Volume 84, Number 1 February 2012

A Message from the Helm Happy New Year, everyone! If you have been because we’ll see the building take shape. I am aware to the clubhouse recently you have seen the excellent that the construction has inconvenienced some of you. progress that has been made on the construction proj- Please “pardon our dust” and we will do our best to ect. The clubhouse building was lifted off its founda- minimize the impact on our members and the neigh- tion and is resting on temporary supports consisting of borhood. I-beams and timbers while a new foundation is being At the January board meeting we seated the constructed beneath it. It certainly has been fascinat- new directors and confirmed committee chairs for ing to watch! As of this writing, the footings, outer 2012. My sincere thanks to each and every one of you foundation walls and piers to support the tram have who volunteer your time to help the club. SCYC could been poured. When the foundation is completed the not function without you! If you want to get involved, building will be lowered onto it and the lower floor even if you don’t know what you want to do, please will be framed. The framing is the most fun, I think, contact me or the appropriate committee chair. There February 2012 Santa Cruz Club Spinnaker is always something exciting going on at SCYC and no shortage of opportunities to participate. For example (and this is far from a complete list), Christina Shaw is looking for people to sell clothing at SCYC events. Beau Vrolyk is looking for race committee volunteers and De Schuyler needs people to help with social events. As you can see from the 2012 social and regatta calendars included with this issue, SCYC has a very full schedule. So (especially you newer members) come on down to the club and join the fun! Speaking of fun, the New Year’s Eve party was a smashing success. The club looked great decorated in a “starry night” motif with twinkling stars everywhere and an excellent DJ. Scott and Sandy cooked a wonder- ful dinner (I had the filet mignon--yum!) . The clubhouse did not collapse, despite the efforts of the enthusiastic (Rick Linkemyer sitting on the newly completed dancers. And a good time was had by all at the Instal- retaining wall next to the Club) lation Dinner. I want to thank Staff Commodores Steve Hello from the House (Vice Commodore) Neimann for making the arrangements and Chuck Hawley for serving as emcee. The Elk’s Club was a De Schuyler and I really enjoyed doing Social great venue, the food was excellent and so was the danc- Committee last year. De enjoyed it so much that she has ing. We also had a fun at the impromptu party for the signed up for another year with our new Rear Commo- NFC championship game set up by Barbara Booth— dore, Barry Whittall. I am looking forward to my new despite the Niners’ heartbreaking loss. Wait ‘til next duties as Vice Commodore. I will be working with our year! excellent staff, Greg Haws, Jennifer Whall and also We’re already off to an exciting year in 2012 and Scott & Sandy Dexel of KISS Catering. Thank you it’s only January! See you at the club! Charlie Rice for volunteering to be the House Commit- tee Chairman to help keep the clubhouse and grounds in Dave Emberson good shape. Please let us know if you are a handyperson Commodore and can help us keep our house in order. This should be an exciting year for our club with our new expansion under way. Thanks to Bret Gripenstraw, John Buchanan along with Bob DeWitt and Dave Emberson we’re going to have refurbished clubhouse with a new downstairs room to play in and a new Tram to ride. Once it is finished, it will be fun hav- ing a workday and barbeque to celebrate and get the club looking good. These workdays are actually a lot of fun and a great way to get to know each other better.

(Dave & Janell Emberson enjoying a twirl on the dance floor during the New Year’s Eve Party) 2 February 2012 Santa Cruz Spinnaker Sheet Rear Commodore’s (Social)

Meet your 2012 Rear Commodore. My wife, Risa and I have lived in San Jose for the past 30 years. We have two children. Our daughter Devin, engaged to Billy Ayers, is working in software sales and spends her extra time teaching fitness classes. Our sonJusten , his wife Stephanie along with our two grandchildren, Emma Rose and Riley, live in Scotts Valley. Justen is a Biology Professor and Stephanie is a corporate lawyer. I am a retired school administrator who has been a SCYC member since 1990. I enjoy and racing my Santa Cruz 27, Variety Show. My brother Ron and I have recently purchased a 19.6 Duckworth powerboat for our habit. In addition, I love Ric Diola and Dan Borror installed a powerful spending time with the grandkids, skiing, audio books, new sound system with wireless microphones. Presenters and traveling. should be easily heard during noisy events. I would like to thank the decorating committee for a spectacular New Year’s Eve party. Special thanks to Tom and Judy Webster, Steve Neimann and Ron Sabb- atis for volunteering to help Ric and Marilyn Diola, Dan and Chris Borror and my wonderful wife, De Schuyler.

Rob Schuyler Vice Commodore

(Barry & Risa enjoying themselves at the first wine tasting of the year hosted by Jack & Carol Gordan)

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Once retired, I have enjoyed becoming more involved with club activities and responsibilities. I have worked these last couple of years with the expanding Corinthian Program as well as the Laser Racing Program. My energies this year will go towards supporting our club’s goals and mission, working collaboratively with our Flag Officers and Board members as well as embracing my duties as your Rear Commodore. I would like to thank Rob and De Schuyler for their extraordinary past year of successful events and activities. De has again agreed to be this year’s Social Committee Chairperson as we plan enjoyable, well organized, and affordable activities for our club. We will be focusing on providing clear, timely, and accurate information about our up and coming events. Additionally, I take my role on your leadership team very seriously and will give you my best effort. (Jack Gordon explaining the wine tasting criteria) This year has begun with the throttle wide open! The New Year’s Party was a “one of a kind” party with a Neimann welcomed all and thanked his past board as full clubhouse welcoming in the 2012 year. The “house” well as his appreciation for the past year’s service of our was thoroughly decorated which again demonstrated the outgoing Commodore, Michael Wood. We appreciated high quality of volunteer service provided by our club’s seeing Tom Webster in his full Gallic Tux and membership. Rob and De outdid themselves in creating questioned the customary authenticity of what might be an elegant setting for celebrating 2011 and the beginning under that handmade Kilt. We traditionally recognized of 2012. the outstanding service, skills, contributions, and talents The 2012 Installation Dinner and Dance, of some of our exceptional club members. celebrated at the Elk’s Lodge, was highlighted by the I would like to thank Greg and Jennifer for humor and wit that only Chuck Hawley could deliver their continuing dedication to making our club one of as the MC for the evening. Staff Commodore Steve the landmarks in the Bay Area. We have successfully completed our 2012 Event Schedule and hopefully have addressed both tradition and creativity for this coming year. We have attempted to standardize our dinner times to the default of 6:30 pm and are asking the membership to make reservations (RSVP’s) promptly to facilitate a more effective operation. Also, we have attempted to avoid back-to-back events and will continue to (Nancy Lenz entertains the kids with develop strategies to back-up band consisting of Lynn Barshay, increase attendance. Ginney Delaney, Ann Niemann and Evelyn & One possible example Terry Drew at the Children’s Christmas Party might be affordable hosted by Aaron & Sandy Meyer) dinner buffets after 4 February 2012 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

racing for skippers and crew. If you are not getting our email blasts, give Greg or Jennifer a call and provide them with your preferred email address. We hope you are finding our Wednesday Winter Sailing Seminars engaging and informative as we move through this Midwinter season. Thank you to our past presenters: Chuck Hawley, Mike Gross and Beau Vrolyk. Our seminars in February will feature presentations for the racers and cruisers. Check our website for exact topics and presenters. We are also going to make an effort to keep all information on the flyer board in the clubhouse so it is also a good source for information. I look forward to getting to know more of our Upcoming SCYC extensive membership this coming year. Although retirement keeps me very busy, I will keep an “open Events Calendar door” policy with communication and welcome your comments or concerns. I would like you to help us by letting either De or I know what you liked or what we Racing Seminars might do differently next time as we jump into this February 1, 8, 15 & 29 year’s activities. My email is [email protected]. I have just selected my bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, taken $2.00 from my allowance, purchased Super Bowl XLVI Party my homemade appetizer and am heading out to our February 5 Wine Tasting lead by Jack Gordon. Hope to see you there or Sunday’s Prime Rib or Calamari dinner.

Mini- Regatta Barry Whittall February 11 Rear Comodore Laser Regatta February 12

Valentine’s Day Dinner February 14

Midwinters #4 February 18

Wine Tasting (Chardonnay) February 22

( Langer and Vance Landis all smiles Oscar Night / Potluck while judging wines) February 26

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pond. The wind will pass through a diffuser between Mini-Boat Regatta: Notice to Race the fan and the pond, to minimize the created by the rotary action of the fan. Invitation to race for prizes and glory. Proceeds will be donated to the Junior Sailing Program. Design Rule: This event is first and foremost a yacht race. Therefore, all must be wind-driven, they must be entirely supported by water, and they must function in a “right side up” condition. All “club-built” boats must be built at the SCYC between the hours of 4:00 pm and the start of racing at 6:00 pm. They can only be made with the materials provided. “Home- built” boats can be made at any other time, with no restrictions on materials. There is no limitation on the number of sails or hulls a single boat may have. Legal boats must be able to pass through the “rule can” without deforming any hull or sail features. The rule can is a Town House brand (Safeway) 8-oz. can of fancy Hawaiian pineapple chunks. A boat will be measured first by passing it through the can as if it were to sail straight through the can. This is a mea- surement to control a combination of beam and mast height. Greater mast height allows for more sail area, but at the expense of craft stability, or beam. When: Saturday, February 11th, 2012 4:00 p.m. Registration/Start building boats 6:00 p.m. Start Racing

Eligibility: All comers

Classes: Club-built: Boats built at the SCYC on the day of the race; boat building limited to official materials provided. Junior fleet restricted to ages 17 and under.

Home-built: Boats built at home; no material limits. The second measurement calls for passing the Entry Fees: “floating plane” squarely through the can. This mea- Club-built (Jr. Division) $ 3 surement effectively limits LOA. In passing a boat Club-built (Sr. Division) $10 through the can for measurement, it is allowable for the Home-built $20 boat to touch the can, but not to the extent that there Team (with 5 club boats) $50 is any significant deformation of the boat, her sails, or her rigging. Boat (sail) features that deploy themselves Awards: through the action of the wind are not allowed. Trophies will be awarded in each class, the number of During a race, a boat shape must remain true trophies depending on the number of entries. to its measured shape. The regatta chairman or persons designated by the regatta chairman are the only legal Sailing Instructions: boat measurers. The regatta chairman’s “rule can” is The racing will be held on an artificial pond, 14 feet the only legal measurement can. in length and 4 feet wide. The water will be approxi- mately two inches deep. The wind source is a common Chuck Murray house fan mounted a few feet away from the head of the 6 February 2012 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Wednesday Winter Sailing Seminars

February will be a busy month at the club on Wednesday Nights. This winter’s WWSS has some- thing for every type of sailor: Cruisers, Racers, even folks who sail on wheels. Come join us for some ter- rific insights into aspects of sailing you might not have stumbled over before. The side-bar will be open, your friends will be there, it’s the middle of the winter in the middle of the week, this is the best deal in town!

February 1st— Jay Crum - Ocean and Distance Gorge. She’ll tell us how she does it and what it Racing took for a woman (who only entered sailing a few Jay will be discussing distance racing preparation, years ago) to gain the top levels of our sport as a watch systems, navigation and weather for West lady of grace and style. Coast and Pacific Ocean racing. (Appropriate for intermediate and advanced competitive sailors) February 29th— Dennis Bassano, Jr. — Land Sail- ing February 8th—Don & Katie Radcliffe and Joe & Sue Dennis will present the sport of land sailing. As Altmann—Sailing in Far Away Places, A Few Expe- the president of NALSA, he has a wealth of experi- riences ences to share. Look on the website: www.nalsa. Beau, our new regatta chair, is looking for a few org under events. We are hoping to inspire sailors experts to join him. A past winner of the to attend the America’s Cup event near Primm, NV LAYC Water Cruising Trophy and the Memo- from March 25 to 31, 2012. (Appropriate for all) rable Passage Award, Beau and a few local cruisers will share what they’ve learned about what it’s re- Club will open at 6:30 pm for the Winter ally like to: Untie the lines and leave. (Appropriate Wednesday Sailing Seminars. Presentations will begin for all) promptly at 7:00 pm and conclude by 9:00 pm. The side bar will be open and no outside liquor can be February 15th — Kristen Lane —Beating da Boyz brought to the club. These seminars are open to all club Kristen will describe what it has taken to win big members and invited guests. Please feel free to invite as one of the only women racing at an international fellow sailors who might enjoy the seminars and getting level. Placing 5th in the Melges-24 2011 World to know our club. If you have any specific questions Championship, Kristen became the first woman for presenters, please send them to De Schuyler at de- to ever win a race in this highly competitive pro- [email protected] in advance. fessional dominated class. She crushed the 2011 29erXX National Championship with a first in 9 Beau Vrolyk out of 11 races in this difficult skiff at the Regatta Chairman

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been mentoring new Corinthian members on Wednesday nights. Marilyn has volunteered to support the yacht (2011 Yachtswoman of the Year Marilyn Diola club on various committees such as social, clothing and shown with past recipients De Schuyler, Sylvia Seaberg, volunteer race committee during her 30 years of mem- Colleen Maxwell, Bridget Binko and Melanie Ferri) bership. She also supports Ric in his various activities as past commodore of SCYC and as founding director of Yachtswoman of the Year the Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation. Her love of the sport/ocean/lifestyle has con- Marilyn Diola is SCYC 2011 YOY. She has tinued nonstop for over 30 years. That’s dedication. In been a member of SCYC since 1981 and is celebrating addition she and Ric have been through the chairs, as Ric her 30 year anniversary of club membership. Her accom- was Commodore in 1998. She is a major contributor, plishments include: In the 80’s, she was member of the an experienced competent sailor, and an inspiration to SC-27 fleet and co-skipperedGet Down with her husband, women, and men even, for all of her accomplishments. Ric and always helmed the downwind legs of the races. She gained a lot of this during a period of time when She helped to design and build Hot Tuna which is a mo- women on-the-water was almost an oddity. Her career tor/fishing boat. This boat is always called upon to help on the water in all manners of boats from sailing to cruis- in many regattas and activities by SCYC. She also lived ing and her commitment to the good of yachting by her aboard for four years on her Grand Banks trawler, Aurora actions makes her a stand-out for 2011 YOY. and was solely responsible for navigating their home on the water on many trips to the Bahamas, Key West and Melanie Ferri the eastern waterways. They still own Aurora and she is 2010 YOY berthed in Florida. They have welcomed many members to cruise on her over the years and always sail under the SCYC Members Racing Updates Santa Cruz burgee. Currently, she owns and sails Gandalf, a Santana 35, in the harbor. The last few years, she has FLORIDA- In December Morgan Larson once again teamed up with Steve Howe on his Melges 32 Warpath. They raced in a very windy Gold Cup in Ft. Lauderdale where everything fell together for a commanding win. They then headed farther south to Key West where they raced in a very competitive Key West Race Week, where Warpath finished 5th. Morgan has more upcoming rac- ing with Warpath, RC 44’s with Artemis and Extreme 40 ’s skippering Oman Air’s team. He’s off to the Canary Islands and Muscat, Oman in February.

CALIFORNIA – Sailing on San Fransisco Bay this win- ter, Chris Watts was trimming the main aboard TNT, the

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Tripp 43 owned by Brad Copper. In the Golden Gate admired by all members. First, Patrick Diola earned Midwinters, they took first in the PHRF A fleet. his recognition through his dedication to the club as Chris also continued trimming on Theresa the longest-standing member of our group. He joined Brander’s J105 Walloping Swede in the Zarwell series the club in 1994 and learned to sail in the Junior Pro- where they are currently tied for first. Chris was guest gram under the leadership of his father, Dave Diola. helmsman for one day of racing in Theresa’s absence. This dedication allowed Patrick to be instrumental in bringing the Laser fleet idea to reality. Additionally, If you have info on where club members are in partnership with Liz Kroft, he helped design the racing, please feel free to pass along details to Buc- Corinthian website and continues to assist the program [email protected]. to keep moving forward. Patrick has also been the Club’s Webmaster for our main site the last few years, Ellen Kett as well as being a very active racer in many different kinds of boats. Patrick declined the leadership role on Corinthian Corner the board because of work commitments, but contin- ues to assist as an outside counsel. It is fitting that The Corinthians have entered 2012 with a great Pat is our first YM so that we will always remember outlook for the year! To acknowledge the previous his early contributions to revitalizing the Corinthian year, we celebrated during the installation dinner with program. He said to Rob Schuyler one day walking recognition of the new Corinthian board his January. up the dock…”build it (the Laser fleet) and they will Our group also had the honor of distinguishing two come.” His vision has certainly proved correct. great Corinthians as Yachtsman and Yachtswoman for Our choice for first Corinthian Yachtswoman the previous year. also represents the “Corinthian spirit” well. The Our winners, Patrick Diola and Rachel Hoff- original group of ten did not have a woman member. man, were selected for their uncanny portrayal of Rachel Hoffman joined in the summer of 2010 and the “Corinthian Spirit,” which include qualities to be has never waivered from her goals to be a sailor and

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learn all aspects of our sport – from crewing, to race management. She has improved our communication with the UCSC program and continues to build bridges between the programs by developing many racing and training events. She is one of the most willing, self- less, and dependable workers in our group, and asks no recognition for her hours of dedicated service whether she is cleaning the kitchen, or cleaning boats. She is so enthused that she has even purchased her first boat so her commitment to the sport is to strengthen further. Please join us in celebrating Patrick Diola and Rachel Hofman for their well deserved honors as the first Corinthian Yachtsman and Yachtswoman for 2011. I would further like to draw attention to the new board membership which had also been announced at the dinner. We all mesh together very well, and will be essential in having yet another successful year. Please congratulate our board members as you see them around the club. Our 2012 board is as follows:

Commodore – Neil Steiner Vice Commodore – Regina Judson Rear Commodore – Ashley Zaninovich Secretary – Andrew Gersh Treasurer – Rachel Hoffman Boat Czar – Henry Nieuwstad Coxswain – Evan Diola Webmaster and Reporter – Liz Kroft SCYC Retail Opportunity

Neil Steiner SCYC Clothing Director, Christina Shaw Corinthian Commodore would like to extend an invitation to SCYC members to volunteer in the Club Store. Not only will volunteers perfect their retail and merchandising skills, volunteer- Oscar Night Party ing at the Club Store is an excellent way to meet and Sunday, February 26 interact with other club members in a relaxed social setting. All volunteers will receive personal train- Oscar Party Potluck begins at 4pm with the ing. Volunteers may choose a single event each month; Red Carpet show before the main event. Dress as Wednesday Regatta, Friday or Sunday dinners, seasonal your favorite , practice your best paparazzi pose races and special events in which to participate as Club and join us for an evening of Hollywood glamour. Store sales representative; or join the creative fun deco- There will be sparkling wine, all the movie popcorn rating the store window as the seasons flow or assist and snacks you can eat, plus your favorite dish to in recording quarterly inventory. Christina will host a share. Pay $3 and select your Oscar Winners. Who- volunteer information meeting on Friday February 18, ever selects the most winners, will earn the kitty. 2012 at 5pm. Thank you for taking this opportunity to We’ll also vote for the Best Dressed Man and Woman investigate how you can help keep our club humming. and Star Look Alike. Photos will be taken so smile and strike a pose! Christina Shaw Clothing Chair Lalaine Dowdell Event Chair

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Valentine’s Day Dinner

Tuesday, February 14 5:30pm Cocktails with 6:30pm Dinner RSVP to 831-425-0690 or [email protected]

Salad: Poached Pear Salad with Mixed Baby Greens, Crumbled Blue Cheese and Candied Pecans served with Roasted Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette

Choice of Entrée’s: Balsamic Marinated Tri Tip stuffed with sautéed Onions, Peppers and Mushrooms Grilled and sliced with a Tomato Mushroom Béarnaise Sauce, served with Creamed Turnip and Garlic Potatoes also fresh Vegetables

Lobster Ravioli on a bed of sautéed Spinach topped with and Alfredo Dill sauce, served with Fresh steamed Asparagus Spears

Chicken Breast Margaritte stuffed with Fresh Basil, Buf- falo Mozzarella Cheese and white wine butter sauce, served with Toasted Almond Herb Rice Pilaf and Fresh Vegetables

Dessert: (Commodore Dave Emberson presents new members Meyers Lemon Cheese Cake or Double Chocolate Mousse Chris & Lou Ann Hofmann with their burgee and Cake Served on Raspberry sauce membership cards at the January Board meeting) $28.50 per person for Beef or Seafood Membership Report (as of 1/24/12) $25.50 per person for Chicken (Tax and Tip all-inclusive) Regular 409 Non-Resident 73 Junior 97 Corinthian 52 Life 10 Honorary 24 Manager’s Report

Total 665 I would like to thank the outgoing and welcome the incoming Board of Directors. And a heartfelt thank you and mucho appreciation to Tim Kelbert for all your years (eight years to be exact) and dedication as Port Captain. I also want to express my deep sorrow to the families of members whom we have recently lost. They will always have a place in my heart. We celebrated Sidney’s seventh birthday, at the roller rink this month. I found out that it takes me a lot longer to get up after falling than it does first graders. Ouch!

Greg Haws Club Manager

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