ColumbiaRiverCatalina.org

March 2005

From the Commodore
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

Getting my Catalina 22 (Crocus) ready for the start of racing season has been the focus of my boating time.  I and other C22 skippers sat out the 2004 season as we crewed aboard Catalina 25's getting ready for the Nationals.  I'm looking forward to racing the Catalina 22 again.  A new twist this year is that the C22's are racing with spinnakers.  No more fighting the current just wing-n-wing.  The change came about after several of us taught ourselves how to flying a symmetrical spinnaker last year on the C25's.

When Crocus hits water in a couple of weeks, I'll still have a long list of items I never got to; oh well.  Life is too short to wait for perfection, plus I figure I can always blame my poor racing performance on the boat's horribly rough bottom and unfaired keel.

CRACA's Charter Change is Approved

The voting on CRACA's proposed charter change came to an end on February 27th, and I'm please to announce that it passed unanimously, there wasn't a single no vote.

With the charter change, which will go into effect May 1, we will elect officers in October and install them in November with their term of office starting December 1st. This approach is used by several local boating clubs, and it allows the incoming officers to plan the coming year's schedule as their first order of business.

Nominations for CRACA Officers in 2005

As you can see, with the exception of Commodore, I've done a poor job finding candidates to take over the offices of Vice Commodore, Secretary/Treasurer, and Cruising Chairman.  Between now and our April 27th Meeting at West Marine, I need to find volunteers to run for these critical offices.  The monthly time investment is quite small, just ask any of the existing officers.  You also don't need to be an expert,  you just need to be willing to help perpetuate the association.  Many of last year's activities where organized by folks who stepped forward to help, so as an officer there is always a pool of volunteers to draw from (meaning you don't have to do everything yourself).

Our current Secretary/Treasurer, Debbie Martin, has already said she won't be available to serve after April 30 (the end of her term), so I really need someone to step forward so we can smoothly transition the books.

If you're interested in volunteering, please contact me:

Dale Mack
360-260-4196

Executive Committee Position Nominee
Commodore Bob Gales
Vice Commodore  
Secretary/Treasurer  
Cruising  
Communications Dale Mack

 

Report from the Boat Show Survivors Party
By Dave Peoples, C42, Jammin

Commodore's Note:  I want to thank Dave and Helen Peoples for opening their home and hosting an absolutely wonderful party.  It was an outstanding event with fabulous food, an eclectic selection of wines, all shared with friends.  Thank you again for your hard work.

We had thirty-four attend our Boat Show Survivor's Party and a great time was had by all.  Dinner was smoked Prime Rib, BBQ salmon, spinach salad, green salad, roasted herb potatoes, and three different desserts.

Those who weren't able to attend missed a great social function. Thanks for all those who helped in setting up and cleaning. The weather couldn't have been better.






 

Meeting Notes

March Meeting Plans

When

Wednesday, March 23rd
  • 6:00 pm, Dinner
  • 7:00 - 8:30 pm, Program

Where

Pizza Mia
 www.pizzamia88.com
915 N Anchor Way (just off of Marine Drive)
Portland, OR  97217
503-285-8889

What

Hugh Brock, well known local diesel guru, will discuss "Diesels, their care and feeding."

 

April Meeting Plans

When

Wednesday, April 27th

  • 6:00 pm, Election of new officers
  • 6:15 - 7:30 pm, Shopping

Where

West Marine
 www.westmarine.com
1176 N Hayden Meadows Drive
Portland, OR  97217
503-289-9822 

What

CRACA's annual election of officers followed by shopping.  The meeting is being hosted by West Marine, who is offering Catalina Owners a special Discount Night with a 10% discount on all purchases except electronics which will have a 5% discount. The store will be staying open exclusively for us.

 

Cruising

On The Water
By Jim Elieff, C30, Fortune (Cruising Chairman)

Vancouver Landing

No one has stepped forward to host the March 19 day sail to Vancouver Landing, so I'm not sure what is happening.

Government Island, East Dock (Bartlett Landing)

On April 23 - 24, CRACA and the Hunter Club of Oregon will be using Bartlett Landing at the same time.  The Turners aboard their C30 Fat Cat, and I aboard my C30 Fortune plan to arrive about 2:00 pm on Friday and stake out the inside.  Don't forget to fly your burgee.

2005 Cruising Schedule

March 19 Vancouver Landing (day sail rendezvous)
April 23 - 24 Government Island, East Dock
May   28 - 30 Martin Island (Saturday – Monday)
June  25 - 26 Coon Island, East Dock
July  16 - 17 Government Island, East Dock
August 18 - 21 Beacon Rock (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept. 17 - 18 Sand Island, Upper Dock (Catalina Rendezvous)
Oct.  22 - 23 Government Island, East Dock

 

Racing

Catalina 30 Racing in the Spring Regatta
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

So far, three crews have decided to come out and sail in the SYSCO Spring Regatta, April 23-24.

  • Bob Gales & Gail O'Neill, Imagine, #5217
  • Mike & Pam Hollingsworth, Isotonic, #5898
  • Dale Mack, Celtic Myst, #6382

When Mike emailed me his interest, he wrote:

"Regarding the regatta, I would like to come and play with you guys in April. We are moored out of Steamboat Landing and have been cruisers for decades…. Not racers!  But I have no pride, so what the heck."

I love the "...I have no pride, so what the heck" part of Mike's message because it truly captures the essence of Bob's and my objective for C30 participation in the regatta;  it's casual, so lets go have some fun and not hurt our cruising boats.

I've alerted the event organizers (SYSCO) that the racing experience amongst the Catalina 30 owners varies, and that we want to keep the racing fun and casual. The Catalina 30s will be racing WITHOUT spinnakers, so a request has been made to the Race Committee to take that into account when specifying a course for the C30s.

There is still plenty of time to enter the race if you are interested. April 20th is that last day SYSCO will accept entry forms for the event.

Here are some links to more information on the regatta and on local racing:

If you are interested in racing your boat in the regatta or crewing for someone, please contact me at:

Dale Mack
360-260-4196

If you'd like more information about local racing, checkout the Catalina 22 Fleet 20 website at www.c22pdx.org.

 

Tactics and Strategy Course
Hosted by North Sails Oregon
March 8, 15, 22, and 29

Invitation:  North Sails Oregon invites all skippers and crew to participate in four evening of instruction and discussions of tactics and strategy.

Description:  Interactive learning sessions where participants will be encouraged to work through tactical scenarios and ask questions.

Eligibility:  All sailors who are willing to participate and learn!

Date and Time:  Tuesday, March 8, 15, 22, and 29.  BBQ/social will start at 6:00 pm; classes will begin at 6:30 pm.

Registration:  Please register online at www.northsailsoregon.com.

Fees:  $15/session or $50 for all four.  BBQ and refreshments included.

Social:  A light BBQ dinner is include with the course.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken and veggie burgers will be available, along with soda, water, chips and dessert.

Other Information:  North U course books and CDs (Tactics and Trim) will be available for purchase onsite (book $25, CD $40).

For More Information:  Contact Kerry or Amy Poe at North Sails Oregon at 503-282-4282 or kerry@sales.northsails.com .

 

Race Management Clinic
Hosted by the Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association
March 23

Invitation:  The Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association invites all sailors to participate in an evening of instruction and discussions. 

Description:  This extremely informative seminar is not just for race captains.  The seminar will focus on the planning and coordination involved in putting on a sailboat race.  There will be something for everyone.  The topics will include courses, timing, calculations, planning, promoting, handling protests, and more.

Eligibility:  All sailors who are willing to participate and learn!

Location:  Portland Yacht Club, 1241 NE Marine Drive, Portland, OR

Date and Time:  Wednesday, March 23rd.  The clinic will begin at 6:30 pm.

Registration:  None required.  Just show up.

Fees:  Free!

For More Information:  Contact Scott Wirs at 503-330-6722.

 

Racing Rules of Sailing 2005-2008
 Dave Perry Seminar
 March 25 & 26

The Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association (OCSA) is bringing Racing Rules guru Dave Perry to Portland in March.  Dave is the author of several books on racing and serves on the US Sailing Appeals Committee. He's enjoyed helping racing sailors, race officials and judges understand the rules better, and helping racers learn how to sharpen their tactics.

The seminar plans include:

  • Friday night Dave will conduct a “Mock Protest Hearing.”
  • Saturday, a full-day seminar on the Racing Rules of Sailing

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Dave speak in our area, so we hope you'll join us for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable event. Dave will also have copies of his latest book, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2008 available for sale.

Cost, location and times for the seminar is available at www.sailpdx.com.

 

SYSCO Race Clinic
March 31 & April 1

March 31 - April 1.  The Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon (SYSCO) will be hosting its Race Clinic at the end of March.  This Thursday evening classroom and Friday evening on the water clinic is targeted at new racers and those who have never raced before.

Description:  This extremely informative seminar is perfect for new racers.  The clinic will teach you how to enter a race, read and understand the course board, how to start and finish, pass along some local knowledge of racing on the Columbia River, along with other topics.

Eligibility:  All sailors who are willing to participate and learn!

Location:  Elmer's Restaurant, SR-500 at Andresen, Vancouver, WA 98661, (360) 260-1008

Date and Time:

  • Wednesday, March 31st.  The clinic will run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, so come early to enjoy dinner.
  • Friday, April 1st.  On the water session at 6:00 pm.  Look for the Race Committee Boat.

Registration:  None required.  Just show up.

Fees:  Free!

For More Information:  Contact Terry Annis at 360-260-0426.

 

Short Course Racing Clinic
Hosted by North Sails Oregon
May 10th

Invitation:  North Sails Oregon (www.northsailsoregon.com) invites all sailboats to participate in some fun, informal short course racing on the Columbia River between the I-5 and I-205 bridges.

Description:  Several short course races will be completed in one evening.  The goal is to practice starts and boat handling in a relaxed atmosphere.  North Sails Oregon will be taking photos and coaching from a powerboat.  Skippers and crew should fee free to ask questions of the powerboat crew.

Eligibility:  All yachts that are willing to participate and learn!

Date and Time:  Tuesday, May 10th.  First warning signal is at 6:30 pm.

Registration:  None required.  Just show up and start.

Fees:  None!  Come out and join us!.

Supplemental Sailing Instructions:  Instructions will be handed out on the water.

For More Information:  Contact Kerry or Amy Poe at North Sails Oregon at 503-282-4282 or kerry@sales.northsails.com .

 

Scuttlebutt

Catalina Newsletters of the Northwest

Checkout these links to Northwest Catalina newsletters and local racing:

Catalina 22 Fleet 20 of Portland

Sail Portland

     Catalina Assoc. of Tacoma and South Sound (CATSS)

Catalina Association of Puget Sound (CAPS)

Small Yacht Sailing club of Oregon (SYSCO)

 

Upcoming Events

March

  • 19, Cruise:  Vancouver Landing (day sail rendezvous)
  • 23, Meeting @ Pizza Mia
  • 31, SYSCO Race Clinic @ Elmer's

April

  • 23-24, Cruise:  Government Island - East Dock
  • 23-24, Race:  SYSCO Spring Regatta
  • 27, Meeting & Elections @ West Marine

See the calendar

The Columbia River All Catalina Association newsletter is published once a month online at ColumbiaRiverCatalina.org. Articles are the opinions of the authors and don't necessarily represent the consensus of the Association.