October 2012 Official Publication of Alamitos Bay Yacht Club F18 Volume 85 • Number 10 world championship Rich Roberts photos Jorge Suarez photo boat captain rench prevail as wind abandons F18 Worlds France’s Olivier Backes and crew Matthieu Vandame figured they needed to sail only two of F the last three races to pocket first place in the GLOBALTECH Formula 18 World Championship Saturday. Wrong. They needed only one as a light southwest breeze gasped its last against warm desert Santa Ana winds—a local autumn phenomenon—blowing offshore from the opposite direction, leaving the fleet of 118 Gold and Silver flight boats from 16 countries drifting helplessly in the event hosted by Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. The regatta was caught in the middle. The single race was delayed 1 1/4 hours by racers’ early starts and course changes required with shifting light winds of 3 to 7 knots. Later, as the stragglers crept in from the mile-square trapezoid course, principal race officer Mark Townsend debated for an hour whether to continue. At one point he even studied smoke from the oil refinery fire west of Long Beach for clues to what the wind might Jeff Merrill photo After racing was canceled, Backes (l.) and do. Then at 3:30 he called it a Vandame get champagne shower from coach regatta, and Backes and Alex Udin Vandame’s coach, Alex Udin, jumped aboard their cat to provide the Oscar Zeekant and Karel Begemann led Dutch charge winners a champagne in 2nd place shower. “When I put up the [abandonment] flags, all the boats cheered,” Townsend said later. As far as the championship was concerned, ending two short of the 15 scheduled races made no difference. Backes/Vandame finished 15th in Saturday’s only race, but none of their challengers finished better than sixth— not nearly enough to threaten their lead, especially with a second throwout to play. Even with the subdued climax, Olivier said the victory was better than his first win of the F18 Worlds two years ago in France. “The first time I won there was a big fight for the win at the end with three It was a better day for swimming than sailboat racing ...continued page10 inside Commodore’s Compass ...... 2-3 Manager’s Corner ...... 4 sav e the date Vice Verses ...... 4 Stag Cruise...... October 5, 6, 7 Rear View ...... 5 Race Management/Social Advisory ..... October 10 Fleet Captain’s Log ...... 5 Board of Directors Meeting ...... October 17 Membership ...... 6 Commodore’s Installation ...... October 20 Junior Sailing...... 7 Sou’wester Deadline ...... October 21 Pages of History ...... 8-9 Halloween Regatta ...... October 28 Labor Day/Mardi Gras Wrap Up ...... 12-13 Race Management/Social Advisory ... November 7 Fleet News ...... 13-15 Membership Meeting...... November 9 sou’wester • october 2012 • page 1 commodore’scompass eptember was a very busy month. We began the month with the Labor Day regatta. We had the largest turnout that we have had in a long time. The normal core of racers turned S out as well many of the F-18s that were here for the World Championships. We added a circle for them in the same area that we held the World Championships to give them an idea of the conditions to expect. In addition we added a fourth circle for the Kite Boards. This is a first for ABYC and it was exceptional. The Boarders added a unique dimension to the regatta with their speed and unique look. Kite Boards have been added to the Olympics and we felt that we need to get up to speed with the new trends. Typically the Boarders had to go to Saint Francis YC to race on the west coast. We changed that and they had a great time. They are a wonderful bunch of racers and very appreciative of our race management capabilities. Steve Kuritz was the PRO and he did a great job. The party was a Mardi Gras complete with Louisiana food and Brazilian Dancers. Thanks to all of the volunteers for this event. One week later was the F-18 World Championships. This was a huge event with 122 competitors form 13 countries and 5 continents. This was truly a world event in many ways. Not only were many counties from around the world represented but it was also one of the best worlds that they have had. This was the first time that the F-18 class held their Worlds in the United States and we did what we do best, hold world class regattas. The organization, the racing and the social events were out of this world. Chris Ericksen was the Chairman for the event and planned 5 days of racing; one practice day, two qualifying days and two days of championship racing. We had all several evening events featuring foods from which culminating with an awards ceremony on September 15. The awards ceremony hosted some 350 competitors, members and friends for the awards in the ABYC parking lot under a Big Top. This was the first time we have tried this and it was a big hit. I want to thank Chris for his organization, John Williams the F-18 US representative for bringing this event to us, Mark Townsend the PRO, Kelly Whitlow and his staff for the endless work put into this event and Tarek Elsharhawy who with his company Global Technologies stepped up as the principal sponsor and as always all of the volunteers that helped with this and all of our events. The following Friday was the Annual General Membership meeting. As a board we had fun with the General Membership meeting because this is where we get to tell all of you what we have been working on this past year. There were several presentations of our accomplishments, some very humorous. As a board we had a great time and accomplished a lot. Some of our accomplishments were boat yard asphalt repair, plumbing replacement, an active regatta schedule, Rat Pack Party, and of course our member numbers increased to 406. I am looking forward to next year to an even better year under Mike Bauman’s leadership. Sunday September 23 was the Charity Regatta. Norma organized a great one day regatta. The number of competitors was down slightly but the racing was better than ever. The burger bash was a hit, everyone seemed very hungry. The silent auction and raffle was, as usual, a big event and profitable to the children’s clinic. I know that I contributed significantly but walked with many nice things. Thanks to Norma and her volunteers for this event. The last Friday of September was the Volunteer Appreciation Party. We had a nice get together and enjoyed a lot of stories of the past year. I would like to thank each of our members that volunteered because they are the ones that allow us to host all of the events that make us famous. I want to thank Latham Bell for stepping up as our board member in charge of volunteers. He organized questionnaires to determine what our members wanted to do as a volunteer and then disseminated that information to the appropriate chairs. I think that we had a great year for events and without the volunteers we could not hold those events. The last weekend of the month, the kids were back. It is the Junior Fall Invitational. This is one of the Shadden series for sabots. The kids race hard and have a lot of fun. Marc Schryer is the Chairman for this event with Bruce Golison as the PRO. Looking forward to October we have an event every weekend culminating with Halloween Regatta. First we have the infamous or should I say famous Stagg Cruise. Guys if you have not been on the Stagg Cruise you have missed some fun. Don’t miss this one. Thanks to Merle Asper for organizing this event. The following weekend is Ladies Day. ABYC’s Ladies’ Day is one of a long-running series of regattas organized by the Southern California Women’s Sailing Association (SCWSA). Guys you are not going to be left out since there is a Men’s Division. We will be racing Naples Sabots in the bay. I want to thank Jane McNaboe and her sister Jennifer Kuritz for putting this event together. The following Saturday is the Commodore’s Installation. Come and help me install Mike Baumann as our new Commodore. This is a very fun evening that includes cocktails, food, music and humor. This year’s theme is Horatio Hornblower and the tall ships of the British Navy. You will never imagine what we are going to have for dessert. I am going to keep this a secret; you will have to come to find out. The next weekend is the Halloween Regatta. This is a fun regatta put on by the Juniors. It is one day of racing, dressing up in costumes, and partying at the club. Come down and join the fun.

...continued next page sou’wester • october 2012 • page 2 ...from page 2 morecommodore Stephanie Gwinn photo This is my last Commodore’s Compass and I will be ending my year as your Commodore on October 20th. It has been a great year. I have had many fun and happy times. We have enjoyed each other on the water and off. I would like to thank my wife, Kathy, for her support during my year as Commodore and diving in as a member of SAC. I have an incredible board and without whose support we could not have accomplished as much as we did. I would like to thank each board member for their support and dedication this year. I would like to thank Sharon Pearson and Jim Morford for their patience accommodating my tardy reports. I would like to thank George Kornhoff and Mary Montz for their dedication and hard work as our treasurers and for keeping me from spending too much money. I would like to thank Mark Townsend, Sue McDannel, Dan Milefchik and Mark Golison for chairing the RMC, SAC, MSG, and the JAB. These are key committees and require a lot of hard At the Mardi Gras party...a tough job but work. I would like to thank Kelly and his staff for their hard work throughout someone had to do it! the year. Without this dedicated group we could not enjoy the events we put on. Of course without the support of our members we could not put on any of these events. Thank each of you for letting me do what I have done this year and for volunteering to make it happen. It is said that it takes a village. We have the best village in the world. Because we do what we do on the water so well, I tried to step up the events off the water. Kelly has improved the food at the club. The Rat Pack Party was a real blast. The Mardi Grass Party was new and different. The Special Sunday Brunches were just that “Special”. Almost all of the social events had live music or entertainment. I wanted to do this to give you a reason to come and enjoy the club. It seems to have worked. I have had many compliments on the club and how much fun it is to come down and enjoy. I want to thank you for your support this year. It has been a great year for me and one of the best years of my life. THANK YOU! We have many events this month. Bring a friend and enjoy the club. ABYC IS THE PLACE TO BE. See you around the club. Jon Robinson

Sou’Wester DEADLINE Help us to Help you! October 20, 2012 is the deadline Please keep your e-mail address current with [email protected] to receive all for the November Sou’Wester. of the weekly news and events. Thank you.

2011/12 OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Commodore Jon Robinson Treasurer George Kornhoff/Mary Montz [email protected] Vice Commodore Mike Baumann Junior Commodore NIck Odegard [email protected] Rear Commodore Jennifer Kuritz Fleet Surgeon Dr. Angela Albright [email protected] Judge Advocate Tom Ramsey Jr. Staff Commodore Jeff Merrill [email protected] Fleet Chaplain Don Reiman Fleet Captain Chuck Clay [email protected] Port Captain Dave Myers Secretary Ken Reiff [email protected] Sou’wester Editor/Layout Sharon Pearson Directors [email protected] Junior Program Pat McCormick [email protected] Weekly Reader Glenn Selvin Membership Chuck Tripp [email protected] [email protected] ABYC Phone (562) 434-9955 Volunteers Latham Bell Homepage www.abyc.org [email protected] Email [email protected]

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 3 manager’scorner can always tell when it’s about time for a Commodore change, the current Commodore speaks of his/her time left in office in measurements of days and hours. Now the final stretch drive I begins for Commodore Jon Robinson. Jon, the staff and I have had a productive year, but certainly not without its challenges. Major plumbing issues which started the day before Opening Day have had the club in a “construction mode” for months now. The remnants of the sewer lines removed looked like something from an archaeological dig, with more bad news every time we opened another wall or hole in the floor. We are close to finishing the plumbing projects, and we’ll begin to get our offices back in shape soon. Thanks to all for your patience. This year, with Commodore Robinson, the Board of Directors and the tireless efforts of the volunteers we were busy pretty much every weekend of the year. Anchored by our Holiday Series, Wednesday and Thursday night sailing, Junior Program, BBQ Series, Social Events and the addition of Sabot Jr. Nationals and F-18 Worlds….ABYC was the place to be. Thanks Jon for your direction and support this year. We grew the membership through very tough economic times, set the bar high for parties with the Rat Pack night and F-18 Worlds awards banquet, and delivered a quality sailing season to the members of this fine club. Enjoy your year as Jr. Staff Commodore, and I’ll anticipate you starting sentences with...”When I was Commodore” They ALL do. Kelly Whitlow viceverses …IS A VERY VERY VERY NICE HOUSE his month we start a new budget year, with new roles for the various chairs for the activities at the club. Before I leave this post, a word of thanks. TOur club is not only member run, but to a substantial extent, member operated as well. We have neither the resources nor the staff to do all the activities that are needed to maintain our clubhouse, and host over 200 events a year. For the house committee and grounds, I want to thank John Merchant and Terri Bishop, and the many volunteers that have helped them out. Jon has put together a plan for the expansion of our yard, and rebuilding of our gates and walls, updating them from early 60s to an architecturally appropriate and higher security configuration. A yard rebuild will be a major capital improvement, so this one is part of our long range planning for after the basin 5 rebuild. We have a mature preliminary design and cost plan ready to go, which makes planning and decision making much easier. Terri Bishop has become our club horticultural expert and landscape architect, transforming the grounds, planters and gardens around the club. Terri has drafted many of her basin 5 neighbors and other members to form a very effective team. Thanks to everyone that helped with the new pavers, the lawn, gardens, and the rest of the grounds. Got Thanks also to Kelly and the staff for handling the big, and sometimes not so big jobs that the clubhouse and grounds Sails? need every day. A particular mention should be made about the quarterdeck. On an extremely minimal budget, Kelly, Rick and the staff have refinished, painted, and updated the quarterdeck. Do you have The room looks better than it has in decades. any old sails Our club is something we should rightly take pride in, sitting and feel good about maintaining and improving. If you have something you would like improved, please contact Terri, John, around that you don’t use anymore? or our new V/C Jennifer Kuritz. Your plans, ideas, and enthusiasm Not sure what to do with them? are always welcome. After all, it is our house. Well, here’s your Thechance Chucks...Hardin to get (left) andrid Clay of Cheers, Mike those old sails and help the ABYC Junior Board at the same time. Just bring them to the club and you’ll be directed to the place leave them.

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 4 rearview ime has really flown this year! I can’t believe my year as rear commodore is almost over. I owe a lot of thanks to the Social Advisory Committee Chair Sue McDannel and the SAC Tteam of Kathy Robinson, Bonnie Robertson, Stephanie Gwinn and Lori Vanskyhock. These women know how to throw a great party! Sadly, Sue has decided not to continue as committee chair, so the reins are being turned over to Kathy Robinson. Please let Kathy know if you are interested in joining the SAC committee or want to help on any of the specific events. I really enjoyed serving as the Rear Commodore. It was a great year and I learned that a lot of planning and hard work goes into the club’s many events. Thank you to everyone that helped and participated – especially my husband, Steve, who has missed a lot of regattas! This year we started “Drink of the Month” and I hope you enjoyed sampling the special theme drinks. The drink for October is the Trish Clay and is a seasonal color of orange (vodka and mango juice). Up next on the party schedule is the Commodore’s Installation on October 20. Set up for the “prom” will be on the evening of October 19 and during the day on October 20. If you’d like to help, please contact Kathy Robinson or Betty Baumann. Looking ahead, the Membership Support Group (“MSG”) has been discussing a lot of different ideas for membership retention. Not all of our members are sailors, but most members want to be comfortable on the water and have skills to be able to join in with our busy regatta schedule. With that in mind, we’re discussing formation of a Women’s Fleet so that we can plan other activities. Some suggestions for the new potential fleet range from whaler skills and man over-board training, scoring, beginning sailing to a book club and yoga classes. The other 50% of the club (men) can participate in any or all of these activities, too. Please let me know if you have any ideas. I’m looking for someone to step-up and volunteer to be fleet captain so we can start making these ideas a reality. Jennifer Kuritz fleet captain’slog

am sure I can speak for everyone on the topic of being a kid, and hearing your parents say, “just wait when you get older, time goes by faster and faster each and every year”. I Well, it has been just about a year since you voted me on the Board of Directors for ABYC as Fleet Captain. WOW what a ride it has been and I cannot believe as I type this Sou’wester report that a year has passed. It just confirms the great ad slogan by Nike “Just Do It”, because time is passing us all by. Together we have done so much with the fleet, we purchased a new 21 outrage, we completely fixed up Whaler #2 (recently, after the general membership meeting, renamed “Massey” after Staff Commodore John Massey), we installed bilge pumps on all of the whalers so they can easily be bailed after washing or the big rain, Patience has new covers, we installed water down on the dock so we can wash down the whalers with ease, we installed a new weather station (located in the bulletin board cabinet), and added new dock boxes for the covers and gear for Patience. Our biggest regatta of the year was the GLOBALTECH Formula 18 World Championship. Special thanks to Tarek Elsharhawy and his family for their support, what a world-class event! As we all know ABYC is run on a volunteer basis and it “takes the village” to make ABYC The Place to BE! Come on down and enjoy the club with family and friends, it is the best water front property in Long Beach, so bust a move, get involved, you will NOT regret it. Congratulations to the newly elected Board of Directors, Paul Anctil, Latham Bell, Jennifer Kuritz, Jeff McDermaid, David Michaelis, ABYC Leasehold Trust were unanimously elected, congratulations to Staff Commodore John Weiss and Ken Frost. My next report will be as your Rear Commodore, thanks to everyone that has helped me figure things out, coached, critiqued and just poked some fun at me! Everyone that has been “borrowing” my spot this past year, remember it will be one to the left! Cheers and remember, “ABYC is the Place to BE” Chuck Clay

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 5 membership Sheila Mattox photos report ur last report. Thank you all for all the support you have given the membership committee this past year. We have 14 members who made the Commodore’s Council which is simply awesome!!! The final membership numbers for Othe year are still not in, but the final tally should be well over 400 members. We continue to build on the success of the past few years. This is a significant accomplishment in an economic downturn. We would like to thank Sheila Mattox who has really proven herself again this year. Superb Job!!! Please extend a warm welcome to the following new members who have been approved for membership: Nathan Brown,Junior Geoffrey Talbot, Regular Samuel Shuart, Junior Nigel Brownett, Regular Jacob Wolff, Junior Karl Zittel, Regular Alex Kondracke, Regular Dudley Gill, Regular Craig Doherty, Regular Bruce Case, Regular Mark Vidor, Regular Judy Bliss, Regular Mark Schulten, Regular Dr. Robert Wolff, Regular Lawrence Rodgers, Regular Lesley Bunting, Regular The following applicants have been approved for posting: Jennifer and John Christopher Ellen Baars (sponsor) Joel and Iren Stone Jennifer Kuritz (sponsor) Stacie Straw Merle Asper (sponsor)

Thanks again for all your support. Chuck Tripp and Dan Milefchik New members accepting burgees:

Peter Malone with sponsor Teri Bishop David & Debby Miller

Wendi Vodhanel & daughter Kathleen

Tucker & Caroline Campbell

Gary McNulty & Pam

Thomas Cooke & Claudette Diaz

Daniel McBrearty Mark Hinrichs Clinton Stayton

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 6 the bay clogger (junior sailing)

he Fall Program is under way with a new high school sailing program! Things are shaping up to be a busy season, with almost 40 people signed up and Tseveral regattas in the near future! This year we sent two teams to the SoCal event in Newport. At their first high school regatta of the season, SoCal #1, Adam and Nora Elsharhawy placed third overall! Ethan Michaelis and Ryan Schack placed 8th as well! All in all, it was a very good showing from our teams especially since this was their first ever high school regatta. The high school program is going to be a welcome addition to the sailing program this year. Come by the club on Wednesday or Friday afternoons and see what all the fun is about! The next big high school event is Sea Otter up in Monterey in October, good luck to all of our teams that are going! Congratulations to Steve Hopkins for placing sixth overall in the Fall Gold Cup down in Newport! Steve also won two races in the event and had very consistent scores with tough competition! There are several regattas coming up this Fall, especially the Halloween regatta which is run by the juniors themselves! Check our abyc.org for more information! Sabot practices this Fall are on Sunday mornings for beginners and Sunday afternoons for racers. If you are interested in signing up for the Fall Program you can do so at www.abycjuniorprogram.com. See you on the water! Matt Beck

Jeff Merrill photo

Adam and Nora Elsharhawy with their trophy junior board hank you to the members of last year’s Junior Board, for all of their hard work throughout the year, especially Jr. Commodore Nick Odegard, who is now off to college and sailing at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, TConnecticut. The Junior Board’s new sail recycling program brought in over $1,000 that helped to buy additional CFJs for ABYC’s new high school sailing program. Congratulations to the new Junior Board for 2012-2013: Joint Jr. Commodores Kevin Leddy & Kevin Baumann Jr. Vice Commodore Emily Golison Jr. Rear Commodore Beth Golison Secretary R. J. Ivory /DH Captain Erik Carpenter Public Relations Nigel Lipps Events Coordinator Lauren Thompson Sabot A Captain Alan Peoples Sabot B/C Captain Ryan Ayale All ABYC juniors are welcome to work with the junior board during the year. The Junior Board plans and staffs many events throughout the year at the Club, including the Installation dinner, Halloween Regatta, ABYC Christmas Party, Easter Brunch, the April general meeting and Opening Day. The Junior Fleet, including all juniors at ABYC, is in charge of the upcoming Halloween Regatta on October 28 and we can use your help. Many of our high school juniors are away at a regatta that weekend, so we could use middle school age junior help that Sunday. The Junior Board also coordinates junior participation in Beach Cleanups, Spring Spruce Up and other events. If you are a junior or parent of a junior who wishes to get more involved in junior activities at the Club, please look for current information in this section of the Sou’Wester or the Junior Program’s email blasts or don’t hesitate to contact a member of our new Junior Board. Jennifer Golison

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 7 from the pages of history

hemes for October SOU’WESTERs are often of the summer past: with the deadline for the copy being so soon after TLabor Day, summer was generally not yet over. So it goes on the trio of editions we see this month. THIRTY YEARS AGO: Three lovely ABYC women—Commodore Adra Kober, Grace Utecht and Carol Reynolds—were featured on the cover of the SOU’WESTER of October, 1982. It is not clear as to what is portrayed, however, and there is no caption on the cover or inside the edition but it may have been a trophy presentation to Carol, then a fairly new Sabotier. And on a personal note, it may be that the Sabot shown was one I bought from Carol some years later: I seem to recognize the red trim and the mainsheet rig. Adra published her final “Commodore’s Comments” in the SOU’WESTER this month. Many Commodores use the entire column for thanks and reflections, but she limited it to a single paragraph. It contained the expected thanks to the spouse—in this case, Staff Commodore Chuck Kober—but also included a familiar thought: “I wish to thank all the Members— Senior, Interim and Junior—and the Club Staff for working together to make this an outstanding year.” Adra’s column also reported on two pages listing ABYC Champions for 1982. And what a group? Jimmy Otis was Naples Sabot Junior Champion that year while Isabelle Lounsberry was Naples Sabot Senior Champion in the over-40 group. Steve Bloemeke won both the US Junior Snipe Nationals with Carol McBride as crew and later, with Greg Morton of Yacht Club alongside, won the Snipe Junior Worlds. Ken Green led a team that included Tom Newton, Jr., to win the Coronado 25 Nationals the same summer that daughter Leslie Green with Jackie Landsman won the Coronado 15 Junior Nationals. The three Golison boys—Mark, Bruce and Jay—won the Mallory. And evidently Keith Dodson with Cathy Black as crew won the English Snipe Nationals. ABYC’s Juniors ran the Closing Day Regatta under the leadership of Junior Rear Commodore Kristen Fox; there must have been a big Tornado fleet as they presented four trophies, the most of any class...the winners in the Snipe class at the Labor Day Regatta were led by Mark Reynolds of San Diego Yacht Club, later a three -time Olympic medalist in ; Mike Segerblom took third...”The Commodore and Board Wives of Alamitos Bay Yacht Club,” read a short piece, “cordially invite you to a Continental breakfast on Saturday, October 9, 1982, in the Quarterdeck;” turns out that was Stag Cruise weekend, so the ladies evidently had some time on their hands... TWENTY YEARS AGO: The cover art for the SOU’WESTER of October, 1992, also featured a Naples Sabot, but a particular one: it was Naples Sabot number 100. It is shown fully rigged on a lawn; in it is sitting George Hart while Sid Exley, Jr., and Richard Russell, Jr., stand alongside. The story of the photo came in Ann Exley’s column, “From the Pages of History:” the club held its annual opening dinner at the Lakewood Country Club that year; there was no clubhouse and little money to get one. So a raffle was held, the proceeds to go to a building fund; members could buy chances to win, and the prize was Naples Sabot number 100. George Hart evidently killed two birds with one stone: he bought so many tickets that he simultaneously won the drawing and ensured the building fund would be completed. Outgoing Commodore Chris Ericksen quoted both Dickens and Shakespeare at the beginning and end of his final “Commodore’s Comments:” the first paragraph referenced the “best of times, worst of times” line to describe a year that included a huge number of major regattas and more than a few challenges and finished with the line from “Henry V” referring to the corps of ABYC volunteers as “we few, we gallant few, we band of brothers.” The Commodore added “and sisters” to that in his thanks. The saga of “Bad Gnus” went on in Carl Rischer’s “Driftwood” column. Owner Stan Sorensen needed to get his J/ 29 up to San Francisco for reasons not mentioned and did it with Jorge Suarez in four legs. Carl reported that the third leg from “Morrow Bay to Monterrey”—Carl was a great storyteller but only a fair speller—took 32 hours as the duo met winds up to 35 knots on the nose and seas up to 12 feet. They were on short rations on this leg: Stan and Jorge apparently split “one muffin and a little OJ” on the trip. Second place in the Lido 14 fleet at the Labor Day Regatta was Stu Robertson and “Erin”—presumably daughter Erin; just this past summer Erin made Stu a grandfather with the birth of her first child...Suzanne Worthington was putting together an all-woman team to race a Catalina 37 in the first-ever Women’s One Design Challenge regatta to be held in October at Long Beach Yacht Club; among the crew were ABYC women Norma Clapp, Linda Adkins, Kathy Webb, Sharon Pearson and Jennifer Ellis...in a piece entitled, “This Just In,” it was announced that the winners at ABYC’s Annual Election to serve on the Board for the 1992-1993 year were Steve Moffett, Jerry Montgomery, Sharon Pearson and Pete Stoker... TEN YEARS AGO: Dennis Connor was featured on the cover of the SOU’WESTER for October, 2002, but you would not know it from looking: he was starting an at the pin end of the line during the 2002 Etchells NA’s held at ABYC that year. But the funny part was the foreground: it is John Ellis in Whaler 5 is gunning the boat so as to get out of the way of the oncoming Etchells fleet. According to the caption, John and Dennis were “racing for pink slips.” Dennis must have come out on top of that one, as an article in the newsletter identified Connor as winner of the regatta. ...continued next page sou’wester • october 2012 • page 8 morehistory ...from page 8

The Cal 20 Class Championship was held in British Columbia in 2002, and the winner was ABYC’s own Ron Wood. Racing with Cindy King, Ron first took fourth place in the Canadian Nationals, but when they were joined by Vann Wilson, the won the class title outright. Ron was not the only ABYC member to make the trip: ABYC Commodore Chuck Hardin, then racing boat 1145 with Tom Newton, Jr., made the trek and took fifth place in the 34-boat fleet. Ron and Chuck were not the only travelers that year. Chris Raab went to Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to take third place in the US SAILING singlehanded championship for the O’Day Trophy while ABYC Independent Junior Joseph Roberts took sixth in a fleet of 53 Laser Radials in the Silver Fleet of the Laser Radial Worlds at the Buffalo Canoe Club in Fort Erie, Ontario. But the long-distance traveler was Yachting Member Payson Infelese, who joined a team from King Harbor Yacht Club that won the youth regatta in Cowes on the Isle of Wight off the southern coast of England. Kevin Ellis was ABYC Rear Commodore in those days and was serving as interim SOU’WESTER editor after the resignation of Allison Jolly, and a new plan had been created to produce the newsletter that would use the Internet: all copy was to be e-mailed to the printer or to the ABYC office...Ellis was among the four people elected or re-elected to the ABYC Board that year; the others were Jim Bateman, Larry Kidd and Glenn Selvin...ABYC members Howard Hamlin and Mike Martin, sailing with Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club sailor Andy Zinn, won the first-ever regatta for Australian 18-foot skiffs in San Francisco Bay... Chris Ericksen, Club Historian electionresults he results of final balloting conducted during the 2012 General Membership meeting and elections have been tallied and the winners announced. The following members (listed alphabetically) have each been elected to serve Ta two year term on the ABYC Board of Directors. Paul Anctil Latham Bell Jennifer Kuritz Jeff McDermaid David Michaelis The new Board will be sworn in at the October 20th Installation Dinner (Now’s the time make your reservations and plan to attend). Please join me in thanking these members for their service (as well as those candidates who ran, but did not get elected). Incoming Commodore Mike Baumann has a great Board to work with, congratulations to all! S/C Jeff Merrill johnmassey ear ABYC Family, Where do we begin to thank you for your thoughtfulness and support D during this very difficult time? Words cannot possibly describe the heartfelt appreciation that we have for each and every one of you. Your phone calls, emails, letters and cards have left lasting impressions, to say the least. Let alone the gift of the flag that flew at half staff and the renaming of whaler #2; both in Daddy’s honor. We are all left quite speechless! Dad was an amazing man and contributed so much to ABYC. As an active member since the early 60’s, it was his second home and he loved just being on the dock or walking the grounds! His legacy will truly be a hard one to follow. Thank you for being Dad’s extended family. Thank you for your continued support. We know he’ll be missed by many! Stacy Massey, on behalf of the Massey Crew

Jon Robinson presenting John’s flag to Stacy Massey NOTE: Please mark your calendars for John Massey’s Celebration of Life gathering on March 9th, 2013 when all of our family, can again be together. Until then feel free to read some stories, laugh a little and contribute your very own memories of Dad to the webpage we’ve established to memorialize him: http://www.themasseycrew.com

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 9 more F18world champs ...from page 1 boats,” he said. “This was much better.” Olivier had another crew in 2010, so this was Vandame’s first F18 Worlds title. “I’m really happy,” he said. So was Karel Begemann, crew for Oscar Zeekant on the runnerup boat from The Netherlands. “We didn’t really come here to win,” Begemann said. “We just hoped to be in the top five.” In fact, Dutch boats seized four of the top six places overall. It was the first F18 Worlds in the USA. The top American boat finished 10th, sailed by Michael Easton and Tripp Burd of the New England Nacra Sailing Association (NENSA). Some action at the leeward mark Rich Roberts, Media Contact

Solving the problem of heat with an umbrella!

Michael Easton and Tripp Burd were the top American boat Jasper van Staveren photos used with permission...thanks Jasper!!

sou’westerin 10th place • october 2012 • page 10 more F18world champs Jasper van Staveren photo

he 2012 GLOBALTECH International Formula 18 World Championship Regatta at ABYC was by any stretch an immense event. There were nearly twice as many Tboats as had sailed the 2009 I-14 Worlds, although the F-18 Worlds was a shorter event; there were at least as many sailors as had sailed the 2000 Melges 24 Worlds. The challenges were great, and ABYC rose to the occasion. Mark Townsend and John Williams shared the burden of organizing the event. Mark coordinated a very complicated series of races on a trapezoidal course that ensured good racing. He also coordinated the dozens of race-committee volunteers that reported from across the United States to serve the regatta. He was also invaluable in his advice on off-the-water matters. John Williams, who brought this event to ABYC, sailed in it and managed to garner a trophy for his trouble, was a tireless advocate for the sailors. He also coordinated sponsorship, never an easy task. Even during the regatta, he was available to answer questions and participate in decisions. Jon Robinson as Commodore and Jeff Merrill as Board liaison to the regatta were the best help a regatta could have. Jon was ready to carry news back to the Board and work behind the scenes when necessary. Jeff was a steady presence during the regatta, including running the judges’ boat during racing. The shoreside volunteers were many and some unexpected. Thanks must go to Jennifer Golison, Cathy Black- Smith, Stacy Conn, Stacey Gibbs and Terri Bishop for setting up and staffing merchandise sales throughout the regatta. Sailors from all over the world will go home with signature creations of ABYC merchandise designed by Cathy and sold by Jennifer and her crew. George Caddle and Dave Myers were their usual wizards at coordinating race-management equipment. Margaret Caddle served the International Jury with administrative support. Dick and Linda Landes, Richard and Susan Bell, Jon Robinson and Ed Spotskey all provided lodging for International Judges and other regatta support personnel. John Weiss used to say that staffing a regatta at ABYC was the time when we “round up the usual suspects.” It was an unexpected pleasure, however, when not-the-usual-suspects turned up. Like Christine Reiss and Catharina Whitehead, two Florida women whose boys raced here last summer and again in the F-18 Worlds; they spent every day on PATIENCE. Or Becky Ashburn from Las Vegas, a race officer in her Hobie fleet who volunteered. Or Steve Smith, John McNaughton and Christina Brown, who offered help with registration; or Julie Hopkins and Cindy Odegard, who volunteered to help with dinner registration; or Patty Nash, who just showed up and turned to; or Ed Kimball, who simply was carried away by the “vibe” and came out into a whaler the last day. These people joined with the “usual suspects” and became a part of the regatta in an unexpected way, and the regatta was immeasurably better for their having done so. The support of the officers and directors of ABYC was constant. Pat McCormick was there in the early days of the regatta to help sort out the traffic jam in the parking lot. Mike Baumann and Jennifer and Steve Kuritz were on the race course every day and Chuck Clay was there every night; Trish Clay came out for a day on PATIENCE. While Jeff Merrill drove the judges’ boat, Pam Merrill did the simple and essential job of collecting the trophies. And Betty Baumann stepped in to help with registration the last day. Mike spoke for ABYC that night and, with Jennifer and Chuck, handed out trophies at the awards banquet. And what an awards banquet! Held under a huge pavilion tent erected in the ABYC parking lot, it allowed us to keep the sailors at ABYC throughout the night. The vision for this, as so much else in the regatta, came from the mind of Kelly Whitlow, ABYC’s tireless General Manager. As much as anyone else, the imprint of Kelly’s hand was on this event. Well before the first container had arrived, Kelly had coordinated for parking with the city of Long Beach; long before the first boat came onto the Alamitos Bay beach, Kelly had organized security between the Marine Patrol and the company that monitors ABYC. It was his support, and that of the entire ABYC staff, that made this event happen; from troubleshooting whalers to emptying trash cans to serving food to staying past midnight the night of the awards banquet to sell drink tickets to the sailors who did not want to leave ABYC, no task faced by the staff was too much trouble. A key member of the crew was my wife of one month, Christine. While she was a LBYC junior and her father is a LBYC Staff Commodore, the F-18 Worlds was her first major regatta. She offered her help, and I asked her to help in registration; she took to that task with understanding, tenacity, thoroughness, humor and graciousness. For most of the participants of the F-18 World, hers will remain the face of the regatta and the face of ABYC, for she greeted each sailor at registration, shepherded them through the gauntlet of requirements, and did it all with dispatch and grace. The GLOBALTECH International Formula 18 World Championship Regatta was epic, an event for the ages. For me, it was my fourth Worlds as chairman. In many ways it was the most complicated for it was so large; but in others, because of the efforts of so many, it was the easiest. Thanks to all who made the F-18 Worlds such a shared success. Chris Ericksen

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 11 labor day regatta he ABYC Labor Day Regatta is the second only to the Turkey Day Regatta as the largest sailing event of the year. This year consisted of 185 boats in 19 different classes over the 2 days of Saturday, September 1, 2012 and Sunday, TSeptember 2, 2012. The Regatta this year had a few historical happenings. The Kite Boarders sailed there first ever regatta at our Club and with this now becoming an Olympic Class, we hope to have a long and prosperous relationship with them. Also, the Labor Day Regatta ran 4 separate courses at the same time which was a ‘first ever’ in ABYC history. The event also had sailors from 10 different countries due to the F-18 participants tuning up for their World Championship. All of this made for a special Labor Day weekend event. The regatta served as two other events: it was the Laser District 25 Championships and the first of the Southern California Youth Yachting Racing Association (SCYYRA) Ullman/Frost Series for the Laser and Laser Radial. Our own Vann Wilson was on top in the Laser Full , while Christine Neville was tops in the Laser Radial. Both earned a place on the District 25 perpetual trophies. Other perpetuals were awarded as well. Mike Wood as skipper with Ron Wood and Tom Cooke as crew were presented with the George Lounsberry Memorial Trophy in winning the Cal 20 Class. Christine Neville added a place on the Fiesta de la Playa Trophy as the winner of the largest class, the Laser Radials. The following are the winners by class: Kite Board Fleet; Gabor Vagi, Tempest Fleet: Skipper – Henk Baars with crew Steven Kragt; C-15 Fleet: Skipper – Vincent Paternoster with crew Mike Graham; Portsmouth Fleet: Skipper – Stephen Shumaker; F-18 Fleet: Misha Heemskerk with crew Bastiaan Tentij ; Fleet: Erik Lidecis; Cal 20 Fleet; Mike Wood with crew Ron Wood and Tom Cooke, Sabot C3 Fleet: Monica Grubbs; Sabot C2 Fleet: Millie Dorgan; Sabot C1 Fleet: Taisei Hatter; Sabot B Fleet: Scott Fairbanks; Sabot A Fleet: Cole Pomeroy; Sr. Sabot Fleet: John Ellis; Laser Full Fleet (ocean): Vann Wilson; Laser Radial Fleet (ocean): Christine Neville. Laser Full Fleet (bay); Max Turien, Laser Radial Fleet (bay); Kristina Miller, Lido A Fleet; Stephen and Christopher Washburn, Lido B; Konrad Mayer with crew Ian Neseth Ed Spotskey served as Regatta Chair while John Gresham, of the Lido 14 Fleet 6 served as duty-fleet captain and raised enough volunteers from the fleet and elsewhere in the club to staff the 4 different race courses. One course each for the Kite Boarders and the visiting F-18’s along with our regular bay and breakwater courses. Martyn Bookwalter was PRO on the Breakwater Course; Bruce Golison served on the Bay Course, Chris Eriksen had the F-18’s off Seal Beach and Steve Kuritz ran the Kites near the pier. Margaret Caddle organized the protest committees while ABYC Port Captain Dave Meyers organized race gear along with George Caddle. Patience and Volunteer was ably prepared by Chris Ericksen. The always helpful ABYC Staff, led by General Manager Kelly Whitlow, worked tirelessly from dawn to well after dusk all weekend; whether it was moving tables or moving trailers or launching whalers or serving cocktails, the staff helped make the regatta a huge success for the volunteers and participants alike. As always, “ABYC was the place to be” Ed Spotsky mardi grasparty Stephanie Gwinn photos t wasn’t Rio, it wasn’t the French Quarter and it wasn’t even the Lenten season, but all of the color, the food and the Iexcitement were there at the Labor Day Mardi Gras at ABYC! Yes, after a big day on the water sailors and partygoers alike entered the ABYC patio that was decked out in its finest purples, greens and golds. Participants picked up their masks, got their faces painted, and engaged in an evening of merrymaking and joviality! Of course this didn’t happen by carnival magic. No, no, au contraire! Many hours went into making this event successful. Kathy Robinson shopped for decorations, Bonnie Robertson baked cupcakes (in the late August heat) and the SAC committee planned and organized the event. Then, of course, master chef Kelly Whitlow and the ABYC staff worked their magic to produce a wonderful Cajon meal. Be sure to ask Kelly for his jambalaya recipe, it’s outstanding! If that wasn’t enough, guests were able to enhance their party mood by selecting costume item from the extensive “Robinson Collection,” and having their pictures taken in front of a French Quarter scene. Naturally our magician photographer, Stephanie Gwinn, was on hand to take these portraits. After dinner the torches were lit, the rhythmic drumbeat started and the Rio Brazil Samba Company danced their way through the crowd, much to the surprise and delight to some visiting F18ers. Then after a few numbers on their own,

...continued next page sou’wester • october 2012 • page 12 ...from page 12 the professionals made their way into the audience recruiting people to come and learn the samba. As it turned out ABYC folks are amazingly good at the samba! A big “merci and obrigado!” is extended to all the volunteers and staff members who made this event so much fun. They include but are not limited to: Jennifer Kuritz, Kathy Robinson, Bonnie Robertson, Lori Van Skyhock, Betty Baumann, Stephanie Gwinn, the Lido fleet, Kelly and the ABYC staff. Stay tuned to see what exciting event will take place next Labor Day! Ed Spotsky

The party planners l to r...Bonnie Robertson, Betty Baumann, Stephanie Gwinn, Kathy Robinso, Sue McDannel, Lori VanSkyhock (front) hails fromthe fleets aser and Laser Radial District 25 Championship Regatta Held in conjunction with the ABYC Labor Day Holiday Regatta, Laser and Laser Radial racers L competed for the 2012 International Laser Class Association-North American Region District 25 (Southern California and Southern Nevada) Championship. Contributing to a good turnout of 32 Lasers and 40 Laser Radials, the Southern California Youth Yacht Racing Association (SCYYRA) used the Labor Day Regatta as the first of four events in their popular, Ullman/Frost Series for youth sailors. The boatyard and surrounding parking areas of ABYC were especially crowded for this year’s regatta as multihull F-18’s were beginning to arrive for their World Championship to be held later in September. Tractor trailer size cargo containers and F-18’s in various stages of assembly were parked wherever they could fit. Fortunately, the big cats parked themselves on the adjacent beach for what was to be a preliminary warm up (Labor Day Regatta) for the Worlds. Otherwise getting 72 Lasers, not to mention the Finns, Cal 20’s, and other classes launched from the ABYC boatyard would have been a challenge to say the least! Race day one found racers arriving in bright warm sunshine with all wondering if the usual Long Beach sea breeze would develop. We sailed to the traditional ABYC race course, shared with Cal 20’s Finns and a Portsmouth Handicap fleet, inside the Long Beach Harbor Breakwater in a breeze building to Force Four by the warning signal for the first Laser start. The ABYC Race Committee (RC) sent Lasers and Radials on a combination of twice around windward-leeward as well as triangle courses to complete four races in quick succession. The triangle courses were a welcome change to this racer and even Vann Wilson happily proclaimed, “wow, Old School” when the RC posted a triangle windward-leeward course for the Lasers. The reaches did provide fast, wet opportunities to catch some of the wind generated waves. At the end of the day in the Laser Fleet, Peter Shope from Sail Newport held the low score followed closely by ABYC’s Kevin Taugher and Vann Wilson, who was tied with Kieran Chung from Newport Harbor YC. 2011 District 25 Champion, Oliver Toole from Santa Barbara YC held the fifth place spot. In the Radial fleet, 2011 District 25 Champion, Christine Neville, hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area had a clean sweep with four bullets on opening day. Filling in the ...continued page 14 sou’wester • october 2012 • page 13 hails fromthe fleets top five were; Cooper Weitz from ABYC & CYC, Lola Bushnell from St. Francis & San Francisco YC’s (St.FYC/SFYC), Christopher Weis from Del Rey YC and Lindsey Babb from (St.FYC/SFYC). Following racing, competitors and guests could enjoy dinner and refreshments on the ABYC patio as well as a slightly out of season but ever so fun, Mardi Gras party, complete with accessories and exotic Brazilian dancers. Day two looked to be a carbon copy of day one conditions; however, the breeze did not develop until race number two, when Force Four breezes filled in for the remainder of the day. Three more races were run with no muss no fuss, despite one General Recall for the Radial fleet As elder member of the Radial fleet in this regatta and writer of this piece, I want to make some observations about my fellow competitors. The District 25 Championship combined with the Ullman/Frost Series does draw a large contingent of youth sailors. These youngsters were great competitors on the water and from all I could see seemed to enjoy each other’s company both on and off the water. I even noticed several times where port-tackers were waved across by starboard-tackers. I will also mention the eventual regatta winner, Christine Neville -recently profiled in Latitude 38 magazine- was always happy to offer advice to her fellow racers, even mentoring a young lady as they sailed out to the race course on Sunday. I’ll happily race with this group of racers again. “See you at Turkey Day!” As mentioned, Christine was the class of the Radial fleet, discarding a mere eighth place in the light air first race Sunday. She was followed by Cooper Weitz, Lola Bushnell, Christopher Weis, and slipping into fifth place, Simone Staff from CYC. Other racers from ABYC following in order were; your author, (just out of the top ten after a series of bone headed errors on Sunday), Nigel Lipps, Steven Hopkins (who raced both days with a pink fiberglass cast on his broken right wrist!), Andrew MacLean, Alex Newton, and new ABYC and Laser Fleet member, Theresa Cornwell. In the Laser Fleet, Vann Wilson prevailed by three points over Oliver Toole. Peter Shope was third, followed by Kieran Chung and Stephen Long from Santa Barbara & Cabrillo Beach YC’s, making up the top five. Michael Bradley from ABYC & LBYC finished sixth while new ABYC and Laser Fleet member Rodion Mazin was a mere one point behind in seventh. Other ABYC racers finishing in order were; Kevin Taugher, Laser District 25 Secretary, Jorge Suarez, Sanjai Kohli, Sumeet Patel and two more new ABYC and Laser Fleet members; Tucker Campbell and Robert Enrico…A hearty welcome to all our new ABYC and Laser Fleet members. The Labor Day Regatta also offered Laser & Radial racing in Alamitos Bay. The ABYC Laser Fleet proposed this option in hopes of attracting sailors who would rather race in the more sheltered waters of the Bay. We did have two full rig and three Radials race in the Bay this year and hope we’ll see more participation in the future. As an organization, ABYC should be proud of the fact we consistently field some of the largest Laser fleets for regattas in the country. Vann Wilson points out, the 2012 National Championships at Houston Yacht Club fielded 14 Standard rig and 43 Radials. The Pacific Coast Championship’s held by Cabrillo Beach Yacht club fielded 17 Standard rig and 38 Radials. In comparison, the Laser Mid Winters West and our Labor Day Regatta at ABYC were huge successes. A big Thank You is due the ABYC Lido Fleet for putting on a great event! This group of volunteers managed to conduct high quality racing on four race courses; hosting 38 F-18’s on an ocean course, Lasers, etc. inside the breakwater, Kite boards (a first) just off the Belmont Shore Beach and Lido’s, Sabots and more Lasers inside Alamitos Bay…quite a feat…well done! We also wish to thank our intrepid and patient scoring pro, Jim Morford! 2012 ABYC Charity Regatta Chasing Jay on the Bay, otherwise known as the 2012 ABYC Charity Regatta attracted a fleet of 7 Lasers and 4 Radials this year. Our Race Committee started Lasers and Radials separately, sending Lasers on a longer Bay Cruise course all the way to Mark A near the U.S. SAILING Center. The pecking order for finishes was established fairly early in the Laser Fleet, when all hope of catching the savvy and fast racer, Jay Golison was lost once we entered the channel heading towards Marks F and A. Ross Nemeroff from Seal Beach YC, Andrew McLean and I tried to keep it close for three races to no avail. In the Radial Fleet, the Hays sisters; Elizabeth and Jennifer from Balboa YC traded first and second finishes followed by recent fleet newcomers; Theresa Cornwell and Ryan Schack from ABYC. Conditions for both Lasers and Radials ranged from marginal hiking conditions to shifty, puffy and near flat calm throughout the day providing a challenge for everyone. We extend our thanks to Norma Clapp, our race committee and all race organization volunteers for hosting this truly worthwhile event! 2012 ABYC Laser/Laser Radial Fleet Championship Standings With such a good turn-out of racers for the Labor Day Regatta, there were many points up for grabs towards the 2012 ABYC Laser/Laser Radial Fleet Championship. Vann Wilson at this point, is poised to take the championship again this year. He is followed by Jorge Suarez, Kevin Taugher and Chuck Tripp. It will come down to who finishes best in the last few regattas of which Turkey Day is usually the decider. In the Radial Fleet, we had a good turn-out for the D25 Champs and so far I’m feeling confident, but I hope we’ll see continued good turn-out in the Radial fleet to make it interesting down the stretch for the Fleet Championship and the right to race in the 2013 ABYC Club Championship Regatta next summer. Steven Smith, ABYC Laser Fleet Co-Captain

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 14 hails fromthe fleets

The Fleet to Be In! ummer evening sailing was winding down and along came the last Wet Wednesday of the summer. The previous two Wednesday’s were light on participants, so it was a bit of a surprise as 15 boats S were the line! Super light conditions prevailed as the battle ensued. Stan Gibbs sailing the sweet Cal 20 Retread was quick and finished first, then Patty Nash with Mark Barnard on Waka Waka sailed great for second. Steve George’s beautiful DragonFly 42 had guest skipper Chuck Clay on board for third, and Dan Gilboa sailing on #103 took fourth. This was the last of a six race series, and here’s how it all panned out for overall honors. First: Rubber Dog with Keith Ives and Chuck Stevens. Second: Steve George on DragonFly42. Third: Lickety Split with Mike Wood on helm and crew Ron Wood and Tom Cooke. Fourth: Stan Gibbs and company on Retread. So another summer of Wet Wednesday’s is in the books. What a blast! Come on out and join the fun next year! Thanks to LBYC and the Race Committee! Labor Day regatta was a small fleet affair, as many were probably still hung over or just tired from Cal 20 Nationals. Nevertheless, Dan Gilboa and Mike Shea took 5th, Dave & Carol Kofahl, with Bob Anderson got 4th, John & Greg Merchant picked up 3rd, Patty Nash & Mark Barnard pulled a strong 2nd, and First place went to Lickety Split with Mike, Ron, and Tom making it happen. Congrats to all the winners! Next up was Charity Regatta. Of course, this special day is all about the children, so we had a good turnout. LBYC was our race committee, and they had us a couple miles off Seal Beach with Farr 40’s, Catalina 37’s, and Cal 25’s. What was looking to be a light day quickly filled in and eventually built to 16 knots with heavy seas. Race 1 had Bravura, skippered by Jeff Ives with crew Phil Soma taking first out of the gate. Race 2 was interesting as the weather mark was moving at about a knot or so, which added to the challenge. Matt Rustigan on Horton with his Lake Arrowhead crew Frankie were leading, but over stood. Waka Waka capitilized and took the lead at the moving weather mark, never to relinquish. Unfortunately for Waka, this race was thrown out. Race 3 had Paul Merrill and son Ricky Merrill on Sweet Bippy in first most of the way, but settling for the second whistle at the finish with Bravura overtaking for first . A fourth race was requested by the race committee on Loynes, since Race 2 was not counted, and this one lapper had Bravura taking first and John Merchant and Rob Fuller on Breakfast Club taking second. Overall, a happy Bravura was first, with Sweet Bippity taking second. I believe lots of money was raised for the Childrens Clinic, fun was had on the race course and Reggie took care of everybody back on shore. Job well done Norma Clapp and all the organizers! Next up is the easygoing one-day Halloween Regatta in late October, then Turkey Day in November, and the Fun Run and Boxing Day in December. See ya on the starting line, Dan Bates/Jeff Ives

hank you John McNaughton and Jerry McNaboe for running the barge and T whaler during our September Sabot Sunday. Seven Sabotiers participated in tough competition on a hot light-wind day in the Bay. Jane McNaboe was the winner, followed by a three-way tie for second/third/fourth place. Lee Berlinger was second, winning the tie breaker between Lee, Fred Stevens and John Ellis. Several ABYC Sabotiers participated in the Little Old Ladies Regatta held at Balboa YC on September 8th. In the men’s 10 boat fleet Fred Stevens was first, Jeff McDermaid was third and John Ellis was 4th. Terese Ivory placed third in the women’s fleet despite boat problems which made her unable to finish the third race. Please join us for the biggest ABYC Senior Sabot event of Winners of the Men’s Division at the Little Old Ladies Regatta the year Ladies Day on October 14th! are pictured with Nancy Mellon, regatta chair, Balboa Yacht Caption for the attached photograph: Club. From left to right, Mike Bartell (BYC), John Ellis (ABYC), Nancy Mellon (BYC), Jeff McDermaid (ABYC), and Fred Stevens Jane McNaboe (ABYC).

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 15 PRSRT STD U. S. Postage ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED PAID Alamitos Bay Yacht Club Long Beach, CA 7201 East Ocean Boulevard Permit No. 685 Long Beach, California 90803 Rob Rice photo Drink of the Month “The PPP” Patricia’s Passion Punch

Vodka, Mango Juice Lime Juice Splash of Club Soda

sou’wester • october 2012 • page 16