Anacapa Yacht Club Mainsheet Volume 2011 Issue 8 August

Commodores Report: RANDY ALCORN Aloha, Commodore’s

Report 1

Vice Commodore’s Report 3Rear Commodore’s Report 6Cruisin’ Report

7 Note from the Editor

8Calendar 10

Birthdays 11

I apologize for missing last month’s letter, I thought I was ahead of the game when I wrote it earlier this time, but I guess have to actually send it to Cherri, if you want to read it. My bust. However, I do have an excuse, not one of those dogs ate my paper ones either. A group of us have been working on getting a Swan 441 ready for TRANSPAC 2011. The 2225 mile race from Long Beach, Ca. to Honolulu, Hi. After months of preparation, racing local races and the Ensenada race, we were ready, we passed all the inspections and given the ready to go. Can you say party! What a relief. The party starts out with you meeting your sponsors from Hawaii. We go to Long Beach to Shoreline Yacht Club to meet everyone doing the race, or at least in the Aloha Class and get to know the boats and crews. From there on, it has been an experience of a life time. I have been on the ocean off and on since I was 14. This was by far the best and a test of all the boating/racing I have learned. Even though we were in the condo class, (the cruising class). We had just as many sail issues and boat problems to deal with as the best high performance boats. During the first 5 days we couldn’t get the water maker to work, leaving us with the decision to turn around and come home. We added another set of eyes to the problem, they found we had an air leak in the line, bingo; the water maker was working. I know, there some of you rolling your eyes, thinking what happened to the days of carrying everything you needed for a passage. But it is the way to go these days, especially when you think a gallon of water weighs 8.8 lbs per gallon times 9 people at 1 gallon per day. Then, you get the privilege to take a shower every couple of days. Ok, so back to what happened; just before the halfway point we had an electrical fire around 0230 in the morning. Thankfully the circuit breaker popped and nothing flammable caught fire. We were able to get it out. We went through spinnakers. We got hit with heavier winds and rain squalls that created knock downs and a round down where we buried the spinnaker pole into the bottom of a wave and lost gear. After that we got the spinnaker up and flew it until just before we got hit with the next squall, we doused and reefed the main just before it hit. We started surfing at high speeds on a 28000 lb Lazer. The only casualty; a circular pin had popped through the gorilla tape and tore the spinnaker on the takedown. I taped the last spinnaker back together for the last 600 miles, but the wind was so high we didn’t fly it. After all the adrenalin, we were just satisfied to finish in the winds and speed we had. The race was 2225 miles from Long Beach, Ca to Honolulu, Hi. We sailed over 2800 miles, some of that good and some of that bad. We had everything from light winds on the nose in the beginning to later, running in 25-35 knots with higher gusts from the rain squalls. Mostly we dealt with 15-25 and confused seas. But once we did get that long rolling Pacific swell everyone tells stories about, it was, it was the best sailing and surfing you can get, you could hook up and get the boat to plain for long periods, the speedo would go from 6.8 and 7.2 to 8.6 and more. If you looked at a hand held GPS, we saw 11’s plus . Overall, our speed averaged 6.6 over the course.

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Everyone had to contribute something to the trip, I like to cook, I provisioned and made the meals for the boat. Breakfast was fresh apples and bananas with oat meal, or granola bars. Lunches were ham and turkey sandwiches with different cheeses, dried fruits and chips. Dinners included spaghetti and meat balls, sausage and peppers, a chicken pot pie filling over mashed potatoes, black eyed peas and ham over rice, stir fry chicken and vegetables over rice, red beans and rice, beef stroganoff, and more. Channel Islands Yacht Club sponsored the boat and had a few fund raisers for the crew to offset our costs. One of the meals was a pot roast, someone experienced in Bali. They donated it to us for the trip. I vacuum sealed the roast and froze them. I added garlic mashed potatoes and fresh steamed green beans. That was our half way dinner. I brought animal cookies and frozen strawberries, I snuck on a can of whip Crème. That was our Strawberries and short cake. I can say no one got hungry or lost any weight on this trip. Well, maybe I did lose some. As well as many of us know, there is always a bigger picture. Someone won this class and other boats placed well. But, we finished 6th on Tuesday 15 days and 2hours and 30 something minutes into this race. As we were coming down the Malaki Channel in 25 plus winds and huge seas, looking for the finish line, I was on deck looking for the finish line, the R2 Buoy, ¾ of a mile off Diamond Head; you have to finish within 100 yards to starboard. I can see the pin, we focused on the course. All of a sudden I see another red marker in front of us, I ask what is this mark and everyone says this is not ours don’t worry about it, as we get closer, I notice it is a Kayaker and he is out of his Kayak and has no paddle or life vest on, I don’t know if you know, but my other sin is ocean kayaking and all we do is practice rescues. This guy had no safety equipment. I started yelling he is in trouble and we need to do a rescue. We went into full Man Overboard Mode and dropped our Man over Board Module for him to get into. You just never think; Every time you do a man over drill, which it may benefit. We picked up the Kayaker who drifted off shore with the winds and outgoing tide. He had been out paddling and snapped his paddle. He had been adrift for more than 4 hours and we came upon him while we were looking for our finish line. As I give a glance skyward, I realize, this race was not ours for the finish times, but somewhere, someone of a higher authority made it clear, this was a learning lesson for all and that life’s rewards may not always be silver or platinum… Oh, I almost forgot to mention what happens when you finish. First you have to wait for the inspectors to come aboard and inspect your boat, which is tough, because you see your better halves, friends and a welcoming committee waiting for the race committee to sign off your paperwork and release the boat. After that you are welcomed by the Transpac Commodore, this year Bill Lee of Santa Cruz Yachts comes aboard and welcomes you. Then after that they give the go ahead for family and friends to come aboard. They give you a Tea Leaf Leigh and a Mai Tai, then, they take you to your party with more people waiting for you and all kinds of food and drinks. Since we got in so late, every night was a party by a yacht club and the days someone took us around and showed us the island. Wow, Hawaii is sure nice. So far, I have been asked by as many people as I can think of since I have been home, would I do this race again. “You bet ya”. I am looking for a boat and crew that will make it as fun and comfortable as possible in as little time we have to spend out there. Thank you for letting me take up your precious time. See you at the club or on the waters. Randy Commodore 2011

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VViiccee  CCoommmmooddoorreess  RReeppoorrtt:: BILL BRAYTON Yes we had another busy summer month of July. Wet Weds are being well attended and the club members have truly stepped their game up to accommodate the racers. I will admit it was a bit of a struggle when our favorite bartender was out for knee surgery and she is back and better than ever. Thanks Joleen I have heard from many that the 4th of July here in our harbor was one to remember. The weather cooperated and it was a clear beautiful evening for fireworks over the harbor. I heard all this because Tina and I, Mike and Cherri Taylor went to Lake Ontario in upstate New York for the 4th of July this year. We had planned this one for a very long time and it was awesome to be on the other side of the country for the holiday. In the town of Sackets Harbor, a ship building town during the war of 1812, they had a fireworks show over the lake. We took our friends sailboat and anchored under the stars for the great show. Prior to our trip I found Crescent Yacht Club was not too far away from where we were staying so I contacted the commodore Tom Bucci to arrange for a burgee swap. He was glad to have us and invited us to milk punch breakfast on Sunday morning. Think of buffalo milk at the west end of Catalina and that what milk punch tastes like. We were treated to bbq steak sandwiches served on buttery bagels. It was really good, except you have to watch out for that milk punch. Strong stuff! After breakfast it was time to go sailboat racing. This was not just any ole race. This was a race in Shellback dingys. A shell back dinghy is a little over eleven feet log with a single gaff rigged sail set on the mast in the front of the boat. These are excellent rowing dingys as well. These kind folks gave us west coasters 3 boats to race with the other club members. These are all handcrafted wood boats that the club members built during the winter months. We didn’t do so well the first races and by the time we got to the 5th and last race of the day Mike Taylor took first and I took third. I think if we had another few races we were going to take all 3 top spots. After we put the boats away they invited us to their bar for beers and tall stories. I have to say these folks were a fine example of the yacht club lifestyle. They were as hospitable and friendly as any yacht club I have ever been to. Look for the solid red burgee with a black crescent moon on it. We will display it proudly. I am happy to say that our Friday night dinners have been going smoothly. Keep an eye for your date to do a dinner.

OD’s for August 8-5 I have this date open 8/12 Lehman

8/19 Stay Tuned 8/26 Elizabeth Testa Ean

As you all can see I have a couple of dates for the month of August. We may do a pizza night this Friday because of short notice. I did have someone for this date and he has jury duty this week (hate that). I have someone new in mind for the 19th so stay tuned. As always if you cannot make your date to be OD please replace yourself as soon as possible. Once again I cannot thank those that have helped out at the club. You guys rock!

Wet Weds OD’s for August 8/3 Bigeleisen 8/17 Goodman 8/10 Rodriquez 8/24 ?? stay tuned 8/31 Lacour/Howe

Have a great month! Vice Commodore Bill Brayton

Crescent City Yacht Club – Dingy Racing

Bill Brayton, Mike Taylor and Bruce McKenzie – All sporting AYC Wet Wednesday T-Shirts!

GO TEAM AYC!

The boys sure look big in these little boats! I can’t tell you how much fun it was to watch them round the mark and see the boats come around in a “death roll”. Belly laughs for sure!

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RReeaarr  CCoommmmooddoorree  RReeppoorrtt:: DOUG FAJARDO  This week as I write this, I am in San Diego taking a week-long “Basic Safety Training Class” - hopefully I will get all the details right... Wet Wednesdays: The Wet Wednesday races continue to go very well, with approximately 20 boats each night. In case you weren't aware, I have been posting the WetWednesday results each week (Except the last two weeks - I'll catch up on Saturday Aug 31) to the website, which automatically calculates the Series standings on the fly. To see how you are doing, go to http://www.anacapayachtclub.com and select “Wet Wednesday results” from the top right corner. To run the races, and run the club for the party afterwards takes volunteers. Bill Brayton, our Vice Commodore, has done a good job of organizing (and recognizing) the members who have stepped up and helped run the club. My thanks to you Bill, and each and every one of you who help! On the water, I'd like to recognize a family (and their boat) who have been helping Gene Beville with the Wet Wednesday races (Lest we forget the obvious – Our thanks go to Gene, too, for his dedication to the sport)). This family is power boaters, not sailboat racers, but has been giving us their Wednesday evenings anyway. Their boat, a Cris-Craft 36 (I'm told its not yet named) with Marcus, His wife Mercedes, and his Children Michael and daughter Sheryl have been the committee boat for many of the more recent Wet Wednesday races. A great boat for race committee works out in the channel. Thanks to Marcus and his family for supporting the Wet Wednesday races! Aug 6 - Wes Golemon Race, Aug 7 – Wes Golemon Memorial breakfast. This race, just a week or so away, is the biggest race of the year for AYC. It celebrates the contributions to local racing made by Wes Golemon, a past commodore of the club. I am too young (in the club) to remember Wes myself, but each and every one of us continues to benefit directly from at least one of his contributions every Wednesday – it was primarily his efforts that got the “W” mark approved by the Coast Guard and “on the map”. (trivia: The “W” stands for West (the mark is approx 2 miles West of the Channel Islands Harbor), not Wes, although given its creator...) The race itself: In addition to being a memorial for Wes, this race is just plain a good challenge – some describe it as three races in one. For newer members, and those who have not yet raced it, let me take you through the course... Starting at the Mandalay Power Plant, the first part of the race sails past the West mark on your way to the west end of Anacapa Island. Racers will note that for the race we will have decorated the mark in memory of Wes Golemon. Frequently this leg is a simple reach, but don't get too complacent - if the winds don't cooperate, then just making the Island can be a challenge in its own right. The second part of the race is to get around the Island. With the irregular shape of the Island the word “variable” is the only one that describes the winds that cross these waters. All of the “Old Salts” will tell you that on the “back” side of the Island there is no one “best strategy” – it challenges your skill in reading what the winds will do, your ability to react to unexpected wind changes as they happen, and even a little luck to do well in these waters. The third part of the race is the trip home, with a dog-leg around the “W” mark to once again remember Wes. It's usually a downwind leg, or sometimes a reach. This sounds simple, but this part of the race demands attention to sail management – you may come around the east end of the Island in winds strong enough to make you reduce sail, but find yourself drifting across the finish line after the sundowner dies.

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There is only one thing for sure about this race – when you persevere and finally cross the finish line, there will be a Race Committee person at the finish line to welcome you back!

Memorial Breakfast: Now for the best part – Sunday, Aug 6th at 10:00am is the Wes Golemon memorial breakfast where not only do we remember the man who left his mark (Pun intended) on the racing community, but you get a chance to brag about your skill and success in the race amongst those who know the challenges you overcame as well as you do. And all of this in one “simple” offshore race! See you there!!!

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CCrruuiissiinngg  CChhaaiirr::                                   JJOOEE  UUNNDDEERRWWOOOODD Ahoy, The cruising program is off in full swing this year and Joanne and I have been adding up the miles on Huba Huba. We have been to five different anchorages already this year and I am really enjoying being the Cruising Director for Anacapa Yacht Club. This is the first year that we have added an extensive and quite ambitious cruising calendar out to the club members. The rewards of getting the boats out and seeing first hand how spectacular the natural beauty of each anchorage has been unforgettable and the part that makes this memorable is being out there and sharing the experience with friends. I personally think that is the best part about belonging to a club; we have met so many warm and nice people that share our same common interest of being out on the water. Whether it’s taking in all of the great sights, making the rounds in the dingy, enjoying a laugh at the social or just sitting on the bow after sunset enjoying the amazing star lights, it’s all about the escape to the adult play ground in our back yard called the Channel Islands. So make the time to join in on some of the fantastic cruises we have planned for the rest of the year. Our cruise out to Coches on 7-23 & 24th was fantastic, Joanne and I left the harbor Saturday morning at 6:45 and got to the anchorage at about 11:30, As we were the first to anchor up and to get settled in, we met the arriving boats out in the dingy to see if we could render any assistance. We had the slick race boat Maine Squeeze owned by Mike and Cherri Taylor along with a new couple from H dock, Tom and Jeanie, with there Catalina 320 First Draft and Richard and Paula Sharp with there new Newport 30 Spirit. Once we all got on the hook, Mike and I went over to help out Richard and Paula who encountered some engine problems as they were coming into the anchorage. Mike was instrumental in making a quick repair with a special tool that makes hose clamps out of wire to keep air out of the injector pump of the Universal Diesel, nice job Mike. From that point on, the enjoyment of the surroundings and friendships with the other boaters brought us together to go ashore and have a cool drink and throw the horse shoes. I was let in on a little secret that Mike Taylor was a ringer at horse shoes so the next time we play, Mike will have to stand on one leg and throw with his left hand. We had a great social time aboard Huba Huba with all 8 of us on board, the food, drinks and laughter flowed until it was time for dinner. The next morning was a great time to row around in the dinghy and get some great pictures of the boats for our cruising photo album. Joanne and I decided to depart after a nice brunch and left the anchorage at about 12:15, we motored sailed until we reached the wind line at the gap and had a wonderful sail home in about 12 kts of wind, truly a great weekend. Our next cruise is coming up August 20th and 21st Scorpion and Little Scorpion Anchorages Santa Cruz Island. This is the best place on the Island to break out the kayaks and dinghy’s to explore all the caves, blow holes and all scenic views that the Island provides. So stay tuned for the next adventure to the Islands. For any information on upcoming cruises please contact me by phone or email Home: 805 529 0934 Email: robertjosephunderwood@yahoo.com Joe Underwood AYC Staff Commodore / Cruise Chair

Huba Huba

Spirit

Maine Squeeze & First Draft8

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Note from the Editor:        CHERRI TAYLOR  Lots of summer birthdays this month! Some of my favorite members are on the birthday list (you know who you are). Hope we get to help you celebrate around the clubhouse or on the water. We have not been around the club as much this summer, spending time on the water, with friends and traveling leaves us spread thin. I am sure this is the case for many. Looking forward to more cruising with the Underwood’s’ they are always great fun, and the hor dourves are not bad either. Ready to cruise, but not quite comfortable with making the journey alone? Tag along with us, when you buddy boat things are always simpler. We (Maine Squeeze) spent time with 2 new cruising boats at Coches and are happy to report they both had a great time and are looking forward to the next adventure. “Few women admit their age. Few men act theirs.” ~Source Unknown

August 2011 Anacapa Yacht Club Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

11 22 33 Wet Wednesday OD – Rodriguez

44 55 FFrriiddaayy SSoocciiaall OODD -- OOppeenn

66 WWeess GGoolleemmaann RRaaccee

77 WWeess GGoolleemmaann AAwwaarrddss BBrreeaakkffaasstt

88 99 1100 Wet Wednesday OD – Bigeleisen

1111 BBooaarrdd MMeeeettiinngg

1122 FFrriiddaayy SSoocciiaall OODD –– LLeehhmmaann

1133

14 1155 1166 1177 Wet Wednesday OD – Goodman

1188 1199 FFrriiddaayy SSoocciiaall OODD –– OOppeenn

2200 CCrruuiissee ttoo LLiittttllee SSccoorrppiioonn

2211 CCrruuiissee ttoo LLiittttllee SSccoorrppiioonn

2222 2233 2244 Wet Wednesday OD – Open

2255 2266 FFrriiddaayy SSoocciiaall OODD –– TTeessttaa EEaann GGeenneerraall MMeeeettiinngg

2277

2288 2299 3300 3311 Wet Wednesday OD – Lacour/Howe

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AAUUGGUUSSTT BBIIRRTTHHDDAAYYSS

8/4 Irra Core 8/6 Gloria Casamassima 8/6 Jerzy Poprawski 8/7 Walter Russakoff 8/9 Lucian Lacour 8/13 Bill Brayton 8/14 Shawna Schlageter 8/24 Chris Tucker 8/25 Neil Weinrich 8/31 Bill Hubbarth

*7/8 Jay Chattaway Sorry we missed you Happy Belated Birthday!

Did we miss your birthday? E-mail us at

Anacapayachtclub@yahoo.com

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BBOOAATT YYAARRDD