Sat. - Macatawa Bay Yacht Club

www.mbyc.com
January - February 2008
Commodore’s Report: Page 2
Winter club events - Page 3
January 19 & February 8
Holiday cocktail party pictures - Pages 4-5
Santa visits the club - Page 6
A Bill Jesiek story - Page 7
MBYC history revisited - Page 7
Look inside for lots of Christmas party
pictures
There is still time to send in a new picture for
the 2008 Logbook. We’re especially looking
for pictures from members who have neglected this duty in the past. Email pictures
now to jonbontekoe@gmail.com or to the
club office. Or send a glossy to the club. Help
us replace dark & fuzzy pictures and get
every member in the yearbook.
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
January 1st of each year
is always a transition
point for me as I start
looking forward to the
coming warm weather
and another summer in
Macatawa. And after
viewing the nearly
knee socks, and regimental ties. If those clues didn’t tip you
off, it is a “Bermuda Shorts-Black Tie” Party which was
proposed by Bill and Sally Swets. This will happen in July; it
will be a great event and will give the men a chance to find
out how itchy knee socks are on a warm evening.
These events are just a teaser of the coming season and I want
to thank the new Social Chair, my wife Lisa, and the Social
Committee, Nancy Andreano, Eric and Helen Ash, Michele
Dolle, Anne Gamache, Maggie Greydanus, Christian and
finalized Social and Sailing
Monika Krimendahl, Michael Kiss, Gwen Post, Leesa Schram,
calendars for 2008, I
Coreen Slanec, Kathy Sligh, Dave and Rachel Sligh, Bill and
guarantee that it will be an active season at the Club. We are
Sally Swets, Coleen Tutton, Puffin Van Dyke, and Anne Van
adding some new parties to the social line-up and Roger has
Tol for their efforts.
worked very hard to fill every weekend with racing.
One of my priorities for 2008 is improving communications
with members and this Wind Scoop is one of the first changes.
While this edition may not look much different than others,
it is a marked departure in many other ways. It is produced
by a new printer (for us) which also prints your mailing
information and the postage. Even though it is printed in
color, the costs are very competitive, the printer also sorts the
mailing so we achieve much better postage rates, we keep our
Club staff out of the ‘mailing’ business, and we dramatically
shorten the production/mailing time – so the information is
To start the Social Calendar in 2008, the Club will be open
more timely. Overall, our costs should net out to be about the
on January 19th for the Why kNot? Party. This is an evening
same with color as it was for black and white. We will also
to shake off your winter blahs and reconnect with MBYC
make the Windscoop available in digital format (pdf ) for those
friends. Then, on February 8th, Mardi Gras returns to MBYC.
road warriors who want to read it while on the go.
Chef Jim is already planning the Cajun menu for that night
and the bar staff are perfecting the mixing of authentic
Happy New Year and I hope to see you at one of our winter
Hurricanes. For April, we are in the process of planning a
social events,
new “Spring Fling” event to bridge the winter and summer
season.
Our Holiday Brunch and Cocktail party in mid-December
were extremely well attended and I want to thank Marilyn
and Chef Jim for making the Club look so great with the
holiday decorations. In case you missed it, Dale Koch gets
many kudos for being a great Santa at the Brunch. You could
hear the kids’ excitement when Santa showed up on the front
lawn with his gift bag, and he did not disappoint them when
he sat in his chair to hear their wishes.
Paul D. Brown, Jr.
A new event for the coming summer that promises to be a lot
of fun may cause a run on the local stores for tasseled loafers,
2
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
The Wind Scoop is always
looking for articles written
by the members. Help us
make the Wind Scoop
interesting for everyone.
Email your articles and
pictures to our editor:
jonbontekoe@gmail.com or
mail a paper version to the
club office.
Santa on West dock on
Christmas day. Photo by
Michelle & Kevin Dolle.
3
Christmas Holiday Party well attended with
A
B
D
C
A Kathy Sligh, Don Bergman, Jean
Bergman, Dave Sligh.
B Charley DeVries, Liz Krimendahl,
Mary DeVries, Ted Simpkins, Phil
Wisniewski
4
C Lenore D’Haem, Jo Schmidt,
Coreen Slanec, Ruth VanSweden.
D Dick & Pat Danly.
E Dick & June Walker.
H Dave & Penny Diephouse
K Paul & Lisa Brown
E
h lots of smiles & lots of dressed up sailors.
F L-R: Kelly Koch, Cory Koch, Jim Lilly,
Peter Julius, Sara Morgan, John Lilly,
Sarah Garlough, Mike Hill, Marie Mell,
Darren Lance, Colleen Huddas, Chip
Vanfassen, Katie Vanfassen.
G June Walker, Cleo Venhuizen
I Linda Schap, Nicole Wisniewski
J Anne Gamache, Nancy Andreano,
Maggie Stone
L Rod & Annie VanTol
Photos by Annie VanTol
I
F
G
J
H
K
L
5
Looking Aft..... a bit of
MBYC history
The publication “Memories of MBYC,”
recalling 100 years of club history was
distributed to members during our
centennial celebration in 1999 and to
new members as long as the supply lasted.
New members now have access to it only
through friends, the library or the
Holland Museum archives. If anyone has
a copy they’d be willing to return to the
club, it would be most appreciated. Just
please don’t ever throw one away.
The natural beauty of Lake Macatawa
with its channel to Lake Michigan has
long drawn citizen interest in water
sports. Early on the many resorts drew
summer folk from Chicago, St. Louis,
Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and nearby
Holland to a “golden age” of enjoyment.
Steamboat excursions from Chicago,
South Haven and Saugatuck began by
July 4 every year in those days. In 1899
the interurban began running from
Grand Rapids, along 8th St. in Holland
six miles to Jenison Park and Macatawa.
Continued on Page 7
Is that the ‘real’ Santa? Spring Skiing
Santa showed up at the club
Christmas dinner and on Christmas day. Fortunately the Wind
Scoop had photographers on
the scene to dispel doubters of
the Santa legends. Page 6 top
pictures Natalie Brown with
Santa. The group photo with
Santa includes the Stuursma
children and finally Dale Koch
made sure his brand new grand
child was sitting on Santa’s
knee. Photos by Paul Brown.
On the right we see Santa
checking Marie Mell’s request
to get ‘Recovery’ in the water
soon. Outdoor Photos by
Michelle & Kevin Dolle.
6
Dick and June Walker, Ginny and I spent
a week-end skiing at Boyne Mountain.
This was in April in the early sixties. The
weather was perfect, with much sunshine,
moderate temperatures and good snow
conditions, all contributing to make the
end of the season outing a happy, jovial
occasion. To add to the merriment, the
lodge invited all skiers staying there to
Bloody Marys and Screw Drivers every
afternoon at four o’clock. The bar was
set up outside, in front of the lodge and
guests could lounge in the sun and watch
the skiers wind up the day coming down
Aurora-Victor the largest and most fun
runs at Boyne.
Bill Lowry, a MBYC past commodore,
and a friend of his joined the group. He
noted that they were returning from
Mackinaw City where they had spent a
few days commissioning his friend’s
cottage for the summer and as they were
approaching the ski area they could see
the runs and skiers and decided to stop
and see a ski operation. Neither had
visited a ski resort. We invited them to
have something from the bar and to join
us watching the skiers wind up the day
As we were chatting, attention was drawn
to a ski instructor who was starting down
Aurora, on one ski. This maneuver was
just becoming popular and to make it all
We joined this group on Saturday, and the way down the hill without taking a
as we were getting settled, a friend, Big Continued on Page 7
History continued
There was mention of the “Macatawa
Boat Club” in the Holland City News as
early as1876, In 1898 the Grand Rapids
Democrat reported that the Macatawa Bay
Yacht Club met at the Morton House and
selected a leased Jenison Park site to locate
a clubhouse. It was on the southeast shore
about halfway between Macatawa and
Jenison Park, affording the best view of
all resorts, the small lake and the big lake.
The Holland City News reported a $1500
club house would be erected. “It will be
a two-story structure, 52 x 60 feet, built
out in the water on piles. Wide verandas
will gird the club house on the first and
second stories. The grounds are 250 feet
square. A scheme is afoot for building
six racing yachts to cost $150 a piece.”
MBJA Report: Getting sick of winter already?
Looking forward to some good times on
the water in 2008? Well hopefully we
have something just for you(th) and
adults too! Can’t wait for summer and
sailing lessons? Register EARLY! The
MBJA link on the MBYC website will
be up and running February 1, ready to
take your registrations for summer 08
sailing activities at our club. In addition
to the usual sailing classes, look for clinics
run by some top notch sailing coaches.
Lessons begin the week of June 16.
Interested in a little more than just
LEARNING how to sail and race? How
about getting involved in the newly
formed West Michigan Intra-city Youth
Sailing organization! We will be
competing weekly with other sailing clubs
An article in 1899 stated that it was in Michigan culminating in a wrap-up
decided to issue member bonds of $1500 regatta at MBYC in August.
to improve the grounds and construct the
buildings by July 1 at a cost now Are you an adult that has never had the
estimated at $3,000. Charles Scates of opportunity to learn how to sail or to race
Chicago was commodore, and this is the small boats? Our new Tuesday & Friday
year we officially observe as our founding night adult learn to sail & race class is for
year. A photo of the new club house was you. Check out the dates and sessions
published July 9.
on the MBYC website after February 1!
Do you have a small boat (Laser, 420,
None of us can recall or imagine the cost JY-15) that you are not using and would
of living in those days gone by! By Shirley consider donating it to the MBJA? Please
Weersing, club historian.
call or drop a note to Steve Sisson or
Marie Mell. We would greatly appreciate
any capital donations toward our summer
Spring Skiing - continued
spill, was quite a feat. The skier did a sailing program such as these.
beautiful job of making wide turns and
short checks and ended up sliding to a
stop in front of the party goers, even
throwing some snow on the pretty little
girls in stretch pants, who cooed and
awed and gave off squeaky little
comments like,”Oh, can you teach me
to do that, “What talent!” As with all
these events there is a pause. And Bill
Lowry’s gravely voice poises the
question?” How many more lessons will
he have to take so he can ski on two skis?”
I knew Big Bill very well. He was a man
of compassion, but pompousness in any
dimension irritated him. By Bill Jesiek
Junior racers – interested in keeping your
racing skills sharp over the next few
months? Check out the 420 events:
Jan 5-6 Team Race Clinic at Sarasota,
FL. Contact Stu Gilfillen (941) 5044236.
Feb 16-18 Club 420 MidWinters at
Jensen Beach, FL. Contact Peter
Strong (772) 334-8085
Or the Opti events:
Feb 16-18 Midwinter Team Racing
Championships at Clearwater, FL,
contact
clearwatercommunitysailing.org
March 15-16 Spring Opti-Fest at US
Sailing Center, Jensen Beach, FL,
contact www.scmc.org
Looking forward to a great summer on
the water! By Marie Mell
Florida snowbirds get
together for lunch
Early in December Shirley Wiersing reported that she and Clark attended a luncheon in Bonita Beach, Florida with a
large group of current and former MBYC
members who either live in Florida or flee
the cold weather of the Michigan winters. Pictured below with Clark Wiersing
are Bill & Ginny Jesiek. Bill joined
MBYC as a junior member in 1932, won
sailing awards, and operated the boat yard
to the West of us now known as Eldean
Shipyard. Bill loves to write and the Wind
Scoop has published several of his stories
in the past year, including one in this issue. News and photo submitted by Shirley
Wiersing.
7
Sun.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
January - Februay 2008
JANUARY 1
2
3
4
5
11
12
New Year’s Day
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
17
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
Strictly Sail -
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
Chicago
18
25
26
31 FEBRUARY 1
2
-
Navy Pier - Jan 31-Feb 3
7
8 8
Mardi Gras Party
6:00 - 10:00
Strictly Sail
14
15
Grand Rapids
8
17
GR
Boat Show
18
24
25
19
20
WHY kNOT? 19
6-10 pm Limited Menu
Boat Show
21 Windscoop 22
Copy Really Due
26
27
28
29
9
16
Feb 13 - 17
23
www.mbyc.com
March - April 2008
LAKE MICHIGAN LAKE LEVELS
579.5
579.0
578.5
FEET
Flag Officers’ Reports: Page 2, 4, & 6
Club Events - March 15 & April 25
A Sailing Story - Page 3
Docks Need A Ladder? - Page 3
Alligators in Holland? - Page 6
Sailing School Registration - Page 7
578.0
577.5
577.0
576.5
576.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
AVERAGE
CHART DATUM
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Wind Scoop provides a full report with historical data on the
6-year long trend in decreasing
water levels. Page 7
Wind Scoop did not have a camera at
the Mardi Gras party in February but
reports have come to the editor’s desk
that it was a great party! The next
morning the only survivor was Lance
Baker’s party-bedecked snowman.
Check out the MBYC St.
Patrick’s Day Party March 15
and the new event ‘Spring
Fling’ on April 25. Menu and
bar service from 6:00 to
10:00 PM. End the winter
blues and get your MBYC
social life active again.
St. Patrick’s Day
Party
March 15, 2008, 6 PM - 10 PM
liimit
lim
ited
ed men
nu avai
a la
labl
be
bl
Featurring your fav
vorite Irish Cocktails & Guinness Stout
Sorry, no green beer
please rsvp to 335-5815
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
For those of you who
are not ‘snowbirds,’
it is hard to believe
that spring is almost
here. Though all of
the precipitation
we’ve had this winter
is good news for the
water level, cabin
fever and Seasonal affective disorder has taken hold.
Notwithstanding that, your Club is getting geared up for the
2008 season.
As we have all been reading (see also Bob Standish’s article,
(page 7) the water level projected for this summer is not good
news for boaters and will likely require us to perform dredging
this spring. To provide your Board with an update on water
depths, Dave Sligh Jr, Chair of the Docks and Grounds
Committee, spent a pleasant day in January out on our docks
performing a preliminary check of the depth in our slips. The
day he happened to do this was likely one of the worst in
January with a negative wind chill, but Dave persevered and
we found that the depths in the slips have not had any
unexpected changes from last year. As soon as the ice clears
and a dinghy can be launched, Dave will check the basins for
their depths and we will then have a complete picture of what
dredging may be needed. However, we know that the launch
area for the drysail boats will require some work as much of it
is now dry land, and the west basin has a spot that will likely
require attention.
The other area that will need investigating is at the end of the
east dock. Should we receive our permit from the Corp of
Engineers for the dock expansion, it is very likely that some
of the Kelly Lake Drain sediment, which builds up in that
area, will need to be removed. With regard to our dock
expansion request, we are still in the permit review process by
the Corps of Engineers. Your Club is extremely well
represented in this permit process with Kevin Dolle and Bob
DeJong leading our efforts and many other members providing
assistance - thank you all.
One of my priorities for 2008 is supporting our fleets and
sailing programs. One aspect of this is developing better
relationships with other area yacht clubs to improve
coordination with regatta and clinic schedules and to boost
participation at events. This past December I sent out
invitations to other area commodores and then had the
pleasure of meeting with the leaders of seven other local yacht
clubs. There was a consensus with this group that there are
many opportunities to work together which can add to the
profile and quality of junior and adult sailing in our area.
With this collaborative spirit, we hope to positively impact
junior sailing this coming season and to build from there.
There are plans for this group to meet every few months.
For social events, we have had great participation and fun at
the recent winter social events. Shortly after you receive this,
the Club will be open for a Saint Patrick’s Day Party on March
19. Reservations are strongly recommended for this event. In
April, we will celebrate the return to warmer temperatures
and a new season with the Spring Fling Party.
Bring on 2008!
Paul Brown
Commodore
2
U.S. Junior Women’s Single-Handed Championship (Leiter Cup)
MBYC will be hosting the U.S. Junior Women’s Single-Handed A two-day clinic will be held prior to the racing.
Championship from August 3-9, 2008. This will be the first ever Coaches will include the Sailing Head Coaches
U.S. Sailing National Championship to be held in West of the Naval Academy and the College of
Michigan. Fifty young women (ages 13-19) from all over the Charleston and four collegiate sailing Allcountry will be coming to race in Laser Radials at MBYC. Americans.
Previous winners of this event include Amanda Clark, who will
be representing the U.S. in the 470 at the Beijing Olympics, and Many MBYC members have already volunteered to be host
Paige Railey, a multiple time Laser Radial World Champion. The families for our visitors. Committee members working hard to
2006 event was held at Houston Yacht Club and the 2007 event put on a great event that will showcase MBYC and West Michigan
include Nicki Arendshorst, Mike Bremer, Banba Donnelly, John
at Pleon Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
Donnelly, Roger Gamache, Mike Kiss, Tovi Kiss, Dan Mitchell,
Doug Petter, Heather Petter, Dave Sligh, Maggie Stone, and Jim
Stuursma.
Stories from our members.....
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Countdown to the 100th Chicago to Mackinac Race
or,
Things that can happen on the way to the Island
Twenty-plus years ago, the race to the Island
from Chicago ended with a fair bit of
breeze. Not a lot, but enough for the skinny
sterned boats of the day to be unpredictable
downwind.
maintained borderline control. When a puff
would hit, the boat speed would climb to
12, then 13 knots and at that point the
rudder would stall out and the boat would
round up.
The Manitou Passage saw us rolling from
rail to rail while flying the full size 1 ½ oz.
chute and a blooper. This made for a fast
and exciting afternoon and evening, but
given the boats of that era, also a stressful
workout. Onboard this boat we had a
designated cook who took his job with an
unusual amount of seriousness. The
constant rolling and occasional wipeouts of
the afternoon had made him unhappy as
he prepared the last supper of the race. His
unhappiness was compounded by the fact
that he had not been allowed in Chicago to
bring on board multiple bags of groceries
due to their weight and, thus, he had been
pained throughout the race by the
limitations which we had imposed on his
culinary skills. To him, the dinner he
prepared that evening was a gastronomic
debacle and cooking on a boat was not
something he would willingly do again.
Those of you who actively race know how
much trimming and easing occurs with the
spinnaker sheet, and the more puffy it is,
the more violent the eases can be and the
more urgent the trimming. Well, of course,
during one of these ease/trim cycles, we got
the mother of all overrides on the spinnaker
sheet winch. We tried all the usual
prescriptions to get rid of the override
without any luck partly due to the fact that
the cover of the undersized Kevlar spinnaker
sheets had partially melted onto the winch
drum from the friction of ‘big’ eases.
As a new puff came on, the talk of cutting
the sheet took on a sense of urgency. The
spinnaker sheet was as taut as a piano string
and it would not take much to cut it even
though it was Kevlar. Somehow the bo’suns
knife which had been strapped to the
boomvang had disappeared during the
After midnight we rounded Can Three at evening and a call was made to the one
the north end of Gray’s Reef Passage and individual still down below, the cook, to
turned east for the Bridge. The breeze was pass up a knife.
still up, but had gotten puffy as a front
rolled through. With the change in heading, As the boat headed down the Straights at
we had set a small reaching spinnaker and 12 knots, he was now yelled at – very loudly,
with everyone packed on the rail, and likely with some expletives - to hand
up a knife. The cook’s hand reached out of
the hatch with a knife. In the dark, it was
grabbed and in one swift move it was
brought down on the spinnaker sheet.
Slipholders, can you climb aboard?
Ladders may be necessary.
With only a little optimism, our boats will soon
be launched and in our slips. The question is
not so much, “May I come aboard?,” but CAN
I? As reported throughout the winter, we are
at, or at least near, record low lake levels. Some
of us recall when we had to raise the sidewalk
in the front to help keep the lawn from
flooding!! And now, the slip pilings are sticking
out of the water like telephone poles above the
ground!! Well, almost.
The Club has adopted a rule that all ladders
on the docks shall be uniform – for purposes
of safety as well as for aesthetics. In order
to help that happen, the Club sells dock
ladders for about the same as the cost to
build them—$300.00. Place your orders
NOW if you would like to have them
installed by time your boats are in the water.
You can email Marilyn and Doug at
cluboffice@mbyc.com. Either send a check
for the cost of the ladder, or request that it
be added to your next invoice.
But; nothing happened. A flashlight came
on, and it was discovered we had been given
a butter knife! In some small way, the cook
had gotten his revenge.
Do you have a Mac Race story? For the
next three issues of the Windscoop, we
will publish one story per issue and the
author of the story will receive a $25
dining certificate to the Club. Stories
highlighting MBYC boats/crews will
receive extra credit!
3
VICE CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
2008 Schedule on the
is starting a little earlier this year. On Wednesday, April 2nd,
9th, 16th and 23rd, we’ll have the opportunity to gather at MBYC
Webscoop
B y the time you’re and review the North U Speed, Tactics and Boat Handling
seminar materials. The folks at North Sails / North U have
reading this, the kindly allowed us to use their seminar materials at no cost.
2008
Sailing The sessions will be presented in a collaborative, group learning
Here’s a great opportunity to invite your current and
Schedule will be format.
prospective crew to “get in the Wednesday Nite habit” and
posted on at the have some fellowship and learning. See the Webscoop for details.
MBYC Webscoop.
Additionally, Notice
of Race for our various Club events will be posted over the
next month, so complete information regarding fees, entry
forms, etc. will be available on line. For this year, you will still
need to enter club events by paper and “snail mail”, however
the day is close when you’ll even be able to enter on line. The
2008 schedule includes a return of JY 15 racing to Friday
evenings, with Laser sailing on Thursday evenings. The JY 15
class is developing a “multiple fleet” format to encourage people
of a wide range of ages and abilities to come out for our “fun”
fleet. The MBJA will support this effort by making several
JY15s available for charter for the series. Other significant
features of the 2008 schedule include an enhanced PHRF
schedule and an enhanced Commodore’s Cup. Revived in
2007, the 2008 Commodore’s Cup promises to be a big
weekend at MBYC, with the return of the Great Lakes Farr 40
class, as well as significant participation from the Muskegon,
Grand Haven and South Haven / St. Joe offshore fleets.
Race Management Opportunities
Over the past year, a number of active, competitive members
of our various fleets have participated in our race management
program. What these sailors have found (to some surprise) is
that modern race management can be as interesting,
challenging, and rewarding as sailing in an event. Additionally,
we’ve had a number of people who are quite very new to sailing
who find race management a good way to broaden their skills
and understanding. Watching sailboat races might be like
“watching grass grow”, but running good races takes
understanding, engagement and offers a different, but equally
rewarding, way to spend time on the water. We are offering a
one-day Race Management orientation seminar on Saturday,
March 29th. Race officers from a number of area clubs will be
attending. The seminar is a great way to prepare for the season,
but we are always looking for new participants interested in a
great day on the water. Contact me at rogerdgamache@aol.com
with your interest.
4
Attention Women Aged 14 -18
We have a unique opportunity at MBYC this summer. The
2008 US Women’s Junior Single-Handed Championship will
be held at the club in early August. This is an “open” event so
local women sailors will have a unique opportunity to “tee it
up” with our country’s best young women sailors. History
indicates that participants in this event will be Olympic
representatives in the future. This is a great opportunity for
young women to focus on skill development with a simple,
identifiable goal. There will be lessons and coaching
opportunities throughout the summer to help you prepare for
the event. If this sounds interesting to you, or someone you
know, contact Marie Mell at the MBJA website: mbja.com.
Sponsorship for Sailing Events
If you’ve attended a national or regional sailing event over the
past couple of years, you’ve likely noticed an increasing trend
toward commercial sponsorship. The ubiquitous red Mount
Gay hats are a common sight at our club. The “Lands End
Chicago Mackinac Race” and the “Jaguar Etchells Winter
Series” are other examples of this trend in our sport. The
economic forces that contribute to the decision to introduce
commercial sponsorship to our private club environment
include increased competitor expectations (mark set boats
improve racing, but that gas is expensive!) and slow growth in
participation. Options include increasing racing fees (at a risk
of reducing participation) or exploring how partnering with
commercial interests can assist us in having high quality,
reasonably priced events. Over the next several months, your
Board will be considering the possibility of commercial
sponsorship of specific aspects of club activities. We’ll be
considering the appropriate balance between commercial
intrusion and additional financial support. If the decision is
positive, we’ll then be drafting guidelines for what should, and
should not, be considered for sponsorship. I’d ask that everyone
give some thought to this issue and communicate with a board
member. Race Committee co-chairman Jack Knoblauch will
also be working on this project, and would appreciate your
thoughts.
Crew Development Opportunity
Are you a skipper who would like to find crew? Are you a Roger Gamache,
potential crewperson who’s always been a little shy because
Vice Commodore
you’re not comfortable with your skills? Wednesday Nite racing
Winter Sailing: Orange Bowl Regatta, Key West Week, Etchells, NOOD
While many of us are coping with a
winter marked by negative wind chill
readings and large piles of snow, some
members have had the opportunity to
represent our club in a number of sailing
events throughout the South. Anytime
we publish a list of member’s
achievements we run the risk of leaving
someone out, so let me say at the outset
that this list might not include everyone,
and if we’ve left you out, drop me a quick
call or email and I’ll happily add you to a
future report.
over the world, including many of the
America’s Cup crews who are on “hiatus”
while their lawyers figure out who and
what will be sailing. Doug DeVos sailed
his TP52 Windquest. Mike Hill won
kudos for his foredeck mastery on Jim
Richardson’s Farr 40 Barking Mad
winning “Boat of the Week” honors.
Every year MBYC sailors participate in
the Etchells Class Jaguar Cup series of 4
separate weekend regattas. This year Jon
Easley is promoting inter-club harmony
by sailing with Bayview Yacht Club Rear
Commodore Bruce Burton. Perennial
participant Jeff Padnos is sailing with sons
Josh and Sam and J P del Solar
Goldsmith. Randall Pitman is a new
competitor this year, but didn’t let lack
of experience get in his way, scoring an
impressive 2nd in fleet at the 80 boat
(yes… not a typo) Florida State
Championship.
Virtually the last sailing event of 2007,
the Orange Bowl Regatta, sponsored by
Coral Reef Yacht Club in Miami, saw a
good showing from MBYC. Morgan Kiss
sailed in the Opti Red Fleet. Alex Kiss
represented in the Laser 4.7 fleet and
Mitchell Kiss competed in the Laser
Radial class. Louis Padnos sailed for
MBYC in the 420 class. The Orange
Bowl is a major junior sailing event that
draws sailors from all over the United In other action, Mike Bremer sailed his
States and significant participation from Ultimate 20 FarFar in the St. Petersburg
Yacht Club NOOD regatta. And,
South America and Europe.
participating in a somewhat different
Key West Race Week kicks off the 2008 manner, our PRO Barbara Gamache was
“Big Boat” season. This year the event invited to be part of the race management
brought together the best sailors from all crew for both the Miami Olympic Class
Member Rewards
Many of our members may not know that our income budget
improves significantly with increased booking of banquets and
weddings. The Board restricts the use of our facilities for banquets
during the sailing season to help reduce the interference with our
members’ use. But before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, we
have a very marketable opportunity. During the summer months,
we can accommodate birthday parties and rehearsal dinners that
only need the Commodore’s Room and/or the tent. And on
Mondays and Tuesdays—all summer long, we can accommodate
company picnics and dinners, except of course, on holiday
weekends. There is probably no better place in the Holland area at
less expense to the hosts. At its last meeting, the Board approved a
$25.00 dining credit reward for each successful referral by any of
our members to a non-member. If you need any more information
to help improve our banquet business, please contact Marilyn Baker
at the Club. The glowing testimonials received by our Club for
past events substantiate that your friends and business associates
will be grateful to you for reminding them of this outstanding
facility and its availability for group events.
Picture of Louis Padnos and Ben
Spector at Orange Bowl Regatta
award ceremony hosted by the Coral
Reef Yacht Club.
Regatta (OCR) and the Yngling World
Championships. These events are
prestigious and important assignments as
they are “qualifying” events for
participation in this summer’s Olympic
Regatta in China. Ask Barb about
“calling the line” for the last day of the
OCR, when her call could have easily
changed our Laser Radial representative!
That’s the news for this month. Please
feel add your results by phone (616836-3313) or email
(rogerdgamache@aol.com). By Roger
Gamache
S a v e
t h e
D a t e ! !
Saturday,, June 21
C.
M . B . Y. n i o n
Reu
)
C l ah ast sy e a r d i d y o u j o i n ?
(w
New M
8
&
r t y ‘0
a
P
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e
emb
If You Joined in the ’60’s, the
’70’s....or just last year......
“Mix, Mingle, and Dance”
Additional details in the May and June
Windscoops!!
5
REAR CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
For those of you who
see the glass half full,
you will appreciate
that
the
very
“serious” winter we
are having this year
should result in
improvements in lake
levels by the time
not to commit slip availability until we know they will be there.
We understand the frustration for those on the waiting list,
but we really have no better way to predict the approval date.
Thanks to the Ann and Roger Gamache and to Linda and
Jack Knoblauch for conducting a complete year end inventory
for the Nauti Shop. Keep in mind the great inventory of warm
MBYC garments as you plan ski trips and shop for gifts. Many
of our newer members may not know that the Nauti Shop
operates at a very modest markup of our costs of goods sold.
It is not intended to be a profit center—but it is intended to
help make available good quality clothing while promoting
the espirit de corps of the Club. So take advantage of this
Spring rolls around. So now you have another reason to smile opportunity.
while you are shoveling your walks and driveways or paying
for the extra snowplow bills. For the rest of you, however, do The House Committee and Docks and Grounds Committee
not be concerned, we have included significant funds for are busy developing plans to make your spring, summer and
dredging. And, as noted in a separate article in this issue, fall even more enjoyable. Thanks to each of the committee
MBYC slip holders should note that ladders may still be members for their contributions of time and talent. If you
necessary to get down to your boats and back up on the dock. have any suggestions or recommendations for either of these
So let Marilyn know sooner rather than later if you will require committees, please feel free to call or write any one of them.
a ladder this summer.
The Committee members and contact information are listed
on our website.
Kevin Dolle continues to monitor the Corps of Engineers
review of our application for dock expansion permit. Some of So until the weather turns warmer, think Spring.
our members are attempting to use the political process to
encourage bureaucratic movement—and we thank them for
Bob DeJong
that. While we remain hopeful that we will receive timely
approval, the Board and our General Manager have decided Rear Comodore
Holland Alligator sighting
It was the beginning of the holiday season and as local residents
living immediately across the creek from the club, we decided that
our view would be enhanced if some holiday lights adorned the
super-structure of Recovery the club’s race committee boat, stored
this winter in the dry sail area.
During my surreptitious process of stringing the lights, (yep, I’m
guilty) as I was leaving the club grounds to retrieve my electrical
adaptor, the Ottawa County Sheriff Animal Control officer was
arriving at the club. Strange, I thought, for the “dog catcher” to be
out and about at this time of the year.
Upon my return to the club I approached the officer and inquired
as to his intentions. “You wouldn’t believe it if I told you” was the
response. Curiosity prevailed and he related that he was attempting
to capture an ALLIGATOR. “You’ve got to be kidding”, I replied,
after all it was December with the temp in the high 20’s at the time.
A local woman earlier in the day reported being confronted by a 3
to 4 foot Gator at the S. Shore bridge that crosses the creek. Turns
out, if this one had been captured (it wasn’t), it would have been
the fifth Gator caught in the Holland area since the beginning of
last year. I also learned that when the temperature drops, the alligator
cannot survive, so spring Laser sailing should be safe, at least until
another local decides to release their pet Gator into Lake Macatawa.
by J.D. Stone
6
Lake Michigan Water Levels approach new lows
POINT:
Whether you blame the lack of
precipitation, global warming, the
eroding river bottom at the entrance to
the St. Clair River (or you believe there
is a conspiracy by the state of New Mexico
to somehow pipe Lake Michigan water
to that state), there is one inescapable
conclusion. Lake Michigan water levels
are going down and if the spring and
summer of 2008 are anything like the
past two years, lake levels will continue
to drop this year. That has the potential
to dramatically change recreational
boating this summer. As of the date of
this writing, the Lake Michigan water
level is more than six inches lower than
this same time last year. This is just six
inches above the all time January low level
of 576.1 feet above sea level in 1964 and
is almost 22 inches lower than the long
term average (1918 – 2006) according to
the Army Corp of Engineers.
The low water level will affect boaters
all year long, beginning with launching
your boat this spring. We are currently
tracking 6 inches below last year. If that
spread doesn’t change, when you launch
your boat in May, the lake level will be
the same level as in October when you
hauled your boat for winter and will be
at the lowest May level since the all-time
low for May in 1964 (576.6 feet).
If you are planning on a trip this
summer, maybe stopping by Arcadia,
Beaver Island or Elk Rapids? Better think
again. Even getting into Leland could
be an issue this year. And you better think
twice about cutting the corner to get to
Anchorage Marine.
Of course don’t forget your MBYC
slip. Will you be able to dock without
sliding under the finger pier? When you
are docked, will you be able to safely get
your family and guests on and off your
boat. For all of us sail boaters with deep
draft boats, is there enough water under
your boat at your slip? We all need to
consider these things now before the
boating season begins and work out
solutions that work for the club and our
boats.
It looks like summer 2008 with be a
challenging year for boaters but a little
forward planning and constant awareness
should keep unpleasant surprises to a
minimum.
It would appear there is a water level
recovery going on right now. Since
December, the difference between the
record low water levels and actual levels
has steadily increased from just 2.5 inches
from the record low in December 2007
to a February MTD difference of 6
inches. And the trend is increasing. Lake
Superior, Lake Michigan – Huron’s
largest water source is UP almost 10
inches from this date last year. Add to
that West Michigan’s record setting
snowfall season and things may not be
all that bad. In fact, even the Army Corps
of Engineers forecasts that Lake Michigan
lake levels will continue to improve and
exceed 2007 water levels by July.
In any event, what you can count on
is that lake levels will start out this season
lower than last year so plan your boating
activities accordingly.
For more information from the Army
Corps of Engineers on all Great lakes
water levels current and historic, check
out: http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/
greatlakes/hh/greatlakeswaterlevels/
COUNTERPOINT:
No one can dispute that the Lake currentconditions/
Michigan water level is quite low but will By Bob Standish
it really be that bad this year? Maybe not!
Summer Registration now
available on-line!
Registration is taking place online now for
summer youth sailing and adult learn to sail
programs! Check out the dates for lessons
on our website (www.mbyc.org link to
MBJA) for upcoming sessions and get your
discount for early member registration.
Special clinics with guest instructors will be
posted soon.
Inter-City sailing is becoming a reality!
During this summer, we will be starting InterCity league sailing which will include yacht
clubs from the West Michigan Lakeshore
area. The directors will be meeting in early
March to finalize all the details for this
exciting youth opportunity. All levels of
sailors will be included. Watch for more
details in the April Windscoop!
7
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March - April 2008
March
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Menu: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
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North U: Upwind
Sail Trim 7:00-8:30pm
North U: Starting &
Sail Trim 7:00-8:30pm
U: Mark 16
14 Windscoop 15 North
Rounding & Down-
Copy Really Due wind
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Laser racing Spring series
Laser racing 27
Spring series
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Seminar:
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Race
Management
7:00-8:30pm
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North U: Crew
Work 7:00-8:30pm
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Menu: 6:00 - 10:00 PM
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www.mbyc.com
May 2008
SUMMER’S COMING!
Flag Officers’ Reports:
Page 2, 8, 10
Coast Guard Auxillary Inspections
Page 2
MBJA Reports:
Page 3
Optimists in Peru:
Page 5
Spring Fling Photos:
Page 6
MBYC Directors’ Minutes: Page 9
Raw Eggs & Snickers:
Page 11
MACATAWA BAY YACHT CLUB * 2157 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE * MACATAWA, MI 49434 * 616-335-5815 * FAX 616-335-9910
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
After nearly eight years of service to MBYC, Jack Grates ended
his work as the Club’s webmaster at the end of 2007. As you
As the new cover design can guess, when he started as our webmaster the internet was
indicates, summer is almost pretty primitive and our website was probably even more so.
here. The Club’s grounds Jack took advantage of all the software and coding advances
are looking great thanks to over the years and kept our site incredibly up to date in both
the hard work of our technology and content. I would doubt that anyone spent
outside manager, Doug more time on Club activities than Jack did during those years
Knapp. Laser racing has and he set the standard for other yacht clubs to try to emulate.
already begun, Wednesday Jack, thank you for your contributions!
night racing is about to
start, and our Head Chef, Jim Ruhle, is ready in the kitchen. Another member, Bob Standish, has stepped up as our new
webmaster. Bob has a lot of energy and ideas which he will be
As I write this (week of 4/20), we are still uncertain of our bringing to our website and I sincerely appreciate his desire to
permit requests from the Corps of Engineers. Though they not only volunteer, but to take on such a challenge and
are aware that time is of the essence for construction of the responsibility for the Club. Thank you, Bob!
new slips and for dredging, we have not been able to get timely
responses. Though we are still vigorously pushing for approval, Finally, don’t miss the remaining social events and parties this
the window of opportunity for completing these items for Spring. You can “Treat Your Mother” at our annual Mother’s
this season is closing. The most frustrating aspect is the Corps’ Day Brunch on May 11. Memorial Day weekend, the
review process which appears to be a black box with unknown unofficial start of the season, we will have live music under
timetables and decision points. Should we receive a positive the tent on Sunday and the Blessing of the Fleet on Monday
response, we will do everything we can to get the work done following the Bill Ash Memorial Breakfast.
yet this Spring.
See you there,
Greetings!
I have often mentioned in this column the importance of
volunteering at the Club and I want to highlight the
contribution by of one of our members through volunteering.
USCGA Safety Inspections June 7
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting vessel
safety inspections at MBYC on Saturday June 7, 2008 from
approx. 10 AM thru 2 PM or later. This is a great service
provided to MBYC to assure that you and your vessel are
ship shape and ready to safely navigate the waters of the
Great Lakes. This is a voluntary safety inspection process,
and no fines will be levied for anyone not passing the vessel
safety inspection.
U.S. Coast Guard vessel safety inspection stickers will be
issued to those vessels that pass this safety inspection, which
helps assure safe and hassle free boating pleasure. So, get
your vessel ready for the inspection, and be on board for
your free safety inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary. Kevin Dolle
2
Paul Brown
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
MBJA sponsors
Adult Learn to Sail Classes!
Are you interested in learning how to
sail a JY-15? Is it hard for your friends
or your spouse to teach you the finer
points of sailing? Do you just want to
learn to sail with a friend or make some
new ones? Whether you already have a
sailing partner or not, we would love to
have you join instructor Marc Palma for
our 1st ever adult learn to sail program.
The option of club racing on Friday
nights is available for the adventurous
as well! The format is Tuesday and
Friday evenings from 5-6:30pm for two
weeks. Cost is just $100 for 4 sessions
of instruction and Friday racing. Don’t
have a boat? We have boats for charter.
Registration forms are available in the
MBJA link.
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Web Scoop
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Bob Standish
Front Cover Photo
Do you like the new look of the
Wind Scoop’s front page? We
want to feature a new color photo
each month. Commodore Paul
Brown took the May picture last
summer. We want members to
submit great photos for consideration in future issues. Photos should
be representative of MBYC’s mission of boating and fun - and a
minimum size of 5 megapixels.
Please email your top quality
photo entries to editor Jon
Bontekoe at email address:
jonbontekoe@gmail.com (or bring
them to the club office).
MBJA Sailing Lessons Update
June 16 is coming! Are you ready?! The MBJA has a great season lined up for all
ages and levels of sailors. If you haven’t checked out the JA website and registered
for your sailing adventures this summer, you need to
get your spot saved. There are limited spots as well as
incentives for you to be registered by the end of May.
You may not even recognize the club boats! Special
thanks to the Sales and Captain Maintained for their
GREAT work on the Whalers, Optis, and 420’s this
winter. They look BEAUTIFUL! Our goal as the JA
is going to be to keep our boats in a condition we can
all be proud of.
As well as the regular sailing classes we have four West Michigan Youth Sailing
Association regattas lined up. The first one is Thursday June 26 at MBYC for
Lasers, 420’s and Opti’s. There will be others at Spring Lake, Muskegon and St.
Joe and the end of season championships August 17 also to be hosted by MBYC.
Have you heard of the Bic O’Pen? It’s a hot, new racing dinghy for one or two
persons (total crew weight up to 190 pounds). The O’Pen has become all the
rage in Europe, gunning for the Opti’s top slot as the dinghy of choice for today’s
excitement-driven young sailor. On June 24 we will be hosting a demo and a
chance to meet with a representative about these exciting new boats Come
down to the club and sail one! You will be INTRIGUED! Check out the O’Pen
Bic website at www.openbic.com or footage from the Miami races on
www.youtube.com and check under open bic. These boats are AWESOME!
Looking for a way to support the junior sailing program? MBYC will be hosting
a dinner fundraiser and auction Saturday, August 2, with terrific cuisine prepared
by our own Chef Jim. We will be looking for donations for this event (college or
professional game tickets, catered dinner or boat cruise on your boat for a sunset,
business services, a special hobby, ... we’re open for suggestions!). Please contact
Steve Sisson or Marie Mell to become part of our event.
We will also need volunteers to help with race committee for the WMYSA regattas.
Please contact Marie if you are interested in sharing your time. Welcome
SUMMER! Marie Mell
3
Bob Standish reports that Lake Michigan went up 6
inches the first 17 days of April and was just 2.4
inches lower than the April 2007 average. (In Bob’s
chart below, the blue line near the bottom represents
2008 lake level progress to mid-April.)
LA K E M IC H IG A N LA K E LE VE LS
579.5
579.0
FEET
578.5
578.0
577.5
577.0
576.5
576.0
J an
A VE R A G E
4
F eb
M ar
A pr M ay
C HA R T D A TUM
2003
J un
2004
J ul
A ug S ep
2005
2006
Oct
N ov D ec
2007
2008
Optimist South American Championships--a lifetime experience
The Optimist South American
Championship was held this year in
Paracas, Peru. Paracas is a small seaside
village that is about a 3 hour drive south
of Lima. Morgan Kiss qualified for the
15 member team that represented the
USA. As regatta trips go this was not
only a major International Optimist
regatta but it was also a real “Indiana
Jones” type adventure trip.
The USA Team was selected at the US
Optimist Atlantic Coast Championship
held at Norfolk Virginia during October
of 2007. Immediately after the team
selection we got to the task of looking
for the best housing available for the
regatta. We have traveled to many
international regattas and have found the
best housing goes fast. While searching
we discovered that there was an
earthquake during 2007 and the whole
town was essentially destroyed by the
quake and the resulting tidal wave. The
local hotels operators said they “hoped”
to be open in 2009. Rumors circulated
that the event was going to be moved to
an alternate site. Moving the regatta was
not to be! The regatta organizers decided
to rebuild as best they could.
judges etc. for the 11 day event was also
built. It appeared that the whole country
of Peru pulled together to make this
happen!!
Paracas has the reputation of being one
of the best sailing sites in the world. A
sea breeze develops every day blowing
from the same direction – only the
velocity changes based on how hot the
land gets. Paracas is in a very hot and
dry desert area. The reported average
annual rainfall is 1 mm (0.04 inches) per
year. On one day of the regatta people
awoke to the ground being slightly damp
– kind of like dew on the grass in the
morning. Everyone seemed very excited
about something. It seems that it had
not “rained” for 6 years!!
Most of the sailors took a boat tour on
the lay day to see the islands that are
covered with seals and all kinds of sea
birds. The young sailor’s favorite animal
was the Humboldt Penguin! No one had
ever seen so many birds in one place at
one time!! We learned this location has
the richest and most productive fishery
in the world - due to the effects of the
Humboldt Current which flows north
from Antartica along the western coast
of South America.
The regatta went off without a hitch.
The 180 competitors from 17 countries
that participated in this event all had a
once in a lifetime experience. In the end
Morgan was top American and finished
16th overall, 3rd “Categoria Feminina”
(Female Division), and her team race
team (TEAM USA 1) finished 2nd in
the “Copa de las Naciones” (Cup of
Nations Team Race Championship).
Michael Kiss
Photos on pages 4-5, Paracas, Peru,
by Tovi Kiss
When the sailors arrived they found
brand new housing constructed
especially for them. This was a
monumental feat given the rough and
primitive conditions. The carpenters
finished just in time with the final nails
going in on arrival day! A complete food
preparation area to feed 180 kids and
200 supporters, parents, race committee,
55
A
April 23 Spring Fling - a big party with great food
6
B
C
D
E
A A Steel Drum Band entertained
B Staff with Jim & Debbie Howard
C Rod Schmidt, Annie VanTol, Jack
&Linda Knoblauch, Coreen Slanec
D Steve & Janet Magennis, Jo
Schmidt
E Coreen Slanek, Janet Standish, Tom
Slanec
F Marie Mell, Darren Lance, Christine
Drew, Pat Fox
G Bill & Lisa Ruoff, Mike & Karen
Nagelkirk
F
G
H Commodore & Lisa Brown with son
talk to Rod Schmidt
I The Mullin Family
I
H
K
J
MBJA Cleanup Day
M
J John & Linda Stevenson and family
members
K Helen Smith & Betty Miller wait for
bar order
Party Photos by jb
L MBJA cleanup Saturday getting the
equipment ready for the season of
lessons
M Lasers out racing on a cold day
Ourdoor photos by Paul Brown
L
7
VICE CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
Looking forward… As
you’re reading this the
boating season will be
accelerating to full speed
and the challenge for all of
us will be getting as much
time on the water as
possible in the next 120
days. So to help you get
maximum fun this
summer, consider the
following opportunities.
JY 15 Sailing on Friday Nights. The JY 15 is a simple,
inexpensive (relatively speaking…) 2 man boat that will be
raced “in front of the club” on Friday nights from Memorial
Day through Labor Day. Racing will start at 7:00 pm,
conclude by about 8:30, and will include 2-5 races depending
upon conditions. The emphasis is on running a number of
short races, so everyone has an opportunity to “get one right”
during the evening. This class is making a big effort to provide
an opportunity for everyone to get involved. In addition to
our traditional awards there will be recognition for the
performance of “first year” sailors, “junior” teams, “family”
teams (with 2 generations participating) and women’s teams.
If you don’t have a boat, consider chartering one. Thanks to
the MBJA and generous contributors, we have at least 3 boats
available for a very nominal fee. If you’re a little rusty or
uncertain of your sailing skills there will be instruction
opportunities for teens and adults on Tuesday nights and late
afternoon on Fridays, prior to racing. Still not certain that
this is for you? Then make sure to come out to the club in
time to watch. Our front seawall makes a great place to view
all the action, and the gathering in the club afterward is great
way to begin the weekend.
Wednesday Night Sailing. Most Wednesday nights (check
the Webscoop, Windscoop, or Log for a schedule)
approximately 20 boats from MBYC participate in the
Bayshore Yacht Club series for larger, “cruising” boats. On a
typical night there are a number of opportunities for “walk
on” crew. To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to
be at the club by 6:00 pm, dressed appropriately for the weather
and wearing deck shoes. Ask around yourself, or seek out
myself, Mike Hill or Dave Shipman. We’ll be happy to
introduce you to skippers and help you get an great
introduction to racing bigger boats.
Junior Sailing. Our junior sailing program is run cooperatively
with the Macatawa Bay Junior Association (MBJA), a 501 c 3
educational institution dedicated to teaching sailing to the
Holland community. The MBJA offers a selection of learnto sail lessons for older children and youth throughout the
summer using Association owned Optimist dinghies, Lasers
and Club 420s. Additionally, there are opportunities to race
on Thursday nights throughout the summer. This year we
are also offering the opportunity for a “travel team” experience.
Organized by Marie Mell, MBJA Director, there will be
opportunities to travel to Saugatuck, St. Joe, South Haven,
Reeds Lake and Muskegon to add additional challenge to the
racing schedule. This program is a development of several
“field trips” that were organized in the 2007 season, and we
anticipate that it will be very popular with our younger sailors.
Race Management. We have an opportunity for a number of
club members to become involved in our Race Management
team. Participating in race management offers you a number
of benefits, including time spent on the water with great
people, a “ring side” seat to observe some great racing, and
engagement in our sport that is as rewarding as a successful
day of racing. To schedule a day “to try it out,” speak with
Jack Knoblauch, Race Committee Chairman.
See you at our Club!!!
Roger Gamache
That's our ship’s log since the day the boat was
launched now showing 28,000 nautical miles. The
earth is 24,900 miles around at the equator. Them's
one lot of miles in a sailboat at probably about 6
knots. I wonder how many of them were just going back and forth from Macatawa to Saugatuck.
We are now in the BVI's and I can honestly say, I
love it. Bill & Judy Stellin (an excerpt from their
email newsletter)
8
Board of Directors Meeting for March 2008
Abridged Meeting Notes
Requests for new memberships, resignations and change in
membership status were reviewed and approved. GM Marilyn
Baker reported on the hiring process for the Dining Room
Manager’s position. Treasurer D’Haem reviewed the financials
to date for 2008.
Commodore’s Cup will be August 2-3, 2008. This will be a
significant event, with a social schedule to match - still
accepting some fleets. Friday night JY-15 racing will include
a women’s fleet and a family division. The MBJA is
coordinating with 4 other regional Clubs to initiate a regional
junior regatta program to start this summer. Jack Knoblauch’s
Pool bathroom ventilation issues were reviewed and it was proposal for sponsorship of sailing events was reviewed. A
recommended that we accept a bid of $2,700 for new motion was approved to authorize this concept for the
ventilation fans. While it was moved to do it, a motion to Commodore’s Cup.
table was approved, delaying the decision while other options
are reviewed. The concept of a shaded area near the pool The proposed budget was presented for discussion and and a
came to the Directors for clarification, and it was discussed, motion passed to approve the 2008 budget. Significant
since it was a high priority from Forward Planning. The Board savings on our postage expense was realized on the recent
directed D&G to provide a concept for presentation for the Windscoop mailing by using 3rd class for local residents of the
April board meeting, which would provide options. In Club without impacting timeliness. Anne VanTol will assist
response to the public comment period, a detailed response in developing policies and rates for potential advertising in
was sent to the Army Corps of Engineers our permit request the Windscoop. Member Bob Standish will take over
for the slip expansion and dredging. We have asked for a webmaster duties this month. The Logbook is nearly ready
quick response. Concerns communicated to the Corps did for publishing. Discussion on the Club’s telecom needs for
not appear to add any new issues.
phones, internet and WiFi.
Racing News: On the Course Side…
We predicted that we’d miss someone in last
month’s summary of sailing activity. So, belated
congratulations to Alex Post for his results in
the Orange Bowl regatta this winter. Alex is one
of a number of young sailors that are developing
quickly into formidable competitors. At the
other end of the experience spectrum,
congratulations also to Jeff Padnos and JP Del
Solar Goldsmith for their third place finish in
the 2008 Coral Reef Cup. Also of note, Bob
Hughes and his Team Heartbreaker won the first
race of the recent Farr 40 World Championship.
Unfortunately, Bob’s performance during the
week didn’t continue at that level, but even one
“bullet” is a singular achievement in a fleet of
that size and quality.
While some of us are fortunate to be able to sail
in the “off season,” a number of us can only sit
around and talk about sailing, which is exactly
what approximately 45 local sailors have done
recently. Using material provided by “North U”,
we have just completed a “Winter Regatta” over
the Wednesday nights in April. The presentation
was a “hit” and will be a part of our offerings
again in April, 2009. Roger Gamache
Mac stories from our members: Do you have a Mac Race
story? For the next issues of the Windscoop, we will publish
one story per issue and the author of the story will receive a
$25 dining certificate to the Club. Stories highlighting
MBYC boats/crews will receive extra credit!
9
REAR CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
House Committee
TIPS for dining and bar
service:
The 18% gratuity
that is automatically added
to your tab is pooled and
then divided among
servers, bartenders and the
dining room manager
according to a formula
including amount of time
worked by each server. However, for extraordinary service,
your individual “added” tips go directly to your server.
Smoking Policy:
This matter was referred by stockholders to House
Committee. For the 2008 season, there will be no smoking
permitted at anytime in the dining room. Smoking will be
permitted in the bar only after 10 p.m. and then only after all
food customers have finished eating. The House Committee
will review after the end of this season whether smoking will
be prohibited at all times.
Children in the bar area:
Parents are reminded that children are not permitted
to be seated at the bar. The House Committee is exploring
whether there can be a designated location for children to
place their orders for smoothies, shakes, etc. Because these
beverages tend to be significantly more time consuming in
their preparation, there will be some occasions when our bar
staff will be unable to accommodate these requests – such as
after Wednesday night racing when the staff is jammed.
Crunch Time in the Club:
House committee is working with our staff on how
we can better provide service to our members in situations
when the wait staff is jammed—such as on Wednesday nights.
We know that some have become frustrated with the wait
time, and are supplying their own food and drink when they
would prefer to patronize the Club. Stay tuned for further
developments.
Wine Selection:
Marilyn and Lance are upgrading our wine selection
for you wine aficionados. Watch for surprisingly good values!
Comment Cards:
The House Committee will be reviewing your
comments on the comment cards. So please provide
suggestions on how your experience can be improved, but
also let us know when your server deserves to be acknowledged
because of extraordinary service. Through your continued
input, we can make the Club an even better experience.
10
Docks and Grounds
Dredging:
Your committee continues to wrestle with problems
caused by significant dredging requirements caused by our
inability to have the weir cleaned out while we await the
official blessing of the weir by the Corps of Engineers.
Between increased stream deposits and lower lake levels, we
anticipate having to use most, if not all, of the dredging funds
that have been reserved—$20,000. We are asking the Kelly
Drain joint drain commissions for financial contribution to
this effort, but at the time of this report, we do not have
anything confirmed.
Pool Shade:
Your committee is also exploring options for
increasing the availability of shade around the pool. Various
options are being considered and explored as to cost, viability
and aesthetics.
Nauti Shop
Begin the season with a shopping trip (or trips!!) to
the Nauti Shop. Great selections! (See ad below.)
A GOOD WORD
Marilyn and her team, Jim and Doug have been
working hard to get the Club in shape both inside and
outside. When you see how great the Club looks, let them
know your appreciation for a job well done.
Bob DeJong
A Mackinac Story from our members.....
Raw Eggs and Snickers
For years I was regaled with stories from
my father about the Mac. He used to
say that you could tell a good Mac was
about to begin when, as you motored
out to the start line, the wind was
blowing all the water OUT of the
fountain. 1987 was going to be a good
race if his prognosticating was accurate.
We were on Rick Kraai’s Seira, a G&S
30 for the ‘87 race, along with Eric Ash
(Big E), Rick Beckman (B-max), and a
host of others. Both Eric and Rick were
big boys back then and proved to be a
vital component on the race, not only
their skills, but their combined ballast
potential. The crew dinner was at a nice
steakhouse on Friday before the start,
with several doggie bags taken by the
boys for emergency rations or midnight
snacks during the race. I’ll get back to
the doggie bags.
The start saw approx 30 knots from the
south, with waves running 6-8 ft. Quite
a spectacle as boats were broaching,
crews were sick, masts were lost, and we
haven’t even started yet. The small kite
was set at the start and we were off,
charging up the lake in the kind of
conditions that keep Mac racers
dreaming about next years race for 360
days a year. Chamber of commerce
sailing, the kind of sailing that the
brochures all promise and yet are rarely
delivered on. Being the smallest on the
boat I was in charge of making the
needed adjustments forward of the
companionway as any weight forward
would submerge the bow and make life
wet and the boat squirrelly. Squirrelly is
not good at 10+ knots as the broach that
will follow is very likely to break either
someone, or something, neither was a
good prospect. All day Saturday we
surfed and planed towards the Island,
Rick driving and Sr trimming the kite.
Their constant communication about
keeping the boat under the sail was all
that kept us upright. We seemed to be
doing quite well as we were pacing with
some fairly large boats for the first 12
hours. Nightfall was very exciting as
the wind and waves remained, but now
we were sailing blindly in to the darkness.
Because of the rough conditions, we
went without an actual meal and
subsisted on snickers bars and cokes. All
hands on deck as no one was allowed
forward to go below, and also because
we might need everyone’s help in the
event of a broach or other issue.
We need to gybe for the Grays reef
passage and with the wind having built
to 35 and the seas running 10+ ft my
father decided that I was a bit to small
to perform the end for end gybe with
the spinnaker pole, he would do it was
the plan. Being the helpful son that I
am, I decided to help. Everyone was in
position and Rick calls for the trip to
begin the turn. It was this point that I
reached around the mast from behind
In the middle of the night there comes a it, grabbed Sr’s life jacket in a death grip
barely audible growling that continues and held on for the stuff to hit the fan.
to grow. We finally realize that its our As Sr try’s to stand to complete the gybe
BIG BOYS, that are sitting at the stern he is somehow stuck to the mast. A bit
with their legs hanging aft to keep the of screaming, some cursing, and a lot of
bow up as we surf, and they are getting bouncing ensued before anyone realized
hungry. I am dispatched to get some that the “kid” was holding tightly on to
food from below, the request is for a his father, preventing completion of the
couple of white bags, doggie bags. gybe. With some “gentle” coaxing I was
Returning with a few malt beverages and convinced to release my grip so Sr could
a couple of bags, the boys tore into the complete the gybe and we could rocket
remaining meat on the T-Bones like off again into the darkness.
nothing I had ever seen, grown men
gnawing on bones was a sight that has We ended up finishing the race in about
stuck with me. In any case, growling 39 hours and actually got a slip on the
stopped, boat fast, crew happy. The next Island. That was the first time I had
morning the sail maker on board decided gotten a slip, let alone in a thirty foot
he need some eggs, so the carton of boat.
eggbeaters was handed up and he gulped
down two or three eggs, raw. I’ll stick Hours later we were on the way to
with snickers thank you very much.
Frankfort, by car thankfully, to pick up
Jim Stuursma and his boys. That is a
Sunday at dusk we have reached the story I will let him tell, ask him about
northern part of the lake and can almost “Slip Sliding Away” sometime..... By
smell the fudge that awaits our arrival. Dave Sligh
New Member Report
The MBYC Board has received, and approved several new members over the winter.
New members living in Holland are: Dr. Kate Mulder, James & Sarah Klingenberg
(and 10 year old Cameron), Eric & Jill Bert (and 1 year old Cameron), James
Lilly, and Bill & Michelle Leep. New members Daniel and Ann VanEerden (and
16 year old Charles) reside in Grand Rapids but they summer in Macatawa.
Please take a moment to welcome the new faces and invite them to join you for
dinner. Membership is our Club’s lifeblood and new members are always looking
to the Club for fun and involvement. If you know of someone who may be interested
in joining, contact our Marilyn for membership materials. Sometimes a little
encouragement is all that it takes to move someone from “interested” to
“application.”
11
Buoy Room Limited Menu
Mother’s Day Brunch - Sunday May 11
Fridays - May 2 & 9
Club Opens Wednesday May 16 - Regular Hours
MAY 2 0 0 8
Mon.
Sun.
Wed.
Tues.
Thurs.
4
5
6
12
13
Spring Laser Racing
11
Mother’s Day
Brunch
Spring Laser Racing
18
Spring Laser Racing
Melges 24 Muskegon
YC Regatta
25
Music Under
The Tent
12
3
Bar & Grill
Open
Private Parties
MBYC #1
2
1
Race Events
Social Events
Sat.
Fri.
19
Blessing of Fleet
26
Junior Memorial Day Regatta
MBJYC Memorial
Day Breakfast
8
7
Bayshore
Spring Series
Bar & Grill open
Regular 14
Club Hours
Resume
Bayshore S S
20
15
22
Bayshore
Spring Series
16
Dining Room Private
Party - Bar/Grill Open
29
Laser Racing
17
Melges 24 Muskegon
YC Regatta
23
JY15 & others
Racing
28
Bayshore
Spring Series
10
9
Windscoop
Copy Due
21
27
Bar & Grill
Open
Private Party
24
Private Party
In Dining Room
Bar/Grill Open
MBYC #1
30
JY15 & others
Racing
MBYC #2
Offshore #1
31
May 2008
www.mbyc.com
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
Past Commodore Cathy
Getz frequently used a term
which, until then, I never
really associated with boats
or yacht clubs. The word
was ‘gitty up;’ and it nicely
fits the current high energy
level at your Club.
For example, our Spring
Fling Party in the end of
April was packed and the fantastic Steel Drum Band which
played in the dining room had a hard time competing with
the party sounds in the bar. The recent Mother’s Day Brunch
was also extremely well attended and compliments go to our
own Chef Jim for preparing a fantastic brunch.
The New Member Party is on June 21st and has been expanded
to be a “Class Reunion” for all members. Do you remember
what year you joined? Do you remember the other new
members that year? The talented Scott Seth will be performing
that evening under the tent and it is a perfect excuse to
reacquaint yourself with old “classmates” and to meet our
current new members.
We wrap up June with the Mini-Rendezvous which is a great
excuse to spend the afternoon at anchor with a group of friends
and, to extend Cathy’s cowboy slang, to bend your elbow for
awhile. July will start with the proverbial bang with the
Patriotic Picnic on the 4th and Golf Tournament on the
morning of the 5th. Look for further details at the Club and
on the website as the events get closer.
OK, gitty up.
Coming up, we have our 2nd Annual Father’s Day Fishing
Tournament and Cookout on June 15th. Last year, this was a
great time for kids and their dads and, much to my surprise,
the fishing was great. Bring your fishing rods (and a fishing
license for Dad),- the Club provides the bait,- and join in the
fun.
Paul D. Brown. Jr
A Note About Parking…..
Though we are lucky to have sufficient parking on our
campus most of the time, some of our members are so
conditioned to parking in a garage that they prefer the
covered parking of our neighbor.
In Macatawa, the biggest faux pas one can make is
parking in someone else’s space without permission. So,
unless you are an Eldean’s slipholder or have permission
from Roger or Herb, please do not park on their property –
and this includes the Post Office parking lot across the street
from MBYC.
Front Cover Photo
Don Thinschmidt’s ‘Tyrant’ gets serious in the
Wednesday night series. Photo provided by Dave
Sligh Sr. The Wind Scoop’s front page needs entries
for future issues. We want to feature a new color
photo each month. Photos should be representative of MBYC’s mission of boating and fun - and a
minimum size of 5 megapixels. Please email your
top quality photo entries to Commodore Paul
Brown or WS editor Jon Bontekoe at
jonbontekoe@gmail.com (or bring them to the Club
office).
2
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Web Scoop
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Bob Standish
Mac stories from our members: Do you have a
Mac Race story? For the next issues of the
Windscoop, we will publish one story per issue and
the author of the story will receive a $25 dining
certificate to the Club. Stories highlighting MBYC
boats/crews will receive extra credit!
MBJA Sailing Lessons Update
JUNE IS HERE! That means that sailing lessons are right around the corner! We
have a great season of sailing instruction and racing lined up for kids of all levels as
well as adults. All of our programming begins the week of June 16. We welcome
new instructors Sam Padnos, Breanna McGann, and Phillip Norris to our program.
We’re very excited to have them join veteran Ken Kuper in leading our up and coming
sailors. We also have a very talented and eager group of helpers ready to assist on
shore and water to make learning to sail as non-threatening as possible.
ADULTS! Marc Palma is looking forward to being your instructor on Tuesday and
Friday nights! Charter JY-15’s are available on a first come, first served basis. Come
and join the fun and learn how to sail with friends! Looking for a new sailing buddy?
We’ll partner you with another student. Remember, the option of JY-15 racing on
Friday nights is part of the package during your session!
Early registrations for youth and adult lessons have been strong and are starting to fill
up. Please take advantage of registering before May 31 to help us allocate our teaching
staff appropriately. Interested in a racing clinic? JP DelSolar Goldsmith will be running
an Opti clinic July 2 & 3 and a Laser clinic July 31 &
August 1. Registration forms are available online at
www.mbyc.com or www.mbja.org.
West Michigan Youth Sailing Association has its first IntraCity regatta at MBYC on Thursday June 26! Registration
forms will be available at the sailing school office on June
16. We will be hosting Opti’s, Lasers and 420’s from Grand
Rapids, South Haven, Muskegon, Spring Lake and St. Joe
for an afternoon of excitement. Let’s show our support
and have a strong participation for our home event!
Want to help out financially? We have opportunities for you as well! West Marine
will be hosting MBJA Sailing School on Saturday July 26. We will be roasting hot
dogs, advertising our sailing school and they will donate a percentage of their sales
back to our program. Mark your calendar also for Saturday August 2! We will be
having a Chinese Fundraiser Dinner at MBYC with exquisite cuisine prepared by
our own Chef Jim and items to bid on that you can’t leave without!
Don’t forget about the O’PEN BIC demo day on Tuesday June 24 from noon to
4pm. You don’t have to pre-register, just come down to the launching area and do a
test run! Check them out at www.OPENBIC.com.
See you on the water! (Marie Mell)
3
Memorial
Day
Fun
@MBYC
A
B
4
A, B & C Kids’ bonfire picnic.
D Flag officers with Pastor Zell
F Lucy Baldwin, Gwen Post, Dick
Becker, Dan Baldwin, and Lorie
Becker enjoy the music under the
tent.
E, G, H, I, J,L - Despite chilly winds and
fog, many boats lined up for the
traditional ‘Blessing of the Fleet’.
K The kids served breakfast Monday
morning. (Photos by JB, Paul Brown,
Lucy Baldwn.)
C
E
I
F
J
G
H
With the boom of the cannon the fleet was blessed
K
L
55
MBYC 2008 Racing Schedule
JY–15s
• Friday evening racing begins May 23
• Midwest District Championships July 26/27,
MYC
• S2 7.9 Canadian Championships June 28/29,
Sarnia YC
• One-Design Verve Cup August 9/10
chicagoyachtclub.org
Lasers
• Thursday evening racing begins May 29
• Fall Series Oct 5/12/19/26 & Nov 2/9/16/23
• Cold Turkey Regatta November 29/30
• WMYA championships August 6-9, MYC
www.wmya.org
PHRF
• PHRF #1 May 31
• PHRF #2 June 21
• PHRF Ladies Race July 6
• PHRF #3 July 12
• Commodore’s Cup August 2/3
• Vanderleek Hospice Cup August 23
• Bayshore YC Wednesday Night racing
June 4/11/18, July 9/16/23/30,
August 6/13/20/27, September 3/10/17
www.bayshoreyachtclub.org
• South Haven Invitational June 7/8
• Chicago NOODs June 13-15
• Tripp Memorial June 25
• Queen’s Cup June 27
www.ssyc.org
• Chicago-Mac July 19
• Clipper Cup August 8
Optimists (see also MBJA events)
• Thursday evening racing begins June 19
• Junior Patriot’s Regatta July 4
• Junior Labor Day Regatta September 31
• WMYA championships August 6-9, MYC
www.wmya.org
MBJA Classes/Events
• Session #1 June 16-27
• Session #2 June 30-July 11
• Session #3 July 14-25
• Session #4 July 28-Aug 8
• Bic O’pen Demo Day June 24
• Regional Youth Regatta June 26,
Saugatuck YC
• Opti Intermediate Race Clinic July 2/3
• Regional Youth Regatta July 9, Spring Lake YC
(Opti Green Fleet only)
• Regional Youth Regatta July 25, St. Joseph YC
• Regional Youth Regatta July 30, Muskegon YC
• Laser Race Clinic July 31/Aug 1
• Regional Youth Championships August 17
• Junior Olympic Regatta October 11/12
www.mbja.org
S2 7.9/Etchells/Melges 24
• Series #1 May 24/25
• Series #2 May 31/June 1
• Series #3 June 21 (no Etchells)
• Series #4 July 12/13
• Series #5 August 2/3
• Series #6 August 30/31 (no 7.9s)
Note: 7.9s race only on Saturdays
6
www.clippercup.com
• Offshore Verve Cup August 15-17
chicagoyachtclub.org
• Governor’s Cup August 30/31, MYC
• Anchorage Cup September 6
www.anchoragemarine.com
____________________________
Note:
•
•
•
Away events in Italics
Schedule subject to change
Additional MBYC event info posted at mbyc.com
Board of Directors Meeting for April 2008 Abridged Meeting Notes
Requests for a new membership, requests for inactive status and a
resignation were reviewed and approved. GM Baker reported that
docks and grounds staff and lifeguards had been hired. Treasurer
D’Haem reviewed the year-to-date financials and noted that income
for the year was down primarily due to the Club not renting the
proposed four new slips and that we had five un-rented slips.
The regional Army Corp of Engineers office is still working on our
request for dredging and the slip expansion. Thirteen attended the
recent racing seminar, five from MBYC. After testing, three more
Club members will be certified local race officers, bringing additional
insurance coverage through USYRU. Barb Gamache, our PRO, is
working toward national certification in race management. US
Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship is at our Club in
August with participants from around the country. Canada’s Cup
activity is quiet and we do not yet have an official challenge from
RCYC. A revised proposal to initiate sponsorship for regattas was
reviewed and approved. An update was provided in the change of
our website and hosting company. Update on our WiFi service.
The Logbook is almost ready for printing and it is expected that we
will have significant savings on printing and postage expenses this
year.
A Mackinac Story from our members.....
Double Yolk Eggs, An Exploded Spinnaker, and Two Mac Wins
Past Commodore Rudy Vredovell (1974)
reports that in the middle of a summer
celebrating new MBYC dock & slips and the
purchase of the land East of the club up to the
creek, his 37’ Ranger 1-ton sailing vessel
‘Patriot’ filled out his MBYC summer with a
20-second loss in the Queen’s cup and wins in
both Mac races. His story follows on right:
On Course Side….
Racing began in April with Lasers on
Lake Mac. Congratulations to Don
Bergman, Tracy Brand, Nick Honor,
Dave Sligh Jr, Anne Gamache, Mark
Bremmer, Mitch Padnos and Mitchell
Kiss, for braving the cold water to kick
off the season. Speaking of Mitchell
Kiss, he and Alex Post were recently
observed sailing into the channel in a 25
knot Nor-Wester with 10’ swells after
having a “great ride” from Port Sheldon
to Holland “working on their downwind technique”. For safety, they were
accompanied by their coach in a RIB.
However we can only imagine where this
level of skill and enthusiasm will lead…
Take a moment to congratulate Bill and
Lisa Ruoff for their overall win in the
second Wednesday Nite series race.
Their Dufour 44’ Bearly Movin is a
stable, comfortable boat that “weighs in”
at the top of their class, so it takes a lot
of skill to achieve that type of result.
We’ll have a lot more to report next
month… Roger Gamache
We left Port Huron for Mackinac Island
sailing great with our double-headed rig,
leaving all of the one-tonners behind us,
despite the fact that our lower shroud’s chain
plate had been damaged in a storm on the
long delivery to the start line. As Patriot
approached our rounding mark, the Cove
Island Sea Buoy in Georgian Bay, Sunday
night, we rounded the wrong mark, not
realizing that the Canadian Government
had deployed an environmental study buoy
with a quick flashing light four miles south
of the Cove Island Buoy, which had its
normal short-long flashing light. We cleared
via radio our rounding to the race
committee, as did the other boats. Most of
the fleet rounded this wrong mark, but we
went back soon after realizing the short-long
light was the correct one. Soon after the
rounding we were in a tacking duel for over
24 hours fighting for advantage over another
one-tonner. On our wounded tack with the
damaged chain plate we had to let up, but
after tacking onto our strong tack we
managed to stay competitive. Approaching
the finish line our opponent stalled and we
crossed seconds ahead of him – only to sadly
learn that another one-tonner had finished
two hours earlier! How could that be? We
protested, convinced that he had rounded
the wrong mark and even described the
differences of the buoys’ flashing patterns,
but to no avail. Their skipper lied and we
were awarded second place. Later that
summer Bayview YC held a formal review
and because so many boats had made the
same rounding mistake and our opponent
never admitted his error, we were stuck with
second place, despite the race captain’s
acknowledgement that we were correct with
our protest. But we knew who had really
won.
Leaving Mackinac Island for Chicago, we
prepared for our second Mac race of the
summer, featuring many of the same onetonners. We got off a great start using our
powerful double-headed rig in close
reaching conditions. We snuck through the
Manitou Passage, the Mac Sailors’ Death
Trap, ahead of all the one-tonners, sailing
with our No. 1 Genoa that pulled us forward
in light winds and rough seas. We celebrated
eating a breakfast of fried eggs – every one
of which had a double yolk. But soon after
our breakfast celebration, we spotted our
nemesis rounding Gray’s Reef, just 1 minute
24 seconds behind us. With 26 miles to the
line we knew it would be exciting with
another duel to the finish. He’d stolen the
first Mac race from us but we would not
allow it to happen again. Unfortunately we
had put up our light-air spinnaker for the
downwind run to the Island. But the wind
piped up to 30 knots with six-foot seas.
Changing sails would give him his chance
to pass – so we kept it flying until we
suddenly heard it explode with a bang, just
before the Mac Bridge. All hands scrambled
and in no time we had the 1 ½ oz spinnaker
flying and it carried us to a first place – he
never gained on us despite the unplanned
sail change. So the summer of 1974
rewarded us with two Mac wins, although
history reports only one first and one
second. Rudy Vredovell
7
JUNE 2 0 0 8
Mon.
Sun.
Wed.
Tues.
2
1
3
4
Bayshore
Summer Series
MBYC #2
8
9
South Haven
Invitational
Father’s Day 15
Fishing Tournament & Cookout
Chicago NOOD
22
29
Mini-Rendezvous
8
Thurs.
10
16
11
Windscoop
Copy Due
Bayshore
Summer Series
23
30
24
O’PEN BIC
sailboat demo
25
Tripp
Memorial
12
Laser & Junior
Racing
18
17
JY15, etc. Racing 6 Coast Guard 7
Shareholders’ Meet
Aux Inspections
South Haven
Past Commodores’
Invitational
Luncheon
5
Laser Racing
Bayshore
Summer Series
Sat.
Fri.
19
Laser & Junior
Racing
26
Laser & Junior
Racing
13
Chicago NOOD
JY15 & others
Racing
20
JY15 & others
Racing
JY15 & others
Racing
Queens Cup
14
Chicago NOOD
MBYC #3
21
Offshore #2
‘Class Reunion’
New Members’ Party
27
28
East greets West
MBYC #1
Race Events
Social Events
Private Parties
Wind Scoop
T
H
E
M
B
Y
C
N
E
W
S
L
E
T
T
E
R
www.mbyc.com
www.mbyc.com
May
2008
July 2008
MELGES
24
MBYC’s next fleet?
IIn
nT
This
his Issue:
Issue:
Offic
Of
Officer
ffific
ficer
er R
Re
Reports
epo
port
port
rtss....
.................
....................... 2,, 44,, & 100
Past
Past Commodores’
Comm
Co
mmod
mm
odor
od
ores
r ’ Luncheon
Luncheon.
c ............ 2
MBJA
MBJ
MB
JA Update
Upda
Up
pda
date
te............................. 3
Racing
Raci
Ra
cing
ci
ng Events
Evven
E
ents
ts....
...............................
................................ 5
June
Jun
unee Storm
Stor
St
or m Ph
Phot
Photos
otos
ot
os......
........................
............................................... 6
Melges
Melg
Me
lges
lg
ess 24/S2
24/
4/S2
S2 7.9
7.9 Comparison
Comparison....... 8
His
His & H
Her
e Macs........................
..........................
....9
Old Goats ..................................11
MACATAWA
BAY YACHT
CLUB
• 2157
SOUTH
DRIVE • MACATAWA,
MACATAWA
MI 49434
• 616-335-5815
FAX:
616-335-9910
MACATAWA
BAY YACHT
CLUB
2157
SOUTHSHORE
SHORE DRIVE
MI 49434
(616)
335-5815 •FAX
(616)
335-9910
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
I want to thank those
members who attended the
recent
Shareholder’s
Meeting on June 6. These
meetings are a great
opportunity for members
to get a complete picture on
the status and health of the
Club. As was reported by
the officers at that meeting,
both the finances and the
physical campus of the Club remain in a strong position and
our membership numbers continue to be healthy despite the
lackluster economy. At this meeting, I particularly enjoyed
the fact that we had a motion from the floor on an issue
resulting in a change of the Club’s smoking policy. In recent
years, this has been a rarity; though I have been told that
years ago floor motions and heated discussions were not
unusual. In any event, member involvement is a critical part
of your Club’s success – whether it is speaking up at a
Shareholder’s Meeting or getting involved on a committee.
There is a full schedule of events in July at the Club. Over the
holiday we have the Patriotic Picnic on Friday the 4th, and on
Past Commodores’ Luncheon
participants: Clark Weersing,
Sam Martin. Doug Padnos, Rod
Van Tol, Rudy Vedovell, Herb
Eldean, Charlie Sligh III, Dave
Sligh, Jack Siebers, John
Stephenson, Rick Kraai, Kevin
Dolle, Tovi Kiss, JD Stone, Cathy
Getz, Jack Smith, Phi Ragains
John Getz. Photo: Annie VanTol
2
the 5th we have the 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at 9 AM.
Also on the 5th is the Over 30 Opti Regatta which is as much
fun for the spectators as it is a challenge for the adults trying
to sail these boats with any sort of grace. On Sunday the 6th,
women take over the PHRF race course for the Ladies Offshore
event. On July 12 we have the Bermuda Shorts/Black Tie
Party that will feature the steel drum band which had also
played at the Club during the Spring Fling party. We host
the Catalina Rendezvous July 11-13, and then on the 26th, it
is the junior Pool Olympics/Family Pool Party.
Finally, the Club has been sending out an increasing number
of email updates to members. However, we have current email
addresses for less than two-thirds of our membership. If you
are not receiving these updates, but would like to, send
news@mbyc.com a note and you’ll be added to the distribution
list.
July is here, stop by the Club and join the fun.
Paul D. Brown, Jr.
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Web Scoop
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Bob Standish
www.mbyc.com
Front Cover Photo
Club Melges 24s battle in light air
in the Wednesday night series,
June 11. Photo by Jon Bontekoe.
The Wind Scoop’s front page
needs entries for future issues. We
want to feature a new color photo
each month. Photos should be representative of MBYC’s mission of
boating and fun - and a minimum
size of 5 megapixels. Please email
your top quality photo entries to
Commodore Paul Brown or Wind
Scoop editor Jon Bontekoe at
jonbontekoe@gmail.com (or bring
them to the Club office).
MBJA Sailing Lessons Update
Hard to believe that we are already into our second session of sailing lessons
this summer! The kids (and the staff!) have really been enjoying their time on
the water. We still have spots available in 4th session. Come down and check it
out! Don’t forget about the adult learn to sail classes Tuesday and Fridays as
well. It’s not too late to sign up!
Independence Day is Friday July 4. Juniors, come out for club racing in your
420. Opti or Laser! We’re looking for a great kickoff to the holiday weekend.
Do you have marine supplies to purchase for your boat or home? Join us at
West Marine Saturday July 26 from 11-2. A percentage of West Marine sales
from that day come back to our program to be used for capital improvements.
MANY THANKS to Henri and the rest of her West Marine staff for being
part of our future.
Have you seen the signs for the MBJA Fundraiser? We’ll be hosting a Chinese
dinner and auction Saturday August 2. MANY great
items have already been suggested and committed for
this event. Do you have an idea for this event? Please
contact Steve Sisson or Marie Mell… We are still
looking for donations as well! Our dinner looks to
be spectacular (as always!) prepared by Chef Jim and
Company. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to establish a
yearly boat purchase rotation, a big need as our
student base continues to grow. It has also been a
number of years since we’ve replaced any boats from our Opti and 420 fleets.
Are you interested in helping with a youth regatta? Put Sunday August 17 on
your calendar for the final event of the West Michigan Youth Sailing Association
season. MBYC will be hosting seven yacht clubs from West Michigan and help
will be needed in refreshments, race committee, awards, and general assistance.
Even if you are available for only 1 or 2 hours, we will have a role for you.
Contact Marie if you are available.
Thanks for all of your support this summer! See you on the water!
Marie Mell
Photo of Week #1 class below & Page 5. Photos by Marie Mell
3
VICE CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
This month, I’d like to spend
a
few
moments
in
consideration of the virtue of
hospitality. In raising this
issue, I know that I’m
embarking into treacherous
waters, because part of being
a “private” club is that access
to our facility (and our
“society”) is reserved for our
members, who pay for that
privilege. In that way, the very
concept of “yacht club” entails
exclusivity, and that exclusivity entails some restrictions on when
and how hospitality is extended. With that clearly stated, I’d like to
suggest some other factors that we should all keep in mind as we
spend time at the club this summer.
The first factor that requires a spirit of generous hospitality is our
unique position in the community. In the “greater scheme” of
Holland, MBYC provides a unique opportunity for families to
become involved with water-oriented activities in a supportive,
cooperative environment. One way to look at our current Club is
to understand that we have the benefits of this wonderful fellowship
and facility because prior generations of people like us had the
foresight and passion to invest themselves in our Club and
subsequently share it with us. Current members are the beneficiaries
of this wonderful legacy and implicit in this benefit would seem to
be the responsibility to “pass it forward” by making sure that we are
open and hospitable to anyone who is interested in participating in
our unique experience. So, firstly, we need to be hospitable because
it is consistent with our origins as a Club.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduce yourself to “strangers”. “Hello, I’m Roger. How
are you today?” Follow that up with “I haven’t met you
before, do you have a boat here?” or “Is there something I
can do to help you?” We have an “open” campus. From
time to time that creates security issues, but just as often, it
can create real opportunities as people come onto our
property to investigate what we could offer them. A
friendly, helpful first contact will go a long way in
developing a lasting interest in the club.
Consciously extend hospitality to yachtsmen visiting from
all other clubs. Encouraging visits by members of other
clubs costs us nothing, and has the potential benefit of
promoting consideration of membership. Each club has
its own “feel”, and there’s no reason to assume that simply
because someone is currently a member of another local
club that they are not a legitimate candidate for membership
here. I know that there is a latent fear that individuals
might take advantage of the opportunity to “keyhole”
membership benefits by abusing guest privileges. However,
I believe this risk can be managed on a case-by-case basis,
and the overall benefits more than offset the risk.
Be on the lookout for people in the other areas of your life
who might appreciate an introduction to our Club. I know
of several members who had no prior yacht club experience
and therefore had no appreciation of how club membership
could impact their life. In one particular case, the member
actually had a negative, elitist image of yacht clubs, which
was only overcome because of the hospitality to them by
an observant member.
Increase our co-sponsorship community outreach activities.
Community sailing lessons and Holland Young Professional
Association “un-winders” are examples of things we
currently do to have more “presence” in the community.
However, within our membership there are likely to be a
number of other opportunities that could introduce our
club to people, and at the same time would have little cost
or impact on our current members. The more contact and
the higher level of hospitality will inevitably lead to more
interest in membership.
Longer term, we should re-evaluate the “value proposition”
that membership offers for the 30- 40 year old single or
family. We are fortunate that we don’t have to address this
issue as a unique problem. Rather, we can benchmark what
a number of clubs have been doing regarding this issue.
However, I believe that timing is critical. The time to
address this issue is while our membership is strong, and
not wait until declining membership impairs our ability to
react.
The second factor that requires “attractive hospitality” is the need
to continue to attract new members. At a very high level, I have
always thought there was fundamental wisdom to my father’s
observation that “organizations are either growing or dying; there
is no stasis”. At a very practical level, news about the financial
difficulties of many local private clubs (Holland Country Club and
the Peninsula Club most recently) highlight the need to have a
5.
regular stream of new members. Currently we’ve been exceptionally
fortunate in this regard, partly because Holland is a “retirement
destination” for active retirees, partly because Macatawa draws
summer residents from prosperous urban areas outside our state,
and partly because members and staff have been attentive and
responsive when people express an initial interest in our club.
However, the age profile of our members points to a potential future
problem. Despite some great examples of active participation very
late in life, the rate of “lost” members will likely increase in future
years, and we will need to increase the number of new members As always, I’m sure that you will have some specific feedback about
significantly to maintain the stability of the club.
these issues. I look forward to seeing you at our Club and learning
about your ideas regarding increasing our hospitality.
What can we do to increase our level of hospitality? I’d suggest we
Roger Gamache
consciously adopt a couple of behaviors:
4
On The Course Side
Early participation in the Etchell’s fleet
has been light, due to Randall Pitman and
Jeff Padnos preparing for participation in
the Etchell’s World Championship in
Chicago. That being said, Tracy Brand
and John Donnelly have been having
some spirited match racing! Action in
the 7.9 fleet has been led by perennial
champions Don & Jean Bergman, with
Peter Schwartz consistently nipping at
their heels. It’s interesting to note that
Peter has adopted a “youth strategy” and
has one of our more active junior sailors,
Mitchell Kiss, helping with sail trim and
tactics. Our junior sailors offer a relatively
untapped reserve of experience for our
“adult” fleets. Don’t let their age fool you
– in many cases our juniors have more
races under their belt than our “senior”
competitors, and they have all summer
to practice!
and Linda Knoblauch’s Capricious and
Ted Etheridge’s Drumbeat have shown
good results in Spinnaker Division A.
Dave Shipman is having early success
with Ignatz Spinnaker B. Tom Van Tol’s
Tom Foolery and Scott VanderLinde’s
Highland Fling are having fun in the front
of the JAM class.
Commodore’s Cup: A
big event, many visitors
and lots of boat classes
The 2008 Commodore’s Cup is August
2 and 3, and will be a major sailing event
for MBYC this year. We plan on two
different race circles to accomodate the
anticpated fleets: Farr 40, Melges 24, S2
7.9, S2 9.1, Etchells, and at least two
PHRF classes. This should be a very
exciting weekend at the club, and will
provide Holland area sailors with some
great competition from all over Lake
Michigan! We’ll have a number of guest
sailors from out of town, so it will be a
good opportunity to show off our club
and demonstrate our MBYC hospitality!
Don Thinschmidt’s Tyrant, Arendshorst/
Brand/Krissoff/Padnos’ Sufficient Reason,
and Guy Hiestand’s Madcap participated
in the PHRF section of the recent
Chicago Yacht Club NOOD regatta. On
the Etchell’s course, Jeff Padnos and Bob
Hughes (substituting for Randall Pitman)
sailed in the NOOD “pre-world’s”
regatta.
Look for the notice of race and entry form
on the website. If you are interested in
As always, I’ve probably missed crewing in this event, log on to the “Crew
something… just let me know: Matching” on the mbyc.com message
roger.d.gamache@aol.com.
board or contact Jack Knoblauch. For
Wednesday night racing continues with
more information, call or email Jack
the beginning of the Summer Series. Jack
Knoblauch.
VanderLeek Cup Hospice Regatta: -August 23rd
Ladies PHRF Race
The second annual VanderLeek Cup
Hospice Regatta is scheduled for
Saturday, August 23rd. This year’s event
is sponsored by Macatawa Bay Yacht
Club, Anchorage Yacht Club, and
Bayshore Yacht Club. Last year, over 30
boats raced in 4 divisions: Spinnaker 1,
Spinnaker 2, Jib & Main and, of course,
Comfort Cruisers, who will retire to their
annual ice cream social after one race.
The competitive divisions will remain on
the water for several races. There will
once again be two courses, a Triangular
course for the Comfort Cruisers and a
Windward/Leeward course for the other
divisions. The NOR is posted on
MBYC’s website. Captains – line up your
crew and submit your registration to
reserve your spot. Contact Tom Slanec
at talaria73@aol.com for questions about
the race.
The Notice of Race and Entry
Form are available for the July
6 Ladies Offshore Race at
MBYC.com. Want to crew, or
need crew? Contact Linda
Knoblauch at 616-878-0753 or
lkknobby@comcast.net
assistance to Hospice patients for
expenses not covered by insurance plans.
Over $19,000 was raised for Hospice of
Holland. Contact Sandy Byrne,
Executive Director of Hospice of
Holland, at sbyrne@hollandhospice.org
for information about Hospice of
Holland or to sponsor this year’s event.
All donations are tax deductible.
This year’s event promises to be even
more fun and exciting. MBYC will
combine their end of the summer party
with the awards ceremony for the regatta.
A delicious tropical
buffet is planned
and we’ll enjoy
music from Pete
Trappen again.
Thanks to Marilyn
Baker and Paul
Brown for their
Funds raised from the regatta will benefit support!
Hospice of Holland’s Tulip Tree Fund.
MBJA Lessons - first day on the water.
The Tulip Tree Fund provides financial
mm
5
Mid June brought some huge storms, a waterfall over the seawalls, damage to Eldean’s seawall, and a fathers’ day fishing
tournament for kids and fathers with sunshine and big fish.
Clean up in Macatawa is still ongoing
after the heavy rain. MBYC had water
up to the doors and an Opti regatta could
have occurred in the parking lot, but your
Club escaped without damage. A big
thanks goes to Doug Knapp, our Outside
Manager, for such a quick clean up of
the Club’s grounds after the storm. Our
neighbor to the West, Eldeans, had more
than their share of excitement and we
wish them a speedy dry-out and recovery.
Storm photos submitted to the Wind
Scoop depicted dramatic cloud and
rain fromations, water pouring over the
sea walls, and a collapsed wall at
Eldean’s. Photos by Lance Baker, Lisa
Ruoff, and jb.
6
Fathers’ Day fishing tournament. Sponsors Bill & Sally Swets, Nancy & Larry
Andreano planned it all and brought
the equipment. Photos by Paul Brown.
7
Board of Directors Meeting for
May 2008
Abridged Meeting Notes
Requests for new membership, requests for
inactive status and a resignation were
reviewed and approved. GM Baker reported
that several new member packets were given
out in the last few weeks. New staff and
additional servers have been hired. One of
the dock staff has begun work. 275 attended
the Mother’s Day Brunch. Slip rentals are
almost full, with only the small slip #1 and
the two small slips in the angle of the west
dock remain open. The year-end accounting
compilation report was reviewed and
approved. The Club booked a loss last year
due to revenues being down, however
expenses were stable. Treasurer D’Haem
recommended a focus on outside banquet
activity. Monthly financials were reviewed
and approved. Balance sheet shows stability
and outstanding receivables are being
contacted, although that is in good shape.
An inventory of racing equipment has been
done and we are short on yellow
tetrahedrons. Commodore’s Cup planning
is well underway and will involve two racing
circles. The regional Army Corps of
Engineers is still reviewing our file and a
discussion on timing of work assuming an
approval. A motion prevailed that if ACE
approval is received, we move forward
immediately with dock construction,
dredging up to the $20,000 budget, and
weir cleanup if also approved. Discussion
on Bar sales and trends. Wi-fi is now
password protected with expanded
bandwidth. This required a very small
investment for added Club value. The
logbook has been printed and will be in the
mail this week. We saved significantly on
printing and mailing expense and also had
increased donations from members.
Discussion on the upcoming Shareholder’s
meeting.
In the light-air Bayshore summer series race of June 11, Bergman’s S2 7.9
is seen passing two of the MBYC member Melges 24s just after the Melges
boats rounded the turning marks set up
by the channel buoy in front of the
club. The light weight of both classes
was apparent in the advantage they
both had in light winds. Photo by jb.
8
Melges 24 & S2-7.9 status report
Fleets come and go at our Club, and the
newest group of boats which is on the
verge of fleet status are the Melges 24s.
We have 4 of them now in the drysail
area and all of them promise to be
regulars on the race course. Introduced
in 1993, the boat attracts the best sailors
at major events but is also a great boat
for club racing – both one design and
PHRF - and for day sailing. At 1,800
lbs, the low weight of the boat makes it
easy to trailer, and in most sailing
conditions, the sheet loads are small
enough that it is relatively easy for kids
to assume a major role in sailing the boat
– there are no winches on the boat. In
any sort of breeze, these boats easily plane
downwind. With 700 + boats already
built, used boats are readily available at
prices starting in the low twenties.
Typically, a boat will sail with 4 for
racing, but it is easy to daysail with 2.
There is a very strong class association,
with a large number of regattas to choose
from during the year.
Later in July, this nascent fleet will host
a “Sail a Melges” day. Interested? Contact
Jim Stuursma at jstuurs@iserv.net. Other
information
is
available
at
www.melges24.com
and
at
f o r u m s . s a i l i n g a n a r c h y. c o m / /
index.php?showtopic=28530.
We would be remiss if we did not also
point out the virtues of S2 7.9s which
have been part of MBYC fleet activities
since the early ‘80’s. While the 7.9’s have
not been built since 1994, there are many
used boats available with prices from
around $10K up to $20K. The boats are
much heavier than a Melges, with a
minimum weight of 4,400 pounds, but
have a generous interior making cruising
a real possibility. The boat’s weight adds
significantly to the sheet loads when
sailing, and the 600 lb daggerboard can
be a real work-out to raise. Overall, the
boat’s displacement gives it more of a
‘yacht’ feel. When racing there are small
speed differences between boats, thus
making them very tactical. There are
probably a dozen 7.9s on Lake Macatawa
and at least six actively race in local
events. Most, if not all, are kept in slips,
making it easy to get out on the water.
A Mackinac Story from our members.....
Lighter moments on the Chicago to Mackinac Race
In 1989 Carol and Jack Kunze raced
from Chicago to Mackinac on different
boats, whose owners and crews were
great friends, and had a long history of
racing with and against each other in
many regattas. Carol raced on the Santa
Cruz 50, “Clark Kent”, and Jack on the
Farr 40, “Saucy”.
While both programs enjoyed a good
deal of success, they had a somewhat
different approach. Clark Kent was
always pushed to the max by its
knowledgeable owners and crew, but
with excellent food, and plenty of
libations for crew and friends on the
island. In contrast, the owner of Saucy
often said “....if it doesn’t make the boat
go faster, there’s no reason to have it
aboard”. That difference always
provided plenty of fodder for good
natured pre and post-race chiding
between the teams. Is it true that Saucy
once raced to Mackinac with a big bowl
of pasta and one fork?
In the ‘80’s, boats were assigned a time
to call in their position to the Coast
Guard Cutter on Sunday afternoon. To
accomplish this, the scratch sheet
contained a diagram of Lake Michigan
divided into grids of 10 miles by 10
response from their friends on Clark
Kent, (which was certainly heard by the
Coast Guard and all the boats in the
area), was “... because we know where you
are!” Amid howls of laughter aboard
Clark Kent, Lou dropped the
microphone and turned as red as a kid
caught with his hand in the cookie jar!
Clark Kent did finally agree to call in
Leading up to the Sunday call-in both the correct Saucy position. To this day
boats were doing well. So as to not alert when we all get together, there are jokes
the competition of their true location, made regarding the minimalist “D cell
the decision was made on Saucy to batteries” that the crew on Saucy used
“fudge” their call in their position and to power their VHF radio!
report one grid farther back than their
In the 1993 race, Carol and Jack
true location. Saucy’s navigator, Lou,
was a very conscientious sort and this raced on the Santa Cruz 52, Clark Kent,
task fell on him. After several failed in the PHRF 1 section with the GL 70’s
attempts to call in, it was apparent that and other boats. The race was a bit of a
the Coast Guard Cutter was out of drag race, and Clark Kent moved up the
Saucy’s radio’s range. The Saucy crew lake well utilizing its new asymmetrical
knew their friends on Clark Kent were spinnaker. After listening to the call-in
in the vicinity, and they decided to reports, it seemed certain that Clark Kent
request that Clark Kent forward Saucy’s would “flag” in the race. Imagine the
surprise when the Clark Kent crew
position to the Coast Guard.
received results on the island and learned
When Lou got Clark Kent on the radio, that they were in a second place tie with
he requested “...to report to the Coast the GL70 Cynosure. Somehow, a tie
Guard that Saucy was in grid H-22.” after 333 miles did not rest well with the
The quick response from Clark Kent was crew. What to do?
“...that’s not possible.” Lou then asked
“... why are you unable to do so?” The Never at a loss, the Clark Kent crew
moved on to the Pink Pony, sought out
the crew of Cynosure, and challenged
them to a tie-breaker competition. Space
was cleared in the Pony (doable when
only the biggest boats are in), and a
contest of Rocks, Paper, Scissors ensued.
After a couple of “tie” rounds, Clark
Kent’s “paper” covered Cynosure’s
“rock”, and the Clark Kent team stood
alone in second place!
miles, each identified by a letter and a
number, i.e. H-22. Each boat had a
person below on the radio carefully
monitoring the call in locations of their
competitors and reporting it to the crew
on deck. This Sunday afternoon
entertainment was referred to as the “Oh
S_ _ t Report”.
We continue to chuckle about these
stories, and hope you’ve had a chuckle
too!
Spouses of Commodores attending their luncheon: Annie VanTol, Shirley
Weersing, Kathy Ragains, Kathy Sligh, SuzyVedovell, Helen Smith, Maggie Stone,
Nicki Arendshorst, Nancy Padnos, Marilyn Sligh, Linda Brand, Jeani Martin,
Michelle Dolle, Linda Stephenson, Michael Kiss. Photo: AVT
by Carol and Jack Kunze
9
REAR CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
This report will summarize
the report given at the June
6 Stockholders Meeting for
those who were not able to
be present.
HOUSE COMMITTEE
With leadership by Rod Van
Tol, the House Committee
is continuing to work with
Jim and Marilyn on menu
and pricing issues. Those in
the industry know that food supply costs have increased hugely
over the past year. Some of our main entrees have increased as
much as fifty percent in costs! The joint effort has resulted in
menu prices that are very modestly, if any, higher than last year.
Persistent efforts to find the “right” dining room manager have
been unsuccessful. The search continues. Let Rod or Marilyn
know if you have any strong leads.
By motion of the shareholders at the meeting, the main
clubhouse will be smoke free effective January 1, 2009. The
Junior Yacht Club facility is smoke free effective immediately.
Wednesday night racers confirm that Chef Jim has been
successful in finding a way to feed the crush of post-race diners
with creative buffet offerings and still maintain good quality
and reasonable prices.
House Committee is working on more and better wine
selections to enhance your dining pleasure. (See Rod’s article
in this issue.) Members are encouraged to provide reactions
and/or suggestions by comment card or directly to members of
the Committee.
Our House bottom line is currently ahead of last year primarily
because of increased banquets and private parties. Members
are reminded of the $25.00 gift certificate for helping to
promote such an event. Marilyn makes every reasonable effort
to schedule such events so as to minimize, if not eliminate, any
conflict with the use of our facilities by our members.
We have added a new $1700.00 commercial “line-freezer” to
replace the $50.00 used freezer that had quit serving its purpose.
The new freezer will help to minimize trips into the walk-in
freezer thereby improving efficiency of our food line and helping
to maintain the coldness of the walk-ins.
docks? Thank you, Kevin, for all your work on this. The east
T-dock by the hoists will be “permanently” fixed by Clearwater
this year rather than band aided temporarily. Besides rebuilding
the deteriorating dock, it will be lowered to match the west Tdock to help make it more functional for our day sailors. The
slip list is posted. If you know of anyone who was reluctant to
join MBYC because the list was too long, look again!
For the WiFi’ers around the Club—thank you to Windscoop
Editor Jon Bontekoe who doubles as WiFi technician. For
almost no cost, he took a crippled router with intermittent
levels of service and made it really sing.
Under Dave Sligh Jr.’s leadership, Docks and Grounds
Committee continues to explore longer term solutions to shade
around the pool area. On an interim basis, we have replaced
all of the pool umbrellas since many had broken and were no
longer functional. Speaking of the pool, this year we were
presented with higher than budgeted expenses for maintenance.
Because of EPA issues regarding paint, and because of
deterioration of handrails, the Club incurred about $8000.00
of expense to get up and running this year. We expect to be
back to “normal” next year.
When funds allow, the swimming pool bathrooms will have
improved exhaust systems. Saunas and steam rooms are nice
but not when one is just looking for a restroom facility. In the
meanwhile, parents are encouraged to remind their kids that
there is no real thrill in leaving the hot showers running after
everyone leaves.
Watch for modifications to the trophy case area to accommodate
the Canada’s Cup!
NAUTI SHOP
If you have not recently reviewed the awesome MBYC gear
selected by Anne Gamache and Linda Knoblauch, do yourself
a favor. For those looking for late Father’s Day (or even Mother’s
Day?) presents, or early Fourth of July gifts, they have just the
solution for you! The Nauti-Shop is not, nor is it intended to
be, a profit center. The articles are priced to make these great
MBYC items available to members, guests and friends at about
break-even prices. It seems that every year, the quality of
selection is higher than the year before. Check it out.
Please remember that the Board, its Committees and the Bridge
are here to help make MBYC a better place for you to be. Let
us know how we can help do that.
DOCKS AND GROUNDS
Does anyone not yet know that Kevin Dolle’s multi-year exercise
of patience and persistence has finally resulted in four new
10
Bob De Jong
MBYC members inducted into Island Goats Sailing Society
The strong sailing heritage of MBYC was
again evident on April 26th when three
of the twenty-six new members inducted
by the Island Goats Sailing Society
(IGSS) were current MBYC members.
The occasion was the Annual Spring
Dinner of the IGSS held at Chicago
Yacht Club’s Belmont Station. The
newest MBYC inductees were Carol
Anderson Kunze, Jeff Sale, and Dan Van
Dyke.
These three bring the total number of
active Goats at MBYC to seventeen.
Thus MBYC continues to have the
largest representation in the IGSS of any
yacht club outside the City of Chicago.
In 2000 the IGSS began presenting Goat
Head plaques to area yacht clubs, and
on October 18th of that year the very first
plaque was presented to MBYC. The
plaque lists all past and present MBYC
members of the IGSS and is on
permanent display in the Commodore’s
Room near the front entrance of the
club.
The IGSS dinner was attended by over
200 members, family and friends, whose
black tie attire provided quite a contrast
from their usual sailing wear. A
traditional part of the evening’s
entertainment includes the new
inductees telling one of their favorite
stories while racing in the Chicago to
Mackinac Race. If you weren’t able to
attend the evening and bump into Carol,
Jeff or Dan around the club, ask them
to share their story with you.
While there are more women joining the
ranks of big boat sailors every year, Carol
Kunze and her husband Jack are only the
third couple in the history of the IGSS.
They are preceded by Anne & Birger
Juell and Kay & Bob Chatain. In 1979
Anne Juell became the first women
inducted into the IGSS. Anne grew up
in Grand Rapids, and vividly remembers
sailing out of MBYC. Anne’s father,
Hugh Schaddelee was a past
Commodore of MBYC, and Anne is a
past Commodore of the IGSS. Some of
our members will remember seeing
Hilaria, her
f a m i l y’s
magnificent
yawl, tied up at
MBYC.
In 1959 the
IGSS
was
founded for
sailors who
have raced in
the Chicago to Mackinac race 25 times
or more and currently has almost 300
members. In addition to the Spring
Dinner, the IGSS hosts three other
annual events: a Pre-Race Party at
Columbia YC on the Eve of the Chicago
to Mackinac race, a Post-Race Party on
Mackinac Island after the race, and a
Holiday Party in early December at
Chicago YC. If you’ve raced in the
Chicago to Mackinac Island Yacht Race
25 or more times and would like to join
your fellow MBYC members in one of
the most exclusive sailing fraternities in
the world, contact member Jack Kunze.
by Jack Kunze
Dock construction finally approved by Army Corp and underway
Clearwater Marine, the contractor hired by the Club for the docks project, began work immediately, building the
dock expansion in the east basin. If all goes to plan, we will be walking on the new docks before you get this Wind
Scoop. We’ll have four new large slips when completed. jb
11
July 4th Holiday Planner
July 4:
Junior Patriots Regatta (11 AM)
Patriotic Picnic (6 PM)
MBJYC Ice Cream Social (6:30 PM)
Van Andel Fireworks (10 PM)
July 5:
Golf Tournament (9 AM)
Over 30 Opti Regatta (11 AM)
July 6:
Ladies Offshore Race
JULY
Mon.
Sun.
Wed.
Tues.
Race Events
Social Events
2008
Thurs.
1
2
8
9
Private Parties
6
7
Bayshore
Summer Series
Ladies Offshore
13
14
Windscoop
Copy Due
MBYC #4
Catalina Rendezvous
20
MBJYC Bowling
Party
27
Harbor Springs
Regatta
12
15
21
16
Bayshore
Summer Series
22
23
Bayshore
Summer Series
28
29
30
Bayshore
Summer Series
Sat.
Fri.
July 4
July 4 MBJYC 4
Over 30 5
Picnic
Ice Cream
Optis
Junior Patriots’ Regatta (Opti,
MBYC Golf
JY,Laser, etc.)
Tournament
10 JY15 & others 11 MBYC #4 12
Offshore #3
Racing
Laser & Junior
Bermuda Shorts
Racing
Catalina Rendezvous-->13 Black Tie Party
3
Laser Racing
JY15, etc.
Racing
18
17
Laser & Junior
Racing
JY15 & others
Racing
24
Laser & Junior
Racing
31
Laser & Junior
Racing
19
Chicago MAC
25
JY15 & others
Racing
August 1
26
Harbor Springs
Family Pool
Party
August 2
Commodore’s Cup
MBJA Fundraiser
Dinner
May 2008
www.mbyc.com
MACATAWA BAY YACHT CLUB • 2157 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE • MACATAWA MI 49434 • 616-335-5815 • FAX: 616-335-9910
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
August is here and as you
read through this month’s
Windscoop, you will see
how incredibly busy your
Club will be this month –
especially for our racing
activities. Juniors, PHRF,
and our one-design fleets
have an event nearly every
week as we countdown to
Labor Day.
supported the MBJA with various in-kind assistance and
equipment donations. But because of the intensive use that
the MBJA boats receive - it is not enough. Many boats need
to be replaced for the ’09 season and then a program for
rotating in new replacement boats has to be instituted to
maintain the program quality we all expect.
As I hope that you already know, the MBJA is hosting a
fundraiser at MBYC on August 2nd. With a bit of luck, this
newsletter has arrived in your mailbox prior to the 2nd and
you are inspired to attend their event and support local junior
sailing. If you can’t attend, please consider opening your
Much of my racing this year has been of the spectating type – checkbook and sending them a contribution. Next summer,
watching our MBJA sailors participate in the newly created when you see those kids learning to sail (and having a blast)
regional sailing circuit which has held events at MBYC and in improved equipment, it will give you a feeling even better
other area clubs. Let me tell you, it has been incredibly fun to than the knowledge that that the MBJA is a registered
watch these events due to the enthusiasm and camaraderie 501(c)(3) organization, with all donations tax deductible.
that these kids exhibit and it gives me great confidence in the
future of racing at MBYC.
Lastly, don’t forget to make your reservations for this year’s
Commodore’s Ball, on August 16th. The Social Committee
Though a completely separate legal entity from MBYC, the has arranged an encore performance of last year’s band, The
MBJA deserves significant credit for the success of our Club. Soulz of Rythym (they will nearly blow the roof off the Club
It keeps a tangible focus on sailing and racing; it brings a with just their brass section), featuring our own Dr. John,
daily level of energy and activity; and helps us to be a better and Chef Jim always creates the most fantastic dinner of the
family and child-friendly club. It has a 20+ year history of season.
teaching sailing to our juniors and has achieved incredible
success on a financial shoestring. The operating expenses are I hope to see you there,
basically covered by lesson fees and the occasional equipment
requirements have been supported by cash donations. There Paul D. Brown, Jr.
is also a small group of regular ‘boosters’ who have generously
Voulez vous Rendevous?
Please plan to participate in one of our most
unique social events of the year. A lot of
our most memorable “club lore” comes from
past Rendevous, and you won’t want to miss
“history in the making” with this year’s
event. So mark your calendar for Sunday,
September 7th. Recovery will depart MBYC
at 14:15 (2:15 pm) and proceed to Pine
Creek Bay to take position as the center boat
in the raft. We’d expect that the actual
festivities will begin at 15:00 (3:00 pm).
We’ll conclude the raft at 18:00 (6:00 pm).
In the unlikely event of inclement weather,
the event will take place “under the tent” at
MBYC.
The Rendevous is a “do it yourself ” event
and there are a couple of different ways to
2
participate. Boat owners typically will bring
hors d’oeuvres and libations for themselves
their crew for the day, and “drop in guests”.
Members and guest not bringing their own
boat are welcome to ride on Recovery. Once
the raft has formed, club members and
“crews” socialize from boat-to-boat sharing
fellowship, food, and fun. To add some
spice to the event, and help focus our
creativity, there will be a special award for
“best in show” for the event.
Sponsors Dick and Pat Danly and Roger
and Anne Gamache look forward to seeing
you there! For additional information or
clarifications, please call Roger Gamache at
616-836-3313. rg
Front Cover Photo
The photo shows Capricious, close
hauled during the women’s PHRF
race. Story and pictures on on
pages 8 & 9. Photo by Grant
Cheney. The Wind Scoop’s front
page needs entries for future issues.
We want to feature a new color
photo each month. Please email
your top quality sailing photo entries to Commodore Paul Brown or
Wind Scoop editor Jon Bontekoe
at jonbontekoe@gmail.com (or
bring them to the Club office).
Pictures opposite: O’Pen Bic test sail
day at MBYC. Sails with 1 or 2 crew. jb
Macatawa Bay
MBJA Sailing Lessons Update
As you are reading this, we are nearing the end of the 2008 summer sailing season!
We have had lots of great sunny days, good learning and good times on the water,
teaching over 130 students (including 15 from the Holland Boys & Girls Club)
about the adventures and joy of sailing.
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
If you were lucky enough to get your Windscoop before August 2, I hope that you
are planning on joining us for the MBJA Fundraiser Dinner and Auction Saturday
August 2 held at MBYC. Dinner cost is $30 per person and all proceeds go toward
capital improvements to our fleet. We are in GREAT need of Opti’s for our beginning
sailors. Another need is for updating our 420’s. On the horizon, we are looking to
build a fleet of O’Pen Bics. We already have commitments from a handful of people
to purchase their own family’s boat and are looking to add 1-2 club boats for the
2009 season. Did you miss our fundraiser? Please consider a tax-deductable donation
to the MBJA. Our “wish list” is available for specific needs. Corporate sponsorships
are definitely available as well. Please contact Marie Mell or Steve Sisson if you are
interested.
Thursday night Opti races continue through August and
are open to any junior sailor. If you don’t have your own
boat, don’t let that stop you! We will loan you a club
boat. We are looking into a partnership with the
Macatawa Tennis Club for next summer. In the
meantime, please check out the notice boards around the
club for information on youth tennis lessons. The
information is current through August 22.
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Web Scoop
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Bob Standish
www.mbyc.com
On Sunday August 17, the WMYSA Championship
Regatta will be hosted by our club. If you are interested
in helping with race committee, registration or post-race hospitality, please contact
Marie. This looks to be a very spirited, competitive event for our junior sailors!
Come join the fun and support our club!
Looking ahead to fall, MBYC will be hosting the Junior Olympics on October 11 &
12. What a great way to continue to develop your sailing skills before packing away
your boat for winter regattas in Florida! Check your class association website for
upcoming holiday events.
It’s been a great summer and plenty left to enjoy! See you on the water!
Marie Mell
Looking for something new on he
MBYC dining menu? Chef Jim has
prepared some exciting new salads
(above). Reasonably priced.
3
VICE CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
Line squalls. We’ve had a
number of them this year.
In fact, the last Windscoop
had some great pictures of
one of the early squall lines
approaching the club from
the Northwest. Squall lines
are, in an odd way, quite
beautiful. However, as
experienced mariners, we
know that they need to be
anticipated and handled with a high degree of respect. As the
storm approaches we shorten sail, get our foul weather gear,
and secure ports, hatches and loose gear. It’s always hard to
estimate how much wind will be in the initial “face wall” of
the squall line, but experience has taught us that it’s much
better to be prepared for more, than be caught unprepared.
As part of the “crew,” members have an important role in
helping us through our current challenge. One specific way
to help is to, whenever possible, provide the club with advanced
notification (reservation) that you’re going to visit the dining
room. This is particularly important for special events at the
club, because we try to reduce waste by purchasing only the
amount of supplies necessary for the event. Interestingly, our
recent 4th of July event was a great event, with over 200 people
served, however, 24 hours before the event we had
approximately 80 reservations. Good thing Jim knows our
membership!!
Another way that the membership will be able to help is active
participation in the life of the club. Many of my recent
conversations with members have focused on the delivery of
“value” from the club to the member. This point of view
focuses on the customer’s (member’s) relationship to a vendor
(club). And while certainly valid, I believe that the strength
of our club comes from the fact that our relationship with
our club is different and much more reciprocal. As a member,
we are both customer and vendor, because it is our club.
Member involvement will help our club stay focused on what
is important to members, and allow us to strengthen our
position despite economic “squalls”. I am looking forward to
having opportunities for each of our members to expand their
participation in our club going forward.
Managing our club this year has been a little bit like sailing
through a series of line squalls. General economic conditions,
local economic events, and the shifting nature of club member’s
lives and interests have made efficient management of the
club a greater challenge than ever before. Your club manager,
flag officers, and board members have been attentive to these
“squall lines”, and, unlike a number of other clubs, our club is
in good shape, and still on course. But it’s also clear that the
storms aren’t over yet. So we continue to proceed carefully,
with an eye toward reducing our exposure to financial risk, See you at our club!
while at the same time, continuing to pursue our mission.
Roger Gamache
On The Course Side
There’s a lot of new activity in our junior
sailing program. In addition to our
“normal” junior event schedule, Steve
Sisson and Marie Mell have championed
the formation of the West Michigan Youth
Sailing Association, including Muskegon
Yacht Club, Grand Rapids Yacht Club,
Spring Lake Yacht Club, Saugatuck Yacht
Club and St. Joseph Yacht Club. The
purpose of the Association is to provide
an opportunity for our juniors to
experience the challenges of sailing in
different venues, while keeping the
complexity of a “road trip” reasonable.
Early leaders for “Team Macatawa”
include some of our youngest sailors:
Graham Post, Jacob and Zachary Pettinga,
Matthew Greydanus, Alex Brown, and
4
Anthony Norris. Congratulations to our
newest champions!
Every year the Queen’s Cup is one of the
high points of the “big boat” racing
schedule. This year MBYC was well
represented in the winner’s circle,
accounting for 3 of the top 10 positions
(tied with Milwaukee Yacht Club for the
most boats in the top 10).
Congratulations to Tom Slanec and the
crew of Talaria for winning the Mitena
Cup for the best MBYC corrected finish
time, scoring a 5 th overall and 1 st in
Division 10. Rod Vantol’s Relentless was
8th overall and 1st in Division 7. Dave
Verdier’s veteran campaigner Retriever was
10th Overall, and 1st in Division 5. Alun
Wilson, Shek O, and Tom Vantol Tom
Foolery were 2 nd in their respective
divisions. Also participating were Doug
Petter Willie J, Lisa and Bill Ruoff Bearly
Movin, Ryan DeVos Alpha One, and Guy
Hiestand Madcap.
As this is being written, feverish last
minute preparations are taking place for
the 100th Anniversary Chicago Yacht Club
Mackinac Race. MBYC will be
represented by 9 boats. By the time you’re
reading this you will already know the
outcome. But we’ll try to have some
“behind the scenes” stories for our next
issue. As always, if I’ve missed something,
please
let
me
know
at
rogerdgamache@aol.com.
West Michigan Youth Sailing Association Update
As of mid-July with two WMYSA
regattas under our belts, MYJA is in first
place, followed by St. Joe. The first
regatta of the summer series was held June
26 at MBYC. Mac Bay finished first by
a margin of 27 points. Opti’s, lasers, and
420’s were scored in this event. The
second regatta was held at Spring Lake
and was a Green Fleet (new to racing)
Opti’s only regatta. Of the top 10 places,
MBJA took 6 of the spots! WAY TO GO
MAC BAY!
Our Green Fleet has been very popular
so far this summer, with many kids who
Opti Regatta participants and winners
just started in our Learn to Sail or Race
show off their ribbons. Sailed on a
classes joining in and catching RACING
foggy day and visited by the Wilfred
Sykes. Photos by Mary Bontekoe.
FEVER! There were 17 green fleeters in
A MBYC youth sailors show off ribbons the June 26 regatta. OUTSTANDING!
A
won in the Spring Lake Green Fleet
Regatta.
We will be traveling to St. Joe Friday July
25 and to Muskegon Wednesday July 30
for intra-club regattas. The culminating
event will be Sunday August 17, hosted
by MBYC. Watch the Green Fleet Opti’s
from the front lawn or follow us out to
Lake Michigan for the Opti Red/White/
Blue, Laser and 420 courses! Races will
start at 10:30am. The awards ceremony
will be at approximately 4:30pm. If you
are interested in helping out with race
committee, hospitality or safety, please
contact Marie.
The kids have all been very appreciative
of our efforts to get the WMYSA league
started this summer… they would love
your support that day as we hope to win
the first ever WMYSA Championship! by
Marie Mell
5
Unofficial
Unof
ficial Chicago Mac Results
(as of press time)
Just as the Windscoop is going to press, Chicago Yacht Club has published the
unofficial results for this race between men and women versus the elements—weather
(dramatic and numerous velocity and direction wind changes, bouts of rain and
fog) and reports of Exodus revisited—the plague of the flies!! Blog reports reflected
unusually thankful hearts of racers for visiting bats and birds who came to feast on
the attack of the insects.
Congratulations to MBYC’s boats:
Doug and Dick DeVos
Windquest
Don Thinschmidt
Tyrant
3rd of 9 in Turbo Sec.
4th of 21 boats Sec. 1
(27 seconds from 3rd)
th
Robert Hughes
Heartbreaker
7 of 25 boats Sec. 2
Krissof, Arendshorst et al
Sufficient Reason
2nd of 21 boats Sec. 3
Dave Verdier
Retriever
10th of 21 boats Sec 6
Lisa and Bill Ruoffs
Bearly Movin’
12th of 21 boats Sec 6
Guy Hiestead
Mad Cap
13th of 25 boats Sec 7
Phil Ragain
Rapparee
15th of 23 boats Sec 8
Annie and Rod Van Tol
Relentless
17th of 23 boats Sec 8
Tom Van Tol
Tomfoolery
7th of 17 boats Sec 10
(Note: Many unnamed club members sailed on these and other boats.)
6
Tom Slanec chartered and competed on
Northern Spy and Commodore Brown
competed on Ragged Edge—both boats
prevailing over the elements. Thank all
of you racing MBYC members for
upholding the reputation of MBYC’s
competitive racing!! Congratulations also
to our sister club, Chicago Yacht Club,
for another well run, successful event –
celebrating the 100 th running of the
longest fresh water race in the world. The
shore crews, racer wannabes, and other
spectators enthusiastically watched this
historic race compliments of iTrack.com.
For the first time in the history of the
race, all boats were required to carry
transponders so race progress could be
monitored from start to finish. Webcams
at Mackinac Island provided continuous
snapshots of the finish line area and the
docking areas of the race boats. It was
almost as good as being there….well, not
quite, but at least there were no flies in
“the bleachers!!” Bob DeJong
July 4
Independence Day
July 4 events pictured here include
the golf tournament (Doug Slade won
with 4 shots to the green), the picnic
and ice cream social for MBJYC, an
Opti Regatta for the Over-30 crowd,
and a jet flyover in the morning.
Photos by many club amateur photographers - for which WS is very
grateful.
7
MBYC Ladies PHRF Regatta Debut
Many Great Sailors - Great Comp
8
MBYC hosted its first Women’s PHRF
Regatta Sunday, July 6, 2008 with four
entries. Many of MBYC’s most
competitive women sailors and boats
participated. Over a dozen spectator boats
went along for the ride on what turned
out to be a beautiful blue-sky day with
light winds for two races. Fluky winds
forced cancellation of the third race. The
four boats racing were: Marie Mell’s ‘Hot
for Teacher’ which took first, Jean
Bergman’s ‘Second Wind’ in second
place, Linda Knoblauch’s ‘Capricious’ in
third. Annie VanTol captained
‘Tomfoolery’, the Catalina 320 owned by
Tom VanTol and Laura Zuidema. Some
of the teams designed special team names,
T-shirts, and even a battle flag to celebrate
the event. Tomfoolery’s crew named
themselves the ‘Cleavage Creek Sailing
Team’ and, with permission of Cleavage
Creek Winery, added a fund raiser into
the fun. The team raised $1500 for
‘Gilda’s Club Lake Shore’, a support
group for families and patients with
cancer.
A The start of race one.
B Tomfoolery flies a spinnaker
C Hot for Teacher crew hikes out for
the upwind leg
D Cleavage Creek ST shows off their
pink T-shirts and battle flag.
E Second Wind’s crew named themselves ‘Winch Wenches’.
F Hot for Teacher’s winning crew:
Janet Lugers, Christina Norris, Marie
Mell, Heather Petter, Lexi Petter.
G Capricious crew flies the bright red
B
MBYC race committee chair, Jack
Knoblauch expressed a hope that we can
continue this new tradition with more
boats and more participants. He regrets
the lack of any JAM entries into the
hoped-for JAM division. Jack would love
to see more ladies involved in MBYC bigboat racing programs. jb
C
spinnaker
H Bergman’s crew shows off Winch
Wenches nickname
Photos JD Stone, Grant Cheney, Jon
Bontekoe.
D
A
F
t -4 Boats etitive Fun
E
H
J
G
9
East Greets West:
another food feast
The annual East dock greets West dock
gathering has developed into a gourmet
hors d’oeuvres appetizer contest and was
a big hit again. Lots of participants in the
contest with light hearted judging made
for a fun night for all. We had some
excitement with windy weather in the
beginning, but stuck it out and
everything cleared up making it a
beautiful evening. The judges, Pat Walker
& Doug & Nancy Slade, did a great job
taste testing and filling their bellies with
all of the interesting delicacies brought
from the docks.
A
The 2008 winners were: Bob Nepsted &
Paula Mutrynowski’s Asparagus Wraps
for first; Mike & Karen Nagelkirk’s Goat
Cheese Apple Tart for second; Shipman
& Taylor’s Sausage & Pumpernickel for
third. Most Creative prize to Bill & Lisa
Ruoff ’s Burgee Radishes & Dip. We
topped off the evening with celebrity
bartenders Eric Ash & Ted Simpkins with
their entertaining martini bar… they gave
Tom Cruise a run for his money! Thanks
to everyone for participating & helping
out! By Kathy Sligh
B
C
A Judges Dave & Nancy Slade test
the food with Pat Walker. Rachel Sligh
looks on.
B Paul Brown awards the prizes.
C Lisa Ruoff received the ‘silly nose’
award for creativity.
10
D
D Karin Eisermann & Michelle Dolle
registered each incoming plate.
E Mike Nagelkirk opens his prize for
second place. Photos by Kathy Sligh
E
F
K
L
Slip holders July 4
pot-luck breakfast
G
H
J
M
Dock pot-luck breakfast.
F Schoenherrs, VanTols, Ruoffs in the
sun at a picnic table.
G Rod & Jo Schmidt and kids and
granddaughter Laurel.
J Slighs and Andreanos
K Laurie Honor, Nancy Andreano,
Larry D’Haem cooking up sausage.
L Mary Bontrekoe & Tom Slanec
enjoy eggs for breakfast.
M Jon Bontekoe is ‘required’ yearly to
produce his Buttermilk Blueberry
Pancakes
Photos by Mary Bontekoe.
11
New Members party becomes a Class reunion
A
D
B
E
C
A New members Nancy & Steve
Steketee with Ann Stuursma.
B Jorie & Past Commodore Rob Sligh
Jr & ?
C Lisa Ruoff, Coreen Slanek, Bill Ruoff,
Kris Magennis, Steve Magennis,
Lenore D’Haem party with joy.
12
F
Class Reunion: A new party followed the
new members welcome this year as many
members joined the fun for hors
d’oeuvres. It was called a Class Reunion,
and it came complete with lots of people,
‘class’ pictures from past years and lots of
socializing. The pictures show it.
G Roger & Kristen Kennedy, Pam
Koch, Bill & Judy Stellin.
H New member Ann VanEerden,
Evonne Kok, MaryJo DeJong, Kathy
Sligh enjoy the party.
Photos by Annie VanTol
Board of Directors Meeting
for June 2008
Abridged Meeting Notes
G
Requests for new membership, requests for
inactive status and a resignation were reviewed
and approved. GM Baker reported on how the
Club has fared through the recent storms. The
GM requested approval to have the Club sell
meat for grilling, it was referred to House for a
quick review. Treasurer’s report was presented and
approved. Discussion on bar and dining revenue,
pool expenses, and slip rentals. Rear Commodore
DeJong reported on the dock expansion work
and dredging. A motion was presented to spend
$1,700 on a new small commercial freezer for
the kitchen which was seconded and approved.
Discussion on maintenance on the parking lot
and drysail area paving to maximize their usable
life. Vice Commodore Gamache reported on
the MBJA, inshore racing issues, and electrical
issues with Recovery. Commodore Brown
reported on feedback he had received at the June
Shareholder’s Meeting. Discussion on upcoming
social events.
H
Don’t Forget to make your
Reservations for:
The Commodores’ Ball
August 16, 2008
J
K
D New members Jean & John Adams,
Kathryn Muilder & William Rowe Jr.
E New members James & Sarah
Klingenberg, Bill & Michelle Leep.
F Paul & Lisa Brown welcome new
members Jill & Eric Bert.
J Pat Fox & Christine Drew attended
the party
K Liz Krimendahl and Tom Slanec
sample the hors d’oeuvres.
Music By
The Soulz of Rythym
In an encore performance.
$30.00 (for reservations
made by August 12 (+ Tax
& tip) $40.00) after.
Call the club office at
616-335-5815
or: cluboffice@mbyc.com
to make your reservation.
13
A
D
B
Mini Rendezvous
C
F
Mini Rendevous: a Raft-off
A Tom Stanley & Dave Sligh
B Kathy Sligh with grandchild. Paul
Brown attended too.
C Nick & Laurie Honor
D Tom Honor and Tom DeRoseau
F Marta & Tom Stanley tie up thei little
boat
Photos by Karin Eisermann
14
US Sailing Youth Championship Regatta
Features MYBC sailors
The US Sailing Youth Championship was
hosted by San Francisco Yacht Club in
Belvedere, California on the North shore of
the bay; however the racing site took place
nearly 1 hour east of the club on the Berkley
Circle which is directly east and downwind of
the Golden Gate Bridge. Held the last week in
June, there were 4 classes of boats involved:
Club 420s, Lasers, Laser Radials and the 29ers.
Louis Padnos was skipper on a Club 420(see
cover) placing 7th of 36 boats, and Mitchell
Kiss sailed a Laser Radial. The host club
established two complete race courses as the
29er’s sailed on their own course.
Each day when the weather is essentially clear,
the land begins to heat up about 11:00 am
and the breeze begins to build, drawing wind
and waves from the direction of the bridge.
During the event the afternoon races were in
breezes between 20 and 25 knots with gusts to
32. The combination of cold air (58 degrees),
cold water (57 degrees), strong winds, ebb and
flow tides, and the famous SF Bay chop made
for exciting and exhausting sailing. The Laser
Radials really had it the toughest as they were
the last section to start each race. Sometimes
as a result of general recalls in the fleets before
them, they could wait as long as 1 hour after
their finish before starting again. For all the
participants it was the waiting between races
that caused the cold and weariness to set in.
All fleets, after an incredible day on the water,
had a four mile beat back to the yacht club
that involved being escorted across the busy
freighter channel. Overall for each section it
was a fabulous experience to have the chance
to sail under such exciting yet challenging
conditions against some of the top young
sailors in the country. Mitch Padnos Photos to
right.
Black Tie Bermuda Shorts Party
A
B
C
Black Tie/Bermuda Shorts
Lots of fun was had by everyone at the July 12 Party. Many
members came sporting great
outfits (tropical with a touch of
wacky formality). They enjoyed
plenty of rum drinks and the
music of the "Traveling Strykers"
high school steel drum band!
D
A MBYC’s Flag officers
B The Posts and friends.
C Jacqueline Tutton & Peggy
Greydanus.
D Paul & Lisa Brown and a few of
ttheir friend.
Photos by Kathy Sligh and Lisa Brown.
Left Mitchell Kiss (41) races Laser with
Golden Gate Bridge as backdrop.
Just above: Louis Padnos’ 420 hits a
wave on San Francisco Bay
Photos by Tovi Kiss
15
Social Calendar:
August 2 MBJA Fundraiser
August 10 Family Carnival
August 10 MBJYC Scavenger Hunt
August 16 Commodores’ Ball
August 22 Shareholders’ Meeting
AUGUST
Mon.
Sun.
2008
Wed.
Tues.
Thurs.
MBYC #5 2
Commodore’s Cup
MBJA Fundraiser
Dinner
US JWS 8
9
CYC Verve One US JWS
Design Aug 8-10 WMYA
1
Race Events
Social Events
JY15 Racing
Private Parties
US Junior 3
Womens’ Single
August 3-9
Commodore’s Cup
US JWS
10
17
West Michigan Youth
Sailing Assoc Regatta
24
Governor’s Cup MYC
31 MBYC #6
4
11
Family Carnival
MBJYC
Scavenger Hunt
16
Sat.
Fri.
US JWS
5
US JWS
6 US JWS 7 JY15 Ra;cing
Bayshore Summer Lasers & Junior
Clipper Cup
WMYA regatta
Racing
WMYA
WMYA
Aug 6-9
12
13
Bayshore
Summer Series
Wind Scoop
Copy Due
18
19
JY15 Racing
Lasers & Junior
Racing
26
27
Bayshore
Fall Series
15
CYC Offshore Verve
Aug 15-17
20
Bayshore
Summer Series
25
14
21
Lasers & Junior
Racing
JY15 Racing
Shareholders’
Meeting
28
Laser Racing
16
Commodore’s Ball
22
29
JY15 Racing
Kollen
Park Race
23
VanderLeek/Hospice
Regatta
MBYC #6
30
Governor’s Cup MYC
May 2008
www.mbyc.com
MACATAWA BAY YACHT CLUB • 2157 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE • MACATAWA MI 49434 • 616-335-5815 • FAX: 616-335-9910
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
As my tenure as
Commodore is drawing to
a close, I want to relate a
few of my impressions of
being a flag officer at our
Club. I am sure that each
past Commodore has had
their
own
unique
experiences during their
‘time in the hole’ which
shaped their thoughts on
what the Club does well
participation in our sailing events OK? Is a declining crew
pool OK? Well, you get the idea, and these are the just the tip
of the iceberg of questions that could be posed.
I had always understood that my responsibilities the first two
years as rear and vice would primarily entail the nuts and bolts
of day-to-day matters at the Club - which was true and,
fortunately, a lot of fun. As I started my Commodore year I
was thinking that some of the year could be devoted to more
long range tactical planning, but in reality, the day-to-day
tasks seemed to take an even bigger bite out of my waking
hours. Working with members and club staff on a range of
garden variety issues has been a very positive experience.
However, as the season draws to a close, I feel that the tactical
items for the Club are in need of more attention.
An ad-hoc Committee was recently formed to tackle this
question. Michael Hill, who spent his formative years in the
MBJA program and is a current Club board member has
volunteered to Chair the group. The group plans to perform
the legwork of cataloging the Club’s challenges and to outline
some actionable steps which the Club could undertake. It is
planning to survey the general membership as well. If there is
a membership consensus on specific areas of concern, then
we need to use whatever tools at our disposal to help keep us
on our desired course.
and what we need to work on.
While we do a fantastic job in the planning and executing of
diverse and tangible tasks such as this summer’s USJWC
regatta or the multi-year dock rebuild project, we have not
invested much time in the bigger picture of the future of our
Club’s health. Maybe it’s because the trajectory that the Club
has followed for so many years has stayed close enough to our
ideal baseline that we accept it as OK. But is declining
Tactical planning for the Club is not dissimilar to sailboat
racing. Just as if we are looking up the race course to determine
the favored side to improve our results, the Club needs to be
more thoughtful on where we want to be in, say, five years.
Even if we ignored this engineering of our future, I don’t doubt
that the Club would remain a vibrant, successful club. But
the one question that needs to be asked is: What can we do to
retain the core values of the Club’s mission and maintain our
tradition of active and healthy sailboat racing programs?
The first two weeks of August was a great example of what
our Club does so well and that is the hosting and running of
regattas. The Commodore’s Cup, the Leiter Cup, and the oneday West Michigan Youth Sailing Association Season
Championship were all well organized and efficiently run,
and for me, it was great satisfaction to see your Club fully
energized and running on all cylinders.
Paul D. Brown, Jr.
Planning is underway for MBYC to
host the 420 National Championship
Regatta August 13-16, 2009. From a
housing perspective the 420 sailors are
mostly self-sufficient but MBYC
organizers thought it might be a good
time for club members that are
interested in renting cottages or know
of cottages for rent to pass that
information on to Mitch Padnos for
posting on the Club 420 web-site. The
committee is sure there are many 420
families that would enjoy a Macatawa
vacation in addition to the racing.
2
A few months back, there was a notice in the Windscoop
that parking in someone else’s parking spot in Macatawa
was a major faux pax. Well, one other activity needs to go
on this list of no-no’s and that is using the member information contained in the Logbook for commercial purposes
such as marketing solicitations. Please do not do this!
MBYC changes to fall hours after Labor Day Wed & Fri Evenings 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Additional Special Hours: Saturdays, Sept 6 & 20
Buoy Room Open - 1:00 - 9:00 PM
Limited menu
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Web Scoop
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Bob Standish
www.mbyc.com
Front Cover Photo
This week’s photo of Laser racing,
was taken by professional photographer Tim Wilkes during the National Leiter Cup Regatta last
month held at MBYC. The Wind
Scoop’s front page needs entries
for future issues. Wind Scoop edi-
tor Jon Bontekoe will be out of
town for a month in September
and will not be editing the October Wind Scoop. Please email
all articles and pictures for the
October Wind Scoop to Commodore Paul Brown at:
LISAPAUL@aol.com.
MBJA Sailing Lessons Update
The summer sailing season is over… and what a great summer it was! We had
over 100 kids in our learn-to-sail and race classes as well as many “repeaters”.
MBJA also had a number of kids catch the RACING BUG by participating in
the new West Michigan Youth Sailing Association, as well as in Thursday night
Opti and Laser club racing. Our fundraiser dinner on August 2 netted enough
donations to purchase SIX NEW OPTI’s for our program! Many of our optis are
more than 10 years old. Typically sailing programs replace their boats after a
maximum of five years. We are WAY overdue in upgrading our program. Having
great working equipment not only is easier to work with, it also helps instill
pride in the program to the kids. They become more responsible for the
equipment, which then translates into deeper successes. THANK YOU to
everyone who supported our program this summer!!! It’s not too late to donate
to this fund if you are interested! No donation is too big or too small!
Speaking of WMYSA, OUR club brought home the FIRST PLACE team trophy
on Sunday August 17! MBYC hosted this Championship event on Lake Macatawa
and Lake Michigan. After the scores were totaled, we
had more points than any other club participating in
each of the four events (420, Laser Radial, Opti Red/
White/Blue and Opti Green fleet (beginning racers).
MBYC won each of the five regattas this summer. Not
only do we have some great sailors, but we have more
kids participating in our program than other clubs do.
Check out the BEAUTIFUL crystal sailboat trophy
in the trophy case inside the club! (Thanks to Roger
Gamache for his research and selection of some very
beautiful, classy trophies.)
Looking ahead to the fall, we will be hosting the Junior Olympic Regatta on
October 11 & 12. Information and entry forms are already posted on the MBYC
website in the Racer’s Corner. We will be looking for volunteers to assist with
race committee and safety on the water. We expect to have 50+ youth on the
water for this event. Even though the power boat traffic will be less at that time,
the potential for quickly changing weather and water conditions is a concern.
The more helping boats we have on the water, the safer and better experience it
is for the kids. A 6 foot sailboat is no match for a 30 foot power boat in ANY
type of conditions, let alone when the water is less than 60 degrees. We have
been very lucky in the past with an absence of accidents. My goal for the JO is to
have a designated safety power boat for every five sailboats competing. Please
contact Marie or Steve Sisson if you are available to help (or to let us borrow your
boat!)
Congratulations to all of our sailors for their efforts and successes this summer!
Thank you also to their parents who were the backbone of getting kids to where
they needed and wanted to be. High Fives to everyone who gave of their time to
help us on land and on water with regattas. You are all much appreciated! We are
very excited to have many events for you to compete in next summer! Watch
upcoming Wind Scoops for information. Interested in doing some out-of-state
racing this winter? Check your class website for coming events.
See you on the water! Marie Mell
3
VICE CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
Reprint of the Vice
Commodore’s Report to the
Stockholders:
I am submitting my report
in writing because I am
participating in the J22
World
Championship
Regatta at Rochester (NY)
Yacht
Club.
My
participation in this event
fulfills a commitment made
some time before assuming
my duties as commodore,
and provides an opportunity to observe how a club of
approximately our size manages an event with 109 registered
boats and over 350 competitors. As the commodore charged
with supervision of our sailing program, my report will focus on
activities that have taken place during this year and the initial
planning that has taken place for the 2009 season.
for donating a week of time to this event. Finally, we should
especially recognize regatta chairman John Donnelly and his
regatta committee for their 12 months of organizational work,
which covered everything from arranging transportation, boats,
housing, meals, entertainment, and emergency medical care for
this event.
General Observation. MBYC is blessed with a cadre of highly
skilled, highly committed sailors who regularly compete at a
national and international level. Viewed from that vantage point,
our sailing program is strong, highly active, and compares
favorably with many significantly larger clubs. However, if you
look past that group of sailors and look at the level of participation
in our local events, you begin to get a significantly different
impression of the health of sailing at MBYC. Locally, 2008 was
marked by lower participation in a number of fleets. And, even
in fleets that were numerically stable, there was generally more
difficulty recruiting and retaining participants. Participation in
local events forms the “base” for our sailing program, and is a
good indication of the future health of our club. Having noted
this trend, the Board, with leadership from Mike Hill, is
discussing ways to strengthen our base by making our sailing
program attractive to a wider number of sailors for the next
season. Everyone is invited to participate in this discussion and
the programs that will result from our discussions.
Canada’s Cup. The Cup has been on display at the Club during
this summer. In April of this year, Chairman of the MBYC
Canada’s Cup committee, Past Commodore David Sligh Sr.,
issued an Invitation to Challenge in 2009 to the appropriate
representatives of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. They have
acknowledged receipt of the Invitation, but at this date have not
made a response. Commodore Sligh continues to seek a
commitment for the next match.
Commodore’s Cup. 29 boats in 7 classes completed our recent
Commodore’s Cup, sponsored by Quantum Sails. Racing took
place on two separate courses. Regatta Chairman Jack Knoblauch
received well-deserved compliments for a well executed event.
We hope that the ongoing quality of this event will draw higher
levels of local and regional participation next year.
US Junior Women’s Singlehanded Championship. 47 young
women were our guests for a week while participating in their
US Sailing National Championship. Completing an event of
this importance required augmenting our local race committee
with nationally certified race officers. Special thanks goes to
Terry Bischhoff, John Strassman, and Lenore and Paul Bader
for assisting us in making this a memorable event. Additionally,
please thank our local race committee of Barbara Gamache, Doug
Slade, Dave Sligh Sr., Jack and Linda Knoblauch, and Tom Slanec
4
Macatawa Bay Junior Association (MBJA). Please congratulate
Marie Mell on a really outstanding first year as the executive
director of our community sailing program. In addition to
running introductory, intermediate and advanced sailing
instruction, Marie is “spark plug” of the founders of the West
Michigan Youth Sailing Association (WMYSA). WMYSA is a
group of western Michigan junior sailing programs that have
collaborated to provide an opportunity for introductory and
intermediate juniors to get the experience of participating in
regattas at other clubs. Participation in this program has grown
all year, and because of Marie’s involvement, MBYC is a leader
in the Association.
Sincere Thanks to All Volunteers!!! Inshore Race Committee:
Jack Knoblauch, Linda Knoblauch, Jean Bergman, Kurt Sale,
Amy Sale, Mike Stewart, Jan Stewart. Offshore Race Committee:
Barb Gamache, Jack Knoblauch, Linda Knoblauch, Dave Sligh
Sr., Tom Honor, Tom Slanec, Dale Koch, Pam Koch. Protest
Committee: Dave Sligh Jr., Eric Ash. Trophy Committee: Tom
Slanec, Coreen Slanec.
Events Remaining in 2008. Hospice / Vanderleek Regatta
Saturday, August 23rd. Labor Day Junior Regatta and Awards,
Monday, September 1st. Anchorage Cup, Saturday, September
6th.
JY15 Fall Series – Sundays in September, Laser Fall Series –
Sundays in October. Awards Dinner / Change of Watch,
Saturday, October 18th.
Coming in 2009. Here’s a summary of what’s on tap at this
time. In August we will sponsor the 420 Class National
Championship. This will be a week of racing by youth sailors,
including a clinic, team racing, and fleet racing for the national
championship. This is a unique opportunity for our youth to
compete in an “open” event against the best youth sailors in the
country. Additionally, we are repeating our very popular “Dry
Land Regatta” educational series on Wednesday nights in April,
as well as a Rules Seminar (note that the Racing Rules of Sailing
will change effective 01.01.2009), and a repeat of the US
SAILING Race Officer seminar. Watch for further details.
WMYSA Championship Regatta Winners
In the WMYSA Regatta August
17 the Top MBYC racers in each
category were:
Laser Radial - 2nd Lexi Petter,
6th Armaand Dandavanti
420 - 1st-Phillip Kampf & Ryan
Tutton, 2nd-Pete Dahl & Jamie
Stewart, 7th-Zack & Gus
Dellacqua
Opti RWB - 1st Alex Brown, 2nd
Andrew Petter, 3rd Matthew
Greydanus
Opti Green - 1st Barys Swets,
2nd Caroline Sisson, 3rd Casey
Tutton
WMYSA Optis negotiate a chaotic
start line and celebrate their ribbons.
Photos by Marie Mell & jb.
5
Commodore’s Cup
A
The 2008 Commodore’s Cup kicked off a
busy week of race activity around MBYC
on August 2, with Farr 40, S2 9.1, 110,
and Melges 24 One Design fleets joining
two PHRF fleets and the local S2 7.9 fleet
for racing on two separate race courses on
Lake Michigan. Saturday’s weather
provided a solid 16-22 knot breeze along
with lumpy seas, and competitors were able
to complete 3 races (4 for the Farr 40s)
with exilerating downwind surfing and
quick times around the course. On
Sunday, the wind failed to come in, and
races were canceled for the day. Results
were scored on Saturday’s races.
Competition was tight in the two PHRF
classes, with the small boats exhibiting
great boat handling to win both classes:
Bob Harvey from MYC took first in his
Express 27 in the PHRF 2 fleet, and Eric
Landman from MYC took first in PHRF
1 on his SR 33. MBYC boats Capricious
and Sufficient Reason duked it out for
second in PHRF 1, which was won on a
tie breaker by Capricious, driven by Linda
Knoblauch. The S2 9.1 class was
dominated by the Timmer family from
MYC, and the Melges 24 fleet of two was
won by newcomer Eric Ash on Hot Tuna.
Helmut Jahn from CYC on Flash Gordon
was the winner of the Farr 40 class, and
the 110 winner was John Huff. Results
and more pictures are on the web.
6
B
C
On the Course side...
Clipper Cup - Cross Lake
Michigan in Wild weather
The Clipper Cup, sponsored by the
Harbot Towne YC In Muskegon and
the Port Washington (Wisconsin) YC
and sailed across the lake from
Muskegon to Port Washington, featured a big 2nd place finish by Bill &
Lisa Ruoff ’s Bearly Movin’ in the main
division of 30 boats. Alun Wilson’s
Sheko took 4th and Relentless, sailed
by Rod & Annie VanTol, placed 7th.
The race featured great winds and
waves. Long distance sailors VanTols
and Ruoffs ended their post ChicagoMac-race cruise to the North Channel
in time to participate in this last longdistance race of the 2009 season.
Verve Cup - Chicago Regatta Features MBYC boats
A Shillelagh (Bob Malone)
B Second Wind (Don Bergman)
C Sufficient Reason (Krissoff, etc.)
Photos by Bob DeJong & Doug Slade
Good friends talk sailing at the clubjb
The Verve Cup held in Chicago August
15-17 featured some great results for
MBYC boats. Madcap of Guy
Hiestand took a 3rd in PHRF 6. Bob
Hughes’ Heartbreaker took 2nd in the
Farr 40s. Ryan DeVos’ Alpha One took
3rd in PHRF 2. Tyrant of Don
Thinschmidt placed 7th in PHRF 1.
Club 420 Nationals feature Padnos & Kiss sailors
The 2008 North Americans Nationals for the 420 was represented by Louis
Padnos and the Kiss girls in Jamestown, New York at the Chautauqua Lake
Yacht Club.While it is an inland lake some 40 miles from Lake Erie, its weather
is influenced by Lake Erie, and due to the surrounding hills, 30 degree wind
shifts were common. Both Morgan and Alex Kiss along with Louis Padnos and
his crew Ben Spector suffered difficult times on the race course on different
days. On the 1st day prior to the last race the Kiss’s were in the process of resetting their shroud pins when they were hit by a young racer from Erie,
Pennsylvania.. The collision caused the mast to jump out of the mast step and
go through the bottom of the boat before the mast finally went over the side.
The girls were able to seek redress for that race and through the kindness of the
Annapolis Yacht Club they were able to charter their extra boat for use the next
morning, thereby never missing a race.
Louis and Ben suffered their worst day of racing on the 2nd day when the air
went to the 3 to 6 knot range with tremendous shifts throughout the course.
The RC worked extremely hard under these conditions, even abandoning one
race due to a huge shift while the fleet was already three quarters of the way up
the weather leg. Both Macatawa teams overcame their problems and set a strong
pace on the remaining two days of the regatta. Louis and Ben took second place
overall and nearly overtook Steph Hudson of Chicago, who ultimately finished
1st with a four point margin. Morgan and Alex Kiss finished 13th in the 83 boat
fleet. In August 2009 MBYC with be hosting this 420 Regatta. Mitch Padnos
7
Commodores’ Ball 2008
8
Commodores’ Ball: The story is in
the pictures. Great food, band,
friends, service, theme, organization. It’s all there. Special
thanks to photographers Annie
VanTol, Karin Eisermann, Ed Kita,
and Jon Bontekoe for hundreds
of pictures submitted.
9
REAR CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
Like you, I am sure, I find
it difficult to believe that we
are at the doorstep of Labor
Day Weekend. It seems
only a few weeks ago that
we were celebrating
Memorial Day.
Has
anyone reported a stolen
summer? As fast as it has
flown by us, however, it has
been a good summer. The
new docks have been completed, the T-dock has been
reconstructed, and the sinking launch ramp has a new float
to make launching our smaller one-design fleets less slippery!
2009. (The Saturday morning brain trust will undoubtedly
be able to solve the world’s problems more comfortably with
this addition.)
For those who store your boats on trailers, please remember
that our facilities are available to accommodate outside storage.
If you need any information about our competitive rates, just
check with Marilyn.
For those who plan Christmas shopping when you
are still enjoying the warmth of summer, don’t forget to visit
the Nauti Shop before returning to your winter locations. We
received a new shipment in early August, so if you have not
looked recently, do yourself a favor—check it out. For those
of who have ideas and suggestions on how your Board and
Bridge can help make 2009 even better than 2008, please let
us know.
Docks and Grounds Committee continues to implement
projects that fit within budget. With encouragement from
Forward Planning, our shopping list includes one or two
outside heaters as we prepare for cooler fall days and evenings Happy fall sailing!
under the tent, and as we anticipate cooler spring days in Bob DeJong
Board of Directors Meeting Abridged Minutes for July 2008
Requests for two new active
memberships, three new junior
memberships, three resignations, and one
change in status were reviewed and
approved. GM Baker reported that a
dining room manager had been hired and
provided results for the Fourth of July
picnic and the Bermuda Shorts/Black Tie
Party. She noted that Catalina
Rendezvous went well and participants
enjoyed their time at MBYC. The
Treasurer reported on his efforts to
contact members whose dues were
overdue. After discussion, five members
were terminated. Discussion on the
current financials with concern over the
drop in drysail area revenue. Discussion
on Dining and Bar revenue. Wage
expenses appear to be well controlled.
Monthly financials were approved. RC
DeJong reported that the MBJA floating
docks had been temporarily moved for
the dredging and the T-Dock repair.
Nauti-shop sales are strong. Discussion
on Life Guard issues and maintenance
items. VC Gamache reported on race
committee issues for the upcoming Leiter
10
Cup and Commodore’s Cup. Reported
that Quantum Sails had signed up as
primary sponsor for Commodore’s Cup.
Discussion on inshore racing
participation. MBJA enrollment is good
for each session but capacity and quality
of boats needs attention that may be
addressed with a successful MBJA
fundraiser. We need to encourage
attendance and donations. Fall
Rendezvous will be held on Sunday,
September 7 th . Commodore Brown
reported on solicitations by two groups
(Say Yes to Sunday and the Vintage Boat
Show) for funding. After discussion, there
was no support for funding either request.
Discussion on financial and demographic
strategic issues for the Club and the
process review these issues. The Macatawa
Tennis Club will work cooperatively with
the MBJA to offer tennis lessons to MBJA
students. MBYC will provide trophies
this year for the WMYA championship
which we will host August 17.
Nominating Committee has a slate of
nominees prepared for the August
Shareholder meeting.
Family Fun Day with Lisa Brown teaching
kids how to throw tennis balls to dunk their
friends. Photos by Mary Bontekoe
Leiter Cup - US Junior Women’s National Regatta
Leiter Cup Photo coverage (above)
by Doug Slade,
Morning Fog over MBYC by Mary
McKinney Schmidt
11
Labor Day Weekend Activities
Saturday, August 30
• MBYC – Offshore Racing #6
• 7-11 PM – The Last Days of Summer Bash w/ music under the tent!
Sunday, August 31
• 11 AM - Labor Day Weekend Junior Regatta
• After Racing - The When and How of Junior Winter Regattas
• 8 ish - MBJYC HOBO Bonfire at Dusk!
Monday, September 1
• 8:30-10:30 am - MBJYC Labor Day Breakfast
• 11 ish – MBJYC Officer Elections
• 1 pm – Year end Junior Sailing Awards & Ice Cream Party!
SEPTEMBER
Mon.
Sun.
Wed.
Tues.
MBJYC Breakfast. MBJYC officer 1
elections & Ice Cream Party
Junior Labor Day Regatta &
Award Ceremony
2
8
9
Rendezvous
JY15, etc.
Racing
7
2008
Thurs.
Sat.
Fri.
3
4
5
Anchorage Cup 6
Buoy Room Open
1:00 - 9:00 PM
Limited menu
10
11
12
13
Bayshore
Fall Series
Bayshore
Fall Series
14
15
16
Windscoop
Copy Due
JY15, etc.
Racing
17
18 19
24
25
Bayshore
Fall Series
21
22
23
28
29
30
Buoy Room Open 20
1:00 - 9:00 PM
Limited menu
Bayshore Frostbite/awards
26
27
JY15, etc.
Racing
JY15, etc.
Racing
12
Race Events
Social Events
Private Parties
Wind Scoop
T
H
E
October 2008
M
B
Y
C
N
E
W
S
L
E
T
T
E
R
www.mbyc.com
In This Issue:
Officer
fff
Reports
p .........................2 & 4
MBJA
J Update
p ................................. 3
VanderLeek Cupp Report
p ..................5
Anchorage Cupp................................ 5
‘Party’
y Reports
p ................................. 7
October Calendar .............................8
MACATAWA BAY YACHT CLUB 2157 SOUTH SHORE DRIVE MACATAWA, MI 49434 (616) 335-5815 FAX (616) 335-9910
COMMODORE’S REPORT
Wow – it is incredible how fast a year can go! I was
warned by past-commodores that this would happen.
Furthermore, it seems much
less than three years ago
that I wrote my first
Windscoop article as the
incoming Rear Commodore.
As I review these years, I am
struck by how many changes
have occurred at our Club.
The upgrades to our
infrastructure, to our services
and to our on- and off- thewater activities have been
pretty dramatic. Largely, all of
this is due to the hard work of our volunteers.
I have written many times that our Club is a volunteerdriven organization and this year again showed me
the quality and commitment of our members in
running our Club. I want to thank the following
individuals for their involvement on duties or
committees for which I was responsible this year:
Judge Advocate: JD Stone
LMSRF Delegates: Guy Hiestand and Don
Thinschmidt.
Chief of Protocol: Dick Danly
Finance Committee: Larry D’Haem (Chairp),
John Donnelly and Larry Andreano
Forward Planning Committee: Tom Slanec
(Chair), Jon Bontekoe, MaryJo DeJong, Mike
DePree, Michael Kiss, Jeff Padnos, Lisa
Ruoff, Bill Swets, and Merrill Tutton.
Membership Committee Chair: Michael Hill
Communications Committee: Jon Bontekoe
(Wind Scoop) and Bob Standish (Web Scoop)
Nominating Committee: Kevin Dolle (Chair),
Tovi Kiss, Dave Sligh Sr., Doug Padnos, and
Clark Weersing
Social Committee: Lisa Brown (Chair), Nancy
Andreano, Eric and Helen Ash, Michele Dolle,
Anne Gamache, Maggie Greydanus, Christian
and Monika Krimendahl, Michael Kiss, Gwen
Post, Leesa Schram, Coreen Slanec, Kathy
Sligh, Dave and Rachel Sligh, Bill and Sally
Swets, Coleen Tutton, Puffin Van Dyke, Anne
Van Tol, and Penny Diephouse
Historical Committee: Shirley Weersing
(Chair), Nate Bryant, and Seymour Padnos
I also want to thank this year’s Board of Directors, as
well as Vice Commodore Roger Gamache and Rear
Commodore Bob DeJong for their support and hard
work this past year as well as all the recent pastcommodores for their tireless patience with all of the
questions I posed to them.
For the coming year, the following individuals were
approved at the August Shareholder’s meeting for the
vacant Board position and for the 08/09 Officer
positions:
Lisa Ruoff: Boardmember
Larry D’Haem: Treasurer
Michael Hill: Secretary
John Donnelly: Rear Commodore
Bob DeJong: Vice Commodore
Roger Gamache: Commodore
Since John Donnelly will become a Flag Officer, the
remaining one year of his Board term will be filled by
a vote at the October Board Meeting.
We are extremely fortunate to have members such as
these who are able to not only fit in the time
commitment that is required but are extremely
capable and talented in keeping our Club financially
healthy and on the track of our mission.
Finally, I want to thank our members for their support
over the year. I rarely stopped by the Club during the
season without a word of appreciation from someone
and, in many ways, it always made my day. Thank
you all for a great year.
Paul D. Brown, Jr.
Scenes from the
Labor Day Junior
Awards:
2
Mitchell Kiss
accepting the Travis
Aiken Award (left);
Graham Post,
winner of the 2008
Commodore’s
Award for Good
Sportsmanship
(center); Alex
Brown, winner of
the Clark Weersing
Trophy.
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Vice Commodore
Rear Commodore
Paul Brown
Roger Gamache
Bob DeJong
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Tovi Kiss
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Janet Magennis
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
John Donnelly
Director
Mike Hill
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate
JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
WindScoop Editor Jon Bontekoe
WebScoop Editor Bob Standish
www.mbyc.com
MBJA Report
It is hard to believe that we are just days away from one of the
biggest junior events of the season… the Junior Olympic Regatta
on the weekend of October 11 and 12. This is the 5th year that
MBYC has hosted this event, which draws juniors from all areas
of Michigan as well as Indiana and Illinois. There will be Green
Fleet (novice) Opti sailors in Lake Mac and, weather permitting,
Red/White/Blue division Optis, Laser and Laser Radial and Club
and High School 420’s on Lake Michigan.
I have been asked many times why this is called a “Junior
Olympic” regatta, as in “Are the competitors participating in a US
Olympic trial?” or “Is this a sanctioned Olympic event?” So I took
the opportunity to find the answer for all of us. The answer is yes,
in a fundamental sort of way. Each regatta shares a common
goal: “to promote the enjoyment of sailing and development of
skills to young sailors as well as provide an Olympic pathway for
talented junior sailors. Events mix Olympic-style competition with
elements of learning and fun for all levels--from beginning racers
to those with Olympic aspirations.” Each sport’s governing body
is affiliated with the Olympics under such national governing
bodies as the AAU to be a training opportunity for all athletes.
There have been a total of 21 such events in the continental US
and Hawaii scheduled for 2008. We are very proud to be part of
the success of junior sailing in the USA and doing our part to
promote and develop the best sailors in the Midwest… and
beyond.
Come out and support our Club’s youth and see some great
sailing. I trust that you will be impressed with their skill as well as
their sportsmanship.
Congratulations to Graham Post and Mitchell Kiss, who received
well deserved honors on Labor Day with the MBYC
Commodore’s Award for Good Sportsmanship and Travis Aiken
(sailing accomplishments) trophies respectively for the 2008
season.
See you on the water!
Marie Mell
s
This months cover is of Madcap, owned by MBYC
member Guy Hiestand during this years Commodores
Cup. Photo taken by Rear Commodore Bob DeJong.
Have a great photo showing the fun at MBYC? Pleas
email photos and article submittals to
jonbontekoe@gmail.co
The 2008 Junior
Award Winners!
3
VICE COMMODORE’S REPORT
As you are reading this, it is highly likely that the focus
and rhythm of your life has moved from our Club and
back to the “normal” activities
of life. The pool is drained and
the furniture is stored away.
Looking around our harbor
there are a number of boats
that have already migrated to
their winter moorings, missing
out on the great conditions
we’ve had over the last couple
of weeks. And, everywhere I
look I see people “picking up”
for the inevitable change in season ahead. So with
the end of the season confronting us, I thought it
would be good to look back one last time, and then
look ahead to the coming 2009 season.
Looking back, 2008 had a number of highlights:
Completion of our dock project. The “monsoon.” The
Catalina Rendezvous. The East meets West party.
Founding (and first year’s winner) of the West
Michigan Youth Sailing Association.
The
Commodore’s Ball. The Commodore’s Cup. The US
Junior Women’s Single Handed Championship (with
water spouts!). The 100th Chicago Mackinac Race.
The Vanderleek Regatta and the funding generously
provided for Hospice. I’m sure that we all have shared
and individual memories to sustain us during the “dry
time” ahead.
Looking forward, we continue to have some
opportunities to enjoy our Club during the final part of
the year. Friday Nights in the Bouy Room will
continue through October 31st. If past years are any
indication, this is a great opportunity to “stay
connected.” Lasers will be racing Sunday afternoons
in October. Additionally, we have the Awards Dinner
and Change of Watch on Saturday, October 18th; The
Junior Yacht Club Halloween Party on Friday, October
24th; the Holiday Brunch on Sunday, December 14th;
and the traditional “Holiday Cocktail Party” on Friday,
December 19th.
Looking ahead to 2009, plan to take part in some or all
of the following: The 2nd annual “Dry Land” Regatta
(racing workshops) on Wednesday nights in April.
Laser Spring series will begin mid-April (drysuits
encouraged!).
In addition to our regular sailing
season offerings, we have committed to host the 2009
Club 420 North American Championships. This event
continues our support of local opportunities for
national-level youth sailing. The 2008 event included
approximately 80 teams from all over the United
States. Planning for the 2009 social season has
begun, and all your “old favorites” are being scheduled
with an eye toward increasing coordination between
the various aspects of our Club programs.
A final request… All members will shortly receive a
request to update your member information by “snail
mail”. Please complete this task promptly!!! The
update request is the first step in the production of our
2009 Logbook. Accurate information in the Logbook
is the beginning of your participation in the life of our
Club. Personally, because I didn’t update my email in
the 2008 Logbook, I missed all of Commodore
Brown’s “email blasts”. Note that even flag rank offers
no immunity from this mundane, but critical task.
Don’t be left out… update ASAP!!!
Roger Gamache
W
TIM WILKES
PHOTOGRAPHY
Member Scoop?
The next Windscoop will feature a new, as yet unnamed,
column for news about our members. Items such as
introducing new members, announcements for the birth of
children or grandchildren, change of addresses, sailing trips
or other out-of-the-way travel will be included. Long time
club member and professional writer Melanie Aves will do
the organizing and final edits, but please be considerate of
Melanie’s time and submit items in complete sentences!!
Send your story to news@mbyc.com
4
www.timwilkes.com
585 423 1966
Another great shot om August of the Leiter Cup by Tim Wilkes
VanderLeek
Cup
Hospice
In contrast to last year’s VanderLeek Cup Hospice
Regatta, this year’s racers were treated to ideal sailing
conditions. 20 boats came out to race in 15 to 20 knot
Southwesterly breezes. All fleets were started on time
and the fun meter quickly jumped into green.
The two spinnaker divisions and the Jib and Main division
completed two races. The Comfort Cruisers raced two
laps around a 3 mile triangular course. Awards were
presented following the Pig Roast Buffet. The top three
boats in each division were:
Spinnaker 1:
1. Capricious
2. Drumbeat
3. Sufficient Reason
Spinnaker 2:
1. Ol’ Blue Eyes
2. Gone Mad
3. Hot Tamale
Jib & Main:
1. Quiet Refuge
2. Constant Craving
3. Nancy Anne
Jack and Linda Knoblauch
Ted Etheridge
Tracy Brand and Mitch Padnos
Peter Schwarz
Merrill Tutton
Jeff VanderVeen
Rod Leonard
Robert Nepstad
Pat Nowak
All VanderLeek photos courtesy of Annie McFarland
Regatta
Comfort Cruisers:
1. Talaria
2. Bearly Movin’
3. Serenata
- August
23rd
Tom Slanec
Lisa and Bill Ruoff
Robert DeJong
This year overall winner of the Spinnaker Division, Peter
Schwarz and the crew of Ol’ Blue Eyes, will be invited to
compete in the Hospice Regattas National Championship
in 2009. The details for that event are not yet available.
As always on outstanding job was done by Barb
Gamache and her race committee on Recovery. A
special thanks also to David Sligh, mark set boat and
Jack Knoblauch, registration and scoring. Thank-you too
to all the skippers, individuals and businesses that,
despite a struggling economy, donated over $15,000 to
Hospice of Holland’s Tulip Tree Fund.
We are looking forward to and already planning next
year’s event. We want to continue to make this a FUN
regatta dedicated to a wonderful cause.
T.S.
5
An c h o ra g e C u p 2 0 0 8
Only two boats made it to
the Holland finish line in this
year’s Anchorage Cup. Don
Thinschmidt, on "Tyrant"
caught "Windancer" at the
finish after being several
minutes behind at the Gate
at Port Sheldon. Tyrant won
their Division and Overall.
The remainder of the fleet
finished at Port Sheldon.
Overall, MBYC boats
won three separate
divisions and 16 MBYC
boats competed in this
year’s fleet of 77.
(left) Tyrant showing her light air potency near the finish; (above)
Tyrant and Windancer near the Finish at Holland; (above) The
Bergmans and the Sale boys at the awards party (with Trophy for
First Place in Spinnaker Division 6)
Board of Directors Meeting - Abridged Minutes for August 2008
The Board’s minutes from the July meeting were reviewed
and approved as corrected. A motion was approved to
accept two new members and the change of membership
status for one member. The Secretary encouraged
support for the “Say Yes to Sunday” campaign for
November 4th as if approved by voters will likely positively
impact Sunday bar and dining revenue. The Commodores’
Ball was a sellout with 137 attending. July transient boat
trac has been strong. Discussion on the need for a signin sheet for reciprocal club guests. Discussion on
marketing to other Lake Michigan YCs to encourage
transient trac. The treasurer discussed the anticipated
deficit for 2008 and despite some bright spots and strong
membership numbers, we cannot control a poor
economy. Members are spending very carefully and we
must develop the strategies for riding out the economic
downturn while providing good value to the membership.
6
A motion prevailed to accept the Treasurer’s report. Rear
Commodore DeJong reported that dredging was complete
for 2008 and that there are a minor number of things for
the docks project on the punch list, which are being
addressed. A discussion on the paving issues for the
Club’s parking lots. Vice Commodore Gamache reported
on the Leiter Cup which had 47 participants and the
Commodore’s Cup which had a larger fleet this year and
great conditions. Commodore Brown reported on
strategic issues which will need to be addressed on our
finances, membership and member participation. Board
Member Hill agreed to chair an ad-hoc committee on
these issues. Discussion on recommendations from the
forward Planning Committee. Discussion on the
upcoming Shareholder Meeting with an approved motion
to request shareholders to approve the final accounting
for the dock rebuild project.
T H E
R
E N D E Z VO U S
~
SEPTEMBER 7
T H
“WHINE PARTY “2008
T h e A n n u a l “ W H I N E PA
P RTY” was an absolutely splendid time to end the season. For those
of you who could not attend, I’m telling you: you missed a good time despite the weather
being extremely uncooperative, it rained and rained and rained… you get the picture. We
still had around 40 bottles of wine to sample and a great amount of delicious Hors d’
Oeuvre to choose from. Congratulations to the four lucky winners (Cotter and Joanne
T h a r i n , E d K i t a a n d K a t h y C u s i m a n o , To m a n d M a r t a S t a n l e y, a n d B o b a n d M a r y J o D e J o n g )
who each received a cork trivet, handmade and signed by Doug Slade.
KE
7
MACATAWA BAY YACHT CLUB
2157 South Shore Drive
Macatawa, MI 49434
____________________________________
Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed
et....
Don’t forg
October 18 - Aw
A ards
r Dinner and Change of
Watch This is the evening to celebrate
r another great
season of sailboat racing at MBYC and to welcome the
2009 Flag Officers.This is a celebration
r
for everyone!
Cocktails at 6 PM,, Dinner at 7 PM.. Reservations Required,
$17.95 pp.
October 24 - Halloween Party
r
All of the little MBYC Goblins will be in their scariest
costumes ffor the annual children’s
’ Halloween PPar ty.
y
$5 buffet
f dinner for kids . Buoy rroom menu available for
adults.
December 14 - MBYC Holiday Brunch
December 19 - MBYC Holiday Cocktail
Party
r
Don’t For
F rget - MBY
YC is availa
v
ble for your
Holiday Parties and the Nauti Shop is a great
r
place to shop for Holiday Gifts
O c t o b e r
Sun
Mon
28
Tue
29
2 0 0 8
Wed
30
Thu
1
Fri
Sat
2
3
4
10
11
Buoy Room Open
6-9 PM
5
6
7
8
9
Buoy Room Open
6-9 PM
Laser Racing
12
MBJA Junior
Olympics
13
14
Columbus Day
19
20
15
16
21
22
23
18
Awards Dinner and
Change of Watch 6
PM
24
25
Kid’s Halloween
Party 6:30- 8:30PM
Laser Racing
26
Laser Racing
17
Buoy Room Open
6-9 PM
Windscoop Copy
Due
MBJA Junior
Olympics
27
28
29
30
31
Buoy Room Open
6-9 PM
Halloween
Race Events
Social Events
Private Parties
May 2008
T H E
November - December 2008
M B Y C
N E W S L E T T E R
www.mbyc.com
w w w. m b y c . c o m
MACATAWA
BAY YACHTBAY
CLUB
• 2157CLUB
SOUTH
SHORE
DRIVE
• MACATAWA
MI 49434 • 616-335-5815
616-335-9910
MACATAWA
YACHT
• 2157
SOUTH
SHORE
DRIVE • MACATAWA,
MI 49434 •• FAX:
616-335-9910
1
CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
2
Well, after a 24 month
warm-up, here’s my first
pitch in “the majors,” as
your new starting pitcher
(make that Commodore).
I’m aware that members
look to this inaugural essay
to set the tone for the year.
I’m also aware that I am
following on the heels of a
number of great leaders,
who have all contributed to the current strength and vitality
of our Club. So, with the advice (and implied warning) from
one senior member who stopped me recently to share “Just
don’t screw it up,” I thought it would be useful to share my
view of the issues and opportunities that face us in the coming
year. A friend of mine once observed that all issues (he preferred
to call them opportunities), can be divided into three groups.
Group one are things that we can control. Group two are
things that we can’t control, but can influence. And, group
three are things that we cannot control and cannot influence.
inference the Commodores and Board) should do something
to stop this!” Clearly, we are not in a position to control
member’s choices regarding boat purchases. But we can
influence those choices by making sure that we provide
adequate support and leadership for the classes that we
currently have at the club. Years of sailing a variety of classes
and types of boats have led me to conclude there is no “perfect”
boat. They all have strengths and weaknesses. However, there
clearly are “fun classes” at specific clubs. Those are the classes
that help their members improve their skills by providing
sufficient opportunities to sail, along with educational and
social opportunities that encourage engagement. They are
the classes that are open to newcomers and who seek out
inactive members to help keep their boats active in the class.
In the next year the Board will be focused on influencing the
vitality of our sailing program.
Applying this concept to our Club, let’s start with group three,
things outside of our control and influence. The weather is
one aspect of our club life that clearly fits into group three.
The impact of weather on the club was clearly demonstrated
last June, when an extraordinary cold and wet stretch of weather
meant a very slow start for activity at the club. General
economic conditions are another “group three” issue.
Participation in club activities generally fall into the “nice but
not essential” category in people’s economic life. A general
economic decline will inevitably reduce the level of activity of
current members and the number of potential new members.
The best strategy for “group three” issues is to recognize that
they exist, and make sure that we have a plan in place to
prudently manage their effects. Planning requires good
communication. So your Board will continue to improve our
communication to members during the coming year. In
return, we need timely communication from you, the
members, regarding your level of participation in the coming
season. Timely return of slip contracts, membership
commitments, dry sail contracts, and use of the dining room
reservation system can help us plan effectively.
With regard to member services, are we delivering the right
services at the right times and doing so effectively and
consistently? With regard to the social interaction that leads
to the feeling of “membership”, do we have the appropriate
opportunities to promote a feeling of “active engagement” for
all members of the club? Do we have strategies that make us
attractive to new comers seeking a way to become a part of
our unique club experience? Over the next several months
your Board of Directors will be systematically reviewing our
club operations to make sure that we’re getting the best “bang
for the buck” going forward.
Group two issues are things we can influence, but cannot
control. Members’ choices of one-design classes fall into this
category. Recently a member expressed dismay that it appears
that one of our “premier” racing classes may cease operation,
while at the same time, a new fleet with approximately the
same cost and similar appeal is about to be initiated by a group
of members. His solution to the problem was that “you (by
This month’s photo was taken by Tom VanTol
on one of the final Wednesday night racing
evenings of the Fall season. The Wind Scoop’s
front page needs entries for future issues. Please
email your quality photos to Wind Scoop editor Jon Bontekoe at: jonbontekoe@gmail.com
So what things do we directly control? Simply put, we can
control the quality of the member experience. With regard to
physical assets, are the facilities functional, well kept, and
attractive?
In closing, I’m sure as you were reading this you had a thought
about an issue (or opportunity) that should be a part of our
review. Please consider sharing your thoughts with me at:
rogerdgamache@aol.com. See you at our Club!
Roger Gamache
Front Cover Photo
MBYC hosts 107 sailors in Junior Olympics
Macatawa Bay
Ya c h t C l u b
MBYC Flag Officers
Commodore
Roger Gamache
Vice Commodore Bob DeJong
Rear Commodore John Donnelly
Board of Directors
Immediate Past Commodore
Paul Brown
Treasurer
Larry D’Haem
Secretary
Michael Hill
Director
Beth Egge
Director
Tom Slanec
Director
Lisa Ruoff
Director
Joel Krissoff
Director
Mitchell Padnos
Director
David Sligh, Jr.
Judge Advocate JD Stone
Management
General Manager
Executive Chef
Outside Manager
*
*
Windscoop Editor
Web Scoop
Marilyn Baker
Jim Ruehle
Douglas Knapp
*
*
Jon Bontekoe
Bob Standish
www.mbyc.com
Reminder: Be sure to send in your
MBYC Membership profile sheets
soon. The information you supply
directly affects the 2009 printing of
the Logbook. Please pay particular
attention to boat information
(where we list too many boats no
longer in the fleet), Junior Yacht
Club names and their ages, and
outdated pictures. These pages
have the most errors and we’d like
to clean them up. Find a new picture you’d like printed or additional
items to correct? Just email it all to
Logbook editor Jon Bontekoe:
jonbontekoe@gmail.com.
The weekend of October 11 & 12, our club
hosted the Junior Olympic regatta. Thanks
to some summer-like weather as well as a
reputation for putting on a solid,
competitive event, we had our highest
participant number yet for this annual
event… 107 sailors! Competitors came
from our club as well as from Indiana,
Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Detroit and
Traverse City areas. The biggest fleet was
in the 420 class where we had 20 total boats.
MANY, many thanks to all of the volunteers
that made the regatta a smashing success.
Special kudos to Barb Gamache for being
the Principal Race Officer (PRO) for the
Laser and 420 course, Roger Gamache, the
PRO for the Opti Red/White/Blue course,
Shari McDonald for heading up the Opti
Green fleet, Darren Lance for his work
directing the safety boats for each course,
Michael Kiss for his computer work on
results, Steve and Lauri Sisson for
organizing the “racing” food and MBYC
Chef Jim for the outstanding dinners.
Thanks also to Eldean Shipyard, West
Marine, Vanguard, Zhik for their corporate
support.
Shortly, our friends in Florida will be
hosting many junior regattas during long
school holiday vacation breaks. Check your
class websites for events. Parents not able
to get you there? We have a few club
families that would love to help keep your
racing fever alive. Please contact Marie at
the MBJA voice mail (796-6974) and she
will put you in touch with them. Another
option is to check out sailorships on the
US Sailing website for scholarship
opportunities.
Still looking for an opportunity to make a
donation toward replacing the old Opti
fleet? It’s not too late to send a donation
to: MBJA, PO Box 189, Macatawa, MI
49434. Thanks to everyone for your
ongoing support of our junior sailing
program!
See you on the water! Marie Mell
Top: Junior Olympic Laser sailors at the
start. Bottom: Optis at the mark. JO
photos by Doug Slade & Ron Sisson.
3
VICE CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
The leaves are still on the
trees, but the everincreasing brilliant colors
suggest it won’t be long and
the trees will be as bare as
our slips. And while most
of us have tucked our boats
away
for
winter’s
hibernation, Friday night’s
in October have still
produced considerable
activity in the Buoy Room and dining room. Friendships
among our Club members are warmer than the outside
temperatures. How often don’t we hear, “It just feels good
being here.”
I join Commodore Gamache in acknowledging Past
Commodore Paul Brown for his contribution to our Club.
His goal of enhancing communications within the Club has
been achieved: with Bontekoe’s editorship, the Wind Scoop is
more colorful than ever, and under Bob Standish direction,
the Webscoop keeps us current on activities and photographs
as well as providing great links to sailing related information.
And Commodore Brown’s periodic e-flyers were helpful in
reminding us of upcoming events. Thanks, Paul, for your years
of service.
And, thanks to John Donnelly for coming on board the Bridge
as our new Rear-Commodore. Because of John’s superior
experience in sailing and racing activities, we have agreed that
we will utilize his expertise in those areas. So Commodore
Donnelly and I will switch traditional roles: I will continue
with the traditional Rear-Commodore responsibilities and John
will spend his first two years as Sailing and Racing Commodore.
Once again, I invite each of you to let us know how we can
better meet your hopes and expectations on how Macatawa
Bay Yacht Club can be a better place for you and your family.
It is apparent to me already that your new bridge will continue
the team work that makes this job such a great opportunity.
To those of you, who have winter escapes planned to warmer
places like Arizona and Florida, enjoy your “other” community
and be safe. For those of you who weather Michigan winters
with brief respites, travel safely and enjoy. We look forward to
seeing all of you next Spring and, hopefully, sooner.
Bob DeJong
Sligh Sr., Dolles honored
Stand-in for John Donnelly, Bob
DeJong, Roger Gamache, Paul Brown
display their new flags.
4
Jack & Linda Knoblauch, and Don
Bergman receive their awards.
Photos by Anne Gamache.
Three members received special
recognition during the recent Awards
Dinner and Change of Watch. The Peg
Jones Sportsmanship Award was awarded
to Commodore David Sligh Sr. for his
enthusiastic support of our race
management program during the 2008
season. This award memorializes Peg
Jones who served MBYC in a number of
capacities over the years and gave a high
level of personal commitment to the race
committee until declining health limited
her participation. This is the second time
Commodore Sligh has earned this award.
The Nathan Bryant Service Award was
presented to Kevin and Michelle Dolle.
The Bryant Award is presented “from
time to time at the sole discretion of the
Flag Officers to recognize … a high level
of personal commitment to the Club.”
The award was presented with particular
appreciation for Kevin’s multi-year
commitment to completion of our recent
dock project and Michelle’s contributions
to our social programs.
MBYC
MBY
C Member
Member Sailing
Sailing A
Awar
wards
ds
LASER
COMMODORE’S CUP
SPRING SERIES 1
SPRING SERIES 2
SPRING SERIES 3
SUMMER SERIES 1
SUMMER SERIES 2
SUMMER SERIES 3
SEASON 1
SEASON 2
SEASON 3
Dave Sligh Jr.
JP del Solar Goldsmith
Tracy Brand
Steve Sisson
Phillip Norris
Michael Kiss
Dave Sligh Jr.
Tyler Sale
JP del Solar Goldsmith
JY 15
SEASON 1
SEASON 2
SEASON 3
Louis Padnos
Phillip Norris
Tyler Sale
Trim - Harvey
Ticklish - Landman
VANDERLEEK CUP
Spin 1
Spin 2 & 1ST overall
Jib & Main
Comfort Cruisers
Capricious Jack Knoblauch
Ole’ Blue Eyes Peter Schwartz
Quiet Refuge
Talaria - Tom Slanec
OFFSHORE
1ST MBYC CHIGAGO - MAC
Sufficient Reason -
1ST MBYC QUEENS
1ST MBYC LMSRF
Talaria - Tom Slanec
Madcap - Guy Hiestand
BRYANT AWARD
Kevin & Michell Dolle
WMYSA Championship Regatta
Winners
Arendshorst,
Brand, Krissoff, Padnos
110
SEASON CHAMPION
Double Trouble Willis Vandenberg
S2 7.9
PEG JONES SPORTSMANSHIP
SEASON 1
SEASON 2
SEASON 3
Second Wind - D & J Bergman
Ol’ Blue Eyes - Peter Schwartz
Smac’d - Scott Derby
ETCHELLS
No awards this year
PHRF
SEASON 1
SEASON 2
SEASON 3
CC 1OA
CC 2OA
Capricious - Jack Knoblauch
Tenacity - English
Quiet Refuge - Leonard
David Sligh Sr.
Special Recognition for a “Clean Sweep” to Don &
Jean Bergman for winning MBYC Season, Bayshore
Season, and Bayshore OA ‘Gold Cup’ winners.
Prepared for the Awards Dinner of October 18, 2008. First
place finishes only are noted.
Statistics gathered from fleet captains by Roger Gamache
Michelle & Kevin Dolle and Dave Sligh
receive their special awards.
5
REAR CO M M O D O R E ’S REPORT
I have enjoyed being active
and racing sailboats at MBYC
since the 1960s. I am grateful
for the opportunity to be part
of a team that wants to ensure
that MBYC continues to be
one of the few premier yacht
clubs in the Great Lakes
region. My travels have taken
me in recent years to a number
of yacht clubs across the
country, and our venue and
facilities compare favorably
with much of what I have seen. Nevertheless your flag officers and
board believe there are many opportunities for improvement and
our mission will be to build a stronger MBYC every year.
Roger and Bob have requested that I focus on building our racing
program over the next two years. We share a belief that a key measure
of the health of any yacht club is the breadth and depth of its racing
activity. An active racing program brings energy and enthusiasm to
a yacht club. I have heard from many members that this is what
they want at MBYC and this will always be a top priority for me.
An active racing program will have many elements: a strong sailing
school/junior program, a full local race calendar, having an active
and deep race committee to support our race program, being a
venue for regional and national sailing championships, and finally,
having a cadre of local sailors who travel to and compete in national
and international championships. My focus will be working with
our members to make progress in each of these areas.
racing community. We hosted our first US Sailing National
Championship this year and in 2009 will host the 420 NAs and
also (hopefully) the Great Lakes Laser Regional championship. Our
local sailors have competed successfully in the last twelve months
in venues ranging from Europe to South America to Florida,
Toronto, and California.
The area where our sailing program is most in need of a boost is
our local race activity. This has always been the core of the MBYC
race program and it is a surprise, given the strengths in the abovementioned areas, that our local race activity has slipped.
Participation in many of our local fleets is down: JY15, Etchells,
and Laser all have fewer boats out. The flag officers and board are
committed to work with members to rebuild local race activity.
A starting point is to have active fleet captains. Fleet captains are
needed to build the race schedule, send out email blasts to fleet
members about race events, and to be an overall cheerleader for the
fleet. We have had succeesful fleet captains in the past - Mike Kiss
(Lasers), Doug Slade (JY15), and Tracy Brand (Etchells) come to
mind. There is no question there is a connection between our
declining race participation and, in some cases, a recent lack of
fleet captains.
A high priority for me is to identify 2009 fleet captains for each of
our fleets. We need champions who want to see their fleet grow. I
am happy to report that in 2009 Paul Brown will be Opti fleet
captain and Don Bergman will be S2 7.9 fleet captain - thanks,
guys! Next priority is finding leaders for JY 15 and Lasers.
I look forward to sharing progress in building our race program in
future letters. Please email your thoughts/suggestions to me. Thanks!
A quick survey of the above areas shows that there is much our club
can take pride in. We have an active junior program. Our race John Donnelly
committee led by Barb Gamache has growing respect in the national jdonnelly977@yahoo.com
Board adopts slip fee increase after extensive debate and 3-year hold
One of the more lively board discussions
occurred recently through a flurry of premeeting email exchanges followed up by a
similarly lively exchange at the October
Board meeting. The topic: slip fee increases
for 2009.
Former members of the Board know that
no agenda items generate more lively
discussions than dues increases and slip fee
increases. In large part, the discussion
results from the Board’s perennial efforts to
match income to expenses—all in an effort
to hold down increases in either slip rates
or dues. As a consequence, our Club’s
economics find us stretching our year-end
funds to avoid having to go to our line of
6
credit before beginning the receipt of the comparable commercial marinas. Slip
holders challenged the comparability, and
next year’s dues and slip fees.
noted that most marinas have held their
This year, after discussions with our general rates for three or more years, and are
manager, the Rear Commodore proposed proposing to maintain those rates into
to the Board that we increase our slip fees 2009.
by $4.00 per foot. This represented a 5.6
% increase from our current rate. Because I can report that the debate was very
we have maintained our current rate for animated, but most importantly, it was civil
three years; the annual average increase and respectful. Each speaker was heard.
would have been a 1.87% increase for each Points made were acknowledged. It was
of the last three years. Slip holders on the noted for example, by slip holders, that this
Board expressed concern that the significant would be the fifth increase in slip rates in
increase could be difficult to swallow in the last nine years while there have been
these uncertain economic times. Non-slip only two dues increases. With the new
holders felt that the resulting proposed rate increase, slip rates will have increased an
was still very favorable when compared to average of 2.37 % (continued page 7)
Member News...
by Melanie Aves
All the MEMBER NEWS that’s fit to print! MBYC member Melanie
Aves edits a new Wind Scoop feature highlighting news and ‘good
gossip’ about our membership. But she needs your help! She wants
to know about births, weddings, transitions, highlights regarding
new members, fantistic travel on boats or by other means and
whatever might interest us all. Please send your suggestions directly
to Melanie at writeaway.mta@gmail.com or to Jon at
jonbontekoe@gmail.com for forwarding.
If you could earn mileage credits for
sea travel, Jon and Mary Bontekoe would be
rolling in free tickets. This MBYC couple
embarked on a 12,000
mile adventure on the high
seas in Seattle,
on
September 14 , after
traveling from Chicago
cross country via Amtrak.
They traveled aboard The
Pearl, a huge, fully booked
‘Panamax’ (sized to get
through the Panama Canal
lock system) ship carrying
2400 paying passengers
and a crew of 1100. The
featured cruising targets
were Alaska and the
Panama Canal. The ship
would make its final
passage of the season to
Alaska
before
a
‘repositioning’ cruise to Miami, its home
port for winter cruises to destinations in the
Caribbean. A new vessel, The Pearl was built
in 2006, and is equipped with multiple
pools, hot tubs, 10 restaurants, a casino,
piano bar, huge theatre, duty free shops and
multiple outdoor decks placed for sun lovers
and shade lovers. The Bontekoes preferred
shade, and on sea days during the trip north
they enjoyed reading in the forward lounge
from which they could view whales,
dolphins, and sea lions.
In Alaska the trip made its way along
the Inside Passage, where the passengers
could see –and hear the sounds of glaciers
Slip fees continued...
in the last nine years, while dues will have
increased 1.48 % over the same time.
(These small average annual increases
demonstrate the joint effort of our Manager
and the Board to hold down the costs of
Club membership.)
Board unanimously supported a
compromised recommendation of $3.00
per foot. This represents a 4.2% increase
and will generate nearly $8000.00
additional income.
All of our members can be assured that
every perspective was heard; every
viewpoint was well represented, and in the
end, the Board reached a consensus. As our
new Commodore Gamache expressed after
the meeting, this was our Board working at
its best: strongly exchanging viewpoints and
coming together with an outcome which
we could each accept. It is a pleasure to
At the conclusion, and with the work with such a Board.
recommendation of the full Bridge, the Board report by Bob DeJong
Slip holders also argued that slip revenue is
substantially greater than the cost of
maintaining the docks – even with our
recent re-construction and additions.
While slips have lasted for more than twenty
years, their cost is paid off in about four or
five years.
Continued...
calving huge chunks of ice, allowing rivers
to flow out of them. “It was awesome!” said
Jon. “The glaciers made the trip
worthwhile.”
Back in Seattle, all but 24 passengers
left the ship. A whole new batch of travelers
boarded, and the Bontekoes were joined by
two old friends to complete the 19 day cruise
to Miami. The 6200 mile trip began with 4
days at sea, followed by stops at ports along
the Pacific Mexican Riviera, including Cabo
San Lucas, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and
Huatulco. After 2 more sea days the ship
began its daytime transit of
the Panama Canal.
The Pearl is built
to Panamax standards. At
965 feet long and 106 feet
wide it is the maximum size
to fit in the locks.
Clearance on the sides is
not more than 10 inches!
The required daytime
transit is scheduled at least
one year in advance, and
the huge ship is manned by
two special pilots and
accompanied by 2 tugboats
for safety, along with many
local line handlers. The
Norwegian Cruise Lines,
owner of The Pearl, pays
about $350,000 for the privilege of the
passage. Each lock takes about an hour from
start to finish, with three on the Pacific side
to raise the ship up about 80 feet and three
on the Atlantic side to return it to sea level.
Gatun Lake, an artificial reservoir, connects
the two lock systems and takes 2-3 hours to
transit. “Yes, it was fascinating and worth
the price of admission!” said Bontekoe.
After leaving the Canal, the
remaining week of the cruise up the coast to
Miami featured stops at Cartagena,
Columbia, and the islands of Aruba and
Curacao, where the Bontekoes hit the
beaches. Traveling at a cruising speed of 19
to 20 knots, The Pearl, completed the
planned journey, arriving in Miami, where
the Bontekoes caught a plane back to
Chicago. Talk about TRIPPIN’!
Photo of the Bontekoe’s on the ship at
the Grand Pacific Glacier, Glacier
Bay, Alaska. The ship came within 1/4
mile of the Glacier allowing passengers to hear and see frequent calving.
7
December Holiday Events
Sunday December 14
Holiday Brunch
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $16.95 (+ tax & tip)
Friday, December 19
Holiday Cocktail Party
Hors d’oeuvres ($10..00)
6:00 - 9:00 PM
Bar open 6:00 - closing
Sun.
Mon.
Tues.
Wed.
Thurs.
Fri.
Sat.
1
November - December 2008
2
3
4
NOVEMBER
5
6
7
8
13
14
15
Laser Fall Series
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12
17
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19
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21
22
26
27
28
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Laser Fall Series
16
Laser Fall Series
23
24
25
Laser Fall Series
30
Holiday
Brunch
Thanksgiving
1
DECEMBER
2
3
4
5
6
10
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12
13
17
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19
20
24 Merry
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27
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8
9
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Windscoop
Copy Due
Holiday
Cocktail Party
Christmas!
28
8
29
30
31
Private Parties
Race Events
Social Events