FOOT, TACK & CLEW East Coast Sailing Association

P.O. Box 372054 • Satellite Beach, FL 32937-0054

http://www.ecsasail.com BOAT/US number GA81299B

March 2007

THE OFFICIAL LOG OF THE EAST COAST SAILING ASSOCIATION

Incoming Board of Governors

Flag Officers Commodore Donna Oyer 321 – 243 – 0088 Vice Commodore Pam Vanderveer 321 – 432 – 0559 Rear Commodore Jim Yates 321 – 777 – 2663 Secretary Carol Wheatley 321 – 779 – 4483 Treasurer Tom Schrader 321 – 917 – 6638 Elected Governors Sherry Beckett 321 – 779 – 3024 Roland Norris 321 – 783 – 9736 Neil Hodgson 321 – 452 – 8252

Fleet Captains Cruising Ken Windsor 321 – 459 – 2720 River Racing Jim Yates 321 – 777 – 2663 Women’s Racing Rhonda Delmater 321 – 783 – 2225

Newsletter Editor Brenda Merchberger 321 – 917 – 3698

Program Chairman Susan Conrad 407 – 443 – 1943

Membership Chairman Brenda Merchberger 321 – 917 – 3698

Rating Chairman Jim Miller 321 – 777 – 7011

Advertising Karin Mann 321 – 773 – 4793

Hospitality Joanne Theriault 321 – 254 – 4624

Legislative Affairs Jack Snyder 321 – 868 – 3529

F o o t , T a c k & C l e w i s t h e o f f i c i a l n e w s l e t t e r o f t h e E a s t C o a s t S a i l i n g A s s o c i a t i o n a n d i s m a i l e d t o t h e m e m b e r s h i p e a c h m o n t h o r a v a i l a b l e a t h t t p : / / w w w . e c s a s a i l . c o m .

The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the East Coast Sailing Association.

General Membership Meeting

Wednesday ~ 14 March 2007 ~ 7:00 p.m.

Satellite Beach Civic Center (565 Cassia Blvd) Latitude 28º 09' North, Longitude 80º 36' West

PROGRAM: Preparing for a trip to the Abacos

Presented by: Graham & Pam Coffee

MARCH Calendar of EVENTS

4 MYC Spring Rum Race 4 IRYC Winter Series #5 11 MYC Small Boat Racing 11 TSC Spring Series #3 17 - 18 ECSA Cruise to Marker 21 18 IRYC Winter Series #6 19 MYC Spring Rum Race 24 ECSA Winter Series #4 25 ECSA Spring Women’s #3 25 TSC Spring Series #4 26 MYC Small Boat Racing 31 PCYC Ocean Distance Race

APRIL Calendar of EVENTS

1 MYC Spring Rum Race 1 IRYC Winter Series #6 6 MYC Spring Rum Race 8 MYC Small Boat Racing 11 ECSA General Membership Meeting 14 - 16 MYC Spring Regatta Big Boat 14 - 15 ECSA Progressive Dinner 20 MYC Spring Rum Race 21 - 22 MYC Spring Regatta Small Boat 22 TSC Spring Series #5 U.S. Sailing Multihull Championships MYC Apr 24 - 29

THOUGHTS FROM YOUR

COMMODORE…

Donna Hartley Oyer

We are preparing for the “long” voyage to the Bahamas in the spring. It amuses me when I think about it. Here it is 2007 and we are shopping for navigation equipment, safety equipment and anything else that will make a crossing safe and successful. If we are not prepared, we could possibly run into the Disney boat or end up in Bermuda for goodness sake. It is a race to the mailbox to see if there is a West Marine flyer with discounts galore in it, just waiting there for us. Surely there is something in the flyer that we must need, want or have. I know that there must be something that will make a Gulf Stream crossing and navigation to uninhabited islands safer and easier. What about all of those pirates and those crazed island natives? What do we do about them? Does West Marine sell any type of weapons or give classes in self-defense? In all seriousness, while planning our trip I have been thinking about the voyage of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Did he have any way in which to navigate except for the sun, the moon and the stars? What about safety equipment? Did he have a VHF, EPIRB or a life raft? It is amazing how the early explorers survived at sea without the technology that we are fortunate enough to have access to today. I can’t imagine making a transatlantic crossing in a wooden boat, with homemade sails made of flimsy cloth. What do you mean he had no engine! In August 1492, Columbus left Palos, Europe and two months later landed in the Bahamas, which at the time Columbus called “San Salvador”. How did he make such a crossing? Columbus became very close to the natives of the Bahamas, thanking them for being so very peaceful and friendly. After leaving the Bahamas, Columbus made his way to Cuba and the Caribbean. You know the rest of the story. This will be our third attempt to cross to the Bahamas on our own boat. We attempted to cross on “Pelican” five or six years ago, but the weather did not cooperate. We tried again the following year, but two days before leaving, the boat packed and ready to go there was a family emergency. The third time is a charm, right! I know that many of you have made this trip numerous times before. Can you remember the excitement that you felt when you made your very first crossing? That is what makes this trip so exciting and so enticing. Of course we want to get in as much sailing time as we

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VIEW FROM THE VICE…

by

VICE COMMODORE Pam Vanderveer

I’d like to share a little something about my past. Similar to our beloved Commodore, I too grew up sailing as a young girl of 10 on my dad’s sailboat, an Endeavour 32, in New York’s Great South Bay. For the most part, it was just the two of us so I very quickly learned how to be First Mate and was always pretty comfortable with whatever situation I got thrown into. I learned to sail the hard way – getting in a sailing dinghy solo, going downwind and trying to get back to the boat only to be rescued by a passerby when he saw me crying. Lesson #1: Beginners should start sailing into the wind! Every summer we would take a 3-week cruise to different places like Manhattan for Operation Sail 1976, Shelter Island, my all-time favorite Hamburg Cove along the Connecticut River, Mystic Seaport, Newport, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and the long distance cruise to Nantucket. It was during these trips I grew to love cruising, discovering distant places and deserted beaches. Perhaps the most memories are of Menemsha Harbor, Martha’s Vineyard. Once, we pulled up to the gas dock and while my dad was filling the tank, he asked me to go into the dockmaster’s office to buy some fresh lobsters. I remember how they wiggled in the bag as I carried them back to the boat with my arm fully extended. We explored the deserted beach where the birds would nest. Only years later would I recognize this beach from a famous photo of a young JFK Jr. and his dad, then President, and realize that their Martha’s Vineyard house was just a stone’s throw from where we used to anchor and explore. The other kids and I would get paid by our parents to gather clams and mussels for that evening’s happy hour appetizer. This was the first place I remember seeing the bioluminescence absolutely light up the darkness of the night as we motored in the dinghy back to the sailboat (much like we see today in our own Indian River Lagoon). We were only there two days – but I remember it with such vividness. All these travels and events were done with my Dad’s club – The South Bay Cruising Club which is very similar to ECSA in that there was no formal clubhouse, races were held every weekend, and the cruisers would meet at various locations. Those experiences helped define the person I am today. As an adult, and more importantly a parent, I realize what an important part of my life the club was. I guess you can say this is my chance to give back and to enable my children to also share a little bit of what I experienced growing up.

EAST COAST SAILING ASSOCIATION General Membership Meeting Minutes

February 14, 2007 Commodore Donna Hartley Oyer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Board of Governors present were Donna Hartley Oyer, Pam Vanderveer, Jim Yates, Carol Wheatley, and Tom Schrader. Elected Governors present were Roland Norris; not present were Neil Hodgson and Sherry Beckett. Following introduction of the board members, fleet captains, committee chairmen, and past commodores, Donna welcomed all guests and new members attending for the first time. COMMODORE’S REPORT: • Donna asked that members please take their 2007 Directory and also take any to members they may know to help defray postage costs. • During the Board of Governors’ transition meeting, the Board discussed the disposition of the 40th Anniversary Blankets. It was decided that if members have not picked up their blankets by the end of March meeting, the 60 leftover blankets will go on sale to the general membership. Any member who needs special assistance may contact the Commodore and a blanket will be delivered. • Our ships’ store has a new supply of jackets, siphons, burgees and license plates. See Gil Paradies for all purchases. • Thanks to the Colemans and Worsters for this evening’s refreshments. NEW MEMBERS: The following were voted into membership at the recent Board of Governors’ meeting. • Tony and Debbie Godden, “Crows Nest”, a

Ranger 23. • James & Tamara Ennd, “Seaternity”, a Catalina

40. • Lee Woods, Associate Member A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the following applicants into membership: • Dan & Joanne Pellechio, “Babes”, a Lancer 45 • Carl & Beatriz Castion, ”Windtalker”, a Hunter 31 MINUTES/TREASURER’S REPORT: A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the minutes

SECRETARY’S REPORT

By

Carol Wheatley

Page 3

of the January meeting and the Treasurer’s report as published in the January Foot, Tack & Clew. GENERAL REPORTS: VICE COMMODORE – Pam Vanderveer: o Karin Mann is contacting area businesses to

advertise in the FT&C. Please tell your business friends about this advertising opportunity.

o Susan Conrad will coordinate this year’s programs. Let her or Pam Vanderveer know if there is anything specific you would like to learn about.

o Our meetings will continue to take place at the current location. The City of Satellite Beach will at some point in the future renovate the facility and will make accommodations for us (and about 40 other groups) at that time.

o It was suggested that members wear the nametags they received at the Awards Banquet to meetings. If you do not have a nametag, please contact Pam.

o If anyone is interested in attending the Marine Resources Council meetings held at the Cocoa Library, please contact Pam. This government watch group can be reached at 725-7775.

REAR COMMODORE - Jim Yates: o February 25th Women’s Race & March 24th Winter

Series are our regularly scheduled races.

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TREASURER'S REPORT by Tom Schrader

Income Statement Fiscal YTD

REVENUE Feb - 07 Sep 06 - Feb 07

Activities Income 1,801.00 5,979..00

Advertising Income 180.00 414.00

Membership Dues 165.00 6,380.00

Merchandise Income 200.00 1,072.00

Miscellaneous Income 0.00 93.00

Total Revenue 2,346.00 13,938.00

EXPENSES

Activities Expense 525.20 8,229.35

Bank Service Charge - 30.00

Insurance - 1,854.00

Miscellaneous 110.40 922.20

Postage/Delivery 73.86 452.10

Printing/Repro 76.37 957.32

Rent 204.90 204.90

Sales Tax 0.00 56.81

Sunshine Fund - -

Total Expense 990.73 12,706.68

Net Income 1,355.27 1,231.32

Balance Sheet as of February 28, 2007 Assets

Checking 1,414.22

Restricted Cash (Lasowska Fund) 942.00

Security Deposit 100.00

Total Assets 2,456.22

Liabilities & Net Worth

Unrestricted Cash 6,432.86

Retained Earnings (5,207.96)

Net Income 1,231.32)

Total Net Worth 2,456.22

Sunshine Fund Balance: 211.47

Welcome New Members

Carl & Beatriz Casdia 1569 Maidencane Loop Oviedo, FL 32765 407-366-6669 Hunter 31 “Windtalker”

James & Tamara Ennd 2700 Harbortown Drive Merritt Island, FL 32953 407-947-4702 Catalina “Seaternity”

Tony & Debbie Godden 120 Pine Tree Drive Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937 321-777-4660 Ranger 23 “Crows Nest”

Daniel & Joanne Pellechio 651 Rockledge Drive Rockledge, FL 32955 321-635-8004 Lancer Motorsailer 45 “Babes”

Lee Woods 1605 Cocoa Bay Blvd Cocoa, FL 32926 321-631-7823

Miami Boat Show Bus Trip February 17

by Brenda Merchberger Well, it was almost a “bust” of a bus trip. First, our prom-ise of a new bus didn’t materialize. Apparently, the bus company forgot that the new bus only had 53 seats. They told Dave 56 seats, so when the bus driver went to pull the bus from the yard that a.m. – she saw we had reserved a bus with 56 seats, so she had to bring the old one. Not off to a great start. The heater wasn’t working for those at the first pick-up stop, but by the time we added the second group of passengers, the body heat warmed up the coach. There was actually a type of ther-mocline in the bus - front half toasty, back half chilly. That might have also had something to do with one of the rear side windows not being closed all of the way, so a nice stream of chilly air came in. Did I mention the tem-perature at pick-up was 34 degrees??? Brrr….. Off we went down I-95 towards Miami. The passengers seemed to enjoy the breakfast provided - bagels, muffins, cinnamon rolls and orange juice, Mimosa’s, Screw-driver’s, and Bloody Mary’s. We made a pit stop along the way and we were off. Then came a noise – clunk, clunk, clunk from the bottom of the bus. We had flat tire! We were somewhere near West Palm Beach, in a coned off construction area, between I-95 and an on-ramp. I think Johan knows the exact exit number we were near as he had to walk up the road to see it, so the bus driver could call it in to the tow truck. Did you know it takes a special super-duper tow truck with hydraulics to lift up a

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CRUISE

QUARTERS

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Mardi Gras 2007 February 24 - 25th

by Brenda Merchberger

It finally happened! We had great weather for Mardi Gras weekend. I think the weather gods finally gave us a break, since we had been such troopers for the not so favorable years. For those sailing up from the south, most of us were actually able to sail the entire way. Yippee! Dave hoisted the sails on Thirsty Whale, set a course and we didn’t have the trim the sails the entire way. The Cocoa Village anchorage was quite full between the ECSA boats, the Port Canaveral Yacht Club boats, and the boats that were already anchored there. As planned, our group made its way to the dinghy dock around 6 p.m. and headed over to El Charro’s. We were pleased to find several other ECSA’rs at the dock or the restaurant who joined us via land yacht. Unfortunately, Bob Wiley and friend Jeanne planned to come by boat (he has an Island Packet after all). However, with the water level so low, he was unable to get his boat off from behind his house. We were happy that they joined us anyway. Clay Bernichon and Pat O’Brien initially came by boat (Ariel); but had problems finding just the right anchoring location with good holding so they headed back to Clay’s home dock and drove up. Also, joining by land yacht were Joe, Wanda, and Brianna Luthman, Chip & Louise Worster, Grady & Sandy Wood, Frank McTernan, David & Gail Cordial, and Tom & Mary Anne O’Shea. Also attending by boat; but choosing to stay in the marina and having dinner elsewhere (I swear we all took our showers) were Roland & Barbara Norris and John Lynn. We did get to say hi to them in Cocoa Village.

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CRUISE QUARTERS

March Cruise Information

Please join us for an informal, relaxing weekend at Marker 21 island. For those of you who haven't been to Marker 21 island yet - guess where it is? Just west of Marker 21 on the ICW, which is a few miles south of the power lines, south of the 192 bridge in Melbourne. Its Lat & Lon is 27 deg 58.7 min N; 80 deg 32.5 min W. Don & Joanne Theriault are our hosts and they will actually be arriving on Friday, March 16th. Most of the ECSA folks will be arriving during the day on Saturday, but don't hesitate to arrive on Friday to keep Don, Joanne, & Charlie company. The only plans are to get together for a potluck for dinner around 5 p.m. on the island. Please bring a dish to share and your own plates, utensils, beverages and most importantly - a chair to sit on. If a campfire is started, I bet there will be s'mores available (courtesy of the Brenda Merchberger). Joanne has declared Sunday a.m. as "breakfast on your own". For those of you who do not know Joanne yet - mornings are not her favorite time of the day. She loves to sleep in! We hope you'll join us for some sailing & camaraderie in March.

(Continued from page 3) o Let Jim know if you’re interested in crewing on an

ocean race and he’ll get you on a boat. o The Frostbite Cruise, hosted by the Coleman's,

was a success with great food and good attendance. Many of our members considered it their “favorite” cruise. Thanks for a fun time and even more thanks to all the folks who helped everyone weigh anchor during the stormy conditions that arose upon departure.

o The land cruise to the Miami Boat Show is set for February 17th.

o The Mardi Gras Cruise to downtown Cocoa is set for February 23-24.

o Gil Paradies announced plans for a Bahamas trip sometime in May/June. He has 3 tentative schedules (Abacos or Abacos through Eleuthera to Exumas or Eleuthera to Berry Islands). A trip will be selected to meet majority schedule.

o Two other informal cruises were announced: one to Fort Pierce during Spring Break (3/26) and one to St. Augustine during the first or second week of May.

o July 2-10 is the Regatta in the Bahamas for anyone planning a trip during that timeframe. Jim Yates is going just before that in late June and returning mid-July and invites other boats to tag along.

NEW BUSINESS: • Joanne Theriault asked for and got volunteers for

refreshments for the March meeting. • Happy Birthday and Happy Retirement to Don

Theriault. • Congratulations and Happy Retirement to Karen

Coleman. With there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 pm. PROGRAM: • Barbara Schrader gave a presentation on

preparing your vessel for a Coast Guard safety inspection. If anyone has any questions, she invites your calls at 917-6638.

Respectfully submitted, Carol Wheatley, Secretary ECSA

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Secretary’s

Report - cont’d…

Hospitality

Volunteers to bring goodies and help as-sist in the galley for our March

General Membership Meeting are:

♦ Jean Freeman ♦ Brenda Merchberger

Thank you!

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(Continued from page 5) bus to change a tire? I had volunteered Dave, Johan, and Joe Coleman but the bus driver said they just weren’t strong enough. Imagine that. The tow truck driver said he would be there in 35 min-utes. So, we waited. Two hours later it finally showed up and another 45 minutes later the tire was changed. For the most part, I hung out in the back of the bus and watched all of the men folk walk by to survey the damaged tire. I do believe even one female ventured for a look as well. When the time came to change the tire, there was quite the testosterone gathering to watch – until the tow truck driver told them to move around to the other side of the bus. I didn’t know if it was a safety issue or he just didn’t like having so many men staring at him. We were off (again). We arrived at the Miami Boat Show at 1:25 p.m. Just 3 ½ hours past scheduled arrival time. The bus driver agreed we could stay as long as we liked, so we all agreed for an 8 p.m. departure (3 hours later than previously scheduled departure time). Latitudes & Attitudes hosted a party featuring Eric Stone starting at 6 p.m., and many gathered for free pizza and beer at the event prior to heading back to the bus. Others had dinner in one of the nearby restaurants. It was an adventure and as the saying goes, “the difference between an adventure and an ordeal is attitude”. (From Latt’s & Att’s). For the most part – the attitude of the group was great given the circum-stances and Dave and I really appreciated every-one’s go with the flow attitude (except for that one grumpy old sailor – but we know he just can’t help it!) It looks like it is time to find a new bus company for next year’s trip. We hope you’ll join us on the trip next year.

Miami Boat Show Bus Trip continued

(Continued from page 5) We lined the parade route near the gazebo around 8 p.m. Usually the parade starts on time. Not this year! Although I will take a late parade any day compared to the weather we’ve had some years. I think the parade reached our viewing area around 9:40 p.m. We all enjoyed vying for beads and many were happy to turn our hard won beads over to Susan Ecklund to give to her kids in her class. Some of the diehards ended the evening at Murdock’s for dancing and were joined by fellow ECSA’rs Eric & Dominque Haas. All in all, ECSA had over 50 individuals attending the event. Attending by boat: Clint, Robin & Jessica Braswell, aboard Island Girl, Richard & Stephnie Bruning aboard Prelude, Bob Cahall, his son and his son’s friend aboard Wind Catcher, Graham & Pam Coffee aboard Hot Latte-Tudes, Joe & Karen Coleman aboard Alibi, Steve & Susan Eklund with their kids aboard Mad Viking, Dave & Brenda Merchberger aboard Thirsty Whale, Paul & Carla Stewart aboard Again, Don & Joann Theriault aboard Impulse, and Ken, Pam, Jessica, Jessica’s friend, and Brandon Windsor aboard Mystic Dream. We had a nice potluck breakfast in the park’s pavilion the following morning. Of course, asking for a wind shift for those of us going south was too much to ask, we motored home – wind right on our nose. I hope those in the north enjoyed a great sail home!

Mardi Gras Cruise continued

Cocoa Village Security Note: Cruisers have had dinghies/motors stolen from the Cocoa Village dinghy dock. Please be wary and be sure to lock your engine!

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Member’s

Classifieds

Commodore’s Report

- cont’d…

FOR SALE: Tri-Radial Spinnaker complete with launch bag and Forespar whisker pole with fittings. Used on Pearson 365 Ketch. Available as package for $ 1,800.00. Call Bob Goldstein 321-795-1327 FOR SALE: 1977 O'Day 27 sloop. Main, Jib & Genoa, Atomic 4 w/all service manuals. Auto tiller, bimini and more. Slip only $166 a mth!!! Includes fresh water, electric extra. Must sell, have another boat. Only $6000.00. Please contact Don Daube at 321-271-9903 FOR SALE: 1979 Columbia 10’7 Sloop, 35’2”, 6’4” Headroom, White w/green stripe, 22 HP Yanmar Diesel low hrs., totally rebuilt transmission 5/06, bottom paint 5/06, Loaded: Alder Barber Fridge, champagne leather cushions, green Bimini, Dodger & Bottomsiders. Sleeps 7, ready for cruising. 2nd owner. Please contact Bill Zajac at 321-773-5035. For pictures e-mail Jackie@etsnet.com. The boat may be viewed at 458 Sandpiper Drive, Satellite Beach, please call first. $39,500 or make offer. FOR SALE: 36’ center cockpit Watkins. Many new and like new items, e.g. sails, Mackpack, roller furler, Garmin color GPS, custom bimini etc. Strong Perkins 4-108 52 hp diesel. Needs love. Call Kay Sparrow at 772-473-9394. Priced at $38,000 OBO. Place your sailing classified ad here… (free to members.) Just contact the Newsletter Editor, Brenda Merchberger via e-mail: bmerch@cfl.rr.com or phone 321-917-3698.

(Continued from page 2) can, but we can’t wait to drop anchor and get out there and explore the islands. We can’t wait to start our exploration on and under the water. I think like most vacations the anticipation of the vacation and the planning of the trip is the most exciting part. Once the vacation starts, the time just flies by and it is over before you know it. It looks as if there will be several ECSA boats bound for the Bahamas this year. Hopefully, the weather Gods will be in our corner and we will all make it safely across. Unlike Christopher Columbus, there are many devices today to make crossing to the Bahamas or making a circumnavigation completely possible and very safe. I know that occasionally we all tend to complain about progress, growth and development. But when it comes to electronic technology, most all of us benefit from it and use it frequently if not daily. There are times when I would like to take a trip back in time, when the pace gets too brisk and the world is at odds. But I am grateful for the advancement in electronics. It makes life easier and safer for all of us…. Happy Sails to You, Donna

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Marina News….. Beginning Monday, February 12th, Titusville Marina will be posting a notice that dinghy docking will no longer be free. The cost to dock a dinghy at the marina will be $10.00 per day and that will include the use of the showers.

EAST COAST SAILING ASSOCIATION

PO Box 372054

Satellite Beach FL 32937-0054

ECSA 2007 Race & Cruise Schedule

Date Event Contact

Mar 17 - 18 Cruise to Marker 21 Theriault

Mar 24 Winter Series #4 Yates

Mar 25 Spring Women’s Race #3 Delmater

Apr 14 - 15 Progressive Dinner Merchberger

May 5 - 6 Merritt Island BBQ Bash Jones

May 12 Spring Women’s #4 Delmater

May 26 Summer Series #1 Yates

May 26 - 28 Memorial Day Cruise to Sebastian Inlet Vanderveer

Check out http://www.sail-race.com/ecsa for the most up-to-date information on

the ECSA race schedule & race winners.