NHYC Hosts U.S. Finn Olympic Trials COMMODORE’S COLUMN

functional items this year outside of just Sabots on the bay. Not bad after hosting having fun. First and probably foremost a similar amount in August for the was the successful negotiation with the Nationals. Then we held an event that Catalina Conservancy for a long term speaks for the excellence of this yacht lease of Moonstone Cove. This club – the U.S. Olympic Finn Class Trials. accomplishment now allows us to make This was an 11 day event that went off financial and physical plans that will without a hitch due to the involvement of insure future generations of NHYC 70+ members volunteering for everything members will be able to enjoy our little it takes to run an event of this magnitude. bit of paradise. Our host members, our measurement Another major hurdle behind us is committee, our race committee, our the refurbishment, top to bottom, of the judges, our boat department, our chef, Jim Webster. Staff Commodore Bill our race director, and last but not least Palmer, headed up this undertaking with our manager, Tom Gilbertson were the able help of Port Captain, Tad fantastic. It made me proud! Springer and his staff of volunteer The Skipper Members stepped up to I now know the full meaning of members. We have bought five-plus the plate and put on a highly successful “lame duck.” It really hit me when the years of time before we need to address Casino Night Party. Miami Vice never “Dress Memo” came out for the the replacement of this NHYC icon. had so many beautiful people on the November Board of Directors Meeting Many things happened behind the show. I understand that they raised a and Photo Session. The “monkey suit” scenes, due to the management of Tom substantial amount of money to fund their will not be required of me. I am off the Gilbertson that improved our efficiencies future racing needs. list. Well, it has been a great year and I in the office, the race office, the boat In closing this year I look back at am going to miss it. It has been great yard, the bar, and the restaurant. Our many highlights, but none were better for because of you, the members. Your House Committee installed a new series me than having my entire family join participation in the many events and of security cameras throughout the club Adrienne and me, all from afar, for festivities as well as the tedious tasks has and premises, so be aware that “big Opening Day. This day magnifies what a made this year a sleighride for me. brother” is watching – academy awards family experience NHYC is. There are so many members to thank I could follow. I can only thank you, the will leave it at a simple THANK YOU! Rather than go on and summarize membership, for allowing me the With the support of my and your all that has taken place this past year, I experience of being your Commodore. Board of Directors and the support of will emphasize what we did in the last the Policy and Planning Commission, we two months. First we held the Fall Gold I hope to see you on the water, have accomplished a few important Cup. This little event had only 180 John Garrison

SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 12, 2008 2008 Conservancy Ball

The Catalina Island Conservancy invites the Southern California yachting community to the 13th Annual Catalina Conservancy Ball to be held on April 12, 2008 at the beautiful Avalon Casino Ballroom. The Ball’s theme is “Earth, Wind and Fire.” “Earth” for the island’s land, plants, and animals, “Wind” for the island’s bird life, and for its marvelous boating community, and “Fire” for the re-growth of the island’s plant communities after the recent fire. The black-tie event will feature dinner, dancing to Pete Jacobs and his Orchestra, live and silent auctions, and some surprise guests. You’ll want to consider sponsoring the Ball at the $1,500 level. The popular VIP Sponsorship Party will be held at Casa del Monte – Philip Knight (P.K.) Wrigley’s stunning hillside home since 1927, and newly restored by its current residents Alison Wrigley Rusack – P.K.’s granddaughter – and her husband Geoff. To become a sponsor now, or to order tickets immediately online, please go to www.catalinaconservancy.org. And to receive a formal invitation, please e-mail your name, address and telephone number to [email protected], or send a note to 2008 Conservancy Ball, P.O. Box 2739, Avalon, CA 90704. This is your chance to show your support for the island we all love, and to share this experience with friends and family. cover photos by John Fuller 2 RACING

M ALLORY C UP Southwestern was accommodating they were happy to see us participate. in that they had a live band and snacks The format was round robin and after by Adam Beeckman being served when we got in from learning one boat’s setup, we then had to practice. Sitting on the club deck switch and learn another in quick order. On June 28th, Alan Carmichael, sipping your favorite drink, eating tasty The results were relatively one sided Cryssa Byers, and I slipped down to San pupus, and chatting among friends was a where the overall winner had a distinct Diego for the Mallory Cup. The Mallory great way to kick off the regatta. That advantage with their Etchells experience is a qualifier for the Adams Cup, a evening we dined in style at Little Venice and boatspeed. However, it was fun to national triple-handed event between and then headed out for nighttime mix it up and play the spoiler where we yacht clubs. We arrived on Friday festivities. made some impressive moves and had afternoon for a quick tune-up session in The morning dawned with light good speed, at times. Etchells, a boat I have never sailed. The winds and warm weather. Only three These events are a staple to keeping winds were very light that day so it was teams showed up for the event, which NHYC in the national sailing scene and it difficult to get a good feel or work on was a little disappointing, but there were is very important for us to participate in boat-handling but we managed to do no slouches as the San Diego Etchells events such as the Mallory in the future. just fine in the small puffs that came fleet is known to be strong. Only a single Good sailing and may the wind be at rolling our way. boat could enter the regatta per club so your back!!

L ASER PACIFIC C OAST the top 10 in either the Laser or Radial and gone to the smaller rig before the Fleet. I was one of the larger sailors in regatta started. The wind hit 30 knots C HAMPIONSHIP the Laser Radial Fleet which definitely even earlier than it had the day before played to my advantage as the winds and avoiding wiped out boats near the by Adam Deermount continued to build. Even so, I found marks began to get challenging. The myself sheeting out between 4’ – 6’ and race committee sent us in after the first Treasure Island Sailing Club played footing upwind to keep the boat flat. race as the conditions were becoming host to a total of 81 boats for the Laser The Race Committee ran trapezoid too difficult to run races and there were Pacific Coast Championships on the long courses for most of the regatta which simply not enough support boats to pull weekend of August 10th – 12th. Laser made for some awesome reach legs and the sailors of flipped boats out of the and Radial sailors arrived on the morning out of control downwind runs. cold San Francisco Bay water. By this of August 10th to an already brisk point I had a fairly large lead, due and building sea breeze at the mostly to an upwind and reaching Treasure Island facility in the middle boat speed advantage. After of San Francisco Bay. I had originally derigging, I discovered that I intended to sail with a Standard Rig managed to bend my top section, in the regatta but my plans quickly bottom section and boom (I had changed after driving over the Bay never bent all three on the same Bridge and witnessing the building day before). breeze at 10 a.m. Switching to the On the final day, the Race Radial Rig turned out to be the best Committee decided to sail the decision that I made all weekend. fleet further east on the The racing venue for the first two Emeryville Flats where the wind days was between Alcatraz and Angel and current were supposed to be Island, frequently referred to by locals slightly more manageable. as the windiest spot on the Bay. As Unfortunately, the breeze never the fleet sailed to the venue it was Adam Deermount (right) really materialized and most of apparent that San Francisco would the day’s racing was in a light to live up to its well deserved reputation for Fortunately, this also meant that there medium breeze with regular 30+ degree awesome summer breezes. The first race was less upwind hiking than there would shifts. The change in conditions served was sailed in approximately 15 – 18 have otherwise been. to shake up the standings quite a bit as knots but built steadily throughout the The second day of racing started sailors went from survival mode to day to over 30 knots, buffered by a even breezier than the first with an simply trying to find the next breeze. ripping ebb current that made race equally strong ebb. Several of the full In the end, I won the Radial Fleet by management very challenging. It was rig sailors from the first day had opted a solid margin, as did Derek Vranizan not unusual for a boat to flip multiple to change to the Radial Rig with from Seattle Yacht Club in the Full Rig times during a race and just staying permission from the Race Committee. I Fleet. The regatta was well run and San upright could guarantee you a spot in was glad that I had swallowed my pride Francisco Bay was an absolute blast.

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2008 US OLYMPIC post-regatta coaches race Sunday night. preparation, dedication, or condition of Zach Railey jumped to the front of our fleet at the level it is today. The T EAM T RIALS – SAILING the leader’s board mid-regatta and never Olympic Trials are a remarkably high- looked back. He was pushed by Geoff pressure and high visibility event, much by Scott Mason Ewenson, Darrell Peck, Bryan Boyd, and more so than our fixtures, a US Sailing Andy Casey, but his thorough preparation Championship or class championship. Newport Harbor Yacht Club and dedication set him apart from his Our club succeeded brilliantly, we won hosted an epic Olympic Trials October closest competitors and way ahead of the the respect of many high-level sailors, 3-14. Fourty-two competitors fleet. On the rare occasions we were in and we raised the bar on what is descended on the club starting in close quarters, I marveled at Zach’s ability expected for the highest level US Sailing September for the winner take all to eke out an advantage—small at first, competitions in future years. competition. The sole Finn berth in insurmountable later. Zach will represent Thank you very much to everyone Qingdao was riding on the outcome. the USA well, and I congratulate him. who made this event a success, and Many expected light air, long tows, The NHYC Finn fleet was Tad congratulations to all of the membership boorish behavior, and some new Finn Springer’s brain-child two years ago. on our common fortune to be involved in class behavioral science material. Today we boast one of the largest Finn a wonderfully successful sailing club! We were treated to a regatta that fleets in the US, and we had ten entrants could not have been more different on the water! With the Finn Gold Cup than expected. The sailors behaved coming to San Francisco in 2010 and a admirably, boring the judges with lack rejuvenated class, I believe that NHYC of protests and Rule 42 violations. will have a Finn presence for many years. Healthy competition, sportsmanship, I have watched 25% annual growth in the camaraderie, and NHYC hospitality class since 2005 as US Finn Secretary, and made the 2008 Finn class team trials see signs of continued growth. one for the ages, and one that will be In closing, I would like to thank our discussed amongst Finnsters for years. club leadership, staff, and volunteer Winds were surprisingly breezy for members whose dedication and effort Newport, with half the races sailed in made this event a resounding success. I open (free pumping and rocking) have been fortunate to represent the conditions. Race management and burgee for 28 years and to be involved in hospitality was superb under the on- race management for over 20 years. I water leadership of Jeff Johnson have never seen the esprit de corps, (SDYC), Serge Jorgenson (US Sailing), Jenn, Jeff Gordon, S/C Bill Palmer, Smitty, and all of the normal NHYC stalwarts. Shore hospitality was phenomenal—great pupus and beer upon hitting shore, events that drew judges from other trial’s venues, even a

photos by John Fuller 4 technology, the world has changed, and for the trials. This was a three day US OLYMPIC T EAM T RIALS new Finns are no exception. The event which drew 39 boats, including “THE J OURNEY” sophistication and costs were eye eleven NHYC members. This opening to say the least. So with much constituted the largest fleet of the by Tad Springer to learn, and a steep learning curve, I Olympic Pre-Trials regattas. The event decided to get into a boat ASAP, and was attended by the top US Finn Two years ago, the journey toward the sort out the variables later. I bought my sailors and it opened many eyes to 2007 Finn Olympics Finn Trials began in first boat, a 2003 Devoti (made in the how level the playing field gets with a Newport Beach. Thanks to each individual Czech Republic) October 21, 2005, from light air venue. Tony Wattson won the who shared in it; the event’s success will be the venerable character, Henry Sprague. first race of the series, chalking one up remembered as one of the most phenomenal This was the start of the “train that for the home team; I finished events hosted by the Newport Harbor Yacht could,” and the brethren of Finn sailors overlapped for second in the final Club. Jenn Lancaster, our esteemed race past jumped aboard and committed to race. So these results encouraged all director, quietly headed the effort of all the share in the journey. At the time, of us to believe we had a very good Southern California yacht clubs’ formal bids Southern California had a nice but chance in the just-concluded trials. To to US Sailing for the prestigious right to hold vintage Finn fleet of older Newport and capitalize on our results at the Pre- their respective trials. Thanks especially go Vanguard boats. Our fleet’s interest was Olympic Trials, Phil Ramming, Scott to Jeff Gordon, Fleet Captain at the time, not merely to participate, but to Mason, George Twist, and I committed who, along with Jenn, put in a huge effort, compete locally, nationally, and to a Winter 2006 racing schedule. We and served as chairman of this event. internationally, so only the newest competed in the Coaches Regatta in Two years ago, our boatyard was full of equipment would suffice, and thus Clearwater, the Miami OCR, and the FJ’s, 420’s, Lasers, Bytes, Sabots, and a few began the “arms race.” I immediately Midwinters in Ft. Lauderdale, as part other one-designs, along with Hank Thayer’s started buying and tying up every of a Florida circuit. The friendship and lonely Finn. Upon US Sailing’s available Finn in the US that could be camaraderie we established with the announcement of NHYC’s winning bid for the competitive. Our members also bought international Finn sailors is ongoing, Finn class trials, my own journey to new boats directly from Devoti in with daily emails and discussions of contribute to the effort began. I spent the Europe. We became the clearing house future regattas. These events last decade as a supportive parent to my for those European Finn sailors represented the steepest slope of the son, Jay, attending regattas all over the US, attending Miami’s Olympic Classes learning curve; the information gained Canada, and Singapore, along with Regatta. Within a year we assembled a from the top of the Finn world order supporting other high school sporting fleet of 24 Finns in the NHYC yard helped elevate our game, and we all events. Having sailed Finns in the seventies representing the largest fleet in North spent time at home sharing this and early eighties, I saw this as a perfect America, significant on a world-wide knowledge. It was in everyone’s best opportunity to get back into the Finn and do basis. interest to work collectively to boost some sailing myself. Phase 1 began with October 2006 brought the Pre- boat speed and push one another to evaluating equipment. With advancing Olympic Trials to NHYC as a test event new levels. Training continued with (continued on page 6)

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“THE J OURNEY” (continued from page 5) sessions every weekend when there were and kicked me in the rear at the end of starting practice and races. With a week no scheduled regattas. summer. My process was clear (Jay to go, Zack brought in Jonas Christensen The Summer of 2007 was one of the Glaser told me not to focus on the (2006 World Champion) for more training, most entertaining phases of the journey, as results but focus on the process) and my and once again we jumped in and took by this time NHYC members had gained equipment was sorted out. It was our advantage of Zack’s training program. controlling positions on the board of the US understanding that we would have four This is very typical of the international Finn class. Scott Mason took over the sails measured and I had made my Finn fleet, they work together to help Secretary position and spent endless hours decision. I geared up for typical each other get better. Jonas will have all cleaning up a mess left by past officers. I Newport light air and felt comfortable of the Olympic-qualified Finn sailors to volunteered to be on the board as the with my setup. I had steadily improved Denmark prior to the Olympics to train, SoCal representative. Peter MacDonald with my results throughout the year and no secrets here. and Bill Bissell took over as co-Editors of felt confident. I was training twice a day We had three days to get through the Solo news letter (it has never looked and on a mission to lose weight (I lost measurement. I was fifth on the list and better). We cooperatively put the class into 18 lbs) and increase my stamina. this was the start of my nightmare. My never-better shape and rocked the boat Sixteen races in nine days would take a boat weighed 2.9 kilos heavy (I knew this while doing it. Finn sailors around the USA physical and mental toll regardless of from Nationals) but this was my first were just awakening to the boom in SoCal preparation. To minimize that toll, I lamboley swing test, part of the Finn and the NHYC’s presence in the national spent the mornings riding my bike up measurement protocol since its invention picture. Jealousy reared in 1961. This is a its ugly head and our procedure to measure fleet took salvos of the boat’s center of accusations regarding gravity and gyradius, to power, wealth, and the document that boats starting of the arms race. are evenly matched. The old guard was taken My boat had sailed at aback by our approach, the 2005 Gold Cup, so I yet we had figured that I would demonstrated our have no problem. But I abilities not only on the was wrong. Not only water, but in building was my boat and managing a fleet. overweight, it was way Our local regattas drew out of tolerance for the more Finns than the swing test. The previous Finn Nationals proposed solution was and North American to put an additional 2.5 championships, and US kilos of lead in the bow, and Canadian Finn which had me sailors took notice. convulsing at the Many fleets jumped on thought. I opted for a the fleet building mission; I shared our the coast or over Newport Coast. I sidebar discussion with the Chief process and methodology with them. The bought a standup surfboard and Measurer. He allowed me to pull all the local characters were crawling out from paddled an hour and a half in the counter weight lead from the boat and under the rocks (Sprague and Kern), evenings, which was great for core start at ground zero. Several hours later, creating chaos, spreading their goodwill, strength. I gave up my beloved tequila thanks to a very patient measurer, I got keeping us amused, and bewildered. The several weeks prior to the event and my boat to minimum weight in perfect US National Championship was held in Gull carefully watched what I ate. I am tolerance on the swing test, a big win for Lake, Michigan, with Geoff Ewenson’s main blessed to have a very supportive wife me. Two of my sails were oversized in the sponsor, Jon VanderMolen, hosting the who knows how to prepare food to meet mid-girth, and the solution to this was regatta, and he made a very persuasive that need. several hours in the sun, after which they offer to have our fleet attend. This was the With two weeks to go, I cleared my measured within tolerance. highlight of my summer sailing. It was schedule to sail every day with the Closing in on the start, Jeff Gordon great to stand on the podium with three serious contenders. Phil Ramming and I and David Team donated their Whaler other Californians, where I placed fifth. My hooked up with Geoff Ewenson and “Brave Bull” as our coach boat. Phil and I memories of one of the most beautiful Zack Railey. The first part of the training joined forces with fellow member Chris settings, with spectacular food and wine, session, Zack had Ed Wright (current Raab and his coach Ian Lineberger as making new friends for life, remain European Champion) come and train “Team Newport.” I could write an epic supreme. with him; we were able to jump in on novel explaining the nuances of Raab and The final push for the trials snuck up their afternoon sessions for some coach, but I will summarize with an image

6 of Raab as a Jack Russel on steroids, and I moved up to 11th overall, just hoping for US Sailing. This is a tribute to the his coach as a public address system with these conditions to continue. The next support of our membership and their his volume dialed up to level ten, they day brought exceedingly light wind; after willingness to be involved. Over one bring an entirely new meaning to hyper. two general recalls we got off to a very hundred volunteers contributed and Once the trials started, the dicey start. You couldn’t afford a second the club fielded twelve floating assets competition became a matter of routine, row start, so being on the line was on the water daily, including race with arrival at the club by 7:30 am, paramount. I rounded the weather mark committee, stake, mark-set, tow, and uncovering the boat and airing out tanks. in 6th only to hear a whistle and see my judge boats. Our staff shone, the food Then wipe down hull with soap and bow number on the OCS board displayed was excellent, service was superb, and speculate which sail to bend on for the on the weather mark boat. This is how all involved were warmly welcomed. first race. Next, at 8:00 am, share OCS boats were informed they had been Everyone looked forward to the end of breakfast and discuss weather forecasts “on course side” of the line at the start. the day’s beer and food which greeted with fellow sailors, review provisions on My day was over and I tumbled down the us at the top of the ramp. Our the coach boat, and make sure its fuel result page. The last two days brought manager, Tom Gilbertson, watched would be adequate for the day. Put breeze with open pumping conditions and over us every evening. We had plenty extra sail on coach boat with gear bag. I put in some very respectable races to to eat – the one aspect of Finn sailing At 9:30, there was a daily competitors’ end the series in 15th after my OCS which hasn’t changed in thirty years. meeting, then changing into tow-out throwout. This regatta was sailed in The sailors were overwhelmed at the sailing gear, and hospitality and launching for the tow. generosity of our club, We had set up to tow its members, and staff. at higher speed without Many members housed anyone in the boats, competitors in their which halved our time homes. The Dockmaster on a conventional 1.5 and Boatmen organized hour-long tow. We equipment, kept boats took our time on the running, stocked boats tow out and discussed with food and drinks, conditions, tides, and coordinated floating currents, wind shifts assets daily while and favored side of the performing their normal course. Once on duties and keeping the station, we would boat yard spotless. motor by the I am proud to be a committee boat and Finn sailor. I have check in (a daily completed this requirement). We phenomenal journey, would stay in the coach now part of history, and boat as long as contributed to a sport possible, waiting for the committee to breezy conditions (12 kts plus) for 12 of that we love. I am blessed to have the setup, during which time we would the 16 races. When the breeze was on, support of my family, my greatest hydrate and snack on a protein bar, then there was a very distinctive 5 boat “A supporters. I am honored to be a change into sailing gear. Pulling sails up fleet”(the kids), with 15 boats in the “B member of Newport Harbor Yacht and even changing sails, we became fleet” and the rest fighting it out behind. Club, which we should consider the very efficient and comfortable dealing In the light air, the A fleet was fifteen finest sailing institution in the world, with the variables. boats plus in size and this leveled the thanks to our members and their The trials started on a Saturday with playing field so the old guys could sail generosity. “While it’s important to 43 competitors, the largest fleet in any with the kids. This was a long and have an end to journey towards, in the class in the US Olympic Trials. Of these, exhausting event; actually longer than the end it’s the journey that counts.” ten were NHYC members. The Olympics themselves will be. Any Thank you to all the members that conditions were breezy, shifty, and not competitor who completed all the races cheered us on and supported our our typical Newport light. By day two, I was a winner in my book. efforts. Thank you to the Flag Officers had buried myself into 29th place. But NHYC did a phenomenal job putting and our Board of Directors who had the within three days I moved up to 17th and on what might be considered the pinnacle vision to take on a regatta of this prayed for some light and shifty of one design regattas, and the club’s magnitude and thanks especially to conditions. Then we had a typical most prestigious event. This event should, everyone involved who made it an Newport day, which made it a whole new and will, be remembered as one of the experience of a lifetime. I hope it was ball game. With 5th & 9th place finishes, finest events in the history of NHYC and great for you too!

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2007 HARBOR 20 CHAMPIONSHIP by Richard Somers

The 2007 Harbor 20 Championship was held September 29 and 30 at Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Weather was “perfect” with light to moderate winds and temps in the mid 70’s. The highly competitive A fleet had 15 boats entered and completed four races in moderate and shifty winds on the first day of racing. At the end of day one, Bob Yates held a slim lead over Terry Gloege and John Fuller. On day two the top three boats battled it out in light air with a strong ebb tide. Terry Gloege and his long time sailing partner Byron Caps scored 10th, 6th and 2nd place finishes, which with their throw out race, enabled them to take first place. The six boat B fleet was dominated by Peter and Debra Haynes who took home the first place trophy with four first place finishes in the seven race series. Many thanks to the outstanding efforts of the Race Committee headed by S/C Bill Palmer, Rear Commodore Bill Crispin, and many others on mark set boats. This is a fun and competitive fleet. Our goal is to have at least 20 boats in each fleet next year.

photos by Pam Bacich and Bob Yates 8 9 NON-CALM

J UNIOR C OMMODORES R EGATTA Highlights for the event include by Zander Kirkland, – Sean Segerblom is now a C1 sailor! Non-Calm Director – Rhodes Garner grinding in the strong wind in the Sabot B fleet. – Alex Wolcott was the only NHYC ‘C1’ sailor to sail in all the NHYC sent a large strong wind races. contingent down to Mission – ‘The pool party in Paradise’ – The whole contingent stayed in Bay during the first weekend the tropical Paradise Point Resort! of November to compete in – Ellery Sever received the highly coveted Sportsmanship one of the largest Junior Award! He stopped racing to help out a fellow competitor Regattas of the Fall. We had who had lost their rudder – what a Corinthian sailor. 19 Sabots and 2 Radials to complete our entourage, with Nathan Dunham, Mac Mace, Ellery Sever and myself coaching the group. To compliment this we had a fun, supporting group of parents who looked after the kids and coaches. On the first day, Big Breeze ruled the day and left much of our sailors humbled and determined to learn how to sail in stronger winds (something we do not get a whole lot of practice in thanks to Newport’s location). Sunday dawned lighter, but with a shifty breeze that was hard to predict. The kids sailed well and were unlucky to not do better. However, we were represented on the podium by Sean Segerblom who got 2nd in the C2 fleet and is now a C1 sailor! It must also be noted that Charlie Welsh was 1 point out getting a trophy in a deep Sabot B fleet. Thanks to Greg Wattson for organizing the hotel deal with Paradise and Donna Scott for managing the trailer logistics.

NHYC HIGH S CHOOL coaches and sailors know each other, growing high school sport – there are there is a high degree of synergy Gold and Silver Fleets. On top of that S AILING among the teams. This takes all the is there is Cressy Qualifiers teams on the Bay to the next level and (Singlehanded Championships), Baker by Zander Kirkland, hopefully good finishes at PCCs and Qualifiers (Team Race Championships) Non-Calm Director Nationals. So it is not uncommon to and PCC’s (Fleet Racing see over 20 boats crowding a high Championships). Traditionally PCISA High school sailing is very popular school practice starting line, jousting for has done very well on the National among NHYC’s adolescent sailors. a front row start. There are not that level (in the last twelve years a PCISA Not only is the racing competitive and many other teams that get that type of team has won the Mallory Trophy ten a great warm-up for college sailing, practice. With all the talented sailors times), so often half the battle is but it serves as a fun social outlet for that NHYC produces every generation, qualifying out of our hard district. At these young people. There are four it is a good thing that they do not go all the first PCISA high school regatta of major high school programs in the to the same high school, for an the year, the Sea Otter Regatta, held area that have NHYC members; they unwanted consequence would be up in Monterey; NHHS won the include Newport Harbor High School, benching talented sailors at regatta, CDM was 4th and Sage was Corona del Mar High School, Sage Hill championships because of the plethora 5th – a true testament to the caliber of High School, and Mater Dei High of great sailors. sailors this club produces. And most School. There is also junior member There are five major high school recently Chris Barnard just won the Sydney Bolger at Long Beach Poly. fleet racing regattas that are distributed High School National Singlehanded Most of the programs are based in around California during the year. Championship (Cressy Trophy) in Laser different parts of the Bay, but come to These serve as great practice for the Radials up in Seattle. Mac Mace was practice together in the Turning Basin Mallory Trophy, count towards the also up there, finishing a respectable – NHHS practices at NHYC, CDM Disney Trophy (Pacific Coast 7th place in the tight Laser Full Rig practices at the Sea Base, Sage Hill Interscholastic Sailing Association’s Fleet. Thus proving that this year, like practices at BYC and Mater Dei (PCISA) Team of the Year) and allow most years, NHYC sailors will be practices at BYC. Since all the small teams to participate in this making waves on the national scene.

10 C ORINTHIAN C UP FALL G OLD C UP by Carter Scott by Wills Johnson It was a gray and wet Saturday morning as team NHYC left on the Sailing in the NHYC Fall Gold Cup 2007 was tow down to BCYC for the fun. The light air was really tough on Saturday but Corinthian Cup Regatta. As we sat Sunday the winds picked up for a while. It was a quietly in the drizzle on the tow clear sunny weekend with lots of sailors and a well Carter Scott (2nd from right) down, I kept wondering, “Why am I run event. NHYC race committee had set up long doing this?” When we got there, winning C1 Fleet courses for the race with a finish by T mark. That weekend sailors came from all over California to they postponed the first race for a cinnamon roll and it turns out that race. There were 20 competitors in the Sabot C1 while and I really wished I had helped me sail really well during class. My scores were consistent both days which stayed at home, warm and dry, the day (the key is to load up on was a surprise since the conditions were so diverse. I watching TV. As the races finally sugar!). I ended up 1st in the C1 am grateful to Coach Whitney for her words of started, the wind was really light and division, Charlie Welsh took 4th in encouragement after the races and also to the the current was strong. Megan and the B division, and Sean Dahl coaches this summer in the Non-Calm program who Kilarney coached us, giving us tips ended up getting the have made racing Sabots so much fun for me. and encouragement to get through Sportsmanship Award! At the end It was a little scary but fun when the red Harbor the “not so good” conditions. of the regatta, our team pulled Patrol boat came through the course full throttle and Thankfully, during the day the wind together to place 3rd overall. So made a gigantic wake. It passed right in front of me picked up and we could really race! I the lesson I learned from that and going over the swell was pretty interesting in my had some good races, and after a regatta is – 1) don’t stay home Sabot. I probably won’t forget that ride for awhile. much louder tow back, I got back to from a regatta even when the I was glad that my grandparents, Audrey and NHYC (aka Finn Land at the time) weather is bad, 2) eat a good (I Bill Grundy were there to see my win and my move and I was hoping I was in first place didn’t say healthy) breakfast!, and up to the Sabot B class. I haven’t been thrown in yet in the C1 division. I knew I had to go 3) some of the best times are to be for my win but I hope the bay warms up before I do. out the next day and do really well. had on the water with my friends On Sunday morning my Dad and making lots of noise on the and I had chocolate croissants and a tow home!! FALL G OLD C UP by Connor Kelter

On Saturday, September 8th, I had the pleasure of sailing against some of the finest Sabot sailors in Southern California. We could have used a bit more wind, but there was enough to have a good time. Going into this race, I knew Newport Harbor Yacht Club would face tight competition from the San Diego contingency led by Olin Paine, Will La Dow, and Scott Sinks. As it turned out Michael Madigan and the competition were constantly at my port and starboard throughout all the races and I have no doubt that I will see these competitors in many more regattas. Newport Harbor Yacht Club’s talent finally got to outshine the competition in our own backyard. The C2’s were represented by Kate Madigan (3rd) and the C1’s by Wills Johnson (1st) and Kellen Neighbors (2nd). Campbell D’Eliscu picked up a second place in the B class. Michael Madigan provided stiff competition in the A class with a 3rd place win and Keiran Chung finished 7th. Thanks to the superb coaching from Nathan Dunham and remembering the tricks he has taught us throughout the year I was able to win four first place finishes that helped me secure the Gold Cup for NHYC. Great Job NHYC, let’s do it again!!!

photo by Zander Kirkland 11 CRUISING

NHYC CRUISERS R ETURN TO D ANA P OINT by Bill von KleinSmid

Cruise leaders, Scott Calder and Jack Hutchison, led our annual cruise to Dana Point, Oct 19-21, 2007. I joined Scott and Jane aboard Naiad at NHYC Friday morning for a leisurely cruise to Dana Point. We arrived at DPYC at 12:30 p.m. experiencing pleasant summer like conditions on our trip. We pulled into the guest slip in front of the club and enjoyed several victory cocktails with a strong westerly breeze on our beam. After a quick visit to the local deli, we returned to Naiad NHYC CRUISERS TAKE O N LA HARBOR to enjoy our lunch. AND C ATALINA I STHMUS Shortly thereafter, we were joined by George and Lari Bissell aboard their new yacht, a Bayliner by Bill von KleinSmid 4588 Pilot house which will be re-named Banshee. We now have three Bayliner Pilot house motor Tod White, our Cruise Leader, put together a great agenda for this cruise yachts in our cruising group. up the coast and then over to Catalina for the weekend of September 28 - After cocktails and hors d’ouevres aboard Oct 1, 2007. Naiad, we traveled by car north of the city limits On Friday, Tod and Linda joined Margie and me on Vivacious for a quick to Savannah Chop House for an absolutely trip up to the Long Beach West Basin where we agreed to meet with our wonderful dinner. We decided that this fine fellow cruisers. facility will be our Friday dinner destination on our At 1400 hours, we were joined by Hallelujah with Frank and Allan Trane cruise next year. and Bill & Joan Wren aboard along with Bobby & Pam Thompson on Mad On Saturday, we all joined together at Robyn Cap. The three yachts then began a leisurely two hour “inspection” of the and Jack Hamilton’s beautiful home overlooking Harbor which was extremely interesting. We waited about 20 minutes for the the Dana Point Harbor for the USC – Notre Dame train bridge to rise at the Henry Ford Train Draw Bridge. Football game with another TV set up for the Cal We all took slips near the Los Angeles Yacht Club and were joined by – UCLA game for the Calders. We enjoyed Andy and Diane Jessup on Corvus and Gil and Julie Jones along with their drinks, hot dogs, Chinese chicken salad, and son Tom and grandson Jonathan on Cat Tracs. We had a cocktail party on snacks during Vivacious which was followed by dinner at the LAYC. At this point we had the game and five boats and 16 people. At dinner we were joined by Andy and Corky had wonderful Dossett. They came by land because their Bonnie Doone was being serviced. USC cakes that After breakfast aboard on Saturday, the five yachts departed for the Janie provided Isthmus and Two Harbors, Catalina. Mad Cap arrived first and took a for dessert. We mooring with the Grand Banks flotilla. When we arrived we were met by were joined by Roger and Marilyn Riley aboard Encantada and Roger helped us pick up our Commodore mooring using his new strong dinghy. We found George and Lari Bissell’s John and new Banshee, a Bayliner 4588 in the adjacent mooring row. Adrienne Hallelujah and Cat Tracs arrived a little later as did Corvus, so now the Garrison, John fleet was in place in time for the cocktail party aboard the Trane’s yacht, just and Kay Polovina, and Barbara Barnard. The USC in time for the USC-Washington football game. After the cocktail party, most fans were much happier than the Cal people after of the “Cruisers” went ashore to the Harbor Reef restaurant for their annual the game. “Lobster Fest” dinner. I stayed aboard Encantada with Roger and Marilyn, Our cruisers returned to their yachts in the so as not to miss a second of that miserable performance of our football harbor for a good night’s rest. With the team. prediction of strong Santa Ana winds, our cruisers On Sunday morning, the cruisers all met on shore and went up to the headed out early Sunday morning for the Banning House for breakfast. We took a tour of their facilities, which was protection of Newport Harbor. All made the trip delightful with views of Two Harbors and Cat Harbor. safely, but the fire storms had just started. After breakfast several of the yachts traveled to Moonstone for the Thanks to Scott and Jack for planning afternoon or evening and the rest found the trip home to Newport very calm another great cruise. And a special thank you to and smooth. the Hamiltons for being so generous and hosting Thank you for a fine cruise Tod, and it was a good substitute for the our fun football party. cruise to Santa Cruz Island, now set for the even numbered years.

12 MOTHER SABOTS NEWS - TACKS & JIBES

T HE S UN S ETS ON M OTHER S ABOTS 2007 SEASON

Mother Sabots sailing season ended in August and was followed in September by an Endless Summer Soiree at the beautiful bay front home of Carlita and Wyn Fuller. Mother Sabots members and guests were treated to mai tais “a la Catherine Wiley”, bartendress entraordinare……wow! This was followed by a luau themed buffet, including tai pork and curried chicken skewers, Polynesian rice and a sassy salad…..dark and white chocolate dipped strawberries completed the menu! Special guests included Commodore John and Adrienne Garrison. I think it is fair to say A GREAT TIME was enjoyed by all! As my year as Commodore of Mother Sabots winds down, I would like to acknowledge and thank the many ladies who have made 2007 really fun and special. To my Executive Committee and Board Members…….for your patience, commitment, support, and spirit, I say, you are simply THE BEST. To all Mother Sabots, whether sailors or social, I say, keep on smiling, sailing and sipping. And to Melinda Blackman, Mother Sabots 2008 Commodore, I say, best of luck to you and your board. ENJOY THE CHALLENGE! Special mention to NHYC staff………for the invaluable help from Mike and the front office staff…..to Dockmaster Anthony and his crew, launching and landing our Sabots each Friday……to the luncheon wait staff ably guided by Dining Room Captain Ruben…to Events Coordinator Crystal for her help with party themes, decorations and menus…..to Jenn for her “calm, cool, and collected” guidance with the Senior Sabot Regatta…..and, to the captain of the team, Tom Gilbertson……for your great sense of humor……..I say THANK YOU….THANK YOU!

Fair winds,

Jane Calder M.S. Commodore 2007 Photos by Pam Bacich 13 ANGLERS

2007 FIRST F ISH F LAGS by Christopher Allen

2007 was a good year for local fishing with all but 5 First Fish Flags claimed by the NHYC Anglers Fleet. To clarify, local waters are defined as the waters from Pt. Conception to the 31st parallel. In addition to the traditional local flags, the Anglers Fleet agreed to award a new set of flags called Award of Merit Flags for First Fish on a variety of game fish species that are caught outside local waters and are not found locally. Here are the First Fish Flags for Local and Outside Waters in chronological order.

2007 First Fish Flags for Local Waters

Species Boat Skipper Angler Date Yellowtail Gordo John Curci John Curci 5/18/07 White Seabass Dreamer Alan Watson Pete Binaski 6/05/07 Albacore Shadow Joe Winkelmann Joe Winkelmann 6/30/07 Bluefin Tuna Cazador Chris Allen Mike Allen 7/14/07 Striped Marlin-Released All In Rob Stewart Mark Callin 8/10/07 Yellowfin Tuna Shadow Joe Winkelmann Joe Winkelmann III 9/07/07 Flags not claimed are Swordfish, Striped Marlin-Taken, Big Eye Tuna, Dorado, and Halibut

2007 Jr. First Fish Flags for Local Waters

Species Boat Skipper Angler Date Bluefin Tuna Cazador Chris Allen Mike Allen 7/14/07 Albacore Cazador Chris Allen Mike Allen 7/15/07

2007 Special Award of Merit Flag for Local Waters

Species Boat Skipper Angler Date Striped Marlin Tara Vana Burleigh Brewer Rob Ingold 8/12/07

2007 Award of Merit Flags for Outside Waters

Species Angler Location Date White Marlin - Release Mike Blower Cancun, Mexico 4/09/07 Atlantic Sailfish – Release Mike Blower Cancun, Mexico 4/09/07 Pacific Blue Marlin Jeffrey Littell Mazatlan, Mexico 8/12/07 Pacific Sailfish -Release Bill Bennett Palmas de Cortez, Mexico 10/11/07

Award of Merit Flags not claimed are Atlantic Blue Marlin - Release, Black Marlin- Release, Spearfish – Release, Wahoo

2007 Jr. Award of Merit Flags for Outside Waters

Species Angler Location Date Ono (Wahoo) Nick Allen Kona, Hawaii 4/09/07 Pacific Blue Marlin Mike Allen Kona, Hawaii 4/09/07

Congratulations to all the NHYC Anglers that captured First Fish and Award of Merit Flags this year. Thank you for participating and reporting your catches.

14 Bill Bennett presenting the First Yellowtail Flag to John Curci. Bill presenting the Award of Merit Flag for First Pacific Blue Marlin to Jeffrey Littell.

Bill presenting the First White Seabass Flag to Pete Binaski. Bill presenting the Jr. Award of Merit Flag for First Ono (Wahoo) to Nick Allen.

Bill Presenting the First Albacore Flag to Joe Winkelmann. Photos by Chris Allen 15 CASINO NIGHT – “MIAMI VICE”

C ASINO N IGHT R ECAP by Darren Foster

Casino Night was a great success! We had 235 people in attendance enjoying the sumptuous creations of Chef Polly, gambling at the Casino Tables, and about 40+ people still enjoying the dance floor until closing time around 11:30pm. Due to the extensive support of the NHYC membership (and their guests), the silent auction and raffle ticket sales brought in approximately $39,000 in gross revenues. …silent auction and raffle ticket sales brought in approximately $39,000…

Some of the funds raised will be immediately distributed to a Skipper Member team representing NHYC at the inaugural Soiland Invitational in New Orleans next month. The sailors will be Andy Beeckman, Brian Bissell, Cryssa Byers, Alan Carmichael, Tyler Haskell, Mandy McDonnell, Matt McKinlay, Tracey Treaccar, and Peter Wells. The Soiland Cup, which is taking place the first weekend in December, is hosted by Southern Yacht Club and is an invitational regatta challenging yacht clubs from around the country in three-on-three team racing. As many of you will remember, Southern Yacht Club was decimated during Hurricane Katrina. The clubhouse was virtually leveled through a combination of flooding and fires and most of their trophies were destroyed. NHYC has been a strong supporter of SYC since the hurricane, and our club graciously donated the trophy for the inaugural Soiland Cup. The skipper members traveling to New Orleans would like to thank the club members for their support. 16 Photos by Jane and Scott Calder 17 2008 RACING CALENDAR

JAN. 20 Winter Series #3/ Harry Mann Trophy HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12

FEB. 10 Winter Series #4/ Humphrey Bogart Trophy HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12 FROM FEB. 16-17 SCYA Midwinter Regatta SABOT/ LASER THE

MAR. 1-2 W.D. Schock Memorial Regatta SANTANA 20/ HARBOR 20/ LIDO 14/ LEHMAN 12/ FINN EDITOR

MAR. 15-16 Spring Gold Cup SABOT/LASER/ BYTE

APR. 13 Earl Corkett Regatta HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12

APR. 19-20 Ahmanson Cup Regatta PHRF & ONE-DESIGN I wish to thank my APR. 26 Opening Day Regatta JR. & SR. SABOT/LASER/ BYTE dedicated committee APR. 27 Opening Day Regatta HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN12/ FINN for making these HOTW MAY. 3 LA to Newport Race PHRF publications possible.

MAY. 10 Nash Spring Championship LEHMAN 12 I also want to express my sincere gratitude MAY 17-18 Team Racing Pacific Coast Championship TEAM RACING (RESUME/INVITATIONAL) to all the members who have sent in articles, JUN. 7-8 Senior Sabot National Championship SR. SABOT pictures, and ideas JUN. 12, 19, 26 June Twilight Races HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12 and finally to the JUN. 14-15 Baxter Bowl Regatta STAR/ FINN Club’s staff for all their

JUL. 5-6 Summer Gold Cup SABOT help and support. Let's keep up the JUL. 3, 10, 17, July Twilight Races HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12 24, 31 good work.

JUL. 11 SCWSA Sr. Sabot Regatta SR. SABOT

JUL. 27 Jr. Sabot Nationals Measurement SABOT THANK YOU!

JUL. 27 Flight of the Lasers LASER/ BYTE

AUG. 2-3 Barney Lehman Championship LEHMAN 12

AUG. 7, 14, August Twilight Races HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12 21, 28 IN MEMORIAM AUG. 22-24 Long Point Race Weekend PHRF (INVITATIONAL)

SEPT. 13-14 Fall Gold Cup SABOT/ CFJ/FINN

Sept. 28 FALL SCHOCK REGATTA HARBOR 20/LEHMAN 12 GEORGE H. COFFIN, III OCT.4-5 Harbor 20 Championship HARBOR 20 October 13, 2007 Member since 1945 Oct. 25-26 JEAN SCHENCK TEAM RACE TEAM RACE (RESUME/ INVITATIONAL)

NOV. 16 Winter Series #1/ St. Cicero Trophy HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12

DEC. 7 Winter Series #2/ Ken Davis Trophy HARBOR 20/ LEHMAN 12 ROGER A. DEYOUNG November 3, 2007 DEC. 13-14 Anteater Regatta CFJ (HIGH SCHOOL) Member since 1966

18 FROM THE MANAGER

members to invite friends to share in the events, good food, music, and HOTW enjoyment. As we transfer authority of the Club’s Editor leadership and Board, 2007 has been Anne Nutten another financially successful year. Committee Chris Allen Perhaps though, more importantly, it Pam Bacich seems to represent a trend in member Dorothy Beek usage of the Club. We continue to enjoy Donna Bents Kristin & Robert Bents a more active participation on the part of Ya-Lei Betz appy Holidays! It seems we were the membership. This translates into a Jane & Scott Calder just exchanging New Year greater level of member satisfaction. The John Clement Juli Cook greetings. 2007 was another fast extremely active racing schedule offered H Lyle Davis paced year with considerable many opportunities to enjoy the Club. Michael di Donato accomplishment and enjoyment. Notably Social events were all well attended and Tim Doane the Club’s long term lease at Moonstone many hours of committee work produced Jennifer & John Drayton Jayne Hause may top the list of achievements. Hand great response. The Club, under the Byron Henderson in hand with that, the good fortune of not leadership of Commodore John Garrison Jeanette & Bowie Houghton losing our facility to the Catalina fire. remained true to the mission of on the Ned Jones water events. His calm demeanor and Jim Jordan At this writing we are focused on our Stephanie Martin upcoming and busy Holiday sense of tradition was a cornerstone of Nina A. Nielsen Season. Thanksgiving will his administration. Harriet Pallette have come and gone as With the advent of Vice Commodore Mary Green Rooney Bruce D’Eliscu assuming his Steve Schupak you read this, but the Dennis Scholz Annual Meeting is Commodoreship, many plans have Bill von KleinSmid December 1st. To been in development for months to Judith Wattson allow the “fans” help continue the trend of Chris Welsh George West who have supported member usage and Tod White the “Cross Town” enjoyment. At staff Robert Yates rivalry, Commodore level we have Contributors Garrison has already been Commodore John M. Garrison, scheduled the meeting advised one of Thomas Gilbertson, CCM, Adam Beeckman, Adam to begin at 5:30 p.m. to the goals for Deermount, Darren Foster, Wills permit the game to be concluded (save 2008 is for the Johnson, Connor Kelter, Scott for an overtime). The following day is membership to Mason, Carter Scott, Richard the annual family celebration featuring have fun! We Somers, Tad Springer Cookies and Kids, Marionettes, and of are excited to Layout and Design Vince Mattera Design course Santa! Please make your help achieve this reservations to assure your space. The and other goals for Newport Harbor Yacht Club Parade of Lights week begins December the New Year. 720 West Bay Avenue • Balboa 92661 12th and concludes with our traditional As is the case each year with the final 673-7730 Phone • 673-3972 Fax issue of the HOTW, we would like to 723-6878 Boatyard family buffet on Sunday evening, [email protected] [email protected] thank the Board, Committees, Policy and December 16th. The Club will be closed Web site: www.nhyc.org on both Monday and Tuesday, December Planning Commission, and the hundreds 24th and 25th. New Year’s Eve invitations of volunteers who gave so freely of their Commodore to “Aqua” Lounge have been mailed and time to make 2007 a year to remember! John M. Garrison reservations are coming in. Do not miss Vice Commodore Thomas Gilbertson, CCM Bruce D’Eliscu the fun filled event and note the Rear Commodore General Manager opportunity for Regular and Skipper William H. Crispin Directors John M. Garrison Bruce R. D’Eliscu BIRTHS William H. Crispin W. Bradley Avery Marc L. Foster Jeffrey J. Gordon Cooper Christopher Clarke Jeffrey D. Littell October 22, 2007 Edwin A. Meserve Richard S. Robinson, Jr. Proud Parents: David and Teryn Clarke General Manager Proud Siblings: Holden and Bree Thomas Gilbertson, CCM

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