April 2015
COMM O D O RE’ S MESSAGE
Christine
Machado,
Commodore
Christine
Machado,
Commodore
boating and our Clubs.” I couldn’t agree more.
If it’s April, we must be on the water! Every year at aboutSpeaking
this time of
theyouth
Clubinshakes
off our
the winter
blahs
andSailboating,
very own
Youth
ing program
is expanding.
With
therightfully
acquisition
of new
embraces
everything
on be
theon
water. While Every
my only
claim
in this regard
is a sailing
patch
earned
at
If it’s April,
we must
the water!
year
at to fame
420s
and
FJs,
Youth
Sailing
is
on
its
way.
I
said
it
during
about this
time
the many
Club shakes
winter
blahs
summer
camp
many,
moonsoff
agothe
and
before
the days of “trophies for everyone” and “we’re all winners” (read:
my of
installation
speech
and I willendeavors
say it again
now, every
and
embraces
everything
on
the
water.
While
my
onlysupport
I REALLY earned my patch), my appreciation for and
the Club’s
water-related
is unwavering. thriving yacht club in the Bay Area has a thriving youth
claim to fame in this regard is a sailing patch rightfully
And while I won’t be sailing the Sydney to Hobart or the Transpac any time soon, as Commodore I want to publicly
sailing program. They can’t, however, do it alone. But
earned at summer camp many, many moons ago and
re-afÞrm
my
commitment
to
the
ClubÕs
sailing
and
boating
endeavors.
WeI don’t
are a have
yachtany
clubsailing
after all!
Commodore,
experience . . .
before the days of “trophies for everyone” and “we’re
no worries, we’ve got that covered. For those without
all winners” (read: I REALLY earned my patch), my
April welcomes
backsupport
Thursday
night
Beer
Can races as well
as the
vanguards
on Friday
Thank
to Joe
sailing
experience,
Youth
Sailingnights. is in need
of ayou
person
appreciation
for and
of the
Club’s
water-related
to aoversee
theenergy
registration
process.
In addition,
endeavors
is unwavering.
Andnight
while
I won’t
be sailing
Kallios
for overseeing
Thursday
races. They
truly bring
renewed
and sense
of purpose
to thethere
Club.is
always
a
need
for
people
to
help
clean
and
repair
the
the
Sydney
to
Hobart
or
the
Transpac
any
time
soon,
as
Once again we welcome the vanguards on Friday nights and look forward to an increasingly mutually beneÞcial
fleet. Youth Sailing also invites anyone to help with the
Commodore
I
want
to
publicly
re-affirm
my
commitrelationship for the good of the Club and for the good of the sport. daily running of the day camp with on-land support,
ment to the Club’s sailing and boating endeavors. We
including checking in students in the morning and then
are a yacht club after all!
Opening Day on the Strait is right around the corner. Saturday,
May
marks
36thwith
annual
Opening
Day
out at the
end16th
of the
day, our
helping
lunch
time, first
April welcomes back Thursday night Beer Can races
on the Strait celebration at the Club. Mark your calendars for
day-long
This
year’s
theme “FTGOTC”
is “Red Skies at
aidthis
issues,
if any,event. and the
like.
Interested
as well as the vanguards on Friday nights. Thank you
contact Derith
Lutz. contact Vice Commodore
Night,
Sailor’sfor
Delight.” Thinking
about
“FTGOTC”),
to Joea Kallios
overseeing
Thursday
nightvolunteering
races. They(remember
Richard
Boltz. Cruisers. . . I haven’t forgotten about you. Cruisetruly bring
a renewed energy and sense of purpose to
outs
continue. Last month we were at Oakland Yacht
Club. Once again we welcome the vanguards on
the
Club,
thankApril
you 26th. to Brian
Stiles
andtheme
Joan Shepard,
Friday
nights
and
look forward
to an
increasingly
mutuPICYA
is also
hosting
its annual
Opening
Day on
the Bay,
Sunday,
This
year’s
is Youth and
in
this
month
we
are
cruising
to
Emery
Cove
under
the
ally
beneficial
relationship
for
the
good
of
the
Club
and
Boating. I recently had the pleasure of sitting next to PICYA Vice Commodore Eric Schoenwisner at a PICYA direction of Steve and Ginger Penny. April also sees our
for the good of the sport.
Delegate
Dinner and asked him about his theme, to which he replied “because the youth are the future of boating
first cruise-in. Please extend a very warm Benicia Yacht
Opening
DayI on
the Strait
is right
the corner.
and our
Clubs.” couldn’t
agree
more.around
Club welcome to the CA Clippers Cruisers who will be
Saturday, May 16th marks our 36th annual Opening
with us April 17th through the 19th.
Day on the Strait celebration at the Club. Mark your
Speaking
of
youth
in
boating,
our
very
own
Youth
Sailing
program
is expanding. WithCup
the isacquisition
of new
Another BYC
tradition Jazz
on the horizon.
calendars for this day-long event. This year’s theme is
420s
andSkies
FJs, at
Youth
Sailing
is onDelight.”
its way. I Thinking
said it during
installation
and I will sayBob
it again
now,
every
the BYC,speech
Rear Commodore
Bohnet
is heading
“Red
Night,
a Sailor’s
aboutmy For
thriving
yacht club
in the Bay
Area has acontact
thriving
youth sailing
can’t,
however, we
do ithave
alone. But
up program.
this year’s They
cup. In
preparation,
purchased,
volunteering
(remember
“FTGOTC”),
Vice
thanks
to
proceeds
from
Monday
Night
Football
(thank
CommodoreI Richard
Boltz.
Commodore,
don’t have
any sailing experience . . . no worries, we’ve got that covered. For those without sailing
you
to Bob Cates,
all the
chefsthere
and all
of you a need
experience,
Sailing is
need of
a person
to on
oversee
registration
process.
Inguest
addition,
is always
PICYA isYouth
also hosting
itsinannual
Opening
Day
the the
who
participated),
new
markers.
Be
on
the
look
out
Sunday,
April
26th.
year’s
is YouthSailing
in
forBay,
people
to help
clean
andThis
repair
thetheme
ßeet. Youth
also invites anyone to help with the daily running of
the
for
more
information
about
Jazz
Cup
in
the
months
to
I recently
had
the pleasure
of sitting
nextintostudents in the morning and then out at the end of the day,
dayBoating.
camp with
on-land
support,
including
checking
come.
PICYAwith
Vicelunch
Commodore
Eric
a PICYA
helping
time, Þrst
aidSchoenwisner
issues, if any, at
and
the like. Interested “FTGOTC” contact Derith Lutz. Delegate Dinner and asked him about his theme, to
which he replied “because the youth are the future of
Cruisers. . . I haven’t forgotten about you. Cruise-outs continue. Last month we were at Oakland Yacht Club,
thank you to Brian Stiles and Joan Shepard, and this month we are cruising to Emery Cove under the direction of
Steve and Ginger Penny. April also sees our Þrst cruise-in. Please extend a very warm Benicia Yacht Club welcome
400 E.
E. Second
400
SecondStreet
Street
Box 782 94510
Benicia,P.O.
California
Benicia, California 94510
G ENERAL
G ER
C LUB M
M ANA
ANAGER
Karen Garrett
Office
Office Fax
707 746-0739
707 746-1052
O FFICE
H O URSH OURS
O FFICE
Mon
Mon
CLOSED
CLOSED
Tue-Fri
9A-5P
N O RT O N LO UN G E & B
Mon
Tue-Fri
N ORTON
Sat
Sun
AR
707 746-6600
4-10P
L OUNGE & BAR
707 11:30A-10P
746-6600
11:30A-11P
(or whenever the last guest leaves)
1-8P
FOO D SERVICE SCH EDULE
Lunch
Tue-Fri 11:30A-2:00P
F OOD S ERVICE
S CHEDULE
Appetizers/Bar
Menu
Service
Tue 11:30A - 2:00P
Wed 11:30A - 8:00P
Thur-Fri 11:30A - 9:00P
Sat 5:00 - 9:00P
Wednesday Night Buffets
6:30-8P
Dinner Menu
Thur - Sat 6-8:00P
ish
CLUB DIRECTORY
General Manager 707-746-0739 General Manager
707-746-0739
Commodore
Christine
Machado
707-631-9015
Commodore Christine Machado
707-631-9015
Vice
Richard
Boltz 707-746-1194 ViceCommodore
Commodore Richard
Boltz
707-746-1194
Rear
BobBohnet
Bohnet 707-745-1877 RearCommodore
Commodore Bob
707-745-1877
Secretary
NickGrebe
Grebe 707-315-6711 Secretary Nick
707-315-6711
Treasurer Larry
707-746-8657
Treasurer
LarryBennett
Bennett 707-746-8657 Director Larry
415-990-9990
Director
LarryBooth
Booth
415-990-9990
Director Don
707-334-3192
Director
DonRadigan
Radigan
707-334-3192
Director Lee Ritchey
707-568-1564
Director
Lee Ritchey 707-568-1564 Director Ken Oxman
707-745-6159
Director Tom
KenKonecki
Oxman 707-745-6159 Staff Commodore
760-889-3295
Staff
Commodore
Tom
Konecki
760-889-3295 Fleet Commander Ken Oxman
707-745-6159
Fleet Fleet
Commander
KenMurray
Oxman 707-745-6159 Surgeon Deb
FleetHistorian
Surgeon Kathleen
Deb Murray
Treese
707-746-5553
House
Chair Barbra
Brooks
Historian
Kathleen
Treese 707-334-4083
707-746-5553 Chair Penny
Stell
Entertainment
House Chair
Barbra
Brooks 707-334-4083 Membership Chair
Chair Robyn
Boltz
707-704-2594
Entertainment
Ginger
Penny 707-290-7170 Publicity Chair Lorie Campbell
707-477-9960
Membership
Chair Robyn Boltz 707-704-2594 Audit Committee Mark Campbell
707-748-7783
PublicityPICYA
Chair Bob
Lorie
Campbell
707-477-9960 DuBois
707-853-6028
Audit Committee
MarkConners
Campbell 707-567-5141
707-748-7783 PICYA Mark
PICYA
BobMares
DuBois 707-853-6028 PICYA Rick
707-745-8324
PICYA Lorie
MarkCampbell
Conners 707-567-5141 Port Captain
707-447-9960
RacePICYA
Chair Joe
Kallios
707-628-2914
Rick
Mares 707-745-8324 Safety
& Protocol
Brighton
Port
Captain Paul
Lorie
Campbell 707-746-8852
707-447-9960 Manager
Konecki
707-297-6883
Ship Store
Race
Chair Michelle
Joe Kallios
707-628-2914 Sunshine Chair Ross Oxman
707-745-6159
Safety
& Protocol Paul Brighton 707-746-8852 Welcome Committee Linda Hudson
925-708-5881
Ship Store
Manager
Michelle
Konecki
707-297-6883 Webmaster Larry Bennett
707-746-8657
Wind
Sunshine
Chair Derith
Ross Oxman
707-745-6159
Word Editor
Lutz
401-258-7304
Welcome
LindaLutz
Hudson 925-708-5881 YouthCommittee
Sailing Dir Derith
401-258-7304
Webmaster Larry Bennett 707-746-8657 Wind Word Editor Derith Lutz 401-258-7304 Youth Sailing Dir Derith Lutz 401-258-7304 2
2
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April 2013
2015
December
2014
January
Commodors
Log..........................
Commodore’s
Log ...................11
Club
Directory.
............................
Club
Directory
.........................22
Contributors ............................22
Contributors................................
Over
theArticle........................
Botom Contest ..........33
R. L.
Wren
Chef’sThings
Cornerto
...........................
Nauitcal
Ponder............ 43
Note from
......................44
Opening
Day..editor
.............................
Lichted
Boat Parade .................55
Thrifty
Sailor................................
Richard Boltz........................... 5
BYC Upcomming Events.............. 6
Harvest Cruise .................. 6 & 7
Crusing
Notes.
.............................
Cruise-in
Schedule
..................68
Cruise-In
Schedule......................
Cruise-out Schedule ................78
Wind
Damage.............................
Burge
Project ...........................78
Letter
Editor.
........................ 89
Kenfrom
Oxman
.............................
Chef’s
Article...............................
Comedy
Night .........................99
Wine
& Canvas.
.........................
Election
Results
.....................10
10
R. C. Tipton Obituary................. 10
Ads............................................ 11
Should, Could, Would, Did....... 12
CONTRIBUTORS
CONTRIBUTORS
Christine Machado
Derith Lutz.
Tom
Konecki
Derith
Richard Boltz
DanielLutz
Holt
Richard
Boltz
Ken
Oxman
Johanna Wright
Susan
Garske
Lorie
Campbell
Sally &
Don Radigan Mark Campbell
Daniel
RacheleHolt
& Bob Bohnet
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
January 2013
SA ILING
Youth Sailing
Our Volunteers are working on schedules and plans for
the upcoming sailing season. Each summer we host a camp
for the younger sailors with Introduction to Sailing, a half
Keep your eyes peeled for us please...
day, one week camp in June. Our hope is that those who go
Youth Sailing has changed so much over the
through the intro camp will find it fun enough to join us for
the five day, full day, Learn to Sail Camp. There, the chilyears and so have our needs. For the last few
dren have hands on boat rigging and de-rigging and work
years we have been taking our young sailors
toward learning as many of the skills in the US Small Boat
Red Book as they can accomplish. They will be qualified to
out into the Carquinez Straits once they reach
sail a vessel on their own, in light to moderate winds, within
level of sailing to do so. Our ßeet of RIBS are
that week. The Intermediate Sailing Group will hopefully
old and the engines unreliable. We are always
gain momentum this summer and we’ll be out on the Straits
with the most qualified students that we have. We have
in need of a reliable vessel for use as Safety
advertised in the Benicia Recreation Guide this year and
Boat. We have found a few on the internet,
hope to sell out sooner that usual. We are offering a discount
for our members families until MAY 15, no exceptions. By
but usually miss out because they go so
the time this issue of the WW is published we should have
quickly. We are asking for your help boaters.
the dates for each camp listed on the BYC website. With
the dates, you’ll find detail information about each camp as
If you see a boat or nice engine on the internet
well as the registration and scholarship applications.
or in your neighbors yard, please let Derith
This summer we are looking forward to making use of our
know either by phone or email with a link.
two new (to us) Vanguard 420’s. These boats are sturdy 2
person boats with a simple rig, safe for the beginning sailor
Ideally, weÕd like a Þberglass boat (such as a
AND fast enough to keep the high school and collegiate
Boston Whaler) that could be boarded with
sailor excited! We are very excited to have them!
ease from the water. Please call Derith if you
As Usual, we invite you to help us out.
In whatever capacity that you are willing! We would like to
need more information…
have our registration and direct payment for classes put on
line on the BYC website, can you help us with this? At this
point, our registration is not on line, so we need a person
to collect the mail from the office, keep track of the registration list (because we run on a first to register basis as well as
a Minimum and Maximum number to run each session) and to get the deposit ready for the bank. We always need extra
hands during the camp weeks. You do not have to be a sailor to help with camp, but enjoying children is a must! VolBystudents
Johanna Wright
unteer needs are help with checking
in and out each day, lunch time assistance, playing games, exercising and
on-land “learn to sail” activities. IfApril
you wish,
you
theofinstructors
as an “on-the-water-look-out”
in the chase boat,
2nd markscan
thejoin
start
sailboat racing
every Thursday night through
while the kids sail. Please help us out with one or more camps. While we’d appreciate a commitment for a full one week
September. The Thursday Night Beer Can Races start off the Benicia Marina
session for the benefit of the children, thought we would be thankful to have the extra help if you can only do a day or
Thursday
evenings
at repair
6:00 pm.
Racers
to the Club
around
dusk
to party
three. Before each camp there is the
usual clean
up and
of our
fleet,return
we ALWAYS
welcome
extra
hands
with and
that.
Another way to help is to sponsorhear
a scholarship,
we
offer
one
per
session.
As
a
sponsor
you
will
be
invited
to
our
Award
race results. Everyone is welcome to watch the races and join the sailors in the
dinner where you’ll see first hand the happy students who went through our camps, you’ll receive a letter of thanks from
Lounge
afterwards.
the child that you sponsor, as wellNorton
the reward
knowing
that you might change the life of a child with the gift of knowing
how to sail!
At this time we are a core group of six volunteers, a few of which have been by my side for all of my time as Director and
New racers are very welcome and long-time racers are eager to help beginning racers
some have surpassed my time with being with the program since it first began. Ken Vanstory has taught sailing for our
“Don’t own a boat but still
get going.
Don’ttoown
boatsummer
but stillatinterested
in racing?
Skippers
alwaysbeen
need
crew for
program since YS began, teaching
youngsters
sail aeach
the BYC and
Tim Rose
has always
a contribuinterested in racing?
tor. We have several junior sailors, member Jack Sutter and non-members Thomas Fredericks and Blaise Place, who have
the races. If you have questions about the racing program or are interested in racing,
Skippers
always for
need
been
volunteering
thecrew
last few years, a delight and a huge help. Join this group of volunteers, you’d be pleasantly
contact
Racethe
Chair
Joe Kallios
at 707-628-2914
or aemail
himskill.
at [email protected].
races.”
surprisedfor
bythe
how
much fun and
how great
reward
of teaching
children to sail,
lifelong
Please support our efforts and the wonderful youth that come through the program each summer to learn to sail.
Keep your eye out for upcoming events that will help to promote BYC Youth Sailing.
Racing News
Mark your Calendars!
April 2015
First Friday Cocktail Party - April 3rd
Cruise Out to Emery Cove - April 10-12
Cruise In - CA. Cruising Clippers - April 10-12
Winemaker’s Dinner - April 16
Sunday Brunch of the Month - April 19
BYC Wine and Canvas - April 29
May 2015
First Friday Cocktail Party - May 1
Don’t miss our weekly ongoing fun at the BYC
Weekly Membership Buffet (every Wednesday)
Membership Meeting:
Third Wednesday of each month
Trivia Tuesday
Thursday Night Beer Can Racing
Friday Night One Design Racing
Racing News
By Johanna Wright
April 2nd marks the start of sailboat
racing every Thursday night through
September. The Thursday Night Beer Can
Races start off the Benicia Marina
Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm. Racers
return to the Club around dusk to party
and hear race results. Everyone is
welcome to watch the races and join the
sailors in the Norton Lounge afterwards.
New racers are very welcome and longtime racers are eager to help beginning
racers get going. Don’t own a boat but still
interested in racing? Skippers always need
crew for the races. If you have questions
about the racing program or are
interested in racing, contact Race Chair
Joe Kallios at 707-628-2914 or email him
at [email protected].
Member of the Month:
Penny Stell
Honorable Mentions:
1.The Ladies Room Bathroom
Crew...
2. Pittsburg Cruise Directors
Rachele and Bob Bohnet &
Sally and Don Radigan.
English Rose
Submitted by Chef Daniel
( Not named after the East Coast Tim Rose)
5 ounces gin
2 ounce dry vermouth
2 ounce apricot brandy
1 ounce lemon juice
2 tsp grenadine
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Yield: 2 Cocktails
PREPARATION
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
cubes.
Shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with the maraschino cherry.
G rill ed La mb c ho ps
w ith bay , pap ri ka &
c hi c kp eas
Recipe of the Month
12 quality lamb cutlets, Frenchtrimmed
2 cans chickpeas, drained of their
liquid
Spanish smoked paprika
1 large handful crusty
breadcrumbs
12 large fresh bay leaves
dried oregano
1 clove garlic, finely sliced
½ small onion, finely sliced
extra virgin olive oil
1 red chili, finely sliced
1 green chili, finely sliced
1 small bunch fresh curly parsley,
roughly chopped
yogurt, to serve
Method
This is really quick and easy and could be done for a barbecue if the weather's nice enough.
Lightly bash each chop with a rolling pin to flatten a little. Season well with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Fold
a bay leaf around each one and press it firmly to hold it in place against the meat. (It might snap, but don't worry,
just press each half of the leaf against the meat so it sticks.) Sprinkle with a little oregano.
Griddle the chops in batches for 2 minutes or so on each side for pink, or for longer if you like your meat a little
more cooked. Keep warm while you cook the rest of the chops.
While the chops are cooking, in a wide, non-stick frying pan, gently fry the garlic and onion in a good splash of
olive oil until soft and light brown. Add a pinch of paprika and the chickpeas. Fry for a moment then add the
breadcrumbs. Stir and fry until the chickpeas are warmed through and the breadcrumbs are crispy. Season and
scatter with the sliced chili and parsley.
Serve 3 cutlets per person with a spoonful of chickpeas, a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt and a pinch of smoked
paprika. Enjoy!
PITTSBURG
CRUISE OUT
PITTSBURG CRUISE OUT
FEBRUARY 20-22, 2015
PITTSBURG CRUISE OUT FEBRUARY 20-22, 2015
We had an excellent turnout this year for the Pittsburg
Yacht Club Cruise out. All in all, 15 boats participated as well
as some land cruisers. The weather was fantastic. Half of the
cruisers went up a day early on Thursday. Everyone said that
the Thursday ride up was about as calm as they had every
experienced. We received similar reports from the Friday
travelers. Thursday was a quiet day for most. Some took
walks, others went for bike rides, some got right to the
cocktails, and Richard Boltz decided to wash his boat. The
Bohnet’s dog (Farrah) was so intent on biting the water
stream that she slipped oﬀ the dock and into the water
without her life vest. Note: I believe that cruiser’s dogs do
not qualify for the Shark Award. The early evening found us
heading to the New Mecca for a very hearty dinner. We were
all able to sit together at one large table and had a great time.
Friday was pretty much an “on your own day”. Most had
breakfast on their boats. Walks and bike rides were enjoyed.
We also waited on the dock for the rest of our cruisers to
come in. Everyone ultimately arrived safely and the dock was
Þlled with Benicia Yacht Club boats. With only hours away
from our Pittsburg Yacht Club dinner, it was time to get the
Friday night party started. It was truly a sight to behold when
Photos submitted by Bob
Bohnet
nearly every woman at the Yacht Club dock found a way to
cram into the Sea Shell cockpit. The guys found it best to just
Sea Lions on a calm
day, perfect for a
cruise...
retreat to the back of Karma. Much safer there! Dinner
Nice dinner for our
Cruisers.
hospitality of the Pittsburg Yacht Club. Two land cruisers also
Ladies taking over
Sea Shell
did a pretty good job supporting their bar as well.
consisted of your choice of Pork Loin or Chicken with salad,
mashed potatoes, veggies, desert, and of course, the Þne
joined us, Jacqueline Vullierme and Barbara French. And, we
Saturday, once again, was a “do whatever you feel like
day”. It was a good day for napping for those so inclined.
Continued: PITTSBURG CRUISE OUT
It’s a tough life being a Cruiser. Pre-dinner cocktails preceded
our evening walk to La Veranda for a wonderful dinner. We were
joined for cocktails and dinner by our three newest members,
Bert and Paula Armelino, Jerry Cook and Nancy Comstock, and
Greg and Terry Coleman. As we have become accustomed to, the
dinner and ambiance was amazing and paled only in the
comparison of the company that was kept. We were joined by
land cruisers Commodore Christine and Joe Machado and Steve
Gilliland. After dinner, some chose to attend the movie “Ray”
which was playing at the theater across the street from the
restaurant. Complementary tickets provided by the Pittsburg
Yacht Club were a nice touch. Some stopped by to continue to
support the PYC bar. Others just retired to a relaxing evening
back on their boats. What a nice day.
2015
We had arranged for the club to be opened up on Sunday morning
so that we could enjoy a little breakfast buffet. On the menu was
scrambled eggs, bagels and cream cheese, smoked salmon,
granola, nuts, berries, and yogurt. And, everyone’s favorite,
pineapple and cottage cheese☺. After the breakfast, all the
cruiser’s enjoyed testing their nautical wits against a very heavy
gusting wind that made even getting out of the marina a
challenge. Things did smooth out closer to home and everyone
returned safely.
Thanks to all for coming.
Cruise Directors: Don and Sally Radigan / Bob and Rachele Bohnet
A Happy
Anniversary for
Ross and Ken!
More Photographs...
Pittsburg Docks filled
with BYC Cruisers.
Dining with Friends in
Pittsburg, CA.
Enjoying breakfast at
the
Pittsburg Yacht Club
Spirit of Adventure
different kind of bucking bronco that
was repeatedly dunking me in the
I once rode a mechanical bull. I recall blue waters of the Caribbean. Yup, I
had found my way onto the bow of
thinking that the combined heave,
Spirit of Adventure for the 35th
pitch, and spinning motion make it
anniversary of the famous St.
impossible to stay seated for more
Maarten Heineken Regatta.
than a few seconds. I thought I had
found the perfect machine for tossing Touted as "Serious Fun", the
people off. Then I discovered the
Heineken Regatta has a reputation as
Volvo 60, Spirit of Adventure.
the largest regatta in the Caribbean
and is known for what has to be the
Built at great expense at the last
biggest, most elaborate regatta party
moment for the 2001-2002 Volvo
Ocean Race, Spirit of Adventure, then in the world. The ofÞcial party runs
named Amer Sports One, was a new for four days, longer than the regatta
itself, but the pre-party was still
breed of ocean going race boat,
ringing in my head the Þrst day of the
poised right on the cusp of an
explosion in sailing innovation. Right Gill Commodore's Cup, the ofÞcial
before the ocean racing world went to lead-in race to the three day
Heineken Regatta.
canting keels and hull designs that
looked more like pizza slices, here
was a wide beamed, relatively narrow The 35 knot wind and horizontal rain
transom, state-of-the-art racing yacht at the start of the Commodore's Cup
was doing a good job of clearing my
weighing only 18 tons made of the
head. Suddenly this yacht, which was
toughest, strongest, lightest material
such a pleasure to sail off the wind
in use at the time; a Kevlar epoxy
under a full moon on the delivery from
composite over an aramid
Antigua, had turned into a real
honeycomb core. With most of her
weight in her massive bulb keel hung powerful monster, laid far over under
a deep reefed main and a headsail
12.5 feet below the water and
only slightly larger than a storm jib. I
sporting over a ton of movable water
ballast, her 90 foot tall rig carries very gripped the forestay as the deck once
again disappeared from beneath my
large sails making boat speeds over
feet. I was signaling back to the
20 knots a regular occurrence.
skipper to help weave through a
Skippered by New Zealand's most
starting box Þlled to bursting with
famous sailor, Grant Dalton, Amer
multi-million dollar yachts. There
Sports One found herself on the
were several large Gun Boat
podium in a ßeet of seven very fast
catamarans in the 55 to 75 foot range,
boats at the conclusion of the Volvo
a Volvo 70, two other Volvo 60s,
Ocean Race in 2002.
several exotic high-end race boats, a
super-yacht well over 100 feet, and a
However the boat's history was the
furthest thing from my mind as I found TP 52, the smallest boat in the
starting area. Every time a TP 52
myself standing at the very front of a
comes out to play on the San
Francisco Bay, it turns heads. Here, it
was barely worth noting other than as
one more fast moving obstacle we
needed to avoid.
An ocean racing boat designed for
2000 mile legs is not really all that
quick to maneuver. Without a Þxed
backstay, the timing of securing the
running backstays is critical to safely
tacking or gybing. Miss cranking in
new running backstay in time, or
release the old one too soon, and the
entire carbon rig comes crashing
down over the bow to the tune of half
a million dollars. With an all amateur
race crew, many of whom had less
than a full year's experience sailing,
the skipper decided to take things
slowly and was very careful not to put
the boat in a situation where a fast
maneuver was needed. It was really
quite a change of pace for this dinghy
sailor who is used to split second
tacks and hotly contested start lines.
I couldn’t fault the skippers prudence
however since I spent most of my
time on the foredeck in what would
have been the path of a collapsing rig.
As it turns out, our slow approach to
the start line was for naught. About
30 minutes into the Þrst leg, the jib
exploded in a fury of noise and
Dacron. With the clew pulled clean
off the sail, there was no saving it. I
sprang into action, moved my tether
from the hard eye at the primary
winch onto the jack line and
scampering up to the very bouncy
and wet bow to get the jib down and
secured to the deck. Having to resort
to the storm jib, we were already in
pretty bad shape when the mainsail,
already in the second reef, began to
Continued:
racing was very close and for hours
the boats were within several boat
lengths of each other. Once we
tear. The decision was made to
retire to try and catch the last morning turned the corner and started down
bridge to get the main into the sail loft the other side of the island,
spinnakers came out and the boats
and salvage the next three days of
took off. It is an amazing amount of
our regatta.
work to hoist even an A8 spinnaker up
90 feet of mast.
The party that night, the Þrst ofÞcial
party of the regatta, was beyond any
With beautiful scenery ßowing by the
prior experience of mine. We took a
complementary water taxi from the St. entire time, we sailed to a Þnish at
Simpson Bay, caught the early
Maarten Yacht Club across the
afternoon bridge back in, and
Simpson Lagoon to Cole Bay where
the “Green Experience” kick-off party proceeded to prepare for the Þrst
beach party of the regatta, to be held
was being held. With several
thousand people in attendance and a on the Phillipsburg boardwalk.
Dancing the night away on packed
giant stage belting out dance tunes
sand with thousands of fellow sailors
with a base track that could restart
was quite the treat. The green wash
someone’s heart, Heineken showed
lights everywhere deÞnitely put a
what they were about. A bevy of
Heineken twist to the classic moonlit
dancers in green sequins tossed a
constant stream of branded swag into stroll along the beach as we headed
to catch the shuttle back.
the crowd. Green smoke machines
worked overtime and green confetti
The second day of the regatta
rained down all night long.
boasted more traditional buoy style
racing with long windward/leeward
The next day dawned disturbingly
courses set up and down the western
early, but the crew had been
coast of St. Maarten. Trying to buoy
cautioned about the need to party
race a Volvo 60 is not for the faint of
responsibly and conserve our
heart; or for those without excellent
strength so none of us were too bad
cardiovascular Þtness. At the end of
off except perhaps for our hearing.
With a newly repaired main and more the day, this sailor was really feeling it
and honestly had a hard time getting
reasonable wind speeds in the low
excited about that evening’s party; the
20s, we were able to make good
Þrst night of partying at the headlining
speed with the number 3 jib and a
venue of Kim Shaw Beach where a
double reefed main. The race
full concert stage had been erected
committee called the “round island”
along with two massive VIP lounges
race and we were off, watching the
and about 100 vendor tents. Still, one
fast cats pull away, but duking it out
with the other Volvo 60s and 70. The round of “Shipping up to Boston” was
enough to get the entire crew to hurry
through their excellent dinner at
nearby Toppers and dance the night
away on the white sand.
The racing on the Þnal day was one
long race North to the French side of
St. Martin with a leeward mark near
Grand Case and then back to
Simpson Bay for the Þnal Þnish of the
regatta. Having Þnished nowhere
near the podium, some of the crew
elected to skip the awards ceremony
for one last fabulous dinner and a
chance to Þnally enjoy the famous
Caribbean spiny lobsters. The grand
Þnale was not to be missed though,
so it was back to Kim Shaw Beach to
watch Cool and the Gang take to the
massive stage and close out the
regatta in style!
We woke early the next morning for
the quick delivery back to Antigua that
ended up turning into a story of all its
own. But that is a tale for another
time.
By
Nick
Grebe
1
"
BENICIA YACHT CLUB
2015 Opening Day
May 16, 2015
It seems like spring has arrived early this year. We have already had our first few cruise outs of the year. The weather
has been perfect for getting out on the water. Opening Day on the Straits is coming up fast.
This year’s Opening Day theme is all about getting on the water. One of the first sailing slogans I ever heard was
“ Red Sky at Night a Sailors Delight”. That old saying indicates that a sailor going into an evening red sky will
encounter fair weather and following seas. That’s my wish for the Club. Let’s all go forward into that fair weather,
grow the club through the efforts of all of our members, improve our facilities and our books, enjoy club events, and
get out in the sun and on to the water.
Boaters, Captains and Crews should be able to come up with some interesting themes about “Red Sky at Night a
Sailors Delight” to dress up and decorate their boats for the Blessing of the Fleet parade and contest.
We have a big day planned starting at 10:00am. Please join us on the water or celebrate around the promenade
through out the day. There will be crafts booths on the Benicia Marina green and fun games for the kids. The
official Opening Day Ceremony will be followed by music. We will be having a Blessing of the Fleet, and hosting a
Decorated Boat Parade and contest on the Straits. BYC invites everyone to Dinner prepared by Chef Daniel and
his crew, and then to top off the night Dancing in the Norton Lounge. This should be a fun day for all ages, please
come down to the club, bring your family and friends, and join in on the fun and activities.
We are looking for volunteers for the weekend before for our annual sprucing up of the grounds as well as for set
up and tear down on the day of the event. Please give me a call or send me an email. Thank You in advance.
Thank You
Richard Boltz – Vice Commodore
Email: [email protected]
Joe Machado
Gary Coverdale
Greg Kennedy
Richard Boltz
Herman Brinkman
Chavoya Cabrini
Charles Reed
Steve Marshall
Theresa Sola
Roberta Bennett
Michael Calderman
Larry Miller
Bill Williams
Ken Giusti
Don Murray
Connie Coughlin
Roberta Mc Donough
BYC MEMBERS BIRTHDAYS
04/01
04/02
04/02
04/03
04/03
04/03
04/03
04/04
04/04
04/08
04/09
04/15
04/16
04/17
04/18
04/19
04/20
Phil Joy
Ken Oxman
Gabriella Pyle
James Peterson
Lars Ekdahl
Larry Petrie
Gerald Martin
Robert Cates
Leeann Cawley
Heather Todd-Heiser
Don Turner
Ann Holland
Henrietta Ruiz
Candy Garnett - Burrows
Don Scott
Dorothy Szabo
Michelle Munn
04/21
04/21
04/21
04/23
04/24
04/24
04/26
04/29
04/29
04/30
05/02
05/03
05/03
05/05
05/05
05/06
05/07
Nichole Russell
Monica Griswold
Cheryl Kleinschmidt
Sharon Stewart
Jeane Corcoran
John Dillow
Jeanne Ekdahl
Julie Thomas
Sam Brenes
Tara Keefe
Robert Ritter
Renee Amaro
05/07
05/09
05/09
05/10
05/11
05/11
05/12
05/12
05/13
05/13
05/15
05/16
“Wine and Canvas

Join us on Saturday, April 25,
2015, in the Regatta Room to
meet artists from Plein Art
Gallery, local artists and BYC’s
own Terry Hughes.

Artists will be presenting
Nautical themed artwork.

Enjoy a painting exhibition
by several artists.

Complimentary wine and
hors-d’oeuvres will be
served from 2-4:30 p.m.

Invite your friends to spend a
Saturday afternoon at the Benicia Yacht Club.
Benicia Yacht Club
400 East Second Street
Benicia, CA 94510
Bob Bohnet’s Joke for the Month of April
A magician was working on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Each week he would have a
different audience. So the magician allowed himself to do the same tricks over and over
again. There was only one problem: The Captain's parrot saw the shows each week and
began to understand how the magician did every trick. Once he understood he started
shouting in the middle of the show:
"Look, it's not the same hat."
"Look, he is hiding the flowers under the table."
"Hey, why are all the cards the Ace of Spades?"
The magician was furious but couldn't do anything about it.
After all, it is the Captain's parrot.
One day the ship had an accident and sank. The magician was left adrift on a piece of wood
in the middle of the ocean with, of course, the parrot. They stared at each other with hate,
but did not utter a word. This went on for a day, then another, and another.
Finally, after a week the parrot broke the silence and said:
"OK, I give up. What’d you do with the ship?"
Editors Note:
Advertising Space is Available In the WindWord
Ad Size.
Monthly Annual
2”x2”.
$20.
$220
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from Derith Please contact
Mike Mathews 745-0610.
An apology to any of you whose articles did not make into last months WW. Biography’s for the candidates took up a bit of space in the last edition and we could not get all of the stories in, we have included
your articles in this edition.
Full Line
Dog & Cat
There is a lot of work that goes into getting thePet
WindStore
Word to you. With each edition that I Grooming
have done, it
has gotten easier, though it is still very time consuming. I am hoping that there is a member out there that
would consider coming on board to help with putting out the WW in 2015. I am willing to help you get
started! I also encourage having a team to sell advertising to defray the cost of future editions.
Inc.
w w w . b e n i c i a y a c h t c l u b . c o m
With that said, I am concerned that the WW is set to go on line only. It has been a topic of discussion
before my taking over for HR as Editor. My concern is for the many members who do not have internet
access and those not familiar with the internet itself, that may notKaren
search forHubbard
the BYC website and the
Wind Word. Without the phone tree, our only news update to our Owner/Vice
members isPresident
the Scuttlebutt, also an
1202 E. Fifth
707 745-5016
internet based informational blast.
Benicia, CA 94510
800 331-6702
www.feathererpet.com
Fax: 707
It would be much more cost effective to post on line only. Would you go
on line and read it? Would you miss getting
this 747-2933
in the
mail and reading it as a print material? Think about that and let the board know your thoughts about the Wind Word’s future.
Because of the low number of readership that we have, membership is just over 200, we are not in competition with other local
newspapers and publications as far as advertising goes. I do believe that we could do a better
job to gain
advertisement with our
Kemper
Painting
low costs and help defray the cost of this paper. If you would like to advertise and would like more information, please feel free to
Contractor’s License #769117
contact me or the board about this matter. .... Contact Mike Mathews at 707-745-0610.
Residential and Commercial
I will be accepting LETTERS TO THE EDITOR about the future of the WW and anything else that you would like to discuss.
As I mentioned before, I would love to hear from you. All articles will be considered for print though member and mariner related
Phone (707) 745-2087
articles will take priority and preference.
Free Estimates
Fax (707) 747-9620
Cell (707) 322-0468
Project-by-Project Marketing Solutions
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