May 2016 - California Yacht Club

Regatta season returns
with Harris Cup, Les Storrs,
and the J/70 Midwinters
MAY 2016
he theme of this issue of your California
YC Breeze is a celebration of sailing.
Although I am mainly a rower and
kayaker, I have sailed. Under the “see one, do
one, teach one” rule, I am well-qualified to help
out. The following explains why.
Uncle Ben & Aunt Pat – Pat and Ben have
both passed away. Ben, my father’s brother, was
93. Pat was in her seventies when she crossed
over the bar. They both sailed. About the time I
was in law school, Pat and Ben lived aboard a
Kettenburg 40, docked on the main channel in
front of the old Marina del Rey Hotel. This was
a beautiful wooden vessel, with Philippine
mahogany over steam-bent oak frames.
From the
Commodore
T
Courtesy of http://forum.woodenboat.com/
2/BREEZE MAY 2016
My First Lesson – I had sailed with them
to Catalina, and once to Oxnard or Ventura. Pat
and I decided it was time for me to learn how to
handle a tiller. Pat found a Sabot somewhere,
and we met for the lesson. I was my full height,
about 6’2” and about 190 pounds. I was no
more flexible then than I am now. There was
no way I was going to be able to sit in that
Sabot and duck under the boom, but we found a
solution.
Lying flat on my back, with my head
propped up against the stern, I was safe from
the swinging boom. Aunt Pat was probably
Commodore
about 5’6” and 150 pounds. She perched on the
Richard Hamlin
bow gunwale and taught me about reaching and
tacking.
It was confusing. I was using a tiller and I was flat on
my back. If I wanted to go to port (or left as I thought of
it at the time) I had to move this stick to my right. I got
that part down okay. The problem arose when I tacked.
Tora! Tora! Tora! –- As I moved the helm alee, my
aunt’s weight pushed the bow down. Suddenly, we were
shipping water over the bow at an alarming rate. “What
do I do?” I cried. Pat pointed toward the docks in front of
the hotel and said go that way.
I dutifully moved the tiller to port. Sure enough, the
Sabot moved starboard toward the main-channel docks. I
didn’t want to ram the dock, so I moved the tiller slightly
to the right. Suddenly, we were on a perfect reach.
The boat was no longer taking on water, and we were
screaming along right next to the docks in front of the
hotel. (I know it was a Sabot, but, lying flat on my back,
my first time on a tiller, it felt pretty fast to me.) That
lasted until I sailed under someone’s davits and snapped
the mast off at the base. The lesson ended.
Fortunately, the collision did not harm the davits.
Even better, the person who owned the boat with the
davits knew my aunt and uncle, and had worked on the set
of “Tora! Tora! Tora” (the 1970 film about Pearl Harbor).
He was a master craftsman and was able to put the
wooden mast back together until it was as good as new.
I haven’t dismasted a boat since. It’s safe to entrust
the helm to me, whether tiller or wheel. Next month, I’ll
start writing about my 44+ years before the mast (with
apologies to Richard Dana).
(Editor's Note: A sharp eye will notice the name
"Peggy Slater" in this advertisement from 1960. Peggy
was a CYC member and a pioneer in women’s sailing.
Each year, the Southern California Yachting Association
awards the Peggy Slater Memorial Trophy to a woman
sailor for her individual achievement or contributions to
the sport of sailing.)
California Yacht Club
4469 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-823-4567
Fax: 310-822-3658
www.calyachtclub.com
Volume 52 • Number 5
General Manager
Michele Underwood
- Bronny Daniels, Joysailing.com
Editor-in-Chief
John W Nelson
Managing Editor
Vince Mattera
Editorial Assistants
Steve Edwards
Nancy Lepe
Claudia Moore
Christina Tarantola
Commodore
Richard F. Hamlin
J/70 Midwinters
Rear Commodore
Mike Blecher
Fleet Captain
Debbie Feinerman
Port Captain
Stephanie Weston
The Breeze is published to provide
members with announcements of,
and information about, Club
activities. Deadline for articles is the
first day of the previous month of
the publication date.
Contact Breeze Editor John W Nelson
at cyc-breeze-editor@cycfleet.com for
information on submitting articles.
Club 25 Master of Ceremonies
S/C Bill Stump
To place an ad, please contact
Claudia Moore at
310-823-4567 x2765 or
claudia.moore@calyachtclub.com
Breeze (USPS #016-319)
is published monthly by California
Yacht Club, Inc., d.b.a. California
Yacht Club, 4469 Admiralty Way,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Subscription price of $12 annually
is included in member dues.
Periodicals postage paid at Venice,
CA, and at additional mailing office.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to:
Breeze
California Yacht Club
4469 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Copyright © 2016
California Yacht Club, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Opti Clinic
- S/C Martin McCarthy photo
Vice Commodore
Kellie Fennessy
EVENTS
From the Commodore
From the Editor
Mariners Education
Yachting Luncheon
Epicurean Wine Tasting
Club 25
Members Art Show
Pickleball Clinic
RAG Field Day
Sunset Book Club
Book Mates
2
4
6
7
17
18
20
22
22
31
31
SAIL
Weeknight Racing at CYC
CYC Seminars
J/70 Mindwinters
Harris Cup
Winners Circle
A Tale of Two Seas
Martin 242 Racing Clinic
Les Storrs Regatta
5
7
8
10
12
13
14
16
JUNIOR SAILING
Ficker Cup
Advanced Opti Clinic
San Diego NOODs
26
27
28
CYCWA
On the Horizon
30
POWER FLEET
Power Fleet News
Roaring ‘20s Dinner Dance
24
25
MEMBERSHIP
CYC Burgee
New Members
From the Manager
29
32
34
CALENDAR
May/June Events
35
Front Cover:
- Bronny Daniels, Joysailing.com photo
Back Cover:
- Nina Aviles photo
MAY 2016 BREEZE/3
From the Editor
n Southern California, there are no seasons when it comes to
enjoying time on the water. But Spring brings regattas, cruises
to Catalina and beyond, and sailors – young and old – who
are tempted to try to tame the wind. If only for a moment.
For decades, California YC has hosted the finest sailors and
the finest regattas, earning the appreciation of mariners from near
I
and far. While not neglecting our Club’s other fine activities,
this issue is fortunate to include coverage from recent
regattas, reports from our Junior sailors, news about our
latest Winners Circle members, and images by the many
contributors whose fine photos reflect the essence of this
ancient endeavor – sailing.
2016 Sunset Series season begins with a rush
PHRF B
1. Blade 2 Mick Shlens CBYC/KHYC
2. Mexican Divorce Neil Fraser SBYRC
3. Bravura Paul Katz DRYC
April 13, Race 1 Trophy Winners
PHRF C
1. Spray Peter Nelson CYC
2. Persistence Bryce Benjamin CYC
3. Jubilation Lenny Shabes CYC
4. Grace O'Malley Alice Leahey CYC J/109
5. Zephyr Jack Mayer DRYC
PHRF D
1. Avet Curt Johnson CYC
2. V Douglas Johnstone CYC
3. Redline Derek Heeb CYC
4. Scooter Liz Hjorth CYC
5. Minor Threat Jeff Janov CYC
4/BREEZE MAY 2016
M242
1. Dean Duncan Cameron CYC
2. Wombat Steven Moses CYC/SMWYC
PHRF E
1. Ka Holo Moana Steve Arkle SCCYC
Cruising A
1. Cross Fire Joe Cowan SSC
2. Duchess Ron Jacobs DRYC
3. Encore John McEntire CYC
4. Pacific Whitney Green CYC
5. Yazzoo Frank Cazares SBYRC
Cruising B
1. California Dream Christopher Gorog CYC
2. Jambo James Gull PMYC
3. Sua Sponte Lee Rawles DRYC
Weeknight Racing at CYC
BY SUE SERVICE, Sail Committee Chair
ummer is nearly upon us – the days are long and warm. We
all want to get on the water to sail as much as possible and
CYC has four opportunities for weeknight racing you
should definitely check out:
S
Sunset Series: The granddaddy of CYC’s weeknight racing
started in the marina in 1963. This year, racing began in April
and will continue through the first week of September with ~80
or more boats competing every Wednesday. Come down to the
Club to watch the race finish – it’s right off the guest dock – and
stay for the post-race party. Better yet, get out on the water to
race or to spectate!
Match Racing: On alternate Fridays starting May 13,
informal match racing in the Club-owned Martin 242s takes
place at the guest dock. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the
Martin or with Match Racing, you can rotate in as crew and get
racing. Races are short, and everyone can participate: Club
keelboat members can skipper for free, other CYC members can
skipper for a small fee, and anyone can crew for free.
Come to the Club this summer and check out weeknight
sailing. Make an evening of it and stay for dinner. For all of
these events, go to the CYC website and calendar for more
information.
Starlight Series: The Star is a former Olympic Class boat
and has been raced in California since CYC’s Owen Churchill
initiated the first Star Class fleet on the Pacific Coast in 1922.
Rick Peters, Star Class World Champion in 2009, founded the
Starlight Series in 1998. The Starlight Series is a relatively easygoing regatta – three to four races around the buoys every
Thursday night, just outside the breakwater. Each race lasts
between 20 and 25 minutes. The members of the Star fleet love
to introduce newcomers to this beautiful boat and are happy to
take Juniors out for the evening. Come out to race or volunteer
for race committee and enjoy a weeknight on the Bay.
Muddy Feet: The Juniors race on Thursday afternoons too,
just off the CYC guest dock. This year races will be held on
June 30, July 7 and 21, and August 4. There are races for CFJs
and for Optis, and racing is at a beginner level. The first start is
at 5:30 and racing finishes by 7 p.m. Watching the kids race is a
blast, and who knows, you might get to crew!
z
Free Parking
and Shuttle
Courtesy
Guest Dock
Vessels up to 22 ft.
May 12-15, 2016
Lido Marina Village, Newport Beach
Produced by:
Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc.
Phone: 949.757.5959
Hours: (Rain or shine)
Thursday: Noon to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission:
$15 for adults; Children 12
and younger, FREE
newportbeachboatshow.com
MAY 2016 BREEZE/5
Mariners Education 2016 - A "Trifecta"
By JOHN VAUGHAN
he second Mariners Education session was a tripleheader. We tackled three topics in one session; Twin
Engine Boat Handling Instruction, Boat CommandElectronic boat monitoring of vital systems, and California SB941-Vessel Operator Card requirements update.
For these topics, we invited Captain Richard Waite from
Yachts 4 Fun in to enlighten us on these interesting and
valuable subjects. Richard is a Coast Guard-certified power
boat Captain’s instructor. Captain Waite founded Yachts 4 Fun
in 2010, and became the Boat Command exclusive dealer for
Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada, in 2015.
The session started with a detailed review of the Yachts 4
Fun two-part certification program called “Powerboat
Passport,” which follows the National Skill-Based Standards for
on-the-water powerboat instruction.
The program begins with the 12-hour, four-session, “Close
Quarters Powerboat Handling,” and includes close quarters
handling, fairway maneuvering, docking and departing, and
advanced boat handling. At the successful completion of the
course, students receive “twin inboard certification” from the
American Sailing Association. Part 2, is the “Vessel
T
Endorsement Course,” a nine-hour, four-session course.
This program is ASA approved, and includes: vessel
orientation, close quarters docking, anchoring and mooring, and
night operations. At the conclusion of this course, students may
bareboat charter the vessel.
We then moved to the introduction and demonstration of
Boat Command, an electronic boat monitoring product that
allows owners, managers, and caretakers of boats to monitor a
boat's vital systems, and receive alerts to negative or adverse
conditions on the boat. Boat Command can be monitored on iPhone, i-Pad, Android, Apple, and PC-based computers. It has
built-in GPS with the ability to create a geofence alerting to
adverse movement, GPS tracking to see where your boat has
been (great for charters, rentals, and mischevious friends and
children). It monitors shore power connection, battery levels
(can monitor two batteries), bilge pump activity, and a second
bilge monitor for high water monitoring. Boat Command has
security features that allow you to connect magnetic hatch entry
switches or motion detectors. Also available are temperature
sensors, d/c and a/c relays allowing for remote switching on/off
of heat or a/c, refrigerator, lights, etc. And a bonus feature,
Cash Flow Is King.
How to Own Apartments for Less than It Costs to Buy a House.
Everybody knows they should own real estate, and apartments are the best
asset class to own. They provide a nice stable cash flow, tax benefits, a
hedge against inflation, and often appreciate in value as the tenants pay
down your mortgage.
For these reasons I have been buying cash flowing apartments, for less than
they cost to build, in emerging job growth markets.
I find the best off-market deals, negotiate a great price, get a loan, and then
invite my investment partners to buy it with me; everyone putting in less than
a down payment on a house.
Matt Skinner
Twelvestone
818-419-0202
Matt@12SRE.com
6/BREEZE MAY 2016
For more discussions about real estate investment strategies join us at the
Real Estate Investor Club. We meet at CYC on the 2nd Wednesday of
every month in the Fireside Room at 6:30 p.m. Reserve your seat here:
www.ClubInAction.com
If you are interested in investing in High Performance Real Estate
please contact Matt for a no obligation consultation.
temperature conditions at the boat.
We ended the session with an update on Senate Bill
41's California Vessel Operator Card requirements. The
definition of a “Vessel” is any motorized water vessel.
The timeline for implementation; beginning January 1,
2018, operators 20 and under, and upping the age
requirement in five- and 10-year increments until January
1, 2025, when all operators will be required to hold a
CVOC. Those exempt are numerous, some befuddling,
and in this author's opinion, those who should have
boating operation and safety instruction, and thankfully,
those that have existing USCG or NASBLA certifications
will be exempt.
Overall, it was a very interesting and informative
session. I’d like to thank all who attended and, in
particular, Captain Richard Waite for enlightening us on
these three topics. Keep your eyes out in the Zephyr and
CYC Facebook pages, for our future sessions April 30,
June 25, August 27, September 24, and October 29.
For more information on Boat Command, contact
John Vaughan at 310-592-0676, or email:
johnv@everyanglelp.com.
For more information on SB-941, visit
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/BoaterInfo/SB941FAQ.aspx
Yachting Luncheon
“Lessons learned from the Sea:
The only difference between an
ordeal and an adventure, is attitude”
Thursday, May 26
Presented by Bob Bitchin,
Publisher of Cruising Outpost and founder and former
publisher of Latitudes & Attitudes magazines
oin fellow yachting enthusiasts for CYC’s
monthly luncheon program, this time featuring
Bob Bitchin as he shares insights about all things
cruising and his and wife Jody's life both on and off
the water. Don’t miss this exceptional program to ask
questions and gain firsthand information from this
fascinating nautical guru and storyteller. Come early
to get a good seat.
J
Happy Half Hour – Noon
Bountiful Buffet Luncheon - 12:20 p.m.
Presentation 12:40 p.m.
$20 includes luncheon, tax, service, and parking.
Reservations appreciated:
reservations@calyachtclub.com
Open to all who enjoy yachting and adventure,
as a public service of CYC.
S/C Martin McCarthy, Yachting Programs Chair
CYC Seminars
Help Local Sailors
"Up Their Game"
By Fleet Captain DEBBIE FEINERMAN
hile waiting for the sailing season to begin in
earnest, many local sailors participated in free
educational programs offered by California Yacht
Club. The first, facilitated by CYC’s Senior Race Officer,
S/C Bill Stump, was intended for Principal Race Officers at
all levels and focused on “making it look easy.” Participants
were not disappointed, though we all know that making it
look easy requires keen attention to detail and serious
planning.
A second program featured local rules expert Art Engel,
who provided an informative rules refresher course. More
than 100 enthusiastic racers enjoyed the rules discussion
and the valuable reminder that you can’t win on the rules
but can lose if you don’t know them!
Our third seminar afforded racers the opportunity to
learn more about protests, with the goal of enticing
volunteers to serve on protest committees. With the Sunset
Series spanning 22 weeks, it is especially important to
increase our protest committee ranks. Thanks to Ray
Mahaffey and Doug Weitz’s engaging program that
demystified protests, and some fine role playing by Bill and
Dan McGanty, we now have a bunch of new protest
committee volunteers. Let’s hope we don’t need them too
often.
Last, we offered two Sunset Series Seminars: one
designed especially for cruisers and the other designed for
all racers. The cruising seminar featured Mike Priest,
offering tips to ensure a fun and successful season. He
reminded cruisers to throttle it back, have fun, and not
worry too much about winning another pickle dish. With
that and other helpful pointers, skippers and crew had an
opportunity to mingle and look forward to the traditional
Sunset Series Seminar one week later. As you read this, the
Sunset Series will be in full swing. Thank you to our skilled
and generous experts who willingly share what they know
so we can have even more fun on the water.
W
MAY 2016 BREEZE/7
CYC Hosts First-Ever
J/70 Midwinter Championship West
By MARYLYN HOENEMEYER, Regatta Chair
alifornia Yacht Club rolled out the red carpet for the
inaugural J/70 Midwinter Championship West on April
1-3. We were excited to host the J/70 class, the fastest
growing one design fleet in Southern California that attracts
many professional sailors as skipper and crew to its ranks.
Friday’s activities began with a chalk talk on a wide
variety of speed and boat handling tips from Willem van Waay,
a member of the J/70 World Champion team. On-the-water
starting drills and practice races in the afternoon gave everyone
a chance to experience the local conditions and dial in their
crew maneuvers. The Race Committee also appreciated the
chance to spend some time on the Charles Hathaway before
championship racing began.
Saturday morning saw a bustle of activity on the docks in
front of the Clubhouse where the boats were tied-up for the
weekend. A steady eight-knot breeze by noon allowed PRO
Tom O’Conor to start the first race as scheduled. Although the
wind lightened somewhat and veered as the afternoon
progressed, solid work by the Race Committee kept the courses
square with minimal time between races. Bruce Cooper on
USA 32 and Chris Raab on Sugoi traded first-place finishes in
the four races sailed, and ended the day tied for first. Wonder
what Sugoi means? It’s a Japanese word that can mean either
awesome or awful – a fitting name for a racing boat!
What a difference a day makes. A heavy marine layer and
cooler temperatures greeted the competitors as they prepared
for the last day of racing. The fog appeared to be lightening as
the fleet made its way to the race course just off the Venice
Pier. But with visibility of less than 2/10ths of a mile at noon,
the PRO wisely chose to postpone the start. Competitors would
unfurl their jibs and mill anxiously about the Committee boat
as the fog would momentarily lift, but the PRO waited patiently
for improved conditions so that the race would be a test of skill
and not a treasure hunt. And his patience paid off, as a brisk
clearing breeze that built to 12 knots offered some great sailing
for the last three races of the regatta.
After quickly putting their boats away, competitors
gathered on the front lawn where Commodore Richard
Hamlin presented half hull trophies to the overall winners.
With a 1-2-1 record on Sunday, that honor went to Bruce
Cooper on USA 32 with Chris Raab on Sugoi finishing second
overall and first in the Corinthian class. Both of these
competitors made a point of thanking the Club for its
hospitality and the Race Committee for its outstanding work
over the weekend.
None of that would have been possible without the
contribution of a host of people: the dock staff who cleared
space for the competitors and organized the race equipment; the
Catering Office that served up hospitality both days that many
said was “the best food they’d ever had at CYC;” and most
importantly, our members, those who gave up their slips for the
weekend and those whose volunteer efforts on the water made
the PRO look good. The competitors, Tom, and I thank you.
8/BREEZE MAY 2016
- Susan Service photo
Sugoi leads Huckleberry and Minor Threat at the offset
mark.
- Bronny Daniels, Joysailing.com
C
- Bronny Daniels, Joysailing.com
Cmmd. Richard Hamlin with the winning team from USA 32:
Kenny Dair, Skipper Bruce Cooper, Nick Santos, and
Eduardo Saenz Jr.
A big swell and freshening breeze followed a foggy Sunday
morning start.
Looking for room at the weather mark
USA 32 takes off on a wave
Crossing tacks in Sunday's fresh breeze
- Bronny Daniels, Joysailing.com photos
Minor Threat readying for the hoist
After the start of Race 6
Minor Threat leads the fleet downwind
MAY 2016 BREEZE/9
Harris Cup
By MARILYN CASSEDY,
Regatta Chair
ompetitors in the 2016 edition of the
Harris Regatta had their boldness
rewarded with a variety of racing
conditions during a stormy day on Santa
Monica Bay. Using this event as an
opportunity to practice and learn, the racers
walked away with more experience in some
tricky situations that should serve them well
as the racing season begins in earnest.
Because of the unusual weather pattern
that came through in the days leading up to
the event, the breeze filled in that morning
from the east, and gradually shifted to the
southeast by the time racing got underway.
C
Twelve Bar Blues and Spray, both in the PHRF B fleet, approach the weather
mark and prepare for a rounding. The shifty conditions on the water made for
some challenging sailing going up and down the course, especially at mark
roundings.
“Begin, be bold,
and venture
to be wise.”
– Horace
10/BREEZE MAY 2016
Blarney tacks onto the weather layline during one of the many showers that
afternoon. Competitors in all fleets had a great opportunity to test the
waterproofing of their foulies.
- Ali MirRasekhian photos
In addition to a novel wind direction, the
two races provided an interesting variety of
wind speeds, with crews in the first race
seeking options to de-power their boats,
whereas the end of the second race saw
teams struggling to keep their spinnakers
full downwind.
Post-race festivities included an awards
ceremony that presented winners in the
PHRF classes with the Fred Harris Libation
Cup. This trophy was donated to the Club by
Fred Harris, Jr., after he recovered it during
a dive in the Mediterranean. The tall, narrow
table amphora still shows signs of the time it
spent underwater, including concretions
associated with barnacles and other marine
organisms that grow on submerged surfaces.
It is truly a unique artifact.
A big thank you to all the Race
Committee volunteers and racers that
participated in the Harris Regatta this year.
We appreciate your support and will see you
next year!
By the end of the second race the wind had all but shut off, and after consulting
the forecast the decision was made to end racing for the day. The race back to the
dock was on!
- Ali MirRasekhian photo
- Susan Service photo
PHRF A Fleet competitors Mexican Divorce and Bravura
battle for position heading downwind to the finish in the
second race. In spite of a course length of almost four
nautical miles, the two boats finished less than a minute
apart.
- Susan Service photo
Winners from the one design classes will have their
names engraved on the Commodore's Trophy. From left
to right: V/C Kellie Fennessy, Duncan Cameron and
Marilyn Cassedy (Martin 242 Dean); Simon Fallais and
Alejandro Bugacov (Star class).
Winners of the PHRF classes will have their names
engraved on the Fred Harris Libation Cup Perpetual
Trophy. From left to right: V/C and PRO Kellie
Fennessy, Curt Johnson, skipper Avet, winner PHRF C,
Dan McGanty, skipper Mistral, winner PHRF B, Aidan
Mobley, crew Mexican Divorce, winner PHRF A
MAY 2016 BREEZE/11
Winners Circle
CYC member Drew Freides and his Pacific Yankee
team (tactician Morgan Reeser and bowman Charlie
Smythe) won first place in the final regatta of the
2015/16 Melges 20 Miami Winter Series.
Jeff Janov on Minor Threat finished second at the
SDYC NOOD in the 24-boat J/70 fleet.
At the Les Storrs Regatta, hosted by SCCYC on March
19, (1) Trolleycar (Bill Petersen, Alan Field, Peter
Stazicker) put in another excellent performance,
closely followed by (2) Sandbox (Mark Sands) and (3)
Dean (Duncan Cameron).
Don McPherson and crew aboard his Swan 90, Freya,
racked up first in class victories at the Loro Biana
Caribbean Superyacht Regatta in Virgin Gorda and St.
Barth's Bucket Super Yacht Regatta, the latter regatta
with straight bullets.
12/BREEZE MAY 2016
Drew Freides and his Melges 20, Pacific Yankee
©2016 Richard Pober | IM20CA
Junior Member Aidan Mobley finished second in the
San Diego NOOD's I-14 racing class.
A Tale of Two Seas
s the offshore racing season
kicks into high gear, California
Yacht Club will be well
represented in both Atlantic and Pacific
Ocean regattas. Starting on June 17 is
the 50th biennial Newport to Bermuda
A
Sunset Child
Race in which an expected 160-strong
fleet will sail the 635-mile rhumb line
from Rhode Island to St. David's
Lighthouse in Hamilton. Sailed almost
entirely out of sight of land, one of the
race's tactical highlights involves a
crossing of the always unpredictable
Gulf Stream. This historic regatta is
capped off by a reception at the Royal
Bermuda Yacht Club and an award
ceremony at the hilltop Government
House, presided over by Bermuda’s
Governor.
A veteran of multiple Transpac and
Mexico races, CYC S/C Richard
Mainland will be making his inaugural
appearance in this regatta at the helm of
Sunset Child, an East Coast-based
J/120. Joining him will be a crew of
seven, including fellow CYC members
Doug Johnstone, S/C Tom O’Conor,
By BILL TAN
and Will Tetrick. After many years of
offshore and primarily downwind
racing off the West Coast, Richard is
looking forward to the highly variable
Gulf Stream and the potential for some
extended weather beats on his
expected three- to five-day crossing.
Moreover, as many as 14 J/120s are
entered this year, adding yet another
layer of competition for Richard and
his crew in the shape of an unofficial
mini one design race.
Then, starting the week of July 11,
the 2016 Pacific Cup gets underway.
Billed as the “Fun Race to Hawaii,”
this regatta is also held every other
year. Beginning in San Francisco,
racers typically reach down the
California coast in search of the best
weather, followed by a turn west
toward the tradewinds and, eventually,
the Hawaiian Islands. As the crow
flies, this is a 2,070 mile race from
start to finish and concludes on the
north coast of Oahu where a
committee from Kaneohe Yacht Club
is on hand to welcome each finisher
with a traditional lei greeting.
Entering this race for the third
consecutive time is CYC member
Charles Devanneaux and his Beneteau
First 30E, Thirsty. As in his two
previous Pac Cups, Charles is once
again racing in the double-handed
division and is hoping to reclaim the
first place trophy he won in 2012.
Entered alongside Thirsty in the
approximately 80-boat fleet are three
other double-handed Beneteau First 30s
and a further 16 double-handed
sailboats of varying types.
Charles is racing in memory of his
friend and fellow CYC member, Gilles
Galerne, whose life was cut short a few
years ago by ALS, more commonly
known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The
two French expats shared a passion for
good sailing and good wine. And so it
seems fitting that Thirsty will be sailing
to raise money to fund ALS research.
More information on this unique
fundraising effort may be found at
www.sailingforals.com.
We wish Richard, Charles, and
their respective crews good racing and
fair winds and look forward to a racing
recap which will be featured in the
Breeze later this year.
Thirsty
MAY 2016 BREEZE/13
Martin 242
Racing Clinic
BY STEVE MOSES
nder near perfect conditions on
March 12, ten Martin 242s,
including two CYC Keelboat
Program boats, participated in a vigorous
racing clinic lead by professional
coaches, Erik Shampain and Walker
Banks. With our boats rigged and
launched we started at 10:30 a.m., with a
dock talk covering starting, boat speed
and tactics, and mark rounding.
U
The emphasis was on keeping it
simple – having a simple and consistent
pre-start process and approaching boat
speed with good crew communication on
what you are doing relative to other
boats. Simple tactics as well – sail to
more breeze, sail to the mark, minimize
risk, and at mark rounding – give your
crew enough time to do their jobs.
At 11:30, we headed to work on the
water. Erik was aided by Mike George,
following boats and giving boat speed
feedback and taking photographs, while
Walker Banks gave additional cues while
being piloted by Norm and Bari Belcher.
We wrapped it all up with a multimedia
talk at the Club. We wish to thank the
event’s sponsors, California Yacht Club
and its Competition Fund, MG Marine,
and M242 Fleet #3.
14/BREEZE MAY 2016
- Mike George photos
MAY 2016 BREEZE/15
ASMBYC's High Point Series
Continues with the Les Storrs Regatta
By STEVEN MOSES
t was a chilly Saturday morning for the
annual early season race fondly known as
“Les Storrs,” but that didn’t stop six Martin
242s from getting out on the course a good 90
minutes before the first race on March 19.
Sponsored by South Coast Corinthian YC and
part of the Association of Santa Monica Bay
YC’s High Point Series, the competitive tone
of the day was set with a general recall on the
first race. Conditions caused the Race
Committee to shorten the course, but we had
good breeze – around 10 knots –- oscillating
10 to 15 degrees from the usual 240.
SCCYC did an excellent job, giving us
four long races to finish up just before 5 p.m.
Trolleycar put in another excellent
performance, closely followed by Sandbox
and Dean. The Martin fleet is looking very
strong with nine boats competing. The next
ASMBYC High Point Series event was the
Harris Series sponsored by CYC on April 9.
Read about it in this issue.
- Rick Horner photos
I
16/BREEZE MAY 2016
Epicureans Broaden Their Wine Repertoires
By SUSAN FRENCH, General Chair of the Epicurean Society
n March 4, Sommelier Dick
Hyman led Epicurean Society
members and guests in an
exploration of lesser known wines that
often appear on restaurant wine lists at
good prices. He and Assistant Manager
Gus Marks selected seven wines for
tasting, accompanied by cheeses
selected by Chef Marco Cavuoto.
Gavi, Müller-Thurgau, and Grüner
Veltliner are food-friendly white wines
that pair well with seafood, chicken,
salads, tempura, and many cheeses.
Gavi is one of two white wines from
the Piedmont area of Italy, best known
for Nebiollo red wines. The other
white from that area is Arneis, also a
food-friendly wine worth trying. Gavi
wines, made from Cortese grapes, are
bone dry, crisp, and flinty with good
acidity. They may have aromas of
citrus, green apple, and a hint of
almonds.
Müller-Thurgau was created in
1882 from a cross of Riesling with
Madeleine Royale grapes. Much
Müller-Thurgau is produced in
Germany, but the ones from the Alto
Adige/Südtirol area of northern Italy
are usually a better choice. These are
meant to be drunk young and should
not be aged more than two years.
Grüner Veltliner from Austria beat
some of the great white wines of
Burgundy in a 2002 tasting organized
by Masters of Wine Jancis Robinson
and Tim Atkin and is well worth a try.
Some of the best come from the
Wachau region and are capable of long
aging.
Four red wines rounded out the
tasting: Carmenère from Chile,
Pinotage from South Africa, Teroldego
from Italy, and Tempranillo from Spain.
Carmenère was one of the most widely
planted grape varieties in the Médoc
region of Bordeaux until wiped out by
phylloxera in the 1860s. The grape was
flourishing in Chile, but was thought to
be Merlot until DNA research in 1994
showed it to be Carmenère, which is
described as having “the attractive
meaty plumpness of Merlot and the
O
Connie Hyman, F/C Debbie
Feinerman, FBO/CYCWA Secretary
Pam Spriggs
Ron and 2nd Officer Diane Howard,
Samantha Caldwell, Gloria Woehler
(in background), and S/C Anne Sacks
Tom Ryan, SEO Susan Brunell, Leslie
Bene
gently herbaceous, cedary notes of
Cabernet Sauvignon.” Carmenère pairs
well with steak, pork, chicken, pastas
with a meat-based sauce, grilled meat
and spicy foods.
Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir
and Cinsaut created in 1925, is the
signature wine of South Africa. It is
made in a full range of styles from light,
easy-drinking wine to barrel-aged wine
meant for cellaring. Before ordering, be
sure to check with the sommelier to find
out which style is on the wine list. The
more serious wines are deep red with
smoky, bramble, and earthy flavors,
sometimes with notes of tropical fruit,
and may be accessible when quite young.
Pinotage goes well with meat, poultry,
gamey fish, BBQ and Mexican food.
Teroldego is grown in the Trentino
region of Italy and almost nowhere else.
The dark-skinned grape produces deeply
pigmented dry wines with balanced
tanins and an intensely fruity character.
They are described as “substantial and
well-balanced with a mellow, intricate
fragrant and persistent finish … a
versatile match for a wide range of
dishes.”
Tempranillo, which means “little
early one,” so called because it ripens
early, is a widely diverse food-pairing
wine, easy to find and a good value. The
wines are full-bodied and spicy with
relatively low acidity and moderate
tannins. Tempranillo is the backbone of
Rioja and Ribera wines, which pair well
with chicken, pork, stews, grilled meat,
aged cheese and Mexican food. The
taste profile is similar to Sangiovese.
The wines presented, which were
also available for order, were:
• 2013 La Scolca Gavi de Gavi White
Label (Trentino, Italy)
• 2014 Kettmeier Muller-Thurgau, Alto
Adige Südtirol (Italy)
• 2013 Dom Wachau Gruner Veltliner
(Austria)
• 2011 Primus Carmenère RSV
(Colchagua Valley, Chile)
• 2013 Fleur du Cap Pinotage (South
Africa)
• 2013 Bottega Vinaia Teroldego
(Trentino, Italy)
• 2012 Pesquera Ribera del Duero Tinto
Crianza (Spain)
MAY 2016 BREEZE/17
Club 25 Celebrates Members
Who Joined in 1991 and 1966
By S/C BILL STUMP
Club 50: Mary Ann McNamee, Judith Wilson, S/C Roger Wilson, S/C John Isaken, Commodore Richard
Hamlin, Barbara Leweck, S/C Tom Leweck, Larry McNamee, CYC President Steve Hathaway
E
experienced over the last 25 years. Club 25 pins,
membership cards and initiation certificates were awarded
to Robert and Marianne Honey and Nancy Johnson.
Steve Hathaway (CYC Junior Commodore in 1966!)
announced this was the first year we were celebrating those
members who had reached the 50-year milestone. That was
1966, the last year the Club was based at the then Sheraton
Hotel, when members of that class joined CYC. Club 50
members attending were S/C John Isaksen, S/C Tom and
Barbara Leweck, Larry and Mary Ann McNamee and
53-year members S/C Roger and Judith Wilson. Each
received a newly designed gold Club 50 pin.
Indeed, we are indebted to all our long-term members
whose vision and involvement have provided continuity
and fostered growth of our many CYC activities and
endeavors.
First Row: Fleet Budget Officer Pam Spriggs, S/C Betta Mortarotti and Guido. Second Row: Cmmd. Richard
Hamlin, CYCWA EO Carol Watkins, S/C Tom Leweck, S/C Anne Sacks, SEO Norma Pratt and Bob, SEO Mary
Jane McClintock and Charles, Michele Underwood, Steve Hathaway
18/BREEZE MAY 2016
- S/C Martin McCarthy photos
ach year CYC honors members who have reached their
25th year of membership. I was Commodore in 1991,
so this year I had the pleasure of serving as Master of
Ceremonies for a delightful evening of shared memories
amongst friends. I had dubbed 1991 the “Year of the
Juniors,” a theme oft-repeated over the years, most recently
by S/C Uta Leslie in 2013.
After a delicious dinner, we recounted the highlights of
1991, including regattas, victories, and major Club events.
Among the notable happenings that year: the inaugural Head
of the Marina rowing regatta; the acquisition of our first
markset boat – Air Force 1; and, the installation of Janice
Baumer as the first Executive Officer of our newly renamed
CYC Women’s Association (no longer “Auxiliary”).
Commodore Richard Hamlin remarked how many
changes within the Club and the world at large we have
Club 25: Marianne and Robert Honey, Nancy Johnson,
G.M. Michele Underwood, Cmmd. Richard Hamlin
Jack Massopust, Stephanie Hathaway, Sylvia McArthur
Tyminski, Robert Howlett, Linda Massopust
- S/C Martin McCarthy photos
Fleet Budget Officer Pam Spriggs, S/C Roger Wilson, S/C
Anne Sacks, S/C Bill Stump, Fleet Captain Debbie
Feinerman, S/C Denny Haythorn
CYC Pres. Steve Hathaway and Stephanie, S/C Steve Curran,
BJ Curran, CYCWA EO Carol Watkins and S/C Bill Watkins
MAY 2016 BREEZE/19
CYCWA presents “A Stroll in Montmartre”
CYC Members Art Show
By CYCWA 1st Officer DAWN SPROUT
s the sweet sound of “La Vie en Rose”
floated through the air, 32 CYC members,
including a handful of relatives, presented
their art to a packed Fireside Room on Sunday,
March 6. It was a fun day filled with baguettes,
brie, berets, and brushes!
First, a big thank you to Nancy Fellows,
Randy Sprout, and SEO Anne Sanguinetti for
their art demonstrations. Randy, who teaches
painting on the Crystal Cruise ships, showed how
to create a nautical watercolor in less than 10
minutes. Nancy demonstrated her talent with
color pencil drawings and portraits. Anne
Sanguinetti showed us how she skillfully creates
chalk portraits. All three artists displayed many
fine examples of their past works. The art show
included Palisadian artist, Calliope Babu-Khan,
CYC member and owner of Babu-Khan Gallery,
showcasing a 3’x6’ acrylic painting of Monet’s
Garden in Giverny among others.
Displaying paintings of oil, acrylic, or
watercolor were: Setsuko Anthony, Morgan
Carson, Chip Goebert, Nancy Fellows, Laurel
Sprout Firouzabadi, Susan Haber, Calliope
Babu-Khan, Guido Mortarotti, Linda Oistad,
SEO Norma Pratt, Anne Sanguinetti, Michele
Segina, Susan Silver, 1st Officer Dawn Sprout,
Randy Sprout, Kristy Stanfill, EO Carol
Watkins, Steven Agoglia, and Michele Weston.
Displaying photographic art were: Jonathan
Anderson, our youngest artist, son of Liza and
Jim Anderson, Trudi Devine, William
Halladay, Laurie McCormick, Fleet Budget
Officer/CYCWA Secretary Pam Spriggs, Carrie
and David Schat, daughter and son-in-law of EO
Carol Watkins and S/C Bill Watkins.
Amazing displays of creativity were from
the following artists: Michele Fisher with her art
gloves, Hon. SEO Patty Hathaway and the Knit
or Knot group with their beautiful creations made
of yarn, John Hjorth III and Willie Hjorth with
their exotic silver jewelry, Pam Spriggs’s sister
Debra Oxley with her amazing crystal creations,
and Ann Turner with her handmade quilt sewn
from her son’s old sailing shirts.
Thanks to Art Aficionados for all your
contributions! Thank you to General Manager
Michele Underwood, her staff, and Lilian
Robles for helping to put this amazing show
together. And with that I say “au revoir” and
“ce club!”
A
20/BREEZE MAY 2016
Randy Sprout drew a large crowd for his demonstration of watercolor technique.
Setsuko Anthony and her oil paintings
Laurie McCormick and her artwork
CYCWA Co-Historian, Linda Oistad, has created multiple artworks, many
of which depict her husband, Eric.
Ann Turner with her
clever quilt made
from son Harrison’s
old sailing shirts
Pam Spriggs
shoots mostly
landscapess while
hiking and
traveling
Jonathan Anderson,
son of members
James and Liza
Anderson, displays
his unique
photography
Carol Watkins,
with her paintings
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MAY 2016 BREEZE/21
Pickleball Clinic Brings Out
Enthusiastic New Players
By JIM ACH
aturday, April 2, brought four
new CYC members to our
Pickleball courts for the first
CYC Pickleball Beginners Clinic.
Chair Jim Ach started the
proceedings by reviewing a short
history of the game, celebrating its
50th anniversary this year. It started
on Bainbridge Island, Washington,
and supposedly
got its name from
the pet dog named
Pickles. The
game has grown
to over 2 million
players in the U.S.
alone, plus many
more in Canada,
Mexico, and other
foreign countries.
New players Sue Silver, Kerry
Ann Sullivan, Laurie McCormick,
and Mark Borde selected paddles
from an assortment graciously
provided by local rep Nick Arico.
After reviewing the lines on the court,
they started by gently hitting the ball
back and forth over the net; they soon
got the idea that the ball (which looks
like a wiffle ball) moves differently
S
from a tennis ball, and learned to keep
their eye on the ball all the way into
their paddles.
Our more experienced players
who came to help (Sigi Pepper,
Trudy Kaufman, and Michele
Fisher) assisted in getting things
rolling. We reviewed the serve (along
with the two-bounce rule) and the
tricky non-volley zone.
In very little time, the
four new players were
in a doubles game. Jim
and outside expert Shar
McBee rotated into the
game to assist with
hints about playing
position, serving skills,
and scoring. It seemed
like no time at all when we realized
we had been there two hours, and it
was time to take down the nets.
Jim distributed Rules Summaries,
plus a list of additional places to play
in the local area. Everyone said they
had a good time and expect to be
playing on a regular basis.
If you would like to know more
about this exciting sport, contact
Pickleball Chair Jim Ach.
… supposedly got
its name from
the pet dog
named Pickles.
Playing in the first CYC Pickleball Beginners Clinic are: Mark Borde, Jim Ach,
Kerry Ann Sullivan, Laurie McCormick, Sue Silver, Trudy Kaufman, Michele
Fisher, Nick Arico, and Shar McBee.
22/BREEZE MAY 2016
New Antenna
Launches
RAG Field Day
By CHARLES PASCAL
ttention California Yacht
Club members. For the tenth
year in a row, the Radio
Amateur Group will be feeding
members of the California Yacht
Club for free. Our Field Day event
will be held on June 25, 2016 from
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. We will be
providing BBQ Tri-tip sandwiches
and hamburgers.
The reason for this special event
is to celebrate the installation of our
new antenna system completed by
members of the Radio Amateur
group. The new antenna improves
our worldwide communication,
which makes the California Yacht
Club the best Yacht Club station for
Amateur Radio in the United States.
The antenna is a state-of-the-art
beam antenna, which ensures we
have a strong signal on each
frequency we use throughout the
world. Radio Amateur Group
members were able to install this
new system on Saturday, March 19.
The installation took 12 hours to
complete. Our new members will
want to see our new antenna and
know more about Field Day.
Field Day is considered to be a
special time for Amateur Radio
Operators. On the fourth Saturday
in June, Amateur Operators located
in the United States and Canada will
operate for 24 hours off the power
A
grid. This special operation is
conducted for the purpose of testing
emergency equipment in case we have
a major disaster. The thought behind
Field Day is to ensure Amateur
Operators are prepared to handle
emergency traffic if normal
communications break down. If your
cell phone stops working and the
Internet goes down, how can you get
that critical help you might need?
Amateur Radio is ready to help you
and your family during times of local
or national emergencies.
The Radio Amateur group at Cal
Yacht Club has made Field Day into a
combination emergency exercise and
party. On Saturday, June 25, 2016 we
will be using our new antenna and
operating off the power grid to ensure
that the California Yacht Club can
provide emergency communication
during a local or national disaster.
The Radio Amateur Group wants
to extend a special invitation to every
Cal Yacht Club member to come and
join us on June 25. Field Day will be
held in the parking lot of the Club.
Operations will begin at 11a.m. and
we will be feeding our members at
1 p.m. We will serve refreshments
and there will be an open bar.
Come and experience ham radio,
eat some great food, and learn to
operate the station.
Please RSVP before June 23 to:
radiopascal@earthlink.net.
MAY 2016 BREEZE/23
Power Fleet
Update
By RUSS CARRINGTON,
Power Fleet Chair
ummer is almost here and we are
washing and waxing our boats and
getting them ready for the season.
There will be no Mariners Education and
boaters breakfast the last week of May due
to the Memorial Day holiday, but if you are
in town, CYC paddlers will be out on the
water after launching at the Club. Please
email me for time and details.
Go out, enjoy the water, and join us the
last Saturday in June for a boaters breakfast
followed by a guest speaker. With the
weather warming we have some great dock
parties and cruises coming up so mark you
calendars for the following events:
S
Sunday, May 21
Day Cruise to Malibu
Progressive Lunch. All boats
and watercraft welcome.
24/BREEZE MAY 2016
Saturday, June 18
Summer
Dock Party
Chair: Scott Torrance
Saturday, June 30
Boater’s
Breakfast
Mariners Education
Photo of the Month
By Berti Levy
Monday, July 4
Firecracker Cruise
Bring your dinghies
and paddlecraft.
By SAMANTHA CALDWELL, Event Chair
he Roaring ‘20s Dinner Dance hosted by the Power
Fleet was a smashing success. “Guys and Dolls”
came dressed to the nines in era-appropriate fashion
ready to have a good time.
T
- Cole Sheridan, Rick Citron, and Samantha Caldwell photos
CYC Power Fleet
“Putting on the Ritz!”
Suzy Haber, Kristi Stanfill, Pip Bernstein, Kris Bock, Stephanie
Hathaway, Maria Citron, SEO Sharon Stewart, and Leslie Bene
Dr. Tom Doerner, Alan Weston, Lenny Weitzman, “Rickster”
Citron, Doug Stewart, Steve Hathaway, and Cole Sheridan
Samantha Caldwell and
Alexa Carrington
Guests were greeted with a 1920s popular beverage: the
Sidecar. As the evening progressed, all in attendance enjoyed
music by Hedgehog Swing playing music that you would find
being played in a high-class “speakeasy.”
Last, but not least, everyone was treated to a wild
“Charleston” dance performance by the band. You could say
that the party was such a success that it was “The Bee’s Knees.”
Wendy Madkan and Cory
Scheele enjoying the evening
Alan and Port Captain Stephanie Weston
MAY 2016 BREEZE/25
Ficker Cup Match Racing in Long Beach
Leading Up to the Congressional Cup
By ALEXIS WESTLAND, CYC Junior Sailor
he best of the best match racing sailors competed in early
April for the Ficker Cup, hosted by Long Beach YC. Eight
teams qualified and competed, racing right off the
Belmont Pier aboard Catalina 37s, only feet away from the pier,
giving easy access for spectators to watch and enjoy the event. A
handful of lucky Junior sailors who are members of the Southern
California Youth Yacht Racing Association (SCYYRA) had the
opportunity to ride along aboard the boats and get a first-hand
experience of what it takes to be a successful match racer.
For those who don’t know, match racing is one-on-one
racing with its own set of rules and strategies, greatly differing
from fleet racing. Thanks to a match racing clinic earlier this
year run by Dave Perry, many Junior sailors, including myself,
not only had the amazing opportunity to sail aboard these boats,
but also had knowledge of what was happening, from the prestart to the finish. Riding aboard Steve Natvig’s (Cabrillo Beach
YC) and Scott Dickson’s (LBYC) Catalina 37, there was never a
dull moment. The boat was filled with talk of tactics and strategy
amongst everyone on the team, showing how much
communication and cooperation plays a role in match racing.
Six great hours of good breeze and sunny weather made the
last day of the three-day regatta memorable for all. After 30
26/BREEZE MAY 2016
- Bronny Daniels, Joysailing.com photo
T
competitive races, the top two teams of the Cup moved on to
Congressional Cup the following week. Congratulations to
everyone who participated in the regatta. Match racing is a hard
skill to master, and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to
experience it!
A New Coach, a New Perspective:
Advanced Opti Clinic Report
By DYLAN WESTLAND, Junior Sailor
he California YC
Opti team had the
privilege of
attending a four-day
clinic with our new Head
Coach Manny Resano. I
am positive that
everyone that attended
learned many new and
valuable skills that will
help us in competition.
In my opinion, Manny is
one of the best Opti
coaches in the world and
we are so lucky to have
him now at CYC.
He has a new, fresh
approach to coaching.
Already, Manny taught
us skills and techniques that improved our performance on the
water. For example, he showed us how to do advance roll
tacking, pin-end starts, double tacking at the start, and how to
avoid getting “headered.” He also showed us how to read the
weather conditions by looking at the water. These skills were
very helpful during the practice and will be even more helpful
at the next regatta.
Coach Manny also motivated us to be the best sailors we
can be. He has a scale that shows our effort. A “50” is a sailor
who is goofing off, not really paying attention. A “75” is a
sailor who is doing well, but still isn't giving all their effort.
And finally, a “100” is a sailor who is giving the maximum
effort, has a good attitude, applies corrections, and displays
good sportsmanship. A “100” is what Manny pushes us to be
every day at practice.
At the beginning of the clinic, Manny asked us what our
goals for the clinic were, then, at the end of the four days he
asked us if we had achieved those goals. My personal goals
for the clinic were to get better at starts and roll tacks, and I
believe I achieved them both.
T
Coach Greg and
Coach Bruno also made
the clinic enjoyable and
educational. On the first
day, I was in Greg's
group. We practiced a
drill where we had to go
man-to-man, and try to
get ahead of each other.
This drill was especially
fun because it was
something we had never
done before. Because
Manny and Greg were
new coaches to me, I
learned so many new
skills. They taught me
solutions to improve my
performance, such as
having less overhead while role tacking, how to get out of a
header, how to prevent stalling at the start, and how to escape
being covered.
The coaching was not only great on the water, but also
during debriefs and meetings as well. They showed us videos
taken of us during the day and explained how we messed up
and what we should do the next time that we are in that
situation. I feel that discussing tactics first and then going
sailing to apply them has greatly improved my racing.
Not only did this four-day clinic teach us new skills and
technics, I had a great time with my friends off the water as
well. On the first day we had a pizza party to welcome Coach
Manny to CYC. I had so much fun sailing and hanging out
with my good friends Ethan, Junior, Grant, Jordan and
Katharine. Overall, the clinic was a great experience for
everybody and I learned a lot. I hope we can do another one
again soon!
[Editor's Note: Every CYC member has an opportunity to
support Junior sailing by making a donation when they send
in their monthly dues.]
MAY 2016 BREEZE/27
I-14 Sailing at the San Diego NOODs
By AIDAN MOBLEY, CYC Junior Member
n late December of 2015, my
onto the race course. Our first day
father offered me a choice
ended well with us placed in second,
between: A. Getting a nice entryafter having good starts and solid races.
level car and having everything that
On Saturday, our first race ended with
would accompany it paid for, or B.
us capsized on the finish line with a
Getting an I-14, which is basically
fleet of J/70s in hot pursuit. The second
the boat equivalent of putting a
race was much better, landing us back in
Formula 1 engine in a MINI Cooper.
second after we shot the pin, and
The International 14 is a very narrow,
rounded the windward mark in first.
14-foot skiff that is made almost
After breaking for food and water, we
entirely out of aerospace-grade
ended the third race in second as well
and second overall after a rather
carbon fiber. It has a 29-foot mast, a
successful Saturday.
T-foil rudder, unlimited spin, and sails Science Project leading at the start
- Paul Todd photo
literally modeled off of a scaled-down
The third and final day could have
747 wing. The boats are known for
been easily labeled as “a travesty of a
topping speeds of 30 knots and can compete with TP52s.
mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty.” During the
Needless to say I went with the I-14.
first race our mast was making these odd crackling sounds, we
After appropriately naming it Science Project and training
felt slow, and our boat speed was definitely on the low end.
every weekend afterwards, I decided to compete in the SD
But we luckily caught a big lift and had a solid treadmill all
NOOD along with five other I-14s. The I-14 class was slated to
the way to the windward mark. We rounded in third and
managed to push to second by the finish.
start second, after the larger and significantly slower fleet of
J/70s. We also had to contend with Ultimate 20s, Vipers, Fast 20s
The last race of the series ended in utter mayhem. The
and a fleet of Buccaneers.
first place boat grounded by hitting a rock, the third place boat
The wind was at a very constant 12-16 knots so we had to
shredded their halyard, and I destroyed my mast after
sail through these fleets every race. This made for challenging
previously crashing into the camera boat.
sailing with lots of traffic and often not being able to go where
In the end it was a great learning experience and I was
you would like.
proud to represent California Yacht Club. We ended by making
Early Friday morning, my skipper Paul Galvez and I
the cover of the NOOD press report and, although it was my
first I-14 regatta, we managed to get second overall.
unloaded the boat and stepped the mast. After rigging, we headed
I
Kids Jump Into Our First
Annual March Madness
By ALIZA FARRELL
Our Family Activities Committee
went old school and celebrated our
first annual “March Madness” with
three-legged races, sack races, and an
array of board and ball games as well
as crafts as the parents mingled
upstairs on Saturday evening, March
19. After games and a bountiful kids
buffet, they jumped into their
sleeping bags to watch the Michael
Jordan and Bugs Bunny classic
“Space Jam.” Upstairs, their parents
dined the night away and had a ball
getting to know new friends and
catching up with dear friends. We
hope to see you at our next event!
28/BREEZE MAY 2016
CYC Burgee
Following the adventurous writings of Ernest Hemingway, S/C Martin McCarthy
carried the CYC burgee while on safari at Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, East
Africa. With Martin are tribal leaders from the legendary Masai semi-nomadic
peoples who served as expert guides.
The Winner is …
It was truly a beautiful scene looking out over
the anchorage and seeing all those signal flags
flying. The dressed ships on Opening Day
looked wonderful and added to the merriment of
the day. For those of you who took the time to
put up your signal flags, thank you!
Although the F500 dock was the first to hoist its
flags, the dock having the greatest number of
dressed ships was F1500. In a random drawing
among the dressed vessels on that finger, one
was selected as the winner of the Seafood Buffet
for two. And … the winner was Kokopelli.
Congratulations S/C Cheryl Mahaffey and Ray
and S/C Richard Mainland and Jan! The
Mahaffeys had true Opening Day spirit as they
dressed ship on both of their boats.
MAY 2016 BREEZE/29
CYCWA on the Horizon
By SHIRLEY CABEEN
Book Mates
Thursday, May 5
11:45 a.m. in the Fireside Room
“Expats,” by Chris Pavone, introduces
a sensational new spy thriller author who
sets the scene in European locations with
lots of entertaining double crosses,
surprises, and complexity of characters.
An American couple moves to
Luxembourg hoping to improve their
finances, but with a suitcase full of secrets
kept from each other. This is a delicious
peek into the new world of espionage
where CIA agents can be deceptive
working mothers with a unique, delicate
balance of steeliness and fear. Moderator
is Donna Petersen. Chairs are Virginia
and Ira Teller. Call the Club for
reservation and lunch information.
Sunset Book Club
Thursday, May 12
Preview Night –
The film “In the Heart of the Sea”
6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room
Book Discussion
Thursday, May 19
Nathaniel Philbrick’s
“In the Heart of the Sea”
6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room
Winner of the National Book Award,
“In the Heart of the Sea” is a thrilling
recounting of the sinking of the Nantucket
whaleship Essex in 1820 from an
attack by a 240 ton sperm whale.
Nathaniel Philbrick fastidiously
researched this story and laces it with
real-life drama as the crew is terrorized
and eventually abandons ship for tiny
lifeboats in a remote part of the South
Pacific. This dramatic true story of
who survived and how, is courageous
as well as shocking, and was the
inspiration for “Moby Dick”.
Moderator is Peggy Mitchell for the
two dates. $10 inclusive for dessert
and coffee/tea. Chair is Connie
Webster.
Iran and Its Beauty
A Special presentation by
Laurel Sprout Firouzabadi
Saturday, May 14, 11:45 a.m.
Reception before program
An intriguing program is on hand
when Dawn and Randy Sprout’s
daughter, Laurel Sprout Firouzabadi,
recounts her two trips to her husband’s
family in Iran. She will be bringing to
life the beautiful aspects of Iranian
culture: Persepolis, Shiraz, Isfahan,
Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, gardens, food,
customs and much more, including a
delicious lunch with wine at $38.59
inclusive. No host bar. Reservations
at Front Desk available soon.
CYCWA
ACTIVITIES
PADDLE TENNIS
Tuesdays and Thursdays
10 a.m. to noon
Join us on the courts for funfilled, round-robin matches. All skill
levels are welcome. Following play on
Thursdays, there is a no-host lunch in
the dining room. Contact Co-Chairs
Jennifer Drubner Eagen and
Setsuko Anthony for more
information.
BRIDGE CLUB
Wednesdays
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dining Room
We welcome all bridge players to
come every Wednesday, however, to
clarify the arrangement, it is necessary
to form a foursome as each group now
playing is self-contained. Thank you
for your interest and if you would like
to substitute, contact Chair Joan
Silver at 310-858-8080.
KNIT OR KNOT
Wednesdays
10:30 a.m. to noon
Members Lounge
Interested in knitting, crochet, and
needlework? Beginners and new
members are welcome. A no-host
lunch follows the activities. Contact
Chair Sevan Kalenderian for more
information.
MAH JONGG
Thursdays
1 p.m.
In the bar area
Join us for this fascinating and
strategic tile game. All skill levels
welcome. For more information, drop
by or contact Chair Susan Allan.
PAINTING AFICIONADOS
Every second and fourth
Wednesday
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
If you enjoy drawing or painting,
then Painting Aficionados is for you.
All skill levels are welcome. For
details, contact Nancy Fellows or
Michele Segina.
30/BREEZE MAY 2016
How the Paths of Ronnie, Nancy, and Hinckley Crossed,
Changed Their Lives, and Our Country – “Killing Reagan”
By VIRGINIA and IRA TELLER, Co-Chairs
epublicans and Democrats came together with one
voice and it was unanimously positive at the April 7
Book Mates luncheon discussion of “Killing Reagan,”
by Bill O’ Reilly and Martin Dugard. Moderator CFO Norma
Pratt immediately transported us back in time with 70
questions that spanned the life and times of Ronald Reagan,
his Presidency, the attempted assasination, and the profound
influence of his wife, Nancy. A video interview by co-author
O’Reilly defended the accuracy of the work and emphasized
his belief that above all Reagan was a man of great courage.
Told in the same riveting fashion as “Killing Lincoln,”
“Killing Kennedy,” “Killing Jesus,” and “Killing Patton,”
“Killing Reagan” takes readers behind the scenes, using eye
witness reports to create a vivid portrait of a great man
operating in violent times.
The lively discussion that followed touched on marriage,
family discord, communist obssession, mental health, media
coverage, presidential races, and the issue of how to
“I Am Malala: The Girl
Who Stood Up for
Education and Was Shot
by the Taliban”
Authors Malaya Yousafza
and Christina Lamb
By CONNIE WEBSTER
hat an amazing and courageous story told by a
teenage girl of the Swat Valley of Pakistan. Blessed
with a father who believed in education for girls,
not allowed for most Pakistanis, and a supportive mother,
early in her life she began to speak out for equal education
for girls. Her punishment, being shot in the head, did nothing
to stop her speaking about the universal possibility of a little
girl. This youngest-ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize,
Malaya Yousafza tells her story in such a way that one can
recognize the life of a young girl and her family trying to
survive and move forward in a young country rattled with
political corruption and terrorism.
Our animated discussion led by moderator Michele
Segina included clips from the National Geographic special,
‘They Called Her Malala.” It was great to have a multigenerational discussion with participation from teens and
adults. Desserts of baklava and other goodies native to the
region helped to set the mood for a delightful evening.
determine the competence of a standing President. Norma
questioned whether Reagan would have been a different
President if John Hinckley had never fired that near-fatal shot
and gave special attention to the event and speech that she felt
was part of the Reagan legacy: the day he stood before the
Berlin Wall and shouted, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”
Our April 5 book will be “The Expats,” by Chris Pavone.
Hailed as “bristling with suspense” and compared to the early
novels by Ken Follett and Robert Ludlum, “The Expats” will
be moderated by Donna Petersen.
We meet on the first Thursday of every month, 11:45 a.m.
to 2 p.m., for lunch and a stimulating environment that
continues to make Book Mates one of the Club’s most popular
book discussion activities. Pick up a copy of “The Expats” and
join us on May 5.
Luncheon $14.95++ Reservations strongly recommended.
Call 310-823-4567
Our Selection for May
“In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Esse”
By Nathanial Philbrick
Moderator: Peggy Mitchel
A Special Two-Part Presentation
Part 1: May 12, Preview Night
We will show the Ron Howard-directed movie, “ In the
Heart of the Sea,” staring Chris Hemsworth. This will be an
introduction to our discussion the following Thursday (May 19)
of the book from which the movie was adapted.
Part 2: May 19, Book Discussion
The sperm whale has the largest brain of any animal that
has ever lived on the earth, dwarfing even that of the mighty
blue whale. They can weigh more than 60 tons. It is estimated
that Nantucketers and their Yankee whale-killing brethren
harvested more than 225,000 sperm whales between 1804 and
1837. “In the Heart of the Sea” is set in 1820, and tells the
story of Nantucket, Massachusetts, sailors in search of whales
as far away as the South Pacific. Often leaving behind family
for up to two years, the sailors left mothers and children to fend
for themselves with no knowledge of whether their loved ones
would return alive.
This book tells the tale of the tragedy of the men of the
whaling ship Essex. After their boat was attacked and damaged
beyond repair, they took to their whaleboats and hoped for land
or rescue. Their harrowing experiences ended with only a few
surviving. If you liked “Moby Dick,” then this page-turner
will have you glued to your hardcopy or to your Kindle device!
Man against nature, class, and race, this tragedy is one of the
greatest sea stories ever told. Don’t miss this whale of a tale
and most informative true story.
MAY 2016 BREEZE/31
From the
Manager
By MICHELE UNDERWOOD
hat a beautiful spring we have
had and summer is just around
the corner! I enjoy the change
of seasons if only to put away the
“winter” clothes and bring out the pastel
colors. May brings us spring racing,
annual Club events, and the official start
of our summer season over Memorial
Day weekend.
We kick off the month with our
annual Mother’s Day Brunch. Chef
Marco has created a delicious menu
focusing on seasonal market vegetables,
premium meats on the carving table, and
traditional brunch fare. The CYCWA has
a special luncheon planned for May 14: a
“Journey to Iran” with Persian food and
special speaker Laurel Sprout
Firouzabadi. Later that same day, our
favorite mixologist, Nick Kruithof, will
teach members how to create their own
classic cocktails with his spring
mixology class. Be prepared to have
your martini shaken, not stirred, at the
Epicurean Society dinner featuring
Bond, James Bond, in their 007-inspired
menu on May 17. Dinner chair, Fred
Lanes, has worked closely with our Chef
and Sommelier Richard Hyman to
create a dinner fit for an international
spy and the gourmands at CYC.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, we
are opening our own taquería at what
used to be the snack bar. It will be our
version of street tacos and other Mexican
fare combined with house-made salsas to
compliment the pool and patio menu. It
will be open just on weekends until June
13 and then be open seven days a week
until Labor Day. Our pool and patio
W
34/BREEZE MAY 2016
service will begin then as well with
extended hours on the weekends.
As the weather warms, members
spend more time on their boats. Don’t
forget that we will deliver food to your
boat. We have a special Boat Delivery
menu on our website and at the Dining
Room podium, so it only takes a
phone call to have “room service.”
Those who want to cater larger parties
on their boat can call Tiffani in the
Catering Office. On Memorial Day we
have our barbeque on the patio with
DJ Scott Jarema adding music for an
evening of alfresco dining and
dancing. We also will start our
Evening Colors Ceremony at 6:45
p.m. Sunday May 29, and every
Sunday there after until September 4.
Match racing starts this month and
for two Fridays each month
throughout the summer. Using the
guest dock, the Juniors have a 4 p.m.
start with the CFJs, and adults have a
5 p.m. start with the Martin 242s. The
racing is free and skippers need to
have experience, but crew can start at
any level. This is a race to have fun
while you hone your skills. If you
have questions, please contact the
Keelboat Committee Chair Tim
Clarke.
The month of May offers both
cruising and racing opportunities. On
May 21, cruisers head to Malibu Pier
for the “Peanut Butter and Jelly
Cruise.” Plan to arrive at the pier by 11
a.m. to drop anchor. Bring your favorite
finger sandwich to share. Please sign
up at the front desk if you intend to go.
If you have room on your boat for
others, let us know and if you are
looking to participate but haven’t a
boat of your own, we will do our best
to find you ride.
The 53rd running of Cal Cup, also
on the weekend of May 21-22, features
the return of the West Coast 70s. It's
always fun to see the boats lined up on
the docks and a party on the lawn.
Following shortly is Cal Race Week,
June 4-5. Race chair Paula Cameron
has gotten Mount Gay to sponsor the
regatta so it’s bound to be a fun
weekend. Anyone willing to help with
Race Committee should contact the
race chairs for that event.
See you ‘round the Club!
Calvin Brack radios his Dad that Mom is back at the dock after the Martin 242 clinic.
MAY 2016
Brunch
Sunday
1 Club closed
Monday
Cruise to
Cabrillo Marina
Hosted by LAYC
Mixed Doubles
Paddle Tennis
Mother’s Day
2 Club closed
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
3 Bridge Club 4 Women’s
5
Women’s Paddle
Tennis
Paddle Tennis
Knit or Knot
Sunset Series
Mixed Doubles
Paddle Tennis
Book Mates
Fleet Council Mtg.
9 Club closed 10 Bridge Club 11 Women’s
8 Club closed
6 Mxd. Doubles 7
Friday
Saturday
Paddle Tennis
Jr. Spring Learn to
Sail
Adult Learn to
Sail #2
Seafood Buffet
Dinner for Two
13 CYCWA
14
12
Paddle Tennis
Luncheon
Knit or Knot
CYCWA Board
Match Racing
Mother’s Day
CYC Open House
Women’s Paddle Painting Aficionados Mtg.
Brunch
Sanguinetti Team
Tennis
Starlight Begins
Race
Sunset Series
Mixed Doubles
Jr. Comm. Mtg.
Seafood Buffet
Adult Learn to Sail
Paddle Tennis
Mixed Doubles
Sail Comm. Mtg.
#2
Paddle Tennis
Mixology
Sunset Book Club
Paddle 21
Women’s
Club
closed
Brunch
Bridge
Club
15 Club closed 16
17
18
19
20 Mxd.
Tennis, Cal Cup
Paddle Tennis
Junior Award
Knit or Knot
Family Breakfast
Rowing Banquet
Women’s
Starlight
Series
Cal Cup
Parents Night Out Malibu Day Cruise
Paddle Tennis
Sunset Series
Jr. Learn to Sail
Sanguinetti Team
Race
Adult Learn to
Family
Comm.
Mixed Doubles
Sail #2
Epicurean Dinner Paddle Tennis
Mixed Doubles
Mtg.
Seafood Buffet
Paddle Tennis
Dinner for Two
Brunch
27 Mxd Doubles 28
22 Club closed 23 Club closed 24 Bridge Club 25 Women’s
26
Paddle Tennis
Paddle Tennis
Cal Cup
Knit or Knot
Bridge Mtg.
Match Racing
LAYC Howlands
Painting Aficionados New Member Mtg.
Jr. Spring Learn
Women’s
Work Party Cruise
to Sail
Paddle Tennis
Adult Learn to
Sunset Series
Yachting Luncheon
Sail #2
Mixed Doubles
Mixed Doubles
Seafood Buffet
Starlight
Series
Paddle Tennis
Dinner
for Two
Paddle Tennis
Brunch
29
LAYC Howlands
Work Party Cruise
Jr. Learn to Sail
Evening Colors
Mixed Doubles
Paddle Tennis
Club closed
30 Club closed 31
LAYC Howlands
Work Party Cruise
Memorial Day
BBQ
Women’s
Paddle Tennis
8
13
14
14-15
15
MAY HIGHLIGHTS
Mother’s Day Brunch
Match Racing
CYCWA Luncheon
Sanguinetti Team Race
Jr Awards Rowing Banquet
JUNE 2016
Bridge Club
Knit or Knot
Sunset Series
Brunch
Cal Race Week
Mixed Doubles
Paddle Tennis
5 Club closed
6 Club closed
Mixed Doubles
Paddle Tennis
7 Bridge Club
Women’s Paddle
Tennis
1 Women’s
Paddle Tennis
Fleet Council Mtg.
Starlight Series
8 Women’s
Paddle Tennis
3 Mxd. Doubles 4
Paddle Tennis
Seafood Buffet
9 Sippin’ into
Sail Comm. Mtg.
Sunset Book Club
CALIFORNIA YACHT CLUB
Epicurean Dinner
Family Pancake Breakfast
Cal Cup
Yachting Luncheon
Memorial Day BBQ
2
Book Mates
Knit or Knot
Painting Aficionados Starlight Series
Jr. Comm. Mtg.
Sunset Series
Mixed Doubles
Paddle Tennis
17
21
21-22
26
28
Cal Race Week
10 Sippin’ into
Summer –
Newport Cruise
Match Racing
Seafood Buffet
Dinner for Two
Summer –
Newport Cruise
Mxd. Doubles
Paddle Tennis
Adult Learn to
Sail #2
Dinner for Two
11
4469 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292 • 310-823-4567 • Fax: 310-822-3658
Always check www.calyachtclub.com for the most current event information.
MAY 2016 BREEZE/35
WHO SAYS SAILING ISN’T A TEAM SPORT?
Ten Optis link up for a tow by their proud coaches.