CCA GAM Issue 16 The Newsletter of the Cruising Club of America Spring 2011 Awards Dinner at New York Blue Water Medal

Blue Water Medal To reward an example of meritorious seamanship and adventure upon the sea, displayed by an amateur selected from all national­ ities, that might otherwise go unrecognized.

The prestigious 2010 Blue Water Medal has been awarded to Australian Alex Whitworth Alex Alex Whitworth for a circumnavigation of the world via the Northwest Passage West to East. The first Blue Water Medal was awarded in 1923 and it is given “for a most meritorious example of seamanship, the recipient to be selected from among the amateurs of all the nations.” The award was presented on March 4, 2011 by CCA Commodore Sheila McCurdy during the Annual Awards Dinner at the . Whitworth was born in an air raid shelter on the island of Malta in 1942 and spent most of his childhood near Manchester, , or wherever his father was stationed at the time. His father, Alexander Whitworth, a Navy pilot, taught him to at a young age. At nineteen, Whitworth also joined the Royal Navy and became an Observer on carrier-based Sea Vixen aircraft until 1965. In 1966, Whitworth emigrated to Australia and joined Adastra Aerial Surveys where he worked both full and part time until 1975. In 1974, he received a B.A. (Honors) in Political Science from Melbourne University and in 1982 an M.B.A. from the University of New South . In 1993, Whitworth and his partner Hilary Yerbury purchased the Berrimilla, a Brolga 33 designed by ­Australian Peter Joubert. Since the purchase, Whitworth has circumnavigated the world twice in Berrimilla. The first time began in 2004 when Whitworth sailed to the U.K. via Cape Horn. On the way, Berrimilla was in frequent contact with Astronaut Leroy Chiao, Com- continued on page 28 Rod Stephens Trophy for Outstanding Seamanship

Rod Stephens Trophy For an act of seamanship which significantly contributes to the safety of a yacht, or one or more individuals at sea. The Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy was presented to the Cruising Club of America by 21 of Rod’s shipmates and other friends. It is a perpetual trophy to be awarded by the Club for an act of seamanship which significantly contributes to the safety of a yacht, or one or more individuals at sea. The 2010 Rod Stephens Trophy for Outstanding Seamanship was awarded to Alessandro Di Benedetto for his seamanship in jury a after being dismasted near Cape Horn on his solo, non-stop circumnavigation on the 21-foot (6.5-meter) monohull Findomestic. Di Benedetto was born in Rome, Italy, in 1971 and began at the age of eight. He quickly moved into Lasers and then sport catamarans and later a 41- foot (12.6-meter) yawl, which he sailed with his father Frederico Di Benedetto. Di Benedetto completed his studies at University of Palermo (Sicily) and holds a Doctorate in Geology and a Professional Diver Degree in Underwater Archaeology. continued on page 31

1 From the Commodore

later that we had caught the tail end (including Catherine Reppert who at of a hurricane. More importantly, I age 19 was already a CCA member). learned the confidence one can have Besides the benefit of having willing in a seaworthy vessel with a compe- volunteers for changing , steer- tent crew. I was hooked on offshore ing, and washing up, I have gotten sailing. vicarious pleasure from seeing the The crew were of disparate back- fathomless blue ocean and limitless grounds. The three older men had night sky through fresh, unjaded eyes. served in World War II – one as a I have recaptured the thrill of watch- merchant marine officer, one in the ing dolphins in the wave and U.S. Navy, and one as a Royal Navy shearwaters soaring at the wave tops. officer. Two were CCA members. I have heard the youthful wonderment The other two guys on the crew were expressed in words so similar to those in their twenties and from working I used in the journal I kept on that first class backgrounds in the south of transatlantic. England. I had just graduated from With all the conveniences we have Smith College and was chock full of on our today – , Dear Cruising Club Members: liberal arts wisdom. Each one of us windlasses, autopilots, and chart plot- I have had a chance to catch up with had set opinions that mystified the ters – we may no longer need a nimble many members from all stations in my other five, but we worked together deckhand, but we also are losing the first year as commodore. I have heard with good humor and respect. We all opportunity to pass on our knowledge great sailing stories from the past and loved what we were doing. to a younger generation. In addition lots of great plans that our members The continuum I mentioned earlier those sailors who will find adventure have for the future. This got me think- is that someone introduced each mem- on the world’s oceans will not have ing about a continuum, but first let me ber of the CCA to offshore sailing for a connection to the Cruising Club of share a sea story with you. the first time. You may have a similar America. Four days out on my first Atlantic story of learning handling and I challenge each Cruising Club crossing aboard CCA member Ed navigation from an “old ” who member to take a “young-ish” person Greeff’s 48-foot yawl Puffin, we were needed an agile person aboard to do aboard this sailing season. If you do hit by a series of increasingly power- daily chores, steer for hours, and drag not have a boat, help a coastal sailor ful squalls. The seas stacked up. The sails around. Weren’t we lucky? I con- get aboard another member’s boat sails were reduced. I learned to steer tinued to learn from CCA members for an overnight run or longer pas- in a “six-foot chop” in complete dark- like Rod Stephens, Dick Nye, Bill sage. Here is an offer: I am planning ness – something I never saw on Long Rothschild, John Bonds, Ron Tross- to take Selkie to the Chesapeake for Island Sound. The seamanship and bach, Ralph Naranjo, Karen Prioleau the Fall Cruise in October. I would be experience of the skipper and crew and of my father, brother, and delighted to have some crew for the meant that the ’s routine contin- husband. As CCA members we are trip from Newport to Annapolis and ued without undue excitement – aside linked to generations of fine sailors back. Give me a call with a crew rec- from one knock down. With the wind and yachtsmen – both past and fu- ommendation. We even may identify behind us we had a near 200-mile day ture. Inevitably, I have found myself some future membership candidates. under and mizzen. Over the as the experienced one aboard taking next two days the conditions built to younger sailors out of sight of land Force 9, and the tops of the waves for the first time. I have lured my were blown flat in a white, low froth. nieces and nephews to sea, and I have Sheila McCurdy Under bare poles we were going over gone offshore with crews of midship- 12 knots down long swells. I learned men from the U.S. Naval Academy

2 Coming Up…Cruises and Meetings

Bermuda Cruise Cruise in Company June 26-30, 2011 The New York, Essex and Boston The CCA Station will be host- Stations of the Cruising Club invite their ing a “Cruise Around Bermuda” in June of members and guests to participate in a 2011, immediately after the Marion to Ber- Cruise-In-Company to Bermuda to join The CCA GAM muda Race prize giving. It is anticipated that the CCA cruise in Bermuda this June. The Club cruise runs from June 26 Published for the members those planning to sail down will likely join or sail in company with the fleet. through June 30, and our cruise-in- of The Cruising Club of America company will start from Marion on June www.cruisingclub.org The event is limited to 80 participants as that would be a comfortable number for the 20. This is two days after the Marion- Editors: Chris and Shawn Otorowski chosen restaurants. Local boats are available Bermuda Race start. With engines being New Members Editor: Dianne Embree for charter and one has already been booked. used as needed, this should get us to West Coast Correspondent: John Sanford Most are not air conditioned and the local Bermuda a couple of days before the Club Photographer: Dan Nerney authorities will require the captain to stay on cruise begins. Commodore...... Sheila McCurdy board whenever paying guests are aboard. We would like to get expressions of in- Vice Commodore.... Daniel P. Dyer III There are no bareboat charters in Bermuda. terest or intent as soon as possible. Please Secretary...... Stephen E. Taylor However, there may be space aboard a local call or e-mail Fred Deichmann at 860- Treasurer...... Peter L. Chandler CCA member’s yacht. 536-2271 or [email protected] Historian...... John F. Towle The key objective of the cruise is to take We look forward to seeing you in June. Fleet Captain...... Alton J. Evans. Jr. our overseas guests to places they may Bill Cook, Mindy Drew, Larry Glenn Rear Commodores Bermuda...... Stephen W. Kempe Boston...... William E. Cook Bras d’Or...... Hans F. Himmelman Chesapeake Cruise Chesapeake...... John M. Melchner Essex...... Mindy Gunther Drew October 6-12, 2011 Florida...... John A. Wills The Chesapeake Station will be hosting a Great Lakes...... J.W. Robert Medland cruise in the Chesapeake for a glorious fall New York...... Lawrence R. Glenn week scheduled around the 2011 Annapolis Pacific Northwest.... Michael E. O’Byrne Boat Show. The cruise will be a cruise in San Francisco...... John Robinson company with the Royal Thames Yacht So. California...... Tod White Club. There are many charter opportunities not have seen in Bermuda despite many and if you have not cruised the Chesapeake, Captains visits to the island. These will include, this is a perfect time to do it. Buzzards Bay...... J. Nicholas Newman Walsingham Nature Reserve, Nonsuch The maritime history and history of our Gulf of Maine...... Gardiner L. Schneider Island, Ely’s Harbour, and Castle Harbour. nation is rooted in Annapolis. Downtown We will dine pub style in Mangrove Bay, Please email CCA news, photos and items Annapolis, the historic government build- of interest to editor Chris Otorowski, enjoy a pleasant meal at Tom Moore’s ings, Naval Academy, great shopping and ­[email protected]. Tavern, built in 1652, a popular haunt of the fall colors will make this a special event Chris Otorowski the famous poet, Tom Moore, who never not to be missed. Contact Bob Mathews 14979 Euclid Ave. NE lived there but frequented that nightspot. Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 We will take a tour of Nonsuch Island with 206-842-1000 David Wingate, who spent his entire adult Published semiannually for distribution life restoring the population of a bird, the to members of The Cruising Club of Cahow, once thought to be extinct, to a America. survivable population. We invite members to commit soon as space is limited. The Bermuda Station is looking forward to hosting fellow members and guests. Please see the CCA website for more information and scheduling. Ralph Richardson

3 at [email protected] or check Lunch at the hotel for all the website for details as they become Afternoon: open for signtseeing available. Evening: Closing dinner at ­Anthony’s Bob Mathews Home Port near Shilshole Bay Marina and Locks. Our final presentation will be by member 2011 Fall Meeting in Mark Schrader, Captain of the Seattle Ocean Watch, relating the story of its circumnavigation of North and October 13-15, 2011 South America (see the website AroundtheAmericas.org.)

Make your reservations early. We have pplmedia.com secured a great rate at the hotel of $199 per night, single or double. Make your reserva- tions directly with Marriott reservations at 1-800-228-9290 and use the reference number of M-4MWYRO. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Come and enjoy the Pacific Northwest in Come join us in Seattle for our National the Fall. For full details check the website. [email protected] and log onto ber- Fall Meeting to be held October 13 to Octo- Sue McNab, Chair and Mike O’Byrne ber 15, 2011. A great three days are planned mudarace.com for more details about the and you might even want to stay longer and 2012 Bermuda Race to either race or get enjoy our fall colors and traditionally nice involved. weather. San Juan Islands Cruise John Osmond Headquarters for the meeting will be the Seattle Marriott Waterfront Hotel in May 5-12, 2012 Bras d’Or Cruise the heart of Seattle’s waterfront. The hotel is located across the street from Seattle’s July 23-August 3, 2012 downtown small boat marina and cruise ter- 90th Anniversary of the CCA minal. It is two blocks from our aquarium, The Bras d’Or Lakes are large salt water only an elevator ride away from the world lakes dominating the centre of Cape Breton famous Pike Place Market, and an easy walk Island in the eastern Canadian province of to the ­Pioneer Square district, art museum, Nova Scotia. The Lakes extend in 4 large Outdoor Sculpture Park and waterfront arms (arm of gold – bras d’or). The Lakes seafood restaurants. can be reached via a lock at the southern The “Sailing Directions” are: end of the arm through St. Peter’s Canal Thursday, October 13: which connects to the Atlantic Ocean. At Meet and greet reception at the hotel, the northern end the Lakes connect to the registration, hors d’oeurvres, wine and The Pacific Northwest Station will host a cruise in the beautiful San Juan Islands for a Cabot Strait. Ringed with high hills and low beer served. mountains, the Bras d’Or Lakes cover an Friday, October 14: week in early May 2012. Check the website for details as they become available. area of more than 1,000 square kilometres Morning: Membership Committee which includes plenty of quiet and often meeting. Morning: Rear Commodore’s meeting Morning: Other committee meetings Bermuda Race as required (let us know so we can June 17, 2012 get you a room) Lunch for all at the hotel This biennial blue water classic contin- Afternoon: Bus trip and tour of the ues to enjoy strong participation with the Museum of Flight (this flight just completed Bermuda Race having 183 museum rivals the Smithsonian – boats and over a thousand crew. Over the thanks to Boeing) past 46 races, there have been 4,677 boats Evening: Cruise and salmon bake at with approximately 49,000 sailors who Blake Island, including a Northwest have raced approximately 3,000,000 miles. First People’s dance presentation. It requires the efforts of 250 volunteers Saturday, October 15 and sailing or working on the committee is Morning: Board of Governors Meeting very rewarding. Contact John Osmond at

4 secluded coves cruised the area extensively enthusiastically for anchoring and stated, “The sea’s natural beauty is aston- daydreaming. ishing, featuring limestone monoliths jut- The gentle waters ting up hundreds of feet from crystal clear of the Bras d’Or water, framed by shining white beaches Lakes are fog-free. and swaying palm trees. We’ll be there in It was in 1922 the dry season, with the warm northeast that the CCA was breeze blowing day and night.” Another formed after an member who has chartered there two times initial gathering on has commented, “This is tops on my list of board Elsie, built cruise sites. The Thai people are warm and by Dr. Alexander friendly. The food is superb!” Graham Bell in We have the opportunity to include a Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. In 2012, Bras d’Or Lakes the CCA will re- member that auspicious occasion with people. A number of CCA members have a 90th Anniversary Cruise of the Bras offered to host other members on their d’Or Lakes. yachts during the Cruise. A Day Sailing pro- The 90th Anniversary Cruise will begin gram will be developed to provide onboard in Louisbourg, outside the Bras d’Or Lakes day-only sailing opportunities for anyone at the northeastern corner of Cape Breton who wishes to avail themselves of the fa- Island. Here we will visit the Fortress mous Cape Breton hospitality, by staying in one of the many B&B’s or other hotel establishments on beautiful sixty-four berth “mother ship” the island. on our adventure. Even though the cruise is Be sure to watch nearly two years out, we need to move with the CCA website for dispatch to secure its charter. (See page 19.) continuous updates If you are thinking about joining, and es- as planning for the pecially if the “mother ship” appeals, please Cruise continues. send an e-mail to jim.quanci@autodesk. Pre-registration in- com or call Jim Quanci at 415-640-4461. formation will be on Check the CCA “members only” website the website by the for the latest details. end of March 2011. For further details Fortress of Louisbourg email cca2021@bel- laliant.net or contact Maine Cruise of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a Gretchen McCurdy at 902-275-4058 ­reconstructed 18th century French fortified September 2013 WEBSITES WITH ADDITIONAL town. It is from here the early history of Maine in September is fabulous and this INFORMA­TION ON THE AREA the French and English fight for control of cruise will be hosted by the Gulf of Maine North America comes alive. Nova Scotia: Post under the direction of Garry and Leslie From Louisbourg we will sail into the http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/ Schneider. Check the website for details as Bras d’Or Lakes via the northern entrance default.aspx they become available. of Great Bras d’Or Channel. Many activi- Cape Breton: ties will take place in the Lakes while the http://www.cbisland.com/ CCA is enjoying the magnificent scenery. A reception will be held at the home of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell and his family. The Malaysia, Phuket closing event will take place in Maskell’s Harbour where in 1919 the concept of the Thailand CCA was first discussed. As there are no yacht charter facilities in January 17-26, 2013 or near the Bras d’Or Lakes, most people The San Francisco Station is leading this will join the cruise on their own boat. One cruise, to be held in the Andaman Sea east crewed vessel will be chartered to host six of Phuket. One of our members, who has

5 Bermuda Race 2012

The last three Newport Bermuda Races John has served in various capacities have had the largest fleets in the event’s over twelve years and six runnings of the 104 year history. Now lifelong sailor biennial event. His wife, Ellyn, is a long John Osmond (BOSTON Station, BUZ- time volunteer for the Race; past skippers ZARDS BAY Post) takes the position of may well recognize her from her years in Race Chairman, planning to continue the Race Headquarters in Newport the week trend of high participation in this classic prior to each race when captains check ocean race. in for the event. John has sailed in 15 Bermuda Races John has also served as Vice President both as captain of his own boat and watch of US SAILING and fourteen years as captain or crew aboard some memorable a Board Member. He is a past US Del- egate and Deputy Chair of the Ocean Racing Council and past member of the ISAF Offshore Committee. pplmedia.com pplmedia.com

A close start! Puma charging along! yachts. He served as watch captain aboard Kodiak for her 1998 win of the St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy and on Matador in 1986 as watch captain for her second place finish in 1986. “It is truly an honor to work with the dedicated Commodores and hundreds of volunteers of the two host clubs, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and The Cruising Club of America,” John said as he accepted the chairmanship. “The New- port Bermuda Race is a personal favorite pplmedia.com that blends a serious offshore challenge with education, preparation, camarade- rie, and sailing fun! As a bonus the race originates and finishes in two of the most outstanding sailing ports in the world!” Skipper Rives Potts and the winning crew of Carina

6 Bermuda Race 2012

2012 Newport Bermuda The Ambassador Racing Offshore with Race – How CCA Program Friends and Family Members Can Help The Bermuda Race Organizing Com- There are two upcoming opportunities The is a huge mittee offers the Ambassador program to to enjoy a World Class Offshore race with effort for the CCA (and RBYC) involving provide mentoring to first-time partici- friends and family: the Marion Bermuda many of our members both within and in pants in the Newport Bermuda Race. CCA Race, June 17, 2011 followed immediately support of the Organizing Committee. In members with offshore race experience are by the CCA Bermuda Station cruise (June addition to service as an Ambassador – see available to answer questions and provide 26-30) and next year’s Newport Bermuda above – members may serve as an Inspector advice about such subjects as obtaining a Race, June 17, 2012. Recent successes by of entering yachts (contact Chief Inspec- rating, boat preparation, safety equipment well prepared stock yachts with amateur tor Ian McCurdy, mccurdyrhodes@aol. and crew training. Twenty-five Ambassa- crews may well challenge more Hinckleys, com). In addition, Little Harbors, Concordias, Cals, Beneteaus all members can to enter with a reasonable chance of racing provide significant success. Despite all the ink they get, profes- support to the Race sionals and rock stars are not required for in the following success nor are the latest designs. Carina ways: and Gracie are only two examples. The • Consider en- objective of the Newport Bermuda Race has tering your own always been to provide fair and equitable yacht in the 2012 handicapping for a wide variety of yachts. race. The 635-mile Our focus on the Ocean Racing Rule (ORR) pplmedia.com course from New- has resulted in well sailed and prepared port across the Gulf yachts having the opportunity to score well. Stream to Bermuda Most notably, in the Newport Bermuda is a test of yacht Saint David’s Lighthouse (SDL) division, and crew, the re- the largest group with 106 entries in 2010, ward for which is Speedboat collecting well-earned champagne. 60% are amateur. The Corinthian Trophy, the incomparable an elegant crystal sculpture with valued blue water experience and unparalleled dors have signed on to help with the 2012 keeper trophies donated by Diana and sense of accomplishment for all. Race. If you have offshore race experience Llwyd Ecclestone, is awarded to the yacht • Recruit a friend and fellow sailor and you’d like to volunteer to help, please with the best corrected time in the SDL to enter their own yacht. You’ll be doing contact Dick Holliday (ESSEX Station) division crewed by amatuers. The William them and the CCA a favor by attracting [email protected]. L. Glenn Family prize is awarded in the new participants to the race. Be sure to tell SDL and Cruiser divisions for the best potential racers that we have a very performance with at least 4 family members active program to provide advice in the crew. and support to first-time racers as Both races of- they prepare their yachts and crew. fer a wonderful Please ask any of your sailor opportunity for friends who exhibit interest in join- offshore compe- ing the 2012 Race to contact the tition and fellow- Participation Chairman, Fred Deich- ship with your mann (participation@bermudarace. friends and fam- com) for additional information. ily. It is not too This committee stands ready to help late to start plan- get interested sailors from that point pplmedia.com ning. For more to the starting line at Castle Hill information and Light in Newport on Friday, June entry forms see: 15, 2012. www.marionber- John Osmond, 2012 Newport muda.com and Bermuda Race Chairman www.bermuda- race.com. Finishing at St. David’s lighthouse

7 Bermuda Minister of Tourism Honors CCA and RBYC

Since inception in 1906 there have been Peter Shrubb Commodore of the Royal about 5,000 boats, over 3 million miles of Bermuda Yacht Club who has himself been racing and over 50,000 participants. an ocean racer and has worked freely and If you take 2010 with about 200 boats tirelessly for what has to be 20 years in that represents about 2,000 participants any number of capacities leading up to plus of course their friends and families Commodore.

Richard Hawke Richard who fly down for the parties. Add to this, Representing the CCA we are honored every boat has to return so that is even more to have the Commodore - Sheila McCurdy. air arrivals in the form of the crew who are Sheila has raced in 15 Bermuda Races and The Minister of Tourism, Patrice Minors, taking the boat back, often joined by their in every imaginable capacity from cook, presents awards to the Commodores of the families and friends. (feminists please remain seated) to skipper. CCA, Sheila McCurdy, and the I think it would be difficult to overstate The race is a family tradition; her father did RBYC, Peter Shrubb, for their continued contribution to the Bermuda community the value that the Bermuda Race brings to 20 races starting in 1950. through the Newport/ Bermuda Race. Bermuda for which we have to thank the The Bermuda Race is in fact a multi gen- hard working volunteers of both our own erational event, last year we had a 12 year Nick Weare (RBYC and CCA Member) Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and the Cruising old racing, a 72 year old and everything in representing the Bermuda Hotel Industry Club of America. between. Families race together and like introduced the recipients and noted that: It is fitting therefore that the Bermuda the McCurdy’s pass the baton from one “the organization of the race is shared Hotel industry recognizes both the CCA and generation to the other, may it continue and by both clubs and is done very largely by the RBYC for their most valuable contribu- we members of the hospitality industry in unpaid volunteers. This is an enormous tion they continue to make to Bermuda’s Bermuda are sincerely grateful to you both enterprise in which the CCA organizes the tourism industry. and the clubs you represent for your tireless entry and start and the RBYC organizes the It is also fitting that we have represen- work in making the event a flagship event finish line and hosts all the boats until their tatives of both Yacht Clubs here today to in Bermuda’s calendar.” return after the race. receive the award.

Start:Newport Friday, June 15, 2012 Bermuda Race 2012

The Newport Bermuda Race, first sailed in 1906, is the world’s oldest regularly scheduled ocean race. The race is organized by The Cruising Club of America and The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. Sponsoring the Newport Race is a major commitment of the CCA and its members.

The Race is open to blue water capable monohulls of all kinds, from family cruisers and cruiser-racers to state-of-the-art racing machines. The 2010 fleet of 183 boats was the third largest in history and the Cruiser and Double-Handed Divisions were the largest yet. All yachts race under ORR rating rules; at the captain’s option, yachts may also compete and be scored under IRC rules. Inc. Photography, Wal Onne van der

Our next adventure begins at Castle Hill Light in Newport on June 15, 2012. Please join us!

Additional information is available at www.BermudaRace.com Onne van der Wal Photography, Inc. – www.vanderwal.com

8 News from Stations & Posts

Bermuda Boston At the beginning of the year R.A. (Tony) The Boston Station’s Fall Jones, who had served the Bermuda Station Gam began on September 24 for a decade as Secretary, retired from the at Cuttyhunk. James Phyfe, post and handed over the reins to Andrew Larry Hall and Tim Surgenor Burnett-Herkes. Andy, who is coinciden- organized a shoreside party on tally Hon. Secretary of the Royal Bermuda the dock. There was plenty of Yacht Club, can be contacted at abh@logic. fog in the harbor but the sun Kinnear Howland bm for information on the Station such shone bright at the party with as planned luncheon meetings held on a the usual refreshments and quarterly basis. some great treats provided by We regret to report the loss of two of our Larry, who had recently re- RC’s Tom Walker, Gary Fischer, Bill Cook, Nancy McKelvey, members in December. Michael C. Misick turned from a three day fishing Dan Dyer and Rob Kiley at the December Rat’s Lunch on the 4th in England followed by Richard outing on George’s Bank on Gunsmoke, his W. Kempe on the 6th in Bermuda. Dick, was a lively event and benefitted from the handsome Duffy 42. Larry had caught three who has been on the Newport/Bermuda museum venue and additional yacht club Race Committee for many years as a jurist giant tuna and had saved some choice tail participants. Thanks to John and Laurie meat, beautifully prepared in a giant skillet, Bullard for the idea and Joe McDonough for the group. He also served his famous and Chip Johns, as well. Gunsmoke clam rolls. The New Members dinner was held The Gam continued across the Bay at October 7 at Henderson House in Weston the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the following the Officers Meeting, where board of which is chaired by Skip Garfield the calendar was established and various who has sailed with a number of members policy matters discussed and settled. Seven Chris Otorowski on significant passages and is now a CCA new members were introduced, including member. The Museum hosted the event as David Frasier, Jack Griswold, RJ Hoar, part of the New Bedford Working Water- Malcolm Poole, Barney Baker, John Cor- front Festival. Members of the New Bed- Government House, Hamilton reia and Ben Morris, son of Bob Morris, ford and Beverly Yacht Clubs also attended then the Buzzards Bay Post Captain. Gus and inspector, will have been known by and enjoyed the evening with the Station MacDonald sponsored what might be a many of the participants of the race. members, dining around the recently record four candidates! With such a sterling Response to the Bermuda Cruise fol- refurbished whale ship model Lagoda. example of successful sponsorship before lowing the Marion to Bermuda Cruising New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang, Museum the group, Rear Commodore Cook encour- Race has been enthusiastic and plans for the Director James Russell, author Llewellyn aged all hands to submit at least one name cruise are well under way. Information on Howland and Rear Commodore Bill Cook to Charlie Willauer as head of the Boston the Cruise can be found on the CCA Web addressed the group prior to dinner. It Station Membership Committee. Site and further details can be obtained by contacting Ralph Richardson (Past Com- modore of RBYC) at ralphr@northrock. bm or the Station Secretary. In December CCA Commodore Sheila McCurdy was in Bermuda to receive an award from the Bermuda Hotel Associa- tion in recognition of the CCA’s continued contribution to the Bermuda community through the Newport to Bermuda Race. The award was also made to Peter Shrubb the Commodore of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Kinnear Howland Club, for their part in staging the Bermuda Race. The awards of beautiful Waterford crystal vases were presented by Patrice Minors, the Minister of Tourism. Jim Burnett-Herkes, Historian Rear Commodore Dan Dyer presenting Transoceanic Pennant to Peter Stoops

9 News from Stations & Posts

Boston continued various tasty recipes, including seal flipper Post Captain Bob Morris sailed Apogee pie and puffin stuffed murre! from Spain to Puerto de Mogan on Gran Ca- The Fall Dinner was held at the Dedham Kin Howland, Historian naria in late summer where he left the boat Country and Polo Club on November 11. in anticipation of returning at the end of Bill Cook reported on plans for the year, November for the crossing to the Caribbean. including a possible cruise in company to Buzzards Bay This schedule dictated an early change of Bermuda in June, 2011 and a Station Cruise command at the Post which normally oc- to the St. John River in August. Commodore The fall chill signaled the start of the curs at the annual winter dinner. Therefore Sheila McCurdy noted that it was Veterans’ Buzzard Bay Post’s off-season social sched- Day, and asked for a show of hands from ule. We meet for lunch on the last the veterans present. Friday of the month from October through April and guests and visiting members are especially welcome. One such guest was called on to speak at our Decem- ber lunch at the Kinsale Dan Nerney Inn in Mattapoisett. Lt. Dan Wiltshire is a Coast Bill Cook Guard officer on loan to the Navy where he has Leslie Will, George Rockwood and James Phyfe III been serving as navigator and boarding officer of the guid- in November with a minimum of fuss Nick ed missile cruiser USS Princeton Newman and Tim O’Keeffe replaced Bob Clare O’Keeffe, Tim O’Keeffe, Kathy Newman and Nick based in San Diego. He had just Newman at Cuttyhunk returned from a seven month de- The Boston Station Winter Dinner was ployment in the Indian Ocean and recounted held at Anthony’s Pier Four on January his exciting experiences there including 20, 2011. After a warm welcome from Bill the capture of several Somali pirates, the Cook, Vice Commodore Dan Dyer gave an first such action for the U.S. in 200 years. impressive run down of upcoming events, January’s affair at the Beverley Yacht Club Dan Nerney beginning with the Fall Meeting in Seattle, featured an informative talk by Ted Brain- followed by the Club’s 90th birthday in ard who is heading up the Club’s Green the Bras D’Ors Lakes in 2012 and a cruise Yacht Design Committee. He outlined their Tim and Sue B. O’Keeffe and Jean Myer in Thailand in January of 2013. The John goals and early efforts and promised to and Roger Merrill as Post Captain and Sec- Parkinson award was presented to Peter return to keep us abreast of this ambitious retary/Treasurer respectively. Many thanks Stoops, of the Gulf of Maine Post, for and timely project. to Bob and Roger for their his transoceanic passage from Falmouth, leadership and hard work. Maine to the Azores in his Swan 40 Chase. Our Annual Dinner on The main event of the evening was Feb. 4 at the Hope Club Peter Plumb’s wonderful slide show of his in Providence drew about 3,000 mile clockwise circumnavigation 60 lively guests and fea- of Newfoundland, beginning and ending tured a spectacular video in Portland, Maine. Peter provided many presentation by Bill Cook good anecdotes and nuggets of information of his trip to Greenland on about the numerous harbors and coastwise Dan Nerney Resolution this past sum- features they encountered during the voy- mer. Vice Commodore Dan age. Stories of the sadness of villages on Dyer presented the Parkin- the decline or forcibly abandoned were son Trophy to Jim Phyfe balanced by pictures of the magnificent for his voyage on Aristea scenery and icebergs, and by the great from New Zealand home to hospitality of the Newfoundlanders, the L–R Jim Phyfe receives his Trans Oceanic Pennant from South Dartmouth by way of development of new summer colonies and VC Dan Dyer and Buzzards Bay Post Capt Nick Newman

10 News from Stations & Posts

Dan Nerney

Past Commodore Stan and Martie Livingston and Kathy Newman the Strait of Magellan. In a postscript to the Apogee saga, PC Newman read an email from Bob and crew members Peter Passano and Larry Hall written that morning from midway between the Cape Verde Islands and Barbados. Their departure from the Canaries had been pushed back two months due to the failure of the NE trades to mate- rialize before Christmas. All seemed well with them, their only worry being whether or not they would be able to pick up the Fortress at Louisbourg, Bras d’Or Lakes super bowl broadcast on short wave radio. Toasts were exchanged via email be- Historian...... Jim Evans saved from the wrecker’s , and were tween Apogee’s crew and the dinner guests. Membership Committee regaled with true “war stories”. The sight Robert Morris, Post Captain Chair...... Alexander (Sandy) MacMillan of her tiny, cramped crew spaces failed to (David Archibald to take over shortly) dampen members’ appetites but added all Cruise Committee Chair...... Phil Wash the more to their admiration of the brave Bras d’Or Fleet Surgeon...... Dr. Allan Bishop men who sailed her; mostly farm boys from Winter Social the Prairies, the Maritimers having too good National Meeting, Halifax an idea of what was likely in store for them The Station’s Winter Social this year The Station was proud to host the Fall to sign up for such hardships. took place aboard the HMCS Sackville, “the Meeting in October in Halifax. Although Our members continue to travel far and last of the corvettes”. This brave little ship the weather showed its Bluenose side, wide across the oceans. Rick Salsman’s is the only survivor of over 260 “Flower meetings and tours went well (except for ­Aisling 1 and Fred Voegeli’s Frisco fol- Class” corvettes built for anti-submarine the Harbour Tour – the wind and rain were lowed different routes around the Med duty in WWII and is now Canada’s Naval too much even for those sheltered waters). to end up wintering in the same yard in Memorial. Members enjoyed renewing old acquain- Marmaris, Turkey. They plan to continue Following a tour of the ship and her tance and making new friends. voyaging deeper into the Med next year. triple-expansion steam engine, Annual Meeting members were enthralled by cur- The Station Annual Meeting in Novem- rent CO Wendall Brown’s tales ber was entertained by Evans Hoyt. Evans of the ship’s history over dinner. and his wife Becky are members of the New With her sister convoy escorts, York Station but they now live in Lunenburg HMCS Sackville was instrumen- during the short periods of time when Ev- tal in winning the Battle of the ans is not at sea as captain of a 1,000 crew, Atlantic. She is now maintained

2,500 passenger cruise ship. Evans opened by the Canadian Naval Memo- Jim Evans our eyes to the logistics and management rial Trust. During the course of such an enterprise. of an excellent meal we were A new slate of officers was elected: provided with background about Rear Commodore...... Wilson Fitt the varied and unlikely post-war Secretary-Treasurer..... Gretchen McCurdy career that resulted in her being Lunch aboard HMCS Sackville

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Bras d’Or continued Goldsborough Henry Jr. Tro- phy enroute to Georgetown on Wilson Fitt’s Christina Grant awaits him the Sassafras River. A cookout in following his singlehanded is planned at the home of Mimi crossing last summer, and he plans to return and Ted Parish on the North to Nova Scotia by mid-June to enjoy some Shore of the River above the warm-weather cruising. Jim Evans plans bridge. The rum keg will make to join an old English friend for sailing an appearance at both events. in the “Riddle of the Sands” waters of the

Marsie Hawkinson Marsie Our 2011 Fall Cruise will North Sea. involve a first for our Station. Station Events for 2011: Commodore McCurdy asked Spring meeting Wednesday, April 6th if we would invite the Royal Raft up Saturday, June 25th John Melchner, the new Chesapeake Station R/C, being Thames Yacht Club to cruise Raft up Saturday, Sept. 3rd “pinned” by Sheila McCurdy in company with us. It seems a Fall meeting Wednesday, Sept. 28th Schlegel in Oscar; eighth Chip Schutt in cruise on the Chesapeake is on the “bucket Annual meeting Wednesday, Nov. 16th Safari, and ninth Tom Schubert in Azzurra. list” of many members of the RTYC. The Locations to be announced. All are Following the race the station rafted up in Commodore got a resounding Aye! Aye! to welcome. Shaw Bay for the real stories. On Sunday, her request. Our early contact with the Cap- Last Voyage the Chesapeake Station held its Annual tain of Cruising of the RTYC, Peter Innes- The Station was saddened by the sudden Meeting and dinner at Miles River Yacht Ker, was equally positive. Peter wrote, passing of Hal Davies, Capt. (N) CD, RCN, Club. The new Rear Commodore of the “There are a number of sailing locations (Ret’d), a man who was full of vigour and Chesapeake Station, John Melchner was in the world that every cruising yachtsman life, a great seaman, a first rate racer, well elected along with the new Fleet Captain, knows he should experience. High up on the informed, never shy with an opinion, and a Tad DuPont. We were honored to have list is Chesapeake Bay, the centre of East good and generous friend. He made major CCA Commodore Sheila McCurdy and Coast USA yachting. For such an eminent contributions to the sailing community not Vice Commodore Dan Dyer joining us on body as the CCA to invite the Royal Thames the least of which were as rear Commodore our Fall Cruise. to join them in cruising these waters is of the CCA Bras d’Or Station and as one of The annual Christmas Party on Decem- therefore a great privilege. We are looking the initiators of the Premier Racing Class ber 14 was well attended by our members, forward to meeting up with you, to shar- and the Halifax-Saint Pierre Race. spouses and guests. A Sunday Winter Lunch ing some of your favorite gunkholes, and Jim Evans, Historian is scheduled at the Philadelphia Corinthian perhaps to finding out just who can tell the Yacht Club on February 27, 2011. 2011 tallest tales about sailing! Thanks indeed to cruise plans are being finalized under the the CCA for the invitation.” Chesapeake guidance of Cruise and Entertainment Early in the planning we had to over- CCA Chesapeake Station 2010 Fall Committee Chair Bob Mathews. Our Sta- come a language barrier. We found we were Cruise began October 7 with drinks, Rum tion lunches continue in Annapolis on the not really having a Cruise – it was a Rally, Keg and hors d’oeuvres at Mears Marina second Tuesday of each month. In July the which sounded just fine to us. The Rally will in Back Creek, Annapolis. Friday, the fleet lunch is held at Gibson Island, arrived at Rhode River to anchor and visit and in August in St. Michaels. among the fleet. Nine boats sailed for the Contact David Hitt at dhiy- Sunny Gibbons-Neff Trophy Race, a dis- [email protected] or 410-266- tance of 17.7 miles on Saturday, October 6677 for more information. 9, 2010. Peter Driscoll in Reindeer was Lunches are also held in Phila- first across the line twelve seconds ahead delphia on the third Thursday of Upgrade, Peter Gibbons-Neff. The cor- of each month. Contact Jack rected results are as follows. First place Gregg at ajohngregg@gmail. com or 610-525-0550 for more Eric Crawford in Restless; second Peter Hawkinson Marsie Gibbons-Neff in Upgrade; third Karl von information. Schwartz in Huron; fourth Peter Driscoll in Our Spring Cruise begins on Reindeer; fifth Jack Gregg in Spirit; sixth Friday, May 20 with a raft party in Worton Creek. Saturday the Cary Thomson in Freedom; seventh Dona John Melchner, new R/C of the Chesapeake Station and 21st we will sail for the Robert outgoing R/C Karl von Schwarz

12 News from Stations & Posts

Chesapeake continued Mathews at [email protected]. to Ram Island, where 52 of us gathered for start on Thursday, October 6 with an open- Email is preferable, but Bob can also be a fine dinner and evening. Also at the dock ing event at Mears Marina on Back Creek reached at home at 410-778-9191. Contact- at Ram Island were Dennis Powers and his in Annapolis hosted by Molly and Wally ing Bob will get you on our email list for brother Joel on Quest, and Mark and Amy Stone. Mears Marina is a short walk from information about the Rally and the sign-up Rice on Pilgrim. downtown Annapolis and the Sailboat Show sheets for the events. Please let Bob know On November 6, 2010 at the Mason’s (this is Trade Day). Mears is also across the how serious you are about making the event. Island YC, a dinner was held to honor Carina and her crew for her great success Creek from where the RTYC members will Allocation of available space will be on a in winning the 2010 Bermuda Race and pick up their charter yachts, so it will work first come first served basis so make your the Northern Ocean Racing trophy. The well for everyone. commitment known early. evening was to celebrate not only these On Friday, October 7, we sail to historic Several of our Station members have terrific wins, but also to honor Richard B. offered to host RTYC members on their St. Michaels for an oyster roast hosted by Nye, Carina’s former owner, and others yachts – a noble gesture! If you wish to Tad duPont and Linda and Bryon Reilly. who had sailed on her in the past. Richard host RTYC members as guests on your There will be an optional tour of the Chesa- and Patricia Nye, along with 65 others, yacht, please let John Melchner know as peake Bay Maritime Museum. On Saturday, including Commodore Sheila McCurdy, October 8, we sail, and probably race, to La soon as possible at [email protected] or attended the dinner. Fortunately, Mason’s Trappe Creek off the Choptank River for a 410-849-8240. Island YC had some molly columns that raft party and cocktails hosted by Mimi and Plan on joining The Chesapeake Station we could use to support the area where the Ted Parish on their restored 72’ oyster buy for what promises to be a memorable event. numerous trophies were displayed. As we boat Nellie Crockett. John Hawkinson, Historian all know, Carina won by a huge margin, Sunday, October 9 it is a short sail, hope- and was awarded 11 trophies for the 2010 fully with more racing, to the beautiful old Essex Bermuda Race. These trophies included town of on the Tred Avon River. We the award to Patricia Young Hamilton, who will have dinner and our Station Annual The Essex station planned its Fall Ren- was the first woman to receive the George Meeting at the Club hosted by Margy and dezvous at West Harbor, Fishers Island and W. Mixter award for the navigator of the Jim Robfogel. A tour of the historic homes in Noank, at the Ram Island Yacht Club for winning boat. Richard Nye talked about the in town is planned. Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th. history of Carina up to and including selling Monday, October 10 has us sailing, with We had 10 boats signed up to meet in West the boat to Rives Potts. Rives, with most of more racing, across the Bay to the Rhode Harbor, however the weather gods decided his winning crew present, responded with River and another raft party on the Nel- against this. Sue and Dave Dickerson on a toast of thanks to Richard and Patricia. lie Crockett. The destination on Tuesday, Lindy, and Sandy and Sidney van Zandt on Commodore McCurdy was eloquent in her talk about her father, Jim McCurdy, of Mc- October 11 will be across the Bay to the Shandygaff had gone early to West Harbor Curdy and Rhodes, the designers of Carina Chester River to the home of Lindsay and and said it was actually quite pleasant inside in the late 60’s. Bob Mathews for dinner ashore. This is the harbor. The strong westerlies that kicked up against the tide certain to be a highlight of the Rally on Friday after- Wednesday, October 12, we cross the noon caused the Bay again to Gibson Island where Neva rest of us to meet and Murray Leigh will host a cookout at the at past RC Paul Gibson Island Yacht Squadron boat house. Connor’s house in This will be the final event of the Rally so Noank. The Con- be ready for toasts all around. Regrettably nors were kind on Thursday, October 13, the RTYC par- enough to host ticipants have to return their charter yachts. about 35 people The Rally may be over, but we are sure the

on short notice. Connor Carol memories will be there forever. The next day, the Commodore McCurdy and Vice Com- wind swung to the modore Dyer plan to attend. We are looking north. Your scribe forward to seeing Selkie on the Bay again. and Paul Hamil- As always, all CCA members are invited ton after driving to join our events. The Rally is open to all, to Jamestown, RI, had a great sail on but attendance will be limited. If you plan L-R: Jeb Embree, Paul Connor, Elizabeth Bohlen, Frank Bohlen, on making the Rally, please contact Bob Sarabande back Dianne Embree, Carol Connor

13 News from Stations & Posts

Club and Station’s activities over the last year. RC Jack Wills thanked Paul Ives for his service to the Station and the Club over the last two years and presented him with a plaque. Paul presented his rear commo- dore’s enameled pin to Jack Wills, while Jerri Ives presented hers to Glory Wills. The 54th Annual Wirth M. Munroe Invitational­ Yacht Race from Fort Lauder- dale to Palm Beach, was held on December 3rd 2010. Jim Bishop Sr.’s J/44 White Gold won over Bill Koch’s Titan by 32 seconds

Carol Connor Carol on corrected time in the IRC class. Eighteen attended the splendid post race activities at the Sailfish Club. The end of January Midwinter Rendez- vous in Stuart kicked off with a Rum Keg party at Jim & Sue Chambers. Tom Kenney supervised the mixing and put Jim Cham- bers and Milt Baker through their paces to produce a splendid cocktail that ultimately was enjoyed by 68 members and guests. L-R Nancy Potts, Mindy Drew, the new R/C of Essex Station, Rives Potts, Commodore Sheila Judy Baker, Sue Chambers, Jerri Ives, McCurdy and Outgoing R/C Rob Moore. Diana Myles and Glory Wills produced a Essex continued great buffet. Florida Saturday night’s dinner at the Stuart On February 3, Station members gath- Yacht and Country Club was a more for- ered at the Restaurant for the annual The Florida Station Annual meeting mal affair. RC Jack Wills was delighted to Pot-Luck dinner. The Boom is located in took place at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club introduce BOS/BUZ visitors John Osmond Pilot’s Point Marina and is closed at this on Friday November 5th and the Com- (the new Bermuda Race Chairman) and his time of year. There is no water, but the gas modore graced them with her presence. wife, Ellyn, to the group. John and Jack is on for the kitchen stove and for the fire- The meeting was held with various reports both had C&C 40’s and spent many years place in the dining area. Over 45 members and the voting in of the new slate: RC Jack racing against each other on the east coast enjoyed great food supplied by “A thru M” Wills, Treasurer Tanner Rose, Secretary and to Bermuda. This writer had always and “N thru Z”. After company cocktails, Don Krippendorf and Historian Barbara known that her late father in law’s yacht a sumptuous meal and a birthday cake for Watson-Clapp. Gerry Clapp, was unable Mokoia (bought by him in 1954), that past RC Paul Connor, Bill Cook of Boston to attend, but received thanks for his five she cruised and raced on in the 60’s, had Station (BOS/BUZ) presented a terrific years as membership chairman. Forty-nine participated in the first 1950 TransAtlantic documentary film of his trip around New- strong attended the cocktail party then sat Race, along with Samuel Pepys and Cohoe, foundland during the summer of 2010. This for dinner and enjoyed a slide show of the Adlard Coles’ winner of that race. How- trip aboard Resolution is fully described in ever, she had never the latest Voyages issue #53. met anyone who As always, members are encouraged to had raced on her, attend the lunches held on the third Thurs- until Jim Gourd day of the winter months. The venue is the introduced her to Yachtsmans’ Center, Pilot’s Point Marina, Dan Walker. Dan Westbrook, CT. Visitors from other stations was wearing his are cordially invited to attend. Contact Dick RORC tie, which Holliday for details at [email protected] prompted her to or at 401.591.8602. ask about his off- Jeb N. Embree, Historian Watson-Clapp Barbara shore racing and thus to Mokoia. So gentlemen, ties John and Ellyn Osmond, Trish and Art Billings, RC Jack Wills may be a bore for

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Florida continued Skip Barlow felt he should have kept Island chain and Russia. Spring 2010, the Floridians to wear, but by gosh they open his ketch after delivering his Blue Heron Joneses were back in Ashiya, just south of doors! Dan had no photos of Mokoia, so to the Chesapeake. Imagine his surprise Osaka in March to enjoy the cherry blossom she sent him some. when cruising at a comfortable 15k, there trees in their full glory. Onto Kyoto, the Steve & Karyn James reported on their was a sudden bang and the shaft in the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture and year on Threshold: 2010 has been another Aquadrive came apart. Dead in the water, 20 the stage on which much of Japan’s history miles off South Carolina, has played out. It’s where one will find the he anchored in 40 ft. of Japan of one’s imagination – lush gardens, water and waited. There raked pebble paths, Shinto shrines & Bud- was a light breeze of 10k dhist temples galore, beautiful geisha ladies and he could have put up shuffling about and pockets of traditional the ! Yes, Boat U.S. architecture. The GSSR fleet was joined rescued him and he was towed into Georgetown, Steve James Steve a pretty town where Haz- zard Marine Boatyard did all the heavy work of removing and reinstall- Karyn and Steve James at Taormina, Sicily. ing after re-build, then on north. great year of cruising. For this, Karyn and Dave and Sue Woolsey along with Steve are very grateful. It was a relaxing daughter Mary Logan plan some Keys Watson-Clapp Barbara year going when and where they wanted, cruising in Circe in April and a day race in March for the Lauderdale Yacht Club’s moving slowly without many schedules, Bob Bush receiving his 50 year membership waiting for the wind they needed and es- Commodore’s Cup. This summer, Dave, medal from R/C Jack Wills sentially doing the cruising life the way they Susan, and Mary Logan plan to join their always imagined but never accomplished. friend Aldo Pigni in June and July on his 55 by Don and Sharry Stabbert (PNW), who After leaving their wintering spot in Bar- foot catamaran Avalon in Greece. had recently completed a Pacific crossing to celona, they visited the Balearic Islands Charles & Jeanne Moore report their Japan on their boat Starr. The newly formed of Mallorca and Menorca, essentially cir- White Wings, a 40’ , is now resting in fleet left the dock to cruise the Seto Naikai, cumnavigated Corsica, Sardinia and Elba, Barrington, R.I. They plan to board next Inland Sea of Japan. This Sea is about the stopped in exotic Tunisia for the obligatory May to cruise to Maine, and possibly Nova size of the Chesapeake Bay and boxed in by EU exit, did some inland touring in Sicily, Scotia. Thence, sail south at the end of the the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. and are now wintering the boat dry docked summer and attend the Chesapeake Station It is dotted with more than three thousand on the ancient fortressed island of Malta. cruise in October. smaller islands. The fleet spent a month They sailed through harbors frequented In 2009, Braun and Tina Jones aboard cruising in this area before setting off for the by Europe’s vacationing elite and hiked their trawler, Grey Pearl, were a part of Japanese Ruyuku Islands, and eventually through ruins left behind by the Greek and the “Great Siberian Sushi Run” (GSSR). . In March 2011, the Joneses Roman cultures. For the first time in six From Seattle in April 2009 to Japan via plan to return to the Grey Pearl in Hong years, they could abandon their thermals British & Alaska, the Aleutian Kong. The spring, summer and fall will be and live in swimsuits! They spent sailing to the Philippines, Malaysia, were surprised to discover how and Thailand. Follow along by compact the western Med seems checking out their blog: www.greypearl@ to be, never being more than an talkspot.com. overnight sail from another fresh While folks up north are waiting for market and different cultural warmer weather to start the varnishing, cuisine. When they return to Floridians are on the water. This writer Malta this spring, their plans are plans a month or two meandering the Keys to continue heading east toward and hopes to have an informal gam or two on the way.

Croatia, Greece and Turkey, Watson-Clapp Barbara where they are looking forward The Stuart luncheons ended for the to catching up with several CCA summer on April 12th, contact RC Jack boats that are already there Wills, [email protected]. St. Petersburg Jim Bishop’s White Gold Yacht Club luncheons will continue May

15 News from Stations & Posts

Florida continued Station, was proposed and approved, whose two-year 12th, then will recess until September 8th, terms are to begin January contact Charley Morgan, charley@char- 1, 2011: leymorgan.com Rear Commodore – Bob Wishing everyone a great season! Medland Barbara Watson-Clapp, Historian Secretary, Treasurer – Rob Lansing Robert Beebe Great Lakes Historian – Bob Knight Events Chair – Bob Knight Membership – Co-chairs – The Great Lakes Station, which achieved Jim Foley and Andy Jones full Station status just one year ago, has be- Communications – Co- gun developing a more active and ambitious Past R/C Ken Campia and Bob Knight discussing tactics chairs – calendar for our members, who generally the topic of an evening discussion at the Rob Beebe; live in the Chicago or Toronto areas but with New York Yacht Club in February. Donna Hill, Toronto; others scattered in diverse places through- Later on Saturday afternoon we all gath- Mike Hill out the world. Most recently, six of our ered at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club for Then, to cap it all off, Arthur and Barbara GLS members and spouses were attended a presentation by John Campbell, President English treated 17 of us to a fine brunch at the Annual Awards dinner at the NYYC. and CEO of the Toronto Waterfront Revital- ization Corporation, on the plans for the development of Toronto’s waterfront. Following the presentation there was a suitably grand recep- tion and dinner at the RCYC

which included our Station An- Robert Beebe nual Meeting. GLS members Robert Beebe were glad to hear that the Station is in good financial order, that Arthur English and Bob Knight at the English’s nine members had participated in the Clyde Cruising Club’s their house in Toronto on Sunday morning. Jean Foley, Mark Ellis, Rob Beebe, Jim Foley, Rob Lansing Centenary Cruise on the west side Several of our GLS members are out at the RCYC of Scotland and the Outer Hebrides cruising this winter, but we have heard (Andy Jones’ wonderful slide show little from them. Mike and Donna Hill have A very fine Station Annual Meeting of that was there for all to see), member’s reported in from Antigua in the Caribbean, and Weekend of Friendship (we like this contributions to the CCA appropriately and are headed next to the BVI and other agreeable name for that event) occurred in good places. Later in the spring they are Toronto over the weekend of December 3-5, going to replace sails then and head across under the leadership of Rear Commodore the Atlantic to the UK via Bermuda and the Ken Campia and some fine events planning Azores. Also, Jim and Jean Foley, recently by Bob and Sally Medland. Attendance was featured in Voyages, will continue their good, coming from both sides of the border. adventure in the Baltic during the summer Festivities kicked off with a dinner on

Robert Beebe of 2011. Friday evening at the very fine Le Select Robert Beebe, Historian Bistro. People gathered at the Art Gallery of Ontario the next morning for a guided tour of the Ken Thomson collection. Particular Bob Medland, RC Elect Gulf of Maine attention was given to his significant collec- recognized, especially all that Ken Campia The GMP manages to keep itself pretty tion of ship models which spans some 350 has done for the Club and the Station, and busy, all year long! Picking up from the last years, beginning with 17th century British then Rear Commodore Campia entertained GAM update in August, here’s what we’ve dockyard models, and contains only the us with a well-constructed State of the Sta- been up to: very finest examples of workmanship and tion report. A group of officers, reflecting art in this genre. This collection was later the complicated geographical DNA of this

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Jack and Zdenka Griswold left their boat in the ABC’s over the summer, and returned to Kite this fall. They were sighted at 3 Dollar Dewey’s in Portland on a quickie trip home, and reported they had made it to Columbia and had waypoints entered for the Panama Canal, and points beyond. Blair and Sherry Pyne last checked in from Antigua, and were headed down- island, with a target of Trinidad where they’ll leave Homarus for the summer. In addition to these full-timers, a number Peter Stoops Peter of GMP members took to the seas this fall/ winter to move boats to the Caribbean, and to take time out to sail in warmer climes. GMP Treasurer Paul Rogers wrote these words when he reported on the passing of GMP member Connie Connover: “Connie joined CCA in 1994… As I recall most of this time the family of six was sailing on a 29 footer… the family sailed the Rob Roy at the helm of Bowdoin with Joan Roy and Skipper Eric Jergensen boat throughout Northern Europe and the • September brought us two great events place at the Damariscotta Grill. This year, Mediterranean, returning to Camden in – a gam at Charlie and Gale Willauer’s in Ross Santy and Peter Worrell treated a 1998. He would always fly home to assume Oven Mouth, and the Annual Sail on the very large crowd – about 60! – to a review his summer duties as caretaker of Curtis schooner Bowdoin. of their sail with the CCA 2010 cruise in Island. Most CCA members will remember • A small but hearty group braved some Scotland. his welcoming wave as they passed Curtis early cold in October to get a tour of the • Ruth and Jim Harvie hosted yet an- Island upon entering Camden.” Maine Maritime Museum, in Bath. The other midwinter gam at their new home in Peter Stoops, Post Secretary group received full insight on how the great Topsham. Neither Ruth nor Jim could come schooners were built, and followed that up up with how many they’ve hosted, but the with a luncheon gam. warmth of the annual event helped ease all New York • Jean Deighan and Glen Porter hosted of us through the coldest part of the season. a wonderful dinner in their restored Kent We have a number of GMP folks who are The New York Station of the Cruising Cutting House in Bangor – listed on the cruising in 2010-2011, here’s a partial list: Club of America gathered for their Annual National Register of Historic Places – in Nat Warren-White is still in transit, and Meeting on Thursday, November 11, 2010 November. at last report Bahati was in Cape Town. Her at Ft. Schuyler, NY. The station represented • In December, we seem to have de- progress can be monitored at www.bahati. by 48 attendees thanked Ian McCurdy for veloped a traditional gam event that takes net. It was great to get a first hand report making arrangements at Heritage Hall for on their travel the cocktails and dinner. Rear Commodore from Betsy War- Larry Glenn and the Officers and Commit- ren-White at the tee Chairmen were re-elected for 2011. Harvie’s house Following a lovely meal the group heard in January. from Eric Forsyth, a truly great sailor and Brad and Ann passagemaker. A former RAF fighter pilot, Willauer showed Eric does not know the meaning of “too far on the cruising to sail”. This 2000 CCA Blue Water Medal Recipient has six Bermuda Races and over

Peter Stoops Peter radar screen when they turned 250,000 miles of ocean under his keel. He up to party in delighted us with a one hour video of his Antigua for New 17,000 mile 2009-10 circumnavigation of Year’s Day, in North America through the Northwest Pas- sage aboard his 42 foot sloop Fiona. Learning the finer points of Schooner building at the Maine Maritime Breezing Up. Museum in Bath.

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New York continued Eric left Long Island Pacific Northwest with two companions The PNW Station cruising year will in early June of 2009 commence the evening of Monday, May and sailed via Nova Sco- 9th in Everett Washington at the new 2300 tia, Newfoundland and slip marina. The fleet will gather for the Greenland to Lancaster spiking of the traditional rum barrel and Sound in arctic Cana- potluck appetizers either at the new port da. After a brief stop at Eric Forsyth event room or on the port provided covered Beechey Island to view party barge. The following day is an open the only known graves day as the fleet will head north towards of three crew members a clam chowder evening, on Wednesday of Sir John Franklin’s the 11th, at anchor off of Hope Island ill-fated 1845 expedition State Park. The final scheduled event will he anchored at Resolute Fiona aground after being pushed ashore by icebergs be a catered dinner Friday evening at the near 75°N to await the ice in Port of Bellinghams’ Squalicum Harbor Peel Sound and the Franklin Strait opening but after they rounded Point Barrow the boat Boathouse. The cruisers will have the op- up to the south. During the ten-day wait endured storm force winds in the Chukchi portunity to visit the historic towns of of the boat was beset by heavy ice flows and Sea and the steering chain broke. They Coupeville, Oak Harbor, La Conner and pushed onto the shore, only to be left high steered by tiller to Nome in Alaska and Anacortes en route to Bellingham as well as and dry at low water. Twelve hours later made repairs but the crew had had enough drop the hook for a lunch or an evening in a the crew managed to kedge off. The next and Eric singled-handed across the Bering variety of unique and beautiful anchorages. excitement was a polar bear that swam by Sea to Dutch Harbor, where he picked up Sign ups will commence in the first week of and later sunned itself nearby on a floe. a new crew. The trip south down the west April and run through the month. Heading south they skirted the west shore coast to the Panama Canal was of the Boothia Peninsula but were trapped without major problems except for nearly three days in thick ice floes near for very heavy winds and currents the Tasmania Islands. The Canadian Coast off the south coast of Mexico. He Guard advised Eric to inflate the dinghy, returned home via the San Blas Is- pack food and important papers in it and lands, Colombia, the Bahamas and try to make it to shore if Fiona was crushed Bermuda, entering Fire Island Inlet by the ice. But a wind change opened up eleven months after leaving and leads and they pushed on to Gjoa Haven. with about 17,000 nautical miles Here they met Mark Schrader (PNW) who under the keel. Eric was roundly was engaged in a west to east transit of the applauded for providing a fasci- Passage. After leaving Cambridge Bay they nating cruise video and he fielded encountered little ice in the Beaufort Sea many questions about the special problems of Arctic cruising. After a nightcap Mary Alice and Brian O’Neill or two the mem- bers disbanded and The fall cruise will take place in the headed home. The New beautiful Gulf Islands of lower British York Station Meeting was Columbia and commence the evening of held Friday, April 1, 2011 Tuesday, Sept. 6th and end Sunday evening at the Harlem Yacht Club, the 11th. Specific itinerary to be announced City Island, NY. in June. Steve Frank Brian and Mary Alice O’Neill, cruis- Eric Forsyth ing aboard Shibui, their Norseman 447 in the South Pacific, share a snippet of their adventure. “From Palmyra to the Philip- pines along the north side of the equator is not a path often sailed by cruising sailors. Sure the distances between island groups; Polar Bear visiting Fiona on a nearby iceberg

18 News from Stations & Posts

Pacific Northwest continued Sailing and cruising is always a learning cruising in Japan for pleasure. It’s been Palmyra to the Marshall’s to Micronesia to evolution and this route along the north quite an adventure and we encourage CCA the Philippine Islands are large, but each of side of the equator has proven to fulfill cruisers to give it a try. PNW CCA friends the groups has many our quest. If you would joined us for various legs of our trip from places to explore. We like to see pictures of Seattle to Japan: Tad and Joyce Lhamon asked ourselves why our journey please go (SY Lyric) were on board from Seattle to more sailors didn’t to the below listed web San Francisco and from Guam to Ashiya, come this way and site: www.picasaweb@ Japan. Dave Utley (SY Morning Star), and the answer became google.com/svshibui” Jim and Diana Freeland (SY Prufrock) obvious. If you go Don and Sharry Stab- joined us for the San Francisco to Hawaii west on the trades you bert, cruising aboart passage. Dave Utley with his wife Mary (it end up in the Philip- their 80 foot Starr, in was her first ocean passage) joined us from pine Islands in the late Japan, gave us the fol- Hawaii to Majuro in the Marshall Islands.” Spring just in time for lowing report: “After The Stabberts were in Japan at the time of typhoon season and cruising from Seattle the earthquake and Tsunami but were in an the Philippine’s are to Hawaii, through the area near Kobe which was unaffected. Their typhoon magnets, not Marshal Islands, Mi- trip back east across the Pacific is routed a good place to hang cronesia, Guam and the now to avoid the significant flotsam from out. We looked at op- Mariana Islands, we ar- the tsunami that is carried on the known tions such Guam to rived in Ashiya, Japan in currents. Japan to Alaska and Reminder of World War II April 2010. In the past The PNW Station is looking forward to decided we did not year, we have cruised hosting the Fall Meeting in Seattle from want to cut our cruise short or miss Palau 1700nm in Japan and have barely scratched October 13-15. Highlights will include the and the Philippines. The answer for us was the surface of the cruising possibilities. The Museum of Flight, Cruise and Salmon Bake to hang out in Palau eight months, from Seto Nakai (Inland Sea) is about 240nm on Blake Island and a presentation by Mark May to December. We were concerned we from east to west and 10-30nm from north Schrader of Ocean Watch and the circum- might become bored in this small country to south; there are about 3000 islands within navigation of the Americas. See details on of 18,000 people. As it turned out when this small-enclosed body of water. It is the page 4, this issue. December arrived we had fallen in love marine highway for Japan, and is wall- Doug Cole, Historian with the country, the people and the spec- to-wall freighters, fish boats, tankers, car tacular diving. We have now moved on to carriers, etc. I think that navigating through the Philippine Islands, and looking back some of these narrow, traffic-laden passages San Francisco on the journey we see the rich history of has been some of the most fun I have ever these islands. We have seen islands and had at the wheel of Starr. There are very Since our Fall Report, the San Francisco people unspoiled by technology and still few foreign yachts cruising this country. Station has been like a seven ring circus. self-sufficient. We have also seen islands Last summer the Japan Coast Guard told us over-crowded and nearly everyone on that we were the only foreign yacht actively the dole and the gov- ernment blatantly cor- rupt, fortunately this is mostly the exception. Most impressive was realizing how World War Enersen Dick II battles in the Pacific islands have left a legacy of unexploded ordnance that still plague the is- John Sanford capturing the moment! land’s population. We also came to realize the Ring one: Bob Van Blaricom was award- extreme sacrifices made ed the coveted Richard S. Nye Trophy for by the combatants and meritorious contributions to CCA. The list how these battles have of Bob’s contributions covers three type- served to shape the his- written pages. Bob has been characterized tory of the entire world. Don and Sharry Stabbert as the “quintessence” of the perfect ship-

19 News from Stations & Posts

San Francisco continued an opportunity to meet members at several the Station’s “Cruiser of the Year” trophy venues including a cocktail party put on by for their extensive cruising of the Pacific mate and he is the longest serving member Walter and John Sanford, a gracious French Northwest and Mexico including a trip to of the San Francisco Station. Even though lunch (al fresco) at Jerry and Sue Knecht’s Alaska in 2010 that was written up in the Bob passed the “four score” age mark, he new vineyard home, a pot-luck dinner party recent issue of CCA Voyages. The Station’s is not slowing down. On April 1 he plans at Robby and Delores Robinson’s home, a New Year’s Eve cruise to Clipper Cove was well-attended lunch meeting at Tiburon’s well attended by five yachts. Fritz Warren Corinthian Yacht Club and home and dinner provided Truly Fair as the host ship. At hospitality provided by Jim and Mimi Cor- our Christmas Party this December we’ll nelius. Don Bekins escorted her as they both left to go to the CCA Ski Gam in Utah with husband David Brown and others. Ring four: The plans for the Thailand Cruise in January 17-26,

Dick Enersen Dick 2013 have moved into high gear. Co-Chairmen Wyman Harris and Jerry Eaton have gathered a formidable group of station Enersen Dick members on their committee; Clark Beek has set a tentative Staffford Keegin and Liz Baylis at itinerary, Mary Crowley has lo- Corinthian YC cated a super-luxury mother ship, Le Ponant, Dick Enersen has Commodore Sheila McCurdy and RC Robby Robinson to leave as one of three-man crew sailing a created and sent out publicity and friend’s Pearson 365 ketch to Tahiti. Also through the computer genius of Jim Quanci, have a slide show and talk about Thailand joining that crew is Chris Parkman who is a Siam 2013 website for CCA members is where several of our members have previ- always up for a new adventure. now on-line. John Sanford is organizing ously cruised. Perhaps James Bond in his Ring two: Stan Honey was honored as pre-trip kayak tours of the mysterious hol- role in “The Man with the Golden Gun” the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year for his low islands of the Andaman Sea. Over 50 will attend. navigation skills on the otherwise all French people have expressed strong interest and Ring six: Station Cruises are lined up crew on the 48 days 7 hours round the this year under the capable leadership world record-setting of Doug Finley. First is a cruise to Half Groupama 3 trimaran. Moon Bay in May followed by the warm At the Rolex award inland waters of Montezuma Slough and dinner on February the ­Solano Y.C. in June, Tomales Bay in 25, Stan commented September and Clipper Cove off Treasure that sailing is one of Island for the New Year’s Eve Cruise. the few sports where Ring seven: Members cruising plans a man can win such an include Jerry Eaton returning to Blue award at age 55. Stan Heron; this time as part of crew taking the is heavily involved in Dick Enersen Dick yacht through the Panama Canal, cruising the 2013 American’s to the Galapagos and across the pond to Cup on San Francisco the Marquesas and Tahiti with a possible by providing graphic side trip to Easter Island. The new owner support for the real- of Blue, Bob Frantz and his son Eric, plan time video coverage. to sail her around the world. Bill and Paula At our October meet- LeRoy are chartering in St. Lucia in Feb- ing, Stan is scheduled Bob Van Blaricom receiving the applause of CCA-SAF members on ruary and in Greece in May. This summer to speak on the techni- announcement of Nye Award Bill plans to sail his CAL 40 Gone with the cal aspects of the AC. several members have chartered yachts Wind from to the Chesapeake Ring three: CCA Commodore Sheila through Moorings. Coming to Siam – I am. to join that station’s cruise in October and McCurdy honored our station by a three Ring five: At our annual Christmas party, then continue to Charleston for the winter. day visit February 8-10. We provided her Wyman and Gay Harris were awarded In 2012, Bill plans another crack at the

20 News from Stations & Posts

San Francisco continued were honored to have Newport-Bermuda Race. Bill and Angela as our guest speaker Chapman have Bones VIII on the hard in non-other than Com- Marmaris, Turkey and will take her cruising modore Sheila Mc- in the Med back to Rota, Spain with visits Curdy. She traveled all to Greece, Italy, Corsica and Balearics. Bill the way from Rhode and Karen Foss have Détente in Kemer in Island to bring some Turkey and will head north up the coast forty-seven of us up- of that country in May…Wyman and Gay to-date on current and Harris will cruise aboard Safari in British future CCA happen- Robbie Vaughn Columbia from mid-April until September ings. We then invited with breaks for family side trips. They plan her to board the fa- to join the PNW Station for its Spring and mous Balboa Ferry Fall Cruises. David and Betsy Fullagar have provided by owner and spent the winter in Mexico on Mystic and CCA member Sey- plan to head up to the Sea of Cortez in the more Beek, to tour our R/C Tod White on Van Diemen III in Tasmania spring and early summer. harbor. Fortunately John Sanford, Historian it was a typical sunny California day and east of Australia to visit its 350 inhabitants. all enjoyed the scenic ride. While many They ended the voyage enjoying the Bay of of our members were busy planning or Islands in New Zealand. We’ll hear more Southern California participating in local offshore voyages in from Robbie as he continues on to Hawaii 2011, some were already involved in more from New Zealand as he is preparing an At our 2010 annual meeting Rear Com- complex passages to exotic places. Brad article for Voyages. modore Tod White welcomed our newest Avery and crew aboard the Alaska Eagle On a more familiar route for us West members and their spouses: Carl and Kary were exploring South Georgia Island, one Coasters, Mark and Dorothy Hazlett in their of the most remote and Outbound 44 Pua’ena, crossed from Hawaii spectacular islands in to Alameda in July. They then sailed down the world, where Cook the West Coast to San Diego and in late and Shacketon had an- October joined the Baja Ha-Ha fleet of 155 chored at the “Gateway boats. By going offshore they felt fortunate to Antarctica”. Brad to sail all but a short portion of the third and wrote that their 1,150- last leg. Only a dozen or so boats were able mile passage to the to sail the entire 380-mile first leg. After island was smooth by completing the Ha-Ha in Cabo San Lucas

Tod White Tod Southern Ocean stan- the double-handed up to La Paz and then dards. crossed to Mazatlan enjoying anchorages Robbie Vaughan along the way. Leaving Mazatlan after sev- in his beautiful Van eral weeks they enjoyed more anchorages, ­Diemen III, a Herre- including Matanchen Bay (San Blas) and shoff type 65’ sloop Chacala. From there they made it past Punta whose design he de- Mita into Banderas Bay and anchored out Robbie Vaughn atop Mt. Beatie in Tasmania scribes as “Spirit of near La Cruz then stayed in the new marina Fuller, Ron and Judy Wood and Johnny Tradition”, tells of his voyage to seldom and enjoyed the town. They made it further and Theresa Smullen. Tod thanked Rick visited places. He began his most recent on to Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Val- Williams for his three years wonderful as voyage from the east coast of Tasmania larta next to the Vallarta Yacht Club where our Cruise Chairman and Kirk Elliott who from Hobart to Sydney, Australia. Next they hope to help with the Banderas Bay brought us many outstanding new members was a short trip to Hamilton Island off the Regatta in mid-March. From there they are in his three years as Membership Chairman. coast for their famous race week. He and off to the South Seas and we hope to hear We also remembered members who passed crew explored the Great Barrier Reef and more of their travel as they plan to spend a on in 2010: Will Shepherd, Jim Sink, Bucky Frasier Island, claimed to be the world’s great deal of time in Samoa and Tonga and Walters and BZ Jones and widows Jane largest sand dune. They returned to Pitte- look forward to meeting any CCA members Wright and Rosie Jones water, twenty miles north of Sydney and along the way. At our first meeting of the new year moored in Broken Bay. Then, it was on to Dick Lawrence, Historian held at Newport Harbor Yacht Club we small Lord Howe Island, 430 nautical miles

21 Bermuda Race Hardware

22 History of the CCA Tracing our History IV frequently condemned as it is appreciated. ocean boats for ocean racing. In the 1923 Its critics complain of its length and com- and 1924 Bermuda Races, the rating rules 1934 – 1937 plexity, and avow that it takes a math major consisted of measuring overall length and The mid-1930s was an interesting era for to understand it. They point out, also, that nothing more. Minor changes were effected the and for the Cruising Club close and fair racing is often had under thereafter, but in 1934 the first effort of America. The country was emerging from much simpler rules which everyone can at a more scientific rule was made. These the Great Depression, while war in Europe understand, and which local measurers can efforts were an improvement, but it was was looming over the horizon. The club figure ratings with ease. What the critics not until 1938 that a rule resembling the continued to expand, creating fascinating lose sight of is that any simple rule could present one was evolved. This remarkable history and events. easily be “beaten” by designers if boats rule was to a large measure the work of Hobie Ford, elected Commodore in 1933, were built to it. The simple rules work out was reelected to a second term at the An- well only because the truly major distance nual Meeting held at the Yale Club in New racing events are conducted under the York City. That year the club had sponsored Cruising Club Rule, and hence designers a design contest in hopes of developing a create boats to fit that rule rather than a racing rule, the results of this contest simple one which could be circumvented by were announced at the Annual Meeting. some extreme design. Because the Cruising First and third prizes were awarded to Club Rule would penalize such an extreme designers outside the club, while member design properly, designers are kept from John Alden was awarded the second place building freaks which would have no chance prize, a grand amount of $50.00. Several in the biggest events of all. Just so long bizarre plans had been submitted and the as the big events are sailed under “our” committee took the opportunity to analyze rules, the simple rules will continue to these plans, enabling the committee to work well for more local racing. close some potential loopholes. Making To rate boats of diverse size and type these changes and adopting the new plan, fairly, and to plug loopholes which clever the committee established The Cruising designers and owners are always (and Club Rule for which the club is univer- rightly) trying to find, it is inevitable that sally known. the rule be long and apparently involved. Herb Stone wrote an article for the In its present wording and arrangement, 1946 Yachting magazine entitled, “The however, the rule is not as incomprehen- Rules of the Game”. This piece was subse- sible as it first appears. Many yachtsmen Black Squall, owned by Commodore quently updated by Robert Bavier and named who profess they don’t understand it will George Cutter “The Cruising Club Measurement Rule”. admit, when pressed, that they have never At the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, read it carefully or really tried to compre- one man – Wells Lippincott of Chicago. It excerpts of this article are worth noting. hend it. Try reading it with care. You might was Wells who conceived it and who spent “Perhaps the greatest contribution be surprised to find you are smarter than hours each day for the better part of a which The Cruising Club has made to Ameri- you give yourself credit for. year studying race results , establishing can yachting is the development of the The rule is really based on very simple standards to which the plus or minus cor- Cruising Club Measurement Rule. And it is premises. It is known, for example, that rections could be made, and working out safe to say that without this rule and the except in planing type formulae. He had an able committee and Bermuda Race which our club boats the potential able technical advisors to help him, but sponsors, The speed of a boat varies without Well’s effort and ability my guess Cruising Club roughly in proportion is that this great rule would never have could hardly to the square root of been evolved. Changes were made necessary be so widely its waterline length. by changes in yacht design and by the fact respected, so Any rule, however, that clever designers and owners found well known. which measures only loopholes. Plugging these loopholes ne- The Club’s waterline length (as cessitated a still longer, more complicated cruises and ren- some of the early rule, better one too.” dezvous would ones did) could eas- The 1934 Bermuda Race was sailed under be just as much ily be beaten. The this rule. There was a special condition fun, the members Cruising Club Rule, attached that year stating, “… in case of a equally fine sea- therefore, cor- protest at the start, the contestant would men, but without rects the water- not be compelled to withdraw, but would the race and the line length to get be penalized by an addition to her elapsed rule to ‘put it on a Rated length (R). time of five seconds per mile for the course the map’ the club In addition to mea- of 650 miles.” might consist of suring waterline In 1934, with Montauk Point having been a small group of length and over- determined an inconvenient starting point, congenial cruis- all length it mea- the twenty-nine contestants departed ing yatchmen. Such sures the 4 per- New after a club rendezvous at a club would be cent W.L., which Island the prior night. Along with fun, but it would is the length mea- the usual “suspects” (Mistress, Teal, not be the Cruising sured in a plane Grenadier, Malay, Teragram, and Dorade), Club as we know parallel to the were three boats designed under the new it now, a club dedi- L.W.L. and 4 per- Cruising Club Rule – the 71 foot wishbone Mistress, owned by Commodore George E. Roosevelt cated to the joys of cent of the L.W.L. above same. ketch Vamarie, the sloop Edlu, and the cruising but also to the This 4 percent length may not be reduced yawl Stormy Weather. Edlu and Stormy challenge of offshore racing. (Remember, by local jogs, notches or unfair hollows. Weather, both designed by , this is an organization that, in its early This remarkable rule got its start in took high honors. CCA member Vadium S. days, was opposed to offshore racing.) 1934 when a committee was appointed by Makkaroff’s Vamarie, the first large ocean- The Cruising Club Rule is, however, as The Cruising Club to improve the rating of going yacht designed to the rule finished

CCA History23 Page 13 History of the CCA first in 3 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes, secure the airport, was evacuated back slightly slower than Highland Light’s re- to the States. cord; while Edlu, on corrected time, was After his recuper- declared the overall winner. The new rule ation Fuller joined had proven itself! At the completion of the the Office of Strate- race, as thanks for their cooperation and gic Services, forerun- participation with the CCA, Commodore Ford ner of the CIA, and presented the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club returned to Europe with a fully rigged model of Sovereign of becoming the leader the Seas which rested in the bar and has of a “Jedburgh team” been admired by Bermuda Race contestants the precursor of to- for many years. day’s Green Berets. His CCA member Donald Starr’s 85 foot unit, code named “Bu- Alden designed schooner, Pilgrim, was in gatti”, was responsible Bermuda at the finish of the 1934 race af- for many of the under- ter completing a two year round the world ground attacks and activi- voyage. Pilgrim was a story unto herself, ties against the Germans. as two of her CCA crew members were indi- Quoting Parkinson, “In viduals of note. Wilfrid O. White of Boston 1944 he was parachut- was along for a good portion of the cruise. ed into Southern France White, an Australian by birth, spent time as where he organized and rial a young man aboard a square rigger, moving fought with the Maquis Pilgrim, owned by Donald Starr Fund at Mystic to on to England where he became associated groups until the Ameri- “encourage the exploration of maritime with the famous scientist Lord Kelvin. Mov- can landing, when he dressed as a French history through both scholarship and ex- ing to Boston, White became well known peasant and drove a herd of cows through perience.” among CCA members for his compass and the retreating German army to rejoin his Time moves on as time will and with that nautical instrument business. White later countrymen. In 1945 he served with the Chi- more Bermuda Races, Blue Water Medals, married the daughter of Captain Eldridge, nese National troops in China. His retired and changes within the organization. acclaimed for his Eldridge Tide Tables. rank is Brigadier General in the Marine The 1934 yearbook lists eight moorings White’s schooner, Lady Kelvin, and his Corps and his decorations are: Silver Star, along the New England coast available business, Kelvin White, were both tributes Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, to members. The listings also included to the late Lord Kelvin, the scientist whom French Legion of Honor, French Croix de detailed instructions for approaching the White admired. Guerre with Palm, Croix de Guerre with harbors and the moorings. (This wonderful A second CCA member on board Pilgrim, Bronze Star, and the British ‘Mentioned in service has been reinstituted in recent a recent Harvard graduate, Horace “Hod” Dispatches’ award…” years under the tillage of Channing Reis W. Fuller, was recruited by his friend Don In the early 1950’s, General Fuller with approximately seventy moorings avail- Starr to be Pilgrim’s engineer on the two moved to Greece as a U.S. Information Offi- able.) In today’s age of technology, sailors year voyage (1932-1934). Although Fuller cer being deeply involved in many Marshall who refuse to wean themselves of satellite was almost lost when the cantankerous Plan activities. Fuller, along with many and wireless communications when they engine’s head blew off, Hod carried on with other CCA members at that time, were the cast off, should note that the mooring his sailing career and, during the World stock of which Tom Brokaw referred to in float listed in the 1934 yearbook in New War II, amassed an im- his book “The Greatest Harbor, Maine, boasts not only “lobsters, pressive record. Generation”. Quoting gasoline and local information” but “the Prior to entering , “I Gosnold Arms Inn has telephone and tele- the military and be- sailed with Hod when graph service for those wanting to walk fore graduating from I was not much more up the hill… mail can be addressed to Mr. Harvard, Fuller had than a boy, helping to Robert Search at the inn and will be held already established deliver ­Velila from for members”. (Wouldn’t it be wonderful himself as an adven- San Diego to Greece if we could return to those days where turer when, at age 22, during the winter of making a phone call entailed a wet dinghy the Gypsy Moth air- 1964. Hod was a close ride followed by a long walk up the hill to craft he was piloting friend of Carleton a hotel for an important call?) suddenly burst into Mitchell’s and left his The Huntington Station continued to ad- flames at 150 feet off custom made CCA cuff vertise that Cruising Club members could the ground. At thirty links to Mitch, who, to temporarily leave their boats at the Hun- feet above sea level, honor our relation- tington Yacht Club under the care of the with his seat on fire, ship, very generously club steward. Various yards were available Fuller was forced to willed them to me.” in the vicinity for repairs, cabinet work, and abandon ship without John proudly wears engine maintenance with ways capable of a parachute. Grabbing those cuff links today. hauling up to a 10.5 foot . Taxis were a passing branch to Fuller, a CCA mem- available for the 75 cent ride to town. In break his fall he sus- ber for over fifty 1934 the initiation fee into the Cruising tained only minor inju- years, was instrumen- Club stood at $10.00. ries. In 1939 he began tal in the establish- Speaking of electronics, or the lack his military career as ment of the CCA Ar- thereof, the 1934 Jeffery’s Ledge Race, an ambulance driver chives at Mystic Sea- starting on September 8th from Manchester for the French witnessing the bombing and port, donating his personal logs, the hand- Harbor, was a navigator’s nightmare. Thirty- resulting carnage of Amiens. Fuller spent written logs from the schooner Pilgrim and two entries began the race, twenty-nine the winter in the Alps avoiding the Germans many other personal effects. The 1984 do- commencing the race from an “at-anchor before returning to the United States. Hod nation of materials was cited as “the single start” according to their handicap times. went on to become a Marine lieutenant most important gift the CCA Archives has Weather deteriorated drastically during who, after being wounded in the landing on ever received”. General Fuller’s memory is the day and the 125 foot Coast Guard Patrol Guadalcanal as part of an advance team to perpetuated by the Horace W. Fuller Memo-

CCA History24 Page 14 History of the CCA Boat, Antietam, which was to anchor at the Vamarie and Stormy Weather, with Rod piece. This has been left to interpretation.) turning buoy, returned to Gloucester. Con- Stephens in command, were considered the At the 1936 annual meeting in New York, ditions worsened during the night. None of serious contenders. A major obstacle in George Roosevelt was elected Commodore the boats were able to find the mark. Thus the race was the numerous icebergs that for a second time. The spring meeting was there could be no race and subsequently, had drifted onto the Grand Banks, posing held at the Larchmont Yacht Club on May no winner. (The “at anchor start” has a significant hazard to navigation. 11th. A “singsong” followed the fallen out of favor with enhanced starting Ingenuity, instead of electronics, meeting that eve- lines, signal flags, countdowns etc. and won the day when Rod Stephens perhaps could be reintroduced at one of contacted some local Halifax fish- the “fun” races on our cruises.) ermen and consulted with CCA With no small boat radio communication member Casey Baldwin who had available at the time, socializing and other just finished an early spring pas- necessary communications were carried out sage to England on the schooner with elaborate signal flags and codes. The Bluenose. Word was that there yearbooks of that era devoted many pages to was a narrow ice-free passage these signal and private codes with a full close to Cape Race and inside page in color of “FLAGS AND PENNANTS TO Sable Island, otherwise a need BE USED IN THE INTERNATIONAL CODE”. The to stay south of the Grand 1934 yearbook contains some interesting Banks. Rod took their advice “Special Signals” such as: and made the gamble in heavy G Q – Will You Come Aboard for a Drink fog, gaining the edge. Vama- C N – Call to Song rie, while sailing as far north G W – Will You Lend Me One Quart as she dared, was astonished B J – Stag Party to see Stormy Weather in B K – Mixed Party the lead when they reached In 1935 the Boston Station came up with a the Orkneys. Vamarie, with Arielle, owned by Martin Marie, Winner of the better reason for flying the burgee day and her wishbone ketch rig, pulled night (see previous article), this time: “…as ahead to finish first, but Stormy 1936 Blue Water Medal an indication of our desire to be helpful to Weather finished first overall with a for- members cruising in New England waters.” ty-two hour corrected time lead. The rest ning, with The 1934 Blue Water Medal was awarded of the fleet was far behind and appeared dinghy racing the next day. The Decoration in 1935 to an Englishman, Captain Lionel to have sailed off the edge of the earth. Day Gam was held at Price’s Bend with the W.B. Rees, V.C. of Edgeware, Middlesex, Tragedy struck the race with the loss flagship, Commodore Roosevelt’s Mistress for his single-handed voyage in May, a of life of three family members. “supplemented by a chartered yacht, serv- double-ended ketch. The basis for Robert Ames, owner of the 54 ing for the Commodore’s reception.” the award was that foot ketch, Hamrah­ , was swept The 1936 year book summarizes the Rees had off deck, and, violating one of pride that members must have felt regard- done an ex- the cardinal rules of the sea, his ing their young organization, “The rule traordinary son Dick went in after him. Fol- produced by the Club has given to the job in prepar- lowing a jibe in which the main American yacht fleet not only such yachts ing the ves- boom was broken, son Henry fol- as Vamarie and Stormy Weather, but many sel for his lowed overboard in the rescue others which are recognized as both sea- passage from attempt with all three fam- worthy and fast, with a promise of greater England to ily members lost. With three improvement as designers go further in his first land- crew members left aboard the study of the rule. In the fifteen years fall in Nassau the stricken vessel, 21 year of its existence, the club has to its credit in January of old Charles F. Tillinghast Jr. not only the many ocean races, coastwise, 1943. Upon his took command. He had little Bermuda and trans-Atlantic conducted by arrival in Nassau experience. They cleared the it, but a material improvement in design and and upon inspec- wreckage and combed the the construction of ocean-going yachts.” tion, the boat was area for five hours look- (This quote says it all!) in as good shape ing for any survivors. The At the annual dinner it was announced as when she de- weather increased to gale that the CCA had arranged with the North parted and in a strength forcing Tilling- German Yacht Club to jointly sponsor a “…state of spot- hast to heave to under race from Bermuda to Cuxhaven, Germany. less cleanliness staysail for forty hours. Secondly, working with the trans-Pacific and perfect order This relatively inexperi- Yacht Club, it was decided to sail the Ho- both above deck and enced sailor then navi- nolulu and Bermuda Races on alternating below, that always gated through the fog years. Also decided was that future trans- gladdens the heart to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Atlantic races would be started the end of of a true seaman”. For these heroics, Tilinghast was June or early July to avoid the dangerous Commodore George Brigadier General Horaceawarded “Hod” theFuller 1935 Blue Water Medal. icebergs that had plagued earlier races, Roosevelt, former Chief of Staff with the Closing out the year, Commodore Roos- especially the 1935 race. Lastly, the Club famous 82nd Division, known for the heroic evelt sent invitations to the Columbus Day voted to join the American Power Boat As- efforts of Sergeant York, was in command Gam at Price’s Bend and the wording was sociation. when the Cruising Club of America and the clear, this was to be a “stag” event. Sixty- The aforementioned race to Germany Royal Norwegian Yacht Club sponsored a five boats attended! The Commodore also started on July 4 at the completion of trans-Atlantic race to Norway starting on suggested that a club tie be designed and the Bermuda Race. Although the CCA had June 8. When the gun was fired from the CCA member Ellsworth (Lank) Ford came up sponsored the race, the fleet of seven deck of the Brenton’s Reef Light Vessel with the current design we all don for our contestants was without an American pres- (the finish line having been set for Ber- festive club events. (No mention was made ence. The race to Norway in 1935 had drawn gensfjord, Norway, 3050 miles away) there of the exact shade of blue, the configura- upon the energies of the fleet and with were six starters. Of the six, Mistress, tion of the burgee or the width of the neck- the growing apprehension concerning the

CCA History25 Page 15 History of the CCA political climate in Germany, there was on the lakes of central Ohio and educated foot Arielle equipped with a self steer- little interest. in Naval Architecture at Massachusetts In- ing mechanism, two and a poorly The start of the 1936 Bermuda Race was stitute of Technology, became an instant ce- performing photo-electric self-steering moved to a line off the Brenton’s Reef Light lebrity. Rhodes was not only known for his contraption connected to the compass. Ma- Vessel near Newport, Rhode Island. The sailing yachts, but for designing everything rie departed New York on July 23, 1936 and, previous location of New London had prob- from small boats, including the Dyer Dink, with the help of the self-steering, slept ably been chosen for a number of reasons to his work on the liner Normandie, and the days and stood watch at night. Blessed with including the Harvard-Yale crew races on hospital Hope, Mercy, and Comfort. fair weather, he made the crossing in eigh- the Friday preceding the Saturday teen days and sixteen hours. There start. The Boston Station would usu- was one reason to raise the eye- ally hold a gam at Block Island the brows of the committee – Arielle weekend before the start with many was, of all things, a motorboat! At yachts continuing on to New London one stretch, the 60 hp, 750 rpm Be- to participate in the race or to watch audoin diesel ran for eleven days the start. Many would then enter without stopping. (The combination a race back to Marblehead around of the two feats was probably what Cape Cod. The festivities were high. swayed the committee and convinced With the smaller races going on them to award the medal as cross- there were plenty of prizes awarded, ing in a “motorboat” may have been usually consisting of a jug or two of considered unholy.) rum, consumed on the spot. The Ber- After Cruising Club member, muda race fleet that year consisted Richard J. Reynolds finished the of forty-four boats, with twenty- Gibson Island Race in his newly de- three percent schooners. This was a signed 63 foot Sparkman Stephens significant reduction from the first yawl, Elizabeth McCaw, he decided race in 1923 in which schooners ac- to leave immediately for the Fast- counted for seventy-seven percent net Race. Fair winds favored them of the fleet. for most of the passage, but when The Cruising Club Rule began they were becalmed near the Eng- to inspire designers to work to- lish coast Reynolds started the en- ward the rule. The New York Yacht, gine to reach the start of the race working with Sparkman & Stephens, on time. Running out of gasoline commissioned a fleet of one-design and in desperation, they poured . These twenty boats, with a a mixture of stove kerosene and waterline length of thirty-two feet, Flit Insect Killer into the tanks. became the now famous New York They then primed the engine with Thirty-Twos. Eight of the twenty new May, owned by Captain Lionel W.B. Rees, winner of the cigarette lighter fluid and it then owners were members of both clubs 1935 Blue Water Medal sputtered to life, getting them to and the thirty-twos made their first a source of additional fuel in time appearance in the 1936 race. There had not been a club cruise for to make the race. Perhaps being a little The race started in calm weather. This some time and CCA member W. H. (Ham) de- too aggressive after the innovative suc- soon deteriorated into strong southeast Fontaine lobbied Commodore Roosevelt to cess with the fuel, Reynolds crossed the winds moving into the southwest at gale have the annual cruise reinstated. Immedi- starting line eleven seconds early. There force lasting almost a week. Ten yachts ately Roosevelt appointed “Ham” chairman were no mechanisms in place for a time ad- were disabled or withdrawn from the of the newly formed cruise committee. (As justment penalty and it appeared as though fleet. Luckily there was no loss of life we enjoy our wonderful cruises, members the boat and crew would be disqualified. although many injuries. As a result of should raise a toast to ‘Ham’.) The English yachtsmen stepped forward in this experience, the Cruising Club began On January 14, 1937 George Cutter was protest and the matter was dropped. Later, to strengthen its safety and seamanship elected Commodore, the second commodore Reynolds donated the Elizabeth McCaw requirements. Vamarie had been trans- from the Boston Station. His extensive Trophy for the first yacht to round Fastnet formed into a “three-master” sporting a cruising along the northeastern coast of Rock. A truly generous gesture. small mizzen and went on to win the race in the United States and Canada had been ac- Closing out the year, fifty-one boats four days, eighteen hours and fifty minutes. complished on his 43 foot Alden schooner were on hand for the Columbus Day Gam The gaff rigged Brilliant finished four Black Squall. at Price’s Bend. Certainly an enthusiastic minutes later, taking second in Class A on The club met again in March and the turnout considering that at the end of corrected time. Stormy Weather, driven 1936 Blue Water Medal was awarded to an 1937, the membership of the Cruising Club 100 miles east of the rhumb line due to the internationally known French artist, Marin of America stood at 389 active members headwinds, appeared two hours later and Marie. In 1933 Marie made a single-handed with a fleet of 240 boats. won her class on corrected time. Atlantic passage in Winnibelle II, his 36 Many events occurred in this short peri- The weather did not favor the fifty- foot Norwegian cutter – fourteen days from od of time and it is impossible to cover them three foot Kirawan, but the Class B cutter Douarnez, France to the Azores, 29 days all. The Cruising Club continued to create persevered and finished third overall and to French Martinique, and 21 days to New history. Stay tuned for the next episode of first in Class B. Her designer, Cruising York. This passage was hailed as a notable tales and events after 1937. Club member Philip Rhodes was discovered achievement. Marie’s next solo adventure Jack Towle, Historian and the man who began his sailing career was to voyage from west to east in the 43

Henry Fuller and John Rousmaniere supplemented information on Hod Fuller. Again, anyone wishing to contribute to these articles is encouraged to do so. The material for this article was obtained from John Parkinson’s, ‘Nowhere is too Far’, CCA yearbooks, and the library at Mystic Seaport Museum. – Jack Towle, Historian

CCA History26 Page 16 A New Electronic “Notice” to Mariners By Walt Paul, Offshore Communications and Electronics Committee (NYS) n maintaining navigational buoys, the US Coast Guard often moves them for various reasons, and the only way to remain current is to buy new paper charts or update your old charts via the Local Notice To Mariners. Chart plotters are not updated without buying an update service and, in short order, are often out of date. The precise location of a buoy is not all that impor­tant when sailing on a sunny day, but it takes on new meaning when a fog developsI or at night in poor conditions. Further, if a buoy has been moved or a sandbar has developed, the GPS will only tell you where that waypoint was but not where that buoy is now or why it was important enough to move. NOAA’s Office of Coastal Survey has recently made nautical charts—with weekly updates—available on the Web. From their announcement page: “The NOAA BookletChart™ is an experimental product that you can print at home for free. They are made to help recreational boaters locate themselves on the water. The Booklet Chart is reduced in scale and divided into pages for convenience, but otherwise contains all the information of the full-scale nautical chart. Bar scales are also reduced in scale, but are accurate when used to measure distances in a BookletChart. Excerpts from the United States Coast Pilot are included. Most chart notes are consolidated on a single page for easy reference. Emergency information for the charted area is printed on the back cover. Booklet charts are updated weekly for all Notice to Mariners.” IMPORTANT NOTE During the current “experimental phase,” the charts are not being updated regularly. While there are weekly updates, the date of the chart will be the last date the chart was published. The website to obtain the BookletChart is: www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/staff/BookletChart.html

Mother Ship Alert CCA Winter Cruise in Thailand January 17-26, 2013 We know it seems early, but in order to secure our luxury “Mother Ship” option we need member commitments now! Le Ponant is a majestic three-masted 290-foot sailing vessel built in France in 1991 to the highest international standards of safety and elegance. She carries just 64 paid passengers with a crew of 30. All cabins feature an ocean view with two lower twin beds or one double, en suite bathroom, air- conditioning, and all the amenities of a small, luxury cruise ship. There are two restaurants aboard, and all the water “toys” you need to fully enjoy the cruising ground.

Le Ponant’s itinerary will include all the Siam 2013 Cruise rendezvous.

23 Ski Gam

the Vice Commodore and Mimi will join in next year? A huge thank you to the Commodore for finding her skis again after a gap of a few years and enthusiastically pursuing this great new tradition for the CCA. Thank you also to PC Ross Sherbrooke for initiating this event in 2009 along with Gam meister Bill Polleys. And Gam meister Bill and Nancy have put so much into this endeavor

Barbara Watson-Clapp Barbara over the last three years, please accept sin- cere thanks from all involved. Thanks to all the committee who put this Gam together. The Winter Gam will happen once more! The fourth Utah Ski gam is sched- Park City Gang uled for 3rd - 10th February 2012. Again The Winter Gam took place in Utah at the Easy Street Restaurant, in Park City, based at the Grand Summit, Canyons and with 33 attending, representing 7 stations where the Gam m eister was the subject will be chaired by John Robinson and and 2 posts. Based at the Grand Summit of song and limerick and Hotel in Canyons with skiing at Canyons, the Commodore showed Park City, Deer Valley, Snowbird and Alta. her woodwork and knot- Sun, powder, bumps, corduroy and cross ting skills with original country for all. gifts. The Harquails pro- A fondue luncheon, chili dinner, classic duced our goody packets malts tasting and pub crawl fueled the fun. and aided and abetted the Nightly briefings in the Club room with Polleys, as locals, much Gam meister Bill Polley’s wit, amused us fell on all their shoulders. all; we were well lubricated with Gerry The McCullochs (Bill & Peter Dixon Peter Clapp’s hot buttered rums or many a Dark Nancy’s daughter) were & Stormy and Nancy Polley’s delicious kind enough to open their hors d’oeurves. Wii Ski Jumping was run home and host the Classic by Gerry Clapp and Ross Sherbrooke with Malts tasting and buffet valuable prizes presented. dinner. Ski guides included the With slide shows we cruised, vicari- Gam Meister Bill Polleys, Commodore Sheila McCurdy and ously, to Labrador on Windigo with Sandy Olneys, in Snowbird, Bill Sandy Weld Weld and without thermals to the western Polleys, John Robinson, Mediterranean on Threshold with Steve and Sandy Weld, Ross Sherbrooke, Barbara ­Barbara Watson-Clapp. In the meantime Karyn James. Allan Rae and Vivian Har- Watson-Clapp, Ernie Godshalk and the John is off to cruise to Alaska and Barbara quail organized a splendid closing dinner Harquails. Car Tsar Steve James ensured to the warmer Florida Keys. But watch this everybody got to where they wished to go space, as they say, more will be heard in the and John Rob- early Fall. Prompt registration is essential as inson arranged this has become a very popular event! and supplied the passes. A Ski Gam book will be forthcoming, thanks to all who have given pho-

Peter Dixon Peter tographs. And

perhaps there Rae Will is the sound of some edge sharpening in the Dyer house- Classic Malts tasting hold, hopefully Sandy Weld turns the boards at Deer Valley

24 2010 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at NYYC

NYYC Model Room Mimi Dyer and Jack Towle Bill Cook (BOS) RC and 2010 BWM Winner Alex Whitworth

Commodore Sheila McCurdy and Steve White Carrol Connor, Larry Somers and Lisa Laing Fred Bauerschmidt and Bob Darbee

L-R (SOC) Pete Pallette, Susan Bohlen, Kappy and Tom O’Brien Bob Van Blaricom, Alessandro Di Benedetto, Larry Somers, Jack Wills Jane Van Blaricom and Frank Bohlen

Fleet Captain A.J. Evans, John Rousmaniere, Blue Medal winner Australian Alex Whitworth Vice Commodore Dan Dyer

Model Room with Dan Nerney slide show running of pictures from awardees

Photo Credits: Dan Nerney

Jim Chambers (FLA) with Lucia and Ross Santy (BOS) 25 2010 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at NYYC

Bob Darbee and Awards Chair Bob Drew hold Crew member Jonathan A. D. Lewis and skipper Greg transoceanic pennant awarded to Peter Voges Carroll receiving circumnavigation pennant and award

Alessandro Di Benedetto, The Commodore holds the Richard Nye Trophy while Bob Rod Stephens Trophy recipient Van Blaricom receives the award for meritorious service to the Club.

Australian Alex Whitworth receiving Blue Water Bill Cook, Far Horizons recipient Crew members Jean Myer with Far Horizons Award and Medal Chris Parkman with Bill Cook

Photo Credits: Dan Nerney

Awards Chair Bob Drew, Alessandro Di Benedetto, Alex Two Cape Horners, Rich Wilson and Whitworth and the Commodore Alessandro Di Benedetto

26 2010 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at NYYC

summer of 1972 he set out on a cruise of When he is not exploring the seas, Cook The Far Horizons Award the North Atlantic Circle with his wife Toni participates in a number of extracurricular To a member for a particularly meri­ on their 60-foot (18.3-meter) Sparkman activities. He is a past Commodore of the torious cruise or series of cruises ex­ & Stephens ketch, Endeavour. The two Indian Harbor Yacht Club in Greenwich, emplifying the objectives of the Club. spent the summer sailing through Scotland, Conn. and has been a Trustee at Mystic England, France, Italy and Spain and by Seaport Museum since 1982. He served as The Far Horizons Award was established the fall, Endeavour was in the heart of the Board Chairman from 1995 to 2001 and is in 2006 by the CCA Governing Board and Mediterranean Sea. When winter came, currently the Rear Commodore of the Cruis- the name of the award is derived from the Cook had made it past the Canary Islands, ing Club of America’s Boston Station. name of the books published by the Club Cape Verdes Islands and was headed for containing accounts of cruising adventures the Caribbean. by its members. By the spring of 1973, Cook and his wife Commodore’s Special had completed their first journey and began Award to T.L. and the cruise home to New England. Harriet Linskey After Cook’s excursion, he became enamored with the art of yacht design and decided to further his knowledge of the subject through courses at Westlawn School of Yacht Design and Stephens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, . By 1977, Bill Cook had opened Cook Yacht Design in Hyannis, Mass. Since then, he has been designing racing and cruising that range from 10-85 feet. Bill Cook After Cook had sold Endeavour in mid- 1970, he began cruising with friends and The 2010 Far Horizons Award was visited many new places including Nova awarded to William E. Cook for a series of Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. He “One special award I am making this commendable voyages to the far north of also partook in a number of Southern Ocean year is to T.L. and Harriet Linskey who have the globe including cruises to Greenland Racing Circuits including three Newport to broadened the value of cruising to include a and Baffin Island (Canada). This award Bermuda Races, the Annapolis to Newport generosity of spirit to friends near and far. is given to a member of the CCA “for a Race and the Marblehead to Halifax. Cruising is often characterized as a particularly meritorious cruise or series of personal quest for adventure at sea. T.L. cruises that exemplify the objectives of the and Harriet have added several layers of Club.” The award was presented on March accomplishment to their cruising life. First 4, 2011 by Commodore Sheila McCurdy at they took their volunteer job of editing the the Annual Awards Dinner at the New York Cruising Club News with them afloat – col- Yacht Club in . lecting articles and photographs, designing After receiving a B.A. from Yale and Bill Cook and laying out the annual book – doing it a Ph.D from Harvard, Bill went on to all from their catamaran Hands Across The teach English for five years but longed for Sea as they traveled between New England a change in scenery and decided it was Resolution and the islands of the Caribbean. The ac- time to explore more of the world both complishments of our members have been mentally and geographically. In the early In 2000, Cook bought the sailboat Reso- captured in the beauty of the Linskeys work lution, a 56-foot (17-meter) Bristol Sloop. for the past eight years. Since that time he has cruised extensively in Just doing hours of uncompensated, the Canadian Maritimes and the Canadian highly skilled work is not enough to warrant Arctic including the Labrador Coast, and a Commodore’s Award. This award is also in 2007, he visited Leaf Basin in Hudson in recognition of their not-for-profit ven- Strait. His most recent cruise was in 2010 ture, also called “Hands across the Sea” into when he visited Greenland for the second which they have poured their considerable time to explore the southern end of the energies and established partnerships with country. (Cook’s first trip was in 2003 when community groups in the Caribbean. This he ventured through the western end into past winter they delivered 38,400 books, Disko Bay.) Bill Cook receives the Far Horizons Award 59 boxes of teaching resources, and 1,180

27 2010 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at NYYC pounds of medical supplies to three island communities. Because of their generosity Charles H. Vilas Literary The GAM exists to inform all CCA of spirit, I present them with this special Prize members about the activities of award.” each Station and Post, describe the Sheila McCurdy, Commodore Cruises, past and future, and to post news items or stories relevant to the membership. If you have an article, photo, announcement John Parkinson or item of committee business that Memorial Trophy for you wish to share, please do so by Transoceanic Crossing emailing Chris Otorowski, [email protected]. Thomas Amory (2nd), Flash of Beauty, The deadline for the Spring issue is William S. Chapman, Bones VIII, Gregory September 1. C. Carroll (5th), Alpheratz, Wilson Fitt, Bob Lux receiving Carl Vilas Literary Prize Christina Grant, Ernest L. Godshalk, III, Charles H. Vilas Literary Prize awarded Golden Eye, Mark A. Myers (2nd), Tonic, to Robert Lux for his article, Thirty Years James D. Phyfe, Aristea, William Piper, III with RHODORA which appears in the new New Final Voyages Editor (15th), Pipe Dream IX, Peter W. Stoops, issue of Voyages. Chase, Peter W. Voges, Escapad, Nathaniel M. Warren-White, Bahati. Royal Cruising Club Trophy Fifteen Thrashes to the Royal Cruising Club Trophy is awarded Onion Patch to Peter S. Plumb for his circumnavigation of Newfoundland in the summer of 2009, John D. Osmond III a cruise of 3000 miles. He documented this cruise with an article, “Around the Rock in 70 days, A Newfoundland Circumnaviga­ tion” that appears in the new issue of Richard S. Nye Trophy Voyages.

Thank you to Robert E. Drew, Chairman of the Awards Committee, The Commodore has asked Bar- for these Awards writeups. bara Watson-Clapp to assist the editors of the Voyages magazine, by collecting the Final Voyages for the upcoming year. Barbara very much Check out the Website: looks forward to working with the www.cruisingclub.org RCs, Post Captains and Historians The CCA website is remarkable for throughout the year (not just prior to its clarity, ease of navigation and the Fall deadline) in achieving this the wealth of information it contains. goal. Links to newspaper obituaries Dorsey Beard has done a truly are always welcome for a Final Voy- amazing job in putting together a age recognition on the CCA website, website that functions so well. You as this gives invaluable information can find out almost anything you need to members. A more sailing related The Nye trophy is a lifetime achieve- to know about the CCA, its cruises, article and photograph are desired ment award for meritorious service and officers, committees and members for the Final­ Voyages section of seamanship in long-distance cruising to on the site and download important Voyages. There is more information Robert Van Blaricom. cruising information. GAMs from the on the website or contact Barbara at past seven years can be downloaded. [email protected]

28 2010 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet at NYYC

2010 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year

five years. An- ous winners. As an American, it was an other member unexpected opportunity and honor to be of the selection asked to sail with the legendary all-French panel noted Groupama offshore multihull crew. ­Grou- that Group- pama 3’s success in the Jules Verne is a ama 3 would tribute to Franck Cammas’ leadership and not have bro- the seamanship of the entire crew. I would ken the record also like to thank Rolex and US SAILING without Honey for all they do to support sailing.” correctly call- After graduating from Yale University ing the weather (New Haven, Conn.) with a degree in en-

Dan Nerney window when gineering and applied science, and from they had to re- Stanford University (Palo Alto, Calif.) with start after the a Masters in science electrical engineering, first attempt Stan, in 1998, co-founded Sportvision Inc. was thwarted which evolved into the leading developer (a break down of live-tracking enhancements for sports in the South TV broadcasts. Stan led the development Atlantic forced of the yellow first-down line for televised them to retire football; the NASCAR racecar tracking Stan Honey, with wife Sally (Rolex Yachtswoman 1973) receiving the Rolex to fix the boat). and highlighting system; and the baseball Yachtsman of the Year Award at NYYC in February. “He did an ex- K-Zone system, which highlights the pitch traordinary job location and strike zone in televised base- Stan Honey (SAF), previously nomi- getting the boat around the planet. This was ball. He holds eight patents in navigational nated for the Rolex Yachtsman of the Year the crowning achievement for a hell of a system design, 21 patents for TV special Award in 2006 as the Volvo Ocean Race career,” said the panel member. effects, is a member of the board of direc- winning navigator aboard ABN Amro One, After sailing around the world, some tors of KVH (a manufacturer of satellite was cited as “one of the most outstanding might have expected Stan to spend some communications and navigation sensors), offshore sailors known world-wide” by time on dry land, but in mid-June he was and currently works for the America’s Cup a member of the award’s selection panel taking aim at another record, this time in Event Authority on TV technology for the that recognized him as the 2010 Rolex the Newport Bermuda Race as navigator America’s Cup. Stan is married to Sally Yachtsman of the Year. Stan becomes the aboard Speedboat. “I’ve been navigator on Lindsay Honey, herself a two-time Yachts- second American in the history of the Speedboat since she was built, so I carried woman of the Year (1972, ’73) and CCA award to receive the honor for the fastest on,” said Stan. “You get hooked on spend- member. circumnavigation of the globe. The trimaran ing time at sea.” After leading the 183-boat ­Groupama 3, with Stan as navigator, set the fleet for most of the 635 nautical-mile race, Adapted from an article in latest benchmark. In 48 days, seven hours Speedboat was the first boat to cross the line North American Sailor and 45 minutes, Groupama 3 made the fast- after racing for 59 hours. est non-stop circumnavigation under sail in “I am honored to receive the US SAIL- history and claimed the Trophée Jules Verne ING Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Award,” while eclipsing a record – by more than two Stan said upon hearing the news. “It is days and eight hours – that had stood for humbling to read through the list of previ-

Supplier of clothing and accessories with the CCA burgee is Stars Signatures. They have a catalog on the CCA web site (www.cruisingclub.org), Members Only section, from which one can place orders. Or call Atle at Stars: 888-627-8277. A large catalog is mailed to all members yearly. The yearbook also includes these sources. Check the contents page. Where to get Anyone with suggestions or comments concerning these two sources, CCA Clothing please contact the Fleet Captain: Alton J. Evans, [email protected]

29 Stormy Weather – 2011 and Still Sailing the World! PENNY TURTLE Chris Otorowski

A FOND FAREWELL TO A FAIR LADY Penny Turtle, a true and gracious friend of Cruising Club members who have cruised the Bahamas over the past Stormy Weather, as mentioned in Jack Towle’s fine history discussion in this issue, 50 years, has sailed her final voyage. She mentions Stormy Weather. This photo was taken in April, 2011, in Antigua, as Stormy died Feb. 22, 2011 in Nassau in the prime Weather prepared for the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Stormy Weather was designed of her life at age 77 after a short illness. On by Sparkman and Stephens in 1933 and built by the Henry B. Nevins yard in New York. the CCA 2010 Spring Cruise in Abaco last She won her very first race, the 1935 Transatlantic to Bergen, Norway, and the Fastnet April, Florida Station past R/C Jim Gourd, a long time friend, presented her a Lifetime in 1935 with Rod Stephens aboard. Stormy has crossed the Atlantic 31 times! She sailed Achievement Award in recognition of her and was first in class in the America’s Cup Jubilee in 2001 after a major refit and is in decades of service to the Cruising Club. the hands of a dedicated owner who normally keeps her in Antibes but brought her over A Briton by birth, Penny traveled to to the Caribbean this year. Timeless, beautiful lines and well found. We should all look Nassau in the early 1960s as a chic and this good at 78! – The Editors sophisticated young belle. She soon mar- ried Bay Street bachelor Billy Turtle, a young man-about-town from an old Bahamas family, and never looked back. Her early career there was in show-biz. Always a behind-the-scenes arranger and puller-of-strings, she worked on location on more than a dozen films and specials shot in the Bahamas, including the James Bond film “Thunderball”. Among her pals she counted dozens of stars and media personalities, including Andy Rooney and the late Walter Cronkite (CCA). Penny spent more than three decades in Marsh Harbour working first for the Abaco Beach Resort and then for Conch Inn Marina. Over the course of her time in Marsh Harbour she organized dozens of special events, including her signature annual Penny Turtle Billfish Tournament in Abaco. Everyone in Marsh Harbor knew “Miss Penny.” Penny will be sorely missed by all who knew her and loved her. As I write this brief note a lump in the throat and a tear Yearbooks Wanted! in the eye just cannot be denied. We’re still looking for yearbooks to complete the historian’s collection Jim Gourd, with an assist from Milt (specifically 1922, 23, 24, 25, 26, 38, 50, 51 and ‘52). Special thanks to Past Com- modore Jim Harvie for his generous donation of yearbooks. Baker.

30 2010 Blue Water Medal Club Etiquette from page 1 Reminders mander of the International Space Station Rolex Sydney-Hobart race. The second Members are reminded that the only proper and approved (ISS) and for much of the time, Chiao was circumnavigation began in 2008 when as way to fly the CCA burgee is Whitworth’s nearest neighbor when the ISS a result of Berrimilla’s encounter with either from the of the orbit crossed her track. the ISS, Whitworth was invited by NASA mast on a sailboat or from a When Whitworth arrived in the U.K., scientists to rendezvous at Beechy Island staff on the bow of a power vessel. Be Berrimilla competed in the 2005 Rolex in the Canadian Arctic. The plan was to sure to fly the burgee as shown above. The proper size of the burgee for your yacht can view the solar eclipse on August 1, 2008, so be found in the yearbook. In the case of a Whitworth set out on April 10, 2008, sailing sailboat that cannot fly the burgee from directly from Sydney to the Aleutians and the truck of the mast, it is permissible to then through the Northwest Passage. Due fly a rectangular “Member Aboard” flag to dangerous ice conditions, Berrimilla from the starboard . Burgees and Member Aboard Flags are available from bypassed Beechey Island and arrived in the CCA official supplier, The Sailbag Falmouth (U.K.) in September. That winter, Lady. Our wonderful yearbook has a the boat was stored in the U.K. and then wealth of information about this and other competed in the 2009 Rolex . things, including member owned moorings After the race, Berrimilla sailed home to available exclusively to CCA members. Our yachting courtesy and seamanship Fastnet Race, finishing 11th overall and Australia via the Cape of Good Hope and traditions are central to the high standards second in the double-handed division. After the Kerguelen Islands and arrived in Syd- and reputation of our membership. the Fastnet, Berrimilla returned to Sydney ney on March 2010 having completed her AJ Evans, Fleet Captain (Australia) via the Cape of Good Hope, second circumnavigation of the globe. arriving just in time to sail in the 2005 2010 Rod Stevens Trophy from page 1

In 1992, he sailed with his father from most recent and memorable journey was in Italy and arrived November 27 at the Cape 2009 when he departed on October 26 from Verde Islands on a 20.4-foot (6.3-meter) Les Sables d’Olonne, France in a 21-foot sport catamaran. On December 28, the two (6.5-meter) sailboat that he himself had left the Cape Verde Islands and crossed rebuilt and customized in preparation for his the Atlantic Ocean to Martinique in the solo, non-stop, 24,000 mile voyage around French Caribbean Islands in 16 days. Once the world. As he came to the last leg of the

Di Benedetto had experienced open ocean Dan Nerney journey and began approaching Cape Horn sailing it became a hunger he couldn’t (the most treacherous part of the voyage) satiate. In 2001, he logged 1700 miles in a he was dismasted, causing him to choose single-handed, non-stop journey beginning between getting help on land or jury rigging in Italy and finishing in the Canary Islands, the mast. He decided to carry on with the and in 2002, Di Benedetto became a record Alessandro Di Benedetto receives jury rig. On July 22, 2010, after 268 days, Rod Stephens Seamanship Trophy breaker when he sailed single-handed from the Commodore 19 hours, 36 minutes and 12 seconds at sea, across the Atlantic in his sport catamaran. Di Benedetto had completed his around- Another world record was broken in ing from Yokohama, Japan to San Francisco the-world voyage and set the record­ for 2006 when he became the first person to do a on a 19.4-foot (5.9-meter) catamaran that smallest boat to complete a solo nonstop single-handed, non-stop transpacific cross- had no shelter or cabin. Di Benedetto’s circumnavigation in that time.

Where to get CCA Burgees The Sail Bag Lady is the supplier of CCA burgees. There is a separate page for them on the CCA web site: Di Benedetto CCA Burgees – sailbaglady.com; or call Bettina (the sailbag lady herself) at 203-245-8238.

31 Daniel Forster

Rosebud off Tasman Island, 2007 Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

In Memoriam James Arneil, PNW, 9/32/2010 Graham M. Jones, SOC, 9/30/2010 William C. Birdsey, SAF, 8/26/2009 Fred Keire, NYS, 1/12/2011 David Cabot, ESS, 2/15/2011 Richard W. Kempe, BDA, 12/5/2010 Elliott Conover, BOS/GMP, 9/16/2010 Frederick H. Knight III, CHE, 5/14/2011 Hal Davies, BDO, 2/15/2011 M. William Langan, BOS/BUZ, 12/31/2010 William A. Dickson, MD, BOS/BUZ, 8/31/2010 G.W. Mefferd, FLA, 2/28/2010 Walter T. Flower, BDO, 3/24/2011 Michael Courage Misick, BDA, 12/6/2010 Daniel S. Gregory, BOS, 1/5/2011 Arthur F.F. Snyder, BOS/BUZ, 1/4/2011 Richard K. Hawes, Jr., BOS/BUZ, 1/29/2011 C. Wallace Stuard, Jr., CHE, 12/32/2011

Voyages will continue to carry full remembrances with photos.

32 Horn of Africa: Pirate Alley

Four American cruisers killed after their boat was hijacked By Alanna Byrne Posted February 22, 2011 Phyllis Macay and Bob British couple Paul and Rachel Chandler, Riggle, natives of Seattle, who were held hostage for 388 days after Washington, had joined their yacht was hijacked in October 2009. the Adams in India. The They were released only after friends and four had been traveling as family paid a large ransom. part of a Blue Water Ral- Just last week, Somali pirate Abduwali lies flotilla for security, but Abdukhadir Muse was sentenced to nearly had broken off from the 34 years in prison for the April 2009 hi- group before the attack. jacking of American cargo ship Maersk In a statement, Blue Alabama. In that case, the ship’s crew was Water Rallies said it was rescued in a Navy Seal operation that killed “stunned and devastated” the three other hijackers. by the killings. “Although The U.S. government responded quickly yachtsmen have been to these most recent shootings. Secretary of discouraged from sail- State Hillary Clinton released a statement Scott and Jean Adam had been sailing the globe for six years from their home base in Marina del Rey, California ing through this area for condemning the killing, adding that the some time, it is a hard “deplorable act firmly underscores the need Four American sailors aboard a hijacked decision when the only other choices are for continued international progress toward yacht, S/V Quest, were shot and killed by to sail around the stormy, their pirate captors on Tuesday near Soma- dangerous seas off South lia. The shootings occurred as U.S. forces Africa, leave the yacht were negotiating for the release of hostages in the Far East, put it on Jean and Scott Adam, Phyllis Macay and an expensive cargo ship, Bob Riggle. or to sail back across the Four Navy warships had been trailing Pacific which presents the S/V Quest for approximately three days, more weather challenges following her capture off the coast of Oman and difficulties,” the state- on February 18. The fatal confrontation ment read. began at about 1:00 EST when the pirates Pirate attacks have reportedly fired a rocket-propelled grenade plagued ships off the coast at the USS Sterett, leading American forces of Somalia for years. In- to board the captured yacht. “As [U.S. ternational counterpiracy forces] responded to the gunfire, reaching forces have had some suc- and boarding the Quest, the forces discov- cess creating a protected ered all four hostages had been shot by shipping corridor in the their captors,” Central Command said in Gulf of Aden. Recently, Grande by Joe Photo provided a statement. “Despite immediate steps to however, pirates have be- provide life-saving care, all four hostages gun to extend their reach ultimately died of their wounds.” into the open sea, some- Two pirates were killed in the confron- times using larger “mother tation and 13 were detained, in addition to ships” to travel more than two pirates already in American custody. 1,000 nautical miles off U.S. forces found the remains of two other shore. The International pirates aboard the yacht. In total, 19 pirates Maritime Bureau esti- were involved in the hijacking. mates that Somali pirates Seattle natives Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle Quest owners and California natives are currently holding 712 joined the Adams in India Jean and Scott Adam had sailed aboard the hostages captive aboard 58-foot sloop since 2004. According to the 33 vessels. Of these, all but one—a South confronting the shared security challenge couple’s website, one of their reasons for African yacht hijacked in 2010—are com- posed by piracy in the waters off the Horn sailing was “finding homes for thousands mercial vessels, according to the New York of Africa.” of Bibles, which have been donated through Times. grants and gifts, as we travel from place These pirates often seek huge payouts to place.” to release prisoners, as seen in the case of Reproduced courtesy of sailmagazine.com

33 Fall Halifax Meeting

1 2

3 5 4

6 7

9 8

See Photo Key page 36. 34 Fall Halifax Meeting

10 11 12

13 14 15

17 16

18 19

See Photo Key page 36. 35 Key to Halifax Photos pages 30 and 31

Photos p. 30: 1) Model of Titanic at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic; 2) Halifax Coast Guard Operations Center, Halifax; 3) Kit McCurdy and Sheila McCurdy (maybe

distant cousins?); 4) Blue Lobster; Chris Otorowski 5) Firing the noon cannon at the Citadel; 6) Historian Jack Towle and Gretchen McCurdy; 7) Sue Chambers, David Brown and Leslie Schneider; 8) The Florida Station!; 9) Grave of Unknown Child from the Titanic. Knidos, Turkey Photos p. 31: 10) The Citadel, high above Halifax; 11) Lisa Laing and Linda White 12) Milt and Judy Baker; Past Commodore Ned Rowland; 13) Crier delivering oral histo- ry on Halifax; 14) Barbara Watson-Clapp and Gerry Clapp; 15) Exquisite model of the Passenger ship Franconia; 16) Ross Rose, Vice Commodore Dan Dyer and Past NYYC Commodore ­Harry Morgan; 17) Overlooking the main display area Chris Otorowski at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic; 18) The Board hard at work; 19) Jack Towle, Citadel Guard and Ned Rowland, about to be conscripted into service.

Bodrum, Turkey

Founding of the CCA The CCA was launched in the winter of 1921-22 by a group of yachtsmen interested in cruising and the development of the cruising type of yacht. Two yachts from Baddeck, Cape Breton played a role in its founding, Elsie, built in 1917 by Alexander Graham Bell as a gift to his son-in-law, Gilbert H. Grosvenor, and Typhoon built in 1920 for William Washburn Nutting the Club’s first Commodore. In 1919, aboard Elsie, on a cruise to Boulaceet Harbor (currently known as Maskell’s Harbor) Nutting, Grosvenor and F.W. (Casey) Baldwin discussed the concept of form- ing a cruising club. The next year Nutting, Baldwin and Jim Dorsett sailed Typhoon to England where they were welcomed by officers of the Royal Cruising Club and became even more enthusiastic over forming a similar organization in America. On returning home, Nutting, using the Royal Cruising Club as his model, persuaded a group of yachtsmen to launch the Cruising Club of America. Shortly thereafter, Henry A. Wise Wood, a charter member, was asked to formulate ideas on the objectives and scope of the activities of the Club. His words say it best: “Let us refuse stoutly to accumulate an on-shore contingent; let membership in the Club be a mark of achievement. This policy will give us a stand­ Submissions for Voyages ing at home and abroad such as no American ever has had. Besides it will make of the should be sent to Club burgee a bit of bunting that all afloat will respect, and that sea lovers everywhere will strive to possess. Thus we shall become an active force influencing others to make Doug and Dale Bruce adventurous use of the sea.” [email protected] –Submitted by Thomas E. Hazlehurst

36 Nautical Seminar for Cruising Couples – Voyages Mystery Photo Suddenly Alone Doug & Dale Bruce, in the 2011 issue of Voyages, challenged the membership OVERVIEW: The popular SUDDENLY members the tools and knowledge that will to a Mystery Photo Contest. ALONE (SA) program originally developed enable them to handle emergencies. By by the Cruising Club of America and the practicing these aboard their own boats, Bonnell Cove Foundation has been repack- crew members will develop the confidence aged as a small scale DIY (do it yourself) and competence that will enhance their presentation for sailing clubs and organiza- enjoyment of cruising. tions. Available on CD’s for local speakers The program is designed to raise the un- use are subject descriptions and sample derstanding and confidence of crew mem- PowerPoint files with speaker notes for the bers with limited experience. It describes course Introduction and Psychology presen- and demonstrates the minimum skills tation and four other technical segments. necessary to assume command and it cov- The SA Program is divided into five ers the minimum emergency procedures to presentations consisting of a 40-50 minute learn and practice before an incident occurs. classroom lectures and three 60 minute The five subjects of the program are In- hands-on, practical sessions. An accom- troduction and Psychology of SUDDENLY The mystery photo was taken in 1985 aboard panying work- ALONE, Stabiliz- Wissahickon. This navigator is none other book “Suddenly ing the Situation, than our consummate sailor Commodore, Sheila McCurdy. Alone – Know You Communicating a Can Handle It” is Request for Assis- Winners and second place responders are available for each tance, Navigating as follows: student or couple to a Safe Haven, NAME STATION or POST attending. The five and Recovery of an Mindy Drew (1) Essex sessions of the Overboard Person. Max Fletcher (1) Gulf of Maine program can all be Detailed descrip- Tom Hovey (1) Boston Eric Crawford (1) Chesapeake done in a single tions of these sub- Robert Vaughn (1) Southern California eight hour day or jects are at www. John Sanford (1) San Francisco divided into five cruisingclub.org Schuyler Benson (2) Chesapeake separate sessions TARGET Steve Hunt (2) San Francisco (e.g. one a week for AUDIENCE five weeks). IS CRUISING Chart Loaning Service An experienced COUPLES. In The chart loan- and respected local the beginning the ing service was es- sailor should be SA Seminar was tablished in 1991 chosen as Coordi- originally focused to collect, store and nator/Moderator. on the less expe- distribute charts of northern European This person should rienced partner of waters to be used by deliver the Intro- a sailing/boating Cruising Club mem- duction and monitor the other four topics couple. It soon became evident that both bers who intend on by introducing speakers and summarizing partners must be aware of the issues and sailing in those wa- ters. In 2000, the how their comments contribute to the whole work as a team to make sure that they under- service was expanded to include the message or goal of the program. Four In- stand and practice the skills needed to over- Mediterranean and both coasts of Canada. structors are needed, one for each technical come a suddenly alone situation. This often Currently the collection contains over subject. They should be experienced and results in changing or outfitting their boat 1000 charts. The charts are to be loaned out, to be familiar enough with their topic to deliver so that either person can operate it while taken on board and used. They are to be an interesting, informed presentation fol- simultaneously carrying out the search and returned as soon as practical, made ready lowing the course outline. Small teams of rescue functions of an emergency scenario. for use again by someone else. Should volunteers can assist instructors during the By having both partners together in a class they be damaged during use, so be it. The collection will expand and be updated with hands-on sessions. Advice and answers to they can make a list of the items they need contributions by users who fill in the gaps. questions on all aspects of the SA Program to change or practice. This list becomes one Charts are available on a first come basis. are available by phone or E-mail from the of the most valuable products of the course Check the CCA web site to identify CCA Program Coordinator RonTross- and instills the confidence that makes boat- who is the chart coordinator for various countries and areas. The chart coordina- [email protected] at (703) 403-8408. ing more even enjoyable. tors are cruisers themselves. Don’t wait MISSION. The mission of SUDDENLY Ron Trossbach until the last minute for they may be off ALONE is to provide shorthanded crew cruising themselves.

37 Welcome New Members

N aTHANIEL “Nat” D r. DaVID M. Bridges Dr. Richard Fink Benjamin Beach, Virginia La Crosse, Wisconsin Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts Station: Florida Spouse: Donna Spouse: Pamela Yacht: Valiant 40’ Blue Yonder Station: GLS Station: Boston Proposer: Pamela Wall Yacht: Valiant 39’ Ocean Explorer Yacht: 50’ Schooner Charlotte Proposer: Gaynelle Templin Proposer: William E. Cook

Rich started sailing at the age of 14 in Nat is one of the country’s leading a Sunfish he built himself, and for years wooden boat builders and designers, and raced her, and a succession of other boats, one of only a few exclusively building mainly in the Chicago area. Today, he traditional plank-on-frame boats. His keeps Ocean Explorer at Manitowoc on boats have been described as strong, the west shore of Lake Michigan. Rich’s simple, safe and of outstanding beauty David is a retired radiologist who has years of experience in the lakes led him to and originality. As such, the Benjamin logged over 20,000 offshore miles. He write an extensive cruising guide for the and Gannon Marine Railway, in Vineyard has both captained and crewed on many waters of the Upper St. Lawrence River Haven, a yard he runs with his partner, occasions on races and cruises on the down to Quebec City for use by the Great Ross Gannon, is a joy to visit for all those East Coast. With David as her captain Lakes Cruising Club, of which he has who are passionate about sailing. Nat’s in 1998, Blue Yonder won First in Class been an active member since 1995. His extensive offshore experience includes in the Caribbean 1500, from Hampton, keen sense of observation and recording three transatlantics, and various voyages VA to Virgin Gorda. Beginning in the has also provided critical information for in the Mediterranean, as well as the East year 2000 David set sail on Blue Yonder fellow sailors, following the cruises he Coast, Bahamas and Caribbean. During through the Panama Canal to French and Donna made with Gaynelle Templin one of his transatlantic crossings, Nat and Polynesia, Tonga, and on to New Zealand, through various ports from Durban, South a friend were delivering a wooden schoo- arriving in Brisbane in 2004. At that point, Africa to Madagascar, and in the transit ner from the Canaries to Bermuda, when he had Blue Yonder shipped back to the of the Panama Canal against the trade his friend fell overboard while sailing East Coast, where he continues to sail her winds to Curacao. dead downwind in a 20 knot breeze. Nat actively from the Caribbean up to Maine, Rich is a retired orthopedic surgeon, was below and heard him call out, came often single-handed. David has his Mas- who has his Officers License as Master on deck, changed down to a smaller , ters 50 ton Captain’s license. of 100 tons upon the Great Lakes and and tacked back upwind to successfully Affiliations: OCC Inland Waters. locate and recover his friend over an hour Affiliation: Great Lakes Cruising Club later – a great feat of seamanship. Service: Merchant Marine Service Nat is a Trustee of Mystic Seaport, 1968-1977 Lieutenant Commander where his advice plays an important role in the care and preservation of the Sea- CCA Mission Statement port’s collection of historic vessels. He The mission of the Cruising Club of America is to promote cruising by amateurs, is also a strong proponent of sail training to encourage the development of suitable types of cruising craft, to stimulate interest and education at sea programs for young in seamanship, navigation and handling of small vessels, and to gather and keep on people. file all information which may be of assistance to members in cruising.

38 New Members continued

voyage on Vivaldi from Guadeloupe to Gian Luca Fiori Marion, MA. John “Skip”Garfield Newton, Massachusetts Vivaldi is regarded as being meticu- South Dartmouth, Massachusetts Spouse: Angela lously maintained, and the cuisine on Spouse: Tally Station: Boston board is rated as being worthy of the finest Station: Boston Yacht: Hinckley 51’ Vivaldi onshore restaurant! Yacht: 25’ Surfhunter Proposer: Joe McDonough Affiliation: Beverly Yacht Club Proposer: William E. Cook

Carl W. Fuller Newport Beach, California Spouse: Kary Station: SoCal Yacht: Santa Cruz 50’ Sloop Rocket Proposer: James Eddy III

Gian Luca and Angela grew up in Skip built at Marshall Marine, Colombia, where they cruised with their Padanaram, after college and continued to parents in the San Blas and San Andres do so after his military service, eventually islands. They raced Lightnings against becoming President and then owner of and with each other, and Gian Luca the company. His skills at repairing have went on to medal in the South America been put to much use on sea voyages, championships, Worlds and Pan Ameri- including a visit to the top of the mast can Games. Once in the United States, during one of his transatlantic crossings in they were able to cruise for several years, Carl grew up racing Sabots and Lehm- order to repair a broken snap . He mostly to Maine, on Angela’s father’s an 12s. He and his family have been, and also repaired a broken pole on boat. Gian Luca has completed four remain, very active in the Newport Harbor a trip from the Canaries to Antigua. Skip Marion-Bermuda races and one Newport- Yacht Club, where Carl earned his stripes has covered the waters from Padanaram Bermuda race on Vivaldi and has crewed sailing in the Club’s Non-Calm and Skip- to Maine and Nova Scotia many times on another Newport-Bermuda race. Gian per programs. His racing career includes both with crew and on single-handed Luca is currently Race Committee Chair the Newport to Cabo San Lucas race, trips. He crewed for Rusty Kellogg on at the Beverly Yacht Club, no small feat, as well as a Transpac to Honolulu. Carl the 2010 trip from Denmark to Scotland since the BYC holds hundreds of races and his family thoroughly enjoy cruising prior to the 2010 CCA/CCC cruise, and each summer, and co-sponsors the Buz- with friends and have cruised extensively in that year he also sailed in the iceberg zards Bay regatta and the Marion to Ber- in Mexican waters on Rocket, as well as laden waters of Labrador and Greenland. muda race. At BYC, Gian Luca took the chartering in the Caribbean. The family, In addition to his electrical, mechanical frostbite laser series into regular racing, including Kary and their three daughters, and rigging skills, Skip’s culinary skills at and is an active participant. In addition, participated in the CCA cruise on the Sea sea are well-known and admired, making he races on a family-owned and crewed of Cortez, while taking a nine-month him an exceptional shipmate. J80, keeping the love of sailing and rac- cruise in the area, logging over 2,000 Service: US Army Signal Corps April ing in the family. Some CCA members miles. Carl’s seamanship and boat- 1970-December 1971 will remember meeting Gian Luca and handling skills make him a sought-after Angela last year when they joined friends and welcome crew member on board. on the Abacos cruise, during their return Affiliation: Newport Harbor Yacht Club

39 New Members continued

Craig A. Harnden W. Barrett Holby, Jr. D aVID H. Knowlton Inglis, Florida Warren, Rhode Island St. Petersburg, Florida Spouse: Valerie Spouse: Raquel Spouse: Jane Ann Station: Florida Station: Boston Station: Florida Yacht: Freebooter 44.5’ Ketch Yacht: 38’ Aerodyne sloop Wazimo Yacht: H-R Mistral 33’ sloop Albireo Proposer: Craig Starns Proposer: R. Channing Reis Proposer: Dr. Donald J. Krippendorf

Craig grew up in Miami, and began Barrett has completed three trans- his yachting career racing prams and later atlantic crossings, including travelling with his father on a Pearson 36’ from David grew up in the junior sailing southeasters at Coconut Grove Sailing program at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, club, moving on to Southeastern regat- Larchmont, NY to his father’s native Norway via Newfoundland, the Heb- in the family tradition of sailing. David’s tas in scow-type wishbone sloops and great-great-grandfather owned Sea Witch, multi-hulls. He placed in the top three rides and Shetlands. The journey back to Larchmont was by way of the Faroe which still holds the record for a passage at the 1973 Hobie national champion- under sail from China to New York. In the ships against Hobie Alter himself. On Islands, Iceland and Nova Scotia. On these voyages, Barrett was the Navigator, early 1970’s, David built a Morgan 22’ completion of his Air Force service, which he campaigned in the MORC races Craig became a pilot, a career which using compass and sextant only. He and his father took part in the Bermuda 1-2 for many years, as well as enjoying cruis- has taken him all over the world, flying ing with family members in the Bahamas aircraft from 777s to seaplanes, balloons on several occasions and won multiple prizes. Barrett has also completed the and Caribbean. David’s great-grandfather and helicopters. During several overseas sailed from St. Petersburg, Florida to postings, Craig managed to find time to race on a single-handed basis on more than a few occasions, and was awarded Baltimore round trip in 1909, a 2,500 nm sail in a variety of places, from captaining passage David replicated single-handed a 54’ sloop in the Red Sea, to delivering the Danforth trophy in 2007. Barrett has crewed numerous times on the Newport- in 2003. David, who is a retired banker, a 39’ sloop from Singapore to Phuket, taught classes in celestial navigation, and Thailand. During his years away, Craig Bermuda race, on several occasions with fellow CCA member George Coumanta- also found time to become involved in maintained Freebooter on the blocks in many civic, academic and charitable pur- Florida awaiting his return. This took ros on three of his Boomerangs. Barrett owns and operates Holby Marine, Rhode suits benefitting his local community. He longer than initially anticipated, however is a Past Commodore of the St. Petersburg Freebooter is now refitted and tied up in Island, and is always ready to share his advice and experience with fellow sailors. Yacht Club, as was his father. His work at his permanent back yard on the Withla- the club is recognized as having created coochee River. a lasting impact on the Junior Sailing Service: USAF Reserve 1966 - 1972 Program. Affiliation: Coral Reef Yacht Club Affiliation: St. Petersburg Yacht Club

Safety at Sea Resources: http://www.cruisingclub.org/seamanship/seamanship_safety.htm

40 New Members continued

Sohier D. Marks John McCartney Alexander R. Mehran, Jr. Greenwich, CT Menlo Park, CA “Alex” Spouse: Elaine Spouse: Gail Lapitna San Francisco, California Station: New York Station: San Francisco Spouse: Margaret Mary “Maggie” Proposer: Charles L. Starke Yacht: Nordic 44’ Auxiliary sloop Music Station: San Francisco Proposer: James C. Jessie Yacht: Owen Clarke Design Class 40’ Cutlass Proposer: Zia E. Ahari, M.D.

John only took up sailing in earnest Sohier has enjoyed being on the water in 1992, and has since logged almost since his years at MIT when he sailed din- 20,000 miles on the water. He began his ghies on the Charles River. His sailing ca- sailing career in Coastal Cup races from reer includes many races from Newport to San Francisco to Santa Barbara and Santa Alex comes from a sailing family, Bermuda and Marion to Bermuda, both as Catalina, and has now undertaken deliver- which includes his grandfather Thomas crew and on his own boats. He and Elaine ies both on the East and West coasts. John Watson. Alex had the good fortune to cruised the East Coast extensively on their and Gail have both raced and cruised on sail for several years on Penobscot Bay Cambria 46’ Ariadne, using Rockland, the West Coast in the waters between in Palawan VI and VII, as well as learning Maine as a base from which to explore Mexico and Oregon, and they placed 2nd basic sailing in dinghies. He graduated the myriad ports between there and the in Class in the 2008 Pacific Cup race to to lasers in his teenage years, earning Canadian Maritime Provinces. Sohier Hawaii. John and Gail plan to shift gears many racing trophies along the way. and Elaine recently gave a slide presenta- from racing into long range cruising on At the St. Francis Yacht Club he was tion to the New York station about their Music, and to this end they headed off a member of the Junior Olympic team cruise to Newfoundland. Sohier has a to Mexican waters in the fall of 2010. from 1994 to 1999, and competed as long relationship with the Corinthians, Music is much admired as an extremely skipper in the North American and New of which he became Master in 1993, and well-maintained ocean-ready vessel, with England championships during his years with Norwalk Yacht Club, for which he many environmentally sound attributes. at Brown University. In addition to racing, served on the Board of Governors. While Affiliations: Encinal Yacht Club Alex has carried out numerous deliver- looking for a replacement for Ariadne, ies on the East Coast and Caribbean. In Sohier and Elaine have been crewing for 2009, after several months cruising in other CCA members, both in Nova Scotia Caribbean waters, Alex took part in the and in . single-handed Newport-Bermuda race, Service: US Army 1954-1956 1st Lt coming in first in overall elapsed time. On Medical Service Corp. the subsequent double-handed Bermuda- Affiliation: Ocean Cruising Club Newport race, his boat was accorded the best double handed corrected time finish by a first time entrant. Besides his sailing accomplishments, Alex is an avid kite- surfer, wind-surfer, fly fisherman and backcountry skier.

41 New Members continued

Affiliations: New York Yacht Club, St. Francis Yacht Club, RORC Angus Phillips Myeark Ro Annapolis, Maryland Port Townsend, Washington Raymond J. Munsch Spouse: Frances Partner: Nancy Krill Station: Chesapeake Station ; PNW Philadelphia, PA Yacht: Hallberg-Rassy Monsun 32’ Yacht: 44’ steel ketch Tamara Spouse: Margaret Mad Will Proposer: Kaspar Schibli Station: Chesapeake Proposer: Anthony Parker Yacht: C&C 36’sloop Glory Proposer: Jack Gregg

Ray grew up racing Penguins on the Chesapeake and is now an accomplished racer and very keen competitor in Glory. Mark’s career as a lawyer took from While he and Margaret enjoy cruising him from the northeast to Alaska, with on the Chesapeake Bay with family Angus will be well-known to many college years in Colorado. In Alaska his and friends, the two of them have often members as a writer for various sail- love of boats and the sea led him into busi- raced their boat in all weathers, record- ing magazines, in addition to which he ness, where he ended up owning a 100’ ing significant successes against boats covered every America’s Cup race since packer, working for fishing companies with larger crews. Ray has competed 1980 for the Washington Post. Angus in Alaskan waters. He sold the business on numerous Annapolis-Newport and learned to sail in the 1970s on a Lightning in 1999, and bought Tamara to begin his Newport-Bermuda races, and is highly he kept in Galesville, MD. In the ‘80s cruising life. She is a Swedish built steel regarded as an ideal helmsman and strate- and ‘90s he cruised on his Cal 40’ in the double-headed ketch, designed by Rolf gist. Ray has also cruised with other CCA Chesapeake and Northeast, and raced Modigh. He and Nancy took her from Fort members around Scotland and England, his in various events on the East Lauderdale to the high latitudes, spending and in Sweden, and from Maryland to Coast and Lake Ontario. He has crewed several seasons exploring Newfoundland Maine. He has been very active in com- on two Americas Cup races and competed and Labrador, before heading across the mittee work for the Corinthian Yacht in innumerable races to Bermuda from Atlantic to the Azores, Canaries and Cape Club. Newport and Annapolis. His transatlan- Verde Islands. On their return they headed Service: US Coast Guard 1967-70 tic crossings include one on the square down the coast of Brazil to Patagonia, and Lt. (j-g) rigger Stad Amsterdam and one on the up the Pacific Ocean to Alaska, by way Affiliations: Corinthian Yacht Club, Volvo 60’ Assa Abloy. Angus has cruised of Hawaii. With passages totaling almost Philadelphia in many of the world’s waters, including 45,000 nm on Tamara, Mark has in excess five weeks in the Southern Ocean from of 250,000 nm on the water. He has ac- the Falklands to South Georgia and the cumulated a vast store of knowledge on Fleet Surgeon South Sandwich islands. Angus has sailed safety at sea, including fire-fighting and The CCA Fleet Surgeon both for and against many CCA members emergency drills, and has contributed offers these documents, poten- in events from Wednesday night races to articles to nautical magazines on the sub- tially useful in preparing a yacht for off shore races, and is recognized as a ject. Mark has also provided input to the offshore passages. Suggestions are good shipmate to have aboard when the CCA Cruising Guide to Newfoundland welcome ([email protected]). going gets rough. and Labrador. http://www.cruisingclub.org/ seamanship/seamanship_surgeon.htm

42 New Members continued

Affiliations: Irish Cruising Club; John Andrew “Johnny” RORC; Southwestern Yacht Club, San R onALD W. Wood Smullen Diego; National Yacht Club; Royal Irish Banning, California San Diego, California Yacht Club; Ocean Cruising Club; An- Spouse: Judy Spouse: Theresa cient Mariners Sailing Society; Station: Socal Station: Boston Yacht: 36’ Catalina Sloop Recess Yacht: 1937 IOD Altair Denis Umstot Proposer: James A. Eddy Proposer: Michael O’Flaherty Seattle, Washington Spouse: Mary Station: PNW Yacht: Teka III Power Passagemaker 52’ Proposer: Gary D. Coard

Johnny hails from , where, as Ron grew up in a sailing family, and an eight-year-old, he was an enthusiastic his skill as a seaman have led him to be junior member of the National Yacht Club much in demand in helping others mov- ing their vessels up and down the Pacific in Dun Laoghaire. This led to the gift of a Coast from Seattle to Mexico. Ron has Mirror Dinghy as a tenth birthday present. made the passage from Newport Beach to This early start led to a life on and around Ensenada and back many times over the the water, from crewing on a 1908 gaff In 1997, Denis and Mary purchased years, and also has the Transpac from LA rig cutter in Bay to the Whitbread, Teka III, designed by Robert Beebe. Since to Honolulu and return, as skipper, under 1989/1990 Americas Cup team (on Stars then they have logged over 50,000nm, his belt. He has provided many years of cruising across the Atlantic through the and Stripes), and a Volvo ocean race, to invaluable service to the Los Angeles name only a small selection of his nautical Mediterranean stopping at many North Yacht Club, especially at Howland’s achievements. Besides being Shore Man- African ports, and continuing on to the Landing on Catalina Island, and on the ager for the Green Dragon Volvo team in Black Sea. Denis and Mary have also Race Committee staging Harbor Cup 2008-09, building and managing high- cruised widely in the Pacific following Regattas. Ron is a retired teacher, who tech carbon fiber racing boats, Johnny a transit through the Panama Canal from found time to teach navigation, piloting has found time to hone his innate love Trinidad. Denis had a long career with and principles of seamanship at the Boy and ability to restore traditional wooden the USAF, where despite his yearning to Scout Camp at Cherry Cove on Catalina sailing yachts. A fine example of this is be on the ocean, he mostly found himself Island for 15 years. the Q-Class sloop Cotton Blossom II, on in land-locked postings. On retirement Affiliation: Los Angeles Yacht Club which he raced in Southern California and he moved to the Pacific Northwest and the Mediterranean. His own IOD Altair, began cruising in the waters between which he and his wife restored as a wed- Seattle and Desolation Sound, BC. Denis ding present to themselves, is also a joy then began a second career as a college to behold. Johnny is Staff Commodore professor, from which he retired in 1997. of the Ancient Mariners Sailing Society, He is a published author on his ocean pas- a group of sailors in Southern California sages, and Mary writes for Passagemaker dedicated to the ownership, preservation magazine. Offshore and use of classic sailing vessels. Johnny Service: USAF Lt. Col. Retd. 1960- Communications Resources: and Theresa now make their home in 1980 the U.S. http://www.cruisingclub.org/ seamanship/seamanship_offshore.htm

43 Cruising Club of America PRESORTED 298 Winslow Way W. FIRST CLASS U.S. POSTAGE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 PAID PERMIT 5544 SEATTLE, WA

Deadline for Fall 2011 Issue is September 1 Calendar of Events 2011 June 26-30, Bermuda Cruise, Bermuda Station October 6-12, Chesapeake Cruise, CHE Station October 13-15, Fall Meeting, Seattle, PNW, Station Stations & Posts: Please email us your major event dates so members visiting 2012 May 5-12, San Juans Cruise, PNW your area can be aware. June 17, Bermuda Race (Editor’s email: [email protected]) July 23-August 3, Bras d’Or Cruise, BDO For the latest info, please check 2013 March- Annual Meeting/Awards Banquet, NYYC www.cruisingclub.org Jauary 17-26, Malaysia Cruise- Phuket, SAF September, Maine Cruise, GMP 2014 Desolation Sound Cruise, PNW

Monthly Station Luncheons (Check website for latest information) Bermuda: Held quarterly; Royal Bermuda YC Boston: “Rats” 3rd Fri. Oct.-May Chesapeake: 2nd Tues., Annapolis YC, except July (Gibson Isl. Club), Aug. (Annie’s Rest., Kent Narrows) Essex: 3rd Thurs. Sept.-June; Pilot’s Point Marina, Westbrook Florida: Stuart 2nd Tues., Dec.-Apr., Stuart Y&CC; St. Pete: – 3rd Thurs., every mo., St. Pete YC Pacific Northwest: 2nd Mon. except July, Aug.; Seattle YC San Francisco: 1st Wed. except July, Aug., Dec.; alt. San Francisco YC & St. Francis YC Southern California: tba (see web page)

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