June 2009.Indd

Volume CMLXXVIII June 2009

Regatta Season in Full Swing On April 24-25 SCYC hosted its first official leg up to Natural Bridges in the first race. Unfortunately, Hobie Cat event. Despite a large number of boats fail- a missing SC2 buoy caused the race to be abandoned for ing to finish on the first day of racing and the overlap all fleets. But at least it was great sailing! It was also with the SCORE fleet on the second day, a good time fun to have the Hobies buzzing around us like a swarm was had by all! This regatta brought 38 boats, some of hummingbirds. The second race was the only one that great racing and many new, enthusiastic faces to the counted in the series. Results, along with SCORE #2, are club. We are looking forward to hosting more Hobie listed below. events in July and October of this year. Welcome Hobie sailors! (See website for results) Moore 24 PCCs

Spring SCORE #1 Murphy’s Law struck the Moore 24s as they assembled in Santa Cruz for their PCCs. The hoist was The weather gods cooperated for a beautiful day successfully hot-wired after a breakdown, but no wind of racing on April 26th and a wonderfully tactical weather and a long windward/leeward to Natural Bridges in light June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Santa Cruz 27 Santana 22 1.Hanalei (4 pts) Maybe (4 pts) 2. Sumo (8 pts) Hot Tip (10 pts) 3. Mistress Quickly (12 pts) Gypsy (11 pts)

Spring SCORE #2

May 24th started out looking like a drifter day, but the wind filled in to about fifteen knots and the fleets got in two races apiece. Aboard Valkyrie, we blew up our second spinnaker of the year on the very first set. We were then hoisted on our own petard when we failed to finish within 30 minutes of Skip Ely’s Elyxir. (Guess who wrote that race instruction! Hey, Skip, slow that boat down!) Dan Nitake on Absinthe continued to dominate the B fleet, with Gandalf and bumpy conditions resulted in only one race being sailed on her heels. Summertime and “most improved” Katzenjam- on the first day. The second day it rained. The PCC trophy mer traded bullets in the double-handed division. was not awarded and we are looking into scheduling a “do- over” in October. A Fleet B Fleet Doublehanded 1. Elyxir (4 pts) Absinthe (3 Summertime (4 pts) Spring One Design #2 2. Animal (5 Gandalf (6 pts) Katzenjammer (7 pts) 3. Valkyrie (12 Hanalei (9 pts) Penguin (10 pts) Rob & De Schuyler on Hanalei and Ernie Rideout aboard Maybe continued to dominate the SC27 Get Wet! Get Excited! Get Out the Boat! and Santana 22 classes with straight bullets. From our perspective aboard the Whaler, the crew work aboard This month we have some great racing planned at these two boats was flawless. Spinnaker sets aboard SCYC! The 5o5/Flying Dutchman Spring Open on May Hanalei and the setting of Maybe’s sails into the wing- 30th -31st promises to be an exciting event with some of and-wing configuration were perfectly accomplished the world’s best sailors competing in the 5o5 class and the within seconds of their weather roundings. The second amazing west coast resurrection of the Flying Dutchman race featured an epic duel between Hanalei and Sumo. class. After a pause for the Delta Ditch Run, racing resumes Sumo rounded the final weather mark in front, but Ha- in Santa Cruz on June nalei got the better of the downwind luffing contest and 13th with our first Jack finished less than half a boat length in front. We brought & Jill race of the season. the Whaler alongside Sumo and tried to encourage them June 20th will see the by hailing, “You almost had ‘em that time!” “Shut up!” finale of the Spring replied one Sumo crew member, causing us to return to One Design series. On our station, tail betwixt legs. Ouch! Sorry, guys. June 27th -28th, SCYC will host the Spring Big Boat Regatta and June 28th will bring SCORE #3—the final event in the Spring SCORE series. So get out the boat (GOTB), get wet and get excited! There is something for everyone in June!

Dave Emberson Regatta Chairperson 2 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Commodore’s Report

As many of you are aware, we had a well attended and spirited Board Meeting on May21st. Many of the issues discussed are addressed in the letter following my article.. I thought it was a very positive meeting and I was glad to see so many involved members. The Board is presently reviewing the policy prohibiting the use of our club roster for soliciting the membership. This policy needs to be clarified and published. The Board will be working on a new stand- • The clubhouse floor has rotted through in ing rule regarding the use of the club roster. places and has had to undergo spot repairs. As always, we strive to make our club a • The siding needs to be replaced. peaceful, inviting and congenial place to meet and • The clubhouse has no fire sprinklers. socialize. The Board welcomes any and all communi- • The clubhouse has exposure to complaints cation from members. All letters to the Board and oral from handicapped individuals pursuant to the communications at the Board meetings will be care- American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). Our fully considered. current and future handicapped members de- serve full access to all club facilities. Lena Parker • The Use Permit needs to be updated. Commodore The Board has taken steps to conduct itself Dear Fellow SCYC Members, with complete transparency and assure members that the project will not proceed without their approval: The recent email sent to the membership on 5/13/09 and some conversations with other SCYC • The Board received a report from the Planning members have led us to conclude the Board must do and Development committee in April recom- a better job of communicating with the membership mending that the Board proceed with comple- regarding the proposed clubhouse remodel. Some tion of the plans in order to get accurate cost members are under the misconception that this project estimates. is only about building the proposed downstairs room and are apparently unaware of the vast amount of • At the April meeting, the Board agreed to wait deferred maintenance contained in the proposal. We until hearing reports from the Finance and board members have been somewhat complicit in fos- House committees before voting to fund the tering this belief by calling it the “expansion” project. completion of the plans. This was announced It’s really a maintenance and compliance project with in the April bulletin. the added benefit of some additional square footage. Except for the downstairs bathrooms and re- • Board meeting minutes are now posted on the placement of the decking, the current clubhouse dates club’s website and, as always, Board meetings from a 1976 remodel. Now, thirty-three years later, are open to the membership. we have a duty to ensure the club’s long-term health by addressing the following problems (and this is an The May 13th letter sent to the mem- incomplete list): bership contains a number of points which we would like to address: • The clubhouse needs a new roof. • The upstairs deck is nearing the end of its life • In March, the proposed plans were posted on cycle. the bulletin board. In the March newsletter it • The retaining wall supporting the south stairs is failing.

3 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

was announced that a Board member would be available at the club work day to answer ques- tions from members.

• We agree that a formal presentation and Q&A session should be held for the benefit of the members before a vote on the project is held. The membership deserves complete and accurate information before voting on the project.

• The Board has already committed to the membership that all fee based services and construction contracts will be put out for competitive bids.

• Members who might possibly be contracted to perform work on the project will recuse them- selves from any votes related to issuing those contracts. The club has frequently contracted with members to perform services, generally because the members perform those services at a reduced cost.

• In 2007 we gained 32 members and lost 18. In 2008, we lost 20 members and gained 8 members. In 2009 we lost 28 members and have gained 11 members to date. Our member- plete a set of construction documents. These ship chairman will deliver a report at the board include soil tests to determine precisely what meeting. improvements to the foundation are required. A complete set of construction documents will • As a result of a recently completed Finance minimize cost overruns. Committee study, we now know that the Capi- tal Improvement Fund is not underfunded. The • Since the vast majority of the project is de- Finance Committee will present a report at the ferred maintenance, the clubhouse’s assessed 6/18th board meeting. value will not be much affected. The plan should be structured in such a way that the • The completion of the project will result in an maintenance items are clearly separated from additional meeting room, easy access to the the improvements and we should get the asses- downstairs bathroom and showers, will encour- sor’s agreement before proceeding. In this way age people to use the lower floor, allow par- we can minimize the tax increases. ents to participate in adult social events while providing a comfortable and safe place for their children and make the clubhouse significantly more attractive. Furthermore, the ability to host two events simultaneously should result in additional revenue. The project will allow our handicapped members full access to all club facilities.

• As recommended by the Planning and Devel- opment Committee, it is imperative to com- 4 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Upcoming SCYC Events Calendar Scholastic Sailing BBQ June 7

Jack & Jill Regatta • A remodeled club with improved insulation, June 13 double-paned windows and soundproofing will actually reduce energy usage. Raft-Up/Boardwalk/Fireworks • Paying to maintain an elevator will be much June 13 cheaper than defending ourselves against an ADA complaint for non-compliance. Addition- Spring One Design #3 al janitorial service costs for the added room will be offset by a reduction in maintenance June 20 and repair costs for the decks. Spaghetti Feed/Jr. Fundraiser We are on the right path to having a prudent, achievable plan. We should stay on track to complete June 20 this plan for presentation to the membership and a vote at the November AGM. We have a duty to future gen- Father’s Day Brunch erations of SCYC members to maintain the clubhouse and the club’s financial health. June 21 Sincerely, Cruise to Elkhorn Lena Parker, Commodore June 26 - 28 Michael Wood, Rear Commodore Bret Gripenstraw, Staff Commodore and Director Big Boat Regatta John Buchanan, Director David Emberson, Regatta Chairman June 27 - 28 Tim Hawkins, Secretary Chris Doutre, Director Fall SCORE #3 Tim Kelbert, Port Captain June 28

Sunday BBQ June 28

Fourth of July BBQ July 4

5 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Vice Commodore Report (House and Club)

May was an extremely busy month. Sev- eral members teamed up to complete a “Thirty Year Horizon Reserve Study” for the SCYC. Basically the study identifies all the existing SCYC’s capital assets, attaches a replacement cost, then projects when those assets will need replacing, over the next 30 years. Our commodore, Lena Parker, and the board would like to thank the members who volunteered their time to gather information and develop this study. Jim Skin- ner spent days and hours, meeting contractors, gath- ering bids, digesting the bids, and finally putting the information in an easy to read format. Jim attended many three to four hour meetings to assist Marc Bar- shay who developed the actual spreadsheet, including all the supporting formulas. Both of these guys worked Rear Commodore Report (Social) on this project several days a week for the last two months. Tom Webster, the club treasurer, spent hours Surf and Turf (Salmon Feed) was hosted by th researching and providing information on how the club KISS who provided a BBQ on Saturday April 18 . manages its finances, in both the Operating and Capital Although there was limited attendance, everyone I Budgets. Tom also attended meetings where informa- spoke to really enjoyed having a BBQ at the club tion was categorized and inputted. Lastly, we would during the weekend. like to recognize Skip Ely and Brett Gripenstraw for Hobie Fleet “kick off” racing series was a lending their knowledge to complete this project. By big success, 38 boats and over 100 sailors, family the way, the results showed that our club is on a sound and friends joined us at the club Saturday afternoon financial footing. to enjoy the festivities. Barbara Booth and I served This was a huge undertaking, and will provide up hot wings, sushi and sandwiches to everyone’s the SCYC with three things: 1.) a living document delight. The Hobie Fleet mom, (name escapes me) that will be passed on to incoming Committees and was extremely helpful afterwards cleaning up and Boards thus providing continuity; 2.) it predicts long- scrubbing pans. We look forward to many of the term expenditures, thus insuring the financial health of Hobie fleet racers becoming members. our club, and 3.) the ability to plug in the costs of the KISS Catering hosted a Wednesday style proposed addition and predict the effect on our clubs BBQ for SCORE and it was great to have this food finances. service on Sunday. We look forward to more racers Hold the course, calm seas ahead. attending with their families and this becoming the norm. Invite your friends to come on out and join us Steve Niemann even if they didn’t race. Vice Commodore Mother’s Day brunch was another well attended 2 seating event. With Alli’s design, Beth Gripenstraw, Jennifer Corgiat, her daughter Ken- dall, and Carroll Gordon showed up at 6:30am to ensure that the place was ready for the enthusiastic honored Mothers and their families. The club looked awesome and KISS pulled off another delicious food arrangement and provided great service. Thank you again Alli, Beth, Jennifer, Kendall, Carroll and KISS for your energy and enthusiasm at such an early hour. It’s so much fun working with you all. Families, save the date - Father’s Day

6 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

SCYC Wet Slip Policies

• Wet slip space is available to members and visiting guests of reciprocal Yacht Clubs.

• Guests may stay in the Yacht Club wet slips up to three nights at no charge (limited depth/length).

• Members and dry slip holders, who are brunch June 21st, you don’t want to miss out on what The registered to race, can leave their boats in the “A” team has in store for this event. water the night before and the night of a posted We had a SCORE Regatta with another KISS SCYC race at no charge (Wednesday Night BBQ in May and the attendance was stupendous. This is Races are included). a great way to introduce new people to our club. I hope everyone enjoyed the Crab Feed May 30th; • Members and dry slip holders, who are not it was a huge event/success as always. Thank you Rick, registered to race, will be charged the follow- Homer and crew. We all really had a fabulous time and ing rates (per day). couldn’t have done it without you. We need someone to head up the Lighted Boat Rates: Summer Winter Parade committee; Kate Riley unfortunately has to step 3/31 - 10/31 11/1 - 3/31 aside. We will miss her attention to detail and energy very much. Thank you Kate for all your years of service on Monday – Thursday $10.00 $8.00 this important event, your touch will be missed. Friday – Sunday $16.00 $12.00 I am still looking to identify a Public Relations person to assist the board with presenting information to Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association our membership, community, media and keep everyone $2500 PICYA Scholarships informed of our future plans. Thank you all very much for your continued This is your last notice to apply for the PICYA support and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the scholarships before the June 30 application deadline. Fourth of July BBQ at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. Contact Lorenzo Rota if you need any assistance with your application. Michael Wood Great news for students looking for financial help Rear Commodore in these tough economic times! The Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA) have joined together to offer a total of four $2,500 scholarships. These scholarships are for students whose parents, grandparents or guardians are members of a yacht club that Father’s Day Brunch belongs to PICYA. June 21 Details on how to apply and the application forms are available online at the PICYA website homepage at Seatings @ 10:30am & 12:30pm www.picya.org. All applications must be postmarked no $22.75 pp (includes tax & tip) later than June 30, 2009. The scholarships will be awarded Children 12 and under $12.50 on November 2, 2009, at the PICYA Awards Dinner Meet- Reservations to 425-0690 or ing at Encinal Yacht Club. greg (at) scyc (dot) org Lorenzo Rota PICYA Delegate

7 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet Spring Raft-up May 2....

..... wasn’t quite as expected. On Friday evening, May 1st, the weather forecast for Saturday showed little or no breeze and southwesterly swell was predicted. Since many of the people who had planned to go were at the club, we consulted and decided that it would be better to call it off...or….what if we made it a “land cruise…?” After a brief discussion it was decided that we could have a “land cruise” and Nancy would send out an e-mail. The result was that Dave and Nancy Dias, Kate Riley, D.J. Timpany, Steve Smardan, Dave Rummens, Pete and Alberta Young, Steve and Ann Niemann, Ron and Carol Merrall, Bert Trafton, Yvonne Trafton and Maureen Hill met at the home of Vern and Meredith Wallace for a “land cruise” happy hour. The goodies everyone brought ranged from pizza to cookies and fresh fruit. To top off a fun afternoon Trond Toft accepted the invitation to come and sing some sea songs and a good time was had by all.

Vern and Meredith Wallace

Hawaiian Dock Party

On Saturday, May 23rd, the Hawaiian sun gods were looking down on Santa Cruz Harbor, and chased the overcast skies away 15 minutes before the Hawaiian dock party was scheduled to start. The resulting party was a festive group of SCYC members and friends wearing Ha- waiian leis, enjoying good happy hour snacks, and great Hawaiian music. Joining Dave and Nancy Dias down on “AA” dock near their sailboat Eowyn, were Agnes and Chris Doutre, Larry and Marilyn Comstock, Hoagie and Peggy Hoogensen, Vern and Meredith Wallace, Steve Smardan, Marc and Lyn Barshay, Fred Molnar and Bridget Binko, Bob Warfield and Ginny Delany, Bert Lemke, Dave Rummens, Kate Riley, Dave Shock- ey, Lena Okin, Kristi Dunning and Diane Rejman. It was a fun time and we think SCYC should have a Hawai- ian dock party every year.

Spring Raft-up and Fireworks Anchor out

On Saturday, June 13th, Santa Cruz Boardwalk will light up the skies over Santa Cruz with a spectacular fireworks show in celebration of the Giant Dipper’s 85th An- niversary. The plan is to start with a happy hour raft-up at 4 PM in Cowell’s Cove. Dave and Nancy Dias’ sailboat

8 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Eowyn will be the anchor boat for the raft. We will be flying our yacht club burgee, and monitoring channel 69. The club will provide some refreshments; you are also welcome to bring something to share. After the raft up, those wishing to have a front row seat for the fireworks can anchor out to enjoy the show. Look for a sign-up sheet on the club bulletin board. Hope to see you out there!

Dave and Nancy Dias nancdar (at) sbcglobal (dot) net Cruise Chairs there will be room at the MPYC dock if needed. July 4th Cruise to Monterey Sign-up with cruise coordinators Bridget Binko/ Fred Molnar, so we know who’s partying this year, and can give MPYC an estimate of the number of Santa Cruz Yacht Club is sailing to Monterey SCYC guests for the BBQ. A sign-up sheet will be again for the annual July 4th celebrations. Since the posted on the cruising board at the club. We hope to 4th falls on a Saturday this year many boats plan to sail see you in Monterey flying your SCYC burgee! down on Friday. Steve Smardan is planning to leave early and make stops at Moss Landing (Fri. June 26th- Bridget Binko e-mail bbinko (at) yahoo (dot) com Sat. 28th) and Stillwater before arriving at Monterey, Fred Molnar e-mail fredmolnar (at) yahoo (dot) com so check with Steve at reachabl (at) pacbell (dot) net if you have more time off and want to visit the other spots earlier in the week, or just want to go to Moss Windjammer Race Landing the weekend before the 4th. The City of Monterey has cancelled the annual It’s time to start thinking about this year’s 68th fireworks display this year due to budgetary constraints annual Windjammer Race from San Francisco to Santa (boo hooo!!). But the Flag Raising Ceremony and Cruz to be held September 4th and 5th. If you are interest- Parade start as usual at 10 AM, and the Lawn Party (at ed in participating, please go to www.windjammersrace. Colton Hall Lawn) from 11 AM – 5 PM features live org for race documents. If having a great sail down the music, entertainment, carnival games, and food booths. coast doesn’t float your boat, how about helping Ernie And there’s plenty to do within walking distance of Rideout on the finish line. He is always looking for help. the marinas (e.g., aquarium, maritime museum, outlet stores, movie theaters), and great restaurants if you Bob Simpkins won’t be cooking aboard. Monterey Peninsula Yacht Windjammer Skipper Club has invited us to join their evening BBQ on the 4th. SCYC will provide us with some light refreshments for happy hour gatherings aboard volunteer vessels. Sailors can supplement those refreshments with Partnership Wanted their favorite snackies and drinkies. The municipal harbor doesn’t take guest berth- Alan Andrews 30 racing /cruising sloop in ing reservations. They can best accommodate us if we excellent condition. Very fast displacement send a list of vessels ahead of time, so please send us boat when sailed properly. New paint and your boat’s stats prior to June 27th (arrival/departure non-skid. Good sail inventory. PHRF rating dates and vessel name, beam, length and draft). Last of 120. Looking for partner in 50% ownership minute planners can send your individual information with racing and sailing experience. “O” dock directly to the harbor; fax (831) 646-5674, tel (831) Santa Cruz Harbor. $ 15,000. Contact John 646-3950). Breakwater Cove Marina takes guest berth- at 831.334.4963 or e-mail at ing reservations. See their website for details (www [email protected] (dot) montereybayboatworks (dot) com). We also hope

9 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation Chardonnay II is a very detuned version of a Santa Cruz 70. Suddenly Cheval lost her mast about 8 hours The Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation recently granted out of Honolulu and Owner/Skipper Hal Ward quickly SCYC Junior Member Domenic Bove $750 to assist in his calculated that if they averaged 8 knots they could still participation in the Youth Laser Radial World Champion- win the Barn Door (first to finish). The crew punched ships to be held this August in Karatsu, Japan. in like never before and built a jury rig from the re- The Board of Directors would like to thank the fol- maining parts. Cheval was in fact the shortest elapsed lowing individuals for their contribution: time winner. The irony of the story is that both the mighty In Memory of Bud Hill Sayonara and the mighty Windquest were beaten to Antonie Farquhar Hawaii by a doctor on crutches with a broken mast. She went on to become Pegasus 70. Philippe In Honor of Bruce Brown Niels and Joanne Kisling Kahn sailed her on and off out of Santa Cruz for about In Honor of Richard Switlik 3 years. He sailed her in the 1999 and 2001 Transpacs Niels and Joanne Kisling and won the Barn Door in 2001 (Merlin won the Barn Door in 77). Akela, the big boat in front of Aldo’s, has Evelyn Johnston yet to beat Pegasus 70 to Hawaii. The boat Philippe has now in front of Aldo’s is Pegasus 50. The reason Bob Simpkins they are in front of Aldo’s is that they are deep draft Secretary/Treasurer and that is a very deep part of the harbor (for racing sailboats, the deeper the faster). Both are racing to Put the Rumors to Rest Honolulu this summer. Next the boat, formally known as Pegasus 70, Bill Lee and Wizard Yachts are teaming up moved to the Gulf coast and became Decision. She had with Yachtfinders/Windseakers in San Diego. This is a many successful seasons under the father son team of brokerage cooperation that will provide the same great Murray and Murray. When Katrina hit I received this expertise regarding “fastisfun” boats, expand the base cryptic email “Please advise the name of our insurance for all types of boats, as well as benefit both buyers agent. We left with nothing” and sellers. Wizard Yachts’ brokerage associate Dan After surviving Hurricane Katrina (the racing O’Brien is also joining Yachtfinders and brokerage as- sails were all washed out to sea in a container, never to sociate Tom Carter will be joining Surf City Catama- be seen again) she moved on again to the Great Lakes rans here in Santa Cruz. Bill and Wizard Yachts will to become Runaway. remain in Santa Cruz. Bill Lee History Tidbit (Webster Foundation) In the 1995 Transpac the Andrews 70 Che- Magical Evening val was leading the shortest elapsed time competi- James Wilfong and his crew from Johnny’s tion. Andrews 70s are very similar to Santa Cruz 70s. Harborside restaurant prepared an amazing meal as JazzA played easy listening music under a full moon at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club. The 7th annual dinner for the Adam Webster Memorial Fund of O’Neill Sea Odyssey raised over $7,300 through ticket sales, a silent auction and a raffle so that special needs youth could participate in OSO’s ocean-going program. Once again, Tom and Judy Webster and volunteers, including Lorenzo & Ly- nette Rota, Barbara Karleen & Hank Cureton created a magical – and successful – evening. Many thanks to donors to the silent auction, including Smith’s China Shop, Shampoo Chez, Penelope

10 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

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tive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters is “honored and proud to be partnering with the sailing community Fine Women’s Apparel, James Wilfong, O’Neill Surf for the 18th year. In these challenging times it is great Shop, Deborah Fogg, ChefWorks, Spa Fitness Centers, to be able to count on our friends in the sailing com- Carl Ruhne, Melissa Williams, Roaring Camp Rail- munity to help us match more children to caring men- roads, Heather Schroeder, Jim and Sue Wilson, Kay tors.” Webster, and Hank Cureton & Barbara Karleen. Also many thanks to the Seaside Company for their dona- The Prizes: tion of wine and to those who donated ingredients for a There will once again be a “$10 raffle” with wonderful meal. prizes including goods and services donated by many local businesses. There will also be an exciting “$100 Dan Haifley raffle” of which only 100 tickets will be sold. The Executive Director OSO “$100 raffle” prize will be an exclusive vacation get- Day on the Bay Regatta away to Puerto Vallarta with airfare for two. The Reward: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County Making a difference in your community! All and the Santa Cruz Yacht Club are teaming up again of the proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sis- for the 24th annual “Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta” ters of Santa Cruz County. For 27 years locally, and Sunday, August 9th. This is the largest SCYC sponsored over 100 years nationally, BBBS has helped children regatta and a crucial fundraiser for Big Brothers Big and youth navigate the challenges of growing up by Sisters. matching each with supportive adult role models. By making this event a tradition of goodwill, the SCYC The Event: has continued to support the work BBBS does for the Each year, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club plays host community. This year’s event once again promises to to this exciting event and helps raise thousands of dol- be a great time for crews, captains, and families. lars for the children of our community. This year’s regatta will include a reverse-start race with six divisions, Please visit www.santacruzmentor.org or call a barbecue from Bruno’s BBQ, live music provided by 831-464-8691 for registration and event information. Freedom Blvd. Band, raffles, and a silent auction. You can join us with your friends out in the harbor for the To become a mentor or for more information race or simply come to the BBQ to enter the raffle and on ways individuals, businesses and organizations enjoy live music. Registration and ticket sales will start can support mentoring in the community, contact Big at the SCYC Wednesday nights beginning July 15th. Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County at 831-464- 8691 or visit www.santacruzmentor.org. The Race: A reverse-start race makes this regatta a unique SCYC sponsored event. This style of racing makes for a competitive and thrilling finish. Marie Cubillas, Execu-

11 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

Membership Report

The Membership Committee would like to welcome the following new Regular Members: Barry & Lisa Keeler, Ryan & Janel Schuy- ler, Brent & April Masters Ruhne, Kristen & Andrew Lenz, Curt & Susann Sechrist, Gary Schwehr and Tom Manheim & Nancy Shanfeld. Congratulations and welcome aboard! If you know of anyone who is interested in joining the Santa Cruz Yacht Club please have them contact me as we have some exciting incentives for joining in 2009. Also, we will be having our annual name tag night coming soon to a WednesdayNight BBQ.

Barbara Booth Membership Chairperson

Junior News

The local weather just didn’t cooperate on the first weekend in May. The Pinto Lake El Toro Invitational on Sunday had to be cancelled because several boats arrived too wet to pass the mussel inspection, and the Moore 24’s, in town for their PCC’s, got off one race. But, at two other venues, one only 20 miles away, SCYC Juniors hit pay dirt. On Saturday, instead of rain, Monterey Penin- sula YC served up a light northwesterly, shifting to a moderate southerly, which produced beautiful smooth water conditions for this year’s spring Stevenson Trophy Regatta. Sailed semi-annually, the event represents the de-facto Monterey Bay championship for high school sailing. A SCYC team last won in 2003. But this time, SCYC’s Patrick Tara and Marie Nielsen, from Pacific Collegiate School, assisted by Santa Cruz High’s Sebastian Stock, put together a 3, 3, 12 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet

1, 1, 1, 3, 2 to bring the trophy back to Santa Cruz. (Se- bastian crewed for Patrick, while Marie sprinted from her SAT’s, scampered down a 20 foot steel ladder at the end of Wharf No. 2 into a chase boat, and just made the third start.) Second place went to defending champ Pacific Grove’s Ashley Hobson. Five points separated the first three boats. Santa Cruz High’s Mark Hamlin sailed with Sebastian Stock and Ross Adams to finish fourth, and Pa- cific Collegiate’s Peter Landsdale finished sixth, sailing with SLV’s Devon Northcott. As usual, MPYC’s Jack McAleer and his crew ran a great regatta, and SCYC’s juniors are looking forward to returning in the fall to defend the trophy. A special thanks also goes to David Kranz and Susan Schwartz for the use of their Suburban to tow Waiting for the Le Mans start at the Fremont Relay the Club’s triple trailer. Farther north, SCYC’s Max Fraser and David Li- ebenberg topped the 29er fleet at the St. Francis YC’s two day Elvstrom Zellerback Regatta. Their score of 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2, edged out San Diego’s Judge Ryan and Matt Noble. In late breaking news, Max and David continued on a roll by also winning the Santa Barbara Skiff Festival on May 16, 17. Similar to their performance in 2007, when they won the 29er Nationals, they never won a race, but stayed focused and consistent in the very difficult light and lumpy conditions. Also, in more late breaking news, several SCYC juniors and their families competed in the El Toro Class’s Freemont Relay held on May 17. They included the An- drews, the Cooks, the Lenzes, the Marletts, the Pachols- kis and the Taras. John Marlett, teamed with Fremont’s (Sebastian Stock, Marie Nielsen, & Patrick Tara ac- Art Lange, finished second, and Patrick and Paul Tara cept the Stevenson Trophy for High School Sailing) were third. The winners were RYC’s Fred Paxton and LMSC’s Dave Vickland (Dave was 2nd in the ‘71 505 Worlds, the first time SCYC hosted the event).

Paul Tara El Toro Director Back in the old days…

Last month, Tom and Mary Ellen Deasy loaned our club a binder full of stories written by Norma Nel- son. Tom and Mary Ellen own the ketch, Aphrodite, on E-dock. The Deasys are long-time Capitola residents with Tom and Mary Ellen contributing generously to the community to help preserve our area’s history. Norma Nelson was an active boater back in the old days, and she wrote a lot about boating in Santa Cruz (Max Fraser and David Liebenberg with their prizes for in a column called Harbor Lights. Her writing was as first place in the 29er fleet at the Elvstrom Zellerbach) much a social column as it was factual and informative,

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covering news and weekly events. I don’t know much about Norma Nelson (yet…) except what I can piece together by her writing, but I do know that she wrote several columns for the Santa Cruz Sentinel and other local papers on a regular basis. We received one binder from Tom and Mary Ellen that covers from September 1966 to December 31, 1967. It probably contains 125 articles! I hear there are more binders so if you enjoy some of the stuff I “harvest” from the Norma Nelson collection, please make a point of thanking Tom and Mary Ellen Deasy for helping to bring the past back to life. They are usually found on board Aphrodite at the end of E- dock. (This is, Echo, sailing on the Monterey Bay in the early The following article appeared in Harbor 1960s when Hugh Rideout owned her. Lights, printed in the Santa Cruz Sentinel on March 2, He later passed her “up” to his dad, Ransom Ride- 1967. The article was called, “Expert Sailor Brings in out, Sr. Built in Denmark in 1934, Echo, was a 22-foot Boat Despite Loss of Keel” by Norma Nelson: Spitzgatter. Photo courtesy Ernie Rideout) The keel quit its job without notice and left the 22-foot Danish sloop, Echo, unsteady as a wounded is normal for keel boats to heel over. Shortly before the bird. Ransom Rideout, Sr., expert sailor that he is, keel actually fell off, Bambi reports that her grandfather brought her in and is proof of his skill and calm think- mentioned that he was feeling uneasy about the per- ing in a rare and complicated situation. formance of the boat. They were about three miles out Rideout’s granddaughter and her husband, when Ransom decided that they should come about and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bovee, were aboard and he is sail home. proud of their good sportsmanship. Of course they On the new tack the boat simply “fell down” had life saving gear, but three miles would have been and it became quickly apparent that something was ter- a long swim in cold water. ribly wrong. Not yet knowing that they were in serious The weather was fine. Southwest of Light- trouble, Stan still thought heeling over like this was house Point they came about and during the maneuver “normal.” He showed good instinct though and climbed the Echo heeled over sharply. Instead of righting up over the gunwhale as the masthead dipped into the herself, she continued to heel with water rushing into water. The cabin took on some water and Bambi’s first the cockpit. It was a struggle to drop the mainsail and thought was that her purse was going to be ruined. The put it in stops. Finally the Echo righted, rolling and reality of the situation quickly kicked in as she changed unstable. her focus to the life jackets below. Below was the last Rideout accomplished the delicate task of place though that she wanted to go since she was afraid bringing her in by using the jib part of the way and the boat was sinking. Until they got the main down, power the remainder of the distance to Santa Cruz Echo, kept righting herself and capsizing again, over and wharf. over. Congratulations to Ransom Rideout, Sr. for a With the main down, Echo, regained some remarkable performance in seamanship. stability and Ransom ducked below to try to start the engine and to man the bilge pump—he was 100% dedi- I am delighted to have recently spoken with cated to not losing Echo and her crew that day. Bambi Ernie Rideout and with his daughter, Bambi Bovee. took the helm and steered towards home with Stan and Bambi was 19 years old, 9 months pregnant and one Ransom shifting their weight inboard and outboard, like of the three people aboard Echo on that ill-fated day movable human ballast, to keep from capsizing again. when her keel fell off. They ran back towards Santa Cruz under jib alone. Bambi’s husband Stan was on his first sail- Bambi told me over the phone that, “It seems boat ride and Ernie’s dad, Ransom Rideout, Sr. like it took a whole day to get back in.” helped make him comfortable by assuring him that it It was March 1967 and they were still not out of 14 June 2009 Santa Cruz Yacht Club Spinnaker Sheet the woods yet since the harbor mouth was not completely dredged. Ransom took over and timed it just right so they were not upset by a breaking wave as they entered the harbor under jib alone and with no keel for stability. They took the first slip they could pull into. Bambi recalls that when she got off the boat, her weight on the rail heeled the boat over so far that she found herself up to her knees in water—Echo was that unstable without the keel. She also reports that the boat floated 6-8 inches above the waterline and that the rudder was nearly halfway out of the water. All’s well that ends well though, and Bambi gave birth to her first son, Erik, just two weeks later. Echo got a new keel in Oakland at Lester Stone’s boatyard and went on to sail the waters of the Monterey Bay for many more years to come.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ransom Rideout, Sr. was a member of SCYC from 1930 to 1935. He died on New Year’s Eve in 1975 after a lifetime of sailing. He left behind a daughter and three sons who are all living in Santa Cruz today; Charlotte Hayes, Ransom, Ernie, and Hugh Rideout. The three brothers can usually be found at the club on any given Wednesday, Friday or Sunday night social function. (The 24-foot sailboat, Pi, leaving the SCYC dock in June of 1975. From left to right is Niels On another tack…June 27 & 28 will mark the an- Kisling, owner/builder, Steve Fennel and his niversary of the Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara Race where brother Walter Fennell. Steve generously intro- SCYC lost a member and his younger brother on the ill- duced many people to sailing) fated boat, Pi. I was the sole survivor. I bring this up to remember Steve and Walter finger to be pointed anywhere.” Walter added that Fennell, those they left behind. I also want to thank the he would not stand for inquiries by ‘day sailors’ and local sailing community that helped me through this. others who do not understand ocean sailing. He said Steve’s daughter Serena Fennell still lives in town as information from Kisling should be used to safeguard does his ex-wife Laurie. Steve’s two brothers live in the similar accidents in the future, rather than be used to Bay Area. ‘point a finger.’ Many people around the harbor offered me Thank you for being there for me—you know spoken and unspoken support. I will never forget shortly who you are. after the ill-fated race, we took my dad’s boat out sailing on the very next Wednesday Night. I was cheered on by Sailing out of Santa Cruz is wonderful. It’s dozens of boats as we sailed around the starting line. It something that I gladly share with my children, Chris- was good to be home. tian and Jack. I like to share with them what their Another time I remember well, was when Walter future may look like if they keep sailing and enjoying Olivieri defended me by telling the FBI and the Santa the outdoors. I also like to share with them all the Cruz Sentinel to go pound sand. The Sentinel was trying great stories and wonderful people who have been a to sell newspapers by sensationalizing the FBI’s interest positive influence on me since Back in the Old Days… in the case and Walter let them have it. On July 1, 1975, Walter told the Sentinel that, Niels Kisling “The wind was blowing up to 40 knots…and there were SCYC Historian steep seas with swells going across them. There is no