The Helmsman. Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Commodore s Log. Bob Killebrew

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1 The Helmsman Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Commodore s Log Bob Killebrew Southern Bay. New venue, new entertainment but the same great crowd you ve been partying with all year. This year at the Cedar Point Country Club; great food, terrific music, dancing, awards, drinks, lovely ladies and that rarest of sights OPCYC men in neckties Traditionally, there is no head table, so this is a great chance for old-timers to get acquainted with new members, and vice versa. We re approaching capacity, so get your reservations in ASAP. The start of Pointer Maritime University a favorite Saturday morning club activity that brings sailors in from other clubs as well. Run until April, Barry Creighton recruits maritime authorities on subjects from engine maintenance to Civil War maritime history. This is also a great melting pot for new and old members, and as PMU progresses through the winter and spring, the Club just gets stronger. Dock talk whether you ve winterized your boat until spring, or you re still going out, members show up on weekends to work on their boats and to visit and swap stories in their work-stained jeans. It s January, and OPCYC is heading into its busiest and most social season. Huh? you say. Winter is when we re busiest? You bet. Start with the Commodore s Ball on the 16 th of January, the Social Event of the Year in the Docks are always convivial places for members to visit and renew or make friendships, or to get advice on fixing that pesky water leak. And when the weather s really rotten, go on in the clubhouse, donate a buck or two for a beer with your buddies and spin some yarns. That s what the clubhouse is for. and as the spring advances, we have more activities parties at membership meetings, the annual Coast Guard inspection, the Blessing of the Fleet and the Annual Sock Burning, followed before you know it by the Cape Charles Cruise at the end of May, departures by members on long cruises, and the cycle begins again. What a great place to be, and what a great club to be in. As you know, this is my last column as your Commodore. We re in great shape, with over two hundred members, a nice bank balance, a lease on our clubhouse and a great calendar for next year. I m happy to turn the flag over to Eileen Turner. Eileen has been boating in this club for years, has previously held various club offices, and will bring new energy and her own vision to OPCYC. Thank you all for your support; it s been a great ride, and the best part has been seeing all of you making the Club a better and better place. I ll see you at the Ball January 2016 Volume 9, Issue 1 Established Old Point Comfort Yacht Club is located in Hampton on historic Ft. Monroe in Bldg. 183 next to the Old Point Comfort Marina. OPCYC P.O. Box 3369 Hampton, VA The OPCYC is a Member of: United States Sailing Assoc. Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Assoc. Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club Assoc. Register of American Yacht Clubs Inside this Issue Commodore s Log V.C. s Report Upcoming Events Team Logistics Secretary s Desk PMU Racing News Members Tidbits Cruising Chronicles Board of Officers For inquiries or submissions for The Helmsman, please contact: Sandra Motes Hay, Editor (757) helmsman@opcyc.org All submissions are due by the 27th of the month to be included in the next month s publication.

2 The Helmsman Page 2 Vice-Commodore s Report Eileen Turner First, and foremost, I wish you and yours the best of good health and boundless happiness in Friday 01 JAN 2016 Dana Dillon Memorial New Year s Madness Race Saturday 09 JAN 2016 PMU - OPCYC Clubhouse 9:30 a.m. Garmin or Apple Wednesday 13 JAN 2016 BOO Meeting OPCYC Clubhouse - 6:30 p.m. Saturday 16 JAN 2016 PMU - OPCYC Clubhouse 9:30 a.m. CSS Albemarle COMMODORE S BALL 6 p.m. Cedar Point Country Club Saturday 23 JAN 2016 PMU - OPCYC Clubhouse 9:30 a.m. That Motor Thingee And with that, a great deal of your participation in our OPCYC activities. As I am writing this, we have had record-breaking warm weather as high as 80 degrees in the beginning of winter. I take this as a good sign, that Mother Nature wants us to look forward to the times when we have consistently warm weather and we can be out doing all things that Pointers like to do. But before that, our PMU has a curriculum set up that will help us get through until springtime. Also, we have many social activities, starting with our biggest social event of the year, the Commodore s Ball, on January 16. So, let us get together and enjoy each other s company at our many club events, starting right away. I look forward to seeing so many of you at our Commodore s Ball on January 16. Upcoming OPCYC Events Sunday 24 JAN 2016 PMU - OPCYC Clubhouse 10 a.m. Boater Safety Course Wednesday 27 JAN 2016 Helmsman and PAO input DEADLINE Saturday 30 JAN 2016 PMU - OPCYC Clubhouse (:30 a.m. The Day is Done

3 The Helmsman Page 3 Team Logistics J.D. Hay - Rear Commodore John Scott - Captain George Greene - Lieutenant OPCYC TREE TRIMMING On Dec 6, a lively group of Pointers met at the Clubhouse for the annual tree trimming party. Bob and Pat Williamson have hosted this event for many years and this party was one of their best. The Christmas tree was decked out with personal ornaments bringing back lots of memories. As usual, the social atmosphere was superb and many new memories were created. An excellent way to kick off the Christmas season Congratulations to Tim and Karen Etherington who brought home the First Place trophy for the Best Dressed Sailboat at the Hampton Lighted Boat Parade.

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6 The Helmsman Page 6 From the Secretary s Desk Carol Morris A H O Y M A T E Y S The Old Point Comfort Yacht Club welcomes these new members. We are so pleased you have joined our great group Geoff Jewel and Christina Kerndal have a Catalina 30 in Santa Barbara Harbor Marina, Gone With the Wind. William and Wendy Riley live in Eden, Maryland, and have a Egg Harbor 33 motor vessel, Harpoon. How to Ensure Receipt of The HELMSMAN and other Club News If you or a joint boat owner are not already receiving the monthly newsletter (The HELMSMAN) via , or receiving any broadcast s about OPCYC activities, this is what you need to do: -Go to -Click on the Mailing Lists link in the lefthand blue section -Choose the list to which you want to be added -Enter your address in the blank -Click the Subscribe button You will receive a confirmation . Be sure to open it and click on the Yes, subscribe me to this list. This ensures that we have the proper address for you. Wash, rinse and repeat the above instructions for each list to which you want to be added (e.g., PMU, Racing). How to Update Your Profile on the OPCYC Website Address or phone number changed? Please contact the club secretary at 'membership@opcyc.org'. changed? That's a bit harder. Each time you receive an from us, you'll need to click on the 'update your preferences' link at the bottom of the . There you'll see a form where you can update your information. The profile will only accommodate one boat owner s information, i.e., a joint owner should not enter a profile. You'll also need to update the owner s on the website (in case you lose your password). To do this: -Click on Membership List in the left menu -Click the Login Required button and enter your information (firstname dot lastname). If you don t have a password, click on Request new password. Once you have the new password, go to Login and complete these instructions. -Click on your name in the Membership List or click the My Account link on the left -Click the Edit tab, then update your information. -Click SAVE at the bottom when you re done

7 The Helmsman Page 7 OLD POINT COMFORT YACHT CLUB 2016 Board of Officers Commodore Eileen Turner Vice Commodore JD Hay Rear Commodore Fleet Jean Brzozowski RC Logistics John Scott RC Racing Tim Etherington RC Training Barry Creighton Treasurer Pixie Killebrew Secretary Carol Morris Race Captain Dennis Miner Fleet Captain Nina McCoy Logistics Captain Karen Etherington Training Captain Jeff Rogers, PC Logistics Lieutenant George Greene Webmaster Anne Racel Helmsman Editor Sandie Hay 1 st Past Commodore Bob Killebrew 2 nd past Commodore Curtis Morris Member at Large Steve Harvey Member at Large Carl Stein Member at Large Rick Strong Member at Large Mel Spruill Public Affairs Officer Vacant Sea Scout Leader Norm Effinger Member at Large Patty Tiemsen Fleet Surgeon Sue Harvey Historian Bob Williamson, PC

8 The Helmsman Page 8 Barry Creighton Rear Commodore Jeff Rogers Dean Emeritus Pointer MaritimeUniversity "Ring the bell" second mate school s back in Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don t. Lydia M. Child We don t know about you, but the Dean Emeritus and I are pretty darned excited to kick off of the 2016 Pointer Maritime University (PMU) semester. We greatly appreciate your inputs as we constructed the curriculum we have some updates of repeat topics (at your request) and some brand new ones. Our lineup is full and of course there will be adjustments it s just like a good war plan a point from which we start deviating, but I think we have tapped the expertise of our membership and will bring in some exciting new faces and topics. With the exception of field trip/s, we plan for each session to be in our club house on most Saturdays from Watch for the next month s schedule in this article each Helmsman, and we will send out weekly reminders on (or about) Tuesday of the week for the upcoming Saturday. Those announcements are currently sent to 253 members on the PMU address list, so if you don t seem to be getting those please let me know. If you have some boating friends who would like to attend, please bring them along we will not be bashful about shaming them into joining OPCYC. Now, on with the show here is the plan for January. Saturday, January 9: Garmin or Apple? As we predicted last year, the line between the capabilities of dedicated marine purpose-built electronic devices and generic tablets and smart phones continues to blur. We'll attempt to navigate the maize of devices and applications that may provide you capabilities at greatly reduces costs, or convince you to spend the extra bucks for the traditional solutions. So, buy a new chartplotter or carry your phone? You decide. PMU Classes Held in January PMU, Continued on page 9

9 The Helmsman Page 9 Pointer MaritimeUniversity PMU, Continued from page 8 Saturday, January 16: The CSS Albemarle Most of you know details of the battle between two of the Civil War ironclads, the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia (yes, some of you damn Yankees still want to call her the Merrimack), but what do you know about another Confederate ironclad ram, the CSS Albermarle? We are honored to have awardwinning, historian, author, documentary producer, conservationist and lecturer John Quarstein join us and unwrap a fascinating piece of local history. After this session, you will view our local boating area with a new appreciation. NOTE: This is Commodore s Ball Day" Saturday January 23: That Motor Thingee Even our most traditional sailors, probably have some device on board that turns a petrochemical into noise and propulsion. And unfortunately, that device requires periodic attention. Here s a chance to learn what you can do and what might be better left to a professional. Come armed with your best engine questions. In the second part of this class, we will hear from a skipper who has gone down a different path. Teddy Rivkin has replaced a worn-out diesel auxiliary on his 36-foot sailboat with electric propolsion. He ll walk us through his decision process, the installation and the results. Sunday, January 24: SPECIAL SUNDAY SESSION Virginia Safe Boating Course If you operate a boat with a 10hp or larger motor, you need to have completed this course by 1 July Our own Norm Effinger will conduct the training in the clubhouse. The course will take most of the day and we will send out specific details later. Saturday, January 30: The Day is Done Well almost but first we have to dock, or set the anchor, or raft-up, or grab the mooring ball. We ll take a look at the equipment (ground tackle, lines/chains, fenders) and skills and techniques to help make these lessstressful events. Make sure to bring your favorite crew they can make all the difference in how soon you enjoy that first sundowner. Look forward to seeing you at 0930 on the 9th, we ll have the coffee on for you,

10 The Helmsman Page 10 Racing News Mark Wolfe - Racing R/C Keith Boomer Barber Racing Captain Congratulations to Greg Cutter and the crew on board Diablo as they won the 2016 Dana Dillon Memorial New Year s Madness Race Twenty-one boats from Hampton and Old Point Comfort Yacht Clubs participated in the race on a balmy sixty degree day with light air. From OPCYC, Wine Down, Graduation, Tempo, Seeker, & Tygress all looked grand on New Year s Day. As with all big races, a great supporting team makes all the moving parts work smoothly and many heartfelt thanks to: John & Lin McCarthy and Bob Williamson and his team for a superb job with the Race Committee duties Tim Etherington for assuming his Race Commodore duties a little early The entire Logistics team for setting up the excellent post-race party Jeff Rogers for the race and special awards And to Bob Killebrew and the crew of Anjalei as they provided all of us with colorful and heartfelt memories of Dana The overall race results are below: Fleet Boat Name Skipper Fleet Finish Position Overall Finish Time of Finish A Diablo Greg Cutter :35:11 Mirage Christian Schaumloffel :36:01 Stardancer John Blais :43:26 Pterodactyl Eugene Thayer :43:49 Feather Phil Briggs :44:05 B Blue Ghost Guy Soresen :47:41 Pura Vida Rose & Stock Hobart :56:32 C Cillenectes Benjamin Cuken :38:26 Whiskey Girl Cheryl Merek :43:22 N/S Aquarius Michael Tate :52:42 Incorrigible Greggory Watt :57:38 Lively Lady David Lively :58:03 Seeker Al Johnson :42:01 (Anchor Award) Racing News, Continued on page 11

11 The Helmsman Page 11 Racing News, Continued from page 10 Fleet Boat Name Skipper Fleet Finish Position Overall Finish Time of Finish Cruisers DNF Tempo Jonathan Romero :56:46 Anjalei Jim Forrester :57:04 Wine Down Tim Etherington :00:42 Pisces John Wandling :01:46 Tygress Steve Ritz :03:04 Graduation Bob Killebrew :18:40 Never Give Up Rick Caroll Lio kai Chris Schott New Racing Commodores for 2016: Tim Etherington and Dennis Miner will serve as the 2016 Racing Commodores for OPCYC. Both are superb racers and the club will benefit immensely from their skills, dedication, and leadership for our great racing program. As for Boomer and I, we will continue to race and support Tim, Dennis and the Club. Get ready for OPCYC racing, May 21 st is right around the corner. Happy New Year

12 The Helmsman Page 12 Members Tidbits This section is specially reserved for Pointers to share information and inspiration with fellow Pointers. Special Discount Night at West Marine West Marine has agreed to host a special January meeting on Wednesday, 20 January, 6:00-8:00 pm at their store in Virginia Beach. During the evening, demos of the various new navigational equipment (chart plotters, sonar, radar, etc.,) will be provided. Once that is over and the store has closed, it will be your time to do some shopping. West Marine management have agreed to give SBCC and OPCYC members the maximum discount allowable on merchandise purchased that evening. What this means is that you will receive the highest tier Port Supply discount on the item(s) you purchase. The highest tier discount is normally available only to large corporations & organizations, such as the U.S. Navy, shipyards, etc. In some cases the discount will be 50% or more depending on what you purchase. 1 This opportunity, at West Marine, may be valuable enough for you to hold back a few dollars over the holidays in order to buy that special marine equipment and/or supplies on the 20th of Jan? Think Gift Card now, purchase later at a discounted price. 2 Your friends will be welcomed at this event, however, please note, only card members of SBCC and OPCYC will be eligible for the discounted rate. 3 U MUST BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARDS TO PARTAKE... For more details feel free to contact John Scott at flyingblueyes@hotmail.com or CLUB PHOTOS WANTED FOR DVD Jean Brzozowski is putting together a totally AWESOME 2015 OPCYC and Back-in-the-Day DVD to be distributed at the Commodore s Ball and picked-up at the Clubhouse SHE NEEDS YOUR PHOTOS Please submit any photos you may have that pertain to your boating and/or OPCYC activities to: jmbrz132@gmail.com

13 The Helmsman Page 13 Cruising Chronicles June O Brien - Fleet R/C Andrea Berndt - Fleet Captain Closing out the year, we ran into fellow Pointers Greg and Joan Conover, who sailed their Morgan 51 Growltiger down to the Caribbean with the Salty Dog Rally. They left 3 November with a crew of 6 plus 3 dogs, experiencing a passage that required endurance, ingenuity, and perseverance. 2 days out they lost the freezer, but fortunately had an ample stock of canned goods and other food supplies to tide them over.then weather became an issue when Tropical Storm Kate developed, and their course became a hard zig-zig to skirt around problem areas.mechanical issues began when a high wind whipped the boom across and a fitting broke under load. Subsequent rigging issues developed with a cascade of events resulting in the need to motor rather than sail, while it also appeared that the mast had developed a v-shaped crack in it. Not to be outdone, the autopilot got into the act and began steering the boat in s curves rather than holding a course. After doing a series of computations regarding fuel consumption, remaining fuel and distance to be traveled, they determined that they would run out of fuel with 300 miles remaining. Incredibly resourceful and relying on their single side band radio and satellite phone, they tapped Seven Seas Cruising Association contacts who alerted the US Coast Guard, and helped line up a fuel transfer at sea from a freighter in the vicinity. It was an interesting proposition at best, involving multilingual communication and a myriad of logistical issues associated with a sailboat alongside a large cargo ship, but they got the job done. Battered and bruised, they made it safely to St Thomas and into a boat yard for repairs.fortunately the damage was not as bad as it initially seemed, as the crack in the mast turned out to be a stream of lubricant from the halyard sheave. Repairs complete, they are currently cruising thebritish Virgin Islands and off on the next hopefully uneventful adventure. I think we can all agree, no two ways about it, passage-making is not for the faint of heart. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and looking forward to cruising with OPCYC when we return in May.

14 The Helmsman Page Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Board of Officers Commodore Bob Killebrew Vice-Commodore Eileen Turner Rear Commodore Fleet June O Brien SVLadyElla@aol.com Rear Commodore Logistics J.D. Hay TheClanHay@gmail.com Rear Commodore Racing Mark Wolfe WolfeSail@gmail.com Rear Commodore Training Barry Creighton barry937@cox.net Treasurer Pixie Killebrew Pixie.Killebrew@gmail.com Secretary Carol Morris Membership@opcyc.org Captain - Fleet Andrea Berndt aberndt@cox.net Captain - Logistics John Scott FlyingBluEyes@hotmail.com Captain - Racing Keith Barber boomer630@cox.net Captain - Training Jeff Rogers (7th PC) jeff.halaha@gmail.com Lieutenant - Logistics George Greene GeorgeCGreene@cox.net Webmaster Anne Racel Webmaster@opcyc.org Helmsman Editor Sandie Hay Helmsman@opcyc.org 1 st Past Commodore Curt Morris C.Morris@charter.net 2 nd Mark Brzozowski Mski132@gmail.com Historian Bob Williamson sunlion61@msn.com Public Affairs Officer Rick Strong StrongFW@cox.net Fleet Surgeon Sue Harvey sue.worbois@gmail.com Member at Large Ron Leta RonWLeta@gmail.com Member at Large Mark Radler M.Radler@verizon.net Member at Large (Sea Scouts) Patsy Tiemsen pacita.i.tiemsin@nasa.gov Sea Scout Leader Norm Effinger nte@cox.net

15 Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Post Office Box 3369 Hampton, Virginia