left for a week of scuba diving onboard a live-aboard dive boat in the Galapagos Islands. We chose to drive up to Victoria for our Canadian vacation, due to all of the stuff that we wanted to bring for our two weeks on the boat. This also gave us the opportunity to stop on the way up and visit with a friend of Emily’s from her high school days and to stop and spend time with my father who lives in Trinidad, CA on the drive back to Ventura. In addition, we had a car in which to take some side trips; including Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island and Mount Rainier in Washington State. Our two weeks onboard our former boat Mouillé took us on a circumnavigation of Orcas Island and included stops in both the U.S. San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands. The weather was generally comfortable while we were in Canada; it was a bit hot, except when it was really cold, which was whenever the wind blew, but that wasn’t a lot. Our first stop was at Roche Harbor where we checked in with U.S. Customs and took a slip for the night. We walked through their extensive Sculpture Garden and were able to do some provisioning. During our walk at the Sculpture Garden, we saw the first of many Bald Eagles that we would see D 16 during our trip. It had been hidden by a cluster of reeds at the edge of a pond and took off with a loud “whoosh” when we were no more than 20 feet from it. The next day we went around the corner to Garrison Bay to visit the English Camp which is a remnant a mid-1800’s “cold” war between Britain and the U.S. over the ownership of the San Juan Islands; this “cold” war nearly turned into a real war (The Pig War), after the killing of a British pig by a U.S. farmer. We toured the old camp and hiked to the top of Young Hill for a great view of many of the islands that we would be visiting. The following two nights we stayed at Rosario Marina on Orcas Island. We attended an organ concert at the Moran Mansion, which included a presentation on the history of the mansion and a slide show of photographs of the flora and fauna of the San Juan Islands. The organ at Moran Mansion has 1,972 pipes and is valued at over one million dollars. The following day we returned to the mansion for a self-guided tour of the rest of the house. Mr. Moran owned a shipbuilding company and he had his shipwrights build the house, so the house has a definite nautical theme and is built sturdy like a ship. Ship parts, such as watertight doors and chain, were incorporated in parts of VYC Forecast Continued on page 17 October 2009 Michael & Emily’s Vacation Adventures Continued from page 16 the house. In addition, the original exterior paint was bottom paint. That afternoon we took a short hike up to Cascade Lake. We next visited Sucia Island for two nights in Echo Bay. We spent our time on Sucia Island hiking and kayaking, as we did just about everywhere that we went on this trip. The hiking trails in the islands were all very beautiful, shaded by tall trees with ferns growing below them. In the afternoon I watched a Bald Eagle fishing – just like many humans he was fishing not catching. Our next two nights were spent at Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. The the waves went from small ripples harbor was inside two very long to breaking waves. We watched a fingers of land and the water was as sailboat round the point and he went smooth as a mirror. After lounging from moving swiftly to almost a dead around on the boat until after lunch, stop when he hit the current at the we decided that we would go ashore to go hiking. We hiked over to Provost point. We decided to round the point with significant clearance so that we Harbor and then up the hill to the wouldn’t do the same. In the afterschoolhouse. There is a new schoolnoon we also kayaked around Reid house on the island, the old schoolHarbor and marveled at the many fine house is now the library; the current enrollment at the school is two pupils. vacation homes and the lack of even a small market. Also on the school grounds was the Our next stop was Bedwell Harbor Teacherage, which was the cabin that was provided for the teacher to live in. in the Pender Islands. This was where we re-entered Canada. While in the We reviewed the old rules for teachBoundary Pass we had over four knots ers, which included specifying the of favorable current. Once again the length of a woman’s skirt, how many wind let us down and we had to motor days were allowed for courting (for the entire eight miles. We checked male teachers - two per week if he in to Canadian Customs at an unwent to church, otherwise only one), manned customs station. They have and no hanging out at ice cream parlors. It did not look like a very appeal- a bank of phones that connect you to a customs agent who asks the pertiing job. The Teacherage is now the nent questions. After a few minutes island museum. On our second day you are done and on your way. Once at Reid Harbor we hiked to Turn Point again we hiked and kayaked at Pender Lighthouse. The lighthouse began Island. operation in 1893 and today the staWe then went to Port Sidney on tion is fully automated. The current at Turn Point is significant. During our short time observing the current Continued on page 18 October 2009 VYC Forecast 17 Michael & Emily’s Vacation Adventures Continued from page 17 Vancouver Island. We had wind and mostly favorable current while en route from Bedwell Harbor to Sidney. It was very interesting sailing across the strong currents, since where the bow of the boat was pointed was a lot different from where our computer showed our course actually taking us. The current, at one point, was strong enough to cause us to round up the boat, to push the bow into the wind, as we entered a new current. In general, however, we were able to use the currents to our advantage. We used the current charts for the area as “train schedules”; when the current was goboro Bay on Vancouver Island. After ing in the direction that we wanted to we tied up Mouillé in her slip, Emgo, that was when we left for our desily and I toured the town of Victoria. tination. Navigating into Sidney HarWe went to Ogden Point and walked bor was a delicate situation. “Checkout on the breakwater, then walked in” time at the marina just happened around the inner harbor. There were to coincide with low tide; they didn’t ask how much the boat drew when we many vendors and street performers made reservations, so we didn’t realize along the promenade. That night, it could be a potential issue. We made after a spectacular sunset, it rained, with thunder and lightning in the it in, but without any room to spare. distance. The skies were clear the There was about ten feet of difference next morning so we resumed explorbetween high tide and low tide, so ing the local area. We went for a hike when low tide came along, it looked in Goldstream Provincial Park. The as though the plug had been left out trail meandered through the lush forof the bottom of the marina; low tide est, past the entrance to an old gold exposed a lot of land in the marina. mine, and through a fern filled canyon Sidney is a town of coffee houses and until we lost what we had thought bookstores. We were fortunate that we arrived on a Thursday, because we was the trail. Since the road was in sight, it seemed easier to climb down were able to enjoy the street market a waterfall to the road below, rather that they have on Thursday nights in than to turn back. Fortunately, the Sidney. The next day we took a long waterfall was dry. We stopped at the walk along their Seaside Walk and Fisgard Lighthouse on our way back visited the recently opened Ocean to Cadboro Bay, then met with our Discovery Center. The Ocean Discovfriends, and current owners of Mouillé, ery Center was small, but had a giant Peter and Jane at a pub in Victoria octopus that had a head easily twice Harbor for a farewell dinner. We were the size of a man’s head; I wouldn’t very pleased with the care that Peter want to meet something like that while diving. We then returned to RVYC at CadContinued on page 19 18 VYC Forecast October 2009 Michael & Emily’s Vacation Adventures Continued from page 18 and Jane have taken of Mouillé; it is obvious that they take a lot of pride in their boat. Mouillé has a good home in Canada and the people there actually know how to pronounce Mouillé; some even know what it means. We began our drive back home just as the heat wave hit the Pacific Northwest; the temperature was 108° F in Grant’s Pass and a cool 62° F once we reached the coast of Northern California, less than three hours drive away. After a day of rest at home, I was off to Kauai for a business trip. While in Kauai I exchanged burgees with the Sharon Gibson at the Nawiliwili Yacht Club. After a couple of weeks back in Ventura, Emily and I left for the Galapagos Islands to spend a week SCUBA diving from the live aboard dive boat Sky Dancer. We had made reservations for this trip two years ago because this trip is so popular and the number of visitors allowed to the Galapagos is limited. The trip had been arranged by friends of ours, Eric and Angie who own and operate the Peace dive boat in Ventura; therefore, several of the other divers that were on this trip were people that we knew from other dive trips. There were a total of sixteen divers on the 110-foot boat. After two days of travel we arrived at the airport on Isla San Cristobol in the Galapagos, then boarded a bus for a short ride to the harbor. That afternoon we had our check-out dive with the Sea Lions at Isla Lobos. The Galapagos Sea Lions are descendents of California Sea Lions. We dove at five other islands: North Seymour Island, Isla Mosquera, Isla Wolf, Isla Darwin, and Isla Isabella. Isla Darwin was the furthest away of the islands; it is located in the northern part of the Galapagos. Getting there involved an 18 hour transit from the central GalaOctober 2009 pagos islands and getting the dive boat fixed so that it could make it there. The water temperature in the Galapagos is cool at this time of the year; however, they are experiencing a bit of an El Niño this year, so it was not as cool as it normally is this time of the year. The temperatures that we saw ranged from 71° F in the southern islands to 76° F in the northern islands. The visibility underwater was on the average about 60 feet. Among the marine life that we saw were: White Tip Reef Sharks, Galapagos Sharks, Silky Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, Moray Eels, Galapagos Garden Eels, Barracuda, Spotted Eagle Rays, Marble Rays, Mobula Rays, Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphins (hunting), Puffer Fish, Parrot Fish, Pacific Green Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, Sea Lions, and many tropical fish. Underwater highlights included: seeing a Marble Ray sleeping with a school of (stacked) White Tips in a small cave, having a Manta Ray swim by so close that its wingtip was just inches away from my mask, and watching the interaction between a few playful Sea Lions and a very serious Manta Ray. The marine wildlife was so abundant that at times it was difficult to know where to look: to the left at the Puffer Fish that is so large, it looks like a giant balloon, the mother of all Puffer Fish or to the right at the Manta Ray swimming by, to the left at the sea turtles swimming by or to the right at the school of Hammerheads swimming by. However, we had chosen to go to the Galapagos and the trip was planned for August specifically for the possibility of diving with Whale Sharks, which we had yet to encounter in all of our diving trips. This is VYC Forecast Continued on page 20 19 Michael & Emily’s Vacation Adventures Continued from page 19 one of the main reasons why people that we were to go snorkeling with the chose to dive in the Galapagos. Our penguins; however, the penguins had divemaster refused to call them by no interest in swimming with us and name, until we could actually see one, instead stood on the rocks at the edge so as to not jinx the trip, instead he of the water ignoring us. We saw penreferred to them as “The Big One.” guins again when we went for a hike Whale sharks are the largest fish in on Isla Floreana; they jumped in the the ocean; they are black with white water and swam away as soon as they polka dots and grow to over 40 feet saw us approach. It was on Isla Flolong. They are filter feeders and reana that we saw Sea Lion mothers look similar to whales, except that nursing their young pups, Fur Seals they have gills. Big fish, big gills, big (which are actually Sea Lions and are mouth, big tail, big everything except descended from Peruvian Sea Lions), their beady eyes located seemingly Marine Iguanas, Sally LightFoot crabs too far forward very close to their big (which look like Mexican artwork), mouths. They are sharks because Oyster Catchers, and a Blue Footed their skeletons are made of cartilage Boobie. We also visited the Darwin rather than bone. They swim slowly, Research Center on Isla Santa Cruz, so we were able to swim alongside where we saw the giant Tortoises. On them; however, there were strict rules the island of San Cristobol, we visited against touching any marine life. I the Interpretive Center and walked had nine encounters with Whale around the town; there were many Sharks during the trip and Emily had Sea Lions just lounging around, under eleven encounters. Emily had seen bus stop benches and along the walls the Whale Sharks at the Atlanta Aquar- of the promenade. They were comium; however, these Whale Sharks pletely unafraid of humans. were much larger than the ones at On our trip back home, we had the aquarium. We saw two Whale about a day and a half in Guayaquil, Sharks swimming together, which is Ecuador, the largest city in Ecuador. very rare, and also saw a male Whale Guayaquil was also the first city in Shark, which is even rarer. Our South America to win independence Divemaster, Fabrizio, who has been from Spain; it was very important to diving in the area for over 25 years the liberation of South America. It and has worked on Whale Shark tagwas in Guayaquil that José de San ging programs, has had only one other Martín and Simón Bolívar held a encounter with a male Whale Shark. famous conference to plan for the inIn addition to all the diving, we dependence of Spanish South Amerwere able to spend some time actuica. We had a guided tour of the city ally on the islands. The climate in the in the morning, then late in the day Galapagos is moderate and dry, simiwe strolled along the Malecón, which lar to California; therefore, the vegetais a riverfront promenade. Here tion consisted of different types of cac- we toured the Naval Training Tall tus and short scruffy trees and shrubs. Ship Guayas and also walked by the The islands are volcanic. We did some Guayaquil Yacht Club and the Naval short hikes in the islands, including Yacht Club; however, we did not have one to the top of Isla Bartolome for an enough time to visit their facilities outstanding view of the famous Pinand I hadn’t thought to bring any VYC nacle Rock. It was in Isla Bartolome burgees with me. 20 VYC Forecast October 2009 The Myth of the Baja Bash, part 2 By Rob Miller veryone was concerned about the weather with some indication of heavier winds and seas for the next several days. I was checking with Susana every night who downloaded the latest weather forecast from Bouyweather which predicted fair winds and calm seas for the next five days. These reports had been very accurate, so we left the next morning at first light for the 60 mile run to San Benito Island approximately 15 miles northwest of Cedros. We motor sailed until a wind shift allowed us to set the head sail, turn off the engine and sail for hours. San Benito has three separate small islands and we anchored at the west island off the fish camp. A panga with fisherman came by to say hello and wanted some beer, soda and candy. I asked what they had for trade and 20 minutes later they returned with a six pound package of fresh fillet of yellow tail costing three beers, three cokes and a half pound of candy. That night we had a wonderful dinner of fresh yellow tail, salad, potatoes and a bottle of wine preceded by margaritas and ceviche appetizer. The weather was so calm we debated spending another day but finally chose to leave at first light for the 77-mile trip across open seas to Fondero San Carlos. We pulled the anchor at 4:30 am, motored through kelp, and had to travel out and around the east island going first southeast one mile then due east for a mile and finally turning northeast towards the headland of San Carlos making the trip about 83 miles. Once past the east island we were in open seas and experienced the only rough day of the entire trip. We motor sailed with a double reef in the main and genoa. E October 2009 Sailing at 30 degrees, the winds were 20 knots gusting to 30, with 6-foot seas marching towards us like soldiers in close formation. The first five hours was a bit uncomfortable until the wind shifted to 35 degrees, and dropped to 15 knots with 4-foot seas at about 15 seconds. This was the area where we expected the worst weather and a month before I tracked days with 40-knot winds and 14-foot seas. We dodged that arrow, had the anchor down in the northeast part of the anchorage at 7:40 pm before dark, and had another calm night on the hook. The trip north from San Carlos to Punta Baja required going either inside or outside the very dangerous Sacramento Reef. The inside passage VYC Forecast Continued on page 22 21 Food and Thought (A co-ed potluck) ummer cruising is over, so how about meeting your VYC friends for tapas and book talk on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 pm at the club. Attendees are asked to read the same book and bring food to share. The Book: Please read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein in preparation for an after-tapas discussion led by Julie Bassler and Norma Crandall. A book review and study questions can be found on the in- S ternet. One such web site is: http:// www.litlovers. com/litguide. html. The Tapas: Please bring a small platter of finger food (sweet or savory) to share and a beverage for yourself. The Myth of the Baja Bash, part 2 Continued from page 21 at the San Diego Yacht Club. I filled had large kelp beds, and since discrethe tank with diesel, changed the oil tion is always the better part of valor, and filters and the next morning was we stayed outside well off the reef. an easy motor sail to Avalon. Perfect We experienced another smooth moweather for a dinghy cruise and then tor sail at 7 knots in almost flat seas ashore where we spent three hours with 10 knots of wind, and the rest of at Larry’s Luau for drinks, food and the trip was as calm as anyone could watched the Lakers win the chamhope for. Even with near perfect pionship. On June 15, we motor weather, what made the trip easy sailed home to Ventura in flat seas at and comfortable was the autopilot, 7 knots. Susana, our dogs, and Jim’s electronics, and windlass all working wife Judy were waiting for us at our perfectly, and a full bimini with the new dock with kisses, hugs and a welisinglass enclosure to protect us from come home banner. Jim and I toasted the elements. each other with a cold one. A daysail to Bahia San Quintin What an experience we had!! then to Puerto Santo Tomas just ten Ocean Fever thanks her many sailors miles south of Ensenada. Both were during the last two years for treatsurprisingly calm anchorages but ing her well and tending to her every with lots of kelp to maneuver around. need. Special thanks to my number We left Santo Tomas at first light and one sailing mate, Jim Graves, for his found an opening in the kelp bed back to seaward. We motor sailed past seamanship, company, conversation and fix it ability. Except for Susana, a Ensenada, outside Todo Santos Island better sailing mate could not be found. and waved good bye to the Coronado So, I claim to all: THE BAJA BASH IS Islands to port. By mid afternoon we A MYTH - - - OR - - - WE WERE JUST sailed past Point Loma into San Diego LUCKY! Bay. We cleared immigration, spent a lovely night and had a great dinner 22 VYC Forecast October 2009 October 2009 VYC Forecast 23 New Members Liz & Greg Frank or we Franks, sailing has been a way to do something fun and exciting as a family. We’ve recently had as many as three sailboats on the water at one time on one lake, creating our own Frank family navy. The last member of our family to take command of the tiller was our daughter Katie. This past summer she participated in the VYC youth sailing program. As someone sworn never to go in the ocean, this was a big breakthrough; it only came after being befriended by a VYC member’s granddaughter when we visited VYC this summer. Katie’s goals now include attending a college where she can be part of the sailing team. Our son, Geoff, has always loved sailing from the day, at ten years of age, he was at the helm of a tall ship out of Morro Bay. In addition to nearly always being on our boat whenever she goes out, he’s a volunteer crew member on the tall ship, Bill of Rights, sailing out of Channel Islands Harbor. Liz had some early exposure to dinghy sailing as a child while growing up in Vermont, but that didn’t quite cut it when it came to crewing a “real boat” on the “real ocean.” So just this past summer she completed her ASA101 certification and participated as crew in her first regatta and skipper in her second regatta. Greg, the real captain in our family, was introduced to sailing off the coast of France and also on a 12-meter schooner off the coast of Brittany while in graduate school. But the majority of his experience has been acquired here, off the California Coast. Greg’s interest in sailing was rekindled when he received a sailing refresher course from Liz as a Christmas present while living in San Luis Obispo. Greg has since completed all the ASA certifications through the F 24 106 level, and has taken an advanced hands-on course in heavy weather sailing in gale conditions out of Santa Barbara. (He still wonders why they and the Coast Guard were the only ones on the water that day.) A couple of years ago, we finally gave in to the lure of the water and purchased our first sailboat in San Diego – our 22-foot Catalina, Weatherbie. Up until January, we were regularly seen in the Channel Islands aboard her. But, as we all know, once you give in to the lure of the sails, the next step is a bigger, better boat. So in April 2009 we purchased our 26-foot Catalina, Water Music. Even more recently, we began one-design sailboat racing (C-18) at Westlake Yacht Club, where we have now been members for approximately four years. Following Greg’s successes in the casual Friday night race series at the Westlake Yacht Club, we participated in our first regatta Labor Day weekend, notching first place. This past weekend we again took first-place honors in our second regatta. The most important thing for us remains being able to get out on the water as a family. We now look forward to getting to know the VYC membership and sharing yachting adventures with new friends. VYC Forecast October 2009 An Alaskan Adventure By Diane Becker Heirshberg embers Stan Heirshberg and Diane Becker Heirshberg are returning from a spring/summer 2009 cruise to Alaska. I returned to Ventura in September and Stan will return in early October, after he closes down our Nordhavn 50 to spend the winter in Victoria Harbour in British Columbia. We cruised British Columbia, Canada for the summer of 2008 and left our boat in Victoria Harbour over last winter. Stan returned to Victoria to get the boat ready for our Spring/Summer 2009 cruise to Alaska in early March, leaving directly from the Ventura Yacht Club’s Mammoth ski trip for Victoria. Stan cruised for seven months and I joined him for five months over Spring/Summer 2009. We left Victoria Harbour in April, and arrived in Ketchikan, Alaska, in early May. The weather was beautiful this summer, but still, Northern British Columbia and Alaska in April and May were cold! We traveled north and visited all for the traditional destinations, starting with Meyer Chuck where we managed to dock on top of a mountain which nearly poked a hole in our bulbous bow at low tide; then visited the quaint (and financially depressed) towns of Wrangell and Petersburg; next to the extraordinary glaciers of Tracy Arm, where we picked up the cruisers on three Nordhavns heading for Russia and Japan as guests to those glaciers because those hardy cruisers did not want to venture through the ice and risk damage to their boats before crossing the Pacific Ocean; then we visited Taku Inlet where we helped some hunters skin two bears and were given fresh bear meat for our hard work; then to Juneau where we took a helicopter tour M October 2009 and walked on a Glacier. I became a famous karaoke singer. We next visited the highlight of our trip which was Glacier Bay National Park where we spent days sitting in front of glaciers and watching them calve and fall into the ocean. Glacier Bay National Park was the furthest north we travelled, and we turned south June 10. We went up and down and around the many beautiful islands of southeast Alaska. Highlights included a visit to quaint Elfin Cove which has no streets, just boardwalks over the forest; Pelican where the owner of one bar asks you to put a dollar on her ceiling and pulls down your pants as you reach(!); Sitka which is a former Russian settlement and where most of the residents look to be of Russian dissent; Baranoff Warm Springs where we met up with Ed and Barbara Kutchma for one of the best dinners of the trip aboard their cruise ship; July 4th festivities in Wrangell Alaska; and a visit to some amazing caves near Craig Alaska. We spent time cruising the outside (ocean side) of many of the islands where we literally saw no other boats for days on end and had incredible fishing. We caught so many prawn and crab, that our freezer was still full when I left the boat at the end of August. We saw mountains and scenery that was breathtaking on almost the entire trip. We saw more Bald Eagles then we knew existed. We fished in salmon runs where there were so many fish we had to stop fishing after two hours because we couldn’t store them all. We saw whales playing and feeding; dolphins jumping and riding on our wake; sea otters bathing in the sun; bears tossing over boulders and VYC Forecast Continued on page 26 25 New Member Jim Eisenhart i, well I guess I might start by confessing my insatiable passion for sailing to the Channel Islands. I moved (OK, ‘escaped’) from LA back in 1988 to take advantage of the sailing lifestyle here in Ventura. When I found out you could have your boat behind your house, I was hooked. By way of further background, I was a military brat who grew up all over -- 5 high schools. Ended up at UCLA Business School after a couple years in the Army. Took a job with a management consulting firm back in the 70s and then left to do my own thing which I’ve done since then. My current firm has five employees one of whom is in Houston. We specialize in facilitating ‘partnering’ workshops on large construction projects worldwide. It’s getting everyone to work together so they don’t end up in court. Been a passionate sailor since early 70s (I’m on my sixth boat). My current boat is a Wauquiez Centurion 40s which (and I swore I’d never do this!) I bought new in San Francisco in early 2007. Fast, comfortable channel cruiser/racer. Did the Baja Ha Ha last year and left the boat in La Paz H for the winter and early spring. Great experience. Used to race in LA and now might occasionally be talked into crewing. Been up to SF a couple of times and San Diego several. Have bareboated throughout the world and had an exciting experience crewing around Cape Horn a couple years ago on a 55-foot ketch. Was married for six years in the late 90s to 2004. My ex-wife still works for my firm. No kids although I was active in Big Brother program for 12 years. One of my other passions is long distance trail running. Ideally, it’s over on the Channel Islands. I believe I’ve run all over Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz and Catalina -- never miss the marathon in March. My idea of the perfect weekend is to sail over to Santa Cruz when the wind picks up; anchor; free dive/spearfish; BBQ/ movie; and then run in the a.m. and pick up the afternoon wind for a ride home. Also, love to ski. Try to get in at least two weeks a year plus a heliskiing trip. Overall, I love challenge, adventure and pushing myself especially if it’s physical. An Alaskan Adventure Continued from page 25 eating salmon; and deer and elk and will cruise again with some of them so many other types of wild life. When next summer. people ask us what we did all day, we Stan is an amazing captain and I say “we watched ice melt and looked am improving as crew. Stan can fix at lots of water, trees, rocks and anianything and can literally move our mals”... but it was so much more. boat sideways into a dock without We were visited by some friends, thrusters. We had some scary times, although less then we expected. Inbut it is wonderful when the captain cluded among our visitors were club is experienced and knows what to do members Dave, Des, Ryan and Wesley in all situations. Quite a comfort. I Harris who joined us for the cruise began to write a book called “A Wife’s from Ketchikan Alaska to Port Hardy Guide to Power Boat Cruising.” British Columbia. They were of We can’t wait to return to Alaska course wonderful cruisers! We made and new adventures next summer. many many friends along the way and 26 VYC Forecast October 2009 Labor Day Cruise 2009 By Norris Leap, Cruise Chairman he Labor Day cruise of 2009 began Saturday morning with a very rough passage to Santa Cruise Island. 6 – 8 foot seas and 25 knot winds caused many cruisers to turn around and go back to the club after a few short miles. I kept Double LL at full cruise speed and in two hours had pounded our way to San Pedro Point and the very smooth lee side of the island. We took spray over the top of the fly bridge often and many times it looked like we were in a car wash. The entire boat got a thorough saltwater bath. Gary Bright had asked me to transport Kate Ford to the island and she sat on the fly bridge with me the whole way and was a good sport about the ordeal. My kids were down low in the cabin having a rough time of it and my wife, Helle, was busy soaking up water which the high winds were driving through the window seams. As bad as the crossing was, the back of the island was as extreme on the good side. Pond-like waters, as smooth as glass, was the rule all the way to Coches Prietos. I knew things were significantly better when the kids popped up and asked if they could have breakfast. While I was pulling into the anchorage however, Stan Wisenhunt and Flash Wheeler were pulling out. “A miserable, windy and lumpy night” was the report, anchors had drug, boats had bumped together and props had fouled on painter lines, and they apparently had had enough. I tried to tell them going back to the club at the present time was a bad idea but they left anyway and we didn’t see them for the rest of the weekend. That’s the end of the bad stuff. I mean the absolute end. The rest of the weekend, the nights, days, parties, beach, water clarity and temp, even the return trip on Monday was as good T October 2009 as it can get. We anchored in my usual spot, fore and aft, and launched the dingy and kayaks and the kids were off. Sitting in 40+ ft. of water, we could see the bottom. The beach was being tickled by surf in the 2 – 4 inch range. My kids were already at the tide pools along the side of the bay sticking their fingers in anenomies, looking at small abalonies, urchins and starfish and teasing an octopus with a stick. We loaded the beach chairs, shade canopy and ice chest in the dinghy and headed for the beach. Once there we were soon joined by many friends and beer, snacks and good conversation flowed. Bocce ball soon broke out. Debbie and Carl Treiberg had brought a large, inflatable platform for their teenage kids to enjoy with their friends but the 20 or so younger children soon took it over and “king of the hill” and “escape from the kelp monster” monopolized it for the next two days. Thanks Deb- VYC Forecast Continued on page 28 27 Labor Day Cruise 2009 Continued from page 27 bie and Carl. The day went by quickly and at 4pm the club reconvened on Pelican Express for the cocktail party. The cockpit was full and the deck was covered by a crowded mass of VYC members. Fifty plus people drank and ate and had a great time. We left at 6:30 but I could still see people on deck as darkness settled on the cove. Thanks to Bill and Jean Crew for hostnot in his chair anymore, in fact he ing. We settled in for a night which I was nowhere to be seen, although I feared would be uncomfortable and thought I heard him snickering in the sleepless. I woke up at 3 am and went background. The smiling faces, which up on deck to see if my boat was sitencircled me were still there and ting on dry land, it was that smooth. Julie’s “Hmmm?” told me an answer I’ve spent rougher nights on my end better be forthcoming. “I think that is tie at VYC. I was awakened again at a great idea!” immediately came out of 7 am by my kids begging me to take them to the beach. What a great night. my mouth. (Do I have survival skills or what?) Julie turned to her gang Sunday was a repeat of Saturday and said “see! I told you he’d love it!” with perfect weather, water and sun. Sitting on the beach, looking out at the She then turned back to me and said anchorage, you could well imagine the she would have a bar over by the cliff and serve Mai Thais with umbrellas scene on a postcard. and pineapple chunks on the rim of Some of the members went hikthe glasses. When I mentioned there ing in various directions but many was no “bar” at the base of the cliff she stayed on the beach and visited and said “I know, you need to build one!” swam. Gary Bright and I were sitting and promptly walked off with her in beach chairs, arguing about the group to find a pineapple. slip rate ballot when Gary says “look Well, to make a long story short, out, trouble approaching!” I turned I borrowed a large surfboard, and my head and coming toward me was propped it between a large rock and a Julie Leonard with backup of several 50 gallon drum I found on the beach other ladies. Julie informed me she and a “Bar” was born. Julie showed up had an “idea.” Would it be alright if with a battery powered blender, ice, the cocktail party was held on the tropical decorations for the bar and beach instead of on Double LL? Being fresh pineapple chunks skewered on a married man with four daughters I tiny umbrellas for the glasses! Wow! have an ability (most of the time, ok Good job Julie Leonard! Thanks to occasionally, alright sometimes I get the Potters for lending their table for lucky) to determine what is really being communicated to me, even though the food also. It was a huge party and what a blast we had! We left at dark the words may be different from the but the party was still going. We spent actual message. I looked up, being at a disadvantage sitting in a beach chair, another smooth night and packed up and saw several smiling, intent faces Continued on page 29 surrounding me. Suddenly Gary was 28 VYC Forecast October 2009 History of Downstairs Bar: Another Demonstration of VYC Members Volunteerism Story by Donald F. Mills, Club Historian Photos by Bob “Flash” Wheeler ith the refurbishment of the downstairs bar nearing completion it is appropriate to review the history of the bar structure. It was designed and built for the upstairs bar room in 1967 with a curve to be compatible with the curve of the west wall of the clubhouse. Members skillfully laminated the bar top using solid mahogany strips. John Messersmith welded a stainless steel foot-rail. Photos 1 & 2 show past members at work. With the 1990 remodeling of the upstairs area the east wall of the bar room was removed and a new bar was constructed in the area along the north wall where it remains today. The curved bar was moved downstairs to its present location. Ed Kutchma designed the current refurbishment of the entire downstairs bar area and then stepped forward to lead a small group of volunteers to do the construction work. The project included a much needed upgrade of the plumbing and electrical systems and all new cabinets for the back bar. Photo 3 shows the newly refurbished bar. Others assisting but not shown W Photo 1: Member Gene Webb doing some detail work with a miter box. Photo 2: Member and professional carpenter George Welter lending a hand to the project. Photo 3: Ed Kutchma enjoying a drink behind the newly refurbished bar. are Tim Foy, Lee Coit, Robin Matt, Paul DeFreitas, and Kim Bernard. Labor Day Cruise 2009 Continued from page 28 first thing in the morning for what we cruise I would suggest you try to join expected to be a rough trip back. We us. This year’s club cruises have been pulled anchor and headed on smooth exceptional in many respects, not the seas for San Pedro Point. Guess what? least of which has been the weather. I After passing the point the seas were hope you have had as much fun as my even smoother than the back of the family did. island! A smooth delightful trip back The next club cruise will be on and we pulled up to the club with all Columbus Day weekend and the smiling faces after a perfect holiday destination has yet to be determined. weekend. (Maybe Cuyler Harbor on San Miguel If you haven’t been on a club Island!) October 2009 VYC Forecast 29 Bridge and Board 2010 By Jeff Stansfield, Chair Nominating Committee would like to thank the Nominations Committee for their service. Staff Commodores Don Mills, Dave Potter and Paul Swanson are always ready to help our club when called upon. Relying on the experience and wisdom of these men is a great strength to our club. We have an exciting list of candidates running for Board of Directors and Bridge positions. As is so often the case the Bridge candidates are running unopposed. Michael Raider, Gary Bright and Bill Crew are running for Commodore, Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore respectively. You will also be voting I for three Board of Director candidates and we have seven candidates to choose from. Incumbents seeking a second term are Don Lawson and Stan Whisenhunt. Newcomers are John Clay (Rotary Club President), Bill Fedde (Property Management Chair), Andy Killion (Rate Review Committee Member and boatyard owner), Malcolm Knight (committee member and former Port Captain) and Tom Ramey (former Board member). I wish all the candidates success in this election process and especially wish the Bridge and Board of 2010 to enjoy their turn at the helm. Michael Raider, Nominated for Commodore y name is Michael Raider and I am running for Commodore. Emily and I joined VYC in January of 2002. At that time I never imagined that I would be a member of the Bridge, and now here I am preparing to be Commodore for 2010. I was born in Los Angeles and after college Emily and I moved to Ventura County. We have been living in the city of Ventura for 20 years and in our current house in mid-town for the past 10 years. I’m a life-long sailor. I began my sailing career at 7 or 8 years of age. The house that I grew up in was not near the water so I used to get my sailing fix as a youngster by sailing the family dinghy in our swimming pool. Prior to purchasing our first sailboat in 1999, Emily and I were avid sail boarders. Currently we own a Bénéteau First 36s7 named Paloma which we are fortunate to have M 30 berthed in the club marina. I have been an active racer and in addition to racing my own sailboat, I have served as crew on many VYC boats. I work as a civil servant for the Navy at Point Mugu. For most of my career at Point Mugu, I have worked with Aerial Target Drones. In addition to my current Targets work, I am also the Lead Test Engineer for a supersonic demonstration air vehicle, which is a combined effort between the Navy, Air Force, and NASA. My job as an engineer requires me to have good problem solving skills and good team working skills. As an engineer, I have worked both as a team leader and as a member of a team in finding the solutions to challenging problems, which are not only technical in nature, but include procedural and logistical challenges as well. VYC Forecast Continued on page 31 October 2009 Michael Raider, Nominated for Commodore Continued from page 30 level of service to club members. A The past two years have presented many challenges to me as Rear and major goal of my year as Commodore is to form a committee that will make Vice. Admittedly at times it has been a plan for the “replacement and/or frustrating; however, overall the experience has been positive and I am glad modernization plan” that is specified in our lease. for the opportunity to serve the club. I look forward to serving as ComAs Commodore, I will work to keep modore in 2010. the club sound financially, work with the BOD to maintain and improve the Gary Bright, Nominated for Vice Commodore y name is Gary Bright and I am running for Vice Commodore. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, graduating from UCSB in 1973 and from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1976, with an emphasis on admiralty law. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, I served on the City of Santa Barbara Harbor Commission, eventually as Chairman. I participated in adopting the slip assignment policies, which, for the most part, are still utilized today, and have been involved in various capacities with recreational and commercial boating interests for the past 35 years. During this time, I have served on numerous public and private non-profit boards, including the Santa Barbara County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, Carpinteria Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, and as the 2008-09 President of the Rotary M Club of Carpinteria Morning. I am currently a partner with the law firm of Bright & Powell in Carpinteria, California, and have two adult sons, Travis, age 26, and Trevor, age 23. I have been a member of Ventura Yacht Club since 2006 and previously served as Fleet Captain Sail, Catalina Cruise Chair (2008), and Rear Commodore (2009). I believe that the club has been, and now is, well served by its leadership, and that its traditions and policies, which have withstood the test of time, should be preserved. On a going-forward basis, I would like to see the remaining authorized memberships filled and the continued expansion of the junior’s, racing, and social programs. If elected to the position of Vice Commodore, Ventura Yacht Club, I will serve to the best of my ability. Bill Crew, Nominated for Rear Commodore ean and I moved to California in 1974 and since we were only going to be here for three years, we became active in sailing and the yacht club immediately. That was 35 years ago and we forgot to leave. In late 1974 I was asked to join the club’s financial team as Assistant Treasure. That meant I got to count the bar inventory monthly but was elevated J October 2009 to Treasurer in 1975. I have served in many financial capacities for the club including chairing several “financial reworks” of the club when we were under-funded for capital improvements. I served on the early versions of the Finance Committee as well as the current version, and have writ- VYC Forecast Continued on page 32 31 Bill Crew, Nominated for Rear Commodore Continued from page 31 ten three generations of the Finance my term as Deputy Mayor of the city Manual and did the installation of of Ventura I was again appointed to our internal Accounting Systems and the Ventura Port District and served a Procedures in 2004. term as its Chairman. I used to be an active racer, racing Cruising is a passion which we around southern California 48 weeklove. Jean and I have spent over ten ends a year, including Mexican races years cruising in Mexico, the Cariband the TransPac in 1983. I served as bean, the Mediterranean and circumRace Chairman in the late 1970s and navigating the world aboard Pelican spearheaded major changes to the Express. Ventura Cup program that has allowed Jean and I have proudly flown the it to evolve into its current format VYC burgee at ports all over the world. involving all of the area clubs. It is a burgee that is highly respected I also served on the club’s Board up and down the coast and as a bridge of Directors in the late 1970s until officer I will do my utmost to continue 1984 when I was appointed to the our club’s strong traditions. Ventura Port District Board. After John Clay, Nominated for Board of Directors have been on the water for most of my life, beginning at Lake Arrowhead with fishing and water skiing. In the 70s I owned two 27’ sloops that I sailed regularly to Santa Catalina Island. Since 1996 I have maintained a home on Catalina Island where I also practice my profession part time. My community involvement in Ventura I County since 1986 has consisted of sitting on many non-profit boards and serving as treasurer and president, including the 140 member Rotary Club of Ventura. I am currently the President of the Rotary Club of Oxnard. I have expertise in finance, real estate, building maintenance, and personnel. Bill Fedde, Nominated for Board of Directors appreciated the floor nomination from Ventura Yacht Club Life Member Chuck Stanton for me to be potentially included as a member of the VYC Board of Directors. I have a real interest in the continued success of Ventura Yacht Club and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the club by also possibly serving on the Board. Over the past two years I have served on the Property Management Committee, most recently as its Chairman responsible for coordinating maintenance and upgrades to the interior and exterior of our buildings and I 32 parking area. These projects, including the next phase of parking lot sealing and lighting improvements, will be complete by the end of this year. Committee plans for next year include formalizing more of our regular facilities maintenance process. This year I have worked closely with the current Board of Directors during the facility improvement process. I served on the Finance Committee in 2008. Ventura Yacht Club has been a part of boating for my family since Jon Avery convinced us it would be VYC Forecast Continued on page 33 October 2009 Bill Fedde, Nominated for Board of Directors Continued from page 32 account; cellular and radio tower dea great group to be a part of back in velopment and leasing along with the 2002. My family includes wife Mary, start up and successful sale of franElizabeth (almost 11) and Eric (almost chised furniture rental stores. My cur8). I originally moved to Ventura rent commerce activities are oriented County in 1985 shortly after graduattowards expanding my commercial ing from college. I have been active real estate investment business. with boating in one way or another In the past I have served on the since my days working at our family’s Ventura County Taxpayers AssociaBoston Whaler/small sailboat dealertion Board and I currently serve as a ship in Pasadena during the 1970s. long term volunteer advisor of a UCSB My business experience over the student group. years has included representing instiIf included on the Ventura Yacht tutional clients in the commercial real Club Board I will support policies that estate brokerage business in Ventura County and overseeing marketing and will continue to make the club an enjoyable sailing and social organization property management of one of the with both current and future memlarger commercial real estate portfobers in mind; placing an emphasis on lios here. It also includes apartment civility and its long term viability and and commercial building rehabilitasuccess. tion and development for my own Andy Killion, Nominated for Board of Directors ello, I am Andy Killion and I am one of your excellent choices for the VYC board this year. Tina and I joined VYC in 1997 and have developed many lasting friendships here at our club over the years. Both of our children, Jack and Carly, have grown up sailing right here at the club. I actually first became aware of our club when I was in the Sea Scouts back in the early 80s. We held our meetings upstairs and learned quite a H bit from many of our members who have since crossed the final bar. My grand uncle Warren Killion was a member for many years and also lived aboard his CT ketch Hu A Lii at the club. I am a Cal Maritime graduate and own Anchors Way Marine Centers. I am deeply involved with our harbor and will bring a strong pragmatic view to our Board. I look forward to serving our club. Malcolm Knight, Nominated for Board of Directors y wife Brenda and I have been members of VYC for twenty years. We have both been involved in numerous committees including cochairing social events. I served on the Board of Directors for more than eight years and served as Port Captain starting in the spring of 1993 for Commodore Jim Modlin. M October 2009 This turned into an ongoing and rewarding job as I met so many members and new friends and also gained an appreciation for how important the management of the docks is. The docks are the club’s single largest source of income. This is why I feel VYC Forecast Continued on page 34 33 Malcolm Knight, Nominated for Board of Directors Continued from page 33 the club’s money is the members’ that fair management of the docks money. I also believe that to balance with a Corinthian Spirit helps set the a budget, reducing expenses is an tone for the club’s atmosphere. option that works well in times of a As the Port Captain, I was inslow economy rather than increasing volved with the rebuilding of A, C income through higher prices. and the guest docks. I mention my experiences in the I helped with the data collection operation of the club so that you will of the docks during the startup of the consider my bid for election as a diReserve Study which began in 1997 rector for the VYC Board of Directors. at the suggestion of J.P. Morgan, then If elected, I would be honored to Vice Commodore. I feel I have a fair represent any and all members and understanding of the Reserve Study work in compliance with the club’s and how it pertains to our finances. Bylaws. I continued as Port Captain I want to see VYC continue to be through 2001 and remained on the a wonderful place for our families, Board of Directors through 2004. and especially our young children, to I have an accounting background enjoy boating activities as our yacht and sold computer accounting club has done for so many years. software and support to numerous After all, in Article II of the club’s dentists in Ojai, Ventura and OxBylaws it states: “The primary purnard from 1985 to 1999. I feel it is pose of the Club is to support the important for a Director to have an enjoyment of its members in activiunderstanding of accounting because ties directly related to recreational as Directors, we are often asked to boating.” make decisions that involve large expenditures. I am always aware that Don Lawson, Nominated for Board of Directors y name is Don Lawson. I am running for a seat on the Board of Directors of the Ventura Yacht Club. I am currently a member of the Board of Directors. My wife, Cindy, and I have been involved in boating since the early 1970s. We are past members of Anacapa Yacht Club and have been VYC members since 1993. We owned and raced an Olson 30 while at both yacht clubs and currently own a Santana 3030, Abraxas, on “A” Dock. I am a recently retired engineer from Pt. Mugu and I have the time to properly serve the club as an active director. I am M 34 a member of the VYC Finance Committee and a member of the Reserve Study Review Team. I believe I can provide that expertise to research and review data and make hard choices if required. If elected, I will strive to continue the excellent work performed by past and current Board members of VYC. Although VYC has a new lease, significant challenges remain to be addressed and resolved in order that VYC continues to be a premier yacht club and attract new members. These challenges must be resolved to the satisfaction of the General Membership. VYC Forecast October 2009 Tom Ramey, Nominated for the Board of Directors will work hard to protect your rights as members and I feel I have the qualifications necessary to serve in this position. • I have been a member in good standing since joining VYC in January 1993. • Prior service on Board of Directors, I filled a position vacated by Don Van Gundy in 1994. • Elected by the membership to the Board for 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. • Served as Cruising Chairman for two years. • Served on various committees over the past sixteen years. • Charter member in 1983 of the Rotary Club of Ventura South, served as Director two years. • Self employed twenty-one years with financial and property management experience of my own rental properties. The Ventura Yacht Club has been my second home since becoming a member in 1993. I have been involved in boating all my life. I began sailing in Long Beach, CA in 1963. I am a slip holder at VYC where I keep my boat Windward. Being a member in the Ventura Yacht Club is a great source of pride for me: however, I have concerns about the direction the club is heading. In the past year, I have attended several Board meetings and witnessed some rapid changes in club policy being pushed through. Some of these changes were beneficial but some were not. Members are entitled to full disclosure of the issues and a period of discussion before the Bridge pushes its agenda. The silent majority of members have a right to be heard without being told they do not represent the club. The following suggestions are I October 2009 some changes I feel would benefit our members: • Board meeting agendas emailed to all members at least 48 hours in advance of meeting to allow members to plan on attending meetings where important issues are to be discussed. • Greater transparency of all Bridge and Board meetings. Attending the Board meeting is not always possible for every member. The printed minutes cannot convey the complete text of a meeting. The present system of audio recorded minutes requires a member to visit the office to listen to the meeting. I propose the audio recorded minutes be made available on the Members Only section of the club website. The meeting can be heard on the net at the member’s convenience. • Ballots will be written in clear language. When you are asked to vote on changes such as the Financial Manual or Bylaws you will receive a “clear” and unbiased explanation of what is being proposed. YES vote means YES a NO vote means NO. VYC policy states that the Commodore, Vice Commodore and Rear Commodore serve at the direction of the Board of Directors, not the other way around. Encouraging members to attend meetings, or listen on the net will create an open and civil dialogue with information available to all members. I have the highest regard for Ventura Yacht Club Founding Members. The work and contribution of these members for the past 71 years has built the club, we all enjoy today. It’s time the historical significance of their contribution be recognized and our senior members given the respect they are due. VYC Forecast 35 Stan Whisenhunt, Nominated for Board of Directors love Ventura Yacht Club and am proud of its history and traditions. I care about its future. I believe in working hard for my club and playing hard. I’m proud of having founded a few successful things like Battle of the Sexes, the Commodore Classic Revival, Moonstone Madness. With fellow Director Bud Lloyd in 1987, I was able to convince the Board of Directors and the membership that the club should have a manager and despite a somewhat rocky start, that effort has evolved into VYC having Anthony, who most of us consider the best club manager on the West Coast. I served as Commodore in 1988. I helped negotiate the club’s new lease. I am currently Race Chair, a position if have held in four different decades. I was Social Chair in 1998. I I am currently editor of the Forecast, a position I’ve held in eight different years since 1970. I was named Most Valuable Member in 2002, and have been awarded the Merrill C. Allyn trophy and the Burgee of Merit twice. After our Juniors Program had died for a couple of years, I jump started it again in 1989 as chair. Two of my juniors that year – Ryan Cox and Garrett Baum – have gone on to achieve some remarkable racing records. A few other notes regarding my VYC resume: Ski Cruise Chair four years; Dock Committee chair two years; Bylaws Committee; Berth Assignment Rules Committee. And, OK, full disclosure: Fouled Anchor award several times, and Screwball Award. Juniors Report By Scott Nordeng e have had a fabulous summer for the Youth Sailing Program. We averaged 20 kids a week for each of our nine weeks, including our first ever Race Week! Our Junior Wet Wednesdays for our Race Team was a big hit, and this fall, the Race Team will be doing a small series of practice sessions (clinics) to help prepare them for the upcoming Opti High Point Series. I would especially like to thank Elke and Steve Fedde for coordinating and helping with the team. Any questions and/or comments can be e-mailed directly to our Youth Sailing e-mail address: [email protected]. Please contact us (so we can update our list) if you want to receive updates and info. As usual, we had a wonderful Sunday Funday in September. The 18 kids and 3 instructors had a great time. I’d like to remind everyone to W 36 show up on these Sundays prepared to sail—be wearing dock shoes, sun block, spray tops, life vests, and bring a towel. The weather and water will be getting colder as we move into the end of the year, so be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear. Let’s recycle our used sailing gear. If your child has outgrown stuff please bring it to our next event. The Youth Program is looking for help in the following areas: website maintenance, boat repair (including the chase boats), and fund raising. Please contact me if you can help. I would like to thank all of our instructors - the program would not run without all their hard work. Thank you Robbie, Jackie, Nick, Steven, Katelyn, John-John, Nick the Brick, Thomas and Eddy. Be sure to check out our website vycyouthsailing.org where Robbie has posted the summer photos. VYC Forecast October 2009 Men Prevail in Battle of Sexes 5 By Stan Whisenhunt espite showing up with a high tech sail, a support boat laden with wine and cheese and a confident attitude, Team WARSAW (We Are Still Awesome Women) was outsailed on Aug. 21 as the men once again prevailed in the Battle of the Sexes. With dozens of onlookers along the docks, in boats and on the balcony, the two teams battled it out in Sabots for seven races. The men won all seven races, but some were too close for comfort. No one dominated, as Mike Leary and Joel Graves each won two races, Ace Elrod took one and Linda Witham and Kaitlyn Dembowski scored wins for the broads. Before racing began, Rear Commodore Gary Bright was predicting D D a crushing defeat for the guys. And who could blame him. The gals showed up and immediately took all the best sails and rudders. And, of top of that, they showed up with a Continued on page 38 Boat Canvas Evaluation & Consultation No Charge oes your Sunbrella look shabby, dirty or moldy? Are your windows cracked, brittle and yellow? I have the solution for all your canvas needs! I perform the following services: ❖ Renew old looking canvas ❖ Mold removal and prevention ❖ Hardware replacement and upgrades ❖ Window replacement ❖ Leather trim and chafe protection ❖ Zipper replacement and stitch repair ❖ Stainless framework for dodgers, enclosures and biminis Mention you saw this ad and I will give you $50 towards any work I do over $100. Ask your friends, Gene the Canvas Man will work hard for your continued business. Book early and look great for the upcoming season. Gene the Canvas Man ❖ 805-509-8158 October 2009 VYC Forecast 37 Battle of Sexes 5 Continued from page 37 sabot far superior to all the others, complete with a high-tech sail. But once out on the water and into the action, it became apparent that the guys were not to be denied. Leary won the first race, with Joel second, John Avery third and Dave Witham fourth as Team MCP (Male Chauvinist Pigs) easily won by an 18 to 37 score (low point scoring system). The gals tightened it up a bit in the second race as Kaitlyn took second and Christina fourth, but the guys again prevailed 24 to 31. MCP syndicate chief, Stan Whisenhunt, gained satisfaction in winning two bets from WARSAW leader Susan Howard -- first, that Team Results: the men would win, and second Race 1, MCP 18, WARSAW 37. that he would beat her in races in Race 2, MCP 24, WARSAW 31. which they both sailed. In race two, Race 3, MCP 23, WARSAW 32 Stan was sixth, Susan tenth; in race Race 4, MCP 19, WARSAW 36 three, Stan was sixth, Susan seventh; Race 5, MCP 19, WARSAW 36 in race four Stan was fourth, Susan Race 6, MCP 25, WARSAW 30. eighth; in race six, Stan was fourth, Race 7, MCP 21, WARSAW 34 Susan was sixth, and in race seven, Individual Results: (Best 3 scores, Stan was fourth and Susan sixth. since all raced at least 3). “I’ll have a rum and grapefruit Joel Graves 4 (2-1-4-3-DQ-1) on Wednesday,” Stan chortled as he Mike Leary 5 (1-3-3-1-5-5) sailed past Susan in the final race. Paul DeFreitas 6 (8-2-2-2-7-9) Principal Race Officer Garrett Kaitlyn Dembowski 7 Baum put on a good regatta, with a (6-2-1-6-4-10-7) fair starting line and a good course Jon Avery 10 (3-5-5-5-2) and he ran off races like clockwork. Linda Witham 11 (9-7-7-1-3) He also had tons of beer to drink Ace Elrod 12 (9-1-2) as he was heavily bribed by both Christina Baum 12 (10-4-5-3-6-8-10) teams. Dena Mercer and Dave PotStan Whisenhunt 12 (6-6-4-4-4) ter served as support boat drivers for Susan Howard 17 (5-10-7-8-9-6-6) their respective teams. Dave Witham 19 (4-8-7-8) Meanwhile, Dave Witham was Sandy Sampson 24 (7-8-9-10) contemplating another lonely Cindy Lawson 26 (10-9-10-9-8) stretch in his garage. 38 VYC Forecast October 2009 Six Boats Turn Out for Jim Cline Memorial By Ivan Cox aturday, Sept. 12 brought us the first running of the Jim Cline Memorial, and the fifth Santa Barbara Channel Series race. The weather, always a big concern for log racers, was good. The wind was light, and the somewhat choppy seas at the start flattened out as the day wore on. The course kept us up in the local waters and was only 12 nm, so everyone finished the race in a couple of hours. Our fleet swelled to six boats with the addition of Stan Whisenhunt, in Chinook, and Frank Sullivan in S Valkyrie, from CIYC. The first five miles of the race were to weather, and everyone found it took considerably more power to hold speed. Then as we turned down sea returning, the boats were much faster. Very good scores were turned in by everyone, however, an error in addition did mess up one leg for one contestant, and those marks were really hard to find for another racer. The 2009 Series will come to an end on the third of October with the running of the A.A.OAKLEY, hosted by CIYC. Results: 1. Ivan Cox Voyager VYC 0.9800% 2. Frank Sullivan Valkyrie CIYC 1.4699% 3. Stan Whisenhunt Chinook VYC 1.8546% 4. Ed Kutchma Pacific Pixie VYC 2.9779% 5. Sheri Holzapfel It’ll Do VYC 3.2585% 6. Bernie Marrington Romance VYC 7.3090% October 2009 VYC Forecast 39 Office Waves By Yacht Club Manager Anthony Jesu hope everyone is enjoying the last of our wonderful summer events! The Luau and Dinghy Party were both great successes. A big thanks to all the volunteers who put in such hard work! Please mark down October 30 on your calendars. It’s Halloween and we will be incorporating it into our regular Friday night dinner. So before you head out to trick or treat come down to the club for dinner and some Ghoulish delights. Chuck will be I 40 serving up some $2.75 witch’s brew specials. Members have been leaving items for free on one of the downstairs picnic tables. Please do not leave any items that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. If you leave old paint or chemicals and no one wants them please come back and dispose of it properly. Anthony Jesu VYC Forecast October 2009 October 2009 VYC Forecast 41 Members on the Move By Liz Cox ongratulations to Jean Crew for completing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 2500 people walked 39 miles in two days camping overnight in El Dorado Park. Jean raised $3,685 of the $4.6 million total raised. Way to go Jean! Last month Jean flew to New York and spent a wonderful week with her son John, his wife Kathy and two grandchildren at their home in Manhatten. From September 9th - 13th Norris Leap, Gary Chamberlain, and Joel Bozarth attacked the East Cape of Baja on a major fishing expedition. Gary and Norris were on the same boat that broke down both days but still managed to catch a 97# yellow-fin along with several other tuna in the 40# to 50# class. In the meantime, Joel was accussed of clubbing baby tuna to death in the 10# range (we understand he will be organizing a trip to beat C baby harp seals to death sometime next year). On the second day, Joel caught several large tuna and a few dorado during a 10-hour fishing marathon. A the same time Gary and Norris’s boat broke down and while adrift they managed to catch 16 Dorado and a 50# Tuna before being rescued and sent back to the base camp for refreshements. August found Larry Thompson, Paula Kahn, David Chase & Anne Fitzgerald on horseback for eight days. They covered 56 miles and two 1100 ft. passes traveling from Mammoth Horseshoe Lake to Toulumne Meadows. They had great weather, good food, and saw beautiful country. Rita & Jim Suley have had a busy summer. They had a great ten days on the Big Island of Hawaii, surfing, snorkelling, hiking and swimming. After a short while at home they flew to Boca Continued on page 43 42 VYC Forecast October 2009 Membership By Debbie DeFreitas and Hope Avery New Members’ Breakfast Sunday ~ October 18, 2009 ~ 10:00 am ant to learn about your new think might be interested in joining club? Find out what’s going VYC? This is a great opportunity to on? What’s available to you? Where expose them to what we have to offer. things are located? Then come join us Please give us a call or e-mail their at the Annual New Members’ breakinformation so that we can personally fast where representatives from the invite them. Robin: VYC office (805) Bridge, Board of Directors and various 642-0426 or [email protected]. committees will present useful inforDebbie DeFreitas: (805) 340-0564 or mation to help familiarize you with [email protected]. what VYC has to offer. Presentations will begin at about 10:30 am Not a “Newer” Member, but want to learn more about your club? You’re invited too! Have some friends you W Members on the Move Continued from page 42 Raton, Florida and visited family for nine days. Then it was off to Yosemite for a week of camping and hiking. Nancy Soans flew to Eagle, Colorado and spent a week visiting with her daughter Talia in her new home. Jeanette Cox had another four day whirlwind business trip to Tokyo. Unfortunately this time it was more business than pleasure.` George & Jeanne Mitchell are proud new grandparents to Maya Olivia Askar. Maya was born on September 10 at 3:37 pm. She weighed 8 Maya Olivia Askar lbs 4 oz and was 20 inches long. Her parents are Katie and Omar, and her interesting stories by contacting Liz 3½ year old big sister is Layla Elyse. Cox 805-495-8706, cell 805-501-6675 or [email protected]) The whole family is doing well. (Share your trips or any other October 2009 VYC Forecast 43 Wild & Wooly Time at 505 Worlds Story by Ryan Cox, Photos by John Navas he 505 North American and World Championships (held back to back) were the most physically demanding two weeks of sailing I have ever experienced. Ninety-eight boats came to experience the brutal summer conditions of San Francisco Bay. The regattas were run by Saint Francis Yacht Club with a total of fifteen races held on the Berkeley Circle. Every race finished in at least 20 knots with the strongest breeze on the first day of the Worlds. The RC reported 34 knots sustained with gusts to 40. As difficult as it was, we were prepared for the breeze. We did most of our practice regattas this spring and summer on the Berkeley Circle and knew what to expect. Our boathanding was solid and we were one of the few that didn’t flip once during the Worlds. On the first day, we rounded the first weather mark in the mid 20s both races then boats conveniently wiped-out ahead of us on every spinnaker leg. Thanks to all the carnage we ended up with two pretty good scores. As the regatta went on we had better first beats which helped us break into the top ten. Our downwind speed was always great and our upwind speed improved all regatta. For the regatta, there were about thirty masts broken includ- T 44 ing the top two boats. A French team finished one race of the North American then broke a mast and missed the rest of that regatta. Then they finished one race of the Worlds and broke their second mast. The second mast tore a hole in their deck and ended their Worlds on day one. Regattas are VYC Forecast Continued on page 46 October 2009 505 Worlds Results 6 7 8 9 TotalPoints Pos 5 3 4 1 2 Crew 1 Skipper Pos Sail Country 8.00 1 1 1 [99/DNF] 1 Jeff Nelson 2 Mike Martin [12] USA 1 8714 2 1 1 2 2 1 16.00 2 4 Carl Smit [9] Mike Holt 3 [4] USA 3 3 9002 3 2 2 3 3 4 26.00 Casey Smith 3 Chris Nicholson 2 [8] AUS 5 [12] [8] 8786 6 7 3 5 4 Johannes Tellen [72] 5 36.00 Jens Findel 1 5 GER 10 [15] 10 8875 4 3 4 8 [17] [14] 5 8 4 38.00 Dalton Bergan 4 [16] USA 13 10 2 8815 2 5 Fritz Lanzinger 5 9 7 [14] 6 Nick Adamson Steve Bourdow [99/RAF] 38.00 USA 6 6 2 8081 5 8 8 4 6 Paul Cayard [15] [16] 7 Howie Hamlin 11 44.00 USA 13 6 8762 11 [15] [22] 5 7 Geoff Ewenson 6 8 Tyler Moore 12 63.00 USA 11 10 8913 12 4 8 Stuart Park 11 9 Ryan Cox 13 [20] 10 63.00 USA 8 8 8681 14 6 9 7 10 Carl Gibbon 66.00 Ian Pinnell [99/DNF] GBR 3 10 9012 45 VYC Forecast October 2009 Wild & Wooly Time at 505 Worlds Continued from page 44 often held on windy venues but it’s rare to have so much breeze for such a length of time. A lot of you know my friend Carl Smit who went to the Naval Academy with me. He and his skipper Mike Holt nearly won. They were in a very strong position with two races to go. Even without sailing anymore they could do no worse than 2nd. If they could h d to controll an opponent. harder manage to push Martin & Nelson It was great to get back in a back enough to get them 11 points 505 this year. I hadn’t driven one combined in the last two races, Carl since the 2004 Worlds and my crew, & Mike would have won. They atStuart Park, hadn’t sailed one in a tacked in the prestart but once the few years either. Finishing 9th of 98 races began Martin & Nelson got boats, just ahead of last year’s World free and won both. If it weren’t so Champs (Pinnel & Gibbon) was a windy I think they could have done pretty good comeback year for both it, but in strong winds it is much of us. 46 VYC Forecast October 2009 October 2009 VYC Forecast 47 Sailboat Racing Report By Stan Whisenhunt Wet Wednesday Series was Hugely Successful The recently completed Wet Wedcnesday Series would have to be considered an unqualified success. From a competition standpoint, it was a success. VYC boats took first, second and third (Rival, Uhambo, Squirt) in Class A and first and second (Tijuana Taxi, Tortoise) in Class B. Twenty eight boats competed during the series and the weekly turnouts were consistently fifteen or more boats. From a support standpoint, it was a success. Chuck & Irene Stanton did a marvelous job as co-Principal Race Officers. And what a Race Committee team they developed. Helping out during the series were Guenther Selbrede, Paula Kahn, Robin Matt, Don Moore, Tom Sullivan, Jay Phillips, Pam Phillips, Jim Suley and Rita Suley. From a bottom-line standpoint, it was a phenomenal success. Anthony reports that in 2008, VYC sold $3,502 worth of dinners. In the recently completed Wet Wednesday Series, VYC sold 1,155 dinners, grossing $9,745 and netting (after labor, food costs, etc.) $1,300. The bar grossed $5,200 in the series, for a net income of $2,416. The total net income, Anthony reports, was approximately $3,734. And that doesn’t even include entry fees! When PBYC bailed on co-hosting the Wet Wednesday Series, there was some concern. But thanks to Michael Raider, who helped me develop a format that kept sailors coming back for more, the Series soared. Now, on 48 to 2010. We need to build on this and make sure that the general membership comes out on Wednesday nights in greater force for 6 pm cocktails and dinner and to watch the fleet come in to make Wednesday nights an even bigger deal at VYC. A special thanks in advance to Chuck & Irene who have agreed to help me again next year as co-PROs. Recent successes by our VYC racers Deke Klatt & Paul Moore coskippered Angry Hillbillies to victory in the spinnaker class Sept. 13, in the final VYC regatta, which served as a tune-up for Ventura Cup. Dick Velthoen & Paul DeFreitas took second in Rival, while Garrett Baum was third in Tortoise. In the non-spinnaker class, Bryan Shaw skippered High Voltage to victory, taking a win in each of the three races. Dena Mercer skippered Mike Leary’s J-30, Pangea, to first in class, first overall and top lady skipper trophy in PBYC’s Tri Point Race. Deke Klatt & Paul Moore coskippered Angry Hillbillies to second in class in the Tri Point Race. Dan Chepley’s Colt 45 took third in class. Dick Velthoen & Paul DeFreitas co-skippered Rival to first in the Wet Wednesday Series in Class A. Paul Moore skippered Tijuana Taxi to first in Class B in the Wet Wednesday Series. Dave Chase in Uhambo took second in Class A in the Wet Wednesday Series, while Deke Klatt was third in Squirt. Stan Whisenhunt took second in Class B in Tortoise. VYC Forecast October 2009 The Forecast he Forecast will be mailed the e last week of each month. The deadline for copy and photographs is the 15th of the previous month. Copy should be submitted to Stan Whisenhunt at [email protected]. Photographs should be submitted d in digital form to graphic artist Cindy Daly at cmdaly@pacbell. l. eft net, or photographs should be left with Anthony in the club office. Copy, deadline: The 15th of each month. T October 2009 Edit Editor: Stan Whisenhunt, 6591464, [email protected] 1464 Rep Reporter: Liz Cox, 501-6675, eli elizabeth.cox@roadrunne ner.com Co Copy Editor: Sheri Holzapfe fel, 661-296-1688, [email protected] P Photographers: Bob “Flash” Wheeler, Cindy Robe Robertson, Paul Swanson, Ed Kutchma, Bill Varie Graphic Designer: Cindy Daly, 647-1554, [email protected] VYC Forecast 49 Fall Laser Series to Start Soon cited to continue so we are starting a Fall Series next week. We haven’t worked out all the details yet but the Fall Series will likely be moving to Sunday afternoons at 3 pm. That should make it easier for some of you that have been on the fence to come out for a night or two. he Summer Laser Series is just about over. Gary Swenson won, Deke Klatt was second and with one night to go either Ryan Cox or Mike O’Niell will be third. We averaged thirteen Lasers per night which we are very happy about. Most of us are still pretty ex- T Competitor Jun Jul 26 3 Jul 10 Jul 17 Jul 24 w/ Jul Aug Aug Aug Aug Sep Sep Total throw 31 7 14 21 28 4 11 Points outs 1 Gary Swenson 2 2 3 5 3 2 1 4 1 1 6 2 32 21 2 Deke Klatt 5 3 2 2 1 7 2 7 3 2 2 3 39 25 3 Mike O’Niell 10 4 7 6 8 4 5 6 5 5 3 11 74 53 DNS 1 1 1 DNS 1 7 1 DNS DNS 1 1 98 56 7 6 8 DNS 3 DNS 3 4 7 9 9 4 Ryan Cox 5 Geno Beville 4 DNS 6.0 6 Paul Moore 14 6 15 12 9 10 10 9 7 Mike Dunmire 3 7 5 14 5 5 4 5 9 4 2 3 3 9 8 Rick DNS DNS 9 Eric Bohman DNS 5 DNS 12 10 10 10 Katelyn DNS 11 9 11 8 87 DNS DNS DNS DNS 132 90 2 12 DNS 6 83.0 116 DNS DNS DNS DNS DNS DNS DNS 125.0 7 5 138 96 6 5 4 144 102 10 8 12 147 105 DAVID PAUDLER GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR LIC. NO. 597736 Cell: 805.559.7772 Ph: 805.643.8486 50 VYC Forecast October 2009 October 2009 VYC Forecast 51 2009 Master Calendar October 2 – Friday 3 – Saturday 3 – Saturday 4 – Sunday 6 – Tuesday 8 – Thursday 9/12 − Fri-Mon 11 – Sunday 11 – Sunday 13 – Tuesday 15 – Thursday 16 – Friday 18 – Sunday 20 – Tuesday 21 – Wednesday 23 – Friday 24 – Saturday 27 – Tuesday 30 – Friday November 1 – Sunday 3 – Tuesday 6/8 – Fri-Sun 8 – Sunday 10 – Tuesday 13/15 – Fri-Sun 17 – Tuesday 18 – Wednesday 21 – Saturday 22 – Sunday 24 – Tuesday 26/27 – Thr/Fri 29 – Sunday 52 SCCA Ventura Invitational Dinner, VYC host “The Oakley” Predicted Log Race, CIYC host Everhart Private Party Gal and Guy Series #1 Power Squadron, 7pm Whisenhunt Private Party Columbus Day Cruise Junior’s Day Caregivers Sail-a-thon Power Squadron, 7pm Book Club Oktoberfest/Friday Dinner Party New Member Brunch, 10 a.m. Power Squadron, 7pm BOD meeting, 7pm Monthly Birthday Dinner and Quarterly Meeting Witham Roast Power Squadron, 7pm Halloween Dinner & Party Gal and Guy Series #2 & 3 Power Squadron, 7pm Cruise to Nowhere Junior’s Day Power Squadron, 7pm Junior’s Turkey Day Regatta Power Squadron, 7pm BOD meeting, 7pm Avery Private Party Thanksgiving Feast Power Squadron, 7pm Club Closed for Holiday Trim the Club VYC Forecast October 2009 October 2009 VYC Forecast 53 Upcoming Friday Dinner Menus Oct. 2 French Onion Soup, Basil Stuffed Lamb Roast, Grilled Chicken Breast, Wild Rice & Fresh Winter Vegetables Well Drinks only $2.75 from 5- 7pm Dinner $15.00++; Soup & Salad $7.00++ Oct. 9 Prime Rib Night Fresh, carved Prime Rib and Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Manhattans & Martinis only $2.75 from 5-7pm Dinner $17.50++; Soup & Salad $7.50++ Oct. 16 Octoberfest! Come enjoy our German Beer Hall. Featuring Sauerbraten, Baked Salmon in Dill, Red Cabbage, Bratwurst and Much More! Fresh Baked Apple Strudel Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream for Dessert. 16oz Draft Beers and Bar Specials only $2.75 Dinner $15.75++; Soup & Salad $7.00++ Oct. 23 Birthday Dinner & Quarterly Meeting Seared Whiskey Peppered Flank Steak with Baked Parsnips & Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Salmon or Vegetarian alternative available - please notify office. Dinner $15.75++; After Deadline $17.75++ 24 hour cancellation policy in effect. Oct. 30 Pirates & Wenches Halloween Dinner!!! Arrr-tichoke Chicken, Cajun “VOODoo” Salmon and other Pirate Grub! Mojitos specials only $2.75 Dinner $15.75++; Soup & Salad $7.00++ Nov. 6 Cruise to Nowhere Dinner! Cooked to Order Pasta Bar - Choose Between a Delicious Marinara or Alfredo, Pick Your Topping & Chef José Cooks it Fresh and Serves it Hot! Accompanied with Eggplant Parmesan. Chicken Tenders and Fries for the Kids only $8. Margarita’s only $2.75 from 5-7pm Dinner $13.75++; Soup & Salad $7.00++ (++ Represents tax and tip). 54 VYC Forecast October 2009 October Birthdays Jim Clark, October 2. Tracy Stewart, October 3. Kenneth Kidd, October 3. Mike Basler, October 5. Michael Harrington, October 5. Dottie Berry, October 5. Ellen Potter, October 7. Donna Johnson, October 8. Connie Larson, October 8. Nelly Mac, October 9. Lauri Moore, October 9. Judy Graves, October 10. Virginia Furmanski, October 11. Cheryl Broome, October 12. Leola Dahl, October 12. Gail Varie, October 12. Sandra Hopps, October 15. Michael Calderwood, October 16. Harvey Wilson, October 16. Dori Beller, October 19. Rita Grier, October 19. Dennis Howarth, October 19. Marlene McElroy, October 19. John McGinnis, October 19. Paul Moore, October 20. Michael Raider, October 21. Werner Gramckow, October 22. Dick Miller, October 22. Jane Dwire, October 23. Linda Gramckow, October 24. Don Mills, October 25. Irene Stanton, October 25. Pat Zenone, October 26. Muriel Cooper, October 27. Jack Mahoney, October 27. Ben Pedraza, October 27. Dan Chepley, October 28. Bonnie Duncan, October 28. Stephen Ehret, October 29. Charles Miller, October 31. Ventura Yacht Club 2009 Advertising Rates Business Card (3” wide x 2” tall)* $14 per month Half-page (5” wide x 3 1/2” tall)* $20 per month Full-page (5” wide x 7 1/2” tall)* $38 per month *Prices are for camera ready ads. If not camera ready, an additional charge will apply for set-up. To place an ad please contact Robin Lafrican at the VYC office at 642-0426 October 2009 VYC Forecast 55 Club Hours (Closed Monday) Breakfast Sunday ............................................. 0800-1230 Lunch Saturday ............................................1200-1400 Dinner Friday ............................................... 1830-2000 Saturday Grill Night ....................... 1730-1930 Bar Friday ............................................... 1700-2200 Saturday ............................................1700-2100 Sunday ..............................................1500-1900 Appetizers Saturday Sunset Happy Hour .........1730-1930 Sunday Hors d’oeuvres ....................1500-1700 (Complimentary) Office Hours Tuesday-Sunday ............................... 0900-1700 (Closed during lunch hour weekdays)