The Forecast - Ventura Yacht Club

The Forecast
Your 2014
Bridge
January 2014
Ventura Yacht Club
Established 1938
2014 Ventura Yacht Club
1755 Spinnaker Drive • Ventura • CA • 93001
Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Secretary
Treasurer
Port Captain
Fleet Captain/Sail
Fleet Captain/Power
Fleet Surgeon
Judge Advocate
Chaplain
Don Roy
Sue Van Gemert
Brian McKenna
Bonne Brown
Rudy Nodar
Jeff Beller
Craig Leverault
Neil Fraser
Dave Chase, M.D.
Rob Miller
Dotty Massa
Board of Directors
(Term Ending)
Joel Bozarth (14)
Ken Collin (14)
John Grether (14)
Don Roy (14)
Jean Crew (15)
Steve Ehret (15)
Craig Leverault (15)
Stan Whisenhunt (15)
Judy Cunningham (16)
Cornel Grier (16)
Brian McKenna (16)
Sue Van Gemert (16)
Yacht Club Staff
Manager
Office Administrator
Office Assistant
Bartender
Club Keeper
Chef
Anthony Jesu
Robin Lafrican
Megan Zavala
Chuck Sobel
José Silva
José Rodrigues
Office Hours
Tuesday - Sunday
0900-1700
Closed during lunch hour weekdays
Telephone Numbers
(805) 642-0426
Fax (805) 642-0494
E-mail: office@venturayachtclub.org
Web Page: www.venturayachtclub.org
Marine Radio
VHF: WRV 530 Ch. 71
VYC Group MMSI: 036713092
In case of an EMERGENCY
contact The Commodore or a Flag Officer
2014 VYC Committees
Audit
Malcolm Knight, Chair
Bylaws
Stan Whisenhunt, Chair
Cannoneer
David Boatner
Communications
Stan Whisenhunt/Sheri Green
Community Service
Jean Crew, Chair
Cruise
Jan Lawson, Chair
Finance
Brian Johnson, Chair
Fishing
Rob Miller, Chair
Historian
Don Mills
Human Resources
John Grether, Chair
Insurance
John Sugden, Chair
Junior’s Program
Ryan Cox, Chair
Marina Management
Jeff Beller, Chair
Membership
Jean Crew, Chair
PHRF Representative
Brad Barnes
Predicted Log Race
Jan Lawson, Chair
Property Management Richard Van Gemert, Chair
Race
Stan Whisenhunt, Chair
Social
Mary Kay Doubek, Chair
Ventura Cup
Stan Whisenhunt, Chair
Webmaster
Cornel Grier/Robin Lafrican
From the Commodore
I
By Commodore Don Roy
have often studied the
photos of the seventy
Ventura Yacht Club Commodores that grace our
upstairs dining room. I
look at their expressions
for a hint of what kind of
person and Commodore
they were. I have gotten
to know nearly two dozen
Commodores since becoming a member, and I realize
each has a unique style of
leadership that has made our club the
success it is today.It is a privilege to
be sworn in as your new Commodore
for 2014 and you have my commitment to give this year all my best
efforts.
I’d like to thank the two Commodores that I have served with, Bill
Crew and Brian York. When I observed these two in action I learned
that both Bill and Brian focused on
the wellbeing of the club and included the Bridge in the decision process,
and I will do well to follow their good
example.
I also want to recognize my partners on the Bridge, Sue Van Gemert
and Brian McKenna. Sue is organized, intelligent and passionate and
we are lucky to have her in line for
2015. Brian is an avid racer, and he
also showed brilliance and patience
while leading the MMC, so we have a
great Bridge to keep our club running
smoothly.
Ventura Yacht Club is fortunate to
have an exemplary Board of Directors, with incredible skills and life expertise that they bring to their duties.
4
It’s an honor to be part of
this fine group.
I was speaking with
Staff Commodore Bob
Compton the other day
and we were remarking
on how “volunteering”
was the core of Ventura
Yacht club’s DNA. All our
members volunteer their
time and professional expertise to make this club a
better place. To the committee chairs, Racing Committee, parent coaches for the Junior’s, cleanup
day volunteers and all the members
who make this club so great, we owe
you all a debt of gratitude and an extra ration of grog for your efforts.
When I look at the Ventura Yacht
Club, I see more than just a boat
club: I see a community organization.
Look at our Junior’s Program, our
Community Service projects, our Racing Program, how we open our club
to education and boating activities,
being a good neighbor in the Ventura
Harbor, and not to mention all our
members who are involved in community organizations who then foster
interaction back with the club. My
goals for 2014 are meant to enhance
our community outreach while continuing our club’s purpose, which is
to support all things boating.
The focus of my year ahead will
be to double our efforts to increase
membership. I also want to increase
our member’s participation in club
events, and help all our commit-
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 7
January 2014
Vice Views
By Vice Commodore Sue Van Gemert
L
ast year we celebrated
our 75th Anniversary
in a big way, including a
blowout weekend in May
which included a gala, a
boat parade, and a Sunday
afternoon Opti Green Fleet
Regatta in the bay. In fact,
the Junior Sailing Program
was a special feature of the
entire 75th year celebration,
which included a successful
fund raising effort to provide a new
Safety/Coach Boat to provide on the
water support for our young sailors.
The new RHIB supports our Junior
racing program and our summer camp
program.
We not only added this important
piece of equipment but we were able
to repair our other support boats and
acquire two new Optis. We provided
12 scholarships for summer camp
and jumped from less than 20 Junior
Members to 35 going into 2014. We
have also hired a Junior Program
Coordinator to work with our Junior
Committee to provide professional
leadership and continuity as we continue to improve and grow our Program. You will be introduced to our
Program Coordinator and Head Coach,
Annie Rossie, later in this edition of
the Forecast. A big THANK YOU goes
to all of the VYC members and others
in the community who volunteered
their time and the financial resources
needed to make these major strides
in improving VYC’s Junior Program.
It was a huge investment of time and
money which has brought the program to a new level of excellence.
Now, as we begin the next 75
January 2014
years, the Junior Committee and the Board of Directors are again partnering
with the Ventura Youth
Sailing Foundation to continue to invest in the future of the sport of sailing
by investing in a new fund
raising initiative to “Complete the Fleet.” This is
a plan to add 10 Optis to
the 10 we already own;
to provide a fleet of 20 modern boats
for youngsters between the age of 8
and 16 to learn to sail and race. Optis
are now the racing boat of choice
for young sailors on the West Coast.
Optis are also much easier for beginners because they are more stable and
provide a more positive first learning
experience for youngsters.
Our financial plan includes a
$10,000 matching fund which is
money the Junior Program has earned
over the years from summer camp
fees, race fees, boat washes, etc. All
money raised, up to the first $10,000,
will be matched by the Juniors to
create the $20,000 needed to “Complete the Fleet.” We will also be
selling some or all of our Sabots to
raise money to help with this acquisition program. All contributions to
this project that are made through
the Ventura Youth Sailing Foundation
will be tax deductible to the donor. A
donation of $1000 provides a naming
opportunity for one of the Optis. Perhaps you would like to name a boat after one of your kids or grandkids, or a
famous sailor, or your favorite bird? A
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 7
5
From the Rear
H
By Rear Commodore Brian McKenna
ello everyone! This
is my first article
as Rear Commodore and
a member of the 2014
VYC Bridge, and I am
looking forward to the
challenge and the experience. I know that I have
a definite learning curve
in front of me, but with a
bit of time and patience it
will go well. From my previous
experience of being on the Board of
Directors for professional organizations, homeowner associations, and
several civic and social groups, I
have learned an important lesson
that I bring with me to this coming
experience, and that is to “listen to
the people you serve.” I might not
always agree with you, but if you
have a concern, a good idea, a recommendation, or even a complaint,
I will listen to you. Many times that
becomes the beginning of communication, and good ideas and group
cooperation may be the result.
My first evening as a member of
the Bridge was to watch Don Mills
give an Oscar worthy performance
in his portrayal of outgoing Commodore, Brian York. It is unfortunate
if you were not there because you
missed a performance of a lifetime.
At last count six members were
injured from laughing too hard.
That evening also reminded me of
the hard work and excellent organization of our staff, and member
volunteers at VYC. The dining room
was beautifully decorated, the meal
was outstanding, and the behind6
the-scenes organization
was definitely apparent.
Again, compliments to
Anthony and his staff, the
Decorating Committee,
and to everyone else who
assisted with the evening.
In the months to
come we will embark
upon an updating of the
club Bylaws, rules, and
policies of VYC. The team of
Stan Whisenhunt, Mike Raider and
myself will review and evaluate the
existing documents and work to
modernize them to reflect the current conditions and policies of the
club. If you have suggestions about
updating these documents please
bring your ideas to one of us. I will
be taking the lead for the House and
Grounds rules, and at first reading
it’s obvious that they are a bit out-ofdate.
In closing I want to take a moment to memorialize the passing
of Dick Velthoen in late November.
For many years Dick owned and
raced his J-35, Rival, and he was a
dominant competitor in the southern California yacht racing world. I
raced with Dick for many years and
completely enjoyed being a part of
the Team Rival racing crew. Dick’s
partner, Dave Boatner, has assured
us that he will continue to race Rival
in the style and Corinthian spirit
displayed by Dick.
Brian McKenna
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Commodore
Vice Views
Continued from page 4
tees work together to coordinate our
events to have more members enjoying the club.
The last goal is fostering “partnerships.” This includes working
with the Ventura Youth Sailing,
Ventura Port District, and continuing
our outreach to the community with
the Junior’s Program and with many
other community organizations.
Partnerships always strengthen an
organization.
So those are my goals. I am very
optimistic about the future of our
club and I look forward to working
alongside all of you in 2014.
Continued from page 5
contribution of $7,500 will provide the
opportunity to name the new Safety
Boat. Also, for members who would
like to make tax deductible contributions to the Junior Program one time,
or on a regular basis, you will be able
to do this through your VYC billing.
Watch for the special contribution box
on your monthly bills beginning in
the next month or two.
Again, thank you for your support
last year. It made it possible for the
Juniors to make a huge leap forward.
Please consider helping VYC continue
our investment in the future of the
sport of sailing by helping us “Complete the Fleet.”
Don Roy
Sue Van Gemert
January 2014
VYC Forecast
7
Change of Command,
Commodore’s Ball
Don Mills Steals the Show
Photos by Flash Wheeler
T
he Ventura Yacht Club traditionally thanks its outgoing Commodore
and swears in the new Bridge and
Directors at the club’s most elegant,
formal evening, the Change of Command and Commodore’s Ball. This
year’s event proved to be a festive and
comedic crescendo to the club’s 75th
Anniversary celebration, highlighted
by a gut-splitting roast of our outgoing
Commodore Brian York.
The upstairs dining room was
transformed into a five-star restaurant,
decorated with formal linens and exquisite center-pieces dotted with York
peppermint patties, all thanks to new
Social Committee chairperson Mary
Kay Doubek, with help from Laurie
York, Sue Van Gemert, Sandy Swanson, Judy Cunningham, Dotty Berry
and Brad Barnes. The dining room
looked enchanting.
The evening started with a rousing cocktail hour in an air of celebration and holiday festivity. Guests arrived in tuxedos, gowns and flip-flops
and were serenaded with contemporary jazz background music provided
by DJ Cameron Torkay.
Chef José and staff prepared the
year’s premiere culinary highpoint,
featuring lobster tail, filet mignon,
asparagus and mashed potatoes followed by delectable cakes, coffee and
aperitifs. It was an absolutely fantastic meal that may never be topped
again at the club.
Roastmaster Gary Bright informed
Commodore York and guests, that
since York had missed the traditional
8
October roast, there was no chance
he would end his term unscathed.
Bright introduced the first act, Staff
Commodore Dotty Massa assisted
by incoming Director Judy “Vanna
White” Cunningham. Dotty spelled
out FLIP-FLOP in a good-spirited ribbing in honor of Brian’s great year at
the helm. Vanna Cunningham did a
splendid job of turning letters until
the Velcro gave out. As Gary Bright
noted, Dotty did a much better job of
roasting this time than she did at Don
Mills’ tribute, where she only offered
compliments.
Next up was Staff Commodore
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 9
January 2014
Change of Command
Continued from page 8
Jacqueline Morgan, who recounted
Brian York’s sad attempt at sand castle
building at the Catalina Cruise this
summer. Armed with photographic
evidence of Brian working hind-side
up on his last-place entry, JP presented Brian with said photo and suggested he use it as his official Commodore
portrait in the dining room.
Dotty Wheeler plied her magical PowerPoint wizardry with photographic inside help from Laurie York
and Flash Wheeler. Gary Bright used
the visual results for his roast, which
was a combination of “Love American
Style” meets “Dr. Phil.” Armed with
such gems as pre-teen Brian dressed
as a cheerleader, Gary used his usual
wit and timing to bring tears to everyone’s eyes.
Just when Brian York thought it
was safe to proceed to the award section of the evening, in struts Senior
Staff Commodore Don Mills dressed
as Brian, ready to give a rebuttal to his
roast. Don Mills, aka York, proceeded
to rail against formal dress codes, how
he may have celebrated too much at
the 75th gala, and finally denying that
the Wolfpack hit a navy cruiser on the
way back from the Catalina Cruise.
All the time, photos of Don in board
shorts and wild shirts, downing scotch
and wearing lampshades played on
the screen behind him. Mills’ roast
finished with some video wizardry
showing York’s Wolfpack being destroyed by US Navy missiles. By the
end of Don’s performance, Brian, Laurie and the entire room were roaring
in laughter, and everyone gave Mills a
rousing ovation.
Finally the event got back to the
evening’s program, where well-deserving members received recognition
January 2014
for their hard work on behalf of the
Ventura Yacht Club. The Seamanship
Trophy was awarded to Jan Lawson
for all her efforts on and off the water.
Joel Bozarth and Richard Van Gemert
shared the Don Mills Award for their
house and grounds contributions this
year. Jeff Beller grabbed the MVP
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 10
9
Community Service Report
By Jean Crew
T
hank you to all of our generous
members who donated in 2013 –
toys, food, books, phones, glasses and
picked up trash. It was a great year
for Community Service. It helps the
community and it helps the reputation of our club. More to come in 2014.
Hopefully Habitat for Humanity will
become a reality for our club partici-
pation. If you have any thoughts for
new projects, let me know. Remember, a little bit goes a long way!
Did you know that Gold Coast
Recycling has FREE household waste
disposal the third Friday of each
month at 5275 Colt Street in Ventura?
Call 805-642-9236 for more information.
Change of Command
Continued from page 9
trophy for his stellar leadership with
the D-Dock Reconfiguration. The
Burgee of Merit was trimmed in gold
tassel and awarded to Don Mills for his
many years of service and dedication
to the club. Steve Fedde was awarded
the Merrill Trophy in recognition of all
his efforts for youth sailing as head of
the Ventura Youth Sailing Foundation.
The Fouled Anchor winner was
a no-brainer this year, going to Gary
Bright for his two-anchor ballet wrap
at Fry’s. Some observers said it was
the best-fouled mess they’d ever seen.
Finally, the oldest and least soughtafter award given out to members,
the Screwball, was awarded to sailing
tandem Don and Meloney Roy for the
erroneous removal of their dockmate’s
davets and solar panels when his lines
caught on Summer Breeze’s stern.
Next up was Brian York who
thanked the club for all its support
during his year as Commodore. Brian
gave gifts to his Board of Directors and
flag officers in appreciation of their
efforts. As has become tradition at
the Change of Command, Don Mills
presented Brian with a Commodore
statue, (decked out with flip-flops and
no tie) with the words “Job Well Done”
on the plaque. Incoming Vice Com10
modore Sue Van Gemert presented
Brian with a framed 75th Anniversary
burgee embroidered with his name,
along with a new pair of leather flip
flops.
Finally, Judge Advocate Rob
Miller officially swore in incoming
Commodore Don Roy and the new
Directors. Don Roy shared a few
words about his vision for the club,
and promised to focus his efforts on
membership, participation and continuing to build strong ties with the
community.
With all the formalities complete,
the head table was cleared and the
music and dancing began. The evening was certainly one for the history
books, and odds are that next year’s
event will be sold out as well.
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Members on The Move
By Liz Cox
Pat Haskins & Sheri Green just
got back from Kona, Hawaii. They
chose the Big Island because that’s
where Pat wanted to scuba dive. They
spent a day in Volcano National Park
which was spectacular even though
they couldn’t see molten lava.They
enjoyed the antics of mongooses from
their hotel balcony. They saw all the
usual tourist attractions - the highlight being a night snorkel dive with
Manta Rays. These graceful giants
could have a wingspan of fifteen feet!
They admitted that the attraction they
haunted the most often was Bongo
Ben’s Beachside Bar, where a fantastic
Bloody Mary was only three dollars.
Pete Ruscher didn’t go anywhere
special in December - but his golf ball
did!! He was playing Olivas Links Golf
Club and he was on the 13th hole - a
171 yard par three. Using his fivewood he hit a great shot which landed
on the green, then disappeared. You
guessed it! It had gone into the cup.
His very first hole-in-one! Congratulations Pete!
Nancy Soans spent five days
over the Thanksgiving holiday visiting with her daughter Tiffany in San
Francisco. They had a wonderful time
sightseeing, shopping and going to
the Nutcracker Suite Ballet. Tiffany
even managed to get Nancy out on an
ice-rink!
Congratulations to Paul & Debbie DeFreitas on becoming first time
grandparents. Son and daughter-in-law
Scott and Carol are the proud parents
of a beautiful baby daughter Sloane
Madison.
VYC Ski Cruise is March 5-9
T
he annual VYC ski cruise
at Mammoth Mountain
will be March 5-9. VYC
is renting three twobedroom condos. Other
VYC members will be
staying “off campus.”
The VYC ski gang
will be in different condos this year, staying at
La Vista Blanc.
Head ski guy, Stan
Whisenhunt, has arranged for the
condos but has not yet set a schedule of social activities. Look for
them in future Forecasts and email
blasts.
Staying in one condo will be
January 2014
Stan & Sherry Whisenhunt, and
Gary Bright and guest.
Staying in a second
condo will be Steve
Ehret and Carol Sexton
along with Rafael
and Heidi Francke.
In the third
condo will be Suzi
Ramey, Jeanne
Tanner, Lisa Renshaw and Jay Cook.
Staying “off campus” and joining in the fun will be Rich and Sue
Van Gemert, Don and Cindy Lawson, Mike Stuzanne and Jeff Beller,
along with more who are expected
to show.
VYC Forecast
11
12
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Annie Rossi –
Junior’s Sailing Instructor
T
he Ventura Yacht Club
junior sailing program
continues to grow and we
would like to introduce our
junior sailing instructor, Annie Rossi. Annie was hired
at the beginning of last year
and worked through the
summer as the lead instructor for the junior summer
camps. She continues to
coach the juniors in sailing
and racing techniques in both the Opti
and Laser class boats. The Junior Program schedules numerous junior fun
days, sailing clinics, and the more advanced kids travel to regattas throughout southern California. With the help
of Junior Program Director, Ryan Cox,
Annie coordinates the many events,
does on-the-water instruction and
training, and works hard to keep the
program organized.
Annie began sailing at 12 years
old in a junior camp and immediately
fell in love with the sport.
She continued in the camp
for every session that
summer and has sailed
and raced ever since. She
began in Sabots, moved
up to the Optimist class,
and now continues to race
in the Laser Radial class.
Annie currently lives in
Oxnard, and when not
sailing or teaching she is a
student at Ventura College.
Her racing experience includes
winning the Southern California
Junior Olympics in 2009 and 2010. In
2011 she raced the midwinter regatta
at Cal Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey
and placed 2nd out of 58 boats. Later
that summer she raced in the Laser
Radial National Championships and
placed 15th out of 65 competitors. We
are lucky to have such a talented and
dedicated young lady as our lead instructor in our junior sailing program.
Juniors Brave High Winds
at L.A. Harbor
By Ryan Cox
A
nnika Fedde, Tenaya Romero and
Carter Cox all travelled to Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club for the Optimist
Holiday regatta. If you remember the
weather on December 7, you’ll probably be surprised to know that racing
took place. Carter had a fever Saturday so he and I were only there on
Sunday. While at home, I kept an eye
on Carter’s temperature and the wind
in Long Beach through my phone and
January 2014
several calls to coach Annie.
All Optimist sailors were sent out
for racing in winds of 20-25 knots,
temperatures in the 40s and rain. On
one of my calls to Annie, she said
even Annika was having a hard time
keeping her boat flat. As the day went
on, the breeze was mostly very strong
but at times dropped to almost noth-
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 14
13
Membership Report
By Liz Frank and Diane Sanson
O
ur members
Membership
join the Ventura Yacht Club for
Committee Meeting
many reasons, but
Sunday, January 19
predominately due
at 3:00 p.m.
to the many benTopics:
efits of member• New member recruitment
ship. These bene• Current member retention
fits meet the needs
and involvement
of racers, cruisers,
Everyone is welcome - new
juniors, boaters of
all types, and those and “old” members
interested in excellent dining and socializing opportuniContinued
ties. We create a casual, friendly at-
mosphere where
everyone feels
welcome.
We are
pleased to welcome Jean Crew
as Membership
Chairman for the
coming year. She
also serves on our
Board of Directors and brings a
wealth of leaderon page 15
Juniors Brave High Winds
Continued from page 13
This was Carter’s first full day in
Champs. So he clearly lacked experience but he learned some big lessons. He crossed the finish line in the
first race ahead of about 10 boats. I
was proud of how he did but I had to
let him know that he was OCS. The
“I” flag was up at the start and he
didn’t realize he had to round an end
of the startline when he was called,
he dipped the line and thought he
was clear. After a long delay due to
a lack of wind, two more races were
sailed. In the last race, Carter had a
great final leg and finished 15th.
Thanks to the efforts of our members, our fleet is getting stronger and
able to support more sailors. Annie
and I are hoping to make the next
youth day (Jan 12) a big one. If you
know someone between 8 and 16 that
would like to start the new year with
our program, please have them join
us.
ing. The Champs Fleets got in six races. Green Fleet, the less experienced
beginners, was not so fortunate. They
sailed out to the course, almost everyone flipped and they didn’t complete
any races. Tenaya said to me, “It was
raining ice.”
On Sunday, Carter woke
up without a fever and eager to
race. The forecast was for five knots
or less. When we arrived at CBYC
I thought all the competitors were
over dressed, the storm had passed
but everyone appeared to be in full
winter gear. I guess after what they
had experienced on Saturday, it was
understandable.
If anything the forecast was too
high. I don’t think we saw a puff
above three knots all day. Green fleet
sailed several races and Tenaya did
great. She had a few top five finishes
including a 2nd. Annika was the top
female overall in Champs, just as she
seems to do every regatta.
14
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Membership Report
Continued from page 15
ship and experience. Diane Sanson
ber Appreciation Breakfast many new
and Liz Frank, out-going Membership
members have joined the Ventura
Co-chairs, and the entire Membership
Yacht Club. This month we bring you
Committee extend their gratitude for
one new Regular member-couple and
all the support received from our felthree new Trial member-couples. We
low VYC members this past year.
are most pleased to report that Kerry
Enthusiasm for Ventura Yacht
and Sheilla Leiman, as well as Bill and
Club is contagious! As a result of a
Mary Kay Doubek, have upgraded
full calendar of activities throughout
their Trial memberships to Regular
the year and a successful New Memstatus. We welcome you all!
Regular Members Ray & Tricia Krakowski
R
ay and Tricia
Krakowski moved
to the Ventura Keys
nearly twenty years
ago, where they have
raised three children.
They celebrated their
31st Wedding Anniversary this past October.
Ray retired from the
fire service in 2012
and Tricia from teaching in 2013.
Their boating interests have
included catamarans and small
power boats as well
as sailboats. They currently own a 42-foot
Catalina, Sun Chaser.
Their sailing has been
primarily focused on
local waters, but they
tossed in a bare-boat
charter trip to the
Caribbean for good
measure.
In addition to
sailing, they stay active with horses,
golfing and their grandchildren - and
not necessarily in that order.
Trial Members John & Darlene Davidson
J
ohn and Darlene
have lived in the
Ventura Keys for 23
years. John is a semiretired industrial property developer and
manager. Darlene is
a stay-at-home Mom,
having sold her plastic
and aluminum manufacturing company.
They have two
sons and two grandsons and love to
travel by land, air and sea. While here
January 2014
at home they enjoy
taking their 32-ft.
Sportfisher out to
the islands whenever they can and
to Newport Beach to
visit family.
John and Darlene are thankful for
the opportunity for
membership at VYC
and look forward to
meeting many new friends and sharing many good times.
VYC Forecast
15
Trial Members Wally & Laurie Rutledge
W
ally moved
to Ventura
in 1968, and Laurie grew up in the
San Francisco Bay
area. They met forty
years ago at Chico
State, where Wally
obtained a degree
in Agriculture, and
Laurie in Business Administration.
Following that, Laurie earned an
MBA from Cal Lutheran University.
In 1978 they returned to Ventura.
Wally has worked in the produce
industry for 35 years and Laurie in
corporate accounting, then real estate for the past 20 years.
On the personal side of things,
they love living
near the Pacific, and
they describe One9teen - their third
Catalina, a 470 - as
their dream boat.
Their first boat purchase in 1981 was a
Catalina 27’. Laurie
and Wally’s one son,
Michael, lives at Oxnard Shores and
is also engaged in farming. He has a
lovely wife, Ericka, and two adorable
future sailors: Henry, aged 2½, and
one-year-old Nolan.
Laurie and Wally look forward to
making new friends at VYC and participating in all of our club activities.
Trial Members Skip & Pam Chandler
S
kip, Pam, their
two adult children
Chandler and Jamie,
and their two grandchildren (ages 14 and
12) currently reside
in Bakersfield where
they run their familyowned and operated
businesses, SC Communications,
Inc., and SC Site Services, LLC. Skip
is the CEO/President, Pam is the
Vice-President, and their daughter
Jamie is the Secretary/Treasurer.
Skip is a board member and past
president of EAKC (Executive Association of Kern County). He is also a
member of the Bakersfield Chamber
of Commerce and is a Booster Club
member of Cal State Bakersfield.
Pam and Skip both spent their
16
formative years in
Southern California, where Skip has
enjoyed surfing for
the past 47 years
and on-and-off sailing for 35 years.
They were members of the Calypso
Sailing Association in Newport Beach
in the 1970s. In 1980 their family
business, Ideco Sales & Service, drew
them to Bakersfield.
Skip and Pam are current members of Marina Sailing out of Channel
Islands and have a second residence
in Ventura, which brings them to
VYC. They do not own a boat at this
time, but Skip is interested in racing.
They love the ocean and travel to
the Caribbean as often as they can.
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January 2014
VYC Forecast
17
18
VYC Forecast
January 2014
From Galley to Helm
A History of VYC Women Part II
By Dena M. Mercer, Associate Historian
D
uring the 1970s, many changes
were taking place throughout the
country that began to provide equal
opportunities to women. The Ventura
Yacht Club, changing with those times,
now offered full membership to both
sexes, a huge modification for this
traditional all-male group. For the first
time, women could acquire their own
club membership or be named and included on a club certificate with their
husband, and choose how they would
participate within the club.
Interesting to note, is that the Junior’s Program has always been open
to both girls and boys. As these young
sailors grew to adulthood, the young
men had the opportunity to join the
Ventura Yacht Club. But before this
club’s Bylaws amendment offering
equal membership to both sexes, the
young women sailors did not. Junior
ladies seemed to have disappeared
from being on deck until many years
later.
The ink on this controversial
amendment had hardly begun to dry
in 1972 before some brave-hearted
women stepped up to the plate and
acquired their own membership and
boat. The first recorded single woman
membership and boat owner was
Helen Faulkner, the proud owner of
Intrepid, a Grand Banks power boat.
Right behind Helen, was Susan Cox
and Marion Johnston. The next ten
years would see several more women
choose Ventura Yacht Club single
membership and boat ownership.
These independent gals likely controlled both the galley and the helm.
Ventura Yacht Club Board meetings now had several active club women in attendance. With this opportuJanuary 2014
Shipmates CHARTER
T
he Shipmates began with
twenty-seven charter members. These wives contributed to
the overall social atmosphere of
Ventura Yacht Club by providing events for couples and for
families. Katie Johnston was one
of those original twenty-seven
members.
Shipmates during one of their meetings. I believe the woman to the left is
Irene Eaton.
nity to learn about the inner workings
of the club, vote for Board Members,
and participate in the election of the
Bridge, women stepped up to throw
their hat in the ring for those elected
positions. Women filled positions on
the Board, the first being Amy West
in 1983, and finally, almost ten years
later, Dottie Massa. Who was elected
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 20
19
A History of VYC Women
Continued from page 19
as Ventura Yacht Club Commodore in
1990. Eight years after that, Jacquline
Morgan would lead the club as Commodore.
Perusing many Forecast articles
and photos from the 1970s, text and
photos captured exciting times of men
crewing on race boats, but not women. No doubt many women crewed
with their husbands during cruises
to the Channel Islands, but it would
seem that their presence at the helm,
bow, or cockpit was limited, if not
non-existent during races. The exception was the annual Gal/Guy series,
where a feminine hand is on the tiller
while her male crew member attends
to sheets, halyards, and, of course, the
rail. This race continues to be popular
even today. There was also a Ladies’
Series sailboat race during the ‘70s,
where all members of a crew were
women.
Bring on the 1980s, and with it the
Forecast’s recording of more frequent
crewing by women during races. Crew
listings on many of the longer ocean
races included women co-skippering
the helm with husbands. Both Bill and
Jean Crew were listed as skippering
Pelican Express on the Trans-Pac. John
and Connie Larson shared Orca’s helm
during the Marina Del Rey to San
Diego race. When the Graham girls,
Nan and Susi, were at the helm, they
gladly gave every other skipper a run
for their money during many racing
events. They dominated the Thursday
Evening Tiller Tilts Series on Nugget
in Class B and on Windward in Class
A, and continued their winning streak
during the Pierpont Bay Yacht Club
Series. These gals were always tough
competition.
Enter the ‘90s, and along with
electing our first woman Commodore,
almost every racing boat has one or
20
Claudia Gottstein owns and skippers
her own J-24.
Susie Ramey, another former Junior
member, is not a stranger at the helm
during races.
more women as crew. It has become
typical to see hard-core women sailors
“manning” the bow, jumping halyards,
and hiking out during even the roughest sailing conditions. Women at the
helm with a mixed or all man crew are
taken very seriously. Some of VYC’s
toughest log race competitors, too, are
women. If we let go of the humorous
notion of men always being lost and
refusing to ask for directions, one can
VYC Forecast
Continued on page 21
January 2014
Kicking Off Big New Year at VYC
By Mary Kay Doubek
T
he Ventura Yacht Club is in full
swing as we say goodbye to 2013
and usher in 2014. We are upping the
ante for New Year’s Eve by inviting
you to try your luck at the tables 007
style. You can opt to rock a tux and
sip a dry martini like James Bond - or
not. Just don’t miss out on the Casino
Royale décor and delicious fare or the
excitement of gambling and dancing
the night away. Cocktails are served
from 6:00 p.m. and the buffet opens at
6:30 p.m. Reservations are required
for this annual sellout event, so call today! Don’t forget the club is closed on
January 1, but everyone is welcome to
bring a breakfast goodie to share at the
9:30 a.m. New Year’s Day Potluck on
Real men do help the Social Committee!
the patio.
The club was decked out for the
holidays in red and green as a result of
Continued on page 22
A History of VYC Women
Continued from page 20
now, the docks and
easily say that whichclubhouse are filled
ever gender is at the
with men and women
helm, the log race will
working together to
be won by the skipget our club in shipper exhibiting the best
shape condition.
skills on a given day
The new millento win the first place
nium continues to see
trophy.
more Ventura Yacht
The look of
Club women particiVentura Yacht Club
pating in and enjoying
Work Days, too, took
a wide variety of VYC
a change during
activities. From servthe late ‘90s. While
ing on Social Commitsome women choose
tees to jibing spinto provide refreshnakers, hoisting flags
ments for workers,
on Race Committee
others threw their
boats to serving on the
efforts into painting
Board, VYC women
door jams, scrubbing
Kaytlyn Dembowski, a past
continue to actively
tables, and securing
Junior member, is a fredock bumpers with
contribute to the overquent skipper of Eclipse.
all health of the club.
a few more nails. All
positions were now open and filled by VYC women are now “at the helm” in
many ways.
both genders. Viewing our work days
January 2014
VYC Forecast
21
Honoring Our Incredible Staff
Bridge, Staff Commodores Serve Dinner to Staffers
Photos by Cornel Grier
Kicking Off Big New Year at VYC
Continued from page 21
club trimming activities on December
Alas, after so much festivity, everyone
1. A big thank you to everyone who
needed time to enjoy a silent night or
contributed ornaments and hung the
two with the family, so the club was
stockings with care in hopes that St.
dark from December 24 to 26.
Nicholas soon would be there. Good
If one of your New Year’s resospirit and good fun were displayed
lutions is to get more involved and
as well at the Change of Command
make more friends, we would ask
dinner on Saturday, December 7. The you to consider volunteering with the
dining room looked elegant thanks
Social Committee. As a new permato the always reliable Social Commitnent member of VYC as of November
tee volunteers who prepped the room
2013, I can attest this is a sure-fire way
with red and blue, accented with gold
of becoming acquainted with lots of
stars and candlelight. Aside from the
people while having a blast. I am so
formal introductions, recognitions,
grateful to Judy Cunningham, Laurie
and oaths, the highlight of the evening York, Sue Van Gemert, Jean Crew,
were the awards and Don Mills’ sendSandy Swanson, Liz Cox, Dottie Berry,
up of the outgoing Commodore.
and many others for welcoming me
The Parade of Lights in Ventura
to the committee. Not only did they
Harbor was another VYC and local
show me the ropes and the treasures
time-honored holiday tradition that
to be found in the shed, they encourtook place last month on two nights.
aged me to let my creative juices flow.
Held on Friday and Saturday, DecemThey took a chance on me to set the
ber 20 and 21, this year’s theme was
décor for a few events and always
Seaside Tinsel Town. The boats really showed up to help. If a little bit of
sparkled as they cruised the harbor, as work with large doses of laughs and
did the eyes of onlookers who watched comraderie sounds like good medicine
from the club. Even Santa and Mrs.
for your life in 2014, please join us.
Claus, our guests on Friday evening,
The first Social Committee Meeting is
were impressed by the spectacle.
on Sunday, January 12 at 2:00 p.m.
22
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Honoring Our Incredible Staff
Continued from page 22
January 2014
VYC Forecast
23
24
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January 2014
VYC Forecast
25
26
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January 2014
VYC Forecast
27
28
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Ventura Harbor Marina
Yacht Yard
A Full Service Boatyard
Specializing in:
m Rigging
m Detailing
m Hull Painting
m Bottom Painting
m Engine Repairs
m System Repairs
805-642-6755
www.venturahbryachtyard.com
1644 Anchors Way Dr. • Ventura • CA • 93001
January 2014
VYC Forecast
29
Master Calendar 2014
January
1
Wednesday
1
Wednesday
5
Sunday
7
Tuesday
8
Wednesday
11
Saturday
12
Sunday
12
Sunday
14
Tuesday
15
Wednesday
18
Saturday
18
Saturday
19
Sunday
21
Tuesday
24
Friday
25
Saturday
25
Saturday
28
Tuesday
February
1
Saturday
2
Sunday
4
Tuesday
8
Saturday
11
Tuesday
11
Tuesday
12
Wednesday
14
Friday
15-16
Sat-Sun
16
Sunday
18
Tuesday
18
Tuesday
19
Wednesday
22
Saturday
25
Tuesday
25
Tuesday
28
Friday
28-2
Fri-Sun
March
28-2
Fri-Sun
4
Tuesday
4
Tuesday
5-9
Wed-Sun
7
Friday
9
Sunday
11
Tuesday
11
Tuesday
12
Wednesday
14
Friday
14-16
Fri-Sun
15-16
Sat-Sun
18
Tuesday
18
Tuesday
30
New Years Day CLUB CLOSED
VYC Potluck Breakfast (No Potluck Dinner) 9:30 a.m.
Meet the Bridge Cocktail Party 3 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Ev Ashworth Private Party 5 p.m.
Junior’s Day -- Adult Clean Up 9 a.m.
Social Committee Meeting 2:30 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
Velthoen Memorial 9 a.m.
2012 Transpac Race Dinner Presentation (Leverault) 6 p.m.
Membership Committee Meeting 3 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner, Quarterly Meeting 6 p.m.
J-24 & PHRF Regatta #1
Chepley Private Party (upstairs) 5 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Sugden Private Party 12 p.m.
Super Bowl “Tailgate Party” & Appetizer Competition 2 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Private Party ~ Power Squadron Change of Watch 5 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Valentines Dinner 6:30 p.m.
SCYA Midwinters
Junior’s Day 9 a.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
Race Awards Dinner 5 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner 6 p.m.
PCYC/VYC Cruise (Dock Party) 1 p.m.
PCYC/VYC Cruise (Dock Party) 1 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Annual Snow Cruise
Mardi Gras Dinner 6 p.m.
Junior’s Day (Daylight Saving’s Time Starts)
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Irish Theme Dinner 6:30 p.m.
Wine Cruise
Winter Dinghy Clinic & Regatta
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Forecast
January 2014
March
19
22
25
25
28
29
April
1
1
4
5
8
8
9
12
13
15
16
19
19
20
22
25
26
29
30
May
3
6
7
7
10
11
13
14
18
20
20
21
23
23-26
26
27
28
June
1
3
4
7
8
8
10
11
11
13-15
Wedneday
Saturday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
Dinner Presentation (Swanson) 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner 6 p.m.
Clean-Up Day 11 a.m.
Tuesday
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
Tuesday
Wednesday
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Friday Dinner - CANCELLED
Opening Day 8 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Predicted Log Race #1, VYC host 8 a.m.
Junior’s Day 9 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
Morrison/Morgan Private Party 5 p.m.
J 24 & PHRF Regatta #2
Easter 10 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner, Quarterly Meeting 6 p.m.
Anacapa Cruise (Lunch & Guided Hike)
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesdays Series to Sept. 24 6 p.m.
Saturday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Sunday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Fri-Mon
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Private Party 11:30 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Predicted Log Race #2, VYC host
Mother’s Day Brunch 10 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Junior’s Day
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner 6 p.m.
Memorial Weekend Cruise
Memorial Day BBQ 4 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Fri-Sun
Commodore’s Classic Race
Tuesday Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Governor’s Cup Race 9 a.m.
Junior’s Day 9 a.m.
Beach Clean-Up Day 9 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Father’s Day Scorpion Cruise
January 2014
VYC Forecast
31
June
15
17
17
18
21
24
25
27
July
1
2
4
4-6
8
9
9
12
12
13
13
15
15
16
19-20
22
23
25
26
27-1
29
30
August
2
3
5
6
9
10
12
13
13
14
32
Sunday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Father’s Day BBQ /Swap meet & Bocce Ball 3 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Predicted Log Race #3, CIYC host
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner 6 p.m.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Fri-Sun
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
Tuesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Sat-Sun
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sun-Fri
Tuesday
Wednesday
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Fourth of July BBQ 3 p.m.
Fourth of July Cruise
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Catalina Cruise Seminar/Talk 6 p.m.
PBYC’s Milt Ingrim Race
Beach Clean-Up Day 9-10 a.m.
Junior’s Day 9 a.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Sail Fest & J/24 Regatta
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner, Quarterly Meeting 6 p.m.
Cunningham Private Party (downstairs patio) 11 a.m.
Annual Catalina Cruise
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Saturday
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Summer Classic Regatta (Lasers)
Junior’s Day
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
40 Leaguers PP
Mid Year Clean Up 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Jr’s End of Summer Dinner 5 p.m.
VYC Forecast
January 2014
August
16
Saturday
16
Saturday
17
Sunday
19
Tuesday
19
Tuesday
20
Wednesday
22
Friday
23
Saturday
26
Tuesday
27
Wednesday
29-1
Fri-Mon
September
29-1
Fri-Mon
1
Monday
2
Tuesday
3
Wednesday
6
Saturday
7
Sunday
7
Sunday
9
Tuesday
10
Wednesday
10
Wednesday
13-14
Sat-Sun
15
Monday
16
Tuesday
16
Tuesday
17
Wednesday
18
Thursday
22
Monday
23
Tuesday
23
Tuesday
24
Wednesday
26
Friday
27
Saturday
29
Monday
30
Tuesday
30
Tuesday
October
4
Saturday
6
Monday
7
Tuesday
7
Tuesday
8
Wednesday
10
Friday
10-13
Fri-Mon
12
Sunday
13
Monday
14
Tuesday
14
Tuesday
15
Wednesday
19
Sunday
20
Monday
21
Tuesday
21
Tuesday
January 2014
Dinghy Party 3 p.m.
PBYC Tri-point Race
Predicted Log Race #4, CIYC Host
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner 6 p.m.
J-24 & PHRF Regatta #3
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Labor Day Cruise
Labor Day Cruise
Labor Day BBQ 3 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Predicted Log Race #5, VYC Host (Jim Cline Memorial)
Junior’s Day
Beach Clean Up 9 a.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Santa Barbara Channel Challenge/Ventura Cup Regatta
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday 6 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Wet Wednesday (Last one) 6 p.m.
Monthly Birthday Dinner 6 p.m.
“The Oakley” Predicted Log Race, CIYC Host
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Gal and Guy Series #1
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Oktoberfest/Friday Dinner Party 6:30 p.m.
Columbus Day Cruise
Junior’s Day
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
New Member Brunch 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Forecast
33
October
24
Friday
27
Monday
28
Tuesday
28
Tuesday
31
Friday
November
1
Saturday
3
Monday
4
Tuesday
4
Tuesday
8-9
Sat-Sun
10
Monday
11
Tuesday
11
Tuesday
12
Wednesday
15
Saturday
15
Saturday
16
Sunday
17
Monday
18
Tuesday
19
Wednesday
23
Sunday
25
Tuesday
27-28
Thr-Fri
30
Sunday
December
2
Tuesday
6
Saturday
9
Tuesday
15
Monday
16
Tuesday
20/21
Fri-Sat
23
Tuesday
24-26
Weds-Fri
30
Tuesday
31
Wednesday
January 2015
1
Thursday
1
Thursday
34
Monthly Birthday Dinner & Quarterly Meeting 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Halloween Dinner 6 p.m.
Gal and Guy Series #2
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
Optimist Jr Fall Regatta
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Power Squadron 4 p.m.
Book Group 6 p.m.
Gal and Guy Series #3
Art Show
Junior’s Day
Power Squadron 7 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
BOD meeting 7 p.m.
Thanksgiving Feast 3 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Club Closed for Holiday ~ Thanksgiving
Trim The Club 2 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Change of Command and Commodore’s Ball 6 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Staff Appreciation Dinner 6 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights TBD 5:30 p.m.
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
Club Closed for Holiday
VYC Potluck 6 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Party 7 p.m.
New Year’s Day - Club Closed
Potluck Breakfast
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January 2014
VYC Forecast
35
36
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Office Waves
By Yacht Club Manager Anthony Jesu
H
appy New Year to
everyone and I hope
you all had a wonderful
Christmas! As of this writing the club is doing well
financially and net income
for the year is positive
and at budget. Remember
if you would like to see a
detailed financial report
these are always available
to members in the club office.
The staff had a wonderful Christmas party last month. This is an
annual event put on by the Bridge.
It is a very unique party because the
Commodore, Vice Commodore, Rear
Commodore, incoming Rear Commodore, Staff Commodores and selected
members come and cook, bartend and
serve the employees!
This year looks like it’s going to be
another promising year with several
projects that are still in the works.
This includes the rebuilding of the
outside stairway and continuation of
the dock reconfiguration project.
Also I hope that all our members
January 2014
take advantage of the activities and food services that
we offer. Come on down to
the club a little more often
and enjoy our breakfasts,
lunches or dinners. Sign up
for a social event or have a
party here at the club. It’s a
wonderful venue.
Maybe this is the year
you might get more involved with racing, cruising, or log
racing.
Perhaps you have kids or grandkids you might want to enroll in the
Junior’s Sailing Program. We have a
number of Opti and laser clinics on
the calendar.
Once again I would like to thank
all the membership for making Ventura Yacht Club such a special place
and I look forward to another wonderful year. On behalf of all the staff we
are anxious to work hard and improve
our service to all the members.
Anthony Jesu
VYC Forecast
37
38
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January 2014
VYC Forecast
39
40
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Sailboat Racing Report
VYC Race Season Starts Jan. 25
By Stan Whisenhunt
V
entura Yacht Club’s sailboat
racing season begins Jan. 25,
with the first of three VYC Regattas.
Defending champions from last year
are Deke Klatt and Jaded in the J-24
class, and Dave Chase and Uhambo
in the PHRF Class.
Notice of race is on page 42 in
this Forecast.
Come out and join the action –
either as a racer or as a Race Committee volunteer.
VYC’s Race Schedule for 2014
u Jan. 25, Regatta No. 1, for
PHRF boats and J-24s
u April 19, Regatta No. 2, for
PHRF boats and J-24s.
u June 1, Commodore Classic
u June 7, Governor’s Cup
u July 19-20, Sail Fest
u Aug. 23, Regatta No. 3, for
January 2014
PHRF boats and J-24s
u Sept. 13-14, Santa Barbara
Channel Challenge/Ventura Cup
u Oct. 4, Gal & Guy Series 1
u Nov. 1, Gal & Guy Series 2
u Nov. 15, Gal & Guy Series 3
Race Awards Banquet is Saturday, Feb. 22
VYC will recognize its successful
racers – both adult and junior – at
its Race Awards Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 22. Also being recognized
are the numerous Race Committee
workers who make the program possible.
Whether you are a racer, a junior
racer, a Race Committee volunteer,
or just a member who would like to
show up in support of the race program be sure to attend this festive
occasion.
VYC Forecast
41
Regatta Series
Notice of Race
V
entura Yacht Club invites you to join us for the Ventura Yacht
Club Regatta Series. The series will consist of three buoy regattas. Hope to see you on the water.
DATES:
Regatta #1: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014
Regatta #2: Saturday, April 19, 2014
Regatta #3: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014
Three or more races are planned for each regatta. Two races
must be completed to constitute a regatta.
TIME: The start signal for the first class is scheduled for 1100
on each race day.
COURSE: The course will be Windward-Leeward with ¾ mile
weather leg for J-24s and PHRF boats, and 1.5 mile weather leg for
PHRF boats in breezy conditions. The start/finish line will be in
the vicinity of the Mandalay buoy.
CLASSES: PHRF handicapped Spinnaker classes will be formed
with class breaks determined at the Skipper’s Meeting. A J/24 class
and a non-spinnaker class may be formed at the discretion of the
Race Committee. This is a PHRF Category 4 event, and area A Buoy
Course handicaps will be used. For series entries, a current PHRF
certificate must be filed with the Race Committee no later than the
Skipper’s Meeting of the Race #2. For daily entries a current PHRF
certificate must be filed with the Race Committee before scores are
posted for the day of the event.
ENTRY: This series is open to all boats, less than 45 feet LOA,
with a valid PHRF rating. The race will be governed by the rules as
defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing 2013-2016. The PHRF MIR Rule
does not apply. The Sailing Instructions and this Notice of Race will
be available at the Skipper’s Meeting, which will be held at VYC
promptly at 0830 on each race day. Registration will be accepted by
mail or at the Skipper’s Meeting on each race day. For the series,
the entry fee is $60. For individual regattas, the entry fee is $25.
TROPHIES: There will be daily trophies for each regatta and
Series trophies. The daily trophies will be awarded at the succeeding regatta skipper’s meeting, except for the final regatta. Series trophies and the daily trophies for the Aug. 23 regatta will be awarded
on Aug. 23.
For further information, contact Stan Whisenhunt at (805) 6591464, or (805) 340-1444 or e-mail at Swhisenhun@aol.com.
42
VYC Forecast
January 2014
Marina Management Report
By Port Captain Jeff Beller
D
inghy and Kayak Racks
All the new kayak racks have
been assigned and filled. This freed
up quite a few spots on the original
dinghy racks and we were able to
exhaust the waiting list for dinghies.
If you put your name on the waitlist
for a dinghy or kayak rack, please
let Anthony know exactly what you
want. Also, be aware that dinghies
and kayaks longer than 11 feet will
not be allowed on the dinghy racks
because the longer lengths prevent
the use of the adjacent spots.
MMC Members Sought
I’m looking for a couple more
members that would like to be part of
and contribute to the Marina Management Committee. We’re responsible for all the various aspects of
managing the marina from hands-on
maintenance to financial planning,
the new dock construction, and setting rules and policies. If you are
interested, please send me an email
or call me.
Our D Dock Reconfiguration
The permit process is continuing
to move forward. Our hearing before
the California Coastal Commission is
tentatively scheduled for March 2014.
What To Do In Winter
By Jan Lawson
I
n law school we studied by the “case
book” method. This involves reading
the results of an actual case and picking out the point of law that resolved
the case. This is a fairly effective
way to learn as the facts of the case
illustrate the point that needs to be
drummed into your head. The facts
help you remember what you need to
know. That is why I will never forget
the rule that you can be delusional
about something and still have enough
mental capacity to write a valid will.
You see the decedent in this particular
case believed that there were “beeves”
in the trees. Despite that she knew
who her loved ones were and the will
she wrote made an orderly distribution based on that knowledge. So the
court ruled that the will was valid
despite her sincere beliefs about tree
climbing cows.
Why do I tell you this? Because
January 2014
over the winter I suggest a good read,
Seaworthy (The Book) BoatUS. It is
full of actual boating accidents and
describes in detail what was the root
cause of the loss. One that sticks with
me is about a very experienced boater
who made poor decisions because of
fatigue and hypothermia. He failed
to note a channel marker and ended
up in the open ocean in very bad
conditions. The story does not end
well. Some of the cases in the book
have better endings. The point being
that we can learn from the mistakes
made by others and therefore we can
be better boaters next season. All of
the incidents described in the book
are from actual BoatUS claims files. I
found this to be a intriguing book and
read it cover to cover in two days. The
knowledge will stick with you because
the facts are fascinating.
VYC Forecast
43
44
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January 2014
VYC Forecast
45
Club Hours
(Closed Monday)
Breakfast
Sunday .................................................. 0800-1230
Lunch
Saturday ................................................ 1200-1400
Dinner
Friday .................................................... 1830-2000
Saturday Grill Night ............................. 1730-1930
Bar
Friday .................................................... 1700-2200
Saturday ................................................ 1700-2100
Sunday .................................................. 1500-1900
Appetizers
Saturday Sunset Happy Hour .............. 1730-1930
Sunday Hors d’oeuvres ........................ 1500-1700
(Complimentary)
Office Hours
Tuesday-Sunday .................................... 0900-1700
(Closed during lunch hour weekdays)
The Forecast
T
he Forecast will be mailed
d
the last week of each
month. The deadline for
copy and photographs is the
15th of the previous month.
Copy should be submitted to
Stan Whisenhunt at
swhisenhun@aol.com. Pho-tographs should be submitted
in digital form to graphic artist
st
Cindy Daly at cmdaly@pacbell.net, or photographs should be
left with Anthony in the club office.
Copy, deadline: The 15th of each
46
month.
mo
Editor:
Ed
Stan Whisenhunt,
65
659-1464, swhisenhun@
aol.com
ao
Copy Editor: Sheri Green,
C
661-296-1688,
6
sheriholz@juno.com
Photographers: Bob
“Flash” Wheeler, Paul
Swanson, Ed Kutchma,
West, Stan Whisenhunt, Jean
Amy West
Crew, Sheri Green
Graphic Designer: Cindy Daly,
647-1554, cmdaly@pacbell.net
VYC Forecast
January 2014
January
Birthdays
Andrew B. Clark, January 1.
Brigitte Colzani, January 19.
Floyd Hester, January 2.
Mary Beck, January 20.
Bill Hair, January 5.
Doug Farrell, January 20.
John Berry, January 6.
Gregory Frank, January 20.
Pierre Gastonguay, January 6.
Jim Suley, January 20.
Diane DiConti, January 7.
Rudy Nodar, January 21.
Donald Roy, January 7.
Mike Leary, January 22.
Heidi Francke, January 8.
Shirley McGinnis, January 24.
Jan Hester, January 8.
Susan Nodar, January 26.
Maree Penhart, January 9.
Ken Collin, January 27.
Dan Coverdale, January 11.
Fred Vance, January 27.
Nancy Sieh, January 14.
Debbie Gastonguay, January 28.
David McCune, January 15.
Tim Droney, January 29.
Dena Mercer, January 16.
Eric Rigney, January 30.
Marge Chamberlain, January 18.
Eleanor West, January 31.
Ventura Yacht Club 2014 Advertising Rates
Business Card (3” wide x 2” tall)*
$ 20 per month
Half-page (5” wide x 3 1/2” tall)*
$ 35 per month
Full-page (5” wide x 7 1/2” tall)*
$ 53 per month
Full-page - back cover - color
(5” wide x 7 1/2” tall)*
$100 per month
*Prices are for camera ready ads. If not camera ready, an additional charge
will apply for set-up. Ads are black and white except for the back cover.
To place an ad please contact Robin Lafrican at the VYC office at 642-0426.
January 2014
VYC Forecast
47
Change of Command