sou’wester • april 2011 • page 1

May 2011 Official Publication ofAlamitos Bay Yacht Club

Volume 84 • Number 5

Manager’s Corner ............................................. 2Commodore’s Compass.................................... 2Vice Verses ....................................................... 3Rear View .......................................................... 4Fleet Captain’s Log ........................................... 4Pages of History ............................................. 6-7Junior Sailing..................................................... 8Spring Spruce Up ....................................... 10-11Membership .................................................... 12Fleet News ................................................. 13-15

i n s i d ei n s i d ei n s i d ei n s i d ei n s i d es as as as as a vvvvv e t h e d ae t h e d ae t h e d ae t h e d ae t h e d a t et et et et eFamily Movie Night ....................................... May 6Mother’s Day Brunch.................................... May 8ABYC Open House .................................... May 14Sou’wester Deadline .................................. May 21Memorial Day Regatta & Party .......... May 28 & 29Moth Reception - All Members .................... June 3Int’l Moth National Regatta .......................June 3-5Junior Parent Orientation Dinner ................ June 9

Jeff Merrill photo

bruncheaster

Neither rain, nor mist, nor costume confusion could put a damperon the ABYC Easter Brunch! The important things were still inplace: a huge variety of tasty food, good friends and family, and

lots of mimosas.Preparation for this event began at the club on Saturday morning

when a hard working dedicated crew arrived to set the scene. I arrivedlate and was not surprised to find Lori Van Skyhock had come bright andearly to supervise and get things going. As I emerged on the seconddeck, the buzz of activity included Jennifer Kuritz vacuuming, and SteveKuritz and Mike Bauman moving furniture and setting up tables. BonnieRobertson, who had brought in her unlimited supply of decorations, satbrushing pastel chalk on 100 lilies. Meanwhile in the office Stacy Masseywas calling members with reservations to make sure we had enoughlarge tables set up. I tried to make myself useful by assuming the role ofnumber one “gofer.”

Then came the main event, Easter Sunday! The juniors, underthe watchful eye of Linda Peoples came early this time to hide eggs in thevery misty ABYC yard. They then came inside to dry off and help serveand bus tables. Board members Jon Robinson, Ken Reiff and Ed Spotskeyprepared to pour mimosas, and help wherever needed. John Masseystood by to help where needed and Bill McDannel made sure the liquid refreshments were adequately flowing.

Guests entered the beautifully decorated room to the strains ofthe piano music of Cornelius Herring. They were greeted and seatedby Chris Erickson and Stacy Massey. As the brunch came out of thekitchen the volunteer servers took their places. Serving were Kathyand Samantha Robinson, Bob and Georgina Anderson, and Jenniferand Steve Kuritz. The mighty juniors took up their serving spoon andbusing tubs and prepared to go to work. I of course took up my usualjob of, you guessed it, #1 gofer.

Excitement and anxiety built in the room when it began to reallyrain and the juniors considered retrieving the outdoor eggs. Notnoticeably deterred by weather considerations, Stu Robinson went downto prepare himself for his debut as the Easter Bunny. But when thebunny came forth to the excited squeals of the children he also heardthe gasps and giggles of the startled parents. It seems in his haste toget dressed Stu had put the bunny suit on backwards! Fortunately heremained in the lobby (before going to turn his suit around) long enoughfor some great photos to be taken.

Kelli Clinton photo

...continued page 9

Rain on Easter? Spencer Clinton and Bret Peoples waitfor the OK to hunt eggs in the boatyard. Rain didn’tbother them!

Lori VanSkyhock photo

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compasscommodore’s

cornermanager’s

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the club in better shape. Construction is complete for the most part, newpaint and upgrades at every turn. There are too many individuals to thank personally for theirefforts, but the “committee’s” involved in all aspects of the construction should be proud of their

efforts.The new elevator and restrooms got their first introduction to our incredible Social Events, at this

past weekend’s Easter Brunch. Not even threatening skies could put a damper on the festivities andEaster Egg Hunt.

Along with our fantastic SAC group and the ABYC staff we were able to provide an array of greatfood, wonderful entertainment and a real family atmosphere for almost 300 members and guest. Thanksto all who helped make this Easter Brunch another excellent social event.

One of my favorite events of the year is Opening Day. This year’s production should be exceptional. With constructioncomplete, the patio and yard in great shape, and what sounds like a record breaking “raft up” I anticipate a club full of proudmembers, Long Beach dignitaries, and a staff ready to begin another season of ABYC hospitality.

A new part time addition to the ABYC staff is “Chef Jamie” a recent culinary school graduate and peninsula resident.Jamie will be helping Jesus and myself in developing new innovative menus and meals for club events and outside cateringas well. Please make a point of welcoming Jamie to our club if you have the opportunity.

See you around the Club.Kelly Whitlow

Spring Spruce Up was a huge success, way to go V/C Jon Robinson and Jr. S/C JohnMassey for organizing the day. Thank you to all of the wonderful ABYC volunteers whocame down to the Club to make us look wonderful. I can’t remember a time when everything

looked so good, our remodel phase is behind us and there is fresh paint and polished silver, theburgees are back up on the walls and our exterior landscaping looks tremendous. Perfect timingfor Opening Day and to have us ready for the summer sailing season, come on down and take yourboat for a sail, get something to eat in the galley and just hang out at the sailing center of theuniverse!The Board of Directors met in April and we approved seven new members: welcome Michael

Gebb, Sanjai Kohli, Jake Muhleman, Donald Michaelis (welcome back!), James Thompson,Michael Brownell as well as Micheal Lanterman. We also posted seven new Regular applicants and two new Yachtingapplicants. We are having a one day membership drive with our Open House on May 14th so if you have any goodprospects please invite them to attend our gala festivities and learn all of the advantages of ABYC membership. Thank youto our hard working team of membership Director Jim Grubbs and membership Chair, Terri Bishop.

The April General Membership was hosted by the Juniors’ and I understand it was a great meeting including a 50/50 raffle to raise money for the Junior Fund. Thank you Juniors and parents, you really are the beating heart that pumps lifeinto ABYC and one of the reasons our family-first environment is so attractive to members of all ages.

Our traditional Easter Brunch was another great ABYC gathering including a visit by EB himself – another greatturn out and fun family event.

Opening Day occurs after the deadline for article submission, but Staff Commodore Jim Bateman has us alldialed in and I’m sure next month we will have a full report with photos of a wonderful day.

The online roster continues to delight our members and much of what we used to print in the annual yearbook isalso being added to the Members section of the website. ABYC.org is your go to resource for information about the Clubplease book mark it (you will notice that we now have our burgee as the web book mark icon) and visit it often. We havealso added an easy link for you to renew your US Sailing membership – more about this great new feature from MemberServices Director Sheila Mattox in next month’s Sou’Wester.

Our Elevenator is in service, finally! Come on down and take a ride. This should make ABYC much more attractivefor our veteran members who don’t need the exercise of climbing up and down the stairs and make our facility moreattractive for all kinds of events.

The ABYC Open House is coming up soon, on Saturday May 14th. S/C Chuck Hardin and Jr. S/C John Masseyhave been working hard to put together a fun day of activities and camaraderie so please come down to ABYC and bringfamily, friends and potential new members down to the Club for the day.

The current fiscal year race to October, 2011 finds us completing a beautiful jibe set at the second windward mark.The race is half over and team ABYC continues to increase our lead over the competition.

I am available by cell phone 949.355.4950 and email jeffcmerrill@gmail.com and always welcome your ideas andsuggestions. Thank you! “ABYC is the place to BE”

Jeff Merrill

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2009/10OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

Commodore Jeff Merrilljeffcmerrill@gmail.com

Vice Commodore Jon Robinsonsanilex@verizon.net

Rear Commodore Mike Baumannmichael_baumann@mac.com

Jr. Staff Commodore John Masseyjfmasseysr@mac.com

Fleet Captain Jennifer Kuritzkuritz@earthlink.net

Secretary Ed Spotskeyespotman@aol.com

DirectorsJunior Program Pat McCormick

patricknmnmcormick@yahoo.comMembership/Recruiting Jim Grubbs

jamesbgrubbs@msn.com

Volunteers/Member Services/Legal Ken Reiffkenreiff@gmail.com

Treasurer George Kornhoff/Mary Montz

Junior Commodore Elle Merrill

Fleet Surgeon Dr. Allan Rosenberg

Judge Advocate Tom Ramsey

Port Captain Dave Myers

Sou’wester Editor/Layout Sharon Pearson

ABYC Phone (562) 434-9955Fax (562) 434-2267Homepage www.abyc.orgEmail abyc.abyc.@gmail.com

Sou’WSou’WSou’WSou’WSou’Westeresteresteresterester DEADLINEDEADLINEDEADLINEDEADLINEDEADLINEMay 21, 2011 is the deadline

for the June Sou’Wester.

Help us to Help you!Help us to Help you!Help us to Help you!Help us to Help you!Help us to Help you!Please keep your e-mail address currentwith merle@aspermail.com to receive allof the weekly news and events. Thank you.

versesvice

Spring has sprung, now we are on the opening days of summer. Well we are not there yetbut we have finished construction. Yahoo! The club can get back to normal or next tonormal. Actually the restrooms are not completely finished they are more of a work in

progress. You will see the little touches that Kathy Black, Stacy Conn and crew are bringing to theclub. I think that you will like what you see over the next few months.Spring Spruce Up was a real hit. We really accomplished a lot of projects. Most importantly wewere able to clean the trophy cases. We cleaned and polished the trophies and placed them in thecases. They really look great. We also painted the bench and retaining wall at the end of theQuarter Deck. It looks great. The sabot dollies had the carpet replaced and wheels replaced whereneeded. The grounds were weeded and cleaned. New flowers placed along the water. Mostimportantly we had a great bar-b-que for lunch. Thank you to all of the volunteers.

The yard is in good shape but needs a little rearrangement. We are coming up on a new season for sailing and asummer of fun. We have added 3 new spots on the rail for the Rail Rider program and we filled them up.

And then there is the east yard, we are cleaning out the east yard and will be offering Valet Boat Parking. We will bedense packing the east yard and all you will need to do is call ahead and your boat will be ready when you arrive. This is nota new concept we did it in our past and it was successful. We got away from it when our wait lists went to zero but now wehave lists we need to reinstate the program.

Since it is the summer season, we will be more diligent about boats that are in the yard that do not have spaces orhave not registered with the office for short-term stays. Please see the yard rules posted in the glass case.

If you have any questions about any of the programs please call Sheila at 434-9955. She and I speak several timesper week and I will be available to help.

Looking to the future, I will continue make regular yard walks. Work toward better yard and house security. Makemore boat storage available to members. Upgrade facilities to better serve the membership.

ABYC is the place to be. See you around the club.Jon Robinson

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viewrear

logfleet captain’s

May is when your club gets into its summer mode, and things start to focus around a lotmore sailboat racing. Twilight have started, Memorial Day, the first of the summerholiday series weekends is coming up soon, and the Junior Program is registering kids for

the summer program. We also have a handful of National and Class Championships sprinkledthroughout the season. This year we start with the Moth Nationals, and the US Sailing Stevens andAlter Cup Championships, with the Finn and Olson 30 classes following along later in the summer.All our sailing events at ABYC include some form of reception, dinner, dance, or party of sort, and of

course you are invited! You or I may not be a champion catamaran sailor (well, considering themembership at our club, a large number of you are that good, but bear with me.) You or I may not be,but we can certainly hang out with, and learn from those elite sailors, and our social events are the

time and place for just that.I encourage you to stop by our reception and dinner / dance evenings we have lined up in the next few months. Our

food is always good, and priced below what you would have to pay at a commercial restaurant, our entertainment will bevaried, and from top-notch performers, and of course the company, your fellow ABYC sailors, is without parallel.

To do a quick recap, coming up we have an Open House Sat 14th, Memorial Day Regatta, Country BBQ, Saturdaythe 28th, Moth Nationals Reception (dinner and music) Friday June 3rd, US Sailing Stevens and Alter Championships, withreceptions and dinners between June 11th and 18th. Mens Day Regatta and Fathers Day Picnic the weekend of June 18-19,and ABYC’s Long Beach Race Week Party Friday June 24th

Mike Baumann

Spring Spruce Up was front and central this month with TONS of work being completed onour equipment fleet. Many many thanks to all of you that volunteered and made the day(week)such a success. Very special thanks to Duncan Harrison for this great advise on the

various repair and painting projects. The BAY BARGE received a new coat of paint on her deckand the old equipment box was replaced by a cooler similar to the one used on PATIENCE. All thewhalers received a lot of tender loving care. They were all scrubbed and many repairs were completed.Whaler 3 had the fishing deck removed and looks like a new boat. Sydney-T and Outrage hadthorough clean ups, rust removal and hardware replacement. Both also had upgrades to the double-hull draining system which should help them operate more efficiently. Whaler 4 received new bottompaint and a hole found in her patched.

PATIENCE had a good spring cleaning which uncovered some wood rot under a starboard side window. Duncancame to the rescue and dug out the rot so it could dry and will complete the repair.

Rick and Reggie plan to finish the bottom paint jobs on the remaining whalers prior to start of the Junior Program. Ifyou have any free time during the week and would like to help, please give them a call.

We’ve been have some trouble with a few engines. Whaler 4 would not start the Sunday after Spruce-up (tooclean?). Also, two of the junior whalers would not start. We’re having all three inspected by a professional mechanic to seeif repairs are worth the cost. We are also exploring other options for potential engine purchases. I will provide progressreports on the repairs/purchases as the BOD makes decisions.

So, what’s on the calendar after Opening Day? We have very busy schedule for the next few months. Please letme know if you’d like to volunteer!

• Area J O’Day Single Handed Qualifier – May 7• Walt Elliott Challenge – May 14• Memorial Day Regatta – May 28 & 29• Moth National Championship – June 4 & 5• US Sailing Youth Multihull Regatta – June 10 to 13• US Sailing Alter Cup – June 14 to 18• Long Beach Race Week – June 24 to 26

Jennifer Kuritz Whether you are a judge, interested in becominga judge, or a sailor who would like to improveyour rules knowledge, this is for you. U.S. Sail-

ing will present a Racing Rules workshop and test July 16and 17 at Del Rey Yacht Club. The workshop will be heldSaturday and the test, for those who want to take it, will beSunday. You may enter on line at www.ussailing.org.

rulesracing

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droppingsboard

Commodore Jeff Merrill called the meeting to order at 1900 hours with directors Mike Baumann,Jim Grubbs, Jennifer Kuritz, John Massey, Pat McCormick, Ken Reiff, Jon Robinson and KenReiff in attendance. Also in attendance were George Kornhoff, Mary Montz, Stacy Massey, Kelly

Whitlow and Staff Commodores Ron Fox, Chas Merrill, Jim Morford and Nicole Peoples.Stacy Massey gave a presentation on the Facebook page she has developed for the Club.Jim Grubbs presented the names of Robert Bates, Michael Brownell, Michael Gebb, Michael Lanterman, Sanjai

Kohli, Stephen Odom and James Thompson for posting as Regular Members.Approved for Regulars Members were Frank Balle, Chris Crosley, Nathan Dalleska, Peter Fyre, Rob Hartman,

Donald Michaelis and Steve Myrter.Approved for Yachting Members were Jared Gargano and Jake Muhleman.Thank You letters were received from Jerelyn Biehl for the Club’s support of the CISA Clinic. A Thank You letter was

received from the Children’s Clinic for our supportThe Treasurers, George Kornhoff and Mary Montz said the Club is performing well against the budget and encouraged

them to continue being attentive to the budget.Money was approved to replace the glass doors and shelves in the lobby trophy cases with tempered safety glass.Ken Reiff reported that the Club renovation was virtually complete with just some minor adjustments to be made.The meeting was adjourned at 2215 hours.Jim Morford

SUPER SABOT SERIES FINISHES IN A WHISPERWith barely enough wind to allow for all three final races to berun, the eight month long “Super Sabot Saturday” series,

sponsored by the Balboa Yacht Club, completed it’s sequence of eighteenraces this past Saturday, April 16, 2011 with short, in-harbor courses thattook some two hours of crafty sailing. Twenty five adult men and womensailors known as the “Briny Bunch” have competed on the third Saturdayof each month since last September.

It was the fourteenth running of this traditional regatta and thefinal day was composed of fifteen entries, which happened to be themost of any of the preceeding races of the entire series. Saturday’s racefeatured the surprise last minute entry of Mark Gaudio, possessor of fourteen Sabot National Championships. Mark waschallenged by local hot shot Molly Lynch who claimed first for the day posting four points and did not factor in the rankings ofthe year long event. The Andrews Perpetual was won by Terese Ivory of Bahia Corinthian and Alamitos Bay Yacht Clubs witha total of 69 points. Nancy Mellon, Bob Reilly, Lynn Acosta and Beverly Roberts (all from BYC) followed in 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5thplaces.

This was the first time in the history of the “SSS” that a club other than Balboa took away the top prize. Mrs. Ivory, nowin her middle forties, began her career at age eight within the BCYC junior sailing program and presently has children sailingfor Corona del Mar High School and Alamitos Bay and Bahia Corinthian Yacht Clubs.

Terese Ivory (left) wins the Andrews Perpetual.

seriessuper sabot

On March 23rd a VIP group consisting of some veryrecognizable Olympic champions including; GymnastBart Conner, Swimmer Donna Devarona and Decathlete

Rafer Johnson, visited ABYC on a mission to help Los Angeleswin the bid for the 2015 Special Olympics. Mike Segerblom wasthe host and the tour included a visit to the Belmont Pier (we watchedthe Congressional Cup) ABYC, and the USSCLB. If LA wins thebid (we are up against Capetown, South Africa) ABYC will be thehost site for the sailing portion of the Special Olympics. ABYC wasrepresented by several staff commodores: Jim Bateman, ChasMerrill and Dick Landes, plus Vice Commodore Jon Robinson and Commodore Jeff Merrill (photographer).

olympicsspecial

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 6

of historyfrom the pages

...continued next page

Three decades, three SOU’WESTERs; some similarities, some differences. But spring was in the air and on the pagesof history.

THIRTY YEARS AGO:Commodore Langdon Parrill called chairman Don Brown “the Flap Jack King” (and called Robin Lounsberry and CathyBlack “the Bobbsey Twins”) in writing of the Easter Brunch in his “Commodore’s Comments” in the SOU’WESTER of May,1981. “We served what seemed to be a million people,” wrote Robin elsewhere in the newsletter, “but (it) fell somewherearound the 300 mark.” The menu in those days prominently featured pancakes; there was also an Easter-egg hunt, and theEaster Bunny’s special assistant was Grant Hill that year.

The Brunch was preceded by not one but two racing clinics, both led by Dave Perry. One was the “Junior OlympicAdvanced Seminar” put on by CISA, the California International Sailing Association. Of interest is the identity of the otherCISA instructor for that event: it was none other than Gary Jobson, now President of US SAILING. ABYC shared hostingduties for this CISA clinic with Long Beach Yacht Club.

The other event—and a bigger one—was ABYC’s own Easter clinic. Sailed in Naples Sabots for three days and inSnipes, Laser IIs and 470 for two more, it was attended by 36 ABYC Juniors and another ten from other clubs. The ABYCmembers responsible for organizing this clinic were Marylee Goyan, Joe and Mary Riddick, Jody and Tom Ramsey, ChasMerrill and Tony and Jim Morford.

Among the instructors lined up for the summer Junior Sailing Program were Bob Martin, former captain of the UCLAsailing team, and Walter Johnson, the Cal State Long Beach sailing team captain and a former Leeway instructor...amongthose moving on to the regional qualifiers for USYRU championships included Paul Anctil and Kevin Goyan, both hoping tosail for the Smythe Trophy; Mike Sentovich and Mike Goyan, hoping to go to the Bemis finals; and a team of Ron Rosenberg,Chris Redman, Brian Hosfield and Andy Merrill, trying to qualify to sail for the Sears Cup...Sandy Toscan ran a story updatingmembers as to the progress toward the 1984 Olympic Regatta; for the 1981 Pre-Olympic regatta, all racers would behosted at ABYC while the race committee would be domiciled at LBYC...

TWENTY YEARS AGO:The SOU’WESTER for May, 1991, was huge for the times: twelve pages and three inserts, including a four-page NOR forthe Memorial Day Regatta with original artwork on the cover. There were reports from nearly every fleet in the club, includingone from Judy Mathias on behalf of the Sabotiers, Steve Flam for the Snipes, Bruce Golison for the Cal 20s, DianneGonzales for the C-15s and Chris Reno for the J/24s. Chris Ericksen wrote two fleet reports, one for the Lido fleet and onefor the Olympic Classes Fleet.

This last fleet reported big attendance by its members at the 1991 Olympic Classes Regatta, reportedly the largestOCR in ABYC’s history. Pease and Jay Glaser won the Tornado class, which was also sailed in by Pete Melvin and TimCarter; John Wysockey with Latham Bell and Chris Ericksen with Doug Miller sailed Stars. Keith Dodson teamed up withMike Bartell in a 470, and Jackie Golison sailed in a mixed 470 team with Bryant Sih. Jerry Thompson apparently sailed aFinn, and Europe dinghies—then pretty new—included Ruth Paulling (now Ruth Schock) and Robin Townsend as skippersin the fleet. Not to be left behind, Jay Golison and Claudia Dodson raced Snipes, but not with each other.

Margie E. Brown, then a vice-president of the United States Yacht Racing Union (USYRU), penned a full-pageexplanation of a new USYRU initiative. Called the Golden Anchor program, it allowed yacht-club members to join or renewmembership in USYRU through their yacht club: the club would collect annual dues with the members’ monthly duespayment, then bundle all into one check to USYRU; members would get a discount on their dues, and ABYC would get tenbucks in credit toward USYRU goods and services for every member. (This program exists today under the name ofMember Partner Program, and ABYC still participates).

Margie also wrote an article rounding up volunteers for the next big regatta on ABYC’s calendar: the 1991 ISAFWorld Women’s Championship; Sue Crockett was general chair, and over 100 women from Europe, Asia and the Americawere expected...painting inside and out, including of the Sabot ramp and the hulls of the Bay Barge, were completed duringthe Spring Spruce-Up (dubbed “SSU’91"); Ron Fox led a team that removed all the rubrails from the club’s three Whalers,reglassed the gunwales and installed new rub rails...the Snipe fleet hosted a junior regatta for nine teams; the big winner,however, was Charles Wohl, who got a new Ullman Snipe jib for having loaned his boat to the winning team.

TEN YEARS AGO:The largest CISA Clinic ever—120 kids—descended upon ABYC in April, according to the SOU’WESTER of May of thatyear. The event featured several ABYC Juniors and ABYC member Pease Glaser as a speaker for one of the eveningprograms. Besides being huge, it was declared “the best Clinic we’ve ever had” by a CISA Director (and the dad of anattendee).

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 7

historym o r e ...from page 6

Speaking of ABYC Juniors, the kids had two events scheduled. One was a gala carwash to be held in the ABYCparking lot as a fund raiser; the other was a chance to “enjoy an ocean-front miniature golf course” on the second deck of theclubhouse. Summer had to be near at hand as the SOU’WESTER included the invitation to participate in the ABYC SummerJunior Sailing Program to start in mid-June.

The Easter Brunch was run under the general supervision of ABYC Vice Commodore Chuck Hardin, who tasked outmajor portions of the event. The club was decorated by Stacy Conn, her parents Eric and Barbara and Stacy’s “best friendKelly”; the kitchen crew was also a family affair, based on the Morfords—Jim, Toni, Jared and Brooke—and reinforced bysoon-to-be son-in-law Tom Jolly. Servers included Nita Hardin and Yvonne Lindemann; Chris Ericksen served as “maître d’hôtel” and Todd and Cathy Black supervised parking.

Over 100 boats in nine classes participated in the 2001 Olympic Classes regatta; there were three circles, oneeach PRO’ed by Jerry Montgomery, Mark Townsend and Mike Segerblom, and ABYC members medaled in Snipe (gold)and Star (silver)...new Sailing Instructions, including the new starting system adopted by ISAF—and modified by ABYC—were ready to go in time for the ABYC Memorial Day Regatta, according to ABYC Fleet Captain Kevin Ellis; the systemhad been used at the OCR, just weeks in advance of the official effective date. Chuck and Nita Hardin reported onhaving attended the US SAILING spring meeting; they were there on behalf of ABYC to accept the US SAILING One-Design Class Council Regatta of the Year award for the 2000 Turkey Day Regatta.

Chris Ericksen, Club Historian

OPEN HOUSE - MAY 14 beginning at NoonABYC is planning to conduct an Open House for our friends and neighbors.A number of years have passed since the last occasion, and all the recollections are that it was successful and a lot

of fun. Plans include a BBQ and Fleet demonstrations. We will have tours of our facility noting the addition of our remodeland the new elevator. We look forward to offering a demonstration sail, on Cal-20 and/or Lido-14. Tours of the bay andNaples using our Whaler Outrages will be scheduled. The Walt Elliot Regatta will be taking place as well as other activitiesthat might just show off the appeal of joining our club.

Our main focus is to use the Open House as an opportunity to engage possible new members and dispel the notionthat you need a boat to be a member of ABYC. To sweeten the suggestion of membership, the board has approved theaction of the membership committee to offer a special one day only membership offer for $500.00. Remember May 14thNoon Open House.

For further information contact: John Massey, Chuck Hardin, Jim Grubbs, Terri Bishop, any Board Member or FlagOfficer.

houseopen

ABYC Juniors Who Participated in the PCISAPacific Coast Championships

Team SailorCorona del Mar Tyler MacDonaldLong Beach Poly Palmer Luckey

Alex NewtonClaire Paice

Los Alamitos Brian MacLeanJohn McInerneyElle MerrillSunny Scarbrough

Newport Harbor Daniel SegerblomSage Hill Nick RammingWilson Mike Anctil

Marissa GolisonSteven HopkinsSavannah Robinson

Congratulations to all of these great kids and their teams for qualifying to participate in the Championships!If you want to find out more about this event go to www.uscsailing.org/pccs

participantsjunior

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 8

(junior sailing)the bay clogger

rafflejunior

2011 Summer Junior ProgramWe are pleased to announce the 2011 Alamitos Bay Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program!After an incredibly successful program last summer, we are excited for what is to

come for the 2011 summer season. With Sabot and Laser Nationals just down the road fromus, we have some great regattas and we are putting together a fantastic staff that will surelymake this summer one of the best. The summer program sign up form is available in themain office of ABYC or online at http://www.abyc.org. Fill them out and turn them in to themain office at ABYC. Word of mouth has always been our best advertiser, so please help usspread the news about our program and keep the ball rolling on our growth and success!

Remember our parent meeting date is June 9th @ 6:00pm - Parent Orientation Meeting (for new sailors and parents). CISA Wrap Up

We were excited to have six ABYC sailors participate in this year’s CISA clinic held out of ABYC. This clinic isdesigned for the best of the best US junior sailors and every year only a relatively small selection of sailors are accepted in.The sailors representing ABYC at the clinic this year were Jack Jorgensen (29er), Maddie Dieffenbach (CFJ), SavannahRobinson (CFJ), Riley Gibbs (C420), Matt McDermaid (C420), and Marissa Golison (C420). This is the second most sailorswe have had accepted into the clinic since we had nine in 2008. The clinic consisted of coaching from some of the nation’sbest talent as well as a regatta at the end. Results can be seen on: http://www.cisasailing.org/images/stories/cisa_clinic_results_2011.htm

CISA (California International Sailing Association) was founded in 1971 and is a non-profit organization that seeks tohelp sailors (primarily juniors) excel. Unlike other nations, the U.S. has no federally supported assistance programs for itsamateur sportsmen or for the development of young talent. CISA helps fill this void by putting together these clinics, offeringgrants and scholarships, and providing support at large youth events such as Orange Bowl.ABYC purchases a second CFJ with help from the Junior Fund!ABYC is proud to announce the acquisition of our second club FJ. A 2004 boat with racing sails, we hope this will serve asa competitive racing charter FJ for our sailors. This was made possible by the donations of our many families and yacht clubmembers donating to the junior fund. A simple donation of $5, $7.50, or $10 per month goes a long way for us when we havea lot of donors. We are looking to buy one more FJ and another sabot trailer, so please consider checking the box on yourmonthly bill and if you are not a member, consider donating a yearly donation of $60-$120 to help us continue to grow theprogram in these tangible ways.

Also, thank you to Lynda Peoples and the ABYC Junior Board for organizing our first 50/50 raffle at the last generalmembership meeting. Over $400 of tickets were bought and Cameron Bloemeke, a junior, and his family won the raffle (theydonated over half of their winnings back to the junior fund). Thank you to Therese Ivory for the idea and to all the membersand guests who bought tickets!ABYC’s Match Racing Team

We are excited to field our first junior match racing team representing ABYC in the better part of a decade.Congratulations to Riley Gibbs, Steven Hopkins, Matt McDermaid, and Rob Rice for being accepted into the Balboa YachtClub Youth Match Race Clinic May 13th-15th. They will participate in two days of practice and clinics and one day of racingagainst 9 other teams from throughout the country.

The winner of the event will go on to qualify for the 2011 Governor’s Cup, the oldest match racing event for juniors inthe country and an ISAF Grade 3 Match Racing Event. Wish our guys luck!Used Boats for Sale

If you know of a boat for sale or if you’re interested in buying one, email me a premade listing and I will be puttingtogether a list for our parent base. Please include desired price or buying range and as many specifics about the boat aspossible. It is much easier to find the right homes for boats if we know what is included, what type of boat it is and how muchthe asking price is. Email listings to abyc.jrprogram@gmail.com!

Brad Schaupeter, Sailing Director

50/50 Raffle – A Huge Success!The first of many 50/50 raffles was held at the April membership meeting hosted by the Jr. Fleet. Thank you to all inattendance for your generous donations. We sold $405.00 worth of tickets. Cameron Bloemeke was the lucky

winner of $203.00! Cameron then turned right around and donated more than half of his winnings back to the Jr. Program!Way to go Cameron! At the end of the evening, $305.00 was earned for the Jr. Fund. Thank you to all who participated!

Lynda Peoples

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 9

easterm o r e ...from page 1

Lori VanSkyhock photos

Suit corrected, the bunny proceeded out to the slightly soggy egg hunt.Fortunately the rain had returned to its misty state and the kids didn’t mind at all.

Looking back I must admit that of all of the ABYC Easter Brunches with whichI have been involved, this is definitely one I will not forget!

Sue McDannel

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 10

spruce upspring

Spring Spruce Up was once again an example of just why ABYC is sucha marvelous club. Each year volunteers cheerfully roll up their sleevesand bore into projects to ready the club facility for Opening Day (April 30)

and the summer sailing season. This year had a bit of a twist about it, as we hadjust completed sign off acceptance on our remodeling and elevator project. Manythings which had been dislocated during construction needed to be returned totheir original order. Case in point is the return of the trophies. Under the watchfuleyes of Carol Kofahl, (Chairman of Perpetual Trophies), each trophy wasextracted from storage, cleaned and polished, then returned to its rightful placein the freshly painted display cases. The case shelving plus the door glass (andthere is a lot of it) was tackled by Dick Landis and crew. On the Second Deck,

Kathy Black Smith andStacy Conn brought backthe colorful display ofburgees.

Outside, weeds anddirt were flying. GlennSelvin and his chain gangde-weeded and cleaned the boat yard, while “our Lady of Green Thumb”Terri Bishop directed traffic with in the garden confines. Mike Baumannand gang applied paint to the benches out side the quarter deck, makingthem look the best they have in years.

The Sabot Dollies were the focus of Latham Bell. He set up aproduction line to replace the carpet on the bunks, plus replace wheelsas needed. Many otherprojects were in-progressduring the morning hoursand I trust into theafternoon as well. I wouldloved to have mentionedthem but they have slipped

beneath the radar. I have no doubt that not knowing what they are does notdiminish the necessity of the project. I cannot imagine a Spruce up day occurringwithout some project involving Race Committee gear. Just ask George andMaggie Caddle who were overhauled the Race Equipment container andRegistration room.

Did I mention boats? This is the first year in ten that I haven’t been upto the elbows in some boat project. But in truth the torch this year was carriedby gangs of dedicated troops willing to wallow in the dirt and grime of boat fix,

paint, and polish. One mightjust as well print out theFleet Rosters in an attemptto name all the pairs ofhands hard, (and I meanhard) at work on the fleet.Patience received a liningpatch in the main saloon plus a clean sweep down fore and aft. StartingBarge deck was cleaned and painted plus smaller detail attended to. TheWhalers, where do I begin? They were attacked on many fronts. If itwasn’t hardware repair or replacement, it was hull cleaning and bottompainting. Polish and teak oil were ever present to spiff up each boat asbest possible. They look much better considering their age and hard use.

The lunch featured a Burger Bash (of course), draft beer, andsodas. The weather cooperated affording sunshine, and a mildtemperature that at a high priced restaurant it would be notated asambiance. But to us, we just call it another neat afternoon on the patio atABYC. It was grand.

John Massey and Jon Robinson

Tracy Conn photos

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 11

to windaddictedThe breath of air that crosses the bayhas no intent for long to stay

The draw she pulls is hard to sayMy heart and soul to her I sway

The evening breeze has come to playA dance of wind seen everyday

By only those who love to sayI love to sail upon the bay

Oh yes, I’m really here to playWith Gods soft breath upon the bay

Alone or not it makes no diffFor wind and I are here to drift

I glide along without a careFor where I go is just my dare

My life is lost upon this spaceThat has no name for any place

I chase the breeze from end to endJust to start it over again

For many who I regret may sayThat this is just a waste of day

Too bad my friend I cannot stayTo waste my breath on what you say

The wind doth call me on the bayFor I am gone, I sail away

My destination I cannot sayFor I am lost with breeze upon the bay

Stu Robertson

J u n e24, 25 & 26

spruce upm o r e

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 12

reportmembershipABYC Fleet Challenge Membership DriveTotal New Regular ABYC Members = 20Total New Yachting ABYC Members = 3

Fleet Challenge Perpetual Trophy Final Results

1st Lido’s – 26 points 2nd Keel Boats – 12 points2nd Jr. Sabots – 12 3rd Cal 20’s – 8 points3rd Laser — 8 points 3rd Sr. Sabots - 8 points4th Finn’s – 6 points 5th Catamarans – 4 points6th 505 – 2 points

Loser-Ville First Place WINNER IS THE ….

Etchells FleetAs promised, theFleet Challenge Perpetual Trophy presentation and membership celebration

PARTY will be July 16th – 1800 hr (6:00pm)This will be a historic event — Come witness the FIRST EVER

Loser VILLE Dance Contest in the History of Alamitos Bay Yacht Club. Watch as Richard Vaught and Ken Frost parade around the Lido Fleet as the Perpetual Trophy is

being awardedLeading to a Conga Line for ALL to join in the FUN!

More Membership News:Please welcome our new members:

Rob Hartman Chris CrosleySteve Myrter Peter FyfeNathan Dalleska Donald MichaelisFrank Balle Jared Gargano—Yachting 1Jake Muhleman – Yachting 1

Posted members:Michael Gebb Sanjai KohliDonald Michaelis James ThompsonMichael Brownell Michael LantermanRobert Bates Stephen Odom

The ABYC Regular membership count is: 365Our bylaws allow 421 regular members

Jim Grubbs and Terri Bishop

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 13

the fleetshails from

bellseight

The Fleet to Be In!

The Cal 20 Fleet is the duty fleet for the upcoming Memorial Day Regatta. Do the right thing,volunteer! You know it makes you feel good to take your turn and help out. With all the club hasto offer, Memorial Day Regatta is sure to be good fun! Contact Dan Bates or Jeff Ives for a free

lunch and challenging race committee work.By the time this comes out, Cal 20s will have started Wed Wednesdays. We’re sure to have a strong breeze

with a full house on the start line. It’s always tight racing on mostly windward/leeward courses, often with an inflatable as ourweather mark, but also occasionally sending us on longer weather legs up the wall to a barber shop pole. Of course, all betsare off as we make our turn to the finish line, especially in light air, as anything can happen getting down to the LBYC finish.

Enter for the entire Wet Wednesday season online and get super good price! Thank you LBYC and the racecommittee over there.

Plans are still continuing and developing for Cal 20 Nationals this August hosted by our neighbor Long Beach YachtClub. This year is the 50th anniversary of the Cal 20, so these Nationals will be big, but divided into three or more classes,competitive, but fun for all skill levels, and local. Don’t miss out on this special year in the history of the Cal 20.

The previously mentioned Tune-up day is currently on hold. If you are interested in getting tune-up help, contactChuck Clay to work out a date.

See you on the staring line!Dan Bates/Jeff Ives

Many ABYC members know of the legacy of Stan and Elise Church who were both long term ABYC members andLido 14 sailors. Annually we award the Stan and Elise Church trophy to ABYC’s “sailing couple of the year”.I have learned the sad news that Elise passed away last weekend – I’d like to think the bright spot in this sad news

it that the Stan and Elise sailing team will finally be reunited back in the same boat and that they will now sail together forever.Jeff Merrill

The following report is from daughter Andrea…I am sorry to have to let you know that my mother passed away this weekend a couple of weeks before her 90th

birthday. As you know, she and my father were passionate about sailing and the ABYC membership has been an extendedfamily to them for many, many years. I feel like we grew up at the yacht club—we spent so much time there and at HuntingtonLake while they sailed.

We will not have a service at this time, but are planning a musical tribute to her at her church, St. Peter’s by the Sealater this year. I would appreciate it if you would let her friends know, and I’ll keep you posted about her summer service. Since both Catherine and I live out of town, we are asking that people donate to the St. Peters by the Sea Music Fund in lieuof flowers, if they so choose. The address of St. Peters is:

St. Peter’s by the Sea6410 Palos Verdes Drive SouthRancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-5898

Local YC commodores pose at Cabrillo Beach YCopening day

Bob Schweitzer, Commodore of Seal Beach Yacht ClubBud Lorbeer, Commodore of Long Beach Yacht Club(and ABYC member), Jeff Merrill, Commodore of ABYC

All three local clubs co-celebrate our mutual OpeningDays on April 30th

opening daythree clubs

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 14

the fleetshails from

...continued next page

April Laser Fleet RacesFirst of all, on behalf of the ABYC Laser Fleet and our frequent guest Laser racers, Iwish to thank all who worked on the Saturday April 9th ABYC Spring Spruce Up. I say this

a bit sheepishly as I was not one of these people, but witnessed a number of members still doing anumber of tasks on Sunday. Due to these selfless folks, we’ll have working whalers and equipment to run our races and apleasant clubhouse and environment to enjoy before and after time on the water.

Well, I saw the aforementioned good people as the ABYC Laser Fleet conducted one of our fleet/practice race dayson Sunday the 10th. The purpose of our fleet race days is to conduct as many short races as we can. When we have a goodnumber of participants, we rent a whaler, but for a smaller number of racers we conduct races using Rabbit Starts.

To entice participant turn out, we announced and showed a how-to DVD showing various maneuvers in the Laser,upstairs in the clubhouse prior to hitting the water. Let’s just say most of us are not up to the standards we viewed, but wecan aspire to such athletic grace.

The weather conditions were ideal, so the seven racers, who showed, were anxious to go racing. We all sailed outtowards the oil rig off Seal Beach. We used the navigation buoys marking the channel into Huntington Harbor as ourwindward and leeward marks. It just so happens that these four buoys are aligned with the prevailing winds such that it’spossible to line up a truly acceptable windward leeward course. Anyway, we gathered to decide who was to act as theRabbit and chose which (Red or Green) buoy was to be our windward mark and set to racing.

We had great conditions giving us marginal to full-hiking conditions in waves. The windward buoy was alwayscrowded with a bevy of sea lions barking their protests as we rounded…a nice reminder we share those waters with otherlife. Racing was close for the most part with racers often finishing overlapped. We ran off several races back to backpausing only long enough to choose our Rabbit and get a drink of water. ABYC racers participating were; Vann Wilson,Jorge Suarez, Bruce Johnston, Sanji Kohli and your author, with visitors Ross Nemeroff and Chris Crosley. All in all a greatway to spend a day!

The 2011 Alamitos Bay Etchells Fleet 18 Worlds Qualifier Series is over, and the sequence ofattendees for the 2011 Etchells Worlds is set. And it looks as if ABYC members will be there inlegion.In 2005 there were three ABYC Fleet 18 teams on hand, and a similar number at the 2000 Etchells

Worlds. There could be five or even six this time, however, as the Etchells Class as set a nearlyunprecedented forty-per-cent allocation for attendance.

Argyle Campbell, the former ABYC member and long-time Newport Harbor Yacht Club member who representedFleet 18 at the 2010 Etchells Worlds in Ireland, came out on top for this series as he did in 2010. Jamie, Mark and TedHardenbergh succeeded in their long-standing goal of qualifying for the 2011 Etchells Worlds, but finished in third place inthe series—on a tie-breaker with co-Fleet Captain Rich Vaught, sailing with Bob Bishop and Roy Cundiff. In order, the restof the breakdown is Tom Corkett, Jerry Montgomery, John Chapman, Barber/Bergan/Burdge, Wells/Dooros, Dudley/Powelland Menezes/Sims.

Exactly how many will go from Fleet 18 is not clear, but there will be at least one other ABYC team: current EtchellsNorth American Champion Bruce Golison qualified out of San Diego Fleet 13 and will race along with former Etchells Worldswinner Jud Smith in the crew. Best of luck to all ABYC participants.

I did not list the results of the Worlds Qualifier Series as it is a pretty long list; however, the series is an event on theABYC website, and you can see the results of the ten-race, two-discards series there.

Along with the three races of Midwinters, the Worlds Qualifier Series is part of the 2011 Etchells Fleet ChampionshipSeries. The results of this high-point series in which a boat earns a point for finishing and one for beating each other starterwhile those not starting, finishing or disqualified earn no points for that race are much the same—and easier to print out.Here are those standings:OWNER TOTALS OWNER TOTALS OWNER TOTALSArgyle Campbell 61 Rich Vaught 54 Frost/Hardenbergh 53Tom Corkett 42 Jerry Montgomery 32 John Chapman 22Barber/Bergan/Burdge 20 Wells/Dooros 6 Dudley/Powell 2Menezes/Sims 0

The race committee for the last race of the Worlds Qualifier Series included Ron Wood in his boat DRIFT WOOD,co-Fleet Captain Ken Frost, ABYC Fleet Captain Jennifer and Steve Kuritz and Gordon Dudley in a whaler. Thanks to them.

The next race for the Etchells fleet is a May 7 fleet regatta, which is part of the Etchells Fleet Championship Series;from then, it’ll be July—and after the completion of the 2011 Etchells Worlds—until the next fleet regatta. But May starts theABYC Pop Tops Regatta, so watch to see whom among the ABYC Etchells take part.

Chris Ericksen

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 15

the fleetshails from

KEEL BOAT FLEET ON WATCH

Our monthly Sabot Sunday had 8 participants in a steady breeze. X-mark was still missingthanks to the tsunami. PRO Steve Kuritz, with the able help of Jim Drury and JerryMcNaboe put together three great races. We were happy to see Jerry Thompson in his

Sabot, and we welcomed a new Sabot sailor, Cindy. Lee Berlinger, Bobby Ware and Dianne Gonzaleseach won a race. Lee was first overall (five points),followed closely by Bobby (seven points) and Dianne(eight points).

Unfortunately Jinx Ellis took a tumble on the dockwhile heading to the Barge to help with our races. Shehas a broken arm. We all wish her a speedy recoveryand thank her for her many hours of dedication to therace committee.

Senior Sabot twilights will start on Cinco de Mayo,and will continue each Thursday night throughSeptember; the first start is at 6 pm. Our next SeniorSabot Sunday will be on May 15th. Senior SabotNationals is on June 4th and 5th at Balboa Yacht Club.It’s time to get your Sabot out and get ready! Don’tforget that Senior Sabot Nationals now includes theClydesdale Division for Sabotiers over 200 lbs!

Jane McNaboeJerry Thompson happily sailing his Sabot.

By the time this Sou’Wester arrives to you the Vern Peterson Memorial Spring Cruise to ShorelineYacht Club will be over and I certainly hope it will be well attended. The Spring Cruise originallystarted out to Balboa Yacht Club but was always on, (and still is), the week end of the Ensenada

Race. The Keel Boat members would take their boats down to the starting area of the Ensenada Race and watch all the funof the various starts and then spend the weekend at Balboa Yacht Club as there were plenty of slips vacated by boatsparticipating in the race. But there were fewer Keel Boat members participating in the Spring Cruise as the years went by.Shoreline Yacht Club then took over the Cruise to Balboa Yacht Club and we made our Spring Cruise to Shoreline Yacht Club.The last few years has seen the boats owned by the Keel Boat Feet members dwindle to a very few. The members now arrivein their cars. However I must say that we still know how to have a wonderful time at a party and anticipate another great one.The Host Boat is very special this time with Vern and Bobbie Peterson’s son Eric and his wife Chris opening up their trawlerto the Keel Boat members for hors d’oeuvres prior to dinner at the Shoreline Yacht Club.

Friday, May 13 is our next Keel Boat Fleet meeting. This will be a picnic and held in the patio. Bring your entrée tobarbecue, your libation and a hors d’oeuvre to share. The Fleet will provide two salads, plates, cups, barbecue tools, etc.Cocktail hour is 1800 and dinner at 1900. Joe will lead a discussion on the future of the Fleet. Our Fleet and the Sabotiersshare the roll as duty fleet for the Fourth of July regatta. More on this duty will be talked about at the Fleet meeting. The Fleetwill have the traditional months of June, July and August off for we hope some great vacations.

George

...from page 14

All this practice has kept the ABYC Laser fleet in the spotlight! Five ABYC Laser sailors, and one ABYC Finn,competed in the Elvstrom Zellerbach Regatta and District 24 Championship at St. Francis Yacht Club held April 16-17, 2011.Eugenio Cingolani, Jorge Suarez, Kevin Taugher, Chuck Tripp, Vann Wilson, and Steve Landau (our Finn rep) made the tripto sail where the Masters Worlds will be held this August. Racing was very challenging with 20-25 knot winds from theGolden Gate and 4-5 knot ebb tides made it feel like we were constantly running uphill with a 100 pound pack on our backs!Kevin Taugher earned a second just three points behind Al Clark from Canada, both beating a fleet that included pastOlympic Medalists, World, and National Champions! We left knowing that we all have a lot of work to do for the Worlds!

Of special note, Steve Landau finished second in the Finn Fleet and Peter Seidenberg – Great Grand Master (that’sage 65+! Yes! 65+) from Rhode Island, won the 22 boat Radial fleet!

Steven Smith/Jorge Suarez, ABYC Laser Fleet Co-Captains

sou’wester • april 2011 • page 16

PRSRT STDU. S. Postage

PAIDLong Beach, CAPermit No. 685

Alamitos Bay Yacht Club7201 East Ocean BoulevardLong Beach, California 90803

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

If you’re a man, then YOU’RE OK!At the

MEN’S DAY REGATTA * & FATHER’S DAYPICNIC

* may involve SPAM® ® ® ® ® and Beer

A weekend of revelry for all manly menJune 18-19th

See ABYC.ORG for details

We are having a caption contest for this photo. So far the suggestiong are: Bad Bunny,Why the Easter bunny shouldn’t get dressed without help and Oops! Send your idea tosharonpea@aol.com. The winner will receive a free drink at the bar and the winningcaption will be published in the June issue.

Rob Rice photo

http://www.facebook.com/AlamitosBayYachtClub

Thanks to Stacy Masseywe have a Facebookpage. Check this out:

Save the DateCatalina Cruise

August 19, 20 & 21