The Official Newsletter of The Sailing Club, Inc. http://www.thesailingclub.org Volume 20 Number 1 Spring 2011 The Annual Meeting We close the place down, literally! Page 1 Trips Trips Trips Which ones are you going on? Page 1 St. Vincent in Pictures January s Caribbean excursion Page 6 Reflections of the Past Commodore Mia s musings on her last two years Page 4 Odds and Ends On Land Training Giralda Farms Trip Insurance Page 5 Another Annual Meeting and Dinner Success The 2011 Annual Meeting and Dinner, held at Willie s Taverne in Bedminster, N.J. on March 25th was another wonderful success. This year s dinner featured a buffet, with grilled salmon, chicken marsala topped with mushrooms, penne pasta with vodka tomato sauce, and a succulent carved prime rib. All were well received, and eaten, by almost seventy attendees. Doal Sanderson and his team of Patty and Larry Sherwood, Clara Matejka, and Steve Krakauer did a superb job. As outgoing Commodore, Mia McCroskey introduced and thanked the outgoing Board members for their service, specifically mentioning those that are not returning to the Board for the coming year - Jeff Hamer, Debra Hills, Matty Matarrazzo, and Theresa Petras. The new Board was then introduced. Serving for two years are: Commodore - Mary Ann Gordon, Vice-Commodore - Bob Rainey, and Membership Secretary - Clara Matejka. Mia remains on the Board as Past Commodore. Officers continuing to serve one more year of their term are Treasurer - Bruce Gollob, and Charter Liaison - Jim Hills. Serving for one (Continued on page 2) The Trips For This Year This year, the Club is offering a variety of themes on its trips, besides the usual sailing and having fun, of course. Even the obviously themed On-Water Training has added basic sailing concepts to the weekend, in addition to the usual docking and maneuvering skills exercises. For the Memorial Day trip, it s a celebration of the unofficial start of summer, including a shore-based potluck barbeque on the grounds of the Georgetown Yacht Basin on the second night of the trip, after rafting up the first night. Last year, the June trip tried a different format. Instead of staying at a marina one night, both nights were raft-up nights. As this proved to be very popular - the rum may have had something to do with it - we will be doing it again this year. The theme for this June s trip is Hell s Galley - modeled after the Hell s Kitchen television show. To practice some of the skills needed for this trip, try cooking in your linen closet, standing on one leg. July will see the return to New York Harbor, with a day sail out of Jersey City. The city skyline is quite a sight to behold, and there are usually good breezes in the harbor, and no commercial traffic, as the outing is planned for a Sunday. After the trip, crews will gather for some post-sail libations, etc. at the restaurant at the foot of the pier. (Continued on page 3) 1
Annual Meeting (Continued from page 1) year are nine Members at Large - Jim Bruni, Bob DuBois, John Foord, Henry Gibson, Steve Krakauer, Doal Sanderson, Art Schlett, Larry Sherwood, and Cecilia Sweeney. One of the biggest draws for the evening is always the trip presentations by the trip leaders. Each trip has a unique theme, besides the common theme of sailing, of course. Elsewhere in this newsletter is a synopsis of the trips. However, the prize for most creative costume, in fact the only costume, goes to Cecilia Sweeney as the Statue of Liberty! In between trip presentations, door prizes were given away. This year s prizes were discounts on club trips, merchandise from the Club s Boatique, some of which Cecilia coaxed some of her family to model during the evening, and gourmet organic chocolate contributed by Cecilia s son, who makes the stuff. Many members and guests mingled afterwards to more closely investigate their options for sailing this year. But we couldn t stay long. Willies was closing, for good. We really did close the place down! The Official Newsletter of The Sailing Club, Inc. 2714 Packer Court, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Steve Krakauer, Editor The Sailing Club Board Officers Commodore Mary Ann Gordon Vice-Commodore Bob Rainey Membership Secretary Clara Matejka Treasurer Bruce Gollob Charter Liaison Jim Hills Past Commodore Mia McCroskey Members at Large Jim Bruni, Bob DuBois. John Foord, Henry Gibson, Steve Krakauer, Doal Sanderson, Art Schlett, Larry Sherwood,Cecilia Sweeney Please send all newsletter submissions to: news@thesailingclub.org 2
This Year s Trips (Continued from page 1) Our showcase trip of the year will be a week-long event in August, traveling from Newport to Block Island and Martha s Vineyard. This trip promises lots of long sails. In addition, Block Island, the smallest town in the smallest state in the Union, is celebrating its 350th year its founding. Cultural and historical events are planned throughout the year, so there is bound to be something to interest everyone. After a layover day in Block, it s off to Martha s Vineyard for a few days, with stops planned at Menemsha and Vineyard Haven. Then it s back to Newport with a night in Cuttyhunk on the way back. Ever been in a sailing race? Aboard a 125 foot tall ship? I thought not. In the past, the Club has coordinated trips on windjammers in the Caribbean and Maine. This year, we ve reserved an entire boat, the S.V. Liberty Clipper, a newly renovated gaff-rigged schooner, which will be racing in the 127th annual Boston to Gloucester Schooner Race. The race takes place over Labor Day weekend, with a pre-board the Friday night before. Space is limited to about 25 people, and we can t get another boat for this trip! We close out the sailing season with a three-day weekend trip over Columbus Day weekend. The trip will start out of Annapolis, which will be hosting the annual in water United States Sailboat Show that weekend. After cruising for some bargains in gear and equipment, it s off the docks and on to Tilghman Creek on the south side of Eastern Bay. The theme for the evening is Un Noche de Havana. While it s doubtful that anyone will bring any Cuban cigars, similarly themed foods will be the order of the day. The second night will also be at, on the other side of the Bay, in South River. After rafting up, the festivities will continue with more Cuban fare and games. Are you big into advance planning? Well, the Club is thinking of you. In April 2012, we will be traveling to the Spanish Virgin Islands. Lesser known perhaps, than its sisters, the British and US Virgin Islands, they lie just east of, and are a part of Puerto Rico. This will be an eleven day trip, and plans are to stop at many of the islands, including Vieques, which has a magnificent bio-luminescent bay. Other stops are planned for Culebra, Palomina Island, and Carlos Rosario Marine Preserve on Cayo De Luis Peña. Signup forms and the full trip descriptions are on the Club s website. Boston to Gloucester Schooner Race/Cruise Columbus Columbus Day Day Weekend Weekend Spanish Virgin Islands 3
The Past Commodore Reflects "The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien Two years ago I began a new journey as the commodore of The Sailing Club, and although that leg of the itinerary has come to an end, the road ahead of me does indeed go on. Likewise the path of the Club stretches forward -- and for a time at least these two paths will run along together. Leading a volunteer organization is like riding a horse with no reins -- something my riding instructor compels me to do frequently. It requires balance, timing, and a firm belief in what you are trying to achieve. What you cannot be is a heavy-handed dictator -- for you do not directly control the head, either of the horse or of the volunteers in the organization. Instead I have offered (I hope) persuasive arguments and tried to delegate important matters to the most able among our leadership. I have not been entirely successful, nor do I believe I have failed. I have joined with others to counter the trend toward bigger, more luxurious, more expensive boats on many of our trips. We have stuck with the under forty set (feet that is, not age of the sailors) on many of our Chesapeake Bay weekends both last season and this. Some have made the argument that our membership is aging and wants greater comfort. Equally vocal is the argument that the trips are too expensive. Charter fees make up the bulk of the trip cost. Some trips are designed for more luxury and cost more, some are less fancy and cost less. I have vocally opposed the exclusive use of catamarans on our tropical adventures, and put my money where my mouth is on the recent St. Vincent trip (and we had some damn good close reach sailing with the rail in the water on Spray). While some argue that they need the extra space offered by a catamaran on a long trip, others say that living out of a duffel bag and sharing a bunk is the proper exchange for the performance sailing of a sloop. We want those people in our Club, too. In addition, catamarans are considerably more expensive than monohulls. To make them comparable to monohulls, we should put at least eight crew on each one, something we have not consistently done, and something that defeats that space argument. Each of these issues speaks to the overriding concern of the last two years: the cost of our trips. I have had the dubious honor of leading this organization during one of the worst economic periods in decades. While charter fees have gone up, our members' incomes have become less stable. When fewer of us can afford to sail, the cost for those of us who do goes up. Many point to the insurance that our Club carries, the cost of which is pro-rated across all the year s trips. After all, other clubs that are uninsured charge less for similar trips. Liability is a grim reality in our society. Every skipper, trip leader, assistant, and all volunteers of this organization are assuming some risk by taking a leadership role. The Club's insurance covers specific maritime situations that are not covered by other types of insurance. Without it, should one of our boats be involved in an incident resulting in injury -- for example, we hit and damage a dock and someone on that dock is injured -- the skipper, trip leader, possibly the helmsman, and the board could be subject to a financially damaging suit. Are you willing to help run a sailing event knowing that the risk, albeit small, is loss of your property? If you are not willing to take a leadership role, is it fair to expect those who serve you in those roles to take such a risk? (Continued on page 5) 4
Past Commodore Reflects (Continued from page 4) But I do not wish to end this piece, nor my term, on such a gloomy note. The happy truth is that our safety record is phenomenal. Injuries to our members (or innocent bystanders) are extremely rare, and damage to boats is minimal. Based on the participant surveys, our trips run smoothly, our trip leaders do a good job, and our skippers and first mates are excellent. I congratulate and thank all of you who continue to enliven this organization with your ideas and enthusiasm. "Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can,..." --J.R.R. Tolkien I joined The Sailing Club in 2002 because it regularly sails in the Chesapeake Bay. I found what I was looking for and much more -- good sailors, new friends, and opportunities to sail in places I had not previously considered. I cherish these opportunities and intend to continue enjoying them with all of you for the foreseeable future. See you on the water! Mia Travel Insurance The Club does not include travel insurance with any trip, unless explicitly stated in the trip writeup. Each traveler s needs are different, and some may not feel the need for it. Travel insurance provides coverage for unforeseen problems, from a cancelled flight to a serious illness, or worse. If an illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstance forces you to cancel or interrupt your travel plans, you face two potentially major financial losses - money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments and medical expenses that may not be covered by health insurance. There are many sources for travel insurance, and you need not buy a policy from the tour operator of your trip. One source to shop for policies is www.insuremytrip.com. There you can compare providers as well as various levels of coverage. On-Land Training This year we are holding the On-Land Training (i.e. seamanship class) on Saturday, April 16 between 9 am and 3pm at the Hills Recreation Center, the place where we hold our end of season party. This indoor class is a great way to refresh your skills before getting out on the water this year. There are no tests, just a bunch of like-minded people getting together to brush up on a few things, or learn some new things. Topics will include rules of the road, line handling (including knot tying), communication, basic navigation and chart reading, and principals of keelboat maneuvering. If you are interested in attending please send an email to training@thesailingclub.org. Steve Krakauer Save The Date NJ Symphony Concert at Giralda Farms will be on Sunday, June 26th. Details on the Club s participation will be provided as the date nears. Save The Date Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 9th for the Sailing Club's annual Day on the Lake. Join fellow members and guests for an afternoon of boating and picnicking at the lakeside home of Helen and Jack Buckley on Lake Mohawk. Bring your own small boat (kayak, canoe,, sunfish, etc.) or borrow from our host s modest fleet. More details will be provided as the date nears. 5
St. Vincent and the Grenadines January 2011 6
Photos by: Matty Matarrazzo Mia McCroskey Bob Rainey 7
Schedule for 2011 and beyond See the website for full details Dates April 16 May 7-8 May 28-30 June 25-27 July 9 July 24 August 6-12 September 3-5 October 8-10 April 16-26, 2012 Event On-Land Training On-Water Training Memorial Day Trip Hell s Galley Trip Day on the Lake NY Harbor Day Sail Newport to Block Island, Martha s Vineyard Boston to Gloucester Schooner Race Un Noche de Havana Spanish Virgin Islands c/o Krakauer 11 Clark Ct. Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 8