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General Membership
Meeting Date & Time: May 23rd, Wednesday, 6:30 pm Location: Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay 100 Columbia Street Program: Marine Surveyor Alison Mazon will discuss boat maintenance |
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Catalina
Racing Alive and WellWith the C22's and C25's racing one-design, and everyone else racing in the Cruising Class (no flying sails), 2007 is witnessing a resurgence amongst Catalina owners in the joys of racing. While some may be attracted to the competition, the reality is that most are into it for the built-in excuse to get out on the water with a group of others once a week and see if you can get the boat around the course. That last part, "getting the boat around the course", has been challenging for the first two races of the SYSCO Spring Series which started in mid-April. Light air, and a dying breeze have been the norm so far. Despite the conditions it has been a lot of fun. For those who think no one races Catalina's, here's a list of folks who are racing:
Tuesday Evenings
Thursday Evenings
Curious about racing either as a skipper or as crew? If so, I highly recommend you take our Vice Commodore, Alden Andre', up on his offer and go racing with him. Seeing how it is done will help demystify the whole process so you can concentrate on the fun.
Opportunities to Race
The SYSCO Summer Series starts June 5 & 7 and runs through July 10 & 12. The Friday evening Beer Can Races start June 8th and run all the way through August 24th. See www.sailpdx.com for more information.
The OWSA Women's Race Series runs on Monday evenings from June 4 - June 25. This series provides women an opportunity to explore the exciting world of racing with an all women crew. See www.owsa.net for more information.
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Secretary/TreasurerThe CRACA meeting at the Quay on April 25 had nineteen attendees representing nine boats plus the River City Sailing group (our local Catalina Dealer).
Shane St. Clair spoke about his “sailing adventure” from California to Hawaii in a Catalina Capri 18. This trip took place in 1987 after he had “circumnavigated” much of the US. Part of the inspiration for such a venture came after he read “Island to Myself”.
Prior to his trip he visited Catalina Yachts and talked to Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas. Both told him the Capri 18 was not meant to go off the coast. He purchased the boat anyway and began to prepare for the trip.
Supplies included 20 gallons of water and two laundry baskets of food. The
boat was equipped with a cruising spinnaker and tiller pilot. He used a plastic
sextant to determine his position during the trip.
His trip took 28days from the West coast to Maui. He described winds up to 60 knots and then calm seas and winds. At one point an accidental jibe with preventer in place was enough force to break the boom where the preventer was attached. Sailing after that was with genoa and spinnaker.
In discussing safety issues—he wore a safety harness and tether since he did not want to see the boat sail away without him. He says problems usually occur because of human error – not the boat’s fault. Failure to do regular maintenance is often the issue when boaters have problems.
To read more of Shane’s adventures, check out:
www.marine-concepts.com/stories/shane.html
Other announcements and comments from the members at the meeting:
It was suggested that our first cruise next season be at Vancouver Landing at the Quay instead of Hadley’s Landing. The Columbia Queen is scheduled to be at the dock every Saturday, so this may be a problem for us.
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CommunicationsAs Sean prepares to head off to the University of Washington in the Fall, the crew of Celtic Myst have found themselves in Seattle several times this year. On one of those trips I had the opportunity to get away for half a day and kick around Anacortes. For the trailer sailor, Anacortes commonly serves as the jumping off point for a cruise into the San Juan Islands or the Canadian Gulf Islands. I've always launched at Cap Sante Boat Haven because the marina is well maintained, is always being upgraded, within walking distance of shopping (both grocery and West Marine), and it has a marine monorail for launching and retrieving boats.
While
I'd enjoy once again sailing the islands in my Catalina 22, Laura tells me she's
done her last overnighter on a C22. I can't blame her, cruising aboard
Celtic Myst is like RVing while my yellow-hulled C22
Crocus, which
I co-own with Don Bateson, is more like pup tent camping because you can't stand
up. Hard to believe that Laura, Sean and I sailed the islands twice for
ten days aboard our previous C22
Harmony.
Today I mostly use the C22 for racing and day sailing, although every once in a
while I'll grab my gear and spend a night aboard.
22nd Annual Columbia River Ladies Cruise
Although not a CRACA event, the Ladies Cruise has traditionally attracted a couple of Catalina crews. Running from May 18th through 20th, this year's event is taking place at Coon Island on Multnomah Channel. It's a weekend of camaraderie, with prizes for Best Dressed Crew and Best Dressed Boat to theme. Visit www.ladiescruise.com for more information.
OWSA Wednesday Night Sails Begins, May 16
The Oregon Women's Sailing Association is always looking for boats to participate in the OWSA Wednesday Night Sails (WNS). Celtic Myst hosted several WNS's in 2006, and we are signing up again. If you are looking for an excuse to get the boat out at least once a week and want a ready made crew then the OWSA WNS is the way to go. Visit www.owsa.net for more information.
Swap Meet at Tomahawk Bay Moorage, May 19
Tomahawk Bay Yacht Club (TBYC) will be holding its annual swap meet in the parking lot of Tomahawk Bay Moorage, 515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland, OR 97217. The selling is slated to begin at 7 am. If you have items to sell, you can purchase a space for $5 by contacting Stan @ 541-764-3967 or Bev @ 503-452-0071.
Antique and Classic Boat Show, June 23
Tomahawk
Bay Moorage will once again play host to the
CWC-ACBS's Antique and
Classic Boat Show. In the water you'll find everything from runabouts to
cruisers. Ashore an eclectic mix of classic outboard motors, classic cars,
runabouts, and boat models will have been assembled for your viewing.
I can highly recommend this show. The quality and content seems to improve each year. The last couple of years have featured the restored PT 658 based in Portland. The boat has been open for tours, and at the top of every hour they fire up one of the boat's three Packard engines.
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HistorianSpring is here and so is the rain! This is a busy time of the year for some people, but I would appreciate any photos you have. Even if it’s just a single photo, send it in with an explanation, and I’ll use it. If you have photographs that aren’t digital, just bring them to a CRACA meeting or event, and I can scan them to a PDF file and give them back. I’ve yet to leave the ground with this project, and in order to do so, I need input from you; the members of CRACA.
Alex Andre'
503-819-9998
alex@teamimpact.org
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Safety
FocalOregon State Marine Board cautions for Hypothermia
Oregon's waters are born of snow melt and therefore tend to be cold throughout the year. In early spring boaters should be aware of the effects of hypothermia - especially in the event of an accident. Here is what the Oregon State Marine Board has to say…
Hypothermia - Even in Summer!
Oregon's waters are born of snow melt and, therefore, tend to be cold throughout the year. Even in summer on a hot day, boaters and bathers should be aware of the effects of hypothermia - especially in the event of an accident.
Hypothermia is the lowering of the body core temperature. While skin and tissues cool rapidly in cold water, it generally takes 15-20 minutes for the temperature of internal organs to begin to drop. Once your body’s core temperature begins to fall, it does so steadily. Unconsciousness can occur when your core temperature drops below 90° F and death usually occurs at approximately 80° F.
What To Do
Every effort should be made to slow your cooling rate. Techniques that will increase your survival time take into account the following:
If you fall into cold water do not panic. Air trapped in clothing can provide buoyancy as long as you remain still in the water. Do not remove your clothes or shoes unless it is necessary for flotation, as they provide added thermal protection. If you are boating and capsize, try to right your boat and climb back in. If this is not possible climb on top of your boat, getting as far out of the water as possible.
Effects of Emersion
Cold water immersion can cause immediate problems including disorientation, unconsciousness and occasionally heart attack. If your plunge is sudden, cold water shock can trigger hyperventilation or a gasp reflex. Either reaction can be fatal if your face is under water.
Self-rescue becomes more difficult as your extremities are quickly numbed by the cold. Your hands will have trouble holding on to a life jacket, rescue line or overturned boat. Within 20 minutes, hypothermia sets in.
Swimming
Swimming in cold water will not keep you warm. Even though you feel warmer because blood rushes to the skin, you actually lose more heat by swimming than by remaining still. Swimming to safety is only recommended if you are absolutely sure of making it.
By choosing to swim you reduce your survival time. A good swimmer is incapacitated by hypothermia after swimming less than 1 mile in 50° F water. Also, shore may be farther than it appears. The best advice is to stay with a boat if possible as it is easier for rescuers to spot than a person alone in the water.
Survival Time
The temperature of the water, body size, body fat, the type of clothing you are wearing and your activity in the water all determine survival time. Generally, survival time increases with extra body fat and decreases with smaller body size. Children cool faster than adults because of their smaller body size and lower fat content. As illustrated, an average size individual wearing a standard life jacket and light clothing will have a predicted survival time in 50° F water of 2 1/2-3 hours.
“HELP” AND “Huddle”
The “Heat Escape Lessening Posture” (HELP) is only possible when wearing a flotation device. Hold the inner side of your arms tightly against the sides of your chest, press your thighs together, cross your feet and raise your knees to your chest. Life jackets with their buoyancy high on the body are best for this technique. Life jackets with evenly distributed buoyancy will cause some instability. If that happens, lower your legs a little but keep them together.
Another strategy that works when several people are in cold water is the “huddle”. Heat is preserved by huddling close, chests side by side. Placing children in the center of your huddle will extend their survival time. Both of these techniques will reduce your heat loss and increase your survival time by approximately 50 percent.
Be Prepared
Being prepared for cold water means wearing a life jacket when boating. Trying to put your jacket on while in cold water is very difficult. Equip your life jacket with items that will attract attention. Reflective tape and a flashing light, secured high on your jacket, will make you more visible. Carrying small aerial flares, smoke canisters and a plastic whistle can also be effective in drawing the attention of passing boats or rescue personnel.
Drugs or alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while boating. Intoxicants impair critical life-saving decisions and contrary to popular belief alcohol will not warm a person.In fact, alcohol dilates blood vessels and may increase heat loss.
Having knowledge of survival techniques will give you the confidence that you will need to survive. Maintaining a positive attitude and remaining calm can be the difference between life and death.
Without A Life Jacket
If you do not have on a life jacket then you have two alternatives: treading water and drownproofing. Treading water, the continuous movement of arms and legs to keep your head out of water, has a 34 percent higher cooling rate than holding still in a life jacket. However, treading water is recommended over drownproofing.
Of the various survival techniques drownproofing is the least effective way to combat hypothermia. Although an excellent warm water survival behavior, drownproofing will cool the body about 80 percent faster than holding still in 50° F water. This is primarily because drownproofing requires alternating your head, a high heat loss area, in and out of the water.
Treatment
Great care should be taken to ensure that the victim avoids physical exertion, trauma and going from a horizontal to vertical position quickly. Jarring the victim might adversely affect the victim’s heart.
Mild Hypothermia
Symptoms:
- Shivering vigorously
- Lips may be blue
- Talking clearly and sensibly
- Numbness, clumsiness and loss of dexterity
- Pain from cold
First Aid:
- Get victim to a dry, sheltered area and remove wet clothing
- Put on dry clothing and apply warm objects
- Give warm, sweet drinks- no alcohol
- Do not rub the surface of the body
Severe Hypothermia
Symptoms:
- Shivering reduced or absent
- Lips appear blue
- Slurred speech, muscular rigidity, appears drunk
- Semiconscious to unconscious
- Loss of reasoning and recall, may resist help
First Aid:
- Obtain medical assistance
- Get victim into sleeping bag or blankets, apply warm objects
- Monitor breathing and pulse
- Start artificial respiration or CPR as needed
If a victim is found floating face down or under water, assume the individual is a victim of cold water near-drowning. Blue skin coloration, no detectable breathing, no apparent heartbeat or pulse and fully dilated pupils are typical symptoms.
This does not mean the victim is dead. Immediate and continuous CPR may save an individual in this situation. Obtain medical assistance immediately. If you have trouble differentiating between mild and severe hypothermia, a good rule of thumb is less than 30 minutes in the water, mild hypothermia and more than 30, severe hypothermia.
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Situation Swimming Slowly ........2.0 |
Situation Drownproofing............5.1 |
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Cruising
ChairmanHello Members,
The season is off to a wonderful start. We've had two great cruises and two very interesting speakers at our meetings, thanks to our Vice Commodore Alden for the speakers.
We have a cruise planned to Martin Island over Memorial Day that several of us are looking forward to. Those signed up so far include:
Please contact me if you plan you attend the cruise so I make sure to include you in any information I pass along regarding the cruise.
Jim Elieff
503-706-3081
elieffmaan@yahoo.com
Friday Rendezvous
I've been waiting for a sunny weekend to kickoff our Friday Rendezvous series for the season. The idea is to sail to the dock below Shenanigans Restaurant (Red Lion Hotel on the River - Jantzen Beach) on a Friday to enjoy Happy Hour together in the company of fellow Catalina enthusiasts, and then go out sailing between the bridges on Saturday for those that want to make it an overnight affair. We aren't allowed to stay overnight at the Red Lion dock, but other options exist. I've arranged with Columbia Crossings to allow CRACA boats to spend the night at Tomahawk Bay Moorage for just $10/night (call 503-203-2444 and ask for Dale). You can stay for free at Vancouver Landing right next to Red Lion Hotel - Vancouver, or you can anchor in Grandma's Cove (aka Canoe Bay) where Schooner Creek Boat Works is located.
Announcing Our First Friday Rendezvous
Friday, May 11th
Docks at Shenanigans
Happy Hour: 4 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, May 12th
Day sail between the bridges
Rendezvous outside of Tomahawk Bay Moorage at 11 am
Cruising Plans
The Catalina Rendezvous in September is shaping up, thanks to Kathleen Lewis, who is doing a lot of work and making it happen.
Rick Ward and Jess Schefstrom are working on the Downriver Cruise in July that looks like there will be something for everyone.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon.
James M.Elieff C. D.
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CRACA Cruising Schedule
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The
CRACA April 21-22 cruise to Government Island's East dock was predicted to
have a chance of showers on Saturday, decreasing on Sunday. Laura and
I had already decided to go rain or shine so it was really only a question
of how much wind and how cold.
We left Tomahawk Bay Moorage in the late morning Saturday and found ourselves nearly alone on the water. There wasn't enough wind to sail in so we motored. The rain held off until we approached the I-205 bridge.
Upon arriving at Bartlett Landing we discovered that the following boats had already arrived:
The
quantity of Sherman's walks was the only real downside to the rain on Saturday.
Rain or no rain, appetizers were shared, stories told, and acquaintances made.
What normally would have taken place on the dock simply moved indoors to the
salon and hospitality of Jess & Mary Schefstrom. The conversation and food
was wonderful. John Fulton and I had only exchanged emails before after a
picture of his boat under sail had appeared on the CRACA website, so it was nice
meeting John in person.
We awoke to sunny skies on Sunday. As Laura slept in and Sherman and I explored the island, the other three CRACA boats departed for home. Celtic Myst didn't get underway until after 3 pm and once again we were greeted with calm conditions.
Between the naps, books, and the socializing with others, Laura and I pretty
much accomplished everything we went on the cruise to do. While I know
rain can turn many off, I've come to not plan too much around it boating-wise.
I usually use the forecasted temperature and wind velocity to influence my
go/don't go decision. This extraordinary picture send to me by Jess
Schefstrom reminds us that sometimes even a predicted so-so weekend can turn out
pretty amazing.
Thanks again to everyone that was on the cruise. It was great sharing some laughs.
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CRYA
UpdateEditor's Note: CRACA is a member of the Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA) and Michael Lewis and Jim Elieff typically attend CRYA's monthly meetings on behave of CRACA.
Doggy Lifejacket Loaner Program
Nancy Dale, CRYA Delegate from Riverside Yacht Club and Four Paws Only shared the need for pet safety on the water. She is starting a program called “Operation Safe Dog” where pet life jackets can be obtained at major gas docks on the Willamette or the Columbia River.
The pet jackets can borrowed for up to 48 hours and must be returned within 48 hours or the borrower will be charged for the jacket, but the proceeds of the pet jacket would go toward replacing the jacket.
The program is being sponsored by Paws Aboard and Four Paws Only. www.fourpawsonly.org She explained that the need has arisen because over 200 dogs have been lost or drowned in the last two seasons and many owners do not realize that some dogs with large chests or short necks do not swim well.
Oregon State Marine Board
Janine Belleque, Grants/Contracts Coordinator of the Oregon State Marine Board gave an update on the projects that have recently received approval or are in the process of getting approval.
Coon Island -- The transient dock at Coon Island will be replaced and made longer, she estimated 390 to 400 feet with both internal and external access. They plan to be on site June 25; which will impact one scheduled cruise. OSMB will not be replacing restrooms at this time due to lack of funds, however she is hoping the county will put in another application.
Sandy Beach at Government Island -- Along with the new docks, Sandy Beach at Government Island will receive a new pump out and floating bathroom if the core permit is approved; construction is tentatively scheduled to September 2008.
Gleason (42nd Street) Ramp Transient Dock -- Several projects scheduled: modifying the wall to improve the inside and outside ties, improve the ramp, and trash racks (debris deflection wall).
Lake Oswego Foothills Park Transient Dock -- The proposed project has been redesigned to allow access to the shore-side by boats up to about 30’ with no more than 4 ½’ draft. There will be approximately 100’ of dock accessible at low summer water levels and more when the water level is higher.
North Sand Island Wave Attenuator -- At this time no federal funds have been approved to install the wave attenuator at North Sand Island. The City of St Helens is looking for partnerships from local businesses to help with funding.
Down River Transient Dock -- The OSMB will be looking at other locations for a transient dock somewhere between St Helens and Astoria. The problem is that the local governments don’t have the funds to support this sort of facility. There may need to be a push to get the State Parks Dept to establish a new island state park somewhere down river.
Mooring Buoys -- The OSMB is looking at mooring buoys as a way to increase transient tie-up facilities, but are looking for someone to take on the responsibility of monitoring the buoys.
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The 2007 Down River Cruise will be hosted by “Cheryl Lynn” C36, Rick and
Cheryl Ward, and “Kira Lynn” C42, Jess and Mary Schefstrom.
We hope all will consider attending this cruise down the beautiful Columbia River to its mouth. It is a great trip and there is nothing better than coming out of Ilwaco with a fresh NW wind and heading back up river at 7 to 8 knots under full sail for 103 miles.
The ports of St Helens, Cathlamet, Ilwaco, and Astoria are great full service facilities with power, showers, shopping, restaurants, and lots of history.
If you can’t make the time commitment to attend the whole cruise, consider maybe going half way down to Cathlamet or meeting up with us in Cathlamet or Martin Slough on our way back up river.
The cruise float plan is shown below. We hope all will consider attending and if we can answer any questions please feel free to contact us.
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Rick and Cheryl Ward |
Jess and Mary Schefstrom 503-410-0604 jhse27@hotmail.com |
If you will be attending this cruise please call or send a note to Jim Elieff, Cruising Chairman.
Jim Elieff
503-706-3081
elieffmaan@yahoo.com
2007 Down River Cruise Float Plan
| Downriver | ||||
| Thur | July 19th | Leave Portland | ||
| St Helens Concert on the River | 20 miles | |||
| Fri | July 20th | Cathlamet | 44 miles | 5.5 hrs (at 8mph) |
| Sun | July 22nd | Ilwaco | 39 miles | 4.9 hrs |
| Upriver | ||||
| Mon | July 23rd | Astoria | 11 miles | 1.8 hrs (at 6 mph) |
| Wed | July 25th | Cathlamet | 28 miles | 4.6 hrs |
| Fri | July 27th | Walker Island | 19 miles | 3.1 hrs |
| Sat | July 28th | Martin Slough | 12 miles | 2.0 hrs |
| Sun | July 29th | St Helens | 13 miles | 2.1 hrs |
| Portland | 20 miles | 3.3 hrs | ||
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Trip |
206 miles | 27.3 hrs |
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Each year on the first Saturday in May the Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA), of which CRACA is a member, celebrates Opening Day with a parade of boats on the Columbia River. CRYA member clubs and associations motor passed a review boat on which a group of judges evaluates everything from "Best Seamanship" to "Best Decorated Boat".
For those that stayed home, here's a glimpse at the parade:




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Checkout these links to Northwest Catalina newsletters and local racing:
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Catalina 22 Fleet 20 of Portland
Sail Portland Oregon Women's Sailing Assoc. |
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Catalina Assoc. of Tacoma and South Sound |
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Upcoming Events
May
June
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.