April 2009 Issue 2 Sailorgram

Commodore Eric Vasquez 978-521-9017 FROM THE MASTHEAD Vice Commodore Bob Chadwick April 2009 • Eric Vasquez, Commodore 978-373-6106 lthough there are no boats in the water, the Club is very busy behind the scenes.This time Rear Commodore of the year is full of planning, organizing, thinking and re-thinking. In a phrase, we are David W. Hewey A 978-373-6038 “flat-out-busy”. Here, take a look: Secretary To start, I want to thank R/C David Hewey for joining Angela and I to the April 8th.“Mayor’s Gary Gastman 978-462-6533 Social”, held at the North End Boat Club.Attendees were the Harbor Commission, representa- tives of the Coast Guard, our harbormasters, marina owners, and the host club.This is the annu- Treasurer Douglas Cornell al “meet and greet”, and Mayor and AYC Member John Moak led the meeting to talk about cur- 978-474-4323 rent events and to gather feedback from our various community partners. These are the meet- Collector ing minutes: Pamela Mertinooke 978-388-4515 The city would like to have the fireworks for Yankee Homecoming, and need some fundraising to support the event.The fireworks costs around $25k for a 37 minute show.You’ll remember Measurer William R. Gynan last year a fog bank moved in between the light show and us, but as you know, the show must 978-462-1157 go on and it’s slated again for this year. Continued on page 2 Membership Committee Daniel Streeter 978-462-4605 Mooring Committee Gene Piermattei 978-374-7940 House Committee Robert A. Saldarini 978-463-8219 Regatta Committee Bruce Brown 978-521-6802 Entertainment Committee Angela Vasquez 978-521-9017 Activities Committee Rob Brun 978-462-1948 Camp Sue Manzi 603-474-9644 Steward/Club House 978-465-9053 Looking “fabulous” at the AYC Annual Meeting. Eric Vasquez photo April 2009 Issue 2

FROM THE MASTHEAD continued from page 1

August 13, look for a Friendship On May 15, the Coast Guard will be using what is called a in the harbor – last year the tall “Rescue 21” Radio System. It will give them a better line of brought in about 10,000 people to positioning, it will also identify the many hoaxes they deal the city.There will also be some other with. NY/CA/OR are running it now, and it works well. tall ships coming: the Alabama and The system is 90% reliable with +/- 2° of accuracy. Nothing the Shenandoah in August/September. will change for the boater. Harbormaster Ralph Steele informed Ralph asked for help again in collecting waterway permit the department has purchased three fees. 85% boaters are basically compliant, but it was stated terminals that will accept credit cards that folks who got fines, didn’t get any previous warning; from boaters, so you can now simply fair warning was requested. Ralph informed that he would swipe your card and out comes a circulate a letter outlining the procedure and will give until receipt. These credit card terminals will be at Cashman August 1 to get a sticker. Park and at the Boardwalk. The Harbor Commission will try taking reservations over the phone and hold the reservation Ralph also voiced concern about empty moorings, as there until 6pm with a credit card. The reservation system is new are 100 names on his waiting list.The Harbor Commission’s and at “trial phase” to see how it will work.They will only motto is “use it or lose it”. There is no real definition on use 1/3 of the town dock for reservations. “mooring use”.They are thinking of instituting a regulation that allows you to use the mooring a certain number of Ralph also informed that a new flagpole at Cashman was days, or a certain amount of time that will define “use”. dedicated to Wally Lazinski, who founded the Harbor There was a case with the Inspector General down on the Commission. Ralph said they are replacing 10 pilings (made Cape where empty moorings were reverted back to the of steel ?” thick) at Cashman Park, and they will extend the Harbormaster for re-allocation.They can legally do this, my dock 25’ out into the river to help reduce landing back up. friends. This is reported to be the busiest ramp in the state. State is paying for the project, which will take two weeks for con- Closer to home, our Executive Committee received struction. approval for badly needed improvements; the Regatta Committee has set their annual schedule, and our Chain Bridge is slated to be open May 15, only for cars, not Locker House is seeking a new face lift. trucks. All this can pretty well illustrate that this really is the Mayor Moak spoke about dredging the river, he said most of busiest time of year.What I ask you all to do is join in on all the money is available, and it is slated for late fall or early the fun, 2009 is going to be great! spring. The Mayor is not willing to wait another year for the Fair Winds and Following Seas, dredging, it is costing $2M and the permits required are Commodore Eric T.Vasquez incredible. 170,000 cu.yds. will be coming out of the mouth and deposited on the beach.

Landscape Committee Needs You Please plan to give some time on Opening Workday to the Landscape Committee. That morning is our time to clear away what winter has wrought, salvage and repair the courtyard area, the rose bank and the front gardens. Gardening interest/ expertise is always welcome, but not necessary. We need lots of hands to rake, weed and spread mulch. So please bring your rakes, trowels, shovels, pruners, loppers and gloves and lend a hand. Wheelbarrows are especially needed, and we will also have some extra tools on hand. By lunchtime we will have the grounds looking glorious and ready for summer! Thanks for your help, Nancy and Doug Cornell

2 April 2009 Issue 2 A Marion to Bermuda Story submitted by Jim Grenier, Sailorgram Editor CELESTIAL NAVIGATION SEMINAR recently had the pleasure to sit down with Captain Presented by OCEAN NAVIGATOR MAGAZINE IGeorge Duffy who gave me this story for use in the Rescheduled to May 2, and May 3, 2009 Sailorgram. The 2-day Ocean Navigator celestial seminar is a hands-on In the early 1970's George was asked to navigate a 40 course covering basic celestial theory, sight reduction of sun, foot cruiser from Boston named Moon Goddess on the moon, planets, stars, and specialty sights of certain bodies, Marion to Bermuda Race. "It wasn't anything special, just like the noon sun sight and latitude by Polaris. a typical cruiser" said George, "but I couldn't resist the The class covers related topics such as time and time zones, invitation." sight planning, sextant accessories and offshore navigation plotting techniques, especially dead reckoning. Practical The entire crew was outfitted with "team" apparel -- from plotting of each kind of sight, as well as celestial running hat, shirts, jackets, etc. with the boat name. Even neckties, fixes, is covered in detail. Sextant use is discussed during presumably for looking natty when coming ashore in one session, but no sights actually are taken during the Bermuda. In addition to the class.The emphasis is on practical use of celestial naviga- usual accroutrements for a tion, with plenty of pencil and paper work. (Up to a dozen long-distance race, there was sights are reduced and plotted during the weekend, with also an envelope that was numerous additional exercises.) using H.O. 249 and H.O. labeled "OPEN ONLY IN 229 in conjunction with the Nautical Almanac. CASE OF EMERGENCY." Students will find the Introduction to Celestial Navigation seminar to be a comprehensive, yet fast-paced, celestial Like all the other boats, they navigation course. Over the past dozen years, alumni have crossed the starting line navigated in Marion-Bermuda Races and have made numerous and headed south, boiling celestial-only ocean crossings. along as well as a fiberglass Students should bring to class: (1) 2009 Nautical Almanac 40 footer could. George, of (either blue or orange version) (2) Volume 2 of H.O. 249, (3) course, did a fine job of navi- parallel rules and dividers. Optional is volume 1 of H.O. 229. George showing off his “natty” gation using both charts and Marion Bermuda race necktie. Cost: $295 per person sextant. George's skill got them right at the finish line.There were no mishaps or Discounts available for additional family members or multi- disasters along the way. "It was just a nice fine sail with a ple members of the same Marion-Bermuda race crew. nice crew" said George. Class location: Sippican Women’s Club, 152 Front Street, Marion, MA 02738 In the meantime, the crew's wives had flown down to Bermuda to meet their valiant sailors when they finally Instructor:Tim Queeney, Editor, Ocean Navigator Magazine docked.The boat owner's wife asked George about the Web Site: www.oceannavigator.com To register or for more information contact: Dave Jackson, trip and upon learning everything had gone quite well, Ocean Navigator School of Seamanship she asked George to bring her the envelope labeled (207) 236-7014 "OPEN ONLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY." (207) 236-7015 George went below the Moon Goddess, retrieved the [email protected] envelope and returned with it to the woman. "Well, seeing as you didn't need to open it before, you Don’t Miss a Great Race! should open it now." she said. George peeled open the 52 boats are currently signed up to race to Bermuda. envelope, and withdrew a fine set of glow-in-the-dark There is still time to get your boat ready to go and join the fleet. The land events in Marion and Bermuda prom- rosary beads.The owner’s wife knew an emergency can ise to be better than ever so don't miss the party either! happen even at night and she wanted to be sure the See you on the Starting Line -- June 19, 2009. crew could be "saved." http://www.marionbermuda.com/index.shtml

3 April 2009 Issue 2

AYC 2008 Award Recipients AYC House Committee submitted by Eric Vasquez, Commodore Bartlett Cup Award 2008: Randall Kilty Opening Day, 05/09/09, is finally almost This award is given to a person, 18 years or younger, who here. It’s time for “all hands on deck.” We overall has been helpful at the AYC. This person does not have need all the help from the membership to to be a member of the Club and is awarded solely on merit. make opening day a success. Please bring Flag Officers Award 2008: Bruce Brown tools with you (rakes, paint scrappers, etc.) The Flag Officers award is presented to recognize a member and with many hands we will get the club whom the Flag Officers feel unselfishly contributes regularly ready for another great season. throughout the year. It is a special recognition for a stand out effort. Anyone with extra tools at home can Merrimack River Award 2008: donate them to the club. These tools will Murry and R/C David Hewey be put to good use all year long. This award is for special recognition to the person who has We have several ambitious undertakings done the most to promote sailing on the Merrimack River during the year. This person does not have to be a member of the this year and I am looking forward to seeing American Club. all new and old members on May 9th. Respectfully submitted, Harriet Popplewell Award 2008: Angela Vasquez Bob Saldarini, House Chairman Annual trophy to be presented to the Woman Sailor of the Year of the American Yacht Club.This award is to recognize the con- tribution of women to the AYC, sailing in general, and recog- Opening Day May 9! nize an individual woman who contributed to the club in the past year. Glen Todd Memorial 2008 [ Award]: Live from the AYC Regatta Committee! Tom Lochhaas “The Daily News, Newburyport, Mass. On this date, January 14, Mark Your Calendars Now and Get Ready 1978, does offer to the American Yacht Club, of Newburyport, a for the 2009 Racing Season! trophy, to consist of a half model of an H-28 Cruising , It’s time to sand your bottom and tune your rig in eager antici- to be painted gray topsides with green antifouling below the pation of what we plan to be the best racing season in all of waterline to represent the VAYU, built and owned by Glen history! Get excited! Write these dates on your wall calendar! Todd, who, throughout his many years of sailing was a helpful Post them on your PDA, iPhone, Outlook Calendar, and Twitter friend of all who sought his wise counsel in affairs both gener- feed! Get ready! al and nautical; said half model will be suitably mounted and displayed at the American Club for so long as there shall be THE DATES ARE SET: such a club. It will be affixed with a metal plate upon which, June 20 Merrimack River Challenge (PHRF) from time to time, will be inscribed the names of those sailors August 1-2 Mount Gay/Leukemia Cup Regatta (PHRF) who, by their disposition to aid others, or by reason of unusual August 8-9 Brian Hughes Invitational Regatta (Lightnings) cruising experience, do emulate the spirit, character, and or Sept 19 Chet Young Memorial Regatta (PHRF) exploits of Glen Todd.” 2008 was a great season and lots of fun for everyone who Commodore’s Award 2008: raced, and we’re expecting 2009 to be even better.We’re really P/C Gary W. Thompson looking forward to many of our new Club members joining the fleet. Remember, it’s for the fun and good fellowship as This award selection has the distinction of being the sole privi- much as for the race.And for you newbies who might fear lege of the Commodore. Initiated in 2002, the award serves to coming in last, not to worry – a Regatta Committee member recognize (a) member/s for their uncommon dedication and with aged sails anticipates again this year than everyone else contributions in the service of the club. will cross the line before him! Watch for updates in the Sailorgram and on the AYC website: http://www.americanyachtclub.org

4 April 2009 Issue 2 2009 Annual Meeting submitted by Eric Vasquez, Commodore

5 April 2009 Issue 2 Chautauqua in Viana Do Castelo, Portugal submitted by Don and Priscilla Davis written Feb, 2009 in True Blue Bay, Grenada, Windward Islands, West Indies Part 2 he next day, I am at the shop at 10am, the time they told Tme the tanks would be back filled. Ah, every number has a tolerance. In this case, it is minus 0 and plus ??. No tanks there at 10.The same man calls to find out, then tells me 20 minutes. OK, so to pass the time, I strike up a conversation with him. A sea of Optimists The American political season is very closely watched. It is September, and the candidates are in full swing.As usual, I am asked about Bush, who is extremely unpopular throughout Europe. Then the discussion comes around to McCain and Obama. Lastly, the man indicates that most of his countrymen perceive Americans as very rich. I explain to him that on both sides of the ocean, people have places to live, clothes and plentiful food.The children go to school. But to me as an American, the quality of life, in many ways, is much higher in Europe, even if the incomes per capita are lower. He asks why, and I talk about the 6 week vacations that are standard in most European coun- tries; the short or no commute distances that people have to View of the church from sea level go to their jobs in lieu of long auto commutes – usually in the same town – so walking or biking is feasible. So there is no need for two cars, two incomes, etc. Families have much more time with their children. Pets are outside more and much more sociable with strangers than many pets back home. Indeed, dogs are brought into many stores, restaurants, etc and there are no health concerns/issues. What America has going for it is the lower levels of regulation, just about anything you need is available without waiting. Indeed, some Irish friends of ours call America the land of "stuff".Whatever "stuff" you need, you can find it in a store or online somewhere in the States. I ask him where he eats out with his family. Out comes the map, and he shows me a restaurant on it. Does he eat there? Going up and down at the same time Oh no, it is too expensive. I try again.Where do you and your family eat out? This time he circles a small side street and gives me the name.Very reasonably priced, he says, as he brings both of his children along with himself and his wife. No babysitting; no babysitting costs.The family is together and the children learn early on how to socialize in a public/restaurant-type set- ting. The propano tanks are delivered, and as he knows I have a fair walk, he tells another colleague (the standard term in most of Europe for your fellow employees) to drive me back to the marina! During the day we watch the boat club host the country wide Portuguese championship Optimist sailing races.These kids are focused, and decked out in full sailing suits – looked like wet Looking out to the Atlantic suits – life jackets, gloves, dark sunglasses, etc.And these kids continued on page 7 6 April 2009 Issue 2

Chautauqua continued from page 6 were under 12, the youngest being about 7 years old.The Brazil, Cuba, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico and local Portuguese.We races are held in the river just outside the marina.There are pay $3 each and get front row seats!!! It is two hours of colorful over a hundred boats!! Just the launching and sailing out of the customs, music, dancing, and flag twirling.We are close enough to marina, under the bridge and into the river takes a while. see the sweat dripping off their bodies. Each country does music specific to their country. The audience is extremely well We leave with the races in progress to take a funicular that behaved, and numbered about 1000 or so in the seats, outside the rides on a cable to the top of the nearby mountain.The church ringed off seating area, and on the terraces and windows of all of at the top is the Confraria de Santa Luzia.The only comparison the adjoining buildings facing the stage area. for steepness is the cogged railway to Mt.Washington.This is a one car affair, holding 10 or so. Once there, we find a wedding Now, while we have always enjoyed Europe and the very differ- in progress; including a military honor guard for the new bride ent life style Europeans have; each and every European we have and groom.Also there are several young men and women, all talked to holds America and Americans in much admiration. This dressed up, but not part of the wedding.They are from Mexico, is separate from their view of our Presidents. Even with the atti- and will be dancing that night at the festival in town, just a tude towards Bush, we have always been well treated and all of short walk from our marina. So now we have our evening the Europeans speak of America with admiration for our free- entertainment planned! Well, the church is at the top of the doms, our "stuff" and the possibility of success, no matter what mountain, but now we want to get to the top of the church. the background. This is mentally reinforced in my mind with the The only way,without us collapsing, is the elevator, or what I closing number to the show.The show ends with all of the vari- called the vertical moving coffin.This is the smallest elevator I ous troupes on stage, singing, clapping and dancing and the audi- ever saw. It has an operator and room for 2-3 people, if we all ence enthusiastically joining in to music, not from Brazil, not from breath together in unison. Portugal, not from India, but from music written by a kid of immi- grant parents, from Brooklyn, New York – Neil Diamond. Music When the ride to the top is over, there is a small viewing area from his Jonathan Living Seagull Album. Go figure!! outside.We thank the operator and shake hands. From the viewing platform, we can see the Optimists still racing below in the river.A few minutes later, we wait for the elevator to return, and two more people get off and we get on and go down. Now, the operator is very chatty, but in Portuguese.We realize that no one ever shakes his hand. He is just taken for granted as part of the physical structure of the church.At the bottom, he delays the oncoming passengers and we talk – lots of hand signaling for a minute or two. Delightful! That evening,We go to the restaurant he recommends, for an early dinner. We are there at 7pm and the place is empty! Tablecloths and silverware, wine goblets, and flowers are on the tables. So we are a little nervous about the costs. Menus appear, and so does the bread, olives and cheese baskets. In Portugal, these baskets are optional and extra cost. If you don't Looking out to the Atlantic want them, that is ok, and they will remove them from the table. But we keep them, indulging ourselves. The waiter is impeccably dressed in traditional style with an embroidered and lace trimmed shirt. Also a string tie, but nothing like the ones from Texas.This one has style. He is polite and thoroughly enjoys talking to us, even with his limited English. As usual, he, like so many Europeans, has relatives in the States.We order based on his recommendations, and the dinner, as well as the evening is incredible. The bill is also incredible, incredibly small. Including the baskets, soups, salads, main course, desserts, wine, and coffees, $30.And that also includes a tip, which is built into the pricing on the menu. McDonald's doesn't have a prayer in this town. After the dinner of dinners, we walk over and attend the 12th Wedding with honor guard Annual Gala de Despedida. Dancers and music from Argentina,

7 April 2009 Issue 2

A special series highlighting the many different boats of the AYC The Pocket Cruiser Seabiscuit by Jonathan Wells

n response to a request for stories about AYC boats, I’m Our speed is modest, usually about a16-knot cruise, and flank I writing about one of the smaller ones in the mooring field about 28-knots. with the hope that although it’s a power boat, it may raise some What’s made this boat so great for us is that: points of general interest—even for sailors. 1.The cabin is just big enough for my wife and me to live In 1988, after having owned a succession of power boats rang- aboard, which we have done for as much as two weeks at a ing from a 20’ Penn Yan tunnel drive (twice sunk by other peo- time. Obviously one must accommodate oneself to the limited ple!) to a 26’ Mackenzie Cuttyhunk Bass Boat, my wife and I space, and order the daily events of life (sleeping, cooking, found ourselves in dire need of a comfortable and reliable boat washing, cruising, etc.) to avoid conflict—but it works (mostly). of a manageable size and expense. By chance I saw in Salem a new boat which seemed to fill all my requirements—it was 2.The boat is trailerable, and aluminum, with a planing hull, an appropriate 3. She’s proven herself seaworthy and reli- Mercruiser outdrive, and a surprisingly If you are flexible, and willing able. for example, in some quite rough roomy cuddy cabin. Also of para- to sacrifice a few amenities, you mount importance, it had flat decks seas north of Cape Ann a couple of don’t need a big boat to cruise years ago. and a broad flat transom. None of on. Small size can be a real your overgrown bathtub toys with advantage in many ways. On two occasions we’ve taken her rounded foredecks that you could get to down the coast from the Merrimack, only by scrambling through an inconvenient hatch through New York Harbor, and up to Lake Champlain (and then sliding off?). In short, the Sea Nymph Great Lakes (even into the Richelieu Canal), returning her by trailer to 220 was the perfect answer. Newburyport. She has been up by water as far as Mount This boat is now in its twenty-first year. Careful maintenance Desert, by trailer to Lake Ontario, by trailer and canal to by professionals, cautious use, and a few coats of paint have Pentanguishene and the 30,000 Islands area of Lake Huron, kept Seabiscuit in (well, not quite) Bristol shape. Knocking on and by trailer to the St. John River in New Brunswick.A trip wood as I write this, the engine still looks almost new and south of New York via the Inland Waterway is in remote con- functions beautifully. templation. continued on page 8 8 April 2009 Issue 2

Pocket Cruiser continued from page 7 While I may seem to boast a bit of this boat (which is, sadly,no longer manufactured), my real point is to mention a few practi- cal aspects we’ve learned about boat selection and use: 1.Trailerability give enormous versatility.You can get quickly to cruising grounds you might never otherwise visit. You can take your boat out easily for maintenance or storms and bring it home in the winter. 2. If you are flexible, and willing to sacrifice a few amenities, you don’t need a big boat to cruise on. Small size can be a real advantage in many ways. In Memory of Past Commodore and Life Member Raymond R. Walton aymond R.Walton, 81, of Amesbury, died April 9, 2009, at Rthe Brigham Manor Nursing Home in Newburyport. He was the husband of Phyllis T.(Caron) Walton. Mr.Walton was born in Byfield on May 28, 1927, son of the late Raymond P.and Muriel (Namie) Walton. He graduated from St. James High School, Newman Prep and Boston College, where he majored in mathematics. He went on to complete his master's coursework in 3. A shoal-draft boat can go an awful lot of places a deep statistics at Columbia University Graduate School. He was a can’t.You can raise an outdrive to protect the prop. computer systems research and development engineer with 4.A hull material like aluminum (which some boatmen look Lucent (the former Western Electric) in North Andover, retiring down their noses at) is really almost (but not quite) mainte- after 38 years. Mr.Walton achieved the designation of nance- and problem-free. Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer. 5.The design of outdrives (so far as I am familiar with them) He fought in World War II and was honorably discharged from means the engine, a simple four-cylinder block, is easily accessi- the U.S.Army after serving two years.The war shaped his ble and as engines go these days relatively uncomplicated. future as it provided him the opportunity to attend college. Mr.Walton was a tireless advocate of education, which led him 6. People have often seemed surprised that we could take such to serve as a member and chairman of the Merrimac and a small boat on such long trips. I have to Pentucket Regional school committees. He also served on disabuse them by telling them that it is nothing more than a the Whittier Regional Vocational and Technical Planning long series of short hops, with gas, supplies, and shelter ready Committee. He had been a resident of Merrimac for 35 years. at hand all the way. In his free time, Mr.Walton was a master tournament bridge As a final word, I wish in no way to denigrate the many joys player, an avid skier, water skier and surfer, and at the age of and rewards of sailing, of which I have been fortunate enough 65 became an accomplished windsurfer. He loved water to do a fair amount, but to suggest an alternative nautical life- sports, taking up parasailing and ice boating. style that can provide a lot of satisfaction. His true passion in life was the American Yacht Club in Newburyport, where he was a life member and past com- modore. In his early days as a member, Mr.Walton excelled at racing his Town Class sailboat and won many championship titles. For many years, he managed the moorings at the Club, and he was recently honored by the members when they named a site "Walton's Point." Mr.Walton leaves his wife, Phyllis T.(Caron) Walton; three children, Judith C. Harrington and Raymond R.Walton Jr., both of Amesbury and Nancy J. and Eric Rosenberger of Milford; six grandchildren, Lindsey Parks, Bennett, Kelsey and Alexander continued on page 10 9 April 2009 Issue 2

Ray Walton continued from page 9 Sailing in Florida Harrington, and twins, Kathryn and Jack Rosenberger; two A Brief Visit With the Neumyers great-grandchildren, Braeden and Everett Parks; a sister, Freida submitted by Homer Shannon E. Collins of Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

his year for our winter vacation, Dee and I decided to go He also leaves his beloved dog, Mickey. Tback to southwest Florida.We had gone to that area three He was predeceased by his brother, Ronald F.Walton of years ago and had quite a nice time.This year we planned a Haverhill. similar program, but with a twist: we’d see if we could catch up with the Neumyers, who’d been living the cruiser’s life all Contributions in Mr.Walton's memory may be made to the winter in the keys. MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (www.mspca.org). Catching up with distant cruisers is not so difficult any more, given the technical tools of the internet and cell phones.We “Ray's passion for life is very well documented. His kept in touch with Bill and Bette throughout the winter and it contributions, too numerous to mention, have left a long- looked like our plans for flying to Fort Myers and their plans to lasting imprint on the Club and the community. He will for- cross the state via Lake Okeechobee would work out just ever be remembered for his stories, infectious laughter, right.We did catch up with them in Fort Myers and learned a strength and tenacity. Ray Walton will never be replaced.” lot about Florida sailing. – Commodore Eric T.Vasquez The first lesson we learned is that Florida is a really boater- friendly state. Bill had arranged to pick up a mooring at the Fort bay do in this situation? Ease to port a bit and stay on a nice Myers municipal yacht basin.This first-rate, city-run, facility is close reach, right? Wrong.A slight turn to port and we would right downtown and has moorings for $11 nightly or slips for be aground! We doused the jib and continued motoring. $2.50 a foot. Cape Coral, across the Caloosahatchee River, also Following the global theme of “no matter where you go, the has a municipal marina.We were able to take a cab from the wind is always on your nose,”as we turned more to port fol- airport to the marina for $30, saving us the car rental and park- lowing the channel, the wind stayed right straight ahead. Even ing cost for the days we would be onboard.This tactic had the after we had turned nearly 90 degrees to come down the coast added benefit that our port of departure and port of return did the wind stayed on the nose. not have to be the same. We dropped anchor for lunch off what appeared to be a We spent our first night in Fort Myers.The town is lovely, hav- deserted beach on the chart. It was deserted, or at least we ing had a major facelift to bring in more tourists. Unfortunately couldn’t see any people. But when we anchored in seven feet this has only worked halfway; the town looks good but there is of water we were a mile off the beach. Maybe there were peo- hardly anyone there.We had dinner at a local Italian restaurant ple there.We didn’t actually check with the binoculars. and wandered through the few shops that were open.The town is encouraging tourists.The following night was to be After lunch the wind looked promising for a little sail.And it “Bike Night”. Sort of a mini Laconia but with better weather. was.We pulled out the jib (forget the main, this was going to The old folks must have loved it. be quick) and sailed along the waterfront of Fort Myers Beach for a few miles.We tacked and sailed back to the channel that Upon returning to the boat we got our second lesson in led to the anchorage behind the island. Even though the wind Florida sailing: the water is really shallow.The trip to the moor- had come up quite a bit and was now very favorable, wind ing field was about twice as long as it should be because you shadows from the tall hotels stopped our progress and we had had to stay in the channel – in your ! This confirmed to motor into the mooring field. what I suspected about this area. In making our plans we had dis- cussed meeting at Matlacha, our So lesson two of Florida sailing was not so good.Between con- destination for the second part of our trip, but a review of the trary winds and narrow shallow channels (not to mention the charts showed that Matlacha Pass is only approach- able from occasional low bridge), one has to ask, why sail at all? A motor the north in a boat requiring 5.5 feet of water.The southern boat would be much more effective in this area. half of the bay is mostly one to three feet deep with no deep Which brings us to lesson three. Being on the water when its channel. 80 degrees, sunny and breezy with lovely water and numerous The shallow water presented new issues the next day when porpoises, manatees, birds and other wildlife, is downright we moved off to Fort Myers Beach.This destination is about wonderful. Imagine the very best day we get in New England twelve miles down the river and then south a couple of miles lasting for, say, two months and you get the general idea of past the Sanibel Island bridge.About a half-hour into our trip how nice it is there. Nearly every day. Nearly every bay. Frankly, the on-the-nose wind moved nicely to starboard and we put I don’t think it matters what craft you have. If you can get out out the jib. Shortly the wind moved ahead again, but not quite on it, it’s good enough. on the nose.What would any good sailor on a broad and deep continued on page 12 10 April 2009 Issue 2 New Members Meeting 2009

Back row, left to right: Doug Snell, Walter Buchwald, Ron Albert, David Lyman, Robert Morton, Ron Rutchick, Rick Stauffer, Jim Knowles Middle row, left to right: Genay Snell, June Gagnon, Christian Jacqz, Joe Giarrusso, Rachael Moynihan, Steve Parker, John Connors, Peter Graves Front row, left to right: Rebecca Lucy, Joe Uniejewski, Marcia Foley, Talbot Pratt, Charlie Armstrong, Ted Birke

n March 18th we all got an opportunity to meet the AYC's those attending. He pointed out the important fact that the Onewest members.This year there were 27 new members AYC is 100% volunteer-based and without volunteers to take inducted, one of the largest inductions ever held at the AYC. up the many important tasks of club operations there would be no club at all. He stressed participation by all members is Commodore Eric Vasquez chaired the meeting in his usual vital to its success. style. Eric introduced Dan Streeter, head of the Membership Committee, who in turn introduced each new member and Those new members who were able to attend the meeting are their sponsors to the large crowd who had gathered at the shown in the accompanying photograph. Plum Island Taxpayers Association (PITA) Hall. Each sponsor Take a moment to look at the faces in the photo.When you had an oppotunity to introduce the new member and the new see any of them at the club, be sure to approach them, please member was also encouraged to speak about himself. Because introduce yourself and make them feel welcome. of past experiences the speeches were limited to short duration. To become a new member one must fill out an application for When that little bell rang there were a few sheepish grins and membership and find two sponsors from the current member- plenty of applause. . Once the application is filed with the club secretary, Rear Commodore Dave Hewey then introduced the various along with an application fee, the applicant is placed on a committee heads who described their functions within the waiting list. It can take 5 or more years before an applicant club and asked for volunteers for their respective groups from reaches inductee status.

The Activities Committee is looking for volunteers to help with event ideas and to help host the many weekday activities at the AYC. Interested members are encouraged to contact Rob Brun, Committee Liason who will be organizing the first and only meeting of the committee in early May. This is the easiest committee to serve on and provides the greatest reward for one’s efforts. This committee is responsible for potluck suppers, the open mic, and other popular events. email: [email protected] The mooring committee wants to remind you to get your mooring balls back the club as soon as possible.

11 April 2009 Issue 2 Ambushed under the Southern Cross The Making of an American Merchant Marine Officer and His Ensuing Saga of Courage and Survival Submitted by Jim Grenier, Sailorgram Editor t is quite a big deal to write and publish a book, yet the American Leader.There were also many photographs Imuch more important when you yourself lived through and diary entries as well. He wrote the book in what he events that also make up the book. called a "warts and all", meaning he left his diary entries Captain George Duffy, a long-time AYC member, has done just as they were, grammar, punctuation and spelling just that. untouched. He felt because the story, its characters and events were very real, the best way to present it was George Duffy and his twenty-five classmates graduated exactly as he saw it as it was happening. Most publishers from the Massachusetts Nautical School (MNS) on would not appreciate the rawness, but George doesn't September 23, 1941. It marked care. He is self-published and can do his book the way he the end of an era and a school saw it needed to be done. tradition dating back to 1891. Ambushed under the Southern Cross took over a year Their three-masted , to write and assemble and was finally put in print in Nantucket, would never go to December 2008. George has it available in both harcover sea as a sail training vessel for and paperback editions from www.amazon.com, future merchant marine officers www.barnesand noble.com and other book retailers. It is never again go to sea. Duffy and also available at www.xlibris.com where you can read an his class were the last to sail in 8-page excerpt, or directly from George himself at: it for their onboard training Captain George W.Duffy cruises. 2 Sterling Hill lane Ten days after graduating from Unit 236 the nautical school and having Exeter, NH 03833-4867 just turned nineteen, Duffy was Phone: 603-772-5191 recruited as officer in the [email protected] American Leader. if you enjoy sea tales, naval history, or biographies of But, as luck would have it, the ship would be sunk by a interesting people, you would do well to check out German commerce raider just ten months into World War George's book. II. Duffy and forty-six of his shipmates were plucked out For more information go to www.captgeowduffy.com of the South Atlantic Ocean and taken prisoner. This book relates George Duffy’s two spartan years in the Nantucket, the next rewarding year in the American continued from page 10 Leader, and three years as prisoner in two German warships Florida and ten Japanese labor camps all over the Southeast Oh, and Bill and Bette? They are doing fine. Bill muttered some- Asian islands of Java, Singapore, and Sumatra. thing about getting a trawler, if he were going to come to this area every year. But generally the sailboat has worked out. In addition, a parallel tale recounts the life and career of There was usually enough water and only a few constraining a young German naval officer, Konrad Hoppe, who low bridges.They had a blast in Marathon, where they spent served in George’s nemesis, the Hsk Michel. Many years most of the deep winter. By the time you read this, they will after the war, Duffy and Hoppe met in Germany.As the have crossed the peninsula via the Caloosahatchee canal and German expressed it,“great delight that the fateful enmity start heading up the ICW back to New England. has changed into a sincere friendship.” When they get back, they can trade in the perfect weather for I had the pleasure to have George leaf through is book deeper water and conditions more amenable to a deep-keel and point out many of the fine drawings and photos of boat. It’s a fair trade. other ships and places he visited while aboard his ship

12 April 2009 Issue 2

VHF Marine Radios “Classifieds” We will advertise any items submitted for sale by a member for one for Dummies issue and will repeat those ads only upon the request of the person placing it. There is no charge for listings. Borrowed, abridged, adapted and edited from various sources. CREW AVAILABLE: Retired sailor with experience on small cruising 24' - 28' on Lake Champlain and There is more to using a radio than just buying it and lower Hudson River would like to crew this summer. learning the functions of the knobs, although that in Call: Kempton E. Webb 978-834-7877 itself can be daunting.You do have to know a few of the rules and courtesies that make clear and accurate com- OPTIMIST FOR SAIL: Sadly outgrown Winner munication on the shared frequencies of radio possible. Optimist in good condition. Practice and unused Race sail. Blade bag, bottom and top cover. Bottom good, In years past, you needed a special license to operate a blades pristine. Price: Non Club member $850, Club VHF radio. But today anyone with a hundred bucks and a Member $675. Call or email Clif: Ph: 508-397-9424 12 volt system seems to have his own radio, and, for the Email: [email protected] most part, you don't need a license until you go past cer- FOR SALE: SIRENA. CG documented. Well-maintained tain wattage levels or for certain frequencies. 1985 Hunter 28.5 w/fin keel, 10'6" beam, 13 HP Yanmar diesel, wheel mount auto pilot, ped compass, The Basics 2 self-tailing winches, Harken roller-furling jib & fully- First of all, unlike a telephone, you can not talk and hear battened main. White fiberglass w/ blue sail covers, at the same time. Sometimes I can't talk and think at the dodger & bimini. Additional spinnaker, 110 jib, 150 same time, so I'm kind of used to that sort of thing.Wired drifter, 70 Kevlar storm jib. GPS, Loran, Radar, VHF. Functional galley w/ horseshoe salon, 2 burner alcohol telephones have two sets of wires - one pair for hearing stove, ss sink, icebox, nav station. Private head/shower and one pair for talking.Wireless telephones have two & aft cabin, comfortable v-berth w/ hatch, exc storage, frequencies, each one dedicated to the separate func- sleeps 4 comfortably. Nicro solar vent, 12-volt pressure tions. But radios operate on only one frequency, called a water system, hot water tank, auto bilge. Sale includes channel, at a time.The talking goes out on one frequency boat stands, anchors, Magna propane grill, and more. and the hearing comes in on the same frequency.Think Boat is stored in Newburyport. $17,000. Call Raylene of it as a one-lane tunnel. If you've got two vehicles com- Cashman 978-697-0824 ing from different directions neither one is going to FOR SALE: 16' Mistral Day Sailor, on trailer with 3.5 hp make it through. Evenrude (used about 1 hour). Sailboat has not been Radios use a lot of power to transmit their signal in all used in 3 years, so needs cleaning. very fast and fun! directions for a great distance.When listening, they are $1000.Call 978 270-5003 and lve mssg. Email: picking up a weak signal transmitted from another radio [email protected] far away.There can be thousands of times more power in AYC MOORING FOR SALE: $250. 3,500 pound granite the signal going out than in the signal coming in. In fact, block mooring #315 with AYC maintained chain and the outgoing signal can be powerful enough to fry the rope penant - 18 foot long - 5/8 inch chain lower and 18 electronics listening for the weak incoming signal. Most foot long - 3/8 inch chain upper with spliced "Y" rope radios avoid this by using a button that turns off the lis- penant. Call Doug at 978 394-6711 tening when talking. So to use a radio you must usually or email [email protected] press a button, talk, release the button and then listen for the reply. I think if my wife and I also had these buttons there would be a lot fewer misunderstandings. Group Discount at Boat US If you forget to press the button before talking, the other submitted by Rob Brun fellow (bridge tender?) won't hear you because your radio never transmitted anything. If you forget to let go of All AYC members interested in joining or renewing their the button when you finish talking, you won't hear the membership in Boat U.S. may include the AYC Group other fellow reply to you.And you'll want to be sure the number "GA82123Y” for a discount price of only $12.50 bridge tender heard you. per year. continued on page 14 13 April 2009 Issue 2

Radio continued from page 13 If you talk when the other person is talking neither of Spelling B or Bravo you will hear the other one.You know who you are. So this one-sidedness of the radio creates the need for In addition to these words, in order to receive the cor- some coordination between the talker and the listener. rect letters when transmitting a series of letters, there The listener needs to know when the other person is has been established a series of code words representing done talking and is now ready to listen. all the letters of the alphabet. Use of these distinctly dif- ferent words instead of the letters themselves helps the For efficient use of the radio, the talker should say OVER listener to correctly receive the letters some of which when he has finished talking and is going back to listen sound so much alike that they can be misunderstood mode. Now the listener can be the talker. Cooperation over a radio.The letter S and the letter F are two in par- between the two participants in the conversation will ticular that are easily confused when spoken over a low make the entire conversation go much smoother without or static filled signal.They have been assigned the words pauses of dead air or one talking over the other one and Sierra for S and Foxtrot for F.One is not likely to mistake not listening, with all the resulting confusion and wasted Sierra for Foxtrot. time and repeated conversations that improper radio eti- quette will bring about. Robert's Rules of Order are a Here is the list of code words for the alphabet: good guide here. A . . . . .ALPHA N . . . .NOVEMBER Lingo B . . . . .BRAVO O . . . .OSCAR C . . . . .CHARLIE P . . . . .PAPA When one is done talking and done listening one says D . . . . .DELTA Q . . . .QUEBEC OUT.At this point it is expected that the radio will be E . . . . .ECHO R . . . . .ROMEO turned to another channel or turned off. F . . . . .FOXTROT S . . . . .SIERRA OVER – I am done talking and I am waiting to hear your G . . . .GOLF T . . . . .TANGO reply. H . . . . .HOTEL U . . . .UNIFORM I . . . . .INDIA V . . . . .VICTOR OUT – I am done talking am not going to listen to your J . . . . .JULIET W . . . .WHISKY reply. K . . . . .KILO X . . . . .X-RAY So why would anybody ever say OVER AND OUT? This L . . . . .LIMA Y . . . . .YANKEE means I am done talking to you and I am waiting for M . . . .MIKE Z . . . . .ZULU your reply AND I am not listening for your reply; in fact, I probably have changed channels or turned off the stupid Numbers are used as they are except for nine which is radio. Using OVER AND OUT immediately identifies you pronounced NINER to distinguish it clearly from five. as an official radio dufus.You know who you are. So Channels smarten up. Radio traffic is monitored by all boats with radios on and In addition to these two very common words of radio by the Coast Guard on Channel 16.This is known as the lingo there are several others. distress frequency. Its purpose is a place for all parties to ROGER - Yes. But a Jolly Roger is not a happy yes. listen in and see if anyone is in need of assistance. It can also be used as a hailing frequency to see if any one is MAYDAY - In imminent danger of loss of life or property. trying to talk to you. But Channel 9 is the channel that is PAN PAN - pronounced "pon pon" - Difficult situation meant for non emergency hailing purposes. In order to with possible injury or loss of property but not immedi- keep these channels open for new conversations to be ate. Do not confuse with Au Bon Pan, which is difficulty started, particularly for emergency situations, it is required in getting a table on the street. to switch to another channel once contact between the parties has been made. Continuing to chatter on channel SECURITE SECURITE - pronounced "sek yur i tay" — a 16 will get you some angry responses for your rude, dangerous situation, general navigation information inconsiderate use of the hailing frequency.You know between ships. low or static filled signal. who you are.

continued on page 15

14 April 2009 Issue 2

Radio continued from page 14 The parties starting the new conversation agree to go to and clearer than yours does. Only if the Coast Guard a new channel called the working channel. Both switch requests assistance of nearby vessels or the Coast Guard their radios to the new channel and listen to see if the does not answer after three minutes and repeated MAYDAY channel is clear. If there is a conversation on the chosen calls should you respond yourself. If the Coast Guard channel, both parties go back to the hailing channel to does not respond to the distress call you should assume select a new working channel. Breaking in on an ongoing that the Coast Guard is unable to hear the MAYDAY call. channel conversation is very rude and very inefficient. You should then perform a MAYDAY relay, repeating the information given in the original call following the proper Each channel is assigned a different purpose. Most are format but using the term MAYDAY RELAY instead of restricted for commercial and governmental use. MAYDAY and using your vessel name and call sign. Channels 68, 69, 71 ,72 and 78A are the noncommercial working channels in the U.S. If you are in a position to render assistance to the stricken vessel, wait until the traffic between the vessel and the Higher Power Coast Guard subsides and then offer that assistance to Radios of higher power are assigned a license by the gov- the Coast Guard, not the stricken vessel operator and ernment for use. Each radio is assigned a license number coordinate the rescue effort with the Coast Guard. consisting of letters and numbers.The starting letters are For a situation with POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY different for different countries.These identifying license but not imminently. start with PON PON PON PON PON numbers are supposed to be used at the beginning of PON followed by a short and clear description of the each call.They are known as the radio call sign. problem. End with OVER and Wait 15 seconds and Call Format rebroadcast until you get a response. A radio call is supposed to have the following specific For a situation of POSSIBLE DANGER begin with SECURITE format. SECURITE SECURITE. End with OVER. Listen for 15 seconds and then repeat. (call type) This is (vessel type) (vessel name) (call sign) (location)(description of vessel)(situation) (short statement Don't call the Coast Guard for stupid stuff.They are there and request). OVER to protect life and property, not your convenience or comfort. Calling the Coast Guard about running aground, Perhaps this is best illustrated by an example: or running out of gas, or being becalmed will get you For a situation with IMMINENT THREAT TO LIFE – a call in trouble.There are many private and commercial to any radio operator listening. organizations whose business and pleasure it is to help you out with these types of problems. Sea Tow is one of MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY This is sailing vessel Deep the major organizations in the U.S. that does this and Six again sailing vessel Deep Six I say again sailing vessel they all monitor channel 16 too. Deep Six Whisky Xray Tango seven five niner one Five miles northeast of Saboni Point, Delaware River.Taking Hi Honey, Can You Turn on the Tivo? on water rapidly and sinking. 35 foot sloop white hull, Marine radios can also be used to connect to land telephones light blue cabintop. Five people aboard. No life raft. No through the marine operator.This is an expensive and survival suits. Requesting immediate assistance. OVER often comical operation as the telephone user seldom Listen for 15 seconds and then repeat. understands the requirements of the radio conversation and will talk when you are talking and not realize why MAYDAY calls are serious business. Issuing a MAYDAY you can't hear what they said.This option is extremely call for something not immediately threatening loss of expensive and should only be used if its really really life, serious injury or loss of property is subject to a $10,000.00 fine. Just because you are going to miss your important. Use a cell phone if at all possible. airplane flight because you ran aground is NOT a valid Remember that what you say on a radio can be heard by reason to issue a MAYDAY call*. anyone within range, so speak as if you were speaking to If you hear a MAYDAY call do not talk on this channel. your mama. Foul language is cause for revoking your Let the Coast Guard handle the call.Write down any license and is subject to fines and even imprisonment by information that the caller gives out.The Coast Guard the regulating authorities.The Coast Guard monitors and radios are powerful and probably reach further, louder can locate the source of radio signals. It’s part of their job. 15 FIRST CLASS The American Yacht Club MAIL P.O. Box 1360 US POSTAGE Newburyport, MA 01950 PAID Topsfield MA Permit 325

April 2009 Issue 2

American Yacht Club P.O. Box 1360 Newburyport MA 01950 Organized 1885, Incorporated 1890 Please send all digital* Sailorgram submissions to [email protected] Send all physical** Sailorgram submissions to: Jim Grenier, 5 Folly Mill Road, Salisbury, MA 01952 Due date is the 5th of each month. Sailorgram will only be published when there is enough material to warrant it. *Copy submissions must be in .txt, .rtf, or .doc format; image formats must be .jpg, .gif, or .tif; images should be min. 150 dpi at 5x7 size. ** All written matter must be typewritten; images can be photos, drawings, or other flat art- work. Artwork can only be returned if provided with a self-addressed and stamped envelope.

Errata and Omissions The Sailorgram apologizes in advance for any errors in spelling, grammar, punctua- tion, or the accuracy of identifications. Sailorgram articles are the sole responsibility of the author, including stated facts, opinions, commentary, and humor. We include as many submissions as possible and may, due to space limitations, choose to omit or delay certain submissions for later issues. In other words, the Sailorgram takes Rosebud running upriver under a single reef. responsibility for hardly anything. Photo submitted by Doug and Nancy Cornell