a little dinghy From Your Commodore Special Interest Articles: Individual Highlights: Gold Country Yacht Club

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1 August 2010 Volume 32, Issue 8 Special Interest Articles: Captains in the Gulf Fleet 54 Up the Napa River Individual Highlights: From Your Commodore 1 Fleet 54 2 Up the Napa River 4 July Minutes 5 Classifieds 7 Gold Country Yacht Club From Your Commodore Ahoy Crew, I hope everyone's summer is going well and your all able to sneak in some play time on the water or wherever your play time takes you. We had a light turn out at the July meeting, but considering it's the height of vacation season, that's OK. For those of you that were not in attendance I want to give everyone an update on our members in the field. Members Ed Guinaugh and Greg Booth have been hired on as captains on some oil skimmer boats in the Gulf of Mexico. They have been keeping me updated on the BP oil spill from their different locations around the gulf. It seems to be slow going, and involve a lot of standby time (probably waiting for some bureaucrat to stroke his pen). I'm just proud to have a couple of our GCYC captains down there making a difference. I'm sure we will get a first hand report when they return to gold country life here in the foothills. While the boys in the gulf are busy standing by, the first lady and commodore managed to get away ourselves. We spent a couple of days in the Lake Tahoe area taking in the sites and food and beverages. No matter where we go we're always looking for the water and the boats. When you have the love of the water and boats you just can't get enough. I'm first a sailor but I have a love for boats and all things nautical. That takes us to all of the maritime museums we can find. During this quick trip to Tahoe we did a tour of the Thunderbird Lodge. If you know Tahoe you have to have heard of the Thunderbird. It's a 55' woody that's been around the lake since the 30s and she's a beauty. The Tahoe historical society BP Oil Skimmer has taken over the Thunderbird Lodge and the Thunderbird. They have tours daily and you won't be disappointed. Since I can't get enough of nautical, on the second day we road our bicycles from Sunnyside on the west shore to Homewood. They have a maritime museum there dedicated to Lake Tahoe's history of boating. This is where the woody's have lived since as far back as the turn of the century. They have a great display of wooden Chris Crafts and Garwoods. They also have the best display of antique outboard motors I've seen. If you have the time I highly recommend a stop at the Tahoe Maritime Museum. Let's get back to vacationing! It just so happens that we're going to get out of town ourselves for ten day's of R&R so I'll be turning over the helm for the August meeting and I will catch up with everyone in September. Fair Winds, Amigos! Joe Day, Commodore Gold Country Yacht Club S/V Daydreams, Pearson 38 S/V Mental Floss, Catalina 22

2 At Our Helm Commodore Joe Day Vice Commodore Chris Buti Secretary Janis Johnson Page 2 of 8 Treasurer Jean Cutshall jean.cutshall@yahoo.com Cruise Chairman Doug Epperson Publicity/Membership Melinda Day solisday@yahoo.com Port Captain David Niedziejko wbuti@yahoo.com Race Chairman Jerry Lewis jml@usamedia.tv Newsletter Editor Ken Neely ken@wingandwing.net Sailing Education Don Hare donhare@surewest.net Thunderbird Lodge FLEET 54 WHERE ARE YOU? By Lynn Buchanan The Tahoe Maritime Museum Hi everyone! Fleet 54 has been busy and growing (14 boats). This year two boats traveled to Fleet 4 s sailing waters at Folsom Lake for the 44 th annual Camellia Cup Regatta. Don Hare in No Cat Hare #457 and yours truly Lynn Buchanan in Sailynn #2431 raced four races on Saturday. The scheduled Sunday racing was cancelled due to very high winds. Don took 1 st place in the Catalina 22 Fleet. The full results are available at The best part of the regatta for me was we hooked up again with Fleet 4 members Dave and Lynette Strain of Salsa Verde #138. We told them about wanting a newer model C22 for cruising (not racing) at Lake Pleasant, AZ where we spend our winters with Fleet 14. Dave and Lynette knew just the boat for us. Within weeks we were the proud new to us owners of newly named Catalina 22, Blink # With new tires, curtains, cushions, some hardware and lots of elbow grease, she will be a Bristol vessel. That brings us to the next part of Fleet 54 being busy. Fleet 54 members hosted the Catalina 22 Region 10 Regatta at Scotts Flat Lake during the 29 th annual Go For The Gold Regatta June 5 th and 6th. Doug Epperson Myott #1512, with tongs in hand, served over 100 BBQ dinners to the Regatta crowd. Again, Don Hare, with his seasoned crew Bismarck Dinius who owns C22 Bismarck s Revenge took home the First Place Chest of Gold and Region 10 Perpetual Trophy. Results are available at Don Hare, Vice-Commodore Chris Buti and Bismarck Dinius

3 Page 3 of 8 Fleet 54 (cont.) At this regatta, Don Hare was unanimously elected the next Catalina 22 Region 10 Commodore. I was elected Fleet 54 Captain, Wayne Buti Trouble #1928 was elected Fleet 54 Measurer, and Doug Epperson was elected Fleet 54 Sec/Treasurer Fleet 54 added two more C22 s in June with the purchase by Gary and Lynn Lind, new to them Pour Riem #5760, and Bryant and Carol Cockcroft, new to them Frayed Knot # Gary and Lynn needed a dining table to finish off the interior. I put the word out about their need for a table, and thanks to the Strains of Fleet 4, they received a donated table. The Cockcroft boat came loaded and was ready to go with a few adjustments. Several of Fleet 54 members donated their time and boats for a community service project with our local non-profit Friendship Club. The sailing was followed by a group BBQ and free t-shirts donated by the National Women s Sailing Foundation Adventure Sail Program. I m working (in my mind) on a Fleet 54 get together called Pimp My Cat. No not the feline kind, the sailing kind. I got the idea from the Fleet 4 newsletter. Fleet 54 members get together with their boats at Scotts Flat Lake and display improvements and upgrades they have made to their Catalina 22 s, to improve it for cruising or racing. Awards will be made for the most and best Pimping. This event will be in Sept. so everyone can go away with ideas for winter projects. I want to close by showing you a picture of Raymond Woods, one of the founders of the Gold Country Yacht Club and Fleet 54 at Scotts Flat Lake and me. Lynn Buchanan with mentor and Club founder Ray Woods Ray is in his early 80 s and unable to sail due to health reasons. Ray passed on his much-loved C22 RaysArk to his old crewmember, Mike Riley. Every time I think of Fleet 54 and the Gold Country Yacht Club, I think of Ray and what a great mentor he is to Dale and me. Ray convinced Dale and I to sell our first sailboat and buy a Catalina 22. We are now on our 3 rd and 4 th C22 over a period of 23 years. With that I want to close with a grateful THANK YOU, Ray Woods for introducing us to the C22 camaraderie! A Catalina 22 Lynn Buchanan Fleet 54 Captain #2431 Sailynn #11994 Blink

4 Page 4 of 8 Kuani goes to Napa By Janis Johnson, excerpted from wingandwing.com As we neared the bridge, my heart started to race: I wasn t sure that Kuani s masts were going to clear the deck. There is something quaintly romantic, sometimes even dramatic, about navigating a boat on a river, something that evokes nostalgic yearnings. Rivers are the life blood of the planet, vital green arteries coursing through the musculature of the earth, nurturing the land in some seasons and ravaging it in others. For humanity, rivers have endured as avenues of discovery and conquest, sources of abundance and destruction, and havens of contemplation and inspiration. It is no wonder that writers throughout the centuries have woven tales starring rivers as main characters. Until our trip up the Napa River, I had only been down a river in a boat, a boat equipped with only paddles or oars for steerage. I had never been on a vessel navigating in the counter-current direction, an effort that requires much more than paddles; it means having a reliable motor. And, despite our efforts, that s something that we don t have yet onboard Kuani. After replacing cooling hoses and the fuel filter, we discovered that the engine would sputter and die, especially when idling. By pumping the manual fuel pump, we could bring the RPMs back up and keep the motor from dying. However, this action requires the grand piano sized engine hatch, which happens to be the salon cabin sole, to remain open, effectively rendering everything forward of the companionway inaccessible. Knowing that the existing fuel in the tank is least three years old and assuming that it most likely came from Central America where fuel quality is reportedly less than primo, Ken decided to have the fuel polished and an inspection port installed on the tank. Nathan from MarineLube came out to clean the tank and polish the fuel; $500 later, he assured us that we have sparkling diesel onboard. With the anchor ready to set in case of engine failure, we set out from Richmond to the Napa Valley Marina, where Kuani would be hauled for bottom work and where we would enter a new chapter in our relationship with our boat. We timed our departure so that we would reach the Napa River during a 4.6 flood tide. Captain Ken called the boat yard to remind them of our scheduled haulout for which he found they had no record. The boat yard office stressed that we needed to arrive by 4pm to meet the day s haulout deadline; otherwise we would have to wait until Monday. We decided to go for it. Ken estimated we would be there by 3:30pm. With a sense of nervous anticipation, we pulled up the dock lines and headed out of Marina Bay. Shortly into the trip, Ken noticed a small cooling line leak, which he promptly addressed. Five minutes later I opened the engine hatch to discover a steady stream of water squirting from the gasket of the main heat exchanger. Not daring to stop, we kept an eye on the exhaust to make sure water continued to circulate through the system, and I triggered the manual bilge switch every 15 minutes or so. A couple hours into our journey Ken noticed the RPMs periodically dropped from 2000 to 1800 to By jiggling the throttle, the engine would recover and we would climb back up to cruising speed (about 8 knots). With our fingers crossed (but also ready for action), we were doing what we could to coax Kuani along to an important destination. Finally, we rounded Mare Island and headed north up the channel towards the mouth of the Napa River. I called the bridge tender for the Mare Island Bridge and notified him of our passage. He replied that he would raise the drawbridge when he got a fix on us. We motored along, steering ever closer to the bridge and waiting for the ascent of the bridge deck. A hundred yards from the bridge, we had to abort our planned undercrossing, as the bridge remained unmoved. Ken called the bridge tender again, who then began raising the drawbridge. Like a railroad crossing, bells rang out as the final cars passed over the water. Slowly, the bridge deck lifted and we headed toward the crossing. As we neared the bridge, my heart started to race: I wasn t sure that Kuani s masts were going to clear the deck. I stood on the bow trying to compare the height of the main mast with that of the bridge (a difficult estimation from that angle). Luckily, the deck continued to rise, and we scooted underneath as I cheered jubilantly and Ken s blood pressure returned to normal. We continued past the next two landmarks: the Highway 37 bridge and a set of high power lines. The next landmark proved to be our undoing. Continued at

5 Page 5 of 8 July's General Meeting Minutes The Commodore called the meeting called to order at 7:19pm. Commodore (Joe Day): The raffle tonight is for a decorative Fair Winds and Following Seas placard. We had a great regatta this year even though the number of boats was down from last year. A lot of fun was had. The regatta was the site for the West Regional races for Catalina 22s and Sunfish. Don Hare won the Cat 22 regional competition. Thanks to Jerry Lewis for all he did: the race committee and getting a great band for the party (now the clubhouse has a bandstand too!). Also thanks to Jerry Cirino for handling the BBQ. The board met after the regatta to debrief and come up with ideas to improve future regattas. The June Junior Sailing program was so popular that Lynn Buchanan and Don Hare are putting on a second class this week. Eight students are enrolled in this class. And there is interest in next year s class. Friendship Club day was at the end of June and Lynn Buchanan reported Adventure Sail donated T-shirts to the girls. Thanks to all the volunteers who came to take girls sailing and BBQ afterwards. We had six boats skippered by Bryant Cockcroft, David Niedziejko, Jerry Lewis, Hugh Talman, Lynn Buchanan, and Joe Day. It was like Master and Commander Scotts Flat Lake style with all the water fights that took place. A couple of club members are participating in cleanup efforts of the BP oil spill: Ed Guinaugh and Greg Booth are skippering skim boat/barges and Joseph Day may be going too. The club s aluminum skiff was stolen from the clubhouse, as was David Niedziejko s battery. Joseph Day s motorcycle was also stolen from the area. Reports have been filed with the sheriff s department. Remember to lock up your stuff! Joe introduced the guests and new members present: Seth Schmerzler and Leslie Deutsch, first year members who came to a meeting earlier this year Don MacKay, a Nevada County native who after years away from sailing was inspired to sign up his son for the Junior Sailing class Steve and Laurie Ells, who are returning members Jennifer Barrett, who moved here from New York City where she sailed a Venture 21 and a Lightning on the Hudson River Alan Clapham, a long-time sailor from Capetown who has sailed, cruised and raced all over the world and who now lives in Yuba City. Sibby and her daughter, Carly, who is in the current Junior Sailing class. Vice-Commodore (Chris Buti): Chris is on vacation, so no VC report was given. Secretary (Janis Johnson): Janis announced recent correspondence received: a thank you card from the Friendship Club, an invitation from Sausalito Cruising Club extending privileges to GCYC members, and a brochure from The Maritime Studies Program of Williams College & Mystic Seaport. The club s aluminum skiff was stolen from the clubhouse, as was David Niedziejko s battery. Remember to lock up your stuff at the lake! The club has gained several new members through the Junior Sailing program. Treasurer (Jean Cutshall): Jean was out of town, so Janis presented her report, including regatta proceeds and the club s bank balance. If anyone has receipts for regatta expenses that they have not turned in, please give them to Jean as soon as possible so she can finalize the regatta s books. Membership/Publicity (Melinda Day): Melinda was not present, so no report was given.

6 Page 6 of 8 Race Chairman (Jerry Lewis): The regatta went pretty smoothly, other than having to switch committee boats on Saturday morning, which required some last minute construction on the dock. Unfortunately, Latitude 38 misreported the results. No one (besides him) showed up for the last club race even though there were 4 to 5 boats at the previous race. He will be going to the Huntington Lake race this coming weekend with Jeremy Gicker and Rick Paulson. David N. suggested that club racers invite the junior sailing students to crew in club races. Port Captain (David Niedziejko): David would like to get keys or lock combinations for those members whose dinghies are at the dinghy dock, so that he can work on the dock. Several ideas were suggested to better identify the dock for GCYC members only, including better signage, GCYC stickers on members dinghies, and impounding non-members boats. Nicki Talman mentioned that the dinghy dock stairs are treacherous. Joe Day said he would like to schedule a work party to finish the dock and improve the stairs. Cruise Director (Doug Epperson): Lake Oroville is down only 55 feet from the high water line. They have been up there about 4 times and have enjoyed good wind. He will be headed there July 24 th weekend if you d like to join him. He is also scheduling a Lake Tahoe cruise the weekend of August 21 st. He s planning on launching at Meeks Bay and visiting Emerald Bay. Next summer, they will be trailering their boat to the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia (the northern end of Hwy 1). Bryant Cockcroft offered his house in Sunnyside if people want to drop their trailers there during the Lake Tahoe cruise weekend and discussion ensued about launching near there. Educational Director (Don Hare): There were 14 students in the first Junior Sailing class this summer; he has 8 in the current class. Thanks to Lynn and Dale Buchanan and Don MacKay for helping out. A number of the Sunfish need repairs and new rudders. Joe Day asked Don to put together a wish list for the board s approval. Don would like to see a junior class entry in next year s regatta and have students participate in club races. Newsletter Editor (Ken Neely): Due to the secretary s dead hard drive, the July newsletter went out a little late. But it should be on the website, so check it out. Old Business: Ken and Janis 42-ft ketch is now in the Napa Valley boatyard where they are spending weekends working on her. If you d like to help out, please contact them. New Business: Lynn B announced that Catalina 22 Fleet 54 will be holding an upcoming Pimp my Boat Day, where you can show off improvements you ve made to your boat, enjoy the lake and BBQ. Don participated in a Cat 22 race with youth skippers and would like to do this next year. The raffle was held and Teresa Gaman won. Joe reminded members of the July 17 Scotts Flat Lake raft-up and the July 21 beer can race. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm. July's General Meeting Minutes (cont.) The Tahoe Thunderbird Kuani waits to be hauled in Napa

7 Page 7 of 8 Kuani in the Napa Valley Marina Boat Yard Classifieds Blown Away heads up-lake Upcoming events: August 4 - Beer can race August 11 General meeting August 14 Club race #9 August 18 Beer can race August 21 Raft up August 29 Club race #10 All events at SFL 14 ft Laser for sale. Good/fast former racer. light blue. 70's style wood board and kick-up rudder. Sail is used but still has good shape for racing. $1000 or o.b.o. Also for sale: Hobie 16. has full cover, new tramp, 2 sets sails, beaching wheels, double trapeze rigged, and trailer. $800 o.b.o. Please contact Seth at Dreaming of a Beach Get-Away? Here is your opportunity! This is a two bedroom/two bath house on the beach in a quiet neighborhood. Take your coffee to the beach-side patio that overlooks the ocean, where you can sit while watching the dolphins play in the surf and the sun setting over the horizon. Safely tucked away on the coast of South Ensenada is a wonderful gated ranch community called Corona Beach. The house sleeps 8+; a queen bed in the master bedroom, bunk beds in the second bedroom, a Murphy bed in the living room, along with two futons. There is a full kitchen, dining room seating for 6 and two full baths. $75/night or $500 per week, plus a $300 deposit refunded after keys are returned and house inspected for damages. The neighbors are mostly from the U.S. and everyone speaks English. The management of the park is very friendly and helpful. 24 hour security is provided. No motorcycles allowed in the park. The famous La Bufadora blow hole is 30 minutes away. ***There is an additional $20 per night parking and security fee you will be responsible for paying directly to the management of the park. Questions and availability call Howard or Donna Hendrich at (530)

8 Page 8 of 8 Gold Country Yacht Club PO Box 813 Grass Valley, CA PHONE: Classifieds (cont.) Crealock-designed 1970 Ericson 26 (Hull 184) w/ twin axle trailer (electric brakes, spare tire). Low hour 8 hp Yamaha long shaft outboard with cockpit remote control and key start, depth sounder, compass. Upholstery in great shape, V-berth, vanity sink, portable head, galley sink, camp stove, icebox, saloon table, ship's bell, and quarter-berth (sleeps five), 12v electric system for key start motor, cabin lights, running lights and instrument lights. Has 25 gallon water tank (not plumbed). Comes with safety gear, three sails (main, 130 genoa and small jib with covers for main and genoa), swim ladder, Bruce bow anchor with 150' rode, Danforth anchor with 150' rode, Sevylor inflatable dinghy with oars. Asking $6000 contact ken@wingandwing.net or call joe.day@sbcglobal.net On the Web See us at: GOLD COUNTRY YACHT CLUB PO Box 813 Grass Valley, CA 95945