June/July 2014 - Wheeler Yacht Club

Wheeler Yacht Club
The Tell-Tale
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www.wheeleryachtclub.com
June/July 2014
Commodore’s Corner
Well the summer is upon us and we have had a couple of activities. The Shrimp Boil was
well attended and was the first event in the new shelter. Some of the comments about the
shelter were that it needs fans and needs some shade curtains on the west side. These may be
projects that the yacht club can take on in the future. You can see some pictures of the Shrimp
Boil here: https://caroleepics.shutterfly.com/pictures/1579.
The next event was National Marina Day and Fish Fry. Marina Day is a country-wide event
to promote activities on and around the water. Thanks go out to The Rocket City Model Yacht Club. Their remote
controlled sail boats were fun to watch and the members were very generous in allowing others to take the “wheel” (or
toggle). Also, thanks to Rogersville Chamber of Commerce, Life on the Water Magazine, and the park for showing off
what a great asset the marina and lake are to the area.
After the Marina Day activities Sam White treated us to a Fish Fry in which he caught, cleaned, and cooked a great
meal. The fish and hushpuppies and all of the sides that members brought were great. Be sure to tell Sam and Audrey
thanks when you see them.
We had originally planned to have a cardboard boat race for the July event. This has been put off until September.
While we are not going to have an official July event for the yacht club there is still a lot going on around the marina and
on the lake. Please use your boat and enjoy some of these events:
On July 5th the 8th Annual Elk River Boat Party will be from 3:00 to dark. Enjoy the band Cosmic Mama from
your boat where Anderson Creek meets the Elk River. Anchor out and enjoy the band.
From July 18th thru July 27th HandyFest activities abound. Look here for a schedule of events:
http://www.wchandymusicfestival.org/2014/2014-Events-Calendar.pdf There are many that would be accessible
from the water.
On Saturday July 19th, J.J. Brindley will be having his 2nd annual Dock Party in Roberson Cove. The party is from
3:00 to 7:00 and features the band Second Creek. This is a BOATS ONLY party. Anchor out and enjoy the band.
On Friday night July 25th from 6 until 9, Joe Wheeler State Park will host the HandyFest Event Rollin on the
River behind the lodge, featuring Dorothy Cole as Tina Turner. Pull your boat behind the lodge for a ring side seat.
On August 9th, the State Park System is sponsoring Baumhower’s Shrimpfest and Bar-B-Q celebrating 75 years
of Alabama State Parks. This will take place on the patio behind the lodge with live entertainment.
The WYC Summer Blowout event is planned for August 16th, this is a change from the original schedule. We will
be having this event on the 700 Dock and Karen is busy planning this party with entertainment.
I want to welcome our new club members:
Judy Larson ― Thankful (Power)
Bob & Sally Locklear ― Marabel (Sail)
Richard & Julie Williams ― Half Full (Sail)
J.J. Brindley ― Bachelor's Lady (Power) J.J. Brindley has recently bought his grandfather’s (Robert Brindley
Sr.) Chris Craft and joined the club. I believe J.J. is the first 3rd generation member of Wheeler Yacht Club
following Robert and his father Jeff.
Joe
Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
1
Schedule-At-A-Glance
July
12
18-19
26
August
Summer Program: Racing Rules, Part II
New addition to summer schedule! See details in Race Program Report
th
30 Classical Antique Boat Show
Rollin' on the River HandyFest
2
Sail Trim
New addition to summer schedule! See details in Race Program Report
9
Baumhower's Shrimpfest & BBQ
See www.alapark.com/joewheeler for details; reservations req'd.
16
Take a Power Boater Sailing!
Time & Details TBD
16
Summer Blow Out Party
More details in this issue!
23
Bouys Series #4 Race
9:30 Skippers mtg in Marina Store lobby; 11:00 1st race; Racing over ~4:00
MSSC Vice Commodore's Regatta
Hosted by Muscle Shoals Sailing Club @ Wilson Lake
30-31
* Cardboard Boat Race & Grill Out will be rescheduled
Race Program Report
With the series of Spring race events drawing to a close this might be a good time to ask how things are going.
Recall that when I introduced the schedule I made the following statement, “ . . . I’ve tried to pick dates for
which we can reasonably expect fair weather and just the right amount of wind. We’ll see how that works out.” It
seemed to be working out okay until recently when we’ve had to cancel the Buoys Series #3 and Pursuit
Series #3 club race events because of weather. For Pursuit Series #4 (results included herewith) we had just
enough air moving to finish one race, and then a dying breeze left three of four boats stranded on the course
in the second race. Needless to say, my crystal ball is going into the shop for recalibration.
Pursuit Series #4
Skipper
Boat
Race 1
Race 2
Gar Bouse
Olson 25
2
DNF
Doug Fox
Capri 22
1
1
Jacob Petritsch
Catalina 22 Sport
4
DNF
Paul Wunsch
Capri 30
3
DNF
Early in the year I stated as a goal “to help our skippers and their crews become better racers.” Along these lines
we had a review of some aspects of the Racing Rules of Sailing in our Race Program Orientation. I had been
pondering how best to continue this training activity and took the opportunity to float some ideas past Paul
Green in a recent conversation. In response, Paul suggested that we keep meeting at the marina every second
or third Saturday during the summer break as we have been, begin the day with breakfast in the lodge,
migrate to the club room for a classroom session, and wrap up before noon so people are free to use the
afternoon to work on their boat, go for a sail, or do chores at home. Perfect! So here’s the plan:
Summer Program
Date
Topic
July 12
Racing Rules, Part II
August 2
Sail Trim
Time
Format
0800-0915
Breakfast in the lodge restaurant (Daniella’s)
0930-1130
Classroom session in the club room
Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
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Mark these dates on your calendar and plan to join us for the camaraderie, informative presentations, and
lively discussions.
In closing, congratulations are in order for former WYC Commodore Dave Bergeson and his crew Robert
Bijvoet, Marius Schamschula, and David McFerrin for their success in this year’s Dauphin Island Regatta. See
Robert’s write-up for the details.
Congratulations are also in order for Andrew Fox and father Doug who placed first and second in the recent
American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) Region 3 Championship with their Victoria-class radiocontrolled sailboats. Andrew won the National Championship in this class in 2011.
And finally, there are rumblings that the Catalina 22 Nationals may be
coming back to Wheeler in 2016. Wouldn’t that be exciting.
Paul
WYC Officers
Joe Benson
Shrimp Boil
We had a good turnout for the Shrimp Boil at the new pavilion.
First, THANK YOU TO JOE! He, yet again, did a wonderful job! Go to
www.wheeleryachtclub.com and click on the Photos link to view the
collection of Shutterfly pictures of this tasty event.
Commodore
[email protected]
931-580-1533
Bob Cushman
Vice Commodore
Kathy Benson
Dauphin Island Race Report
Secretary/Treasurer
931-231-5713
From Robert Bijvoet’s Captain’s Log:
Alternating Skippers Dave Bergeson and Robert Bijvoet, with crack
crew Marius Schamschula and David McFerrin, have been representing
North Alabama very well on the bay in LA (Lower Alabama, that is).
Starting with the Dauphin Island Warm-Up Race Saturday held April
12th on Mobile Bay; this race is approximately 16 miles and as the title
of the race says, it’s to warm up for the big Dauphin Island Race which
is held every year on the last full weekend in April. Skipper(s) and
crew did well and finished 2nd in class in the warm-up race. Robert
nailed the start on Port tack and crossed in front of all others and was
well ahead of all competition by the first mark.
The Dauphin Island Race itself is about a 22 mile one-way affair
depending whether the distance is longer if the wind is out of the
wrong direction, which it usually is since the prevailing winds are
southwest. Dauphin Island is south southwest from the start near the
northern end of Mobile Bay. Up to 400+ boats have sailed in three
fleets in years past. This year we had about 200. Again, the crew did
very well on the way down to Dauphin Island and finished 2nd in class,
2nd in Group, 3rd overall in the Portsmouth Fleet (out of 67 boats!!!).
Many of the sailors party on the Island after the race and spend the
night there on their boats.
Since the Dauphin Island race is one-way, separate races are held the
next day so that the Old Salts can race back to their respective clubs on
the east and west sides of the bay. This race is better known as the
Hangover Regatta. Again, we did very well and for a change finished in
2nd Place. The record time we sailed the return race was quite a few
Wheeler Yacht Club
Karen Cushman
Social Chairperson
[email protected]
Amy Gonzalez
Corresponding Secretary
[email protected]
Jerry Petritsch
Web Master
[email protected]
Paul Wunsch
Sailing Activities
[email protected]
Carole McNeese
Rear Commodore
[email protected]
931-446-3384
Board Members
Steve Blazier
Randy Crittenden
Jerry Petritsch
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
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years ago when we finished the 22 miles in just 2 hours and 50 minutes. On that race we blew out a spinnaker
about 5 minutes after a for-the-record-book triple broach. This year we didn’t broach and we’re about to
break our record. Unfortunately, the same spinnaker decided to change itself into a thousand napkins about a
half hour out from the finish. Obviously this slowed us down quite a bit and we hoisting a jib in its place; and
this did not bring us back to hull speed. And what do you know… we still tied the old record!
The next trip down south was for the May 14th “Ring Around The Bay Race”. formerly known as the Marathon
Race. It is as the old name suggests - 26 Miles long. To break the monotony of finishing 2nd, we came in 1st
Place. It took us six hours and we beat the closest competition by only three minutes (corrected time). To keep
things interesting and to try to keep the boat moving as fast as possible, we had a couple of sail changes. Dave
would spend precarious moments at the most forward and narrowest part of the boat hanking on new sails
and taking the old one down. It’s a wonder he stayed on board when we had up to 20 knots wind. A job well
done!
“For every day you spend on the water you get to add a week to your life”
Marina Day & Fish Fry Pics!
This was a special day at the marina, with Marina events, RC sailing, and a WYC Fish Fry.
Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
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Baumhower's Shrimpfest & BBQ
As you’ve heard by now, Joe Wheeler State Park is hosting the Baumhower’s Shrimpfest on August 9th! This
is going to be a huge event, with history showing attendance approaching 2,000 guests. The Park is looking for
volunteers to help with this event. Volunteers are needed to man the bouncy houses, to work the food tents
with Mr. Baumhower’s staff, to man the ticket booth, etc. It should be a lot of fun even if it is a little work!
Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
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If you would like to volunteer, you will be asked to attend an orientation/dinner on Friday night, August 8th,
where T-shirts will be issued so all volunteers will be easily recognized during the event. Park staff recently
met with Mr. Bob Baumhower and he is an inspirational person who is most interested in promoting our
beautiful state parks. We want to put our best foot forward and are excited at the opportunity to show off our
park to so many people! If you’re available to volunteer, please contact: Kelly Ezell, Lodge General Manager, at
the lodge or 256-247-5461.
Vice Commodore’s Comments
Here are a few things to think about since the boating season is now in full
swing. Think through your plans for the next outing and make it safer by doing
the following:
Be Weather-Wise—Always check local weather conditions before departure; TV and radio forecasts can
be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden
drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water. Bad weather and wind is and will always be the
most significant threat to fishermen, sport boats or yachts. The larger the craft the more these issues can be
major concerns as wind and weather may make a recovery impossible when they team together in a blustery
rage. Give weather your attention before you depart and check it as frequently as possible while out on the
lake.
Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist—Proper boating safety includes being prepared for any
possibility on the water. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety
rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten. Keep it simple, but go through it every time and make
sure you and your crew of at least two or more are satisfied that you have everything you need for this float,
that you are properly prepared and provisioned, and that everything is operational, “set” or running as
required.
Use Common Sense—One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use common sense. This
means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and
steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Wake is a
big deal too. You are responsible for the damage your wake causes. Allow plenty of clearance around
stationary boats or particularly boats rafted together. Slow or at least manage your speed and wake to
overtake or pass vessels with plenty of clearance. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all
of which have been placed there to ensure your own safety.
Designate an Assistant Skipper—Make sure more than one person on board is familiar with all
aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the captain is injured, falls
overboard or is incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper
boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore. Also be sure your assistant has the phone number of
someone who is aware of your float plan and can coordinate getting a skipper to you or at least assist at the
dock on arrival.
Develop a Float Plan—Whether you choose to inform a fellow boater in the marina or a family member,
always be sure to let someone else know your intentions and your float plan. This plan should include where
you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.
A float plan should include the following information:
Name, address, and cell phone number of cruse or trip leader
Name and phone number of all passengers
Boat type and registration information
Trip itinerary
Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
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A couple of thoughts: We could install boxes on each dock to file these plans, but better than that, we should at
a minimum keep our fellow boaters around us aware of where we are going and when to expect to see us
again. The last thing you want to happen is to find yourself in some trouble with a significant issue on the
river or lake with no one aware of the fact that you or your boat is not where is should be and that you are
possibly “overdue”, bailing madly or taking an unexpected swim. Also, those that are aware of your plan
should follow-up and check on your status or progress. It is just good common sense. Don’t count on the cell
phone or marine radio for your complete safety. Bad situations are better managed among friends who care
and are “on-watch” in the area. I can tell you, no airplane will ever take-off without a flight plan and a boat
should be no different. We deal with the same things as airplanes do. Wind, weather and fast moving, large or
completely unknown traffic, all mixed and blended in a multi-dimensional and unforgiving environment
which is the “scrum” of boating. Together these create significant considerations you cannot anticipate, but do
and will have to deal with on the water every day. Planning is key and it mitigates human error and
unexpected failure. A simple plan is the first step to safety while operating your boat. File a float plan with
someone you trust. If you are trusted, act, react and check, as is appropriate.
Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
The majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing lifejackets, believing they can swim
like a fish. Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each
member of your crew and onboard guest with a life jacket prior to departure. At a minimum, make sure each
guest at least knows where their lifejacket is located; show it to them, show them how to don it and brief how
to handle significant situations. In particular, tell them how to react to a man, woman or child overboard. This
is not ever a good situation, it is also not that uncommon and at night it can very quickly be a life-ending
event. Keep your lifesaving gear in good shape, at-hand and ready at all times. It will make a very big
difference if you suddenly need it.
Avoid Alcohol
Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a
boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are
exacerbated by sun and wind. So be careful and drink responsibly.
With that said, please enjoy the beautiful Tennessee River and have a wonderful and safe summer.
Bob
Have a safe and happy
4 of July!!
th
See you on the water!
Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
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Wheeler Yacht Club
P.O. Box 588, Rogersville, AL 35652
8