Your Stories We Want - The Whitby Yacht Club

WYC NAUTICAL NEWS
Whitby Yacht Club Monthly Newsletter
May 2013
Commodore’s Corner
Your Input Needed
As we near the WYC Launch date I would like to provide a
brief report and update on past and present activities in effort to
prepare for this year’s boating season. A great focus was put on
getting the facilities and infrastructure in order along with the
preparation of fun and exciting sailing and social programs for all to
enjoy. Throughout the off season, a lot of hard work and dedicated
effort by so very many of our members and associates have
contributed to what I believe will be a most enjoyable 2013 sailing
season at the Whitby Yacht Club, for both existing and future
members. A highlight of our projects so far include:
Facilities and Administrative list of some key enhancements:
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Seawall on gas dock and west crane restored.
Dock 4 reconstruction project complete.
Dock 5 and 7 restoration project completed.
Dredging planned activity – 85% completed, remainder to be
done later this season.
West crane restoration project nearing completion.
Thank you to everyone who
submitted ideas for the name of the new
WYC Newsletter. Review the list of
submissions below and send your vote
to wyc@wyc.ca before Mon. May 27th. The new name
will be announced and “in print” in the June issue.
Crow’s Nest:
When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships
would release a caged crow. The crow would fly straight towards
the nearest land thus giving the vessel some sort of a navigational
fix. Thus, the tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known
as the crow’s nest.
Lights in Line:
Bring back the name of the previous WYC newsletter (published
1999-2009).
The Binnacle:
The stand on which the ship’s compass is mounted.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
WYC Nautical News
Latitudes and Longitudes
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Commodore’s Corner …...…...………….……..….…...…...…..……page 1
Your input needed – name the newsletter ..……...……..……....……page 1
Catch the Drift
WYC Tell Tales
Chris Cook, Whitby Sports Hall of Fame …………………………...page 3
Shootin the Breeze
Launch Day… final preparations ………..…….….…...……....….…page 4
WYC News Splash
Blast from the Past ……………...…….………...…….…..….........…page 5
It’s hard to win a sailboat race, but easy to lose one!.…................……page 6
Volunteers… The heart and soul of our club.……....…….…….……page 8
Welcome New Members…. ……………….…………….…….……page 9
Nautical Escapes Update …………………………………..….……page 9
Aboat Times
We Want
Inspect your through hull ………………………….……….…….…page 9
Cruising 2013 ………………………………..……………………page 10
Clubhouse Update …...…………………………………………….page 11
Boating Education ………………………….……………………..page 11
Marine Facilities Update ……..………..………………………..….page 12
Take it Easy ……………………………………..…….………..…page 13
Boating Humour …………………………………..…….………...page 14
Your Welcome, Matters ….…..…………..…………………...……page 14
Your Stories
We invite you to share your stories, pictures, riddles,
jokes, interesting facts, and notices of special celebrations
(such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, etc.). Submit
your information or pictures to wyc@wyc.ca and we will
include in our next newsletter.
WYC Nautical News pg 1
COMMOD ORE S
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CORN E R… CONTIN UED
PAGE
1
Water extended to west lot and sailing school.
West lot area drainage improved.
West lot outbuildings relocated allowing for improved boat and
vehicle storage and parking.
Snow removal brought in house and delivered by team of dedicated
volunteers.
Continued improvements in clubhouse, dance floor refinished,
kitchen upgrades, etc.
Member contact information update including proof of insurance
verification.
Safe Boat winter storage policies and practices.
Streamlined hall rental and banquet reservations program.
Revised Dock Management and Slip Allocation Program.
Introduction of the new WYC newsletter.
And many others.
Planned projects for this spring:
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F ROM
Mark Your Calendar:
WYC Sailpast and Commodore’s Ball
Saturday, June 8th
The official start of sailing season for
our club commences with the annual Sailpast
event.
The Saturday morning will start with
our on land procession, remembrance of past
members, blessing of the fleet, and reception,
followed by the on water Sailpast procession
and a free sailing afternoon. We hope that all
will have their boats ready in time to join us
for the event.
Rejuvenation of east patio area.
In the evening, the Commodores Ball is
Increased # of picnic tables around club property.
scheduled with details and ticket info to be
Automation program initial phase roll out.
released shortly.
Misc. grounds enhancements.
Exterior painting of clubhouse and sailing school.
o The colours were determined by the Design Committee (and confirmed as acceptable through random club member
surveys). The selected colours are Dulux Roma Haze for the siding and an off white for the roof and trim.
Member Interfacing: Fleet Racing, Cruising, Clubhouse and Social Programs:
Our various directors, project leaders and committees representing Social, House, Fleet Cruising and Racing programs have all been
very busy in putting together some very aggressive and exciting programs:
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Fun and exciting social events.
Expanded bar hours, including Sundays and Holiday Mondays.
A Cruising Program, with an even greater number of planned cruises in 2013. WYC was recognized in 2012 as the most active
cruising club, both in the number of events and participants, on Lake Ontario…and probably most anywhere. Check out the
plans for the addition of a Full Moon Cruise, which promises to be a lot of fun for all to enjoy.
 An exciting Racing Season with additional races, our annual regattas, and on land events and festivities.
Boating Education Program
We believe that the source of many new members to the club will result from our ongoing provision of quality sailing learning
opportunities offered through our Boating Education program. Over the past two summers approximately 170 adult sailors and a similar
number of junior sailors have been in our Learn to Sail programs. The programs offered are very well run and offer good opportunities
to both new and experienced sailors.
This year we are placing emphasis on ensuring that both the on water and on land experience for participants is most enjoyable,
resulting in their continuation in the sport and being most happy in making Whitby Yacht Club their chosen boating location. I am most
hopeful that all members will take extra effort in being most welcoming and accommodating to these sailing school participants and
potential future members. We are looking to extend further opportunities for adult students to connect with existing members so as to
periodically go out for a pleasant sail and/or crew in our racing program.
In closing, I want to thank all for their hard efforts and help in getting the club ready for what should be a great 2013 sailing
season.
Now back to work on my boat…
Commodore, John Latour
WYC Nautical News pg 2
CHRIS
C OO K I N D U C T E D I N T O
THE WHITBY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
On April 27th, Chris Cook, former WYC member, was inducted into the Whitby Sports
Hall of Fame.
The highlight of Chris Cook's athletic career came in 2008, when he qualified for the
Olympic Games in Beijing as part of Sail Canada's team, finishing fifth overall in the Finn class.
He was right in the thick of things again this past summer for the London Games, but was edged
out by one of the students he's now coaching, Greg Douglas, who finished 15th.
"It was a point of honour for me when I looked to see how well he was doing, especially
towards the end of the regatta," said Cook, who grew up in Whitby and lives in Toronto. "I knew
that he was doing that because of his hard work, but also because of my input into his program, so
no matter what, I won."
Cook, 38, has since retired and taken up a full-time coaching position with Sail Canada. As
such, he has no designs on a return to the Olympics as an athlete, but he sure hopes to have a hand
in others doing so.
"For my own personal sporting career (the Beijing Olympics) stands out, but the most recent highlight has been my involvement
in coaching and working with the next generation of sailors coming out of Canada, which I've found a lot more rewarding than actually
being an athlete myself," he said.
Cook began to sail at the Whitby Yacht Club at age eight and won an Ontario high school championship in 1992. He joined the
Canadian sailing team in 1997 and, among his many achievements, finished first at the North American championship six times between
2001 and 2009. As for taking his place in the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame, alongside former NHL stars, Olympians and the like, Cook is
as proud as could be, especially given he's the first in his sport to do so.
"It's just a super honour to have been considered, especially considering Whitby has such a great track record of producing highcalibre athletes," he said.
Article Source: durhamregion.com
Chris Cook Profile:
Chris Cook was born in Peterborough in 1974 and grew up in Whitby. He began to sail at
the Whitby Yacht Club when he was 8 and started to race competitively when he was 15. The first
race he won was the Ontario High School Championship in 1992.
He has been a member of the Canadian Sailing Team since 1997 and has numerous
achievements in sailing including five top ten finishes in his Finn Class at the Open Finn Gold Cup
(6th in 2001, 3rd in 2005, 9th in 2006, 7th in 2007, and 6th in 2008).
Chris also finished 1st at the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009 North American
Championship, was the Canadian Yachting Association Male Athlete of the Year in 2001, 2nd at the
Canadian Olympic trials for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and Canadian Rolex Sailor of the
Year in 2005. In 2005 Chris achieved a world ranking of 2nd in the Finn Class.
In 2003 Chris qualified for the 2003 Pan Am Games in the Laser Class but relinquished his place to a fellow team member to
focus his training in the Finn Class. At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Chris represented Canada and sailed to a 5th overall position in the
Finn class. On Saturday April 27th, in a special ceremony, the Town of Whitby presented Chris with a medal in recognition of his
Olympic efforts.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
WYC Nautical News pg 3
Launch Day… Final Preparations
Only days away and the final preparations for Launch Day are underway! Please review the below important dates and
reminders to ensure an efficient and safe launch. A reminder that all those wishing to help must RSVP to Tom Kara
pastcommodore@wyc.ca whether it is your first time or not. Attending the pre-launch meeting is strongly recommended especially if
this is your first time working on a crew.
LAUNCH DAY REMINDERS:
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All crew members are reminded of the requirement for safety
footwear and the importance of punctuality. First Lift is at 7am
Saturday morning, so all crews must be at their assigned locations
by 6:45am at the latest. Breakfast will be available in the
clubhouse at 6am for all.
Please observe the Safety Notices posted around the club and be
sure to adhere closely to the rules. They are for everyone’s
protection to ensure we have a safe Launch. All members are
asked to respect the direction of the Safety Officers - they fulfill
an important role in ensuring our personal safety throughout the
process.
Your boat must be ready by Friday night (May 3rd).
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Only vehicles authorized by the Marine Facilities Director will be
allowed on site beginning at 6am and for the duration of launch.
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Park on one side of the club entrance driveway where posted.
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The Mast Crane and Drysail Crane will be locked out for the entire
day of launch and not be available for use until the following
morning. Any Dry Sail members wishing to launch should set their
boats by the launch ramp ready to go before Friday.
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Remember: You cannot get on your boat once we start lifting
unless you are outside the lifting Zone and caution tape.
BOAT LAUNCH PROTOCOL
The following must be observed in order to ensure a safe and efficient day:
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Mark your sling locations. You will be asked to point them out.
Make sure your dock lines are on and hang down bow and stern.
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Do not enter or cross through the lifting areas with yellow caution
tape.
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Sign in with the time keeper before your launch time and wait for
your turn.
PRE-LAUNCH GET TOGETHER & DINNER
Friday, May 3rd
Come for some good cheer and wish your mates well.
LAUNCH DAY:
Saturday, May 04th (all day)
First lift at 7:00am - Sail and Power
WYC REGALIA 2013
One Day Sale
One day only, we will be onsite selling this year’s
amazing selection of fashion forward trends for men
and women. Be the best looking boater around the
lake as you sport your WYC club logo on a variety of
regalia. Something for every taste, and every budget.
LAUNCH DAY
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Must have an owner/designate present to launch your boat.
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You will be given a hard hat for safety.
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Dock safety personnel will escort you or direct you as required to
the launch ramp once your boat is in the water.
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Do not get on your boat until told to by the dock crew.
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Dock your boat and wait at a safe distance while boats are in the air if the dock is the same used to launch.
Sat. May 4th
10am-4pm
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
WYC Nautical News pg 4
PREPARING FOR LAUNCH DAY…CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
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Being late or un-prepared hurts everyone. Don’t be late or
unprepared. You will be surcharged.
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Dogs are not permitted on site.
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Look out for each other and keep safe.
Blast from the Past
Article from: May 1999 Lights in Line
CHECK LIST FOR FINAL BOAT PREPARATION
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Have your sling marks clearly indicated on both the deck & topsides
of your boat. This is essential for the crews to safely lift your boat.
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Have 15 to 20’ lines at your bow and stern affixed to cleats for the
crews to attach the tag lines to. These are used to control the
movement of the boat during the lifting process.
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Remove all ladders and other equipment/obstructions from beneath
your boat to ensure the safe movement of the crews while launching
your boat. Anything left will be disposed of in the dumpster.
NO EXCEPTIONS.
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Please clean up the area surrounding your boat prior to launch.
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Remember you are responsible to dispose of all waste from your boat
in the correct manner. Any discharge of anti-freeze into the harbour
on launch will result in disciplinary action.
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Those who require a tow or assistance to get their boats to their slip are
asked to make arrangements in advance if possible.
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If you cannot be there for the launch ensure you have arranged for someone to handle the launch of your boat for you. If you cannot
make those arrangements you must notify Tom Kara at pastcommodore@wyc.ca
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The Mast Crane and Drysail Crane will be locked out for the entire day of launch and not be available for use until the following
morning.
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Only vehicles authorized by the Marine Facilities Director will be allowed on site beginning at 6am and for the duration of launch.
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Your continued co-operation will ensure that we have a safe and successful launch and enjoy a great start to the 2013 boating season.
Remember that as boat owners at the Club, there are only two days a year you are required to be on time - Launch and Haulout.
DON'T BE LATE. Plan on being there for the day! Looking forward to seeing you all there!
WEST YARD:
Boats on trailers stored in the West Yard against the perimeter must be relocated by April 27 where directed by the Marine Facility
Director to allow cradle placement
MASTS ON LAWN:
After launch please prepare and remove your masts on the lawn as soon as possible to allow space for fellow members.
DOCKAGE:
Please remember no carpets are allowed on top or off the side of the docks. If you wish to add bumpers, use only commercially
available plastic products. Let us keep our docks looking good.
All electrical work must be done to industrial standards. Poorly installed wiring is dangerous and has contributed to significant
corrosion on boats due to stray currents in the water.
Past Commodore, Tom Kara
WYC Nautical News pg 5
It’s Hard to Win a Sailboat Race… But Easy to Lose One!
We just returned last week from a trip to the beautiful (and very hot) Key West, Florida where we took a 3 day performance
sailboat racing course with J-world. The course was targeted to tweaking and honing helming skills, crew positions, tactics and strategies.
Unfortunately we can’t share what we learned as our competitors could be reading this, but we will however share the insight that our racing
instructor had about crew positions. With over 30 years of professional racing experience
and 25 years as performance sailing instructor he has come to the conclusion that sailboat
racing is like a trip to Disney World: take 3 different worlds (Frontier land, Adventure land,
and Fantasy land) and merge them together onto one small boat all with a certain level of
impatience and urgency to meet a common goal: Win the Race! Taking his information
and our perspective here is our definition of each world:
The Fabled Bowman:
Possibly the most dedicated to the cause by risking and defying gravity, the elements, and good
common sense. They stand and cling onto places of the boat never meant for passengers. Working the
bow (commonly referred to as the foredeck) is undiscovered territory. It is like a new frontier when
something happens (like when the spinnaker twists into a pretzel, upside down, and gets stuck between the
mast and halyard) it is usually something that has never happened before and they don’t know why, how or
when it happened and now they have to perform never attempted or considered before acrobatic feats and
manoeuvers, like a cat with 9 lives, to fix it and silence the helm!
The Adrenaline Pumped Pit Crew:
The beloved interpreter and horsepower of the boat. In an ever changing world they help
communicate and sensor messages fore and aft while providing the raw muscle and energy to wrestle with
the gods of wind to charge the vessel forward. It is always an adventure. Always something to do. Always
exciting. They have to be ready at a moment’s notice. And they know it’s never fast enough. Grinding
winches, trimming sheets, they work like a team of Clydesdales on red bull charging for the barn at dinner
time with a wagon at tow.
The Respected Skipper and Helmsman/Helmswoman of the Boat:
The quarterback of the team but living in a dream world! They are like the wise legendary owl
knowing all about wind and water, able to spin their heads 360 degrees around to keep their eyes on their
elusive pray. It is like fantasyland as they call the plays, ask for the impossible, and expect it to have already
happened.
WYC Racing
Wednesday night racing starts May 15th so be sure to
fill out your application which can found on the WYC website
under Racing.
Open Regatta is June 1st – 2nd. Come out for some
fun on the water and later at the club with a Saturday night
party and BBQ.
In keeping with the Disney experience: all you have to do is
believe! Win or lose, they are a team and together they perform miracles.
At the end of the race all is forgiven and forgotten and great stories of
the unbelievable are shared. And they all agree that sailing is a damn
thirsty sport!
We look forward to seeing everyone on the race course starting
on the 15th of May for what promises to be a great racing season.
Senior Members,
Chris Hunter and Kelly Drew
Fleet Captain, George Poulias
WYC Nautical News pg 6
HIST ORY… CONTIN UED
F ROM
PA GE
3
The marina office/fuel docks hours:
April – May:
7:30am to 4:00pm – 7 days a week
As of Fri. May 17th:
7:30am to 6:00pm – 7 days a week
July and August:
7:30am to 8:00pm – 7 days a week
Note: fuel dock closes 30 minutes prior to the office.
Supervisor of Port Whitby Marina
Keenan Watters
WYC Nautical News pg 7
Volunteers …. The heart and soul of our club
[
WYC Nautical News pg 8
New Members
The Whitby Yacht Club is pleased to announce two
new members this month:
Welcome back to the water WYC members! We are
looking forward to another great season of keelboat sail training at
the club. The highlights of our summer program include:
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An affordable Introduction to Sailing
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An exciting and comprehensive Basic (Learn to Sail)
program.
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Live-a-board Intermediate course aboard a 40-foot cruiser.
Mr. Michael Holden:
Already familiar with the great offerings of the WYC,
Michael returns to the club as a social member.
Mr. James & Katherine Whyte (Quartata):
James and Katherine join the WYC as senior
members with their Beneteau 331, named Quartata. Stop by
dock 7 and say “Hi”.
The WYC extends a warm welcome to Michael,
James, Katherine and their families. We hope their association
with the WYC will be a long and enjoyable one.
Welcome aboard!
Inspect Your Through Hulls
New programs being offered this year:
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Summer evening Coastal Navigation class
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Dynamic Learn to Race Program
Note: WYC members can take advantage of a $100 discount
off of our Basic Keelboat program which is offered on the clubs
Tanzer 22's.
Contact us at www.nauticalescapes.ca or 416-629-4224.
Owner, Neil Gillespie
www.nauticalescapes.ca
416-629-4224
One of the items on everyone’s pre-launch checklist should be a check of all below
waterline through hull fittings, shut off valves, hoses and clamps. Fittings should be inspected
both externally and internally for corrosion and surface flaws such as cracks etc. Look for surface
pitting on bronze fittings and erosion on the marelon type. If you have the flush mount bronze
fittings they should be flush with, and not eroded deeper that the hull surface. If they are they
should be replaced.
Check shut off valves for proper operation. Gate valves (the ones with the big red knobs)
really have no business on boats as they have a nasty habit of seizing (usually in the open position).
Verify their operation frequently. Replacement with the stainless steel, lever operated ball valves is highly recommended.
Connecting hoses should be inspected for leaks and surface cracks. Replace if in doubt. Also, all below waterline through hull
hoses should be double clamped, if possible at all connections.
Last but not least have a look at the prop shaft packing gland (stuffing box) or shaft seal. Remember this one does not have
any type of shut off valve and if an unwanted leak develops here it can ruin your day in short order. The connecting hose should be in
good condition and double clamped at both ends. If you're replacing it remember not just any old neoprene hose will do. The proper
hose should be wire reinforced and recommended for the application.
A little attention here prior to launch just might save you from the unexpected "Early Haul-out".
David Sandford AMS
/ DS Marine Surveys
WYC Nautical News pg 9
Cruising in 2013
As a member of Whitby Yacht Club, you have the opportunity of participating in one of (or possibly even the #1) cruising
program by a Yacht Club on Lake Ontario today. In this season ahead WYC has organized visits to 16 other Yacht Clubs on the lake as
well as some Wapous and a rendezvous in the 1000 Islands.
There is nothing more enjoyable than being with old friends and new ones while visiting some of the most beautiful locations on
Lake Ontario. For those of you just “getting your sea legs”, there is no safer and better way to explore new places or gain new experiences
like dropping your first anchor in the Navy Islands than with your fellow members. What always has and always will differentiate a Yacht
Club from a marina is that “we are in this together”.
So get your boat off the docks this summer by joining us on one (or several) of the great cruises that we have organized.
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Use the sign up sheet that is posted at the Club on the bulletin board by the men’s washroom,
Use the link that can be found on cruising page on at http://www.wyc.ca/index.php/onwater/cruising
When you sign up it is not a contractual obligation in which you must provide your firstborn child as collateral. Early lists just helps the
Cruise Captains, myself and the clubs we are visiting better plan to know the size and types of boats attending.
The first cruise of the season will be a reciprocal cruise to Highland Yacht Club on the Victoria Day long weekend, May 18 to 20.
Members of Highland will be visiting Whitby (so please make them welcome) and so far 9 boats have signed up from WYC to visit
Highland. Special thanks to Lee and Nadia Diamond on Interlude who have offered to act as the Cruise Captains on this event!
Do you know we have over 35 boats that have already signed up for the Commodore’s Cruise to National YC and will enjoy the Tall
Ships Waterfront Festival! If you decide you will approach Commodore Latour the second week of June to indicate you want to attend
because you forgot to signup early, you may find little sympathy and a requirement for a big bribe! For this even in particular get your name
down NOW!
Although not a WYC “subsidized event”, we do want to draw to your attention the RCYC – Easter Seals Weekend
http://eastersealsregatta.org/ on Sunday July 7th. This is a great charitable event and they are actively looking for more boats that are
willing to take Easter Seals kids out for a day on the water along with their families. It would be great to have 4 or 5 WYC pennants among
those blowing in the wind that weekend. Please follow the link above if you are interested in helping out. We will count this as one of the 4
cruising events you need for your WYC 2013 Cruising Pennant.
My last note here is a call for assistance for some
additional Cruise Captains. In particular we need someone for the
July long weekend in Cobourg June 29 to July 1st. This is great
time and an easy event to host since the Town of Cobourg does
such a great job of keeping us entertained. Please drop me an
email at Cruising@wyc.ca if you can help out.
Toronto Easter Seals Regatta
Please check the Cruising Bulletin Board or the Web
Site for more information. We look forward to seeing you on a
cruise this summer.
Cruise Coordinator, Shawn Brayman
The Easter Seals Regatta offers friendly competition for
Racers as well as Cruisers, Skippers and Boaters. Skippers
also have the opportunity to host Easter Seals kids and their
families for a great day out on the water.
WYC Nautical News pg 10
Clubhouse Update
Boating Education
We've had a very busy season in the clubhouse. The
lattice from the partition wall has been removed to open up
the lower bar area with plans to remove the remaining lattice
and replace with a 1/3 sized frosted glass engraved with the
Whitby Yacht Club logo. Twenty-four chairs have been
resurrected from the surplus and recovered to allow more
appealing comfort and the kitchen has had its spring clean.
Learn to sail is for everyone and this year is no
exception as we are implementing a Learn to Race program.
The program will teach hands on racing on the course and
focus on helming, sail trim, and tactics and participating in the
all around excitement each race night. The participants will be
introduced to not only racing but the social aspect of the club
and joining in on the meals and after race discussions.
Marilyn Bayer is going to experiment with vinyl on a
main bar table to see if we can spruce them up a bit. Thank
you Marilyn for taking on this task for us.
Our Basic Keel course will be extended to include
not only a complementary social membership to our club for
graduates, but the availability of chartering a keel boat, and an
invitation to participate in all of the clubs activities and parties,
offering many opportunities to meet life time friends.
In addition to the benches on the north patio, we
now have 4 new and more comfortable chairs for all to enjoy
the nicer weather when it arrives. We are sourcing new ceiling
tiles for the main floor from the bar to the east door and
everything in between. A Wonderbar ( pop and juice gun) will
be installed in both upper and lower bars each dispensing 10
different items. This will eliminate the need for both pop
fridges. Installation will commence May 15 and should only
take a day or two to complete but you and I know how things
go, so I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may
cause but unfortunately you have to make a little mess before
you can make a little progress.
The bar is now open Saturdays and Sundays
throughout the boating season as well as every holiday
Monday. Every Sunday of a long weekend will have a different
theme with a special drink and food item offered so stay tuned
for the specials as I will be updating in our weekly eblasts.
I would like to thank everyone who has helped with
every task throughout the fall, winter and spring, without
whose dedication and love for the club, these improvements
would not have been possible.
The project will be to clean, polish and shine the
Compass Rose Lounge and upper patios for Sail Past and The
Commodore's Ball in June but don't worry, I'll give you lots of
notice.
So, now that we are at the maintenance mode in the
clubhouse, it's time for us to get our boats wet and enjoy the
summer. That's all for now Folks, See you on the water.
Our junior program (ages 8 and up) starts the first
week of July and is continued through to the end of August.
Our bronze course introduces spinnaker and double handed
racing. Our silver and gold sailors travel to regattas at other
clubs throughout the summer representing WYC.
Our Ability Sail program (for all ages) provides
participates the use of our dedicated accessible boats and
focuses on teaching basic sailing principals up to racing and
joining in on all of the fun associated with sailing and safe
boating.
Registration is open and can be done online or
through the office at WYC.
We hope to see everyone experience not only sailing
but all of the social events for each student and their families
and see why boating is a life changing experience.
Boating Education Director, Chris Mace
Dock Bidding Now Closed
All Members are requested to verify their dock
assignments before launch day; if there are any issues please
advise the Dock Masters immediately.
Thanks again for everyone’s cooperation.
Dock Masters, Tony Cahill and Paul Kerr
House Director, Melody Warren
WYC Nautical News pg 11
Marine Facilities Update
The weekend of April 13th-14th I was away in Boston as my
daughter Suzanne was running in the Boston Marathon. With all the work
that still needed to be done, I was reluctant to leave for the weekend. The
Commodore, John Latour, assured me that it would all be looked after.
When I returned I was excited to learn that the bulk of the work
was done and we were almost ready to place the docks in the water. I was
told that there was a large group both days and everything went smoothly.
I would like to take this time and thank everybody involved in
the dock building project. As I have said before the volunteers are the
backbone of the club and it is obvious when you see a project like this get
completed ahead of schedule.
All the docks are in the water now and ready for launch day.
Marine Facilities Director, Gary Gibson
WHITBY HALL OF FAME…CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
In 2011 Chris returned to sailing after 3 years out of the sport.
After winning won a bronze at a World Cup event in Spain Chris was on
track for his second Olympics but was edged out by his upcoming
protégée and fellow team member for the single position available at the
games.
Chris is a graduate of the University of Toronto and remains
active in the sailing community as a coach working with Sail Canada.
Currently residing in Toronto with his wife and young family Chris is
working toward developing sailing in Canada as a sport for everyone.
Source: whitbysportshalloffame.com
WYC Nautical News pg 12
Take it Easy!
Warmer weather is right around the corner! No seriously! Well maybe it’s the other
corner…Anyway, with spring and warmer weather comes heightened activity around the Club
and around our boats.
Safety is always a concern as many of us use equipment that we may not be that familiar with
and muscles that we have not exercised since last spring.
So a few thoughts to send your way: Take it easy! Use power equipment that you are
familiar with or that someone has trained you on. Know the difference between a buffer and a
grinder for example. Don’t risk shock by cutting off the third prong to make an extension cord work. Get the right cord. Always follow
the manufacturer’s recommendations and use the right equipment to do the job well. A piece of sage advice: Measure twice, cut once.
Have you ever noticed that your boat gets longer in the spring? The longer it takes to do a job, the heavier the equipment
becomes. Slow it down! Take a break! Relax! Stretching before the task and during the process will help keep muscles limber. (Well,
that’s what I read…for me 2 Advil at night works wonders.)
Ladders are a necessity to get up on most boats but a real pain when they blow down. Remember to tie them off. I know of
one boat (Mine) that stranded a worker last year because he didn’t tie off the ladder. He had a bit of a wait for assistance with no beer in
the fridge. Now that’s funny!
Once on your boat, the risk continues as there are a multitude of tripping hazards. A combination of loose lines, wooden
frames, old or wet slippery shrink wrap, spilled waxes and cleaners add to the risk of being 10 feet off the ground. A fall from a boat
deck will ruin your whole day. Seriously. Be careful up there!
A reminder or two: Be a good neighbor! Please take down and lock up your ladder when you are not at your boat. If you use
an attached boarding ladder, please fold it up and lock it up. Extension cords must not be left plugged in overnight. Please be wary of
the many cords and lines that seem to be everywhere around the boats at this time of year. Keep your boat area clean and safe for
others. Use the shrink wrap trailer, use the oil and glycol drums and use the garbage bins for debris.
As well, let’s be cognisant of the dust issues. Keep your vehicle speed well down. Many are working
on hulls and woodwork, let’s keep the dust to a minimum. Watch for men at work and stay out of
each other’s way. Watch for the use of heavy equipment; understand that our operators may not see
or hear you. Keep clear. Obey yellow taped off areas. Use Safety equipment. BE SAFE.
Last month, we spoke of next year’s elimination of concrete blocks at haul out. Here’s why:
As you can see, this block is on the verge of collapse. This large boat will most assuredly go over
and into neighboring boats when the block crumbles.
Have a great and safe launch this year! Let’s remember to welcome our guests at every opportunity and make them feel at
home.
Vice Commodore, John Berry
The Information Update sheets that were sent to Members a few weeks ago are
due to Danae before launch. These info sheets request your vessels proof of insurance
and allow us to update other information (IE second email address).
Thanks for taking the time to get this in.
WYC Nautical News pg 13
Your WELCOME, matters!
Join Us on Sunday, June 9th
Pancake Breakfast
(Pancakes, sausages, and juice)
9:00am – 12:00noon
Hosted by Mount Zion (Mason’s) Lodge No. 39
No advance tickets required
Costs are minimal with proceeds to charity
Mariner’s Flea Market
9:00am – 3:00pm
No cost to attend or display at this flea market.
Anyone wishing to display can contact the marina at
marina@whitby.ca or 905-668-1900.
Supervisor of Port Whitby Marina
Keenan Watters
Boating Humour
This is the actual transcript of a radio conversation between a
British Navy ship and the Irish Coastguard, off the coast of
Kerry (date: 1O.Oct 95).
Irish. Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south, to avoid
collision
British. Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the
north, to avoid collision
Irish. Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees
to the south ' to avoid collision.
British. This is the Captain of a British Navy Ship. I say again,
divert YOUR course.
Irish. Negative. I say again, you will have to divert YOUR
course
British. THIS IS THE LARGEST SHIP IN THE BRITISH
FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY 3 DESTROYERS, 3
CRUISERS, AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT SHIPS. I
DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15
DEGREES TO THE NORTH, OR COUNTERMEASURES
WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF
THIS FLOTILLA.
Think back (for some a short time and for others, a
somewhat longer time) to your first day at WYC. Chances are
you were with a friend; perhaps you were on the hunt for a
place to call home for a new boat, or maybe you were
interested in learning to sail.
It doesn't really matter how you got here; something,
or someone made a positive impression upon you and well,
here you are! What does matter, is remembering that we were
all 'new' once. Think back... How were you greeted when you
first arrived at WYC? How would you like to be greeted
now?
So, you ask, who are those strangers in our midst?
Frankly, who knows? If visitors have taken the time to seek us
out and spend time with us, shouldn't we simply welcome
them to WYC?
It’s a truth that most visitors like to be greeted and
welcomed. It's also a truth, that those with ulterior motives do
not like to be greeted, or noticed and will generally retreat.
So we ask and remind our membership to please be
most cordial and welcoming with everyone they meet on WYC
property, whether known to them or not. Most are either
members, family of members, or guests of members. If it is
felt that there is sufficient reason and concerns about the
safety of club or member assets then please raise the question
with this stranger in the friendliest of ways. A simple
“Welcome to Whitby Yacht Club, what brings you in to see us
today?” goes a long way.
This year, our introduction of WYC windshield
stickers will look to achieve two objectives: to reduce the
possibility of members or families from being 'challenged' and
to help identify non-members. Again, affording us the
opportunity to be most welcoming. (Windshield Stickers will
be available at the Regalia table on Launch Day).
Remember: the memory of a welcomed individual
provides a far better and longer lasting impression.
Your WELCOME, matters!
May we meet as strangers, but part as friends.
Commodore, John Latour
Irish. THIS IS A LIGHTHOUSE ....... YOUR CALL
Editor: Kelly Drew
WYC Nautical News pg 14