ColumbiaRiverCatalina.org

June 2005

From the Commodore
By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine

Sailing season seems to have finally arrived.  The past six months have been nothing but strange and a bit frustrating for skiers and sailors, at least this skier/sailor.  After a no-show for snow it seems we entered a no-show for wind on the river.  Racing this spring was either from an anchor waiting for wind or trying to make the start line against a strong river current and an even stronger east wind.  Gail and I certainly learned some new strategies.

But with the recent hot weather, our first CRACA cruise of the season to Martin Pond (seems to be the favored name now) and recent northerlies made sailing the river fun again.  The cruise was really enjoyable with 9 boats in attendance (8 Catalinas and one Cata-benytoe-lina) and provided the opportunity to visit with old and new friends.  You will find more information about the Memorial Day Cruise from John Meyer and others later in the newsletter.

Also look for articles about the recent board meeting where we focused on the September All Catalina Rendezvous at Sand Island.  Your feedback is encouraged.  What does it take to get Catalina owners (members, former members and prospective new members) out on the water, rain or shine?  Let us know.

Gail has contributed two articles, one about her teaching experience with the Oregon Women’s Sailing Association’s Basic Sailing Class, now in its tenth year and the other about last month’s 20th Anniversary Ladies Cruise. 

Cruising plans this summer?  I write about our plans and our preparation for the Catalina 30 Nationals in Seattle.  Many other club members are heading north for summer cruises too.  If you want, let Dale know your plans and the possibility of meeting up with others.

So, to paraphrase my favorite song:

Get your motors running,
Head out on the waterway. 
Hoist and trim your mainsail,
Stinkpots get outa my way.
We’re cruising’ down the river today-ay
We’re sailin’ away-ay
Born    to   be   sailin’!
Born    to   be   sailin’!

(Hey, you gotta hear the music in your mind and feel the beat!)

 

Rear Commodore's Log
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

Laura and I are sorry we missed the Memorial Day Cruise to Martin Island.  We stayed home and planted three trees, fifty shrubs, and moved some ten other plants around the yard.

Sailing has been really weird this season.  There is either no wind or too much wind.  If I'm at work it's sunny outside, and if I go to the boat it rains.  Despite the funny weather I've been out enough to see several of my fellow Catalina enthusiasts on the water.

Off to My Third Nationals

On June 24-26, I'll be attending my third Catalina National Regatta.  In 1997, Laura, Sean, and I trailered our Catalina 22 Harmony, from Boise, Idaho to compete in the Catalina 22 National Regatta on Lake Tahoe.  In 2004, I crewed aboard Terry Annis' C25 Lematike, in the Catalina 25 National Regatta right here on the Columbia River.  For 2005, I've been invited aboard Bob Gale's and Gail O'Neill's C30, Imagine to race in the Catalina 30 National Regatta on the waters of Puget Sound outside of Shilshole Marina in Seattle.

Catalina 22 Racing

It's has been fun getting back into Catalina 22 racing this season.  The crew of Crocus  (my C22) never got in any practice with the spinnaker, so we sailed the SYSCO Spring Series just wing-n-wing on the downwind legs.

I'm looking forward to the SYSCO Summer Series as at least five other C22 skippers rotate aboard Crocus for practice.  It should be a great learning experience for all of us.

No Host Cruising

Are you planning to attend the CRACA Cruise to Coon Island on June 25 - 26?  Would you like to know who else is planning to attend?  Ah, that's the catch, since few in the club ever publicly announce their intent to attend, it's difficult for CRACA to communicate who is going, and yet we know participation increases when folks know who else might be going. 

Although not a requirement to attend, CRACA is asking that boats sign-up for cruises so we can spread the word via email about what level of interest the cruise is generating.  Whether you actually show up depends on lots of things that go beyond your originally intent, so if things don't work out, don't sweat it, life happens.

To sign-up for a cruise just email our Communications Officer (that's me) and I'll get the word out to the membership.

 

From the Secretary/Treasurer
By Kathleen Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

At present we have 38 Catalina owners that have renewed, rejoined or are brand new to CRACA.  These have paid their dues from May to December.

Anyone with questions or concerns about membership, “Mainsheet” subscriptions, burgees, burgeewear, etc. should contact me.

“Wind Raven” will be starting on a northerly journey after Father’s Day with tentative destinations after a beginning point of Port Townsend.  Will look forward to seeing other Catalina owners as we travel about.

Kathleen Lewis, Secretary/Treasurer
sewingmaven@msn.com

 

Request for Volunteers
By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine

Volunteers are always needed to make any organization function.  Here are some positions CRACA is hoping for someone to step up and take.

Vice Commodore:  Seems like a fairly easy and supportive role to play.  We do want someone who is willing to move on to Commodore after the October 2006 elections.  You get a neat flag to fly under your CRACA burgee.

Safety Officer:  Promotes safe boating education by submitting articles to the newsletter and encourages participation in the Vessel Safety Check program.  While this may not take a lot of time it will look good on your resume.

Historian:  Do you like to organize pictures and information?  This would be right up your alley.  Its nice to be able to see and read about what really happened even though some of our embellishments over time do add a bit of spice.

Rendezvous Committee: CRACA really needs members to help with this.  Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome but are often not implemented due to lack of assistance.  Don’t delay, step up today!

Please contact me if interested, rlgales@verizon.net .

 

Oregon Women's Sailing Association
10th Year of Classes
By Gail O'Neill, C30, Imagine (OWSA Vice Commodore)

I was honored to join the OWSA teaching staff for the ’05 Basic Sailing class held as always at RCYC.  This year’s classes began in mid-February running 3 hours each Tuesday evening for seven weeks.  We had thirty-three enthusiastic students, women of various ages and nautical backgrounds.  OWSA Education coordinator Gail Taylor who has been teaching the class in various capacities over the years, invited me to teach Knot Tying!  I had to quickly study up on mariners’ knots since I seem to forget some of them over the winter, when I’m skiing instead of sailing!  The knot-tying segment of the class represents, perhaps 5 percent of all that is taught.  My job was very small, indeed, but very important!  After all, where would sailors be without knots?

The course curriculum begins with identifying parts of a sailboat and moves on to understanding the physics of sailing and the points of sail.  Weather, maneuvering the boat, navigation rules and safety, navigation charts and plotting a course are taught by veteran sailors Becky Huseby, Jacki McLaughlin, and Michelle Bennett along with Gail Taylor.  Becky, Jacki, and Michelle were part of the all woman team that sailed to Hawaii on ‘Magic Carpet’ in the 1994 Pacific Cup Race and the three have sailed the Oregon Off Shore Race numerous times.  I was in august company with the OWSA teaching staff!

At the end of April, most of the students were back in the classroom for two consecutive nights, before their all day On-The-Water (OTW) hands-on experience of learning to drive the boat under power.  This time I had a bit more to do.  In the classroom, I explained the differences in outboard and diesel engines and how they make the boat go.  In the On-The-Water segment, I volunteered my boat and coached 4 students in learning to drive forward and backing up a Catalina 30, crabbing, using the marine radio (VHF) docking in a slip and side tie, and driving the boat under sail, both tacking and jibing.  My husband Bob quietly observed until it was his turn to teach the students how to anchor the boat.   All of these skills were first reviewed in the classroom by able OWSA teaching staff Shannon Phillips, Donna Krebsbach, Sue Johnson, Michelle Bennett, and Gail Taylor.  Earlier in the spring, many of the students who had not been on a sailboat before had the chance through the generosity of OWSA’s best friends, Bill Sanborn on his Kalik 30 and Gary Whitney on his Catalina 28.  Bill and Gary again volunteered their boats for the OTW on Saturday along with Alice Patten with her Santana 22, Judi Johnson with her Newport 28, Michelle Bennett with her Cal 20, and Scott Stephenson with his Hunter 30.  Their generosity enabled women who otherwise would not have the opportunity, to experience the thrill of gripping that wheel or tiller in their hands and feeling the wind flow around them as they tacked and jibed downriver.

The greatest pleasure I received from my novice teaching experience was seeing women empowered with new knowledge and confidence eager to show their husbands or partners they were ready to take a more vital role in the operation of their mutually owned boats.  And, as in most teaching situations, the teacher learns something from the experience, as well.   I encourage CRACA women to consider taking the OWSA class next year or act as a mentor and volunteer their boat for the OTW class.  It’s a richly rewarding process taught and organized by volunteers, and as Gail Taylor says, “the OWSA class is the funnest class around!”

Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information at gailejog@gbronline.com.

 

  OWSA
Introduction to Spinnakers Class

OWSA Co-Ed Intro to Spinnakers (Cruising & Racing) Class at RCYC

 Weds. June 22 6:30 - 9:30 in clubhouse

Thurs. June 23 6:30 - 9:30 on dock

Fri. June 24 @ 6:00 for optional Beer Can Race

Cost is $40 before June 8 - $50 after June 8

Covers terminology, spinnaker sets, drops, jibes, trimming and sailing angles for both symmetrical & asymmetrical and cruising spinnakers.

For registration contact Alice Stuckey 503 287-9549 or go to www.owsa.net and click classes for registration form.

As of 5/31 we have 10 sign-ups so far, we need 10 more.

 

Meeting Notes

Report from the May Board Meeting
 By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine (Commodore)

Editor's Note:  The May CRACA board meeting was held on May 25th at Pizza Mia just off of Marine Dr.  Both Board members and general members enjoyed the food and socializing while we drafted plans for the 2005 Catalina Rendezvous.

COLUMBIA RIVER ALL CATALINA RENDEZVOUS

September 17 & 18, 2005

This year’s All Catalina rendezvous will be held at Sand Island’s east docks, across from St. Helens.  At our recent board meeting the following format was discussed and tentative plans made.  Here is what the rendezvous is shaping up to look like.

Cost:  Free to current members.  Commemorative T-shirts for $15.  Maybe hats.

Arrival:  Commodore Bob plans to arrive on Thursday, set up CRACA signs and fend off non-Catalina intruders.  More boats will plan to arrive Friday with all meals/activities on our own.  Most boats will probably arrive on Saturday, late morning through early afternoon. 

CRACA Organized Activities

Saturday:

Various non-mandatory but fun activities throughout the day (see suggestions below).  POTLUCK HAPPY HOUR around 4/5 p.m.  Bring appetizers to share and your own beverage.  Saturday dinner will be on your own.

POTLUCK DESSERT around 7/8 p.m. on shore.  Bring a dessert to share and your own after-dinner drink.  Music, story telling, group hug at the dessert bonfire.

We want a water taxi service for those boatless members/guests for Saturday and Sunday.  Volunteers?

Sunday:

A semi-potluck breakfast Sunday morning.  The club will provide fruit and muffins; members bring their own morning drink.  We are still open to a bigger breakfast but transportation and set up of cooking facilities on the island poses more of a problem than last year.

NON-MANDATORY BUT FUN ACTIVITIES:  I put the non-mandatory in there because sometimes I, and others, whine about “cruise ship activity directors” urging us on.  Been there, done that at summer camp years ago.  That said, here are a few of the ideas that came up.  Fun-ness is in the mind of the participant.  Please send in your ideas to the Commodore (with your willingness to lead).  Let us know if you would like to lead/facilitate any of these suggestions.

  • Geocache

  • Build your own sailboat races (materials provided for this one-design class)

  • Horseshoes (Gail is bringing ours)

  • Kayak/dinghy tour

  • Knot tying

  • Kite flying (ok, tell me now to go fly mine and get it over with)

  • Line toss

  • “Can You Top This?” story telling, probably at dessert.  There should some good  summer adventures to share.

  • “Match the Story” Can we match the “secret” bit of info to the person?

  • “What’s in the Box” Memory test, we who are older could benefit from this!

  • Movie, with a sailing theme of course.  Who has the power, projector screen?

  • [YOUR IDEA HERE]

MANDATORY:  Those in attendance must have fun.

SUNDAY: Most boats will be heading home.

So, what do you think?  This schedule is filled with mostly social activities and I know some members are interested in guest speakers or learning activities.  Please send your wants and ideas to me.  There is a possibility for musical guests as well as our own sing-a-longs.  Practice your shanties this summer!

rlgales@verizon.net

 

No General Membership Meeting in
June, July, & August

 

Cruising

2005 Cruising Schedule

Date Destination
June  25 - 26 Coon Island, East Dock
July  16 - 17 Government Island, East Dock
Aug. 18 - 21 Beacon Rock (Thursday – Sunday)
Sept. 17 - 18 Sand Island, Upper Dock
(Catalina Rendezvous)
Oct.  22 - 23 Government Island, East Dock

 

 

Opening Day Memories


 

20th Anniversary of the Annual Ladies Cruise
By Gail O'Neill, C30, Imagine (OWSA Vice Commodore)

May 20-22.  The 2005 Ladies Cruise is the 6th that I’ve attended, which usually occurs the third weekend in May.  Some women sailors from Rose City Yacht Club started the cruise back in 1986 with just a few boats participating.  Each year it has grown to include women from yacht clubs from as far away as Astoria.  Marlene Himes, C28 R-Time, was the cruise coordinator in 1995 and reports a record 45 boats and over 90 women attended that year.  All women sailors and boaters are welcome to come, as long as they bring their boats on their own, as opposed to having their husbands drive the boats to the cruise destination for them.   

The Ladies Cruise provides the opportunity for women sailors to socialize together without their husbands/partners and is a great female bonding experience.  Women who attend year after year look forward to seeing the sailing friends they’ve made on previous cruises.  Most importantly, the Cruise is empowering, inspiring women to become skippers themselves.  I first attended as a guest on Vicki Sanborn’s boat and was then motivated to learn to be a competent skipper on my own boat so that I could take my friends on the next Ladies Cruise. 

This year 24 boats were accounted for and upwards of 70 participants.  About half the boats participated in the boat decorating and talent show, which was started about 5 years ago by a group of Portland Yacht Club women.  At last year’s Cruise, their Sonny and Cher and Diana Ross and the Supremes acts were the hit of the talent show.  The talent show is more about having fun, than about talent and my crew and I felt an obligation to participate this year.  At noon on Saturday my boat was the last to arrive making a grand entrance as ‘Cleopatra’s Dhow’, (dhows are the ancient sailing vessels of the Mediterranean.)    My crew of six and I were dressed in full ancient Egyptian splendor, with our Queen Cleopatra astride her throne on Imagine’s foredeck, being fanned by her handmaidens.  Exotic music was blaring from the boats speakers and the women on the docks commented later what a stunning entrance it was!  During the talent show we danced (after weeks of rehearsing!) to “Walk Like An Egyptian”, which wasn’t nearly as successful as our entrance.  The Tyee YC women swept the talent show awards with the Village Queens doing “YMCA” and the California Raisins doing “Heard It On the Grapevine”.  The best decorated boat award went to Susan Arnold and crew on the 52’ ketch, Valparaiso, which looked like Jimmy Buffet heaven as Margaritaville. The best costume award went to, you guessed it…… me and my crew on Imagine! 

The other highlights of the cruise are the Happy Hour and Hors’deurve tables that each boat puts out on the dock.  Some generous groups actually set up bars, like the Voodoo Bar and the 12 Volt Bar!  The awards get handed out at the dessert potluck on Saturday night and raffle gifts are given away.  On Sunday morning there are more raffle gifts after the breakfast potluck and then cleanup and saying farewell until the next years Ladies Cruise. 

The ’06 Cruise will be chaired by Susan Arnold and will be on Coon Island in Multnomah channel, or possibly downtown at Riverplace Marina!  A skippers meeting will be held in March at RCYC.   It is such a fun event, not to be missed.  Contact me if you’re interested in attending, gailejog@gbronline.com .

 

Fortune Visits McCuddy's
By Jim Elieff, C30, Fortune (Cruising Chairman)

Shirley and I decided to go to McCuddy's for the Memorial Day weekend. Good thing , it was so hot on Thursday and Friday that all of the ice melted in our ice chest; they had plenty of ice at the marina.  With the live music , a nice restaurant, great showers and friendly people it was a wonderful destination.

On the second day out our head started backing up.  I had just pumped it out on Tuesday, at Tomahawk Bay, but I guess I didn't do such a great job.  McCuddy's has a new pump out station the works great and it tells you how many gallons transferred and shuts off when done.  Considering the head holding tank issue, we would not have been at Martin Island very long if we would have gone.  I hope everybody had a great time.  I'm looking forward to our June Cruise to Coon Island.

 

Report from the Memorial Day Cruise
By John Meyer, C34, Shekinah

After last year’s wet and dreary weekend, this year’s Memorial Day Cruise outdid itself.  Although it was a little HOT on Friday, we kept reminding ourselves that we had been longing for this kind of weather.  From St. Helens on downriver, the winds were stiff and stayed so through the night.  At times we questioned our security, but several anchors and stern piling ties kept us safe.  Saturday was drop dead gorgeous and Sunday we woke up to overcast and some very light fog.  Sunday, mid day, several boats pulled out of the raft (an engineering feat in itself) and headed on to other commitments. The weekend was low keyed with much visiting, multiple dinghy trips and frequently shared foods.  Those in attendance at various times included: 

  • Nick & Gale Wigen, C42, Ursa Minor

  • Bob & Rickie Teeter, C42, Camelot

  • Mike & Rhonda Turner, C30, Fat Cat

  • Commodore Bob Gales & Gail O'Neill, C30, Imagine

  • Mike Moen & Olga Ginez, C30, Born Free 

  • John & Anne Meyer, C34, Shekinah

  • Bennie & Debbie Harrison, C30, Spirit II

  • Gary, Kathleen and their daughter Molly Bruner, C25,  Encore!

We were also joined by Ray Brown and Anne Thompson sailing Sun Star, a Beneteau 350 (we honestly didn’t hold that against them).  As long time veterans of Mexico sailing, they had much to offer.  After a detailed study of all the variables, I ended up giving this weekend five stars.

AN ADDENDUM
By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine

I whole-heartedly agree with John that the Memorial Day cruise was a success, and lots of fun!  Here is a small world story.  Many boaters belong to more than one sailing club and we found that made the weekend even more interesting.  There were about 80 boats in the pond for the weekend representing many clubs.  Just within our 9 boats we had CRACA members, SYSCO members, Catalina 25 Fleet 94 member, and Rose City Yacht Club members.  Probably some other clubs too.  So, we got to dinghy over to the SYSCO raft-up to visit with other friends (including RCYC and CRACA members there also!).  Then there were the Catalinas from St. Helen’s YC.  Rose City had a raft-up, as did Portland YC and a bunch of powerboaters all over the place. 

But the best coincident for me was the lone C27 Kitty Cat at anchor.  As the newly elected Commodore and a friendly guy I rowed over to say hi and invite them to visit our raft-up.  Two teenagers were swabbing the decks and they looked a bit familiar, probably due to the fact that when Andy and Jessa were much younger they were two of my students at Dilley Elementary School in Forest Grove!  Parents Doug and Cindy Monroe popped up from below and we had a nice reunion visit.  You meet the nicest people while sailing!

 

Who's Going Cruising?
By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine (Commodore)

I know many CRACA members who plan to cruise up north this summer.  Up north includes Washington’s San Juan Islands, Canada’s Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and even anchorages further north into the Canadian wilderness.  Here are the usual suspects venturing out:

  • Bob Gales and Gail O’Neill on Imagine (C30)

  • Michael and Kathleen Lewis on Wind Raven (C42)

  • Terry and Kathie Annis on Lematike (C25)

  • Nate and Margaret Hanson on Leucothea (C25)

  • Gary and Kathy Bruner on Encore! (C25)

  • Bill and Marla Simon on Windswept (C270)

Gail and I love cruising up north.  From our first five-day cruise on our C22 to our two-month adventures we enjoy returning to favorite spots and exploring new areas.  This summer our goal is to explore the Broughton Archipelago Marine Park, north of Port McNeill.  Two summers ago we cruised south of this area to Alert Bay and Port McNeill.  To get there you need to sail the length of Johnstone Strait or pass through a series of rapids closer to the mainland   Either route takes careful planning, timing of the rapids, an eye on the weather and lots of patience.  The rewards are many; bears, eagles, whales (both humpback and Orca) porpoises and otters welcome you to this wilderness area.  The marinas are smaller, many built on the water with no access by car, but always friendly and open to assist you in any way.  The boaters we have met up north come from all over the United States and Canada to enjoy these pristine waters.

Two summers ago we swam in the nearly 80 degree waters of Pendrell Sound and Desolation Sound.  It was SO nice to anchor, stern tie and swim in ocean water as warm as Hawaii or the Virgin Islands.  Really!

Gail and I are so fortunate to have the time to enjoy the NW cruising life.  We will keep in touch by email this summer when we find access (usually a local library).  We plan to return sometime in mid to late August.  Hopefully with some good stories and pictures to share at the Rendezvous!

 

Catalina 25/250 Plans to Cruise Desolation Sound
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore!
(C25/C250 Fleet 94 Captain)

Reminder...time is running out for anyone  who might like to hook up with a few of us Catalina 25 sailors planning to attend the Desolation Sound cruise coming up in late June/early July.

For more information on our planned excursion to Powell River, BC (www.discoverpowellriver.com) by trailer, and then two weeks in Desolation, contact me soon (Gary Bruner, molika@teleport.com).

Those currently signed up for the cruise include:

  • Eldred's Plan B, C25
  • Bruner's Encore!, C25
  • Lewis' Breezy, C25

Additionally, Nate Hanson (Leucothea) and Terry Annis (Lematike) are planning a two week Desolation Sound trip at the end of July and would welcome company.

 

Come Join in the Summer Sailstice
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

I'm planning to be out there either on Crocus (C22) or Celtic Myst (C30).  I know some of the C25 and C250 folks are also planning to participate.  I figure my crew and I will sail upriver until we get bored or until 4 pm, which ever comes first, and then sail back.


June 18.  Your fellow sailors are sailing “upriver” on June 18th, the Saturday of father’s day weekend and one of the longest days of the year as well.  It is going to be super informal.  Just a bunch of guys and gals out for a day of sailing.

We’ll start at buoy “14” at NOON and head upriver; no formal start sequence, no nothing.  Just be at “14” at noon and start sailing upriver in a giant pack of sailboats.

I know that there will be some Martins and some J/24s.  I would like to see some other boats in a very wide range of sizes (Cal 20/25, Catalina 22/25/27/30/etc., Hunters, J/30s, Ranger 20s, and even BIGGER boats!!).

How far upriver you go is entirely up to you and your crew (and of course the wind and the amount of beer you have on board).  I think that if the wind is good and we can make it to the Camas docks we should stop for a quick bite to eat before heading back downriver, but this is entirely up to you.  If the wind doesn’t cooperate then we can all sail upriver until we get tired of the fun and turn around and head for home.  Sunset isn’t until 9pm or so, so daylight won’t be a problem, and sailing in the dark is fun anyway!

Eric Rimkus
Martin 241 Gladiator
 t.gladiator@comcast.net

 

 

Summer Sailstice Catalina 25/250 Challenge
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore! (C25/C250 Fleet 94 Captain)

June 18.  Don't forget the race/cruise upriver on Saturday, June 18th. There is NO official start/ NO official "end", just a bunch of boats heading upriver at noon from buoy "14".  GREAT WAY to sail with a bunch of like boats.

I think that we C25s should do our own "race" with a "turn around" time agreed upon.  We would all start back down the river at an agreed upon time (say 4 pm?? suggestions???)...and the fastest boats upriver would have the furthest to go to finish! The slower boats upriver would be closer to the finish.....might be a fun/close "finish".

I will buy a 6-pack of Full Sail for the Fleet 94 boat that is the furthest upriver at the "turn around time" and another 6-pack for the Fleet 94 boat that "finishes" first back at buoy "14".

I propose we have an informal "get-together" at Tomahawk at the end of the evening. We could call it a "meeting"....hang out, meet folks, eat a bit, share a bit, buy burgees, that sort of stuff.  Let me know if you are "IN" for this one

Gary Bruner, molika@teleport.com)

 

Racing

Racing on the River
By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine (Commodore)

Gail and I have been racing Imagine in the cruising class this spring and have had a fine time.  A humbling time.  A frustrating time.  And often a “What were we thinking” time.

After last Thursday’s race Gail said that we should bag the C30 Nationals and just go cruising.  After my initial shock (as she likes racing more than I do) I realized her comment was mostly due to exhaustion and depleted adrenaline.  At the beginning we had to tack at least 50 times in very close quarters just to get to the starting line!  I have never yelled “Starboard” so loudly and frequently, nor had it yelled at me as much as on that evening.  With Gail at the helm and crew Carrie and I working the sheets we were tuckered out quite early.  The strong current and east wind really worked against having another fun evening at the races. 

And fun it has been.  SYSCO (Small Yacht Sailing Cub of Oregon) hosts most of the racing on the river.  They sponsor a spring and summer series, spring regatta, summer one-design and various other events.  Most of the racing is one-design, which we try to do if we can get three or more Catalina 30s registered.  In the meantime we join the Cruising Class and try to be as competitive as possible. 

This spring the Cruising Class included the following Hunters: 260, 30, 31, 33.  An Erickson 27 joined us to make a fleet of 6 boats.  Most of us keep our dodgers, biminis and the all important BBQ in place.  We agree to have fun and avoid mishaps at all costs.

The best thing for Gail and I this season is that we started studying the racing rules more carefully and started paying more attention to sail trim.  Even as a cruiser we want our boat to sail as efficiently as possible.  There is so much to learn but there is not a better place to learn than out on the racecourse.

 

Heading North to the Catalina 30 Nationals
By Bob Gales, C30, Imagine (Commodore)

The International Catalina 30 Association will be holding their national championship races in Seattle June 25 and 26.  This will be in conjunction with the All Catalina Days beginning June 24 at Shilshole Bay and hosted by the Catalina Association of Puget Sound.

Gail and I were already planning to go cruising up north this summer so we thought, why not?  Fortunately for us there will be a Racing Main and Jib class so we have not had to rig and learn to fly our spinnaker.  We also won’t need such a big crew.  Joining Gail and I will be Dale Mack (our local ringer), Carrie Peterson, who has been crewing with us this spring and last year, and Jason Brinkman, if he returns in time from helping Bruce Schwab return Ocean Planet from France to Portland, Maine.  Will he still want to crew on Imagine after he has been running with the big dogs?

We plan to leave Portland next week and have a week to cruise around the sound before arriving in Seattle.  When our crew joins us at Shilshole we will off-load as much weight as possible into our cars.  Sailing in an unfamiliar area will be a new challenge.  While we will not have the river current to deal with we will have to pay attention to tidal currents, as well as increased commercial shipping.

Imagine is a great cruising boat and we are working to improve her racing abilities.  A new full batten main was added this spring that gives much better sail shape and control than the old flannel bed sheet.  Now, if we just had a new 150, any offers out there?

Dale can write a report for the July newsletter all about our National Adventure!

 

Heading East to the Catalina 25/250 Nationals
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore! (C25/C250 Fleet 94 Captain)

Terry Annis, Steve Eldred, and Gary Bruner have purchased their plane tickets to fly back to Kansas to represent Fleet 94 in the 2005 Catalina 25/250 Nationals July 8-10.

We're chartering a boat on Lake Cheney (Wichita, KS) that is NOT really setup to race, but we are taking sails, etc.  We'll keep you posted.....

 

Catalina 25/250 Racing this Summer
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore! (C25/C250 Fleet 94 Captain)

Poor Nate and Margaret Hanson, aboard Leucothea, tore up their furling headsail during the last race of the Spring Series. Bummer....they were in a good place to win the series since the leader, Plan B, was not able to race that night due to family commitments.

SYSCO Summer Series

The SYSCO Summer Series begins on Thursday, June 9 and goes for 5 weeks.  Sure hope to get a lot of boats out for this!  We had seven C25 entries in the Spring Series.  Do I hear 10 for Summer?  I know that because of C25/250 Nationals and cruising plans, that Encore! won't be out for more than two of the races, but at least we count as an entry for the trophy count.  If eight boats actually race, SYSCO will put up three trophies at the end of the season. The series is $30, but is free to SYSCO members....(the SYSCO membership is the best $70 I spend all year on sailing).

Friday Night Beer Can Races

Starting June 10, Beer Can races run on Friday nights. The first is a SYSCO sponsored race with the theme of Sports Night.  The race starts at 6:30 pm.  It's FREE, casual racing and a great way to learn more.

Banks Gold Rush

The Banks Gold Rush is coming up on June 11th.  Sure would be good to have a One-Design fleet of boats out there.  I think the most we have had is three C25s.  I will probably cruise down to St. Helens and stay the night at Sand Island and come back to Portland on Sunday, but I am not "promising"......Come and join us!

 

The Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association invites all eligible boats to participate in the 2005 Six Pace Regatta head on the Columbia River.

This event is a weeklong series of six races from Portland to Astoria.

All yachts are welcome.  Yachts wishing to sail in Division I or Division II must have a PHRF certificate or sail Level or One-Design.  Yachts wishing to sail in the Cruising Class will be assigned to a Level Class.  These races will be sailed under current ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing, OCSA Sailing Instructions, Six Pac Sailing Instructions and applicable Level or One-Design rules.  Any unregistered boat is ineligible to race.

Boats shall comply with PIYA Category IV.  Boats must have auxiliary power and carry adequate fuel to motor 1.5 hours.  Charts #18525, #18523, and #18521 are required.  A VHF radio (fixed or hand-held) or cell phone are required.  Depth sounder or lead line, and compass are strongly recommended.

Race

Day

 Description
1 Sat, July 23 Start below the railroad bridge and finish near Sand Island.
2 Sun, July 24 Start below St. Helens and finish above Cathlamet.  Party at Cathlamet.
  Mon, July 25 No race—sail/motor to Astoria
3 Tue, July 26 Astoria Bay Race.
4 Wed, July 27 Astoria Cup Race, Astoria Bay. This race is open to non-Six Pac boats and cruising class boats.
5 Thu, July 28 Astoria Bay Race.
6 Fri, July 29 Start in Astoria and finish near Cathlamet.

Evening activities after Race 1, 3, 4, & 5.

Cruising Class:  Cruising class boats will sail races #1, #2, #6 and optionally race #4, The Astoria Cup.

Divisions and Classes:  First start Division I fast boats; Second start Division II slower boats;  Third start Division III cruising class.

Registration: Registration packets will be distributed before the event. You may request a registration packet by contacting Bob Waldron at:

waldror@eaglehomemortgage.com or

Rwaldron50@hotmail.com

Registration packets will contain:

  • Entry Form
  • Sailing Instructions
  • Moorage Information
  • Schedule of Social events
  • Division Pennants
  • Other Pertinent Information

There will be open registration at the mandatory skippers meeting. Time and location TBA.

The deadline for registration is the skippers meeting. There will be no exceptions made for late registration. Late registrations will not be accepted.

FEES:

Divisions I and II: $95.00 for US Sailing members (US Sailing membership number must be provided). $115.00 for non-US Sailing members.

Cruising Class: $65.00 for US Sailing members (US Sailing membership number must be provided). $75.00 for non-US Sailing members. 

For more information contact Bob Waldron at 503-359-5514 or 503-314-4658.

SKIPPERS MEETING:

Time and Location TBA

Mandatory of all Six Pac skippers and/or their representatives!

All crew, sailors, or interested parties are welcome and invited.

  • Race packets will be distributed.
  • Supplemental sailing instructions may be distributed.
  • Social events will be discussed.
  • Last opportunity to register for the race.
  • Buy your Six Pac t-shirts.
  • Novice Six Pac information available.
  • Latest Cathlamet Channel information.
  • Skippers look for crew.
  • Crew look for skippers.
  • Have a beverage!

 

 

C25 Encore! Competing in the Six Pac
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore! (C25/C250 Fleet 94 Captain)

Once more I'm planning on the Six Pac this summer from Portland to Astoria and back up to Cathlamet over July 23-29.  It would be cool to have C25 company in the "SLOW BOAT CRUISING CLASS"!  Ask me if you have questions about this; I have done the last two of them.....loved it.....

I am on the planning committee for the Six Pac event this summer as well.  The Six Pac has a "CRUISING" class that I participate in and in the last two I was the only C25 in the fleet.

The racing/cruising starts in Portland with a leg to St. Helens on Saturday.  Sunday is a race down to near Stella with an overnight in Cathlamet.  Monday is a lay day as we motor downriver to Astoria.  Tuesday is a bay race just for the racing fleets.  Wednesday is an OPTIONAL race for the Astoria Cup in the bay that is open to the cruising boats.  Thursday is just more bay racing for the go-fasts.  Friday, the final day, is the last leg from Astoria back up to Cathlamet.

One COULD do all the cruising events on a Sat., Sun. and Friday...plus getting the boat to Astoria....think it over...What a GREAT way to see the river and hang out with the racing pirates on our river. I recommend it! Let me know if you want more info on any of these events!!!!!!

Gary Bruner, molika@teleport.com)

 

C30 Celtic Myst Sailing in the Six Pac
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

I experienced my first Six Pac in 2003 while Laura, Sean, and I were on our first summer cruise to Astoria.  Our visit to Cathlamet coincided with the Six Pac's arrival there on Sunday.  It was quite a sight to see the marina fill up with boats that had spent the day racing/cruising from Sand Island, St. Helens.

Cruising locally to me doesn't typically make me think of sailing, but instead of motoring, so the idea of sailing to Cathlamet is intriguing.  I've sailed to St. Helens on several occasions, but never beyond.  I'm looking forward to the adventure and the people I'll meet along the way.

Celtic Myst will be entered in the Cruising Class so I guess I'll be chasing Gary Bruner's C25 Encore! downstream.

 

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

June

  • 11, TBYC Swap Meeting, Tomahawk Bay Moorage
  • 24-26, Antique Boat Show, Tomahawk Bay Moorage
  • 25-26, Race:  Catalina 30 National Regatta, Shilshole Bay Marina, Seattle
  • 25-26, CRACA Cruise:  Coon Island, East Dock

July

  • 8-10, Columbia River Yacht Showcase, Tomahawk Bay Moorage
  • 16-17, CRACA Cruise:  Government Island, East Dock
  • 16, Hayden Bay BBQ, free to sailors
  • 23, Jantzen Bay BBQ, free to sailors
  • 28-30, Cruise:  Martin Island

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.