Volume 83, Number 9 September 2011

Laser Radial Men’s and Youth World Championships

This July I competed in two back-to-back put me far back by the windward mark, regardless of World Championships held in La Rochelle, France. It how hard I worked that first beat. One big observation was like a marathon of sailing, with two full weeks of I had was how close the skills of all the competitors racing day after day. It was an exciting, stressful, and were to each other. In other words, I had my work cut exhausting trip that gave me many lessons to bring out for me. I ground out each race. By the end of the home. qualification series, I was just making gold fleet, it was a huge relief. But in gold fleet the competition got Week One: Men’s Laser Radial Worlds three times better. I finished 35th out of 150.

The conditions during the first week were very Week Two: Youth Laser Radial Worlds similar to a breezy day on the Bay. The breeze was between 15-30 knots every day. There was The weather fully changed the second week. big chop too. Our course was in a large bay, so the cur- After an entire week of strong breeze sailing, the wind rent either went with or against the wind. I was excited died down to between 7-15 knots for the whole regat- to race in strong breeze, but a little annoyed to race ta. Wind shifts were important the first week, but this against men who weighed more than I. But I knew that week they were everything. Some races I would be weight wasn’t the only factor in boat speed, so I made on the correct side of the shift, but other races showed a goal to focus all my energy on my speed and tactics. me how detrimental being on the wrong side of a shift Right away, I learned how strong the fleet was. The could be. I struggled in the lighter conditions. It was starts were crucial. Mistakes early in the race would really unlucky that Youths wasn’t in strong breeze too September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

practicing everything I learned this summer, in the years to come.

Domenic Bove SCYC Junior Member

Greetings from the Helm

As we wind down the summer months, and the school year is starting up, our club is still presenting fabulous activities and racing schedules for our mem- because I was so well prepared for it. I felt just a little bers to enjoy. As we all know, the great weather is still slow the whole regatta and it was really hard to keep ahead. positive. On the last day of qualifying series I wasn’t as As we reported in the August spinnaker sheet, lucky as at Men’s. I just missed gold fleet by one point. we are very excited that we managed to jump through I was disappointed to be in the silver fleet, but I took it all the hoops leading us to the environmental studies as an opportunity to practice my racing against sailors process for our addition and tram. much nearer to my skill level. I finished 81st out of 270. With this huge hurdle behind us, we are going After two weeks, I learned many lessons about to start collecting the donated money raised for the tram. big fleet sailing. For example; all about starting, hold- Please be prepared to receive a letter in the mail from ing my spot, accelerating for different biases or condi- me asking to send in your donation. All donations are tions. just how important boat speed is, to minimize any appreciated very much. We know it is difficult during maneuvers that might slow me down,and how to make these times to part with money. There is still the need to gains at laylines. I improved on my reaching and know- raise money for the tram, and Lalaine Dowdell will be ing when to go a low or high course. One of the biggest spear heading this effort. On behalf of the entire mem- lessons that I got from Worlds this year was how to bership, management, and board of directors we whole predict the shifts and stay in phase. I will definitely need heartedly THANK YOU for your help and donation! to keep working at it though. I’d like to thank Rob and De Schuyler for all Next for me sailing-wise is collegiate sailing. their time and energy of the past year. The both of them And even though in college I’ll be racing on short cours- have done a fantastic job bringing excitement and joy to es in smaller fleets, all of these lessons will carry over. our membership with the many events, activities and the Starting, playing shifts, planning smart mark roundings, addition of many young members. and making my boat go as fast as possible will be espe- If you were unable to make it to the Art show cially important next year. and Auction you missed a great time. Chuck Hawley Thanks so much for the opportunity to compete was awesome and did a fabulous job as auctioneer. I at this year’s Men’s and Youth Radial Worlds. I will be was very impressed by how many artistic members our

2 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker club has. I often talk about the hidden talent within our membership. I want to thank all our artists who displayed their talents over the last several weeks. I believe Rob and De have plans for continuing this event in some form. For one, I think the Club looks great with all the art work. Keep your eye on the calender for upcoming events; get involved with your club. Ask yourself, not what has the club done for you, but what have you done for your club. Thank you for your continued support, be safe and I look forward to seeing you around the club or on the water Rear Commodore’s Report Michael Wood The 15th Annual Golf Tournament this year Commodore took us up out of the fog and into the bright sunlight of the Boulder Creek Golf Course. It was a beautiful day Vice Commodore’s Report and it was fun being with yacht club friends in a differ- ent environment. Janell and I had a wonderful time at the Art We gave out a few authentic trophies along Auction sponsored by the Corinthians. What a great with the traditional “Yatch Club” matchbooks. event! The club never looked better with all the Steve Niemann’s team including Tom Web- beautiful artwork on display. Thanks to everyone ster, Greg Haws and Bob Haase won first place while involved—fantastic job! The hors d’oeuvres (prepared Jon Kim’s team of Nancy Beekman, Maxfield Mur- by the Yachtswomen of the Year alumni with smoked ray and Eric Lynch placed second. Rob Schuyler’s salmon by Ric Diola) were absolutely wonderful, the team of Dan Borror, Susie Ritchey, Jerry Ritchey art was spectacular and everyone had lots of fun— and Tom Dexel took third. due in no small part to the good humor of auctioneer Nancy Beekman and Rob Schuyler had the Chuck Hawley. I knew about some of SCYC’s art- longest drives and Greg Haws had closest to the hole. ists, but I had no idea there was such a concentration Greg beat out a triple ricochet shot for closest to the of talent in the club! This event kicked off fundraising hole. for the Corinthians’ Jack and Jill project to obtain two Next year there will be a beautiful perpetual keel boats for members to use. I understand the event trophy with this year’s winners engraved on it. raised over $6300! W now have over 40 Corinthian members—and we have been adding about 2-3 more Oh My Goodness !!! every month. The energy they have brought to the club is palpable and it is heartwarming to see SCYC’s The Luau and Mediterranean Dinners were future unfolding before our eyes. absolutely delicious this month. There is no place in Construction on sprinklers and the new roof will begin soon, and we have inked a deal to begin work on the final bits of engineering for the tram. We are awaiting a hearing date from the city to receive our final approvals and then we will be on our way. The Fall One Design series has begun—and the Moores are back! Great to see. Don’t forget to enter Fall SCORE and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Day on the Bay!

Dave Emberson Vice Commodore

3 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker town you can get a dinner this great for such an inex- pensive price. It is phenomenal. Those of you who are missing these Themed Dinners just don’t understand what is going on. And for GOODNESS SAKES, come to the Asian Dinner on Sunday, September 11. Get away from the crowds and enjoy a quiet evening with a few of your friends. Be on the lookout for the pink ladies as they are planning a great Four Generations Dance Party on Saturday, September 24th with music from the 40s to the present. They have rented a jukebox so you will have over 1,000 songs from which to choose and great food by KISS. More details to be posted on the flyer (Staff Commodore’s Ric Diola and Chuck Hawley board but get the date on your calendar now. Corin- shown with Director Barry Whittall) thians Sold Into Hard Labor The Corinthian members held an auction last Ellis, Lalaine Dowdell, Barry Whittall, De Schuyler week to help raise funds for the eventual purchase of and Rob Schuyler. two small keelboats to be called Jack and Jill in the Special thanks to all of the following members tradition of the original SCYC Jack and Jill boats of who contributed the amazing appetizers: Lynn Ap- the past. pley, Sydnie Moore, Susie Barber, Stacy Ely, Hjordis The auction was an amazing success! Chuck Quitzau, Sylvia Seaberg, Bridget Binko, Magdalena Hawley sold one Corinthian after another into hard Naef, Melanie Ferri, Chris Borror, Virginia Lee, labor. Corinthians are washing boats, varnishing, Lauren Linkemyer, Janel Schuyler, Rick Linkemyer packing wenches, babysitting, giving sailing lessons, and Barbara Booth, Ric and Marilyn Diola plus Rob cooking dinner, etc. At the end, Barry Whittall and and De Schuyler. Ric Diola got into a bidding war for a four pack of Gus Gregory and Joyce Wrenn donated the West Marine biodegradable toilet paper. This was an salmon from their Alaskan fishing trip that was used to extremely entertaining evening full of fun and laugh- make the smoked salmon and some of the appetizers. ter. Artists donated their work for the silent auction Charlie Rice organized the wine tasting earlier and we auctioned over $6,000 of goods and services. in the day with the County Fair wine tasters. He stayed The organizing committee for this event were: Lila the entire evening to keep track of the bottles, all 128 Walsh, Neil Steiner, Regina Judson, Ashley Zani- of them. novich, Andrew Gersh, Lauren Linkemyer, Mack De would like to acknowledge Diane Abraham who single-handedly put the food out for the One Design Racers as the kitchen was transitioning from the wine tasting group to the art auction group and Corinthian Ra- chel Hofmann who worked non-stop in the kitchen the entire evening. Thanks to the Corinthians for initiat- (Chuck Hawley shown with valuable auction item) ing this project to 4 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

purchase Jack and Jill keelboats for the entire member- ship.

Art Show and Auction

Santa Cruz Yacht Club held its first member- ship Art Show. It was so exciting watching our mem- bers bringing in their beautiful art. It was an honor to have all our famous local artists participate in the show. There were also some real surprises that most of us did not know were artists. Many said how nice the club looked and everyone thoroughly enjoyed browsing through all the art. Upcoming SCYC Each of the artists generously donated a piece of their art to support the Corinthian effort to raise Events Calendar money in an auction to purchase the two “Jack and Jill” keelboats for the SCYC members. The artist that contributed to the Art Show CPR Classes were Evelyn Jenkins Drew, Carol Gordon, Marie September 1 & 8 Gabrielle, Beth Allison Gripenstraw, Rainey Bassa- no, Warren Pelz, Chris Borror, Allison Gripenstraw, Dennis Bassano Jr., Robert Schuyler, Susie Snyder, Windjammers Gail Nichols, Carl Bjorn Ruhne, Nancy Niles, Ed September 2 & 3 Larson and James Clappier. I am extremely proud to be part of this art community and thank them all for being so supportive BB/BS Regatta of our yacht club. I want to give special thanks to Beth September 4 Gripenstraw for all of the time, effort and expertise she contributed to this event. Safe Power Boating Class Rob Schuyler Rear Commodore September 10 & 11

Sunday Asian Theme Buffet September 11

Fall One Design #2 September 17

Dance Party / Pink Ladies September 24

Fall SCORE #2 September 25 (Chuck, Ashley and Barry showing off the goods)

5 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Galley

Come and try our Theme Night Dinners, in the Galley, served once a month put on by Kiss Catering. We’re having an Asian Buffet, $17.50 plus tax and tip on Sunday, September 11th. You won’t want to miss out! Make sure and make reservations early.

Asian Buffet Menu:

Chicken Pot Stickers Egg Rolls with Condiments Moore 24 Fleet Auction Asian Sesame slaw Steamed White Rice OR House Fried Rice Have you ever wanted to go sailing in New Sweet and Sour Pork Zealand or the Puget Sound? Or have a professional Pad Thai Noodles with Shrimp sailor like Morgan Larson or Trevor Bayliss race with Kung Pao chicken you and your crew? Or wanted to have Team Pegasus Green Curry White Fish coach you on your boat with your crew on the water for Dessert – Green Tea Ice Cream and Fortune Cookies a day? How does a golf or fishing trip in the Columbia Coffee and Condiments – Ice water River Gorge sound? These and many other items are $17.50 ea. Plus tax and tip up for auction through the Moore 24 web site at http:// www.moore24.org/auction. Scott & Sandy Dexel In February of this year, we lost Joel Verutti, a KISS Catering 28-year Moore 24 owner and fleet ambassador, and long- time Santa Cruz Yacht Club member. He leaves behind Clive Cussler his wife Tina and 12-year-old daughter Josselyn. We hope to raise money to help the family out as well as Join adventure author Clive Cussler on October maintain and store Joel’s boat, Mercedes #55, until Jos- 15 at The Lodge at Pebble Beach for the Camp SEA Lab selyn is able to do so herself. annual dinner & auction! Help support Camp SEA Lab’s So please, check out our auction site at http:// efforts to create the next generation of ocean stewards www.moore24.org/auction -- there’s certainly some through science, education and adventure. Private great Christmas present options for that person who has cocktail reception begins at 5:30pm, and dinner program everything! begins at 7pm. Register guests and entire tables at www. campsealab.org asap, as seating is limited. Susie Barber

Scott Smithson 831-431-0404 CPR Classes

Limited space and filling up fast. Get your First Aid and CPR “Adults and Child “ certificate locally. Good for your offshore race requirements and peace of mind knowing your are prepared. Certificate is good for two (2) years. CPR Sept 1st 6-10p. First Aid Sept 8th 6-10p. Loca- tion: SCYC. To sign up e-mail [email protected]

Barry Barrett EL Toro Junior Program Director

6 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

cally challenged individuals to be able to participate in the O’Neill Sea Odyssey program. These voyag- ers can learn about the sea in much the same way as other children. It is an experiential program for those that would not normally be able to participate in the O’Neill program and has received awards for excel- lence and recognition from state and federal legisla- tors. This Memorial Fund needs your help. You can participate in this program by attend- ing the Tenth Annual Adam Webster Memorial Dinner and Fund Raiser, to be held on October 22rd . The cost per person is $55.00 and includes dinner with wine, 10th Annual Adam Webster Memorial Fund Raiser dancing, and a silent auction. If you wish to contrib- Scheduled for October 22nd ute to the Fund, we can assure you that every dollar donated will go directly to providing the Sea Odyssey The Sea Odyssey is a world-class ocean experi- Program for more of these special children. Donations ence conducted aboard a 65-foot catamaran sailing the can be sent to, and tickets can be purchased for, the National Marine Sanctuary. Children Adam Webster Memorial Fund in care of O’Neill’s from Santa Cruz and surrounding areas have enjoyed this Sea Odyssey Program @2222 East Cliff Drive #222, special educational experience for over 14 years. They Santa Cruz, CA 95062. receive hands-on lessons about the marine habitat and the importance of the relationship between the living sea Tom Webster and the environment. Because this special education is not conducted in a typical classroom environment, seriously disabled Cruising Committee children cannot participate without additional help. To provide this extra assistance, the Memorial Fund has “Jazz and Cruising” is the theme for the weekend of September 16 – 18 in Monterey. As you provided the necessary funds. Because of the recession, th most governmental agencies are experiencing severe may know, the 54 Annual Monterey Jazz Festival cutbacks in their funding, and programs for the severely will be held that weekend. Traditionally , several of disabled are disappearing. At the same time, costs of us SCYCers sail over for it. It’s held at the Monterey providing the proper help have escalated. The Adam Fairgrounds and has 6 different venues for the per- Webster Memorial Fund of O’Neill Sea Odyssey is step- formers, many of whom are internationally famous. ping up to fill the gap. Besides the performances, there are dozens of other at- Tom and Judy Webster, the program founders, tractions such as; art work, excellent artisans, as well are dedicated to providing this sea experience to chal- as a complete selection of ethnic/regional/international lenged children. They saw in their own two sons the joy cuisines….very popular. of sailing. Adam, who was severely challenged, enjoyed If you like to sail over and want some con- weekend sailing trips in San Francisco Bay. He loved fidence you’ll have a slip, please let me know your the rocking of the boat, full sails, being with his brother name, the boat size (length and beam), type (sail or Mathew and his parents, the sea animals, and everything power), and boat’s name. I will notify the Monterey Harbormaster of your request. Please let me know by else about being on the water. When Adam passed away, th the family decided to provide a sailing program for dis- September 12 . [email protected] abled youth who are severely challenged. Working with Jack O’Neill, they were able to set up this non-profit Ron Merrall ocean program. Since 1999, the Adam Webster Memorial Fund of O’Neill Sea Odyssey has raised over $70,000 and hosted 35 classes for seriously cognitive and physi- 7 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

In the past this has been a fun race, and a fun party, so let’s show some support for our friends at the Elkhorn Yacht Club and have a big turnout for their regatta!!!

SC 27 Nationals

The Santa Cruz 27 Nationals were held dur- ing the Whidbey Island Race Week in Washington. There were 12 boats on the line with five boats being from Santa Cruz. It was a marathon, as there were 12 Regatta Report races in five days of racing including one long distance race. The wind averaged 10 knots. The boats that went Here is your August regatta report. The follow- from Santa Cruz were Gotcha, Sumo, Hanalei, Don Quixote and Vitesse. The results were: 1st place, Little ing information is believed to be true but not always cor- nd rd rect. Any comments questions and additions or deletions Blue Dune Buggy, 2 place, Gotcha and 3 place, Wild are always welcome. Rumpus. The National Class voted to hold their 2013 Nationals during the “Come Home to Santa Cruz Sail Double Angle Regatta Week.”

From our friends Elkhorn Yacht Club: Jack and Jill The Elkhorn Yacht Club cordially invites you to the 2011 The Jack and Jill regatta has been rescheduled Double Angle Race on Saturday, September 10, 2011. th As you may know, this is really two races com- for October 8 . So mark it down! The NOR will be bined, one starting in Monterey, the other in Santa Cruz, posted soon. with a common finish at Moss Landing. The regatta has been sponsored by us for at least 10 years. Monterey and Back: Along with the racing, which is described in the Notice of Race, all boats and crew are invited by the Eleven boats participated in the Monterey and EYC Social Committee to a party at the Elkhorn Yacht Back regatta this year. Top finishers were Stretch in Club on Saturday evening after racing. There will be Division A and Jersey Girl in Division B. This can be dinner for $15, which includes live musical entertain- a fun race, and we look forward to a increase in partici- ment. Competitors are welcome to camp overnight on pation next year. So, put it in the calendar and lets get the Yacht Club grounds. twenty boats signed up!!! For out-of-town boats sailing to the regatta, guest berthing will be made available Saturday evening. 505 PCC

Please inform the EYC Port Captain, Danis Taylor, at 831-724- 3875 or 831-917-2992 the day prior to your The 505 PCCs were held July 8 -10. We had arrival to assure your berth assignment. twenty four boats show up for some great racing. There is ample parking in and around EYC at the North Harbor Parking lot for a nominal fee. Park- ing passes are available from a dispenser in the parking lot. For questions, Notice of Race, application forms or further information please go to http://www.elkhornyc. com/double_angle.html or call the club at 831-724-3875. Elkhorn Yacht Club is looking forward to your participation for the continued success of the Double Angle Race.

Kim Jones EYC Commodore 8 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

Mike Holt and Carl Smit were the top SCYC boat Regatta committee: finishing second with Bruce Edwards and Matthias Kennerknecht finishing third. Jeff Miller and Anna Anyone interested in helping out with our committee Alderkamp finished 11th. please feel free to give John Buchanan a call at (408)799-4178 The races were sailed in 15 to 20 knots of or send an email to [email protected]. breeze which mad for some exciting downwind sailing and tight reaches. Kiss catering provided a great taco Upcoming events: bar on Saturday night. I would like to thank the twenty five volun- August 28th Fall SCORE / Double Handed teers it took to provide race committee support and September 2nd Windjammer special thanks to Mike Holt and Bruce Edwards for September 4th Big Brothers Big Sisters getting the 505’s to show up. I hope to see them back September 10th Elkhorn Yacht Club Double Angle Regatta soon. September 17th Fall One Design September 25th Fall Score August 20th Fall One Design: October 8th and 9th 505 / Hobie Cat Regatta October 8th Jack and Jill --- Notice the date change The Fall one design series kicked off on Sat- urday August 20th with 10 SC27, 8 S22 and 7 Moore John Buchanan Jr. 24 showing up for the regatta. Although the wind was Regatta Chairman light, all races were sailed. It is nice to see the Moores back in one design. SCYC Members Racing Updates Top finishers for the day: Here are our latest racing updates from July and SC27 (3 races scores) S22 (2 races scores) August 2011….. 1st Summo (2,1,3) Hot Tuna (1,1) 2nd Saffron (4,4,2) Gypsy (2,2) - 3rd Rocinante (3,3,6) Rick’s Place (4,4) Heavy Weather Laser Slalom 2011 - With 25 knots registering on the committee boat Peter Phelan Moore 24 (3 races Scored) (who loves wet and wild laser sailing) and rest of the 1st Moorgasm (1,1,2) fleet, hit the water for the wildest ride on the Bay, 2nd Pegasus Motion X (2,2,1) the St. Francis Yacht Club’s Heavy Weather Slalom 3rd Nobody’s Girl (6,3,3) event, presented by Maclaren, Laser Performance and Svendsen’s Marine. The fleet included interna- Veeder Cup: tional and Olympic competitors from 18 years old to 70 and was a double elimination regatta. Peter made Unfortunately, the Veeder Cup will not be it through the first elimination to the second day and sailed this year. This is a long story and I would be reported having lots of fun. happy to discuss with anyone that is interested. So we will gear up for next and submit our challenge. 29er National Championships - were held at Coro- nado Yacht Club on July 21-24 with 4 sailors on 3 boats representing Santa Cruz. Max Fraser skip- pered to second place. The Mackenzie Cook and John Marlett team finished 14th, and Michael Pacholski skippered finishing 17th. Max Fraser ran a 2-day warm up clinic prior to the event. It was a great week of racing with hot food and activities coming off the water every day. There was moder- ate air (stronger than most venues) and everyone had a great time.

9 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

Sean on Paddy Wagon placing 13th. Dan Nitake was there racing and placing 15th on Absinthe.

Moore Nationals – It sounds like the Moore Nationals at the Columbia River Gorge were wild, wet and wooly this year! Morgan Larson with his wife Christa on Bruzer and crew took first place honors withSean McBurney with Paddy Wagon finishing th6 and John Siegel on Moorigami finishing 12th. It sounds like just racing was the big challenge with winds gusting from 10 kts, up past 30! To see great photos and get all the details, check out the web at http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/content.php?1674- The-Gorge-Delivered If you have info on where club members are racing, please feel free to pass along details to Buc- [email protected].

Santanpalooza Two weeks of sailing fun by the Santana 22 Fleets

Act 1: the Santana Nationals, held in Monterey on July 29-31. The conditions were mild the first two days with south winds from 6-10 knots, with so many lifts and headers it was like lake sailing. Sunday came through with a fresh WNW wind of 10-12 knots of breeze that backed to the south during the afternoon. Bonito driven by Mike Andrews took the championship title, again! Our very own Larry Comstock on Rick’s Place took a very close second place. Bridget Binko and Fred Molnar on Gypsy were right on their stern in third place. The regatta was very well attended with nineteen boats, six of them from SCYC. A big thanks goes out to Meryle Sachs and MPYC for hosting this year. Double Dammed - Eleven Moore 24’s and ten PHRF Next year the Nationals are back in Santa Cruz. entrants ranging from a Santana 35 to a Wylie Wabbit Act II: Santanarama, held at the Stillwater Cove registered for the third annual running of “A Different on August 6-7 was a ducky regatta. This was our first Kind of Insanity” or more officially the 2010 running of Santanarama and it will surely not be our last. Carmel is Hood River Yacht Club’s Double Damned Regatta. This such a beautiful venue. The conditions were almost identi- consists of an up-river run, down wind for 42 winding cal to the prior weekend, ie. light south winds on Saturday, miles amonst kiteboarders, windsurfers, logs, barges, etc. then a brisk WNW wind on Sunday that backed to the West Once again, Morgan and crew on Bruzer finished first, in the afternoon. Our hosts kept it fun too! The pre-race with John Siegel and Sean McBurney swapping places duck and egg hunt on the water kept it a very lighthearted from the Nationals, John on Moorigami placing 6th and 10 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

Catalina Nights

We all love beer can races! They inspire us to get out on the water with our boats and crew for another evening of sailing and enjoying the fantastic Monterey Bay. Everyone knows that in Santa Cruz, the night for beer can races is Wednesday night, but wait just a minute. Though inspiring and beautiful and fun, especially with the gathering at the yacht club afterwards, what more could you ask for? I have enjoyed my share of Wednesday night races, race. Bridget Binko and Fred Molnar on Gypsy took and though very fun, there are other options that I First place this year. Second place went to Leprachaun feel are even better. driven by Charlie Kurtmann of SYC and third place to Do you have a desire to become a better Ecaroh driven by Patrick Tragenza of MPYC. Thirteen sailor? Do you have a desire to place better in any boats turned out, with five from Santa Cruz participat- series of regattas that the yacht club sponsors wheth- ing. We had a great time with our host. The dinner at er it is Big Brother Big Sisters or one of the Score Charlie’s place was nothing short of spectacular and races? Maybe you have no desire to race at all, but the Saturday beach barbecue was delicious. Then out any sailor knows that when there are two masts on came the ducks again. Having come up short on the the horizon, there is a race. Personally, when going prior release, several of us went for a cold plunge after out on Wednesday nights, I have learned only one more ducks and eggs. The crew from MiMi cleaned thing: “It sure would be nice to have a big race up, these gals were determined. A good time was had boat to lead all the other boats around the course”. by all, and we are already looking forward to next year. Though these boats are stunningly beautiful, I would rather view a boat from any other perspective than Mary Larkin its stern! There is an alternative! Fleet Captain Every Tuesday night, there is a small, dedicated group of sailors who sail a more informal atmosphere. I know, how can you get more informal than Wednesday night? We have always called it “Catalina night” since most of the boats are Catali- nas. As you may know a Catalina 30 is a cruiser and weighs between 11,000 to 12,000 pounds and has a PHRF of 180, a relatively slow boat. Compare this weight to a Santa Cruz 27 or Olson 30 which weigh-in the 3000 to 4000 pound range and you can see why you are watching these boats sail ahead of you. If you have a faster, lighter boat, you belong on Wednesday nights. If you have a slower, heavier cruising boat, you should at least give Tuesday nights a try. If you have a desire to improve your sailing abilities, this is the way to do it: sail against boats that are similar to yours in an informal setting. My crew and I have learned an incredible amount of information by consistently sailing on Tuesday (Bridget, Fred, and crew Jon Gimple with the nights .Some of my crew have been sailing 40 years Santanarama perpetual and 1st place trophies at and are still learning. Everyone knows “practice Pebble Beach, Carmel) makes perfect”.

11 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

I could go on for pages regarding the things Safe Powerboat Handling Offered at we have learned such as: The significance of circling SCYC Saturday 9/10/11-Sunday 9/11/11 birds, How to accurately tell if you will be success- Instructor: Chuck Hawley. Fee: $150 ful in crossing the bow of another boat, Small things To register call SCYC 831-425-0690 Re- you can do to conduct a perfect tack, How should the quired to use SCYC sAfety Boats-Pinto telltales be streaming in various conditions, How to get Lake etc, Especially for parents, Jr. through transition zones, How to keep the bottom of Sailors and Corinthians. your boat clean (without a clean bottom, you are not racing, you are day sailing). US Coast Guard & NASBLA Approved This A typical Tuesday goes something like this. 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone We usually like to be out by 6pm, but if we know who wants to learn how to safely operate a small mo- someone will be late, we’ll wait. All of our com- torboat and improve their boathandling skills on actual munication is on VHF channel 69. We announce the boats. The US Coast Guard and the National Associa- start time (by GPS time) and the course. There is no tion of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) gun, but hitting a line at speed at a certain time is one have approved this course and an increasing number of critical part of actual racing, and something you can states have recognized it as meeting their requirements only get by practicing. You don’t get this experience for a state boating safety education certificate. These by ducking the stern of a moving boat as is done on national and state approvals call for the course to in- Wednesdays. It was just as beautiful as any Wednes- clude a total of six to eight hours of classroom sessions day night, but we were all sailing against similar boats. covering required education topics. Students learn: You are constantly comparing your speed to the other boats, what are they doing to go faster? The best part On-the-Water Sessions, Engine & electrical is after the race. Those who can, convene upstairs systems, Starting procedures, Docking, Leaving & at the Crow’s nest for dinner. This is where the real returning to a slip, Close-quarters maneuvers, Anchor- information is learned, discussing with fellow sailors ing, Steering a range, Proceeding to a destination, what they did to get their boat to go faster, why they Person in Water rescue. did a certain tactic. Racing sailors are very free with information because we all want to improve. A supe- Classroom Sessions rior racer shares information with the less knowledge- • Safety, prep & weather able sailor knowing that this raises the bar for every- one. Ultimately the better sailor must get even better, • Maneuvering concepts if he wants to keep winning. • Registration & capacities I know there are many boat owners who would • Equipment requirements love to get out on Tuesday nights, but transitioning from Wednesday to Tuesday is difficult. Wednesday • Prep & fueling procedures night sailors have that night etched permanently into • Navigation rules of the road their calendars the same way Tuesday night is with • Aids to navigation mine. Wouldn’t it be worth a try? Another excuse is lack of crew. I have crew on my boat who would love • Environment regulations to sail on other boats if it would improve turnout, I frequently have over 5 crewmembers on my boat and Prerequisites: none could easily spare a few. I can guarantee you would Age: 14–adult Includes snacks, lunch, drinks. learn some nuggets from these guys that will make you Certification(s) Earned: NASBLA certificate, state better sailors and racers. boating education certificate (in applicable states), Enough with the excuses, come on out on Safe Powerboat Handling certificate Tuesday night for a real learning experience! Chuck Murray Barry L. Keeler SCYC Director Sailing Pair-A-Dice

12 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

Pigeon Point and Jim Edwards elected to put Jack Halterman and me on the first shift. The rest of the crew went below. Shortly thereafter, Jack and I realized there was a wind shift to offshore. Jack took down the jib and set the chute. Stationing himself forward, Jack directed the course keeping Haje just outside the kelp line. We began ghosting along in the light offshore breeze. The wind held all the way to Lighthouse Point off Santa Cruz and as we crossed the finish line we were informed thatHaje was first-to-fin- ish. The crew down below were astounded when they came on deck. Stormvogel appeared ½ mile south of Lighthouse Point as we approached the harbor mouth. For Jack and I that was a moment of triumph!” Another Santa Cruz boat also did well that (New members introduced at the August Board meet- year. The yacht Beato, skippered by Angelo Canepa ing: James Clappier, Brian & Linda Waddle, shown finished just over 30 minutes behindStormvogel to with daughter Emile, Commodore Michael Wood, Paul correct out in second place overall. Meltzer, Jon Takao, Tim Gilmore & Karl Robrok) In 1983, Ernie Rideout was our commodore. His newsletter account of Windjammer that year goes, “The Windjammer Labor Day Weekend was the best Membership Report ever, according to all the participants. Chairman George Heisinger and his entire crew’s hard work and Regular 427 Non-Resident 70 good organization were aided by beautiful weather and Junior 91 Corinthian 46 a fair wind to make it so. Merlin set a new first-to- Life 11 Honorary 24 finish course record for new owner Donn Campion Total 669 and old owner Bill Lee, who were both aboard, with a time of 5 hrs. 59 min. and 17 sec. Staff Commodore Back in the old days… Randy Parker and his veteran Chash Mer swept the IOR class, while Arch Merez and Eclipse did the Since 1938 the Windjammers have been same to the PHRF fleet.” coming to Santa Cruz over Labor Day Weekend. Our Merlin’s 1983 Windjammer record still stands yacht club has co-hosted the Windjammer Race annu- to this day. ally for over 70 years. Before Santa Cruz had a harbor This year I’m pretty sure that I will serve my all the yachts anchored near the Pleasure Pier off the finish line duty at the end of the wharf with my two Boardwalk. Our clubhouse was nearby on the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, but the club was in its infancy and our facility was small. Awards dinners were fancy suit-and-tie affairs held ashore usually at the Casa Del Rey Hotel. Beginning in 1938, the Windjammer tradi- tion has continued annually, only interrupted for a few short years during the Second World War. There are two highlights that I like to remem- ber from the ‘recent years’ of 1967 and 1983. Georges McCormick and Bob Halterman loved to recall Haje’s great victory of 1967 when she finished first ahead of the most famous race boat of (Before Santa Cruz had a harbor the Windjammer the day, Stormvogel. fleet would anchor off the Boardwalk on the east side In a previous article about that race, Georges of the wharf. The smaller wharf in this photo was called told me that, “The wind was dying as we approached the Pleasure Pier and you can see the Boardwalk’s Casino building behind it) 13 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

sons Christian and Jack. Ernie has asked me to serve Their race schedules were satisfactorily full for the the 0300-0500 watch for several years now which I’m 1938 season. happy to do. Christian, who is 10, has actually made The greasy spoon luncheon club phoned it out there twice while Jack keeps talking about it, around and found 20 yacht owners who favorably but won’t wake up when I try to rouse him at 0200. responded for a meeting that was scheduled at the Maybe this will be Jack’s year. Athens Club on December 9, 1937. The first decision Santa Cruz, as we all know, is a wonderful made by this group was to sponsor a revival of the sailing destination. But the volunteers and people of annual race to Santa Cruz. The dates selected for the our yacht club, working hard and sharing their hos- first formal event were over Labor Day Weekend of pitality, make Santa Cruz and SCYC an even greater 1938. They presented the race to the San Francisco destination. Please show up over Labor Day Weekend Bay Y.R.A. who agreed to sanction the race and to put and take time to make the visiting yachts feel wel- it on their annual race calendar. come. If you have time, volunteer to share some good This is how the original “Windjammers,” a old SCYC hospitality and lend a hand while meeting paper yacht club, was formed. The sole purpose is to some of the nicest sailors on the west coast. Without make sure that the annual Labor Day Weekend race to them there would be no Windjammers. Santa Cruz happens. C.S. Crittenden was the first commodore and Niels Kisling the 1938 race drew 31 entrants. The original invitation SCYC Historian to race reads that, “all auxiliary yachts enrolled in any recognized yacht club are welcomed to participate in The Original Windjammers the Treasure Island to Santa Cruz Auxiliary Handicap.” Treasure Island was probably chosen as the starting Although yachts had raced to Santa Cruz since point that year because The World’s Fair was about to the 1870’s, interest had dwindled in 1937. This was come to the man-made island. The first race was to be unacceptable to a group of yachtsmen who sailed under the Block Island rules with the start off had long made it their practice to drink lunch together. Treasure Island at 2000 hours on Friday, September Lester Stone was known as a regular to this group. 2, 1938. The original concept was for a night race The member clubs of the Y.R.A. were not interested in because the grand old wooden yachts of the era were individually taking on the responsibilities for this race. very cozy and comfortable to be aboard at night. It was the only overnight race on the YRA race calendar at the time. (Editor’s Note: Ernie told me this concept was later abandoned because of the rush to “just get there” and that today’s plastic boats are not so com- fortable to spend the night aboard.) At the start of the 1938 race, J.R. Hanify’s schooner Martha still held the elapsed time record that she set in 1907. Martha was built by Lester Stone’s father Frank Stone and was later owned by actor James Cagney. The time of 7 hours, 35 minutes was set entirely under sail. With a power allowance now established, it would still be 50 years before that record would fall to the well-known west coast speed- ster, Merlin. Up until 1938 all previous races were sail (Jim Edwards (left) and Georges McCormick are all only. The idea behind the 24-mile power allowance smiles at the awards banquet for the 1967 was to get the boats to Santa Cruz for the fun as soon Windjammer Race. Their table is full of silver trophies as possible—and fun there was in those days! In addi- because Haje was first-to-finish and first overall, tion to the big dinner dance at the Casa Del Rey Hotel, beating the famous boat of the day, Stormvogel) the sailors had many great destination bars to visit like the “Pampas Bar,” or “Club Bomar,” or the “Trocade- 14 September 2011 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker

ro” featuring the big band sounds of Woody Herman Volunteer chores were different back then. or Carl Ravazza. The beautiful music wafted out over The club was small so Commodore Dan Younger the anchorage encouraging those sailors still aboard to and all 50 members had many jobs to do. Crews and summon up a shore boat and anxiously join the fun. guests needed to be shuttled to and from the yachts. All of the boats were of course anchored right in front This was accomplished in small boats which also of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which offered carried ice and newspapers—the newspaper was a hot many types of family entertainment in those days as it item since it covered the race so well and included does today. many photographs. Deliveries were made and gar- The Windjammer has run annually with the bage was picked up to be taken back to the wharf. exception of three years during WWII. The power All of these duties kept club members busy allowance format lasted nearly 30 years until the late over the Labor Day Weekend. In addition, our club 1960’s. The race format was then changed to satisfy also put on a big dinner dance at the Casa Del Rey a wider audience of serious sailors. Last year the race Hotel, a breakfast at the club house on the wharf and a featured five PHRF divisions, a double-handed divi- traditional “Bang and Go” race. sion and division B; a division that included a motor- Today, the Windjammer Race often finds me ing allowance. at the end of the wharf helping the volunteers search For the first 36 years of its existence, the though the fog for the sail numbers of late night Santa Cruz Yacht Club was located on the Municipal finishers. Radio transmissions are still interrupted at Wharf—from 1928 to 1964. Santa Cruz did not have times by the fog horn and, during the gaps between a yacht harbor until 1964, so after arriving all the finishers, I sometimes find myself daydreaming about Windjammers would anchor on the east side of the the great yachts of the past. My memories of Marilen, wharf. The finish line was set exactly as it is today. Dorade, Baruna and Stormvogel are still very clear to One difference between then and now is that the Santa me, even in the late night fog-shrouded anticipation of Cruz Sentinel devoted the entire front page, including today’s finishers. the headline, to the Windjammer Race. In addition, The old time yacht that made the biggest hundreds of people flocked to the end of the wharf to impression on me was Lester Stone’s 60-foot ketch cheer arrivals and then, just as it is today, the work Marilen—she had no motor and no electronics. really began. People would flock to the waterfront to watch Lester guide his yacht, under sail, into his berth at the St. Francis Yacht Club. Marilen always made it into her slip unscratched. I had the thrill of being on the end of one foggy night in 1931. A great crowd had gathered and at dawn a beautiful ketch came gliding out of the heavy fog. After crossing the finish line, Marilen answered the race committee’s whistle with a single cannon shot which rattled windows and probably awakened many people in Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Sentinel used to give lots of coverage to The Windjammer Race and perhaps it is time for another cannon shot.

(The SCYC clubhouse on the Santa Cruz Wharf was Ernie Rideout small, but sufficient enough to serve the membership at Staff Commodore the time. We hosted breakfast there back in the old days, but the awards ceremonies were held at larger venues including the Casa Del Rey Hotel which stood until it was damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. The hotel was demolished the next year)

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