Welcome Aboard the New Sea Sounds!

Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club Sea Sounds Since 1941 August, 2018 Welcome Aboard the New Sea Sounds!

Inside This Issue

Commodore Ron Orr Enjoy Our Offshore Waters 2 Vice Commodore Denise George The Vice Commodors Report 3 Rear Commodore Mark McLellan SMWYC is you 4 Judge Advocate Alan Sege Want to Ride a Bike 5 Treasurer Susan Ross Welcome to Tess 5 Jr. Staff Commodore A Fresh, New Club Newsletter for the Modern Age Themis Z. Glatman Club of the Year 6 The 2018 SMWYC Board has decided to Jr. Program Director resurrect the old quarterly newsletter Sea Sounds Steve Potter Junior Program Update 7 for the new, dynamic age. Now every quarter, you Meet the can learn about all the events at Santa Monica SMWYC staff Windjammers Yacht Club and its members. 8 In this issue, Board Members contributed articles about any topic which interested them. Currents 11

Featured Content Becoming the Do you have a story to Club of the Year tell? Do you have a photo to An Interview with one share? Do you know any good of our Youngest Sailors jokes? SeaSounds wants you!

Submit your photo, story (up to 500 words), and joke to the newsletter and we will publish them to share with our community. New Bikes for Contact: Members! [email protected] SMWYC Since 1941 Sea Sounds Enjoy our Offshore Waters by Commodore Ron Orr

Over the past few years, as Commodore of SMWYC, I have participated in many of its Club Cruises and sailboat races. In addition, I have had the oppor- tunity to deliver sailboats between San Diego, Marina del Rey and San Francisco. Sometimes, we forget how unique and satisfying it is to be a recreational boater here in Southern California. As SMWYC members, we have reciprocal privileges at many yacht clubs in Southern California. I urge you to take advantage of this membership privilege. I have been welcomed with open arms at Southern California yacht clubs in Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Channel Island, King Harbor, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point and San Diego. Just reach out to the yacht club before your anticipated arrival, tell them you are coming, find out what their hours of service are and what temporary slip accommodations are available. Don’t forget to take your current SMWYC membership card and your boat insurance policy when you Commodore check in. Ron Orr What is unique about boating in Southern California is the plethora of safe anchorages in addition to public moorings in many harbors. Catalina Island has many safe anchorages all around the island as does Paradise Cove north of Malibu, and the Channel islands. Santa Cruz Island has safe anchorages on all sides. There is something really special about sunrises and sunsets at anchor in a quiet cove by yourself or with other cruisers. The farther away from crowded Marinas and shores, the more of nature’s gifts are there to be seen. The schools of dolphins are well known to all of us, but there are plenty of sun fish, sharks and whales to remind us how beautiful nature can be. You can help maintain this beauty. Often when sailing, I see plastic bags and balloons floating on Those last few minutes when the the water’s surface. Whenever possible, I head towards them sun sinks below the horizon are and fish them out with a boat hook. always worth a pause and a picture Although sunrises in Southern California are a refreshing start to the day, sunsets are the best. Those last few minutes when the sun sinks below the horizon are always worth a pause and a picture. On a clear night, offshore beyond the city lights, the stars and moon are often unforgettable. Just don’t forget when sailing at night to maintain constant watch for other boats. Trawlers, fishing boats or Vessels Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver all have right of way over recreational power or sail boats. Let me leave you with one unforgettable moment that constantly reminds me of the beauty of nature off our shores. I was sailing south from San Francisco, and it was near sunset. There were clouds on the horizon in the waters near the shipping lanes south of Point Con- cepcion. As we looked back at the horizon just as the sun was going down, a whale jumped all the way out of the water right in front of the sun about 7 nm away. Get out on the water and enjoy one of the best boating environments in the world. 2 SMWYC August 2018 Sea Sounds A New Vibe at the Club by Vice Commodore Denise George

My name is Denise George and my husband Mike and I have been members of Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club since 1998. Well, I lie a little, he was the member when we met in the parking lot and became inseparable, I joined under his membership shortly after. Since then I’ve witness the club go through many, many changes. Back then we managed the slips behind the club, ran sailboat races, and had many social events. People joined our club so they could get a slip, or put their race boat in storage space. But the energy was not great within the club, the county was debating to renew our lease, and the rebuild of the marina meant we would no longer manage the slips. We had no junior program, no boats, bikes or kayaks for our members to use. The result was members left in numbers for other clubs that were a sure thing, and no new members Vice Commodore came because there was no reason to join. Our remaining members did Denise George their best to hang on to what we had and remain an active part of our community, we ran good races and opened up our clubhouse for the community, but it was not easy and sometimes felt impossible. Fast forward to today: There is a new vibe in the place, you can see it, feel it and taste it. You drive through the parking lot and there are kids putting their dinghies in the water excited to go sailing, you can get on a paddle board or small sailboat and experience the marina, or you can walk up to the bar and enjoy a drink, juicy burger and some There is a new vibe in the place, live music. you can see it, feel it and taste it. Our club is vibrant again, we have a lot to offer and the energy is positive. There are people here, all with one worthy goal to be near the ocean. It is positive because of a small group of members who believed things could get better and they have worked hard to make it happen. It is positive because you’ve joined, but have you joined in? You’ve become a member to be a part of something cool and fun so join in, help out, volunteer, invite your friends to join. We need you, we need your energy, and your ideas to keep this vibe going. What are some things you can get involved in? Help with membership, organize a paddling group, help run our sailboat races, run a social event, assist with our monthly newsletter, small boat fleet, think of something, anything, but get involved? Bring it to my attention, I guarantee we’ll do our best to support it. Good, good, good vibrations!

Bringing those good vibes out to the waves!

3 SMWYC Since 1941 Sea Sounds SMWYC is You by Rear Commodore Mark Mclellan

What an exciting time this is! So many new faces. A refreshing new vibe is taking hold and the club is prospering. Each day bears witness to new bonds being forged. Acquaintances becoming friends. Friendships growing stronger. A love of the sea has brought us together and through this shared love we are all more alive. We are drawn closer to the salt in the air and the salt in our veins. It is my humble honor and privilege to serve as Rear Commodore for the SMWYC. It is a great joy of mine to introduce others to this jewel at the end of Mindanao. The greatest blessing I have received from this club is friendship. While working side-by-side painting boats, taking sailing lessons or telling tall tales in the bar I have learned so much from so many. So, I say to members old and new, this club is you. You help define who we are and where we are going in this 21st century. Your input and elbow grease will help set the You have at your fingertips: paddle boards, course for our bright Rear Commodore future. We need you Mark Mclellan kayaks, bikes, sailboats and an unbelievable now more than ever venue with a spectacular view. to speak up, help out and join in. Tell others about us, better yet, bring them by the club! Share with them what you have found. And if you are unsure how to pitch in, reach out to me or any one on our board or in the front office, we will be glad to listen. And finally, I ask you, if we are not having fun, what are we doing here? You have at your fingertips: paddle boards, kayaks, bikes, sailboats and an unbelievable venue with a spectacular view. This is your club. USE IT! Fair winds and following seas to all!

4 SMWYC August 2018 Sea Sounds Want to Ride a Bicycle? by Judge Advocate Alan Sege Feel like exercising and having fun while staying dry? You can do it now! Members can just park their car at the best location in Marina Del Rey, and hop on a brand new bicycle for a relaxing ride around the Ma- rina or up to Venice or down to Playa Del Rey.

SMWYC announces the newest additions to its fleet – five high performance 3 speed adult sized beach cruisers, and soon adding two kids beach cruisers. Soon, the Club website will include a reservations page for the bicy- cles which will work much like checking out a small boat, kayak or stand up paddleboard. So have a nice ride! And when you return, join your friends for a beverage and a snack upstairs! Judge advocate Alan Sege

Welcome to Tess! by Treasurer Susan Ross We have a new sailing instructor for the Junior Sailing Camp from Dub- lin, Ireland! Meet Tess Coyne, a 21 year old Medical student in her 3rd year at University College Dublin. Tess is a city girl who loves the outdoors. Her family owns and runs The Anchor House Bed and Breakfast in Dublin. Although her parents don’t sail, Tess and her younger brother, Tim, devel- oped an interest in sailing through a family friend who introduced them to the Sutton Dinghy Club. Tess started sailing at nine. She sailed an Optimist for three years before progressing to a Mirror dinghy and a 420. Currently she sails a Laser Radial and sometimes teams with her brother to race a Laser Stratos. Her experience as a Sailing Instructor is significant beginning in 2012 at both Sutton Dinghy Club and Howth Yacht Treasurer Susan Ross Club where she also works as a rescue rib driver. She has also earned her First Aid certificate and ISA Sailing Instructor certificate. Currently, Tess is training for the Dublin City Marathon. Last year she completed the marathon in under 4 hours. Her running serves her well in Camogie, an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women. It is almost identical to the men’s game of Hurling. Tess says it has similarities to Lacrosse but without the baskets on the sticks. Tess enjoys working with young energetic people in the outdoors. Since she has been here, she has dis- covered beach volleyball and is loving the sunny days and outdoor lifestyle in the urban setting. 5 SMWYC Since 1941 Sea Sounds Club of the Year by Junior Staff Commodore Themis Z. Glatman

We have been a Yacht Club since 1941. We continue to improve our fa- cilities while expanding our outreach into communities and generating interest in the sport of sailing.

For the last two years in a row, we have won SCYA’s prestigious “Club of the Year” award, and we are in the running for this year’s trophy as well. To accomplish this, we have become a better club, with more involvement in charitable functions, hosting sailing regattas and a very active Junior’s Sailing program. We also host seminars such as First Aid and CPR, Emergencies at Sea, Yacht Club management, and so many more.

Santa Monica Windjammers Yacht Club has become a center for the Marina del Rey community and beyond, by hosting community functions and free “Family Day” events, giving law enforcement personnel a place to meet, Junior Staff Commodore and allowing other charities to use our location. Themis Z. Glatman

To earn the coveted trophy, we have been attend- Members who volunteer ing Yacht Club openings outside our area, participating make SMWYC a very special in fishing tournaments, and have also donated to RBOC Yacht Club. (Recreational Boaters of California), which champions the rights of boaters. Many of our committees have been very busy. Our Race Committee ran the starts and finishes recently at the Venture McGregor Tuesday Night races. This was made possible through the generosity of Kevin Johnson and Wendy Sarnoff (thank you both for the use of your boats) and many volunteers.

Members who volunteer make SMWYC a very special Yacht Club. Earning this award has made us the standard by what other Yacht Clubs will be measured. We should all be proud of our accomplishments.

6 SMWYC August 2018 Sea Sounds

Juniors Program Update by Juniors Program Director Steve Potter

As of the time of this writing, our 2018 Summer Sail Camp is already in full swing. This summer we will far exceed the numbers we had last year. A group of 9 great instructors has been assembled while our fleet of Sabots, Optimists, Lasers, CFJs and a C420 has never been bigger or in better shape.

Preparation for each year’s sail camp starts as soon as the pre- vious camp ends. Our boats are systematically refurbished or repaired, sails and equipment are replaced or added, recruitment of additional instructors begins and we start training students from within to step up to the next level and become assistant instructors. This year three of our assistant instructors have come up through the program. This represents a kind of “coming of age”.

The past fall and spring saw some nice participation by our students in a number of regattas including the six-race Carrie Optimist Series, the Harken Opti Series, one of the EJ Manning series races in CFJs, the Super Bowl Regatta, a number of races at Westlake Yacht Club and the Cal Tera Regatta. Of special note is Miles Gordon who attended almost every regatta possible, including two in San Francisco. With this experience we anticipate he will be a force to be reckoned with when he turns 8 this month! Other member kids of note that participated in regattas this past season are Donovan Stuhlmuller, Lucca Tabar and Benny, Donny and Gianna Szeghy.

From top to bottom: Soren & Cassius prepare to tack. Benny & Donny heading out to sea. Miles racing at St. Francis by the Golden Gate Bridge. Summer Sail Camp in full swing!

7 SMWYC Since 1941 Sea Sounds ounds Introducing the SMWYC Staff a S Caroline works in the SMWYC office e on Sundays. If you stop by the club on S a Sunday Caroline will be happy to help you register for an event, update member information or give a tour to prospective members. She describes herself as “a people person that enjoys meeting and greeting all old and new members and getting to know everyone. Loves SMWJYC and glad to be on board!” Caroline can be reached at [email protected] Caroline Beddie Accounting Manager Deb Gibson has been- keeping the numbers straight at SMWYC for the past 4 years. She loves being at the club, keeping up with the accounting, seeing the club grow, and talking with members. In particular she enjoys having the beautiful view from her desk. The marina view is her second favorite Julie Miller view, it’s the mountains and particularly Yo- semite that takes her breath away. If you have Julie Miller is our new com- any questions about your account contact Deb munications contact. She is at [email protected] putting together This Week Deb Gibson and updating content on the SMWYC website. Julie just ShoVaughn has changed positions returned from an Atlantic and is now the Food and Bever- Crossing and is excited to age Manager. If you are interested be creating digital media for in booking an event at SMWYC ShoVaughn can get you set up. SMWYC. Always looking There are some exciting changes for help with content and pic- coming to Food and Beverage which tures she can be contacted at ShoVaughn will be letting us know communicationsmwyc about and will be highlighted in a @gmail.com future This Week. ShoVaughn can be reached at: L to R: Ivan Caro, Erika Jimenez, Israel Jimenez. Not photographed: [email protected] ShoVaughn Fisher Meet Linda, our new Office Manager. Linda runs the office Tuesdays through- Sat urdays, greeting members, guests, prospective members and anyone else who finds themselves at SMWYC. Linda also responds to emails, phone calls, registers partic- ipants for various events and keeps things running smoothly as the Office Manager Linda says she is a “happy addition to the SMWYC crew. How could I be otherwise when I get to work with such nice members and share the best view in the Marina!” Please stop by and welcome Linda to SMWYC, and while you are at it please sub- Linda mit content for This Week, any events you would like listed, and photos of SMWYC Patterson Salib events, sailing etc. Linda can be reached at [email protected] 8 ounds a S nts e e Curre uth S h ur yo T Articles and observations from o A Cormorant Conundrum An Interview with a Junior Sailor Here in the Santa Monica Bay area, we are blessed SMWYC has to have an incredible diversity of marine animals living right one of the best juniors alongside us. One of them is the Double-Crested Cormorants, programs in the area. notorious amongst club members for sitting in trees and reliev- You’ve heard from Steve, ing themselves on car windshields. As much as many of us want the program director. them to just disappear, the truth is, the California coastline is You’ve probably also the most important breeding location for a species that is brisk- heard from parents, but ly disappearing on it’s own. With coastal real estate value on SeaSounds spoke to one the rise, urban development of our budding sailors to has quickly and efficiently cut hear the “insiders opin- down trees and turned green ion” from the SMWYC areas into office complexes, juniors. Cormorant parents are having more and more trouble find- SeaSounds: When did ing suitable locations to raise you start sailing and what inspired you to pick up their young. Burton Chase the sport? Park and the few sparse trees Gianna: I started sailing that dot the Marina have be- when I was five and I was come the only place for our the littlest junior. I did it local Cormorant population to because my big brothers didn’t want me to be left out of their favorite nest. They recently have made activity. I was scared, at first, but I learned fast and now I am always a giant comeback after severe eager to be out in the ocean. population decline caused by DDT, but if this loss of nesting ground keeps up, they might not make it. Cormorants are also Q: What do you like the most about sailing? very important for the ecosystem and science. They help keep A: I like it because even though I’m just seven and I don’t have a fish, crustacean, and insect populations in check. The mercury driver’s license I can still drive (a boat) by myself. I love being in charge, but sometimes - [she starts laughing] - the wind is in control levels in their eggs can help track mercury pollution. Even their of me. infamous feces can be tested to track mercury pollution. For this reason we were very happy when a club mem- Q: What do you like most about the Juniors program? ber snapped a picture of a breeding cormorant pair feeding their A: It’s a great place to make good friends. Everyone here loves the chick. It really shows how special our community is. The Cor- ocean and nature. Some of my best friends I met at sailing. The morants nesting in the parking lot are a reminder that our daily coaches are kind and fun and I learn a lot from them. I love it when lives have a constant impact on the lives of other creatures. we go out to the open ocean and there is nobody else. I feel like we There are many things we can all do to help other species, but are a team and we are one with the sea. we can start by just appreciating their importance in our local Q: What is your favorite thing to do with the Juniors? ecosystem. When you’re coming to enjoy the yacht club, peer A: I enjoy doing regattas. At first, I’m usually pretty nervous, but up and wave hi to the amazing bird that we are lucky enough to when I start sailing, it’s always exciting. Even if I’m losing, it doesn’t have as our neighbor. really matter because it’s so much fun and a true challenge.

Q: What’s your favorite sailing memory? Club Challenge: We challenge you to come up with a solution to prevent the poo on the cars while still ap- A: In the very beginning I was sailing together with my big brother out in the open ocean. I got scared because the waves were huge, but preciating the fact that we are making our home in this birds’ then we saw a school of dolphins jumping. It was incredibly cool and native turf and we shouldn’t diminish their chance of survival. they were very cute. I was so happy, I took the tiller and sailed around The best ideas will be honored with a prize. all by myself without fear. 9 Jokes of the← Week “Swashbuckling Ron” A comical tribute to our Commodore from the Juniors

Here is one joke for all the novices, who might feel incompetent sometimes:

Once upon a time there was a famous sea captain. This captain was very competent The Sailor and the Pirate and knowledgeable. He successfully guided enormous ships all over the world. A sailor and a pirate are at the Yacht Club Bar recounting their ad- Never did stormy seas or pirates get the ventures at sea. Seeing the pirate’s peg-leg, hook, and eye patch the best of him. He was admired by his crew and sailor asks: “So, how did you end up with the peg-leg?” fellow captains. However, this captain had The pirate replies: “We were caught in a huge storm and a giant one strange ritual. Every morning he would wave swept me overboard. Just as me crew were pullin’ me out a lock himself in his quarters and open a small school of sharks appeared and one of ’em bit me leg off.” safe. In the safe was an envelope with a piece of paper inside. He would stare at the paper “Blimey!” said the sailor . “And how’d you get the hook?” for a minute, and then lock it back up. After, he would go about his daily duties. “Arrrr…”, mused the old salt, “I got into a fight over outrageous prices in a bar, and me hand got chopped off.” For years this went on, and his crew became very curious. Was it a treasure map? “Blimey!” remarked the sailor. “And how about the eye patch?” Was it a letter from a long lost love? Everyone speculated about the contents of the strange “Oh that,” said the pirate, looking embarrassed. A cormorant poop envelope. fell into me eye.” One day the captain died at sea. After “You lost your eye to a cormorant dropping?” the questioner asked laying the captain’s body to rest, the first mate incredulously. led the entire crew into the captains’ quarters. He opened the safe, got the envelope, opened “Well…” said the old sea dog, ” it was me first day with the hook.” it and... The first mate turned pale and showed the paper to the others. Four words were on Why do seagulls fly over the sea? the paper, two on two lines: Because if they flew over the bay, Port: Left they’d be bagels! Starboard: Right

10 Upcoming Events Tuesday, August 7: Taco Tuesday 6:30PM-8:30PM $10 Unlimited Taco Bar, $5 Margaritas! Tuesday, August 7: Board Meeting 7:00PM Wednesday, August 8: Happy Hour! Appetizers & Cocktails $5 and under, $3 Draft Beer. 7:30PM-9:30PM Thursday, August 9: Katharine McPhee in Burton Chase Park 7:00PM. RSVP on Eventbrite.

Friday, August 10: Live Music with Willis Band 7:30 PM Saturday, August 11: New Member Orientation (Board Room) 11:30-12:30 Tuesday, August 14: Race Comitte Meeting 7:00PM BBQ Race Series #5 Friday, August 17: Live Music with the Noral Twins 7:30-9:30 PM August 19 Saturday, August 18: X(rock) in the park 7:00 -10:00 PM

Sunday, August 19: BBQ Series Race #5 This is a 5 Race The Great Circle Series designed for new racers and heavy slow cruising boats. Join us for the final race in the 2018 BBQ Series.

Thursday, August 23: Junior After Sail Camp Party 6:30 PM Friday, August 24: Live Music with Rich Cohen 7:30 PM

Saturday, September 1: The Outlaw Regatta A premier 30 mile, down the coast race from Marina del Rey to Seal Beach at Alamitos Harbor. Pirate Theme! Wear your patch and peg-leg! Scan for More Calendar! 11 Santa Monica Windjammers Monday night football starts on Yacht Club September 10 @ 4 PM!

13589 Mindanao Way Marina del Rey, CA 90292 Www.smwyc.org Phone: 310-827-7692

“The storm only comes to teach you how to skillfully sail your ship.” M. Dhliwayo

Not a Member Yet? SMWYC Learn to Sail Come Aboard our Ship! Membership in SMWYC has Program many benefits! ↓ Scan to learn more ↓ for adults only

[email protected] Monday Nights (https://www.smwyc.org/#/membership/) Let us know if you are interested!