The Helmsman. Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Commodore s Log. Eileen Turner

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The Helmsman Old Point Comfort Yacht Club www.opcyc.

The saga about the list of work to do on a boat is that the list never gets shorter because as soon as we get a chore finished there is another one or more that needs to be taken care of.

1 The Helmsman Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Commodore s Log Eileen Turner By this time some of us have been down to our boats and making lists of all the work we want to get done in the next month or so. The saga about the list of work to do on a boat is that the list never gets shorter because as soon as we get a chore finished there is another one or more that needs to be taken care of. Nevertheless, we we love being on them, be it for a race, a cruise or just chilling in the slip. As we prepare to do more on our boats, including the veritable Spring cleaning and emptying of dock boxes or rescuing items from winter storage in the garages, we invariably find all kinds of stuff that we no longer need or want. Good news is that OPCYC has a wonderful way for you get rid of it. Come to our Marine Dock Sale on Saturday, April 15, at the Clubhouse. While at the end of the sale most of us go home with the same amount of items, that likely is because we have sold some of ours and in turn bought a treasure from another member. Read more about this event in the Helmsman. Also plan to come to our upcoming Membership meeting on Wednesday, April 19, at the Crab Shack and watch a beautiful sunset over the James River while sharing social time and good food with fellow Pointers. Hope you have made your reservation for the Memorial Day Weekend Cruise to Cape Charles. If for any reason you can t come by water, this event is easily accessible via land yacht. It is fun no matter how you get there. Be sure to check the Cruising column in this edition for more information about our first cruise of the season, and all the many others we have planned for Summer and into Fall. On April 1, we begin our Racing program. RC Tim Etherington has all the details you want to know about the racing schedule and how to participate, whether you are a skipper or want to join up on a boat as crew. Racing is the best way to learn how to optimize your sailing skill; and it is also a good chance for our power boat members to spend some more time on the water as crew or Race Committee. April is the last month of our PMU classes, including one about Boat Handling on the Water. Look for Dean Barry s s every Tuesday. It feels wonderful to be so close to warmer weather when we can be out on the water more often. I m looking forward to seeing you soon. April 2017 Volume 10, Issue 4 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 Upcoming Events Team Logistics Secretary s Desk Cruising Chronicles Racing News PMU Board of Officers For inquiries or submissions for The Helmsman, please contact: Sandie 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.

The Helmsman Page 2 Saturday 01 APR 2017 Saturday 08 APR 2017 Wednesday 12 APR 2017 Upcoming

2017 Saturday 06 MAY 2017 PMU @ the OPCYC Clubhouse 0930-1200 PMU @ the OPCYC Clubhouse

Mtg @ The Crab Shack - 1830 PMU @ the OPCYC Clubhouse 0930-1200 Helmsman and PAO Submissions Due

The Crab Shack at the James River Bridge Come enjoy great food, even better sunsets and EVEN

2 The Helmsman Page 2 Saturday 01 APR 2017 Saturday 08 APR 2017 Wednesday 12 APR 2017 Upcoming OPCYC Events Saturday 15 APR 2017 Wednesday 19 APR 2017 Saturday 22 APR 2017 Thursday 27 APR 2017 Saturday 06 MAY 2017 the OPCYC Clubhouse the OPCYC Clubhouse BOO Meeting OPCYC 1830 Swap & Shop OPCYC Clubhouse Membership The Crab Shack the OPCYC Clubhouse Helmsman and PAO Submissions Due OPCYC Derby Day Team Logistics John Scott - Rear Commodore George Greene - Lieutenant April Membership Meeting April 19, 6:30 p.m. The Crab Shack at the James River Bridge Come enjoy great food, even better sunsets and EVEN better camaraderie with fellow Pointers at one of our favorite venues 15% Gratuity will be added automatically. RSVP by April 14th to Capt. John - flyingblueyes@hotmail.com so he may give the courtesy of a notification to The Crab Shack of diners attending.

The Helmsman Page 3 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY Saturday, May 6 @ 5:00p.m. OPCYC Clubhouse Come enjoy the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 5p.m. at the Clubhouse This year features a strong field and proves to be another fantastic race.

will be judged by the three newest members of the Club present, so deck your hats for a fun night OPCYC Name Tags Curt Morris 2nd Past Commodore Applicants for Old Point

00 annual dues (includes purchase of a club burgee), and an additional $8.00 for each tag ordered.

00 each by sending a check to OPCYC, PO Box 3369, Hampton, VA 23663. The check should show it is for name tags. In addition, members must send an e-mail to membership@opcyc.

3 The Helmsman Page 3 KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY Saturday, May 5:00p.m. OPCYC Clubhouse Come enjoy the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 5p.m. at the Clubhouse This year features a strong field and proves to be another fantastic race. Scout your favorite horse for the pool and Ladies and Gents let's dress for the day in your Derby best Best Derby Hat contest will kick off the event while sipping traditional Mint Juleps. If you are game, bring your favorite Derby fare to share Burgoo, Hot Browns, Chess Pie or Bourbon Balls but as always, expect some fantastic covered dishes The Hat Contest will be judged by the three newest members of the Club present, so deck your hats for a fun night OPCYC Name Tags Curt Morris 2nd Past Commodore Applicants for Old Point Comfort Yacht Club membership can order a name tag on their membership application by writing a check to cover the $ annual dues (includes purchase of a club burgee), and an additional $8.00 for each tag ordered. The application with check should be sent to OPCYC, PO Box 3369, Hampton, VA Current OPCYC members can order name tags at $8.00 each by sending a check to OPCYC, PO Box 3369, Hampton, VA The check should show it is for name tags. In addition, members must send an to membership@opcyc.org. The should include first and last name of the member(s) e.g., Jim and Jane Doe plus, the type and name of vessel (if any) owned/crewed, e.g., s/v Minnow, m/v Sparrow. When the tag(s) are received from the supplier in about two weeks, they will be placed on the refrigerator at the Club House. Tags can be picked up during a club activity. However, name tags will be mailed ONLY to members living outside the Tidewater /Southern Bay area.

4 The Helmsman Page 4 SWAP & SHOP Marine Dock Sale Saturday, April OPCYC CLUBHOUSE Bring your nautical items for SALE or TRADE The Club has limited tables for use First Come/First Serve or please, bring your own table.

5 The Helmsman Page 5 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 James Buttles & Maggie Morgan live on Ft. Monroe. They do not currently have a boat but plan on getting one. Jim & Tallie Powell hail from Virginia Beach. They have a President Sun Deck 37, Dawn to Dusk. Why is my Name not included in the printed Club Calendar/Directory? If you picked up a copy of the 2017 OPCYC Calendar/Directory at one of our club events, and you didn t see your name included, it s because we don t have a record that you renewed your membership before we went to press in January. Invoices were snail-mailed in late August and membership for 2016 ended September 30. The new fiscal/membership year always begins on October 1. You still can renew and not miss out on the 2017 boating season events. Just send a $40 check to: OPCYC Box 3369 Hampton, VA Any questions, me at: membership@opcyc.org

6 The Helmsman Page 6 Cruising Chronicles Jean Brzozowski - Fleet Rear Commodore Michael Turner - Fleet Captain

The Helmsman Page 7 May 20 May 27 May 29 - June 11 July 1-3 July 4 July 29 August 6-12 September 2-8 Sept 16-22 Oct 7-13 OPCYC Float Plan for 2017 Blessing of the

River Yacht Haven Fourth at the Fort - Return to Fort Monroe for Party/ Fireworks Baseball Cruise - Tidewater Marine Center, Portsmouth Bring the ( Grand) Kids

7 The Helmsman Page 7 May 20 May 27 May 29 - June 11 July 1-3 July 4 July 29 August 6-12 September 2-8 Sept Oct 7-13 OPCYC Float Plan for 2017 Blessing of the Fleet and Sock Burning Party Memorial Day Beach Party Cruise - Cape Charles Town Harbor Oxbridge Cruise - Oxford and Cambridge, MD Fourth of July Cruise - York River Yacht Haven Fourth at the Fort - Return to Fort Monroe for Party/ Fireworks Baseball Cruise - Tidewater Marine Center, Portsmouth Bring the ( Grand) Kids Cruise - Deltaville and Tides Inn Rivah Cruise - Mobjack Bay and beyond Early Bird Down the Ditch Cruise - Dismal Swamp Columbus Day Discovery Cruise - Where the wind blows

8 The Helmsman Page 8 READY FOR AN ADVENTURE? HOW ABOUT OXBRIDGE? S/V MERLIN and S/V CREW REST are cooking one up just for you Some of our friends have expressed an interest in exploring the beautiful cruising grounds of the mid-bay. Well.that s just what we are going to do This is a follow-on cruise from the Cape Charles extravaganza over Memorial Day northbound to the beautiful Choptank River on Maryland s Eastern Shore. (Actually, don t go looking for Oxbridge on the charts but we do intend to make stops in St. Michaels, Oxford and Cambridge). This will be a cruiser s cruise, with a mix of yacht club/marina stops and nights at anchor. It will be appropriate to bring your dinghy. Of course, we will NOT push the weather but if everything were perfect we would move this quickly: 29 May Depart Cape Charles for Mill Creek on the Great Wicomico (anchor) 30 May Depart Mill Creek for Solomons Island (marina or anchor) 31 May Depart Solomons for San Domingo Creek (anchor dinghy into St. Michaels through the back door ). 01 June Afternoon departure for Oxford (Tred Avon YC/marina/at anchor) 02 June Depart Oxford for LaTrappe Creek (anchor inside Martin Point) 03 June Depart LaTrappe Creek for Cambridge (Cambridge Yacht Club) 04 June Depart Cambridge for Trippe Creek (anchor Tred Avon River) 05 June Depart Cambridge Trippe Creek for.. This itinerary provides alternatives (one night on anchor, next night ashore (if desired)), and once we cross the Potomac Ocean, the passages are short. The towns/villages of Solomons, St. Michaels, Oxford and Cambridge all have sights to see and provisioning opportunities within easy dinghy/ walking distance. Please make your intentions known as soon as you can. THIS WILL BE FUN SIGN-UPS on the OPCYC website/cruising Signed up so far: Crew Rest, Merlin, Starchaser, Damn Yankee, Cats Paws, Graduation.

9 The Helmsman Page 9 Racing News Tim Etherington - Racing Rear Commodore Ken Damon Racing Captain What a great weekend to be out on the water. Jonathan Romero, Mike and Andrea Berndt, John Blais, and I helped out the Hampton University sailing team as the race committee as the Pirates hosted the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association Open race. Hampton University (Team 1) won the two-day regatta and the other teams in order of finish are: George Washington University, UVA, Virginia Tech (Team 2), Virginia Tech (Team 1), Washington College, Villanova, Stony Brook, HU (Team 2), Rutgers, and Penn State. There are some great video shots online, some even from an overhead drone. The first two weekends in April we will be covering racing topics at PMU. I hope that doesn t scare most of you away for a few reasons. I promise to keep them fun and who doesn t want to know how to make their boat go a little faster or to sail more efficiently. The most important reason is to pick up a few pointers for the Tri-Service Cup. At the end, I hope we can have an open discussion about the future of the racing program at OPCYC. On April 8 from 6 pm until the beer is gone, Spinsheet will be holding a crew listing party at Marker 20. The party is designed to help crew and skippers find each other in a fun setting. Did I mention there is a free keg of beer? Karen and I hope to attend. If you are looking for crew this season but can t attend, let me know. Southern Bay Race Week is being held June 1 June 4, the same weekend as the Blackbeard s Festival. Early bird entry deadline is Sunday April 30 th. To get the $15 discount and 10 drink tickets go to and click on the Southern Bay Race week for information and to register. Finally, in May, we will kick off our 25 th Anniversary Racing Season. We have four internal races scheduled and will include four larger cup races, Veteran s Cup, Tri-Service Cup, Round the Lights, and new this year the Founders Cup. All the race information is posted online and we have online registration for the Yankee Station Regatta. We are the organizing authority for a Mid-Atlantic Sunfish Regional for the third year in a row. This race is a qualifier for the Sunfish Worlds. I can arrange a boat if anyone is interested in racing, but we also need help for Race Committee. We will be running eight races near Hampton Flats over May 6 and May 7. Registration is available on-line. This is a fun race and even though some of the competition is pretty good, it is still pretty laid back. Yankee Station Regatta racing starts on Saturday, May 13 with a Pointer Rally. We will hold the first race in the Hampton Flats area and will be holding multiple races around drop marks. This race format allows practice on multiple starts and maximizes crew coordination and boat handling. I am looking forward to having a great day on the water. We have some volunteers for the Race Committee boats but still looking for more people. We need volunteers as well for helping run races. No prior experience is needed and it can be a great way to spend some time on the water. Although I have been having a great time sailing the Sunfish this winter, I am looking forward to getting Wine Down back under sail. I am hoping to get out at least one evening now that the time has changed. If anyone wants to go out sailing, give me a call. Our first cruise is over to Cape Charles. Let s all have a great time.

The Helmsman Page 10 Pointer MaritimeUniversity Barry Creighton Rear

IT Well that pretty much sums up our March Pointer Maritime University

classes: We satiated the dreamers among us the first week thanks to

of their younger years punctuated by the invincibility of youth and

With not much more than a chart, a compass, and a lead line they

untie our lines. Then a road trip. Can you imagine having a PhD.

Well we found the mother-load of marine science experts at the

This is a would-class center of research into all things aquatic and

10 The Helmsman Page 10 Pointer MaritimeUniversity Barry Creighton Rear Commodore Jeff Rogers Dean Emeritus DONE IT ~ PLAN IT ~ LEARN IT ~ DO IT Well that pretty much sums up our March Pointer Maritime University (PMU) activities--certainly an interesting and diverse series of classes: We satiated the dreamers among us the first week thanks to the Roberts as Carole and Wayne recounted the around the world passage of their younger years punctuated by the invincibility of youth and the reality of nature. With not much more than a chart, a compass, and a lead line they ventured around the big world--while some of today are too timid to untie our lines. Then a road trip. Can you imagine having a PhD. in fish poop? Well we found the mother-load of marine science experts at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester. This is a would-class center of research into all things aquatic and we were treated to a first-rate orientation and tour of the operating laboratories. Next, we transitioned to potential future cruises as we explored favorite gunk holes, marinas, and yacht clubs in our "local" area--from the head of the Chesapeake Bay to Oriental, NC. It was a great interchange with information sharing and valued recommendations. PMU continued on page 10

The Helmsman Page 11 Pointer MaritimeUniversity PMU continued from page 9 On to the practical We rounded out the month with s o m e h a n d s - o n s k i l l - - resurrecting the "dead-dinghy".

It's all about fiberglass and gel coat repair, nitrite gloves, and the willingness to go after it.

Gracious--we are face on to April and the end of the 2017 semester -- we will go out with a bang. The first two Saturdays will be dedicated to sail racing.

11 The Helmsman Page 11 Pointer MaritimeUniversity PMU continued from page 9 On to the practical We rounded out the month with s o m e h a n d s - o n s k i l l - - resurrecting the "dead-dinghy". As the Dean Emeritus insists, "there are no fatal errors in fiberglass repair--just grind it down and do it again". Pretty big challenges here--start with a piece of junk and make it float. It's all about fiberglass and gel coat repair, nitrite gloves, and the willingness to go after it. Yep, those are fingers poking through holes in the hull that were repaired to make this sucker float again. Gracious--we are face on to April and the end of the 2017 semester -- we will go out with a bang. The first two Saturdays will be dedicated to sail racing. But rest assured, surplus testosterone is not a prerequisite for these classes. There will be something for everyone including those folks who wish to enjoy the experience of race committee responsibilities. On 15 April, we will all enjoy the chance to sell our junk and buy somebody else's. That's right--a nautical white elephant sale. Bring your spare bilge pump and exchange it for a VHF radio--imagine the possibilities. I just might find my car in my garage again. It will be a hoot Finally, we will dedicate our last class to marina boat handling. cooperates, we will do this on the water--more details to follow. Are we having fun yet? I am Barry If the weather

12 The Helmsman Page 12 How to Ensure Receipt of The HELMSMAN and other Club News If you are a renewing member and 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 General Club Mailing List link in the right-hand brown section Enter your name and address in the blanks. Select in which format you wish to receive s. Click the Subscribe button You will receive a confirmation . Be sure to open it and follow the link provided. 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. Note: Member spouses or partners, can add his/her address to our list(s) as well by also following these same instructions. That way, he/she will receive his/her own notifications of club events/activities. How to Update Your Profile Information on the OPCYC Website 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. You'll also need to update your profile information on the website (in case you lose your password). To do this: click on on the Login link at the top right click Reset Your Password tab and enter you address click Submit You will receive an that gives a temporary password. Return to the website and enter your firstname(dot)lastname (example: john.doe) Use the temporary password Anne Racel, Webmaster You'll see a new link - My Account where the Login link was on the upper right. Click on that. Select the Edit tab and modify your information. You can also add a picture of yourself Be sure to hit Submit at the bottom of the page. The information won t be stored until you do. The profile will only accommodate one boat owner s information, i.e., a joint owner should not enter a profile. Should you have difficulty after following either one of these sets of instructions, contact Anne Racel, webmaster@opcyc.org Address or phone # changed? Please contact the Carol Morris at 'membership@opcyc.org'. This is a different database than those referred to in above instructions.

13 The Helmsman Page Old Point Comfort Yacht Club Board of Officers PC = Past Commodore Commodore Eileen Turner egret@widomaker.com Vice-Commodore J.D. Hay theclanhay@gmail.com Rear Commodore Fleet Jean Brzozowski JMBrz132@gmail.com Rear Commodore Logistics John Scott flyingblueyes@hotmail.com Rear Commodore Racing Tim Etherington TJEtheri@cox.net Rear Commodore Training Barry Creighton barry937@cox.net Treasurer Pixie Killebrew Pixie.Killebrew@gmail.com Secretary Carol Morris Membership@opcyc.org Captain - Fleet Michael Turner egret@widomaker.com Captain - Logistics VACANT Captain - Racing Ken Damon ken.damon@yahoo.com Captain - Training Jeff Rogers, 8th 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 Bob Killebrew RBKillebrew@gmail.com 2 nd Curtis Morris C.Morris@charter.net Historian Bob Williamson, 7th PC sunlion61@msn.com Public Affairs Officer Joanne Rowe MJRowe7@gmail.com Fleet Surgeon Sue Harvey sue.worbois@gmail.com Member at Large Steve Harvey HarvSC32@gmail.com Member at Large Rick Strong StrongFW@cox.net Member at Large Mel Spruill MSpruill@cox.net Member at Large Carl Stein larc1726@aol.com Member at Large Ron McCoy R-McCoy1@verizon.net Sea Scout Leader Norm Effinger nte@cox.net Member at Large (Sea Scouts) Patsy Tiemsen pacita.i.tiemsin@nasa.gov

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

the Helmsman Commodore s Corner Mark Brzozowski, Commodore Volume 4, Issue 5 May 2011

the Helmsman Commodore s Corner Mark Brzozowski, Commodore Volume 4, Issue 5 May 2011 the Helmsman MEMBER: UNITED STATES SAILING ASSOCIATION Old Point Comfort Yacht Club P. O. Box 51163 Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651 CHESAPEAKE BAY YACHT RACING ASSOCIATION CHESAPEAKE BAY YACHT CLUBS ASSOCIATION