INAUGURAL ISLANDS RACE
Patriot Passing Angel's Gate
COMMODORE’S COLUMN
ike many
members,
I think of
myself as a
sailor who
happens to
own a
powerboat.
It’s curious
how life works
out. After a
life full of
sailing and
owning
sailboats, I
ended up with
an old wood
trawler as my
half century
mark
approached.
It’s been
Commodore W. Bradley Avery
rewarding, but
I can’t say I
have never looked back.
Most sailors who switch to power continue to see
themselves as sailors. It’s an identity that stays with you; it’s a
way of relating to being on the water. A sailor at the throttles
may be happy, but if the breeze is right, he or she wishes they
were sailing. The word sailor has a better ring to it than the
word powerboater. Sailing has a good image: easy on the
environment, and many people think it’s adventurous. No one
ever discovered anything great under power, just ask Captain
Cook.
Nonetheless, we have seen a steady stream of NHYC
sailors going to the dark side. There are many reasons for this,
including middle age, the internet, and soccer. Occasionally
the main dock resembles a white fiberglass condominium
project, with blue awnings and roof top decks. And some
disease has hit the forest of masts that once populated
Opening Day.
Regardless of our diesel guzzling members, NHYC
remains and always will be a sailor’s club. It’s who we are, it’s
in our DNA, and no amount of prop churning will change it.
We celebrate our sailors, especially our juniors, and those who
win regattas or explore beyond normal insurance limits. And
we especially like someone who wins big in a dinghy, like
Chris Barnard, Charlie Buckingham, Chris Segerblom, or
Sydney Bolger. We honor those who sail small cruising boats
across oceans like Andy and Corky Dossett or Tod and Linda
White. No one gets much credit for motoring across an ocean.
On the cover of this year’s roster is Richard and Lani
L
Straman’s beautiful Fife schooner Astor, flying along under full
sail off Antigua. On the back cover you’ll see Nick Madigan and
his daughter Kate skillfully sailing downwind in a Lehman 12.
And inside are photos of great NHYC racing crews from a half
century ago. Our 2010 membership card features World Champ
Mike Martin blasting along in his 5o5. When I chug into another
harbor on Galatea, I like the idea of presenting my 5o5 NHYC
membership card to get my yacht club guest privileges. Maybe
someone will think it’s me on the tiller. Thanks Mike.
Our spring racing schedule reflects our sailing linage. Fleet
Captain Dwight Belden and his Yacht Racing Council have their
hands full. As I write, Spring Gold Cup is underway with a record
number of Sabots, and the following weekend will see the
iconoclastic Finn sailors do battle. Then April really heats up, with
a regatta every weekend at the Club, including a couple of big
ones: the Baldwin Cup Team Race on April 10-11, followed by
the enduring Ahmanson Cup April 17-18. The Non Calm Bowl
Regatta is April 24-25, followed by our traditional Opening Day
Race and regatta May 1. We can look forward to a thick forest on
the main dock in April, and powerboats had better standoff, even
if they are flying blue pennants with white anchors and stars.
Finally, I offer last month’s spectacularly successful Islands
Race as proof members still dare to leave the comforts of the
Pirate’s Den (in March!) and race big boats offshore around
islands. Even in the dark. Not since the Whitney Series went the
way of the Dodo bird has NHYC turned out such a fleet to
venture beyond Catalina. The brain-child of offshore impresarios
Jim Madden and Paul Stemler, this 129 mile racing adventure was
co-sponsored by NHYC and SDYC and saw 48 boats enter and
41 sail. NHYC fielded 11 serious ocean racers, many with veteran
crews of certain ages.
About 100 members took part. They came together in
mutual struggle against the elements, the competition, and
sometimes each other… Many boats finished around sunrise, but
this did not keep cockpit parties from breaking out until SDYC
opened for breakfast. The hospitality of our southern brethren
was terrific, although they boarded up the windows just in case
things got out of hand. Sea stories were abundant in the bar as
the afternoon wore on, and finally many NHYC skippers were
called to the podium. The winning boats and crews comprised
our best offshore sailors. Skippers and boats were: Byron
Chamberlain’s Rose of Sharon, Jeff Johnsrud’s Patriot, Paul
Stemler’s Patriot, Dale William’s Wasabi, David Clark’s Adrenalin,
Tom Corkett’s Mirage, Chris Welsh’s Ragtime, and Jim Madden’s
Stark Raving Mad. Also getting silver, thanks to Chuck Brewer’s
loan of his J 92, was our team from the yacht racing office:
Charlie Underwood, Jenn Lancaster, and Emlie Barkow. Once
again, our burgee was very well represented in offshore racing.
And there was even talk of doing it again next year. When it’s in
the genes, advanced age and powerboats can’t kill it.
Fair winds,
Brad Avery
Spring Clean Up at the Club
ing
t
n
i
Pa
Saturday, April 3 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lunch Included
Cover photo by George West
2
ng
i
h
lis
Po
ing
t
n
Pla
RACING
201 0 R O L E X M I A M I
O LY M P I C C L A S S E S
R E G AT TA
by Scott Mason
Several NHYC sailors
descended upon south Florida in
January for the Miami OCR, which is
the second stop on the ISAF World
Cup. Olympic class competition is
heating up in advance qualifying for
the 2012 Olympic Games, and the
competition in all classes was fierce.
NHYC was represented in the
Laser by Charlie Buckingham, who
did not replicate his 2009 finish but
nevertheless finished among the top
US sailors and is a member of the
2010 US Sailing Development Team.
New skipper member Mikee
Anderson-Mittering teamed up with
2008 Trials partner David Hughes to
finish 15th in Men’s 470, narrowly
missing the medal race and finishing
as 2nd American. Mikee was
named to the USSTAG Team after
the regatta. Sydney Bolger and
Caitlyn Beavers finishing 16th, in
Womens 470, were 4th American
and are on the US Sailing
Development Team.
Andy MacDonald finished 6th in
Stars with Austin Sperry and is also
named to the USSTAG Team.
Phil Ramming, Scott Mason,
and Robert Kinney competed in the
Finn class, fighting it out in the selfproclaimed “Masters Division”.
With 14 of the top 20 ranked Finn
sailors worldwide, Ramming beat
out “Super Henry” and the elder
statesmen in the over 40 division
(no official recognition). Britannia
ruled the seas with Gold and Silver,
and Slovakia narrowly edged USA
and reigning Olympic Silver
Medalist Zach Railey to capture
Bronze.
Conditions were light to
moderate throughout the week and
US Sailing ran a high quality event.
Our younger contingent is off to
Europe for 2010 competition, and
many older Finn sailors will train
locally for the 2010 Finn Gold Cup
in San Francisco.
2 0 1 0 M A R D I G R A S R E G AT TA
by Scott Mason
Twenty Finn sailors converged on the
Southern Yacht Club February 19-21 for the
fourth annual Mardi Gras “Hangover”
Regatta. Racing just after Mardi Gras and
Ash Wednesday, New Orleans delivers great
hospitality with crayfish, gumbo, cocktail
parties, and a hosted dinner in the French
Quarter. The Kinneys and I, staying near the
Quarter at the historic Roosevelt Hotel, had
great meals, observed the crazies on Bourbon
Street, and fit a little sailing into the weekend.
Ten races were held over three days in
varying conditions. Lake Ponchartrain was as
cold as I ever remember, and conditions ranged from drifting on Friday to 15-18 knots on
Sunday. I was fortunate to get an early lead in Race 1 and held on to the finish. Forrest
Gay (SFYC Youth Director and West Coast Finn transporter) was 2nd, with local Guy
Brierre 3rd. Robert Kinney used a last gasp of breeze from the left to take Race 2, with
Mason and Brierre following right behind. The Nadys took top honors in Race 3 (Louie
has sailed Finns longer than Henry Sprague) with Kinney in 3rd. The leader board was
Mason and Brierre on top, with Louie, Forrest, and Robert close behind.
Day 2 saw a steadier breeze from the east at 6-10 knots. Mason was able to extend
his lead over Gay and Brierre with a 3-1-1-4, with Kinney and Nady staying in contact.
Local Macho Slavich took the final race then hosted a dinner for competitors, families and
race officials at Margaritaville in the Quarter Saturday evening. The evening was fun but
early with prospects of storms Sunday and a 1030 start.
Day 3 looked tame at the outset, but the
oncoming storm brought wind and shifty
conditions. The no drop format forced Mason
to restart on the X flag (I wasn’t over) and herd
Brierre to the right corner. Gay, Kinney, and
Nady came out of the left to beat out Mason
and Brierre, but Kinney was over and ended his
chances for a top finish. Kinney salvaged his
regatta with two wins to close out the series,
and Mason was close behind with a 2-3.
Final score: Mason on top with 29 points,
Forrest Gay with 39 and Louie Nady rounding
out the top 3 with 44. Kinney’s OCS dropped
him to 5th with 54 points; otherwise it would
have been a California sweep. The sailors had
a great time and look forward to Southern’s
hospitality in 2011.
3
RACING
2010 I NAUGURAL ISLANDS RACE
by Paul Stemler
The race officially began at the skippers meeting reception
hosted by NHYC on Thursday, March 11th. NHYC’s Kevin
Hawkins, the inaugural event PRO, gave us a briefing and we
were ready to go.
A strong inaugural fleet of about 50 boats entered,
featuring some of the best offshore sailors and boats in
Southern California including 13 boats from NHYC. The fleet
was broken into six divisions (SC52, Sled, and Division 1 thru 4),
boat rating and start times sorted out, weather and route issues
reviewed, trophies ordered and polished, photographers
arranged for, and the important Saturday night party logistics
finalized. Co-chairman SDYC Staff Commodore Fred Delaney
and I were ready for the race to begin!
Friday, start day, found the fleet with almost ideal sailing
conditions as hoped: 10-20 knot westerly day and night, clear
skies, and a few whales to observe. The fleet started near
Angels Gate in Long Beach. The starts were staggered from
11am Friday morning until 2pm to get everybody going and to
allow the fleet to converge near Catalina. After rounding
Catalina the fleet sailed down the backside of Catalina looking
at a beautiful sunset and green island hills toward San Clemente
Island. After rounding San Clemente the fleet then headed for
the finish at SD buoy #1.
The first boat to finish was NHYC’s Magnitude 80,
skippered by Commodore Brad Avery, who rolled in at an
amazing 1:17am. There is a rumor that the bar at SDYC was
still open! Next to finish was Dennis Conner in Stars and
Stripes at about 5 am, followed a minute later by NHYC’s Jim
Madden on Stark Raving Mad. By 10 am Saturday almost all of
the fleet had finished and the race stories were well under way.
The regatta party officially commenced at 6 pm Saturday, in
the under construction SDYC clubhouse and featured $2 rum
drinks, fajita and quesadilla food stations, a band, and plenty of
sailors and friends.
Winning the SDYC Delaney Trophy for 1st overall, donated
by Fred and his family for the event, was Flaca. NHYC’s Dale
Williams in Wasabi was 2nd overall and 3rd overall was our
NHYC group (we are still not sure how) in Patriot.
Winning the NHYC Free for All to San Diego, first
dedicated in 1924 by Arthur Soiland for 1st to finish was, of
course, Commodore Brad Avery in the Magnitude 80, who also
received a bottle of Mount Gay to complement his trophy.
For full results (NHYC took 7 of the top 10 places), pictures,
and notes please check out the race website:
www.islandsrace.com
A very special thanks from Fred and myself to the race
offices at SDYC and NHYC, the event PRO Kevin Hawkins and
the Commodore and flags at both clubs for their support and a
job well done.
Looks like the event will be back next year!!
4
5
photos by George West
RACING
NH YC S A I L O R S
W I N B I G AT
S C H O C K R E G AT TA
by Jane Schock and Bob Yates
The 19th Annual W. D. Schock
Memorial Regatta, held in tribute to
Bill Schock, was sailed in absolutely
ideal conditions on March 2nd and
3rd at Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
Two out of town sailors joined in
the competition. Alexander Vucelic of
the Manhattan Yacht Club came out
to see exactly what Harbor 20 onedesign sailing is all about. He actively
races an Interclub Dinghy, and thinks
Harbor 20 sailing might appeal to
sailors in and around Larchmont
Harbor. Alexander placed fourth in
the Harbor 20 B fleet and had a
fantastic time. He was definitely
impressed with the level of
competition in what he thought was
just a comfy day sailor.
The sailors from Bend, Oregon
are members of Bill Schock’s
extended family. Bill’s brother Bob
grew up at Newport Harbor Yacht
Club and was a very competitive
International 14 and Falcon sailor in
the ‘50s. He placed second as crew
for Bob Davis in the Snipe North
Americans and placed second as
skipper in the International 14 North
Americans. In this Regatta, Bob
crewed for Tom Schock in the Harbor
20 A Fleet on Saturday and then
turned the crew duty over to his son
Spencer on Sunday. Bob’s entourage
included his wife Janice, Spencer’s
wife, Heather, and their three young
children.
If there is one thing we all
learned this year, it was to ignore the
weatherman. Despite gloomy
predictions of pouring down rain, no
more than a few sprinkles were felt
during the racing. A good, steady
southerly breeze in the 10 to 12 knot
range made for exceptional sailing on
Saturday. Jenn Lancaster and Charlie
Underwood put the starting line down
near Bayshores and set excellent
windward/leeward courses. After
sending the Harbor 25 off on an
extra-long course, Jenn and Charlie
fired off five races for the Harbor 20
As and Bs and four for the Lidos. By
6
Sunday morning, most of the front
had passed through, and the wind
switched to a fresh clearing westerly
breeze with puffs up to about 16
knots. This put us back on our
favorite courses up the south Lido
channel.
With three straight bullets,
Michael Rettie in Harbor 25 #22
took first place honors in his fleet.
Winning the trophies in the
Harbor 20 A fleet was much more
challenging. At the end of the day
on Saturday Bob Yates and Tom
Schock, were tied for first with 15
points, and Bill Menninger was just
one point behind them.
Sunday’s bigger wind just
added to the competitiveness of
these three boats, and after the
final race there was a narrow 3-point
spread between them. Bob finished
the regatta in first place, with Tom
second and Bill in third. It was a
good day for NHYC sailors.
NHYC sailor Jeff Gordon sailed
a consistently good series of races
to win the Harbor 20 B fleet with
just 13 points. Dave O’Hara of the
Newport Sea Base was second, and
Gary Thorne of BYC was third. It
was fun to see Stephen Woodruff
out for his first Harbor 20 race in his
brand new Harbor 20 #300.
The gusty wind conditions were
a bit more wet and challenging for
the Lido 14 sailors, but all in all it
was a great weekend of Lido sailing.
NHYC skippers Kurt Wiese and
Steve Schupak were the fastest in
the A fleet, with Kurt and his crew,
John Papadopolous, having a slight
advantage over Steve and his wife
Anne. Steve and Anne were actually
faster off the line and had good
speed upwind, but in the end Kurt
and John’s extra weight allowed
them to point just a bit higher. After
throwing out a second place finish,
Kurt ended up with seven first place
finishes to win the regatta. Steve
was second and Greg Rodgers of
CBYC was third. Charles and Joanna
Smith of South Coast Corinthian
Y.C. won the B division.
Delicious tacos after the races
on Saturday and beautiful trophies
presented by Bettie Schock made
for a perfect regatta weekend.
photos by Bob Yates
7
HARBOR 20 MIDWINTER
8
photos by Bob Yates
NON-CALM
T H E M A N N I N G R E G AT TA
by Carter Scott
The Manning Regatta was held on
March 6th and 7th at ABYC in Long
Beach. This is an interesting regatta
because there are only two Sabot fleets.
One is made up of Sabot As, Bs, and
Senior Sabots. The other is all levels of
Sabot Cs. Sailing in the same fleet as
me from NHYC were Katie Calder,
Charlie Welsh, Camden Daily, and Sean
Dahl. In the C fleet it was Taryn
Anderson, Becca Welsh, Wells Drayton,
and Amelia Newett.
Racing on Saturday started out
pretty well, the wind was blowing about
8 knots, just the way I like it. But by the
third race, the wind had really picked
up and they had the C fleet come in for
the day. That last race was a hiking
marathon for all of us, (except the
adults) but our fleet kept sailing and
survived the day without anyone
flipping or swamping. Sunday however
was much different! The Cs started out
earlier than us in the day to complete
the race that was postponed on
Saturday, and by the time my fleet went
out it was blowing!! I was wishing I had
eaten a breakfast burrito to weigh me
down more as there were a few
swamped and flipped boats during the
day, including a Lido 14 that almost
completely turtled. By the end of racing
on Sunday Taryn Anderson had placed
2nd in the C fleet, (Way to go Taryn!),
and I took a 5th. Not only did I have
9
fun, but I proved to myself that I
could actually sail in heavy air and
against Mark Guadio (who took 1st in
my fleet, even without sailing the last
race!!) all without going upside down!
I’d like to thank Emlie for
coaching us and all her
encouragement during the regatta
and to all the parents who towed our
boats to ABYC.
MODEL YACHT PROJECT
NEED A HEADLINE
by Mike Nash
Last month, Commodore Avery
introduced the membership to the newly
launched NHYC full model project. Since
the first model to be built will be
Chubasco, this is a good time to tell a
story that involves this classic yacht and
many NHYC members.
Chubby works to windward during
Long Point Race Week.
The shop always had a number of model projects underway at one time.
Chubasco is the main character of
this story, a 65 foot yawl with a strong
sailor herself, Cathie often helped get the
up on a blind date with another sailor
NHYC racing pedigree. Designed for
boat
prepped
and
provisioned,
and
and yacht model maker, Russ Nash.
W.L. Stewart Jr. of LAYC in 1939 by
developed
a
love
for
Chubasco.
Cathie
Marriage and a child came a few years
Sparkman and Stevens, “Chubby” is an
states,
“There
weren’t
many
big
sailboats
thereafter. Connie later married
icon of beautiful yachts of that era. In
in Newport Harbor back then, certainly
Chubasco crewmember Fred Smales,
1958, Chubby was purchased by Club
none as pretty as Chubasco!” In 1959
from BYC. Upon their marriage, Connie
member Arnold Haskell. She was
Cathie
even
traveled
to
Honolulu
to
greet
presented Fred with a full model of his
successfully campaigned by his nephew,
the
winning
Chubasco
Transpac
crew.
California
32, Escapade, which was
Don Haskell. At the time, Don was just
During
this
time
her
good
friend
and
made
by
Russ.
getting his yacht brokeage firm Ardell off
NHYC member Connie Longridge set her
Tom Skahill penned an article about
the ground. To help marketing, a sailing
Russ for the 1991 August issue of
school was created at Ardell with
the HOTW, writing, “Russ joined
some local sailing kids as instructors:
NHYC in the 1960’s, sailing on
Craig Cadwalader, Tom Corkett,
such boats as Nalu II and Kialoa
Burke Sawyer, and Jim Warmington.
and with members Jack Hall and
The Haskells had a ready-made crew
Stan Williams on their various
wandering the docks. Wellboats.
equipped and well-sailed, Chubby
Many of the half models in
often took podium honors in the
the
clubhouse
and some of the
Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean
owner’s private house flags in the
waters. Don and his crew sailed her
ballroom were made by Russ, but
to an impressive 1st in Class and
his really significant achievements
2nd Overall in the 1959 Transpac!
were several beautifully accurate,
The supporting characters of
exquisitely detailed and
this story happen to be my parents,
technically perfect full models of
Cathie and Russ Nash. Cathie was
Dick Steele’s Odyssey, Chuck
Don’s secretary in the early days.
Even the detailing of the running rigging is important to
Cotton’s Cutty Shark, Bing Simpson’s
Don’s fun loving crew was a natural
the model maker. Pictured here are the ever important
Glory, the California 32, Escapade
draw for Cathie. Although not a big
running backstays.
10
and several noteworthy others that remain in their proud
owners possession some 30 years later.
This hobby of model making was really a natural and
fortunate derivative of his chosen profession, for Russ was head
of the model department of the internationally known
engineering construction firm, the Ralph M. Parsons Company.
Employing over 100 model builders to create scale models of
the various petroleum and chemical plants they constructed
around the world, this allowed the Parsons Company to save
Model makers work from photos
to recreate the important
details. Pictured here is the
mast and skylight on Chubby.
literally millions of dollars in
time and construction costs.
Tom is the proud owner of a full
model of his power yacht Revler
that Russ built for him. Tom
recently commented, “even
today, many years after selling
Revler, when he looks at the
details of the model he feels
like he is still aboard her.”
Some of these fine models
Detail work on the California
can been seen today. The
32, Escapade for Connie and
model of Odyssey currently
Fred Smales.
resides at the Newport Harbor
Nautical Museum. The model of Glory sits in the hallway by
the entrance to the Pirates Den. St. Francis Yacht Club has a
full model of Kialoa I, which is displayed alongside their
impressive full model collection. And plans are underway for
the model of Attorante, which Russ built for the Sawyer family,
to be brought to the Club. Russ only made full models for
sailors he raced with, liked and respected, and with each
model he added a personal signature of the owner. On Glory
you will see a small bible in the cockpit, and Odyssey has a
box full of skyrockets; details that good shipmates understood
about their owners.
My father’s workshop at home was always busy with
projects in various states of construction. Model making was
always evident on weekends, carved wood, epoxy, burning
rubber, and of course lacquer paint As Skahill mentions, the details
were important to Russ. In his quest for perfection Russ often
consulted with fellow Nalu II crewmate and our resident jeweler,
Bruce Blackman, on how to create the tiny winches and turnbuckles
out of silver and gold. Perhaps they consulted on the finer points
of rum while tinkering in the shop as well. Russ actually created
threaded turnbuckles of gold for his full models! The model of
Chubby is built to have a working rudder and wheel linked by a
tiny shaft and bearings.
Soon after their marriage, Russ began building a full model of
Chubasco for his wife, since he knew how much the boat meant to
her. Chubby was carved and painted, the deck laid, and cabin
house built. Other model projects of the time included full models
of Kialoa II, Nalu II, and a model for S/C Ernie Wilson.
Unfortunately time ran out for the Chubasco model as well as the
others when Russ lost a battle to lung cancer in 1972. More than
four decades have passed since a model makers hands have
worked on Chubby. Now she will be completed and shared by
many at the Club.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Commodore Avery
for bringing this project to life. It has always been a dream of mine
to have some of my father’s full models at the Club as they are
beautiful works of passion by a man who loved the ocean, racing,
his shipmates, and the wonderful crafts that took them to sea.
Having the full model of
Glory resting at the Club is
a great sense of pride for
me. Fortunately after my
father passed, mom had to
foresight to not sell the
nearly completed Kialoa II
model to Jim Kilroy,
knowing that it would be
important to us to have as a
keepsake. I am sure that
Jim was disappointed at her
decision, but that model
has meant a great deal to
my mother and me.
Russ teaching Mike model basics.
11
MOTHER SABOTS 2010
“Morning
at the Salon”
Friday, April 16th
10 a.m. to noon
Please join the Mother Sabots
for Manicures & Pedicures,
and Coffee & Muffins
Start the Mother Sabot sailing season off
with properly “rigged” fingers & toes!
Call the Nail Lounge at 949-515-5115
to book your services and come get your toes
and nails ready for sailing!
T
he weather is warming, the breeze is blowing, and
Mother Sabots are ready to start their season!
Please join us on Friday, April 23rd at 11am to rig your Sabot
and make sure that everything is shipshape for the summer
sailing season! We will put our sabots in the water for a day
of practice and be relaxing and discussing our sail at 1pm for
lunch on the deck.
Mother Sabots lunches at 1pm are open to sailors and nonsailors alike, please join us!
April will finish with a race on Sunday, April 25th in the NonCalm Bowl Regatta.
I look forward to seeing all of you in April and welcome any
and all new social and/or sailing women of NHYC.
Susan Gordan, 2010 Commodore
The Nail Lounge - 369 E. 17th Street, Shop 26, Costa Mesa
(www.TheNailLoungeOnline.com)
12
HOUSE-COMMITTEE
U P D AT E
numbers and quality of contractors. Two design solutions were
presented and the team opted for the option that provided for
cutting the piles off below grade entirely and pouring a new
concrete reinforced section. The club was raised (as much as four
inches) in the area around ten affected piles and the work
completed. The access was from the outside of the facility as
opposed to the contemplated internal floor removal. You may
remember the severe floor deflection in the hallway that
seemingly was getting worse by the day; this is where the worst
culprit (pile) once existed and literally was not in place anymore.
The work was completed below budget and on time by a
handful of gentleman who worked very hard and relatively unnoticed. By the time this article is out, the concrete will have
cured and the temporary floor support removed with the floor
lowered into place. Huge thanks to J.P. for saving the club
money and the possible risk of floor failure.
Concurrent with writing this article we will have started a
“freshening up” and minor remodel of the Ship’s Store. With
Jennie Yonkers’ efforts, assisted by Kelly Marshall, we will be restocking the first week of April with new product that should
prove to be exciting for the membership. All of this is preceded
by a few weeks closure and work again coordinated by J.P.
Peschelt. Many of the traditional items will remain, and many
new will be introduced. As with J.P., it takes dedicated
volunteers to create the experience we all expect, and we should
be grateful for Jennie’s hard work. Likewise, you may not be
aware, but Carolyn Newcomb previously led the Ship’s Store
effort for an incredible period time that clearly must rank with the
longest member non-paid effort in the history of the club! Thank
you Carolyn. Please stop by and visit the new store, Lucy will be
happy to assist.
by Paul A. Marshall, Chairman
The 2010 House Committee has been very active with a
fairly full agenda. Historically, a significant portion of the
groups’ effort is food and beverage related. This in combination
with the physical structure and finishes offers plenty of
opportunities. NHYC members are very fortunate to have an
outstanding staff that somewhat mitigates the need for the
committee to greatly influence the day to day F&B efforts. This
is a result of not only staff competency, but of past committees
and their continual efforts to bring a great experience to the
members. We continue to see members enjoying the club,
taking advantage of creative food and beverage specials, and
most importantly enjoying the camaraderie of the membership.
Given the interim ability to focus our efforts on the
clubhouse, we have expedited several “short term” repair items
that were identified in the 2009 Gafcon facility study. Gafcon
had identified ten pilings supporting the clubhouse that were in
various stages of failure, from almost completely degraded to
well on their way. Fortunately the Board of Directors and Policy
& Planning recognized the issue and authorized immediate
repair. Our goal was to get the work done ASAP for structural
reasons, time, and to minimize the impact on member usage.
February was calendared, and as with any volunteer club,
there’s someone who steps up and takes charge. That person
was J.P. Peschelt who seemingly is always in the right place at
the right time (for the club!) and this was no different. We opted
to have the repairs designed by a local structural engineer,
allowing for a tight bid scope, and coverage in terms of
3 rd Annual
NHYC Invitational Team Race
for the Baldwin M. Baldwin Cup
April 9-11, 2010
For your viewing pleasure...
Come watch ten of the country’s top yacht clubs in exciting four-on-four team race competition. Spectator friendly,
tight maneuvering, action packed, short courses, up to 40 races per day, last second comebacks and you on the deck taking it all in!
Festivities include food, music, live commentating, and some of the best sailing you’ll ever see –
all taking place within cheering distance of the main dock. Racing Daily at 10:30 a.m.
Thank you in advance to all mooring lessees for helping to create one of the best team race venues in the world.
13
ANGLERS FLEET
Interclub Challenge Tournament
The Interclub (also referred to as the Offshore Classic) tournament will
take place on August 7th and 8th. The event pits boats from NHYC against
BYC and BCYC with awards for the high boat, team, angler, women, and
junior categories. This year NHYC hosts the event which kicks off with a
Skippers meeting at the Club on Wednesday, August 4th. After performing
quite well for three consecutive years (’06, ’07, and ’08) NHYC stumbled
last year and BYC picked up most of the hardware. With our added
membership (NHYC Fleet now has 109+ Anglers) we hope to come out on
top again in 2010. This event is ideal for novice anglers who have never
participated in a tournament. Its low key/multi-species format allows the
pursuit of everything from Calicos to Striped Marlin. Conversely, the
tournament provides a more than adequate challenge for experienced
anglers. Lastly, the tournament establishes great camaraderie within our
Fleet plus the other local clubs. At the end of the day, will you be wishing
you had spent another day at the office? Mark your calendar for the
preceding dates and don’t forget the Women and Junior categories.
Jessup Trophy
One of the most coveted trophies awarded for the Interclub Challenge
Tournament is the Jessup Trophy, which goes to the Skipper of the High
Boat (most total points). The beautifully designed award with an antique
silver, 1875 English built reel was rededicated in 2007 to honor the late Tim
Jessup.
Last year’s trophy recipient, Kevin Klemm, a classmate and fraternity
brother of Tim’s, acknowledged the award with the following remarks: “I
am very honored to receive the Jessup trophy. This award represents the
passion and persistence which were
two continual traits Tim displayed
throughout his all too short, but
accomplished life. He was a
dedicated husband, proud father,
successful businessman, lifelong
USC Trojan, and answered his
country’s call to duty by serving as
an officer in the United States
Marine Corps. As a Marine, he was
entrusted with the security of the
President of the United States as a
military escort in hostile countries
and with the training of an entire
Tim Jessup
platoon of young soldiers. He was
a natural leader, a warrior, a sportsman, and a gentleman. His generosity
and good spirit led him to form lifelong friendships wherever he went. His
ethics and moral principles of duty, honor, and virtue are what guided him
in his personal and professional life. This trophy celebrates Tim’s selfless
service and sacrifice, and allows us to pass on his stories of passion,
courage, honor, and sportsmanship.” …Kevin is a member of Balboa Yacht
Club.
Binaski Pending World Record
Fleet member, Pete Binaski recently went fishing with Jimmy Decker on
Disco Punk along with J.D. Doughty (quite a crew). Pete hooked up a nice
local Calico on a 21lb tippet and after a 15 minute battle netted a fish
which is believed to be 7 ounces better than the 14 year old world record.
Pete is one of our Fleet’s top anglers. Among other accomplishments, he
has a #2 world record Barracuda 7lbs 3oz. Plus pending world records for
#4 Barracuda, 6lbs 8oz and #6 Bonito, 6lbs 4oz. In his spare time (this
year) Pete is President of Balboa Angling Club. Nice going “Sleepy”.
14
2010 F L E E T C A L E N D A R
For more information contact the noted Chairman.
Thursday, April 1st
Fishing Seminar #1
6:30pm/Chart Room
Bob Hoose and Jimmy Decker…Albacore, WSB tips,
and more. Taco bar and cocktails. Bill Bennett
Saturday, April 10th
BYC Anglers Tackle Show
1pm at Balboa Yacht Club
Our friends across the bay are planning a great
event.
Wednesday, May 26th
Fishing Seminar #2
6:30pm/Chart Room
Hoose and Decker… Marlin, Tuna, other assorted
angling tricks and lots of fish stories. Taco bar and
cocktails. Bill Bennett
Thursday, June 10th
Junior Fishing Event
Meet at the Club @ 4pm.
All NHYC Juniors are welcome. Drop the kids off
and join them later for Burger Bash. Rod Neighbors
July 9th-11th
Hall Pass Weekend
The destination has been changed from Ensenada to
San Diego. We are making arrangements with
SDYC for a gathering on Saturday evening. Note,
perfect moon phase. Eric Gfeller/Chris Allen
Sunday, July 18th
Rafting Party
The Fleet will join up with our fun loving Skipper
Members for a lazy afternoon on the water. Fish
tails, tall tales, and beverages. Bring your sun block.
Adam Cleary/Brett Reichardt
Thursday, July 22nd
Junior Fishing Event
Meet at the Club @ 4pm.
All NHYC Juniors are welcome. Drop the kids off
and meet them later for Burger Bash.
Rod Neighbors
August 7th-8th
Interclub Tournament
Competing with BYC, BCYC, and possibly SDYC.
Awards include boat, team, angler, woman, juniors,
and an array of other categories. Last year 36 boats
competed and this year 50 will probably turn out.
NHYC hosts this year with Awards Barbeque on
Sunday 8/8 at the Club.
Rod Neighbors/Mike Manclark
NEW MEMBERS MEETING
15
photos by Harriett Lewis Pallette
COOKING CLASS
B U T, W H E R E ’ S M Y T O N Y ? ?
by Juli Cook
As the saying goes, “Behind every successful man
there is a woman.” With due apologies to the ladies of
the Barrera household, however, behind a successful
Chef Polly there is son Tony.
Winter 2010 “Newport Harbor Yacht Club
University” (NHYC U) introduced a new program to the
membership: COOKING WITH POLLY 101: THE
BASICS. Per the syllabus: “This class is for those who
love a gourmet experience and will feature instruction in
a variety of skills and techniques while preparing
delicious dishes. Class limited to 12 students. Price
$100++, including Finale Dinner and chef coat. The
four sessions must be taken as a series.” Such a deal!
Cooking with Chef Polly in HIS kitchen; three cooking
sessions with “dinner” attached; a three-course
graduation dinner and monogrammed chef coat. Not
surprisingly, the class filled up immediately and Chef
Polly went to work planning recipes and clearing his
kitchen for action.
February 3, 1st Session, 5:30 pm: With specific
orders to enter the rear kitchen through the service
entrance, thus by-passing the lure of the bar, the
cooking 12 gathered around the Chef’s Table. The
eager, sober students were Sharon Allen, Wendy Bush,
Jane Calder, Juli Cook, Carol Fuller, Debi and Bob
Marshall, Darci and Toby Schriber, Joan Susman, and
Linda and Jim Thompson. Chef Polly greeted them with
personalized course books and club-issued chef coats
and aprons. And then they were introduced to Tony!
The cooking series was divided into three
categories: Appetizer, Soup, and Salad; Sauces; Fish
and Meat Courses. The 4th Session was the Finale
Dinner and Graduation, featuring an appetizer and
three-course dinner prepared by the students, sort of.
The classes were very professional. No nonsense.
Chef Polly presided over the table and Tony ably
assisted. More than ably. He and Polly were a finetuned machine. Tony anticipated Polly’s every need and
move, sometimes responding even before Chef Polly
had shouted out a “Tony” this or a “Tony” that. It was a
pleasure, indeed, to watch the pair at work. And their
performance confirmed the importance of keeping a
well-organized kitchen at all times.
March 3, Finale Dinner, 5:30 pm: For the last time
the students entered the kitchen and set to work. They
were to “prep” the appetizer for their 80 guests (two
each) and unmold the panna cotta for dessert. With
assistance from Chef Polly and Tony, they were able to
accomplish these tasks by 6:30. When asked, Tony
admitted his sous-chef prep-line of four could do the job
in half the time. Why should we be surprised?
Finale Dinner, 6:30 pm: Class dismissed! Before
exiting the kitchen, Chef Polly surprised the class with a
congratulatory glass of champagne. Still attired in chef
16
coats and aprons, they entered the
ballroom to greet their guests and order
a drink, at long last! To their surprise, a
looping slide-show of themselves-inaction was running on the ballroom
screen. This was really a proper
graduation ceremony after all!
While the appetizer was being
passed, the students proudly
acknowledged their involvement in its
preparation. Cocktails flowed and good
wines at really good prices graced the
tables. Handsome menu cards
presented three of the courses the
students had prepared during class.
Each table was hosted by a student and
the guests were extremely
complimentary about the food. And
the wine, too, at very good prices.
Following dinner, the Graduation
Ceremony of the NHYC U COOKING
WITH POLLY 101: THE BASICS –
17
CLASS OF 2010. Tom Gilbertson,
Provost, and Ian Prichard, Dean of Fruits
and Vegetables, officiated. The students
received a Certificate of Completion and
then crossed the stage to don their
official, monogrammed chef coats
presented by Chef Polly and Tony.
PRESENTING THE 2010 GRADUATION
CLASS OF COOKING WITH POLLY 101:
THE BASICS…”HIP-HIP-HOORAY!”
As cameras flashed and applause
filled the room, the students preened in
their spanking new chef coats. They
were prepared to go out and cook. They
had studied at Chef Polly’s table. They
were ready. They were eager.
They were alone…As they left the
ballroom, each one was heard to sigh,
“But, where’s my Tony??”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Future series of
COOKING WITH POLLY are coming…
FROM THE MANAGER
A
nd with a virtual blink
of an eye, spring is
upon us, Opening Day
is in tight focus, and soon the
kids will be out of school.
We are excited to see the
activity the club has enjoyed
over the winter months give
way to our more temperate
climate and the return of al
fresco dining. Our main deck
remains a popular spot to enjoy a meal
with friends and family.
Dockmaster Anthony and his crew
are working diligently to cross off
projects on his “to do” list in preparation
for Opening Day 2010. The painting,
planting, and polishing will be well along
as you read this and thanks to the
volunteers who assisted on Club Work
Day to make the club shine!
Please note the new combination for
the boatyard and beach gates. This year
we are going to pay homage to the field
of mathematics as the code will be the
same as (the letter used as the symbol
for the ratio of the circumference of a
circle to its diameter). Ok admittedly that
is confusing. Suffice it to say the new
entry code is 314. We will change the
code on April 29 to coincide with
Opening Day weekend. Vice
Commodore, Jeff Gordon and the OD
Committee have planned an
incredible weekend complete
with all our traditional activities
and several new surprises to
augment fun.
Gentlemen it is not too
soon to mark your calendar for
the annual Stag Cruise, June 4,
5, and 6. Rear Commodore,
Rick Robinson has a committee
of a bunch of “flockers” but we
are getting ahead of ourselves.
Gentlemen, you do not want to miss
this great weekend as Commodore
Brad Avery is featured as your
congenial host and easy target.
Ian, our “Certified Sommelier”
has a terrific event coming up June 11
centered around approximately 60
wines. This too is a must for all our
oenophiles. Mark your calendar!
The key word in this article is
“excited”. Our membership has
already set the fun meter on high for
the first quarter of 2010 and with the
next three months ahead fun will
remain the operative word! We are
excited to see you all as the fun
continues. Relax, attend, and enjoy
your club. We enjoy seeing you!
Thomas Gilbertson, CCM,
General Manager
HOTW
Editor
Anne Nutten
Committee
Chris Allen
Pam Bacich
Dorothy Beek
Donna Bents
Kristin & Robert Bents
Jane & Scott Calder
John Clement
Juli Cook
Lyle Davis
Michael di Donato
Tim Doane
Jennifer & John Drayton
Jayne Hause
Byron Henderson
Jeanette & Bowie Houghton
Ned Jones
Jim Jordan
Stephanie Martin
Nina A. Nielsen
Harriet Pallette
Steve Schupak
Dennis Scholz
Donna Scott
Margie and Bill von KleinSmid
Chris Welsh
George West
Tod White
Robert Yates
Contributors
Commodore W. Bradley Avery,
Thomas Gilbertson, CCM,
Paul A. Marshall, Scott Mason,
Mike Nash, Jane Schock,
Carter Scott, Paul Stemler,
Joe Winkelmann
Layout and Design
Vince Mattera Design
Save The Date:
June 11
Mother’s Day
Brunch
“Sippin’ into
Summer”
May 9, 2010
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Make Your Reservation
Today!
IN MEMORIAM
MRS. RICHARD “DOREEN” HAMILTON
March 2, 2010
Member since 1961
Newport Harbor Yacht Club
720 West Bay Avenue • Balboa 92661
673-7730 Phone • 673-3972 Fax
723-6878 Boatyard
nutd@juno.com
Web site: www.nhyc.org
Commodore
W. Bradley Avery
Vice Commodore
Jeffrey J. Gordon
Rear Commodore
Richard S. Robinson Jr.
Directors
W. Bradley Avery
Jeffrey J. Gordon
Richard S. Robinson Jr.
Dwight Belden
Jeffery D. Littell
James C. Madden
Paul A. Marshall
Gale Nye Pinckney
Keith J. Yonkers
General Manager
Thomas Gilbertson, CCM
18
19
Opening Day Weekend
Friday
April 30
The Commodore’s Cocktail Party
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
(Members Only)
Dinner and Dancing
7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
(BY RESERVATION ONLY)
(Members Only)
Saturday
May 1
Opening Day Race
LA Harbor to Newport
12:30 p.m.
Opening Day Regatta
1:00 p.m.
Docking Inside Boats
Saturday Afternoon
The Skipper Fiesta
4:00 p.m. Dock
7:00 p.m. Dinner
8:00 p.m. Dancing
Docking of Yachts Med Style
7:00 a.m.
Pirate’s Den Open
7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Opening Day Brunch Service
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Opening Day Yacht Inspection
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday
May 2
Snack Bar Service
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Shore Boat Service
10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Kidland Amusements
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Flag Deck B.B.Q.
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Yachts Open for Viewing
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Games 2U(VideoArcade)
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Opening Day Ceremonies
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Dinner Service
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
8