VOLUME XIV / ISSUE V September / October 2016 CONTENTS On the Cover... 1500 Miles on the Erie Canal ...... 4 A colorful as seen on the Erie Canal on one of the Santuary Status for Lake Erie Quadrangle? ... 8 many trips by Jeff and- Neala Eastman. Once used as a common Spousal Alert - Snoring Spouse Syndrome ...... 10 form of transportation for people and goods, Dulcibella’s Adventure Part III ...... 12 now available for rent It takes hundreds of donors & volunteers, along with Erie Yacht Club Board, management and as an excursion boat. employees, Sail Boat & Cruising Fleet Captains and crews to come together for this annual, end-of- Junior Banquet 2016 ...... 22 summer Regatta!

All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross, Northwestern PA Chapter. Cruisers Inaugural Trip ...... 30 Officers Approximately 50,000 people each year are touched by Red Cross services in Erie County through Com. John Orlando ...... 454-0475 Disaster Services, Preparedness Health & Safety Services, Services to the Armed Junior Bay & Beyond ...... 20 [email protected] Forces, International Services and life-saving Blood Services. V/C David Haller ...... 490-3825 Bass Fishing Madness ...... 24 [email protected] Red Cross relies solely on the generosity of the local community to fund these services. R/C Greg Gorny ...... 323-1743 If These Docks Could Talk ...... 28 [email protected] Thanks to all for your support!! F/C Bill Gloekler...... 882-1722 Eriegatta 2016 ...... 34 [email protected] Some of the loyal contributors in a large list of generous donors include: Directors Erie Yacht Club CA Curtze Company MegaGrafix Erie Beer Company Erie Insurance Pepsi P/C Brad Enterline ...... 881-0796 From the Bridge [email protected] Labatt Breweries Home Instead Senior Care Mason Farms Thomas Madura ...... 864-3165 Salmon Frank Band Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield NAPA Anesthesia by Vice Commodore Dave Haller [email protected] Lilly Broadcasting ServiceMaster By Advanced Ross Rectenwald ...... 392-5046 [email protected] A big thank you to the boats and dedicated sponsors who registered Andrew Fritts ...... 464-5625 early and made it onto our first two boards showcased at the EYC! [email protected] Vincent Cifelli ...... 450-2448 Island Girl – M.C. Hammel Properties Richie Sea – Home Instead Senior Care [email protected] Persistance – PNC Bank Ariel – API Technology Harvey Downey ...... 434-2517 Sojourner – Northwest Savings Bank Shakes the Clown – Agility Marketing Monday - recover from the week’s activities; I continue to praise the many friends, family Tuesday - Eight Great Tuesdays; and volunteers who create all of these events [email protected] Attack – Cifelli Auto Sales & Service Banana Wind – Smugglers’ Wharf Wednesday - JAM Family Night racing; which I will cherish forever. David Lasher ...... 823-5165 Pinguino – Beer & Pop Warehouse/Kubeja Family The Houseboat – Smugglers’ Wharf Thursday - Thursday Night Happy Hour at EYC; [email protected] LOCO – Knights of St. John Big Blue – Borowy Insurance Friday - watch another sunset; Oh!, We just got word that there is a raft Joker – Merit Tool Double Black – Cybersonics, Inc. Saturday - prepare the boat for Raft-up/ Raft up up at Beach 11 at Noon. Swimming, good conversation, camaraderie, and the grandchil- Contributors to this Issue Northern Lights – Pony Express Six B’s – Orlando Funeral Home with friends and family at the Marina; Sunday – sailboat racing. dren love it. Gotta Go! Ashby Advertising, Publisher ...... 455-2757 Summer Place – Machuga Family Morning NEWS – NAPA Anesthesia Congratulations to all who enjoy the Erie Yacht [email protected] Raven – Home Instead Senior Care Red Herring – Pfeffer Insurance Agency WHEW!! No wonder I’m tired. Throw in Club. A’iLe-Muir – Lennon Smith Souleret Engineering, Inc. Blue Jacket – Breakfast Therapy the Eriegatta, Yoga on Tuesdays, and Discov- Jeff Eastman Sincerely and respectfully submitted Innisfree – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Widow Maker 2 – Pete Gorny/Andy Kalivoda er Presque Isle. We all are exhausted while Dr. Peter Lund having a great sunny summer in good old Erie Brian Lasher Cha Ching – Reid Petroleum & Crosby Stores Infinity – Wheelchairs and More PA. The EYC makes it all happen directly or Great White V - Al Church & Mickey McMahon Strider – LECOM indirectly. Harvey Downey Masego – Insurance Management Co. Fortunate Son - Pediatria Health Care Directory Brad Enterline Peacemaker – Bradley K. Enterline, Esq. Semplicita – Penn State Behrend John Garhart Schoc Top – Erie Specialty Products, Inc . Deliquescent – Frank Jarecki/Jarecki Valves Club House ...... 453-4931 Club House Fax ...... 453-6182 Dan Dundon Powder Hound – BF Fields Moving and Storage Lanada II – David J. Haller Construction Fuel Dock/Guard House..... 456-9914 Canoe House ...... 453-6368 Paul Jenkins EYC Web: www.erieyachtclub.org E-mail: [email protected] Escape – Erie Insurance Coyaba – Giewont’s and Crew Bob Cunningham Andicapp – Ameridrives Hat Trick – FH Group EYC Catering: Elizabeth Dougan 453-4931 or [email protected] P/C Gib Loesel Mailing address: P.O. Box 648 • Erie, PA 16512 Wolly Bully – Andy Hanks & Justina Tushak Coltrek – Coletech Inc Tom Madura LOG Photographer Volunteers: John Orlando / Tom Madura Aimee Nicolia Created, Designed and Published by Ashby Advertising, Inc. Scan to learn about the Erie 1722 West Eighth Street Erie, PA. 16505 (814)455-2757 Yacht Club - 3 - Of course, getting to Delray Beach is half the fun and getting back is even more so. On our first trip south after the canal we had a short over- night sail from City down the coast of New Jersey to Cape May, followed by cruising in the Del- aware and Chesapeake Bays to get to Annapolis where we weathered Hurricane Sandy. From the teem- ing Norfolk harbor, a single lock at Great Bridge let us into the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) prop- er and we wound our way south, un- der power most of the time, through narrow channels, broad bays, shoal- ing inlets and tea-colored, brackish Entering our marina canal, Delray Beach FL, 2016. water. In South Carolina and Geor- We departed Delray Beach on May Now the wind forecast was mod- gia in particular, the ICW seems to 3, 2016 with the intent of steaming erating and Chris’s nightly forecast spend more time going east and north on the ICW only long enough said that “VERY SALTY SAILORS” west than it does going north and to find a weather window for an off- could passage eastbound across south and they have 8-foot tides! shore trip. Chris Parker, our weath- the Gulf Stream the next day. Our Once we reached Florida, the route er router, was reporting brisk NNW planned route was to cross the straightened out but there were still winds in south Florida and the Ba- stream then head north from there First opened for travel from Albany many timed lift bridges and narrow hamas and these winds really whip and enjoy brisk beam reaching con- to Buffalo NY in 1825, the Erie Canal channels with which we had to up the Gulf Stream when they en- ditions about 150 miles out in the cuts through the upper parts of New contend. Our first trip took 2.5 cold, counter its warm, 3 kt, southerly cur- ocean all the way to Cape Hatteras. York state in what is still mostly pris- somewhat tedious months. tine wilderness: The Mohawk River, rents. Prudent mariners avoid these Upon hearing the forecast Neala an- Lake Oneida, the Seneca River and conditions and we still had a series nounced, “I’m not going!” But after the Niagara Escarpment. It now of incoming cold fronts with thun- a few drinks at the bar Dave, Grady comprises over 360 miles, 35 locks dershowers and more wind with and I had all begun to feel pretty and fifteen lift bridges with a max- which to contend, so we motored “SALTY” and so, with some cajoling, imum opened clearance of twelve north to anchor in Lake Worth for we got Neala to agree to go along. feet, thus like our Bene- the night. The weather report was We planned a dawn departure for teau 423 Northern Lights must un- still unfavorable the next morning the next morning. (If you ask her, step our masts to make the passage so we again motored north to stop Neala will tell you she didn’t sleep a with our masts creatively lashed to for the night in Fort Pierce, a major wink that night!) Canal murals at the city dock in Newark the deck. We made our first passage shipping inlet. (continued on next page) of the canal in the fall of 2012 and NY, May 2015. each trip since has been a wonder- But I’m getting ahead of myself, be- ful adventure. Last May, my wife, cause our most recent passage be- Neala, and I completed our fifth pas- gan in Delray Beach FL. We have a Grady and Dave disproving the old sage of the Erie Canal. condo there and have spent our last warning about bananas and fishing, few winters enjoying the cruising May 2016. . delights of south Florida. We draw This year, as we did in 2013 with 6 feet and so we’ve only been able our sons Christian Ferralli and Grady to get south to Blackwater Sound Eastman, we vowed to go offshore behind Key Largo on the inside be- to avoid the small intestines of the fore the mud won, but Biscayne Bay GA-SC ICW. Neala and I have done from Miami down to Elliot Key rivals several overnight ocean passages Lake Erie for its warm breezes, clear together on Northern Lights, but waters and fine sailing. In 2015 we without additional crew we become spent almost three weeks cruising exhausted standing port and star- in the northern Abacos area of the board night watches after 48 hours. Bahamas with friends from Toron- This year we again enlisted the help Side-tied at Lock 15 for videoconference, to we’d met at a big circle raft up in Delorme track of Northern Lights’ May of my son Grady and our good friend 2016 Passage North. May 2016. Lake Boca Raton. and sailing buddy Dave Grab. Northern Lights, Double-breasted Cay, Northern Abacos, April 2015.

- 4 - - 5 - motoring. As we got closer to Cape Fifteen Hundred Miles eral, hoping that the weather would May we began to get low on fuel so continue to improve and we could we came left a bit and stopped for on the Erie Canal head out again in the morning. We an hour in the late afternoon to refu- (continued from previous page) were very fortunate to be anchored el in the harbor there. With our tank there, as we were able to witness now full again; we headed back out As the sun rose we were steaming a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from 5 into the gathering dusk to motor in out the Fort Pierce channel into clear miles away that night. This was the glassy flat seas all the way to the weather and a 10-kt NW wind. We launch where they landed the rock- New York harbor entrance. As the set sails on a beam reach and were et on a barge offshore, an amazing sun rose, we were off of Sandy Hook soon doing 7 kts in easy 4-5 ft swells. feat! In the morning, however, with and the Verrazano Bridge loomed in Not too bad at first, the wind soon the words VERY SALTY still in Chris’ the distance. The winds began to built to 20 kts so we put a reef in the forecast my lovely wife informed fill in from the east now and so we main and and now we were do- me that we could go but that she hoisted our sails to sail slowly into ing 8 knots in 5-6 ft swells. We could would jump ship at the lock and go the harbor on a rising tide, past the do this all day. It really isn’t a very shopping with her girlfriend Kristin Mystic morning sunrise off Broad Creek Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to good day for sailing unless there’s a in Vero Beach if we did. I knew she NC 2013. port and the skyline of Manhattan to Small Craft Advisory on the weather really meant it this time and so her starboard. report. I checked in on the SSB Net voice of prudence prevailed and we with Chris Parker and he indicated set out his fishing line and soon had decided to head north on the ICW caught us a fine tuna fish for din- that the wind conditions further off- again that day. shore were significantly worse than ner. The winds built a bit during the “Low bridge, everybody down. Great Bridge VA 2015. previously forecast and were likely night to about 20 kts and varied from Low bridge ‘cause At 0830 the next morning we en- was visibility enough to proceed to worsen: it was blowing a solid 30 “We’ve hauled some WNW to WSW so we began making tered the famous “Flight of Five” so we slipped our lines and ghost- kts at West End, Bahamas and we really good time, jibing occasionally we’re coming to a town”. barges in our day, locks just to the west of Waterford. ed off slowly westward again. Soon had not even reached the stream to stay on a broad reach as the wind filled with lumber, coal These locks raised us 160 feet in the fog had burned off and the miles yet! shifted. When we joined the Gulf and hay” Stream we picked up another 2.5 We spent a week at Liberty Land- under two miles and are still the slid under our keel under beautiful tallest lift in the shortest distance clear skies. I had to do an important By the time I got back into the knots of boat speed in the 79-degree ing on the Jersey side. Grady and in the world. Now we were on the conference call that afternoon – I’m cockpit, Neala was glaring at me, water and were soon making 10 kts Dave flew home, we visited friends Mohawk River motoring in lazy arcs still consulting - so we tied up east of it was blowing 25 kts on the beam Two days later we arrived in St VMG towards Cape Hatteras. and saw “The King and I” at the Lin- along its tree-lined banks. This is our Lock 15 to do the call. This time, my and the seas had built to 6-8 feet! Augustine under very light winds coln Center. Soon we were riding favorite section of the canal. boss wanted me to turn on my vid- At this point, Neala HIGHLY REC- and clear skies. The fronts had all We had an easy moonless night a flood tide up the Hudson again, eo camera so the folks in the room OMMENDED that we come about. passed and there was now an easy under brilliant, starry skies as the past the Tappan Zee Bridge under- - some University of Michigan facul- All of us but her were feeling a bit westerly breeze blowing offshore so boat sailed along swishing in 3-5 ft going major construction, past West ty - could see me and from where I green too, so that’s just what we we just continued past the Bridge seas. In the morning the sun rose Point and – with a 2 kt kicker from was speaking. He later said, “They did. We sailed back to Fort Pierce of Lions and headed out into the brilliantly against the azure ocean the flood – all the way to Catskill, NY all turned Spartan green” when Sil- and motored north again to anchor ocean. Under sail soon after at 6-7 and the flying fish leaping in schools that night. The next morning we un- ver Fox passed behind me on cam- just west of the lock at Port Canav- kts on a broad reach, my son Grady from the wave tops in front of us stepped our and were under welcomed our passage northward. way again. We refueled at Albany era with their crew waving wildly. Grady caught a really nice Mahi Yacht Club and tied up in Waterford, (continued on page 26) Mahi that day and we settled into the beginning of the Erie Canal, for the rhythms of the sea. In another the night. day we were off North Carolina and then rounding Cape Hatteras in the Sunrise on the Upper Mohawk River middle of the night, still doing 9-11 2013. kts over the ground in a steady off- shore 18-22 kt breeze with 3-6 ft fol- Several locks later we tied up for lowing seas. the night in Amsterdam to have din- ner ashore with friends from the Shortly after rounding the Cape, Freedom 45 Silver Fox whom we’d we left the Gulf Stream and the wa- met in Waterford. We’ve met so ter temperature dropped 25 degrees many wonderful friends in our cruis- within about five miles. Fog quickly ing adventures and keep in touch set in and the winds died so we fired with many of them via social media up the Iron and continued on to this day. towards New York City. Soon the The morning light saw a layer of fog had cleared but the winds were Neala entering New York Harbor, May Northern Lights in Annapolis after Not always sunny. Lady Island Swing Bridge, SC, Fall 2013. now 5-10 on the nose so we kept on 2016. thick fog on the Mohawk but there Hurricane Sandy, 2012 . - 6 - - 7 - Following is a statement by the County Executive: “Our waters and shores are vital to Erie County, and I am proud to support this commu- nity-driven effort to preserve our aquatic assets. Creating a National Marine Sanctuary off the shores of Erie County will be equivalent to having a national park right in our backyard. This creates economic growth in Erie County by providing more opportunity for education, re- search and tourism. As NOAA continues to consider the Lake Erie Quadrangle for designa- In December 2015, Erie County • Sanctuary Designation: NOAA • Water lots are currently not in- tion as a marine sanctuary, the next Executive Kathy Dahlkemper sub- makes a final decision and prepares cluded in a Marine Sanctuary steps in the process will be highly mitted a proposal for the “Lake Erie the documents; before the desig- • The process will take at least two participatory. NOAA values com- Quadrangle National Marine Sanc- nation becomes effective, both the years, and provides a period for pub- munity input, and the community tuary.” According to an interview Governor and Congress have the op- lic comment will all be able to ask questions and conducted by the Erie Times News, portunity to review the documents • The proposal includes approxi- make their voices heard. she said its purpose was to “expand mately 90 endorsements from var- Erie-region tourism, bring NOAA re- At the request of Harvey Downey, ious government related agencies, I am proud of the gem we call the Board created an ad hoc com- *Note: The proposed boundary excludes any privately owned water lots and the Port sources to school systems, and at- educational institutions, non-profits, of Erie which is defined as Presque Isle Bay, the channel connecting the bay to Lake Erie, Lake Erie and care deeply about the tract more divers and researchers mittee to learn more about this environmental organizations, busi- and the HeroBX water lots, a small area southeast of the channel. unique resources around our wa- to the area.” It would not, she said, sanctuary. The committee includes nesses, and recreational organiza- ters. As the Lake Erie Quadrangle “restrict boating, diving and fishing Harvey Downey (Chair), Brad En- tions Penalties for persons violating the To better inform our members, progresses toward the goal of be- activities.” terline, and Brian Lasher. In March, NMSA may include: and to address any concerns, we coming a marine sanctuary, so too Harvey attended a news conference Nevertheless, some of the con- • any person guilty of a criminal of- have cordially invited County Ex- does my hope for an economically In February 2016, the Lake Erie with Kathy Dahlkemper, in which cerns expressed about the National fense against this act shall be fined, ecutive Kathy Dahlkemper to out- vibrant tomorrow. Through com- Quadrangle was added to the inven- she agreed to speak at an EYC Town Marine Sanctuary System (NMSS) and/or imprisoned for not more line why she believes the benefits munity initiatives like this that high- tory of areas NOAA will consider for Hall. In general, a marine sanctu- involve the powers that are ceded to than 6 months of joining the NMSS outweigh the light and promote our region, we designation. NOAA is currently the ary could provide national recogni- the Federal government. The NMSS • a civil penalty of not more than concerns, and why she believes this can continue to move Erie County trustee for a network of 14 marine tion to attract tourism and financial is governed by the National Marine $100,000 for each violation; each proposal is in Erie County’s best long forward.” protected areas, including in the support for education and research. Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). day of continuing violation shall term interest. Please join the County Great Lakes. The process, which During the process, information will constitute a separate violation Executive for a Town Hall meeting, normally takes two to five years, has be made available on the monitor. Under the NMSA, the NMSS: • forfeiture of any vessel used to Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 PM four steps: noaa.gov website. • protects an area’s natural resourc- take or retain a sanctuary resource at the Erie Yacht Club. • Scoping: NOAA announces its in- es and ecosystem, including endan- Here are a couple of facts to consider: gered species tent to designate a new national • Although the original application marine sanctuary and asks the pub- • preserves the area’s historical, included Presque Isle Bay, this area cultural, and archaeological signifi- lic for input on potential boundaries, was removed resources that could be protected, cance issues NOAA should consider, and • may draft regulations for fishing any information that should be in- • enforces any violations of any pro- cluded in the analysis vision of the act • Sanctuary Proposal: NOAA pre- • may board, search, inspect, and pares draft designation documents, seize any vessel suspected of being including a draft management plan, used to violate any provision of the draft environmental impact state- act ment, and proposed regulations and • may arrest any person, if there is boundaries reasonable cause to suspect such • Public Review: The public, agen- With Erie County Executive Kathy person is interfering with the Act’s cy partners, and other stakeholders Dahlkemper, at left is county Director of enforcement provide input on the draft docu- Administration Gary Lee. At right is county ments Director of Planning Kathy Wyrosdick. CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

- 8 - Yes, there is a medical condition He then went running down to the Snoring is caused by the obstruc- In fact your spouse’s snoring can Start with his or her nose. Treat al- Watching his or her diet and reg- for the poor unfortunate spouse who front desk of the hotel to get another tion of air flow through the nose and be a sign of sleep apnea or another lergies or nasal infections early. The ular exercise will help with weight is subjected to a snoring spouse. room. He said “it was like sleeping mouth. underlying medical condition such sooner these are treated the faster reduction which not only reduces They call it the “snoring spouse syn- next door to a saw, a nucle- as chronic fatigue, heart disease, they resolve. There are several over snoring but has a long list of oth- drome”sometimes called SSS. It is ar blast would be quieter.” I did not Causes include obstruction of the urinary issues, high blood pressure, the counter breathing aids that are er health benefits. Finally there is associated with chronic fatigue, ir- believe him because I did not hear nasal passage such as allergic rhi- strokes, heart attacks, and in the easy to use and physically maintain minimally invasive surgery that can ritability, and down right crabbiness. my snoring. He subsequently sent a nitis nasal or sinus infections or na- most severe form it can even result open airways. Avoid sleep aids , al- be used to eliminate snoring in se- Now for years, I was convinced that condolence card to my wife. sal polyps. Poor muscle tone of the in early death. cohol, and late night eating as these lective individuals. Outside of your I was not the responsible party for tongue or the throat will cause the can cause more airway obstruction family physician the other physi- such behavior on the part of my be- Another event included an Inter- airway to collapse and cause ob- But to all those spouses suffering resulting in snoring. Sleep on your cians trained to aid in this common loved wife. She had reminded me of club Cruise on Boyd Bert’s boat Di- struction. This naturally occurs with from SSS ( Snoring Spouse Syn- side; that position is less likely to condition is a sleep specialist or an few past events involving unbiased ablo. One night in Port Dover there aging, sleep aids and alcohol will drome) there is help short of drug- let the tongue fall into the back of Otolaryngologist. observers who substantiated her were seven, perhaps eight, less than also make it worse. Bulky chang- ging yourself or divorce. the throat and obstruct the airway. accusations. Plus, there was physi- sober guys sleeping below. The es to the throat can also cause ob- There are other positional tech- Now back to my bride’s SSS (Snor- cal evidence, in which I would wake noise was so severe the hull was struction to the airway and is found So what can one do to improve niques even mattresses that will ing Spouse Syndrome ) she looked up with bruises the result of less than vibrating. more commonly in people who are your sleep and eliminate snoring elevate the patient’s head and will over this article and said “ So smarty subtle physical hints to stop snoring. obese or individuals with swollen spouse syndrome from your house- reduce snoring. pants are you going to take your Now as your fleet surgeon, I am adenoids. Some people are unfortu- hold? own advice or are you going to sleep One past event included my med- obliged to inform you on the ba- nately blessed with a long soft pal- in the other bedroom ?!” ical practice partner. He and I were sics on snoring. One in four people ate and a dangling uvula which can attending a medical conference. To snore. It is more common in men also predispose the airway to be save money we shared a two room than women and commonly found obstructed and therefore producing suite. He warned me that he snored in people who are over weight. snoring. and preemptively apologized if he (Although our 22 lb Cavalier King disturbed my sleep. By the next Charles spaniel snores and insists morning, he had dragged his mat- on sleeping in our bed.) tress and bedding in the next room.

- 10 - - 11 - The river delta was a strange sight. villages listed on the chart are more I wasn’t expecting such a vast ex- aspirational than real. panse of marshland and low watery islands. The change from Lake Erie Having climbed the Detroit River, was so pronounced I was tempted the St. Clair River is simply less of to quote Dorothy and say aloud: the same: less wide and less com- In 2015, EYC member, John “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in plicated. The current runs as usual, Garhart, sailed his Tartan 27, Kansas anymore.” The river’s mouth neither faster nor slower, and the freighter traffic is by now old-hat. Dulcibella, to the North Channel is stuffed with low islands: Dickin- son Island, Harsens Island, Seaway The channel is well marked, and of Lake Huron, stopping at nu- Island, Squirrel Island, and more. the shoreline passes slowly, allow- ing for close inspection of a bucolic merous ports and harbors. The lyrical language in Pat Conroy’s Prince of Tides that describes the landscape. Just below the town of “fecund aroma” of his low country St. Clair, abeam the power plant, a This is the Third in a series of marshland immediately sprang to freighter turning and backing in the First stop after Detroit, Mount Clemens mind. river gave several loud blasts - it cer- articles recounting that summer Michigan on the Clinton river. tainly caught my attention. After an hour or so the meander- adventure. At 3:45 p.m., I finished my jour- My choice of Mount Clemens as a ing stops. The river sobers up and ney and tied up in Port Huron at destination was based on the luxu- forms a proper channel, with de- the Yacht Club (PHYC). Here, at the ry of time and a favorable remark in fined banks and a dry shoreline. But mouth of Lake Huron, the twin cities another cruiser’s blog describing it the setting is distinctly rural: cottag- It’s a clear night and I’m alone on of Port Huron and Sarnia, Ontario, as another Vermilion. I found dock- es and houses line the American Lake Huron, well offshore. Nothing face each other across the interna- age at the North Star Sail Club, a shore, occasionally a small village, breaks the horizon but the watery tional boundary of the St. Clair Riv- small, friendly club. The Clinton Riv- rarely a small town. Two small car sea below and the endless sea of er. The smaller intersecting Black er is picturesque, but it divides the ferries cross the river, and tiny cus- tremulous stars above. Aboard, all is River provides water access to Port town in half, and there’s no nearby toms outposts face off on opposing settled. Huron. The club and the Black River bridge or water taxi. All the restau- shores. There are three small towns are impossible to miss. An old bas- rants were on the other side, and I on the American side: Marine City, The autopilot steers. The boat is in cule railroad bridge, forever frozen wasn’t willing to inflate my dingy for St. Clair, and Marysville. None of- harmony with wind and sea. The in the up position, marks the river’s a single night. From my cockpit, I fers convenient fuel or dockage. St. captain is at his leisure. And the log entrance. entry reads: “I am as at peace as it is could see the waterfront restaurants Clair does appear to have dockage directly across the way, and I could and perhaps fuel on the Pine River possible for a human to be.” (continued on following page) hear their music, but this glittering beyond a lift bridge. The Canadian On June 24, at 7:30, on a clear tableau remained tantalizingly be- morning, with a rising barometer yond reach. In the end, I was res- and a flat river, I headed north from cued by an invitation to the Sail Club Detroit. Rather than cross Lake St. dinner. Clair directly via the ship channel, I headed for Mount Clemens, Michi- Seven a.m. found me headed gan, on the Clinton River. As you exit for the St. Clair River. Navigation is the Detroit River and enter Lake St. made easier with the St. Clair River Clair, numerous wealthy commu- Chart 14852 at hand. The chart re- nities, all bearing some variation of veals (and your eyes confirm) that Grosse Pointe in their name, crowd the outflow of the St. Clair River into the western shore. Lake St. Clair has created a huge river delta. There are four main Yacht clubs proliferate; a forest of channels - North Channel, Middle masts rise. Obligatory mansions line Channel, South Channel and Cut- the shore, but none diminish those off Channel (the freighter channel) on Erie’s South Shore Drive. - though calling some of these pas- sages channels overstates the case. The North Channel begins as a series of small buoys in six or seven feet of water, before turning into a channel of any depth. Aside from these four, there are other minor passages best left only to the locals. The small but hospitable North Star Sail Club.

- 12 - - 13 - Dulcibella’s Adventure Bars and restaurants are within On this final stretch upriver, under (continued from previous page) easy walking distance. If anything, the Blue Water Bridge to Canada, RSM is better than the Yacht Club: the current is swift, and progress is The bridge is on property now gently sloping parkland abutting the very slow. Hug the Canadian side, owned by the Yacht Club. Some- river surrounds it and the boats are close in, and ride the counter-cur- day, the expense of demolish- vigilantly watched by staff. The only rent. Follow the locals. People joke ing this bridge will fall to club downside is the need to wait for two that you’re going so slow here, and members in the form of a hefty closely spaced bridges to open be- you’re so close to shore, you can assessment. fore proceeding back to the lake. shake hands with the Canadians. But both bridges are well coordinat- Eventually you’ll gain the lake, but ed, and the wait is minimal. it’s a slow journey. This is the worst current you’ll see. You’ll notice that Along the river, Port Huron shows the water leaving Lake Huron is life with bars and restaurants. But The amenities and conveniences of the River Street Marina were a big factor in clear and blue, hence the bridge’s behind this Potemkin facade, lit- leaving Dulcibella in their care for a month. name. tle of the downtown business dis- trict survives. There is, however, Michigan publishes an excellent, more than one. In the retail sector, one first-class marine supply store picture-laden, free Harbors Guide. If An incoming storm threatens Dulcibella at Harbor Beach, security provided by a well downtown: Great Lakes Marine Walmart has seemingly vanquished you don’t get one before you leave, constructed breakwall. Outfitters. And Desmond Marine op- all. Those lacking transportation to you can pick one up in Port Hu- The Port Huron Yacht Club which can’t erates a well-run dockage and fuel Walmart are served by dollar stores, ron. And Marjorie Brazer’s Cruising to three boat lengths. Chart plotter, ment block harbor master’s office. be missed marked by the Bascule railroad point at the river’s entrance, across conveniently embedded in impov- Guide to the Great Lakes is a thor- AIS, and autopilot - priceless. Chattering halyards nearly drove me bridge forever frozen in time in the upright from PHYC. A parklike promenade erished neighborhoods everywhere. ough, though dated, resource. You crazy. My overnight passage had tak- position. abuts the St. Clair River for some may also consider joining the Great Similarly, in late August on my re- en me into the heart of these storms. With few locally owned business- distance below the town; there are Lakes Cruising Club; by all accounts turn trip, I was unable to enter Har- Lake Huron had given me a proper es, what income these small towns PHYC has limited transient dock- tourist attractions here. Though if their cruising resources are first- bor Beach due to a heavy fog that welcome! generate migrates to Bentonville, age - first come, first served - on a you’ve come this far by boat, the fa- rate. Stop in: they’re headquartered obscured the sun and persisted well Arkansas and then on to the various pier at the entrance to Black Riv- vorite pastime of watching the pass- in Port Huron. into the afternoon, despite sun and a Morning brought flooded towns financial capitals of the world. The er. The clubhouse is new and the ing freighters is probably of little in- clear sky above the fog. Even Harbor in Michigan’s Thumb region, with youth that can leave, do; an aging shower facilities are modern. How- terest to you now. After talking to other sailors, I de- Beach’s fog horn was of no aid. And widespread power outages. Small ever, I intended to leave Dulcibella population remains, and ever so cided to stay along the Michigan the freighter lanes, upbound and tornadoes had touched down near- here for a month, so I soon moved Time and again, in the small towns slowly these towns die. I suspect shore when crossing Lake Huron. down, run near the Michigan shore. by. Despite localized flooding, Har- a short distance up-river to the River and villages in the Thumb and Mitt this is the story of most of the small But don’t stay too close inshore - At times, I had my head on a swivel, bor Beach revealed itself to be a Street Marina (RSM). This facility is of Michigan, the major employer towns in Michigan’s Thumb and there are rocks here. Michigan has with six ships in sight at once. small, pleasant town. the municipal marina but is private- is government, schools, or a local Mitt region. (Thank God, Detroit and small boat harbors of refuge almost ly operated. Everything here is first- hospital. Economically, these com- Flint are doing well). every 30 miles. Following this shore On Saturday, August 1, I was eager class, and marina staff are helpful munities seem hollowed out. Few was less likely to place me on a lee to head north. I left Port Huron at 4 I left Dulcibella at River Street Ma- and abundant. Fuel, showers, pum- communities have a major private shore without refuge. p.m. and planned an overnight pas- rina for the month of July. It was a pout, and laundry are all here. sector employer - and there’s rarely sage to Harbor Beach. The forecast long car trip, but I returned each On Lake Huron, the best of these was for severe thunderstorms Sun- weekend to ensure her care. For harbors are: Lexington, Port Sani- day night, but I was confident I would most of a week, the Mackinac race lac, Harbor Beach, Port Austin, East be in the safety of Harbor Beach by fleet filled Black River with sailboats Tawas, Harrisville, Alpena, Presque then - as long as the storms kept to of every size and description. Nyan- Isle Harbor, and Rogers City. Up- schedule. By Sunday at 4:15 a.m., I za was there, with her crew ready to bound, I visited Harbor Beach, Port was outside the harbor waiting for After the storm had passed in Harbor race. I used this time to have a dive Austin, and Presque Isle Harbor. first light. The municipal marina was Beach a beautiful sunset revealed itself. service clean Dulcibella’s bottom. Downbound, I stopped at Rogers marked by older wooden docks. My By August, all was ready for the trip City and Port Sanilac. Going well off- log entry describes the marina as The coal-fired power plant was north. shore for 24 hours or so saves time lonely. However, it was a very large closing - environmental regulations. on long passages. and secure harbor, with a huge sea Discussions of global warming and In leaving Port Huron, you need to wall designed to withstand all the dirty coal don’t find a receptive au- finish the final stretch of the St. Clair Beware, you can get heavy fog punishment the lake can inflict. dience here. The Dow Chemical River. Here, caution is the watch- here any time of year. In late June, plant was also rumored to be down- word. Depending on the wind, with I was turned back trying to reach By 8 p.m., a series of violent thun- sizing. This small plant makes in- or opposing the current, this can be Kincardine, Ontario, by a building derstorms arrived and lasted until secticides, sports an effective fence, a rough ride. Steep, short waves can heavy fog. You don’t often see heavy 2 a.m.. Ominous rotational clouds and doesn’t encourage cameras. make steering difficult. Heading in fog in 15 knots of wind. I barely threatened to birth tornadoes. The preserved handsome home of from the lake, with wind and current made a safe return to Goderich, On- Winds measuring 73 mph hit the The appropriately named Blue Water Bridge spans the St. Clair River and links Port Huron (continued on following page) in the U.S. to Point Edward in Canada. behind, you’re flying. Be careful! tario. Visibility at Goderich was two boat, and I fled for refuge in the ce-

- 14 - - 15 - Dulcibella’s Adventure The hot, dry summer of 1871 set At 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, (continued from previous page) the stage for a great fire. In October I was off for Presque Isle Harbor, a of that year, with enormous quanti- long day’s journey north. Well off- Frank Murphy, a former US Supreme ties of slash available as fuel, fires shore, I had the spinnaker up for Court Justice, is located here. erupted, merged, and swept over 2.5 hours, with music playing. The log million acres of the state. Hundreds reads: “heaven on earth.” But, by Nearby, in Port Sanilac, a small died. Ten years later, in 1881, fueled 9 p.m., the sails were down, and I plaque caught my eye. The inscrip- by the same conditions, more than was motoring. Harrisville was be- tion indicated that at one time mu- half of the Thumb Region - another hind, and an Alpena waypoint was nicipal offices were kept in the 1 million acres - was burned over 20 miles ahead. Midnight revealed basement of the building, and the again. And in 1908, another great fire a starry cathedral as I crossed off- basement walls were heavily rein- consumed 2.4 million acres. Similar shore of Thunder Bay. At 3 a.m. on forced against fire. A little research great fires ravaged Michigan’s Upper Friday, the moon said goodnight, uncovered the story: great fires had Peninsula from the 1890s into the but the starry sky, now more lumi- swept vast swaths of Michigan in 1920s. nous than ever, remained. A few 1871, 1881, and 1908. By the 1920s, this orgy of cutting Michigan was but a territory in was over: 90 percent of the state’s the early 1800s. It determined to forests had been destroyed. Some give away land for a bargain price 244 billion board feet of Michigan of $1.25 an acre, hoping to encour- timber were cut: a stack of logs 10 age immigration, promote farming, The newer of the two lighthouses stationed in Presque Isle harbor... yes there is another feet high, 10 feet wide, and 35,000 Presque Isle complete with lighthouses. displace the Native American pop- miles long - enough to circle the ulation, and enhance prospects for world one and a half times. This statue by Randolph Rose reflects back statehood. But timber companies to a simpler time as found in many of iners prayed for the first glimpse of A sailor sails alone because he can these small towns like Port Austin. and speculators, who prized Michi- I had been warned repeatedly them. This is a serious shore, and travel further and faster that way. gan’s vast white pine forests, were about Saginaw Bay. Time and again, those seeking this harbor in bad In the silence of the journey, he waiting to pounce. Logging began it was described as a windmill. Lo- 20, and I had two reefs in the main weather must often have been in can hear. In such journeys, hidden in earnest in the mid-1830s, aid- cal sailors advised it was best to and a reduced headsail. Clearly, I mortal peril. places are revealed, and the beauty ed by the opening of the Erie Ca- cross before noon - before the wind wasn’t going to be across the bay of the natural world is brought into machine kicked in. Each day, I by noon. With the wind increas- Manitoulin Island, the Mississagi focus. The sailor collects these im- nal in 1825 and the later coming of Strait, and the North Channel are the railroads. Companies cut with would listen to NOAA weather radio ing, I courageously chickened out ages to take with him - into the gath- and hear the wind report for Gravel- and headed into Port Austin, on the just across Lake Huron, only 20-plus ering darkness, a darkness certain no thought of consequence, aban- The Spinaker was full on the long run miles away. We’re near the end doned the logging debris (“slash”), ly Shoals in Saginaw Bay. And each bay’s edge. North offshore to Presque Isle Harbor. to come. day my apprehension grew. point of this journey. and then abandoned the land. Hav- As I rounded the corner of Sagi- ing extracted their profits they ske- shooting stars appeared. But I was I left Harbor Beach on Tuesday, naw Bay, winds in the bay built to 25 daddled, defaulting on taxes. Often all in. On a smooth, motionless sea August 4 at 7:45 a.m., and head- knots, then 30. I slid into Port Austin they cut whether they owned the I hove to, set a riding light, and went ed north. By 11:30, the wind had just as a fast-moving afternoon thun- land or not. below to sleep. At 8 a.m., I was back strengthened from seven knots to derstorm struck, and pinned Dul- on course, and by 11:45 a.m., I was cibella firmly against the fuel dock tied up in Presque Isle Harbor - jour- with its gusts. As winds peaked at 40 ney’s end. knots, I heard a metallic ping, and a small, deformed aluminum rivet Presque Isle Harbor is remote. I had suddenly appeared on deck. no cell service, but I didn’t expect any. The marina is newer, but small. Port Austin is a pretty town, with There’s a very small yacht club here, wide intersecting main streets and and a public restaurant shares its renewed facades on many build- building. A general store is across ings. The Port Austin State Dock and the street. And that is all. Of the few Marina was in top shape; everything boats you see here all are all serious was new. The primary business of cruisers. Port Austin is tourism, and the econ- omy here has an easier time than Both the old and new lighthouses other nearby towns. I planned on are still standing, and both are open leaving in the morning, but at 3 a.m. as museums, each a short bike ride the wind was howling, and my re- from the harbor. A sense of rever- solve weakened. So I spent another ence attaches to these lights. One Dulcibella docked in Port Austin on the edge of Saginaw Bay. pleasant, day here. instinctively understands how mar-

- 16 - - 17 - The Oktoberfest is especially fun Many years EYC Oktoberfest has No run-of-the-mill beer, hot dogs or with annual and continually wilder been sold-out, so begin planning boring bands! EYC offers something crowd-participation! We begin with now to attend what has become special, a real, established Oktober- shoogling. When you lock arms with one of our greatest parties of the fest. We really appreciate the on- one another at your long beer-gar- year. Leave your Schies Ggewehr at going encouragement and support den tables and rock to-and-fro, Hin home and don’t miss being among of many dedicated EYC members and Her and front-to-back, that’s the many veterans of all 21 Oktober- who return year-after-year. Also, shoogling! This prepares us for the fests. Join the annual stream of new we could not get along without the Gefahrliches Ding battle between folks who we know will become re- help of our dedicated entertainment the Bavarians and the Tyroleans! peat Oktoberfestors! committee of fellow EYC members. Some say Bavaria is the most beau- tiful region and has the wildest res- Come to Oktoberfest! Introduce idents. Others say Tyrolea is tops! your friends to the Goddess of Beer Come to Oktoberfest, jump over and hug the Dicke Frau! the Kreux und Quer and decide for yourself!

n October 15th the Erie During dinner, the non-stop en- On tap in the EYC Beer-hall you Yacht Club will host our 21st tertainment starts with favorite Ger- will find special beer selections of- annual Oktoberfest Party! man ballads sung by Erie’s own fered only during the Oktoberfest O Siebenbuerger Singers. Then, direct party. Embrace the Goddess of Beer Annual events like robins-in-spring, from Pittsburgh, the Augsburg Ger- as you raise your Grosses Glas! the fall harvest and gathering around man Band plays a variety of German the Schnitzelbank at EYC Oktober- beer-hall favorites. Their traditional The line to our scrumptious buf- fest keep rolling-around and are just German oom-pah music will get us fet may be a little Krum Und Grad as anticipated and enjoyable! EYC spinning like a Wagen Rad. Alternat- or maybe even Kurz Und Lang as members love Oktoberfest! It is no ing hourly throughout the evening you load your plate with Wiener Hauffen Mist that many return year- with the Augsburg German Band schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Roasted after-year because EYC Oktoberfest will be The Mad Bavarian. You can chicken, Bratwurst, Knockwurst, delivers a Munich beer-hall right to expect the Augsburg German Band pumpernickel, potato pancakes, us here on the shore of Presque Isle “to fire us up” and The Mad Bavari- German potato salad, sauerkraut, Bay! an to take us straight to that Munich and red cabbage! No one will say beer-hall with his one-man show of a thing if you make a bit of a Fette EYC hosts a REAL Oktoberfest par- German music and shenanigans. Of Sau of yourself at the dessert buffet! ty! Authentic German entertainment course, good old Professor Schultz Especially look for black forest cake is delivered by three great groups will lead us in our annual Schnitzel- and apple strudel! Later in the eve- with minimum downtime between bank Song! You never know what ning, big soft pretzels are served! acts. Authentic German dishes pre- might happen! One year a Schnick- Let’s hope Langer Mann P/C Urba- pared following old-world Bavarian lefritz presented his astonished girl- niak does not borrow the Oxen Blas recipes fill our terrific buffet. We friend with a Hochzeits Ring while to make his haggis! serve great beer and lots of it! acting as Professor Schultz!

- 18 - - 19 - The Junior Sailing Race Team, In July, the EYC sent 6 teams of In August, the Race Team coached by Anna Bloomstine and 2 to sail on Club 420 sailboats at participated in the Berlin Yacht Michal Szelwach competed at a Junior Bay Week. Noah Nicolia Club’s regatta, the Travelers Se- number of Travelers Series Regat- and crew John Wolford won the ries eighth and final regatta for the tas this summer as well as Area fourth place trophy and Emma season. In addition to 420 teams, E Eliminations (better known as Francoeur and crew Lily Myers the EYC also brought Opti sailors Semis), and the ILYA’s annual won the fifth place trophy in a fleet to compete under the guidance of Junior Bay Week in Put-In-Bay, of 46 boats. Also representing the Opti Race Coach Caroline Mashy- . Erie Yacht Club were the teams of na. Peter Bloomstine and Emily Gry- chowski, Michael Jarecki and Hay- After the regatta, awards were ley Schultz, Jack Niemic and Gigi presented for the Travelers Series. Riesenberg, and Race Nicolia and Emma Francoeur and Lily My- Max Myers. The EYC Race Team ers won second place overall for also was awarded the Ship Shape the series. In addition, they were trophy for the second year in a awarded a trophy for this year’s row. Nice job Team Erie! Best Female Team. Way to go ladies!

Emily Grychowski (pictured here) along with Peter Bloomstine, Noah Nicolia, John Wolford, Emma Francoeur and Lily Myers competed at Area E Qualifiers in July at the North Cape Yacht Club. While there, they met Olympic Gold medalist Anna Tunnicliff, who grew up sailing at NCYC and returned for a presentation to the competitors at the July event. Here Grychowski holds Tunnicliff’s gold medal for Radial single handed sailing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

- 20 - - 21 - Summertime doesn’t get much bet- The instructors then presented the Friday Cup Chris Grychowski then presented ter when you have week after week ratings for the each student fol- (Race series for 420 sailors in Friday the Jeffery Potter Memorial Trophy – of sunshine, especially if you’re a kid lowed by the individual trophies and classes) an award that goes to a person who in the EYC’s Reyburn Sailing School special awards. This year’s winners has made a significant impact on the program. Near perfect weather con- were: First Place – skipper Emma Carlson Reyburn Sailing School. The award ditions and some pretty terrific sail- and crew Josiah Previte went to Commodore John Orlando ing instructors under the direction Opti Race Team Junior Second Place – skipper Becky Carl- for having consistently been an ad- of Chris Grychowski made for an- Commodore’s Cup son and crew Abby Ferrara vocate of the program year-round. other great year for students to learn (Race series for members of the Opti about and improve their boat han- Race Team) Opti Cup Following the special awards, the dling skills and sportsmanship. Bet- (Race series for the more experienced instructors lightened up the eve- ter yet, they had the opportunity to First Place - Anthony Farrar Opti students) ning and added a lot of laughs with make lifelong friendships while ex- Second Place - Halle Myers the annual “Fun Awards”. These periencing the fun and adventures Third Place - Will McBrier First Place - Nathaniel Klan awards went out to students for cat- on Presque Isle Bay. Second Place - James Farrar egories such as Love Boat, Fish Out Commodore’s Cup Third Place - Holden Siegler of Water (for the kids who love to Chris Grychowski, (or Coach G, as (Race series for members of the regular swim), Captain Crunch, and Tough he is affectionately known by the Race Team) Junior Cup as Nails, just to name a few. A final sailing students and instructors) re- (Race series for the more competitive video highlighting the sailing school First Place - Peter Bloomstine, Noah capped the sailing season at the Ju- 420 sailors) season was shown, leaving behind nior Sailing Banquet on Tuesday, Au- Nicolia, Emma Francoeur First Place - skipper Halle Myers and many happy memories and the gust 9, in the EYC Ballroom. Among Second Place - Lilly Myers, John anticipation of the year to come. the highlights of the season were big Wolford, Emily Grychowski crew Mitchell Myers & Ethan Seifert boat day, long sail, fun boxes, sail- Third Place - Jack Niemic, Michael Second Place - skipper Anthony Far- ing soccer, day, and the end Jarecki, Michael Orlando rar and crew Grayson Siegler and of the season championship races. Sawyer Farbotnik Additionally, the Reyburn Sailing Opti Star Cup Third Place - skipper Will McBrier School held weekend sessions for (Race series for the newest Opti sailors) and crew Jared Sorce both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and participated for the first time at First Place - Rowan Jung Sportsmanship /Boy Discover Presque Isle where the in- Second Place - Reagan Gehrlein structors gave sailboat rides to park Third Place - Ava Spry Cole Walker visitors. Instructor Cup Sportsmanship /Girl (Race series for 420 sailors not qualifying Emma Carlson for Junior Cup) Most improved Boy First Place - Ridgeway and JJ Case Second Place - Nathan Mascia and Rowan Jung Sophia Phelps Third Place - Michael Grychowski, Most Improved Girl Sylvia Prebor, Sydney Farbotnick Emma Yarosz

- 22 - - 23 - It was a perfect summer day as Not me... Once I get my trusty old Ah.... time to relax, put my pole in “I’ll see you at the weigh-in” he· I launched my old Starcraft at the pole rigger with a bobber and red it’s special holder between my toes yelled, as his buddy fired up the 250 Erie Yacht Club boat ramp. My gear worm, I lean back on a musty life and adjusted my life jacket pillow. horse and rocketed down the bay. included a cooler with soft drinks, jacket to enjoy some cloud watch- Once again its time to do some cloud All the other boats did the same sandwiches and a few dozen well ing and contemplating life’s myster- watching and be gently rocked back and their wakes caused a Presque aged red worms. Red worms are ies. The gentle rocking of the boat to la-la land. While slowly drifting Isle Bay tsunami the likes of which amazing because as long as they and the soothing breeze usually away, my subconscious conjured had never been seen before. are kept cool they will last for many sweeps me off to dream land. up images of a large bay with armies weeks. My wife Kathy frowns on my of bass boats lined up in a kind of Then a deep silence fell over the habit of storing them in the garage Right when everything was going battle field, lines that were facing according to plan an ear piercing now still waters and all I could hear frig because she has nightmares of off for the armageddon of fishing was a plunk, plunk, of my small bob- my little friends some how escaping roar split the air like a sharp knife wars. The good guys in white boats and jolted me from my blissful ber that suddenly vanished on the their container and crawling into the were on the right, and the bad guys end of line. diet cokes or water bottles. coma. in black were on the left. Each army maneuvered slowly with their troll- Could this be the monster of Big After launching my rickety tin boat It was one of those dastardly iron- ing motors and held their fiberglass Mouths? The grandest of them all. and firing up my classic, a 15 horse ing board boats with posted seats lances high with nasty looking crank After a long hard battle I finally land- Johnson outboard - a better descrip- and two cowboys on deck that were baits armed with razor sharp treble ed what had to be the state record tion might be - “very tired old fishing furiously whipping long poles to fling large stick baits on 40 yard casts. hooks that glistened in the sun. for a Largemouth. That’s when my rig”, I headed up the bay. life jacket pillow slipped and I hit my As the opponents faced off, a 14 A string of bass boats stretched Smack! Bang! ! How on earth head and woke up. foot starcraft drifted up to the start- along the shallow waters of the could a savvy bass be fooled into bit- ing line and a sleepy guy with a bob- It was time to crank up my old 15 south shore-line. My plan was to find ing on such outlandish colored baits ber on a small rod raised his arm to horse kicker and putt slowly back an out of the way quiet spot far from with glowing red eyes and strange action ? signal the start of the battle. to the boat ramp. It would really be anyone who might disturb my rest- more fun to have a little bigger mo- ful style of angling. Smack! Bang! Splash! went the Smack! Bang! Splash! went the tor to get back faster. crank bates that flew through the Most fishermen are out to catch heavy lures causing a water eruption air like deadly missiles in every di- I’ll bet a 250 horse would really large numbers of big fish that fight around them. This wasn’t fishing, it rection as the dog fight erupted. This make my old tin boat . hard and provide excitement to their was hand-to-hand combat! would be a fight to the finish and it outing. My idea is to avoid big num- “Hey Joe, I just nailed a real slab was no place for timid souls. In the bers of those slippery things that can look at this baby.” One guy said as middle of the me-lee a nasty looking disturb my peace on the water. he lifted a shell shocked largemouth guy in a black boat yanked a mon- Bass guys on the other hand are from the angry water. After 15 more ster large mouth from the water and looking for non-stop action and If minutes of water thrashing, the bass spun it in a wide circle over his head. the pace slows, they fire up their 250 guys fired up their monster motor Directly across from him a smil- horse motors and race off to a new and rocketed off to another peace- ing angler in a white boat sat calmly location. ful place to create more havoc. on his pole seat holding up an even larger Big Mouth Bass.

- 24 - - 25 - Fifteen Hundred Miles Another day on the Canal found us at Lock 24 in Baldwinsville NY, six-foot clearance over the water on the Erie Canal where we’d spent 10 days strand- in their lowered condition and only (continued from page 7) ed in 2015 because of flooding on 12-feet when they are raised. Often the Seneca River. That year we had a single bridge tender must handle to backtrack to Oswego NY, cruise traffic for two or three bridges in a Lake Ontario and take the Welland row, so they hurry between bridg- Canal to get home. I checked the en- es by car or by bicycle and we of- gine shortly after shutting her down ten need to wait until they arrive to and noticed a persistent drip-drip- pass. There’s no rushing this part of drip coming from our water pump. the trip. I called my friend Jim Manges at Erie’s Anchor Marine and he didn’t sound optimistic about getting a new pump quickly so close to the Memorial Day weekend. This was Thursday afternoon so we had a Low bridges, Pittsford, NY 2016. sinking feeling about being stranded We spent a lay day in the town of again in Baldwinsville, even though Ilion so I could do some more calls, we do enjoy the town. then continued westward the next Grand Island Bridge art on the Niagara day. We crossed Lake Oneida in River, May 2016. calm conditions and tied up at the “You’ll always know your free dock in Brewerton for the night. neighbor and you’ll always with the dealer that he could get Soon we were joined by our friends know your pal, us a new pump in the morning the from Silver Fox and by other friends Entering Lock 34 in Lockport NY, May if you’ve ever navigated lockmaster volunteered to pick it 2016. we’d met along the way on a Nordic up and bring it to us as soon as it Tug. They were embarking on the on the Erie Canal”. arrived. The people on the Erie Ca- In another two days we were Down East Circle Loop from their nal are so friendly and helpful and through the tandem, 40 ft locks homeport in Maine. The tall ship we were beyond grateful when in Lockport and were tied up in Appledore IV also joined us for the Neala suggested we talk with the the pump arrived by 11am the next Tonawanda NY. We hosted happy night there, odd-looking with all of lockmaster about our situation and morning and we were under way hour on board with some of our Del- her masts and spars lashed to her so we walked up to Lock 24 for a again by noon. The canal westward ray Beach friends who live locally. deck. Her crew had left Key West chat. He was very friendly and said of Baldwinsville snakes through the The next morning we left Tonawan- about the same time we left Delray there was a Volvo Penta dealer in Montezuma Wildlife Refuge for 50 da and headed up the Niagara River Beach and they all agreed the trip Brewerton we could call and gave miles and, while beautiful and full of towards the Peace Bridge. Just be- up the Gulf Stream in NW winds us the number. After confirming wildlife, it is a darned poor place to fore the bridge we passed through was most uncomfortable. lose one’s engine. the Black Rock Lock and out onto Lake Erie under clear skies and light We tied up at Lock 27 in Lyons that winds. It’s always exciting to get to night and when the lock opened the lighthouse at the channel en- the next morning were underway trance to Presque Isle Bay, to pass to Pittsford. Soon we were tied up our familiar city front buoys and there to enjoy dinner with Neala’s eventually to tie up at our slip at the other son Ian as the annual Pitts- Erie Yacht Club. Now, after 5 transits ford-Fairport Crew Races passed and over 1500 miles on the Erie Ca- by us on the canal. The final seg- nal, we can say with confidence, ment of the canal from Pittsford to Lockport involves only four locks “And every inch of the way but fourteen ancient lift bridges that cross the canal in towns with pictur- I know, from Albany to Buffalo” esque canal–era names like Spen- cerport, Brockport, Gasport and Thomas S. Allen, composer 1905 Middleport. As we’ve learned, each town has its own unique canal his- tory and the residents welcome the Sing along night (with rum included) Erie Canal, Amsterdam NY 2015. canal travelers. The bridges have a - 26 - - 27 - few weeks ago I was hav- the Philadelphia Symphony and Erie It all started way back (1938) in rather an independent effort of the “Gambling is not encouraged! In Dues were collected each week ing Alunch with Captain Boyd Bert Philharmonic; puppeteer; for fun en- the old club house when a good old members. However, the Yacht Club the past, gambling at the Yacht Club (in 1972 - 50 cents) just long enough of the good ship Diablo and “the tertained EYC members with songs Koehler’s beer was maybe 25 cents looks with favor on our organization has led to unfriendly relations and to assure a successful Spring Ban- crew” and of course there were about the Club; Club poetry and a and there was no such thing as TV. and has housed it these many years, that we don’t want. However, if any- quet. Scores were keep for the lots of good sea stories being spun. along the way wrote and directed The “guys” would assemble, the Pi- for which we are forever grateful. one wants to bet a beer on a game, entire year. The Grand Banquet Somehow I started to notice a group a few stage shows, the most noto- nochle cards would appear and the We hope this arrangement will con- the police will look the other way.” was always held on General Grants of nice looking ladies gathering for rious “Emma The Lighthouse Keep- score cards would come out along tinue”. birthday (April 27th) and the King their Tuesday bridge game and this ers Daughter”. The Skipper was also with snacks (sometimes) and of “The teaming of “pinochle sharks” and Queen who were actually a “Pi- got me to thinking (again) about a wonderful artist and many of our course the beer. The history book lists 39 of us as was found undesirable and such nochle” the Jack of Diamonds and Skipper Cooley. members are proud owners of his “players”, the scary part... 29 of them teams are discouraged, (one guy the Queen of Spades” (40 points) work (another story for the future). “Winters in Erie have always been have “slipped their anchor” and are couldn’t take it and quit us). For this Now a lot of you newer members was crowned, with pictures and ev- long and cold, and there wasn’t now melding their “Pinochle’s” in reason we change partners after erything!! are thinking Skipper Who? Let’s see Oh and by the way he was the much to do around the club, thus Fiddlers Green. each game, unless perhaps it is a if I can conjure up a brief descrip- founder of the club’s “informal” Pi- the formation of a Pinochle Club in bad night and only one table is play- After 29 years of devotion to the Pi- tion of the Skipper... to start with he nochle Club (it was never adopted 1938” The original group consisted In early November the Skipper ing.” nochle Club the Skipper was pre- was a lifelong bachelor; a stout little making it an official Club activity). of the following stalwarts: Gus Sopp, would make sure a card was sent to sented one of the most unique tro- fellow who always appeared with Andy Shafer, Al Panitzhe, Eben Gun- every member of EYC and remind Now ladies I am not sure if you phies I have ever seen (created by a jacket and tie unless he had just He loved to play Pinochle and that nison, Charlie Nier, Danny Ryan, them of the starting date for Pinoch- will care for this last quote but keep Paul Brugger) and of course it had crawled out from under the bottom is what this story is about. According Charley Olen, Homer Coleman and le. His cards always had four guys in mind the Skipper was a lifelong “four guys huddled around the card of his beloved Cat Boat “Ginger”. to my memory and a little help from Byron Cooley.” huddled around a card table and a bachelor: “The Pinochle Club, by table and a beer or two in site”. Even then he might have a tie on our Club’s 100th year history book beer or two in site. vote, does not encourage lady mem- bers, ‘tho the gals are more than If These Docks Could Talk” they with his bib overhauls; I don’t ever mixed together with some old LOG Cooley provided the rules and in Each year he would publish rules remember seeing him without his stories. He was one of the found- one of his reports (1972) wrote: welcome at the Annual Banquet would say, “Skipper Cooley it is and information about the “Club”, a which is, in effect, Ladies’ Night”. shipmates like you who have made corncob pipe; a professional archi- ing members of EYC’s Wednesday “The Pinochle Club is not an offi- few choice quotes are as follows: tect who specialized in church’s; a Night Pinochle Club. cial activity of the Yacht Club but our Club so great, Thanks!” musician who played the cello with

Remember those who have sailed on before us with a memorial gift in their name.

www.erieycfoundation.org

- 28 -- - 29 - “We felt as though we came back With a 6 AM departure looming, we As many of us sat at the pool to- More and more EYC members are from Mentor with a great group of managed to hit the sack at a reason- gether that Sunday, we remarked asking “How can we join?” The an- new friends. We were also able to able hour. Facing still windy condi- how wonderful it was to travel to- swer is simple, reply to richiesea@ spend some quality time with some tions (our sailing friends would have gether as members of EYC. Friend- aol.com or secretary@erieyacht- old friends. I’m sure all of us will be loved it), 9 of the 10 boats scheduled ships were enhanced and new re- club.org with your contact info and making lots of memories together in for the trip made it without a prob- lationships flourished. A special you’re in! the future, especially if good music lem. Only one turned back due to shout out to Karen Imig-Carns for and dance floors are involved.” white caps on the lake. the many emails and calls to their P.S. You don’t have to be a power dock master making sure every one boater or even want to travel to be - Tim and Anna Lynn Shuttleworth, Hanging out with each other and of us had a slip. A’lure visiting different boats was the order included in many of the get togethers. of the day once we were docked Since then, due to the great “In- “The EYC Cruise to Mentor Har- with lines secured. We watched as augural Cruise” stories shared with bor Yacht Club was exceptionally the “White Eagle” which made its other EYC members, interest in the well organized and fun. It provided last voyage out of EYC, arriving in Dover Weekend cruise has spread. a great opportunity to make new Mentor Yacht Club as the prospec- At the time this article was written, Remember the friends. Sherry and I are looking for- tive new owners watched a skillful we have doubled the number of ward to more EYC Cruises. Thanks captain dock it in a very tight slip. (If boats intending on going on the trip Foundation in your for great weekend.” that yacht could talk it would want as we had for the Mentor trip. to be back at EYC!) long-term planning. - Dan and Sherry Freeman, Sherry With a fish fry, art festival and (of These are just some of the com- As nightfall approached many of course) an EYC Cruising Fleet Hap- ments made by fellow Cruisers af- us prepared to attend a Caribbean py Hour scheduled for Dover, our ter our July trip to the Mentor Yacht party hosted by the MYC. The best inaugural cruising season will leave www.erieycfoundation.org Club in Mentor, Ohio. part of the evening was dancing to us all looking forward to next year’s a great band. A certain guy by the season. But even better, our win- Although many of us were sched- name of Bob Kline was told he was ter time in Erie will be much more uled to leave the dock on Friday the next Fred Astaire! Others be- enjoyable due to the new boating morning, the cruise to Mentor had lieved he was more of a Twinkle friendships we’ve made. to be postponed until Saturday due Toes... to extremely windy conditions on departure day. We “Cruisers” adapt well however and changed our plans to a picnic overlooking the bay at our own Erie Yacht Club on Friday night. Beginning at 5 pm and through a beautiful Erie sunset, the EYC Cruisers ate, drank and we sure were merry!

- 30 - - 31 - Serving the Erie Area Since 1945.

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • INSTITUTIONAL CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN

814/825-3456 • Fax: 814/825-4043

Improving Erie’s In the spirit of savoring happy memo- A man who lies about beer makes Environment Since 1955! ries of another great boating season as enemies. well as setting-the-mood for our annual Oktoberfest celebration, this autumn - Stephen King installment of Good Words will offer more reflections from famous (and Man’s way to God is with beer in hand. maybe not-so-famous) people on the golden nectar so many of us enjoyed - Koffyar Tribe Nigeria during this past boating season and will enjoy at Oktoberfest... beer! Beer makes you feel the way you ought to feel without beer. The best place to drink is at home. Or on a river bank, if the fish don’t both- - Henry Lawson www.dahlkemperlandscape.com 814.825.3253 PA-198 er you. Give a man a beer, waste an hour. - Anonymous Teach a man to brew, waste a lifetime. I like beer. On occasion, I will even - Bill Owen drink beer to celebrate a major event such as the fall of Communism or the Beer! Now there’s a temporary solution! fact that the refrigerator is still working. - Homer Simpson - Dave Barry So, I hope you enjoyed these Good Of doctors and medicines we have in Words! I also hope to see you at plenty more than enough… what you Oktoberfest! See the article on page 18 may, for the love of God, send is some and the EYC Web-site for details. large quantity of beer. Don’t forget to send me your favorite - Dispatch from the colony of New quotes and words-of-wisdom (dandun- South Wales Australia 1854 [email protected]) for us to include in future EYC log articles! Many battles have been fought and won by soldiers nourished on beer. In closing: - Frederick the Great You can’t be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you A pleasant aperitif, as well as a good have some kind of a football team or chaser for a short whiskey, as well again some nuclear weapons, but at the very for a fine supper drink, is beer. least you need a beer.

- Frank Zappa - M.F.K. Fisher

The best beer in the world is the open beer in your hand.

- Danny Jansen - 32 - - 33 - September October Calendar of Calendar of Club Events Club Events 1st Thursday Sunset happy Hour 1st Commodores Ball • 9 - 11pm Banana Hurricane Drink Special Cocktails 1930 Hours Complimentary Pigs in a Blanket Black Tie Optional Music by Uncharted Course Music by The Chance Club members and their dates only 3rd EYC Drive-In Movie Night on the Clubhouse’s West Lawn • 8:30 pm 2nd A la carte Breakfast • 10am - 2pm “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” Sunday, Free & weather permitting rd 9th A la carte Breakfast • 10am - 2pm concessions available for member October 23 15th EYC’s Oktoberfest • 6pm charge only German Dinner & Beer Specials 4th A la carte Breakfast • 10am - 2pm Continuous Entertainment by the 11am to 1pm Mad Bavarian & the Augsburg 5th Labor Day - Club Open for Lunch German Band • Reservations and Dinner Required 8th Thursday Sunset happy Hour 16th Champagne Sunday Brunch Buffet Flu Shot Night! Spooky Kinda 11am - 2pm • $19 per person Cape Codder Drink Special On Saturday, August 6, the Rey- The Rickloff Boat House made for A huge thank you goes out to Complimentary Mac & Cheese Bites Fun includes: 19th EYC Fellowship Dinner burn Sailing Race Team hosted an ideal location for parents to view the many volunteers who made Music by the Doug Phillips Trio “The Bayfront Center” the Eriegatta, an annual regatta for the Opti races. A separate course this event possible. All those who Jungle Terry Show presented by Rich Eisenberg Junior Sailors, as part of the ILYA’s was located farther east of the Club, helped by volunteering on the safety 11th A la carte Breakfast • 10am - 2pm 6pm - 9pm • Dinner 6:45pm Traveler’s Series. The EYC’s regatta where the older kids raced in 3 dif- boats, boats, race committee 15th Sunset Happy Hour • 5pm - 9pm Arts & Crafts Reservations at 453-4931 was the 7th Traveler’s Series event ferent fleets - Lasers, 420’s, and boats, registration, launch and re- Capt. Morgan Drink Special Treasure Hay Pile 21st Bourbon Tasting Event• 6:30pm out of 8 held throughout our region Thistles - with Commodore John Or- covery, scoring, providing on-water Complimentary Mini Quesadillas Sample 5 straight whiskey’s each Music with The Sam Hyman Band Decorate a Donut with a complimentary food pairing this summer. The club was bustling lando acting as race official on the lunches and snacks, and cooking to enhance the flavor of the spirits with activity with 122 participants course. and serving at the dinner - you made 18th Champagne Sunday Brunch Buffet 11am - 2pm • $19 per person A special dinner to be served this year and boats coming in from Eriegatta a success! at the conclusion of the tasting! as far as North Cape Yacht Club in After a full day of racing, the kids, 25th A la carte Breakfast • 10am - 2pm Serving a “ Reservations at 453-4931 Michigan. coaches and parents enjoyed a A Special Thank you to Rob Orlando Member Notice: Spooktacular” 23rd “Spooktacular” Breakfast Buffet cookout and awards ceremony at for providing most Eriegatta photos. The Board of Directors at their August meeting 10am -2pm (No Breakfast Buffet & the Buffet is NOT The daylong regatta included two the Rickloff Boat House. In the 420 approved the renovation of I-Dock. The work Breakfast Buffet included with the party) separate racecourses. A course Division, EYC’s Emma Francoeur will start this fall in October. in the Grill Room Kids Halloween Party 11am - 1pm to the west of the Erie Yacht Club and crew Lily Myers were award- The project, at a cost of $525,000.00 will Spooky activities include: provided a sheltered location for the ed the second place flag, and Peter include the installation of a new sheet pile re- Starting at 10am The Jungle Terry Show, Arts & taining wall, new electrical feed to increase the Crafts, Treasure Hay Pile and younger kids sailing the one-per- Bloomstine and crew Emily Gry- service to all the docks. New plumbing, 6 foot Decorate a Donut. son Opti sailboats, with racecourse chowski were awarded the third wide concrete sidewalk the entire length of the dock and all new power pedestals. officials Niemic and Phil place flag. 30th A la carte Breakfast • 10am - 2pm Other items to be completed include widen- Mashyna. ing the existing catwalks 7 inches, installing uniform handrails, painting the catwalks and paving the entire dock. There’s a mock-up of one of the catwalks sitting in front of the Club- house by the main entrance for review. Visit the EYC I-Dock slip holders- Remember to remove all lines, dock boxes, grills, steps or any person- website to stay up al items from your dock while hauling out this season. All catwalks will be moved for construc- to date on all the tion so any items left could be lost. Club’s Activities Last Day for Fall Haul Out is All activities are free Sunday October 23rd. No ala carte breakfast menu available, www.erieyachtclub.org Call the Front Office to Schedule your lift Breakfast Buffet Only. (Buffet is NOT included with the party)