Knoxville’s Sailing Center Summer/Fall 2015
Luff Letter Editor Guaranteed 15 Work Hours Per Year MS Publisher knowledge a help but not mandatory (easy to learn) All interested parties please email [email protected] or [email protected]
A note from the editors (Sandra and Bill) So it is with a bowed head that we apologize for missing dinner...so to speak. It is time to pass Editions of the Luff Letter have been noticeably the baton to someone that can devote the time missing this year. I would like to say that it was and talent needed to continue this important intended as part of a master plan to ween the publication. membership off of traditional forms of commu- nication, or to drive them to our social media To be sure, Sandra and I will assist with the sites such as Facebook and our web site. But transition and contribute articles. And perhaps the fact of the matter is that events and de- a better “new” title for editor should be mands in our personal lives put such a squeeze “communications manager” as we look to con- on our time that deadline after deadline was tinue the search for the best way to communi- missed. cate with members with the ultimate goals of increasing member’s engagement in club activi- Weeks turned into months and finally the reali- ties and enhancing their overall CYC experienc- zation took hold that there is simply too much es. on our respective plates to consume. Now the food is getting cold. Articles that were timely in So, if you are looking for some way to contribute early summer are no longer relevant. And that your talents to our club, please consider step- is not good. ping up as head chef of the Luff Letter. There are plenty more meals to be served and new recipes to be tried.
Sunday, November 15th @ Clubhouse Registration Starts - 4:00pm Meeting Starts - 4:30pm
The Nominating Committee is pleased to propose a full slate of officers and members to serve on the CYC Board. As always—IF you cannot attend the meeting please fill out the Proxy Form (on the following page) and give it to a Board Member or any CYC Member (in good standing) to bring with them. I encourage you all to come and attend. In addition to Board elections, we will give you a thor- ough update on the Property Tax Appeal and Lease Status as well as presentations from the Plan- ning Committee, CSC, Programs Overview, etc. As always, there will be a dinner immediately fol- lowing the meeting. Please plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the meeting so we can get everyone registered and establish a quorum. The sooner we get everyone registered, the sooner we’ll have the required quorum, the sooner the meeting will start, and the sooner we can dismiss and eat! And finally, a big thank you to the nominating committee: Jerry deLaurentis (Chairman), Dwight Guinn, and Bill Wickman, for putting together a slate of such strong board candidates. 2016 CYC Board Nominees Commodore Neil Quigley First Vice Commodore Michael Cox Second Vice Commodore Vlasta Kunc Rear Commodore Vic Tyler Secretary Dan Tankersley Treasurer Bryson Bosson Assistant Treasurer David Valone Member-at-Large Education Sam Ruple Member-at-Large Social Catherine Trapp
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______Member Name (Please print clearly) Date
______Member’s Signature Being a member in good standing of Concord Yacht Club I hereby designate the member below to serve as my proxy at the 2015 Annual Meeting:
______Proxy Designee Name (Please print clearly)
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Contributor: Mike Cox
Rocky Top Vlasta Kunc
Memorial Day Vlasta Kunc
Jeff Gamey (Spinnaker) July 4th Ron Mitchell (Non-Spinnaker) Labor Day Rained Out Randy Shonagen — Keelboats (tie breaker with John Tyner) Octoberfest Bill Bradshaw — Dinghys (tie breaker with Fred Griffin)
Member-at-Large, Social [email protected] 865-675-4252
We have had many great parties this year. The the CYC Calling Committee. Members reserve Super Bowl potluck offered a fun way to watch meals through their calling post contact. If you the big game with new and old friends. There haven't been getting party notices, please con- was a fun family atmosphere at the Commission- tact the Social Chair to make sure they have ing Party. Rebecca Cox outdid herself planning your correct contact information. the Shrimp Peel where members boogied late into the evening to the sounds of Lady B and De The next party is the grand finale of the year; our Boys. Then, there was the Fourth of July party. Awards Awards, installation of officers Friday The relentless rain took a temporary sabbatical Night Holiday Bistro. leaving a clear crisp evening of patriotic fun. Many members opted for the surprisingly popu- Oh, and don’t forget the lar hot dog bar. The young and young at heart Annual Meeting! made fine memories taking pictures and getting balloon art done.
If you missed any of our club party season, it is not too late to plan for next year’s fun as a guest or a volunteer. The club has a number of new members. Party invitations are issued through
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[email protected] / (865) 675-2938 Adjust & Monitor Your Dock Lines
As the temperature starts to drop this fall, so too does the lake level. Ft. Loudon Lake will drop a total of approximately four (4) feet in about a 30 day time span, starting around the beginning of November. You must monitor and adjust your dock lines accordingly.
Note that when you tie to the dock, you MUST tie to the piling whenever possible. These pilings do not move so you will need to regularly check your dock lines that are tied to pilings. It is also a good time to check the condition of your dock lines and replace any that are worn or frayed.
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Contributor: Johnny Ballatin
I’d like to share the following story with designed to have GYA clubs compete against members of CYC, as I believe it offers some each other for trophies and honor. This sys- perspective on sailing/racing in another part tem of interclub racing has made the GYA of this Great Country. one of the strongest and vibrant racing ven- ues in the country. During Lauren’s and my extended An integral part of sailing adventure this system of in- to the Florida, Ala- terclub competition bama, and Missis- is what the GYA sippi Gulf Coast terms their Inter- this spring and club Boat, “ICB.” summer, we had As a requirement of the opportunity to membership in the participate in what GYA, a club must will become an his- own and maintain toric event for the at least one Inter- Gulf Yachting As- club Boat. This ICB sociation, “GYA.” is used for a host of GYA interclub re- But before begin- gattas and champi- ning my story, let onship events. Until me first provide you with some background 1969, the ICB was a Fish Class Sloop, known information on the GYA from which you will as the “Fish Boat.” The Fish Boat was de- better be able to understand the significance signed by a New Orleanian, and member of of the events that have transpired. Southern Yacht Club in 1919, and was reput- ed to have been the most popular sailboat The GYA was organized in 1901 to promote racing class on the US Gulf Coast in the early the sport of yacht racing on the Gulf Coast of 20th century. In 1969, the Flying Scot re- the US. Since then, it has grown to encom- placed the Fish Boat as the GYA’s ICB. The pass 34 General Member Clubs, from St Pe- Flying Scot, at the time of its introduction to tersburg, FL to Houston, TX, with an addi- the GYA, provided a much more modern sail- tional 6 Affiliated Member Clubs and Sailing ing platform that was easily trailered from Associations. As such, it forms the major rac- club to club. The Flying Scot has served the ing fabric for competition, administration, GYA well for nearly 50 years. Today, you can education, and support in this large geo- find over 600 club and privately owned Flying graphic racing area. To give you some idea of Scots in the GYA. To give you some perspec- the scope and reach of the GYA, this organi- tive on the importance of the ICB, I have zation is the primary sponsoring authority for listed just a few of the GYA major events an incredibly large number of racing events, raced in the ICB. and championship regattas, covering the rac- ing spectrum from handicap classes to a Lipton Challenge Cup plethora of one design, youth, and multihull class racing. The Lipton Cup was begun in 1920, inspired by its namesake, Sir Thomas Lipton. In that But the story I’d like to share is about the bygone era, Sir Thomas Lipton provided a long standing system of Interclub Competi- great inspiration to the sport of yacht racing tion that has made the GYA so unique. Over in the US, valiantly attempting to win the the history of the GYA, they have established America’s Cup over a period of some 30 an impressive number of race events that are (Continued on page 7)
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Lipton Cup (1920), and the Knost (1939). Capdevielle is a series of some sixteen sep- arate race events that span from the GYA Opening Day Regatta to the end of the GYA race season. In the Capdeveille, each GYA club sends a Flying Scot team to race in what is termed a Capdevielle designated event. These Capdevielle events are sched- uled as a Capdevielle Class in conjunction with existing scheduled club regattas throughout the GYA. This accomplishes the efficiencies of using established regatta events; it significantly increases racer par- ticipation at these regattas; and it gives (Continued from page 6) GYA club members ongoing interest and focus for the entire racing season. At the years. Until today, this is one of the most end of the racing season, the club with the prestigious regattas held by the GYA. lowest calculated point score wins the tro- phy and honor of a GYA Banner as the I recently had the pleasure of attending th Capdevielle Champions for that year. This this year’s 95 Sir Thomas Lipton Challenge is a pretty big thing in the GYA. Cup, held at Bay St Louis Yacht Club, MS. Besides the large number of competing After 48 years of using the Flying Scot as GYA clubs with their respective racing and the GYA ICB, some figured it was time for a support teams, there were easily over 100 change. The concept was simple. The GYA spectator boats, with enthusiastic specta- wanted a new, more modern ICB. One that tors in excess of 500 people. This three day would help inject renewed sailing interest race event and regatta celebration is quite and excitement to the sport of sailing and a spectacle to behold. racing, for both the seasoned veteran, as well as the next generation of racers. It Junior Lipton was believed that this more modern and The Junior Lipton is a Lipton Cup Challenge exciting boat would help retain existing for Junior yacht club members between members, and attract new members, thus the ages of 13 and 17. This is a very well helping to grow the sport and the GYA attended event, with lots of parents, club clubs. supporters, and coaches helping these Jun- iors become really competitive racers. So, about two years ago, a GYA committee was created, and the work of finding and Knost Regatta selecting this new ICB boat began in ear- nest. After much work, and numerous Women’s GYA Championship begun in 1938. demonstrations of sprit/asymmetrical de- GYA Individual Flying Scot Champion- ship GYA Masters Regatta For ages 50 and up. I keep the Capdevielle Regatta for last, as this was the focal point for the huge, and I mean huge, change in the GYA. The “Capdevielle” began in 1941 and was dedi- cated to the memory of Auguste Capdeviel- le. It is the third oldest of such GYA inter- club competitions, preceded only by the (Continued on page 8)
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(Continued from page 7) nerve- racking finale, with the final tally be- ing the VX One having 13 votes, and the Viper signed boats, including such boats as the J-70, 640 having 14 votes. So, the Viper 640, victo- Ultimate 20, K-6, RS Venture, Seascape 18, rious by one vote, will now be the official new Topaz Omega, the GYA selection committee GYA Interclub Boat for many years to come. narrowed the search down to two finalist, the VX One and the Viper 640. What may seem Bottom line, whichever boat was selected, it strange is that both boats were designed by marks a new and exciting era for the GYA. The the same guy, Brian Bennett. Both of these new technology offered by these sportboats: sportboats were fast, fun, and affordable, light strong hulls, low weight to sail ratios, with great performance characteristics. The carbon fiber rigging, stable self-righting sail- Viper 640, the original Bennett design, was a ing platforms that are very fast and fun to tad larger (21’ 1” X 8” 2”), with a larger sail- sail, adds an entirely new dimension of perfor- plan. The VX One (18’ 11” X 7’ 2”) was a bit mance and excitement for both the veteran smaller and lighter, with a correspondingly and next gen racers. smaller sail-plan. It was an exciting time. I am very glad that I By Spring, the vote gathering campaigns were had the opportunity to be a part of this histor- in high gear, and continued to heat up dra- ic GYA and Viper event, and in the process, matically, approaching the final vote, sched- make a lot of new GYA friends. uled for early September. There were boat demoes at all the major GYA race events, along with additional targeted demoes at many other GYA Clubs. Meetings, campaign trips, presen- tations, dinners, e-emails, one-on -ones, and phone campaigns were all part of the weaponry used on the battlefield to gain favorable selection votes. On September 5th, at a Meeting of the GYA Commodores, and GYA Committees, with 29 clubs in at- tendance, 27 clubs cast their vote, with 2 clubs abstaining. The vote went all the way down to a
If you are interested in becoming certified as a US Sailing Level 1 Instructor, mark you calendar for May 27-30, 2016. This 4 day course will be conducted by US Sailing at our club. Stay tuned for more details, or contact Jeff Gamey with questions at [email protected] .
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CYC has joined the US Sailing MVP Program
The US Sailing MVP program gives club members a discount on their US Sailing mem- bership. In addition to your regular US Sailing membership benefits, for every club mem- ber who signs up or renews their membership through this program CYC gets credits that can be put towards any US Sailing training seminar.
To sign up you must renew through the program and not through the usual US Sailing por- tal. Go to mvpprogram.ussailing.org, select Concord Yacht Club, and follow the instruc- tions. You get:
Up to 20% Off
Youth membership: $20
(discounted from $25)
Individual membership: $50 (discounted from $60)
Plus, a portion of your US Sailing dues (up to 20%) is credited to Concord Yacht Club.
Just a few of the many US Sailing Member Benefits
Member discounts from top retailers will save you far more than the price of membership.
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Contributor: Bill Wickman At this year’s Shafer going solo on an American 16; Sam annual Florida Ruple with his wife Sharon on a Macgregor; 120, Concord John Tyner with his daughter on a Lighten- Yacht Club ing; Jason Williams with his kids on a Holder dominated the 20, David Martin with “friend” on a Catalina sailing event by 22; and me with my wife Lee on our bringing a total Rhodes22. As evidenced in the roster, this of seven boats event is suitable for just about any boat and plus crew. More than any other group. crew combination. And each of us had Moreover, the CYC sailors proved that just unique experiences. Following are individual because your home sailing grounds are on an accounts from some of the CYC participants. inland lake doesn’t mean you can’t run with the coastal boys and their big wind, waves, John Tyner’s Adventure on s/v Double and water. Read on and you will see why. Whammy For those who have not heard about it, The We arrived last of the Tennessee folks that Florida120 is an event held in and around the showed up at the Pennsacola Yacht Club. Pensacola bay area (mostly on Santa Rosa After rigging the boats, we all went to the Sound). The Pensacola/Santa Rosa Sound bar, sat outside, and enjoyed some bush- area offers some of the best coastal sailing in wackers and a nice meal. I was fully im- the Southeast with its clear warm water, pressed that they had a slurpy machine dedi- steady winds, expanse of protected sailing cated to bushwackers on tap. areas, and numerous anchorages. Small boat sailors from the Southeastern U.S. and be- Thursday morning Ellie (my 11 yr old daugh- yond assemble during the week after Moth- ter) and I splashed the boats and got under- er’s Day for a group sail of approximately 120 way. The sailing was moderate and generally miles over a 3 ½ day period. Boats range uneventful. I from small home built dinghies to trailerable could almost productions boats like the Catalina22. It is lay the channel not a racing event, although boats that are up to Specter sailing in the same vicinity tend to Island having to “unofficially” match race. The only real tack only occa- rules, if you can call them such, are that sionally, and everyone in the fleet gathers at a pre- we made good determined anchorage each evening to swap time. En-route stories, food, music, and the comraderie that we stopped at comes with sharing a passion for sailing. Juanna’s, had Each year, the experiences of each FL120 another bush- participant are as varied as the wind and wacker, spent a weather. little time on the gulf-side This year’s participants from CYC included beach, and got an ice cream at Tom Thumb. Don Busby with his sons on a Holder 20; Bill (Continued on page 11)
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(Continued from page 10) a close reach and barely managed to clear the leeward pillar. Damn, I hate sailing upwind This broke up the sailing and made for a nice under bridges! day. The leg between the bridges was an absolute Friday, we got away from Specter island behind slog. Water was crashing over the bow on eve- most of the other boats. We left the anchor- ry wave. My Lightning is self-bailing which age under jib and upon attempting to raise the managed the continuous flow of water entering main lost the halyard up the mast. I consid- the boat, but Ellie and I both had to don light ered going back in to retrieve it, but instead jackets to stay warm. Upon arrival at the sec- set the spinnaker. Initially, the wind was fairly ond bridge, we dropped the jib before entering light, but it gradually built and moved forward to minimize the chance of auto-tacking be- until we were screaming downwind on a full neath it. We were both pretty tired at this plane in our green Lightning. After passing al- point, and we no longer need to point, so we most every boat on the course, the wind had left the jib down the remainder of the trip to continued to move forward until the pole was Skull Island. all but riding the forestay, making for a very fast ride. On one particularly wild ride, we This was our first trip to Skull Island as last crashed off of one wave and submarined into year the FL120 didn't go there. It was beauti- the back of another wave. I decided to take ful with a nice sandy spit and very calm bay down the spinnaker behind. All the kids and many adults swam and at this point, and we generally had a good sailed the last 8 miles time. That night we or so fairly slowly lit a fire and from under jib only. somewhere magical- ly appeared a bag of Upon arrival at Sand marshmal- Island I was planning lows….pure sugary to take down my awesomeness! mast to retrieve my Thanks Marshmallow halyard, but the s/v Lady…you rocked! Red-Witch made the most excellent rec- I have to say, that ommendation to the hardest part of simply careen our the entire trip was Lightning. And a few minutes later we had the the night on Skull Island. It was my first intro- halyard back. Thanks Red Witch! duction to No-See-Uhms. I barely slept as I vainly swatted at the vicious blood sucking bas- Saturday morning we got away early. The tards that had entered our tent; it was utterly winds were already up so I put in a reef before miserable. We each had over 100 bites, and departing. Passing in front of the cut for the man do they itch. gulf was particularly rolly, especially when a couple of large cruisers superimposed their Sunday morning we again got away early under wake on top of the already large rollers. Ellie a very light following wind. We popped the was pretty scared at this point, but held tough chute with just enough wind to carry it, but as there was not much else she could really do. soon the wind began to build. Before we ar- She did later tell me it was more scary than rived at the first bridge the wind was blowing the Tennessee Tornado, a double loop roller about 15 and it had moved too far forward to coaster at Dollywood. carry the spinnaker any longer. After passing the bridge the wind was again on the quarter, After passing the cut the winds seemed to but it was blowing a bit too hard for the spin- build. By the time we approached the first naker. Still, we were planning out almost at bridge things were howling pretty hard. We will: surf down a wave, head up, sheet in, and entered that bridge all the way to windward on (Continued on page 12)
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(Continued from page 11) for my crew to “use the facilities.” But… it made for a happy crew and I must admit that it all of a sudden we are up on plane and out- was nice to be running the waves again. It was toooo much one of the early fun…a glorious leg of sailing! arrivals at each anchorage. So, Shortly after the second bridge, we dropped the getting to an- main and sailed the last couple of miles to the chorages early, Pensacola Yacht club under jib only. After get- check. ting the boat on the trailer, the weight of trip started to sink in and de-rigging the boat was a As for sailing real chore, but we managed it. We pulled out conservatively, I tried. Honestly, I did. But the of the club before noon and drove the seven winds this year were quite sporting at times. hours back to Knoxville, plus a couple of short Day one was almost perfect conditions with fair naps along the way. Ellie and I are both looking skies and light winds that built throughout the forward to next year. day to around 5-10 knots. Day two was another story. It started out with light winds, but there Bill Wickman’s Adventure on s/v FinaLee. were storm clouds on the horizon and a forecast for increasing winds. The good news, though, While having done two previous Florida 120s in was that the wind would be from the east. And very small boats (a Capri14 dinghy and a Hobie we would be sailing west. What a great sleigh Tandem Island sailing kayak) that necessitated ride! Up until heading down Santa Rosa Sound my camping on the beach, this year was done in after brunch. Mr., “I’m going to sail conserva- the comparative luxury of my Rhodes22 with tive” had all of his sails out and ignored a dark the companionship of my wife, Lee. It being storm cloud that was bearing down on us. It her first multi-night trip on the Rhodes, I com- was just too much fun surfing down those mitted to sail conservatively, stop for restau- waves. The wind gusts hit fast and hard. As I rant meals frequently, and get to anchorages rounded up to furl, the boat healed to an angle early. Did I succeed? Well, two out of three that required my wife to stand straight up on ain’t bad. the edge of the seat. Not good. We were near- ly knocked down. Twice. I was finally able to Thanks to the effort of Bill Shafer, we were reef down after some wild minutes and the rest able to utilized reciprocal privileges at Pensaco- of the afternoon was spent calmly sailing down la Yacht Club. Not only did they provide com- Santa Rosa sound to Sand Island, the next an- plimentary launching, a camping area and se- chorage. cure vehicle/trailer storage, they also had nice showers, a swimming pool, and an excellent The wind restaurant and bar. It was a great base of oper- continued to ations to start and end the trip. I also made Juanna’s build that sure to stop at a place called Juanna’s next to day and, the Navarre Bridge for lunch on day 1 and combined brunch on day 2. So, stopping for restaurants, with a coun- check. ter current at Pensacola Although we were the nearly last to leave each Bay Inlet, morning, I used whatever resources I had to created make sure that we reached each anchorage in some crazy time to relax, swim, prepare dinner, and visit wave action with the other sailors. In other words, I had to on the ap- resort to the dreaded motor sailing for part of proach to the trip. The fleet of FL120 sailors strongly en- the anchorage. As we pulled into the anchor- courage the purity of using only sail between age, I thought to myself, “This is it. She is anchorages so I felt a bit shameful on the sec- done. We will have to pull out of the event ond day as I motored through the fleet to make sure we got to Juanna’s in time for brunch…and (Continued on page 13)
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(Continued from page 12) This was my first Florida 120 and I was anxious. I was sailing solo in my American 16 and this early.” Much to my surprise, after some good would be my first excursion on her. I was the food and libation, attitudes improved and Lee first to arrive at Pensacola Yacht Club on was actually gung ho for what the next day Wednesday afternoon, but by nightfall four oth- would bring. And bring it did. ers had joined me: Don Busby and his two kids, Bill Wickman and his wife, Jason Williams and As I awoke to Day 3, the wind was already howl- his two kids, and John Tyner and his two kids. I ing and the forecast called for winds upwards of felt under-crewed. I also realized I had the slow- 20 knots. There were many who dropped out est boat in the fleet. that day. In retrospect, they may have been the wiser for it. But I was determined to make it to We rigged up Wednesday, drank Bushwackers the third anchorage at Skull Island, and Lee was that night and launched Thursday about 0630. willing, so off we went. Light wind at first had me rowing when my wife As the day progressed the called informing me she wind built to around had a fractured T-11 verte- 20knots with gusts up- bra. In Pensacola Bay, the wards of 25. It was chal- wind freshened and it was lenging sailing and I made a great sail to the Hwy. 98 sure to reef early and use bridge with only three the motor when necessary tacks and, as expected, I to make the ride as com- was falling behind. fortable and undramatic as possible. The plan It was a pleasant sail down worked well until we the Intercoastal (Santa Ro- reached East Bay. East sa Sound) and several other Bay is a large shallow bay FL-120 boats passed. I no- and the high winds had ticed a small leak coming turned it into a washing up from the bilge (below machine. Steep short pe- the cockpit sole) and tried riod waves and wind out to imagine where it was of the East/Southeast coming from. It was small so I continued on and made for a very rough final leg. There was no since I was falling further behind I motor sailed a champaign and caviar on this day. It was power little. When I reached the Navarre bridge, I bars, water, and a hope that no one gets sea- called the other CYC boats to find out where sick. So, commitment to sail conservatively, no they were. I was ahead of them! They had check there, but I did the best I could under the stopped for lunch by the bridge and now we circumstances. were about eight miles from Spector Island (the Much to our surprise, we were one of the first first night’s stop). ones to the anchorage. And to our greater sur- prise, the first three to make it were all CYC I had decided before I reached Spector that I sailors! Don Busby and John Tyner had toughed would withdraw because of my leak because I it out through that hellish bay on their small didn’t know where it was or how much worse it boats and made it to Skull Island. CYC had dom- would get (and maybe a little guilt about verte- inated the Florida 120. In fact, of the over 40 bra). Fortunately, our daughter lives in Ft. Wal- boats that started the event, fewer than a dozen ton Beach so I called our grandson to meet me had made it to Skull Island. and drive me to Pensacola to pick up the van and trailer at PYC. My eleven hour sail down And the best result of the entire trip? Lee said was a one hour drive back. that she would go again. Success! I am looking forward to returning next year with Bill Shafer’s Adventure on s/v Watermelon a faster boat. My leak turned out to be the cen- Wine terboard pivot bolt nut backing off and the small (Continued on page 14)
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(Continued from page 13) In the end, each of us had unique sailing experi- ences; some good and some not so good. But I leak was around the loose bolt. Easy to fix but feel that I represent all in saying that everyone better safe than sunk and Sue is recovering. took away memories that they will not soon for- get, and we all grew our level of experience and Adventures of Other CYC Participants confidence in sailing small boats on big waters. So, come with us next year. I guarantee you will Don Busby and kids. Don and his sons made the not regret it. entire trip and were one of the first to arrive at Skull Island on day 3. Their boat performed well Footnote: Some of us that participated this and they had a great time; especially the boys. year discussed the possibility of holding our own CYC cruise in these waters. The idea would be for us to use the Pensacola Yacht Jason Williams and kids. Jason had a good trip Club as our base and do a multi-day cruise in as well. Rather than make the slog to Skull Is- the area waters. We could maybe even have land on the third day, Jason made the decision an informal regatta with PYC (although I have to pull out. A good decision given the conditions to warn you that there are some serious sailors the rest of us faced there). If you are interested in such a CYC the remainder of event, please send me an email at: the day. [email protected] . Sam and Sharon Ru- ple. A veteran of the FL120, he was new to the boat he took this year. Un- fortunately, it was plagued with issues; not the least of which was a fussy motor. Sam and Sharon started the trip a few days early and opted to anchor out with a number of other Florida 120 sailors behind Santa Rosa Island on Wednesday before the “official” event began. After an uncomfort- able rolly night at anchor, they awoke to find that Sharon had been eaten alive by insects (or nearly so), and to add insult to injury had an al- lergic reaction to the bites. Feeling the bad kar- ma, Sam pulled out on Thursday. Discretion is the better part of valor. Hopefully, we can talk Sharon into coming back next year. She is a lot of fun. David Martin. The CYC fleet ran into a couple of intrepid CYC’ers on the second night at Sand Is- land in their Catalina22 (I believe). By the looks of them, they were having a blast; trading barbs with each other and full of laughter. I didn’t see them before or after the Sand Island encounter. They were stealth.
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Sam & Sharon in 2014
Skull Island Anchorage
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Contributor: Bill Bradshaw
Well, the 58th Farragut is in the books. Everty- Thanks to everyone that helped out, and a big thing went as planned except for the wind. thanks to all of the out-of-town boats that Good food, lots of great company, and beauti- made the trip. ful sunny days. Tom Hudson and his race com- mittee did manage to get two races in. The results are shown below. Congratulations to Brent and Jack for consistently staying out of trouble on a weekend where it was really easy to find the holes.
Place Skipper Crew 1 Crew 2 Boat # Race 1 Race 2 Total 1 Brent McKenzie Jack Smith 3615 3 1 4 2 Scott Griffin Nerissa Griffin 3997 4 3 7 3 Kyle Finefrock Conor Rupen 3948 7 2 9 4 Dan Russell Rob Spring 3828 2 7 9 5 Loy Vaughn Andrew DeRussy 4007 6 5 11 6 Brad Russell Doug Toney 3841 1 11 12 7 David Reddaway Darby 3883 8 4 12 8 Andy Russell Jack Finefrock 3659 5 10 15 9 Bill Bradshaw John Lindahl Amy Benefield 3809 11 6 17 10 Fred Griffin Libby Griffin Pam/Elsbeth 3751 10 8 18 11 Adam Ankers Peyton Ankers Luke 1811 9 9 18
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(865) 588-6514, Boy Scouts of America, Knoxville
Four to Contend for World Champs in 2016
The Concord Invitational Sea Scout Regatta crews that will compete in this internation- is a qualifier for Sea Scouts in the Southern al week-long regatta at the Long Beach and Central Regions of the Boy Scouts of Yacht Club in California. Participants were America (25 states). Invited to participate permitted to camp on the grounds of the in The 2016 William I. yacht club and were Koch International provided breakfast, Sea Scout Sailing Re- lunch and a T-shirt. gatta, which is an in- The regatta complet- ternational sailing ed seven races under regatta that provides ideal sailing condi- an opportunity for tions with Mike Cox U.S. Sea Scouts and (CYC) doing a superb international Sea job as race commit- Scouts to sail togeth- tee PRO. The Sea er in competition Scouts express their against the wind and appreciation and sea, and the United thanks to those who States Sea Scout 1st Crew Best 2nd Place Best caused this regatta to Championship Cup be successful. 2016, conducted sim- ultaneously under sponsorship of Boat US, were Justin Douthat (CYC) & John Walker In addition, Ship 300 Sea Scouts participat- as one crew and Carter Busby (CYC) & Jere- ing in the Honor Air Flight, October 7th, my Driver as another crew. The Concord that sent WWII, Korean and Viet Nam vet- Invitational, held September 26, 2015, at erans to Washington, D.C. the Concord Yacht Club produced two
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Great Year tween a Viper and a windsurfer, with an 2015 was a great year for Sail Camp. We had open cockpit, maxi-roach full-batten mylar a record number of campers with waiting sail and a planing hull. They’re light and tip- lists for all three weeks. py and take some talent to master, but they’re fast and our campers quickly got the Head Instructor Luke Schwarzentraub and hang of them. Shore Director Jodi Busby did a fantastic job running the camp along with a great staff of Coming Soon instructors and TAs. But none of this would One of the objectives for this year is to pro- be possible without the help of dedicated vide a venue for these young sailors to con- volunteers like Betty Nicholls, Suzi Richters, tinue sailing throughout the year. So this Sam Ruple, John Tyner, Neil Quigley, Tom fall we’re introducing middle-school sailing Sears, Missy Noon, Dany Kopp, Eileen Gamey, ([email protected]) and there’s Kevin Johnson and all those on the CSC even a move to start an Opti racing program Board. This is a big operation and it takes ([email protected]). So stay tuned dozens of staff and volunteers to run it. and get involved. We’ll meet you by the campfire. If you would like to get in on the action, please let me know and we’ll get you hooked up. There are still plenty of jobs we could use help with.
O’Pen Bics The new fleet of O’Pen Bic sailboats were a big draw for returning campers this year. These 10ft pocket rockets are a cross be-
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Contributor: Bill Wickman
In the early days of March this year, I attempted to sail my Hobie Tandem Island sailing trimaran kayak in the WaterTribe Everglades Challenge, a 300 mile race from Ft. DeSoto Park on Tampa Bay to Key Lar- go. I completed the race last year with a friend of mine and we won First Place thorough the Ever- glades Wilderness Waterway route. This year was a different story. This is a yarn about rescues at sea. A cautionary tale for those who might be consider attempting this race. And a story of blissful ignorance. I entered this year as a solo (couldn’t get anyone to go with me this time) and the race stated as sched- uled at 0700 Saturday morning. Winds were high with confused sea state in Tampa Bay, but my boat handled it fine. Unfortunately, others didn’t and the US Coast Guard had to perform 12 rescues. As a result, they intervened and cancelled the entire event, thus ending what was to be a 3-5 day event. What a crazy day it was. The only consolation was that I won 1st place in my class as the first Hobie to make it to check point one (the shortened end of the race). A personal account of my experi- ence on the fate filled day follows, but for the “official” account you can click on the following links to media articles and US Coast Guard press release: A report by one of the news stations. Watch the videos. I’m only in there for a second or two, but you can see my boat (my 2 seconds of fame): http://www.nbc-2.com/story/28287612/coast-guard-terminates-water-tribe-challenge Press Release by the US Coast Guard: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2475042 A cool video from a drone of the start of the race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uruh29wPFPM
And if you really get into this, you can read the report from another competitor’s blog site: http://watertribe.org/microtom/my-account-and-assessment-of-the-2015-everglades-challenge/
If you are interested in WaterTribe you can find them at www.watertribe.com
And Finally, here is my personal race report:
Chumbucket’s Race Report I departed the beach right at 0700 and headed for Passage Key Inlet between Anna Maria Island Everyone in the Watertribe and Passage Key. Temperature was in the 50’s has a tribal name. Mine was with wind chill in the lower 40’s. Water tempera- Chumbucket. While many of ture was in the 70’s. I was solo in a Hobie TI and the competitors stayed on the noticed several other Hobie Islands around me as “inside” route, meaning they well as some of the bigger cats and a Core sound stayed behind the barrier is- in front of me. lands along the ICW, I will provide a perspective from I will note that I had my cellphone turned off to the outside route. conserve the battery and stowed to protect it from (Continued on page 20) Summer/Fall 2015 No. 505 19
(Continued from page 19) body heat.
the salt water; and did not have my VHF With the fast speeds, the outside fleet sepa- turned on for the same reason, and because I rated pretty quickly and the fast big cats didn’t perceive the weather conditions to be soon disappeared over the horizon. I found bad enough to warrant it (no storms in the myself along on the Gulf of Mexico. area, just brisk wind and some sketchy Because of the wind and wave action, con- waves). stant attention was needed at the rudder con- The bay waters as very lumpy with a swell trol, so taking care of, um, personal business coming from one direction and steeper short- and getting food, etc. was a challenge but er period waves from another. Wind was manageable. It was otherwise pretty une- gusty and out of the NE at around 15-17 ventful. The most exciting thing that hap- knots (later reports had it at 20 pened to me in the Gulf was coming across a knots). There was an incoming tide which pod of dolphins. A good omen I contributed to the steep confused seas. I had thought. Little did I know of all the drama all of my sail out and was sailing very fast, happening in Tampa Bay. surfing down one wave and into the back of I did see some Coast Guard Helicopters fly the next. The confused waves would some- past and thought that they were just patrol- times come from behind and sometimes slap ling, but also considered it unusual to see me in the side, and as the wind picked up I them twice in the span of an hour…and then started experiencing some broaching motion hoped they were not out to rescue a fellow so I furled to slow down a bit and maintain WaterTriber. better control. As the day wore on the sun peaked out and I Approaching the pass it was easy to see the actually got a bit warm. The wind also shift- breakers on each side of the inlet. It looked ed more easterly and died down quite a bit as pretty knarly at first, but once I lined up with did my speed. the channel the path out to the Gulf became clear and I took the safe way right up the I approached Stump Pass in the late after- middle. I did notice one of the Hobie Tis cut noon and found it much calmer than last the corner behind the breakers and made it year. It was a fun surf down the outer break- through just fine. ers into the channel. Once in, I had to fight an outgoing current and wind which was di- Once in the Gulf, the seas actually were a bit rectly on the nose. So much for the down- better. There was a swell of about 2 (maybe wind sleigh ride. But it was over soon and I 3) feet with crossing wind driven waves rounded the corner toward the ICW and to- coming in from the port stern quarter. Very tally calm waters. few waves were actually breaking. Wind was strong and gusty, but with the sea state I would be remiss if I didn’t confess my more predicable I took out the reef and went screw up. I got greedy and tried to cut a cor- flying down the coast at 7-8+ knots for most ner to the ICW and guess what happened? I of the morning and into the afternoon. I ran aground in the muky mud, and had to get even hit some short term speeds of over 10 out of the kayak and walk it back to the knots. Pretty exciting on a Hobie TI. The channel. Then…..I did it again! Geeze… water was warm but the air was cool and felt like an idiot. I stayed in the channel the even though I was wearing a full body dry rest of the way to Cape Haze Marina and hit suit I started feeling a bit chilly so I started the beach at 16:15, beating my time from peddling my mirage drive to generate some (Continued on page 22)
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West Marine Water Tender / 9.4 Rowing Dinghy Length = 9’ 4”; Width = 52”; Height = 21” Capacity 480 lbs Purchased new, and used for several years as a To & From mooring dinghy, at Concord Yacht Club In good shape, and is currently stored at my house Asking price $300.00 List Price at West Marine new is $600.00 See the following West Marine link for details and picture of this boat http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--watertender-9-4-rowing-dinghy-- 11985504
Walker Bay Dinghy Length = 8’ 4”; Width = 52” Capacity 425 lbs Boat was purchased new, and has never been used Includes rowing oars In like new condition, and is currently stored at my house Asking price $400.00 List Price at West Marine new is $900.00 See the following West Marine link for details and picture of this boat http://www.westmarine.com/buy/walker-bay--walker-bay-8-10-dinghies-- P010_300_001_506
Contact: Johnny Ballatin (423) 404-3311 [email protected]
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BOARD MEMBERS (Continued from page 20) Commodore Sandra Ford-Johnson last year by over two hours! I thought it very strange [email protected] that I was the only boat on the beach, and decided to dig out my cellphone and check in with the wife be- 1st Vice Commodore fore heading through the mangroves to marina. Michael Cox [email protected] As soon as I turned on my phone, it lit up and pinged 2nd Vice Commodore with numerous missed calls and texts. It was only then that I realize what went down. After talking to Ron Mitchell my wife, who was only mildly worried because she [email protected] was able to follow my progress on SPOT website Rear Commodore page, I made my way to the check point captain to Terry Schmidt make sure they knew I was off the water, and found a [email protected] gathering of other sailors scratching their heads as to Secretary why the event was cancelled. Dan Tankersley All in all, I thought the day was “sporting” in a Hobie [email protected] TI and never felt out of control or that conditions Treasurer were dangerous. Of course, this is the perspective of Bryson Bosson a Hobie TI. I would not have wanted to be in the [email protected] open Gulf in a regular kayak, but I have no doubt that some of the experienced WaterTribers could have Assistant Treasurer handled it just fine. David Valone [email protected] Thinking back to those helicopters that flew by me, I wonder if they were checking me out trying to figure Members at Large out if I was a WaterTriber? Hopefully, they saw that Education I was properly equipped and in no danger and went Sam Ruple on to other problems. Or perhaps I was just too far [email protected] away for them to send a chase boat to herd me out of the water. Social Andre’ Terry Sometimes ignorance is bliss. [email protected] CONTACTS Luff Letter Bill Wickman [email protected] Clubhouse Reservation Jennifer Cross [email protected] Harbormaster Gary Grimac [email protected] Phone Committee Catherine Trapp [email protected] WEBSITE www.concordyachtclub.org
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