Anteater
Regatta
COMMODORE’S COLUMN
S
these issues as they pertain to NHYC. An action plan
will be developed to meet membership needs and
desires going forward.
Another knowable is a great event that ties
together friends, family, boating, our history, and the
emerald isle we love so much. The Catalina
Conservancy Ball is just around the corner, Saturday
April 10. I hope you will join your Commodore and
many other members in the Casino Ballroom for this
annual fundraiser that is so important to the continued
preservation of the Island. If you have never been to
this gala event, this is an ideal time go, because we’re
going to have a great time. Tod White is organizing
the fleet, crews, and moorings in Avalon. If you love
Moonstone and Catalina, this is the place to show it,
and help NHYC demonstrate that it is committed to
helping keep Catalina a magical place to visit. Give Tod,
Pam Bacich, John Cotton, or me a call to get the Ball
rolling…
Since I was elected Commodore we have lost 12
members, an unusually high number in such a short
time. This difficult trend began with the loss of my
friend Rob Grice on December 6th. I knew almost all of
the others, many of them good friends; all
extraordinary. Viewing the cards on the bulletin board
is overwhelming, and reminds me that a Club’s greatest
assets are its members, not structures or seawalls.
Beneath the horizon has slipped huge amounts of light,
love, family, laughter, talent, and history. Attending the
memorials/celebrations brought home to me the
wonderful spirit of our membership, which I am sure
provided solace to those in need. We have an
incredible family, and it is never more evident than
when we come together to remember and celebrate
our good fortune in having known such great friends.
It’s good to remember that many of our members
have left big wakes for others to follow. The brightest
lights of the Club are our accomplished junior sailors.
They often demonstrate that our efforts to support their
aspirations are well placed. As I write, four of our
juniors have just been named to the US Sailing
Development Team, which is dedicated to helping
young athletes attain Olympic level skills. Just 48 youths
from across the US were selected, based on work ethic,
dedication to sailing, and international regatta results.
These young NHYC sailors are the future of the sport,
and are wonderful representatives of the Club. Our
congratulations to Charlie Buckingham (Laser), Sydney
Bolger and Caitlin Beavers (470), and Christopher
Segerblom (420). The NHYC burgee waves on.
oon after attaining my
exalted position,
members began to ask,
“How’s it going so far,
Commodore?” This is
usually done with the allknowing smile of someone
who’s witnessed the trials of
my predecessors, who
endured collapsed sea walls,
floods, fires, and mudslides.
“So far, so good,” I usually
reply, looking around
carefully. At this early stage,
Commodore W. Bradley Avery
the burden of being
Commodore has been the
unknown. It’s like being the captain of a fine old liner
steaming along in ice filled waters, with a crew of equals
who regularly visit the bridge to give advice. Fortunately
the solution to such anxiety is to visit the Pirate’s Den,
particularly on Fridays, where lately the place fills to
capacity. It’s quite a scene, two deep at the bar and
tables jammed, with others milling about ready to
pounce if one of the rounds is abandoned. You can
forget the corners, which are far too comfortable to
depart from. The din of conversation is high, the fire
roars (logs snuck on) and table hopping is rampant.
Even if you are exiled to the dining room for dinner
(which has been filling as well) these winter Fridays at
the Club are full of laughter and good cheer, ideal for
dealing with the unknowns in our lives.
Not all of the future is unknowable however. This
was brought home to your new Board of Directors and
almost all of our Staff Commodores who attended a
Club leadership summit in early January. With the help
of the best club consultant in the country, we focused on
local and nationwide trends in clubs, including golf, city,
yacht, and counrty clubs. You’d have to be living on a
Cal 25 at Cat Harbor not to know that many clubs in
America are in trouble with declining memberships and
financial struggles. The economy is a major factor, but
we learned that most struggling clubs have been
suffering a long time, primarily because our society has
shifted in its needs and demands. Clubs that have not
kept pace with these changes failed when the economy
went south. There will be fewer clubs in the future.
These societal shifts, and the adjustments that clubs
must make to remain healthy are multifaceted.
Fortunately NHYC is among the strongest clubs. But
complacency in the face of a changing society can undo
even the best organizations. You will be hearing more
about this in the coming months. Your Board and the
Policy and Planning Commission have resolved to study
Cover photos by Bob Yates
Fair winds,
Brad
2
MOONSTONE
S U M M E RT I M E AT
MOONSTONE COVE
by Allison Hanscom
Every dad who goes to
Moonstone Cove loves Moonstone
Cove!
seems as that smell will never leave my
whole trip. As I get more seasick because
of all the waves and swells rocking my
boat, I take a seasick pill that will hopefully
settle my stomach. At that moment, that’s
all I taste until my mom assures me that if I
take a sip of my 7-Up, my stomach will
settle quicker. I feel anxious to get there,
so I turn around and look forward and
finally see the cove. I see it clearly with
rocks, cliffs, boats, and all. Then, excitedly,
I un-zip my life jacket, hoping to get a
fresh breath of air. I throw off my towel
that was on me to keep me warm and I
…I snap on my
snorkel gear and hop
into the crystal clear
water. Now I swim to
the colorful reef…
On this cold, misty morning I hop
on my boat, Fandango, and motor out
of the Newport Beach Harbor. Soon
enough, I venture out to the open,
never-ending ocean. I can only see a
couple of sea animals, such as four
seals on buoy and about seven
seagulls dipping into the cold ocean
water to grab fish. Finally, we make it
out further to the swelling sea. All I
can see now is a silent shadow of my
destination, Moonstone Cove, Catalina
Island. I can also see piles of seaweed
toppling and swaying on top of the
wavy, glossy, silent ocean. Further and
further out into the Pacific Ocean we
move. Now I can only see a sliver of
Newport Beach behind me and the
gray clouds hanging above me. I hear
our boat’s motor roaring and the splash
of the water pounding against
Fandango. Now I hear the sound of
cawing seagulls above my head. They
are probably taking a trip to
Moonstone Cove, too! These sounds
of the seagulls annoy me, so I try to fall
asleep. The things I smell are
interesting too. I smell boat exhaust
puffing out of the motor of my boat.
The smell of sea salt is all around; it
feel the tropical sun beam on my body.
Hey, I am not seasick anymore either!
Finally, we have made it to Moonstove
Cove, Catalina Island.
As I show up to my favorite place,
Moonstove Cove, all I want to do this
moment is hop in the nice, salty, warm
water surrounding me. Now I see different
things. It seems as I have just made it to
civilization across the wide and long ocean!
There’s my friend Annabelle on her boat
fishing. I want to go say hi, but I just
showed up two minutes ago. I feel so
frazzled, but extremely excited. I also see
boats tied up to moorings in the cove. I
look up and see a couple hiking
treacherously to get to the very top of the
cliff. Oh, there goes a bald eagle diving
for a fish to feed her babies. As I am
distracted by everything happening at
once, I get a whiff of smoky smell from a
nearby yacht grilling hot dogs on the
shore. Ahhhhhhhhhhh…now I am
incredibly hungry so I grab some Cheetos
and stuff four of them in my mouth at
once. As I am still chewing, I hear my
brother yell, “Dad….let’s go towing!
Please! I blew the tube up and the dinghy
is all ready. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” My
3
dad finally hops into the dinghy. Now I
am feeling more excited than ever
before! I can feel the strap of my
lifejacket wrapped around my body. I
cannot control my adrenaline in my veins
and my heartbeat is faster and faster. I
finally hop onto the tube and say, “Hit
it!” I can see my dad pull the throttle. I
feel the jolt of my body starting to move
forward – faster and faster. Finally, I’m
flying! Then I fall off still laughing. I am
soooooo tired now so I go onshore for
dinner and have a luscious hamburger
with my family. After that, I roast
squishy marshmallows over the fire and
grab a stick of chocolate and two pieces
of graham cracker and squish it all
together. Yum! Now, I go back to my
boat and watch the rainbow clouds in
the sunset. Soon enough, I’m fast
asleep.
Now, two days have gone by so
quickly. This is my last and final day on
the tropical sunny Catalina Island,
Moonstone Cove. It is 8:00am and I am
leaving at noon. I am going to try and
fit everything in. First, I think I should
go fishing and catch a striped
calico…no…wait,…how about towing?!
No,…I know…snorkel around the fish
full reef? So, I snap on my snorkel gear
and hop into the crystal clear water.
Now I swim to the colorful reef and feel
a little frightened. I don’t want to see
anything scary. I see a little green fish
and then and orange striped fish flap by
– wow! Now, I see a school of fish.
Look, there’s and eel! Amazed at all
these fish, I didn’t realize that the clock
had hit noon. I swim back to Fandango,
put away my snorkel great and yell,
“Goodbye Moonstone! See you next
summer!” And a couple of minutes
later, my dad starts the engines and we
are back off to Newport Beach.
HARBOR 20 AWARDS
photos by Bob Yates
4
RACING
ISLANDS RACE
by Phil Stemler
The Islands Race is a unique event
designed to highlight the advantages of
offshore racing in Southern California.
Co-chaired by NHYC’s Paul Stemler
and SDYC Staff Commodore Fred
Delaney, the race is a 129-mile jaunt
from Long Beach to San Diego, leaving
scenic Santa Catalina and San Clemente
Islands to port. With racing
commencing Friday, March 12, and
expected to conclude Saturday, March
13 at SDYC, the regatta packs the
offshore punch of Newport-Ensenada
Regatta without the cross-border
logistics. Furthermore, U.S Navy data
indicates that the timing of the race will
coincide with the region’s best breeze.
With the course set up to distance
racers from nighttime near shore
doldrums and to test many points of
sail, the race should be an enjoyable,
challenging event delivered with as little
cost and hassle as possible.
The NHYC Board has rededicated a
vintage trophy for the event. Originally
won by our own Dr. Albert Soiland in
1924 as Admiral of the newly formed
PCYA, the former “Free for All to San
Diego” trophy will be awarded to the
first boat to finish. Since PRO Kevin
Hawkins plans a staggered start, this
silver, 30” inch, two-quart capacity
receptacle could be hoisted for a
victory drink by anyone.
NHYC and SDYC will team up to
provide the entertainment. On
Thursday, March 11, the day before the
racing, NHYC – led by Tom’s events
team – will host a skippers meeting and
cocktail party from 5 to 8 pm. On
Saturday, after the 5 pm finish, SDYC
will host the regatta party, which will
include drinks, dinner, and dancing.
Music will be provided by the
Lomatones, a legendary group headed
up by SDYC’s Steve Mollering on
drums.
The newly formed SoCal 52 class is
the first to request class treatment
under the IRC, and the Race Committee
has been happy to oblige. Other
classes that are interested in class
racing are welcome to apply for entry
and request class treatment.
MARCH 12th and 13th, 2010
WWW.ISLANDSRACE.COM
129-Nautical Mile Course
Rededicated
“Free-for-All
to
San Diego”
Trophy
For online entry and other information,
please visit the regatta website:
www.islandsrace.com
5
ANNUAL MEETING
Senior Letters
of Commendation
Cryssa Andersen
Lenny Andersen
Bruce Ayres
Caitlin Beavers
Andrew D. Beeckman
Blair Belling
Brian Bissell
Sydney Bolger
Charlie Buckingham
Carly Chamberlain
Julie Chamberlain
Michelle Drever
John Fuller
Kerrie Garrett
Daniel Geissmann
Jeffrey J. Gordon
Howard Hamlin
Anne Hatton
Casey Hogan
Payson Infelise
James Jordan
Marion Jordan
Deon Macdonald
Andrew B. Macdonald
James Madden
Christine Maier
Michael Martin
D. Scott Mason
Robert G. McDonald
Coury McKinlay
Marla Menninger
Michael Menninger
John Peschelt, Jr.
Jon Pinckney
Chris Raab
Vicki Sodaro
Suzanne Spangler
Richard Straman
David O. Team
Peter Wells
Christopher Welsh
Non-Calm Letters
of Commendation
Jeffrey Aschieris
Christopher Barnard
Kieran Chung
Brooks Clark
Emmy Dahl
Michael Dahl
Perry Emsiek
Rhodes Garner
Nicole Grice
Wade Hatton
Connor Kelter
Peter Kinney
Tyler Macdonald
Mac Mace
Jimmy Madigan
Andrew Mason
Heather May
Kayla McComb
Alexis Scott
Cooper Scott
Christopher Segerblom
Daniel Segerblom
Madison Vitarelli
Charlie Welsh
Letters of
Appreciation
Scott & Jane Calder
John Colville-ODonnell
Randall Hause
Gale Pinckney
Robert & Alice Partridge
50 Year Members
T. Oscar Clevidence, Jr.
William B. Cook
Ignacio E. Lozano, Jr.
6
Special Award
Recipients
Boat of the Year: Ragtime
Vince Healey: Jack Hutchison
“Cannon”: Larry Sommers
R/C Excellence: L. Douglas Sloan
Fletcher Olson: Christopher Segerblom
Burgee of Merit: Mike Martin
Off-Soundings: David Stone – Solaia
Paxson Offield – Kelsey Lee
7
photos by Bob Yates
NON-CALM
ORANGE BOWL
For many NHYC and other local
sailors, traveling to Miami for the Orange
Bowl International Youth Regatta has
become part of their holiday tradition.
For me personally, this was my fifth
consecutive year racing 420s at the
Orange Bowl and, it being senior year,
likely my last. It was a high note to end
on though, and best of all, it was a
collaborative success with my little
brother. Less than a year ago I would
have laughed had you told me that my
brother and I would be racing together,
much less finishing second at a major
national event. Yet with a couple of local
regattas under our belt and increased
quality time together, Daniel and I seem
to have found a way to work together.
The Orange Bowl Regatta lived up to
its reputation in 2009 with record
participation of 722 competitors. The
biggest fleet is always the Opti fleet,
where sailors are divided into color
flights: red, white, blue, and green- based
on age. Junior member Wills Johnson
was there representing NHYC and even
scored a top ten finish in the massive 222
boat combined fleet. “Optiland”, as it is
often called for its overwhelming number
of kids and parents bustling through the
maze of boats, booms, and sails (not to
mention sprits), is centered at Coral Reef
Yacht Club. CRYC is the primary host
club for the event, but works
collaboratively with its neighbors, the US
Sailing Center and Biscayne Bay Yacht
Club, to accommodate the Laser and 420
classes. In the Laser Radial class, NHYC’s
Kieran Chung duked it out alongside
other So Cal singlehanded sailors for
position on the 135 boat starting line and
Beverly Toole photo
by Chris Segerblom
a respectable top 30 finish. The Club 420
fleet, as it has tended to of late, saw the
highest number of Southern California
participants, including seven NHYC noncalms. Non-Calms Michael Dahl and
Nicole Grice sailed quite a regatta,
jumping out to an impressive day one
lead and finishing 9th overall. Daniel and
I, the Segerblom brothers, finished 2nd
overall as we were not quite able to
surpass the top team from Virginia, but
were however, able to avoid any OCS
infractions which were a prevalent setback
for many teams during the event.
For most of the West Coast sailors
who competed in Miami last month, none
of their experiences would have been
possible without the generous support of
a couple of organizations and individuals.
For Non-Calms and others, the Newport
Harbor Sailing Foundation continues its
incredible support of local traveling
sailors. Huge thanks to NHSF!
Additionally, one organization in particular
really makes the Orange Bowl experience
as worthwhile as it is, for all California
8
juniors. The California Interscholastic
Sailing Association (CISA) has every
year, for the past seven years, spent
$25,000 on the Orange Bowl Regatta
alone! In addition to receiving grant
money for travel expenses, sailors
benefit from coaches with extensive
knowledge and the best coach boats
for on the water support. In the 420
class, coaches included US Sailing Team
members and 470 sailors Molly Carapiet
and Willie McBride, as well as the 2008
US Olympic representative in the 470
class, Stu McNay. “Team CISA” is well
known on and off the water for its
bright red pinnies as well as its
tendency for excellent results. This time
CISA sailors laid dominant claim to six
of the top ten overall finishes in the 90
boat Club 420 fleet! CISA’s
contributions and these results,
however, have only been possible
because of one man’s remarkable
generosity. Recently passed, Roy
Disney will forever be remembered
among us for his love for sailing and his
outstanding contribution to the sport
and especially its youth. We are forever
thankful.
The traditional Christmas day flight,
the early mornings fighting for a
position on the launch ramp, the big
fleet starting lines, the time spent with
friends in Coconut Grove for dinner, and
the innumerable amount of other fun
activities involved with the Orange
Bowl, are what have drawn me back all
of these years. This one was particularly
great though. The chance to spend
such quality time together with my
brother has made me realize that I’m
actually going to miss him next year…
On that note however, the network of
friendships that I’ve created at regattas
like this will hopefully assist me in my
transition to college back east.
T U R K E Y D AY R E G AT TA
by Carolyn Smith
Rich Roberts Photo
Turkey Day Regatta at Alamitos Bay is one of the best
attended events of the year. There were over 247 boats in the
ocean and bay classes. The parking lot was tough and it took
a long time to launch the boats, but it was worth it.
The Newport Harbor Yacht Club had all three junior sabot
trailers full (18 boats). For some of the sailors it was their first
travel regatta, i.e. Becca Welsh and Finn Dobkin. But for
others it was just another weekend.
I think it is clear to say that NHYC sailors were pretty
strong in each fleet. Jimmy Madigan, Carter Scott, and I were
pretty much controlling the Sabot A fleet with our 1st, 3rd,
and 4th place. The Sabot As who also did really well were
Sean Segerblom, Kate Madigan, Wills Johnson, Griffin
Holbrook, Charlie Welsh, Camden Daily, and Clare Dahl. The
Sabot Bs who participated were Sean Dahl, Alex Wolcott, and
Patrick Shannon. Also we only had one Sabot C-1 and that
was Taryn Anderson with her 2nd place. Our C-2s were Betsy
Calder, Ian Wolcott, and Amelia Newett. Finally, we have our
C-3s who were Becca Welsh and Finn Dobkin with their first
travel regatta.
We also had some “Senior Non-Calms” who participated
in this regatta in 29er fleet and the Laser Radial fleet. Tyler
Macdonald ended up in 3rd out of 17 boats in the 29er fleet.
Then Kieran Chung got 3rd, Michael Dahl got 8th, and
Michael Madigan got 10th in the Laser Radial fleet.
I hope everybody enjoyed the regatta or just the
experience of racing in a different venue. The Turkey Day
Regatta is definitely the ideal regatta to practice for the crazy
regattas that lay ahead in your near future for those incoming
Non-Calms.
Carolyn Smith
Taryn Anderson
M I S S I O N B AY J U N I O R C O M M O D O R E ’ S R E G AT TA
by Wills Johnson
During the weekend of November 7th-8th, Mission Bay Yacht Club hosted the 2009 Junior Commodores Regatta,
with a record breaking attendance of over 140 entries. “Team NHYC” was represented by sailors in all fleets, and in
the end filled the top spots in many classes. Many families made the trek, so even the Sabot C2s and C3s were
represented.(Betsy Calder and Becca Welsh) It was a great weekend! Light winds on Saturday with the breeze
cooperating more on Sunday. This was the second stop in the four venue North Series for Sabot A sailors. In a fleet of
35, NHYC skippers, Connor Kelter, Caroline Smith, and Jimmy Madigan placed in the top ten positions. In Sabot Bs, I
was happy to place 1st (and move on up to Sabot As.) Sean Dahl placed 8th and Kappy Fuller placed 11th and for
C1s Taryn Anderson placed 9th and Wells Drayton placed 11th. Finally, in the Laser class, Michael Madigan placed
3rd. The trophies were a great big yellow ‘dry bag’ that will definitely be used in the future. Thanks to our trailer
drivers, coaches, and parents…we all had fun and look forward to Sabot Nationals at MBYC in the summer.
9
ANTEATER REGATTA
10
photos by John Clement and Bob Yates
Austen Boyce, NHYC member with her CDM Silver team of
Fredrick Gustafson, Brandon Ludgate, Cody Reddin, Brian Smith
– win silver division.
Francesca Cappellini, Randall Hause, Chris Segerblom,
Nicole Grice – NHHSST Varsity Team 3rd in Gold
11
Chase Wells, Erin Kincaid, Greg Kent – NHHSST JV3
team 3rd in Silver Division
McKenzie Burke, Keenan Chung, Michael Dahl, Chloe
Dapp, Madison Viteralli, Kieran Chung, Shane CorwinCDM Varsity 1st in Gold
NEW YEAR’S EVE
12
photos by Scott Calder and Anne Nutten
MOTHER SABOTS 2010
The Mother Sabots are already busy this year getting things planned and ready for the new sailing season! We had a board
meeting in January to set our calendar of races, socials, and trainings. Our focus this year is to get more women (mothers or not –
sailors or not) on the water at Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
There are a couple of important opportunities on the water for our NHYC women in the next couple of months that are
happening before our season officially begins. Please plan on attending the Balboa Yacht Club's March 6 Sabot Clinic (10:00 3:00 approx). We are going by Sabot flotilla down and assisted tow back. Flyers, information, and sign-ups are forthcoming. BYC
will also be hosting the Mid-Winters for Adult Sabots on Saturday, February 20th (SCWSA dues need to be paid for 2010, plus
any regatta fees).
Mother Sabots will then begin its season with our annual “Toe Rigging Day” (a.k.a. day at the nail salon for pedicures and
manicures) on April 16th, followed by the April 23rd Sabot rigging day and training.
We are looking forward to a great summer on the water. We have added some Harbor20 cruises for the ladies who would like
to get on the water with a great group of women – without the pressure of driving. Come join us if you are a mother, sister, and/or
daughter and you are interested in sailing or just want to have fun... we are the NHYC's "Women on Water"!!
Susan Gordon
Mother Sabots Commodore 2010
13
ANGLERS
TOP ANGLERS
OF THE YEAR
by Joe Winkelmann
Rod Neighbors was awarded the Ted
Nafizger, Angler of the Year Trophy at the
recent Annual Meeting. Rod’s selection
was based on his sterling efforts on behalf
of our thriving Junior Anglers program
and his success on the water taking three
first fish flags. Making it a family affair,
Kellen Neighbors was recipient of the
Dave Denholm, Junior Angler of the Year
honor. Kellen had an exceptional fishing
season taking both the Albacore and
Yellowtail Junior flags.
Veteran club angler Pete Binaski had
a terrific season. On July 28th, Pete
caught a feisty Marlin which yielded the
Fleet’s first ’09 Marlin and the Dr. Lester
Lowe Perpetual. The same fish was the
largest on light tackle (#12 Dacron)
Rod & Kellen Neighbors
qualifying for the Ed Groendyke
trophy, plus a Tuna Club Silver Fame
button. Binaski also caught the first
Yellowtail.
Greg Kelly and his beautiful 60’
Jones Goodell Evening Star also had a
great year taking three flags…Striped
Marlin-released, White Sea Bass, and
Halibut.
New member Mike Manclark’s 70’
Lydia Vertigo was awarded the Ray Gould
Perpetual trophy for most released Marlin
with six fish. Mike also took the NHYC
Perpetual Trophy for largest tuna.
2009 Fleet Captain Bill Bennett
picked up a record, three Award of Merit
flags. Bill caught both a Wahoo and a
“plus 100 pound” Yellowfin in Palmas
during September. Then he headed to
the Florida Keys, in November to take an
Atlantic Sailfish.
During the 2009 season, the Fleet
awarded 16 flags and 10 trophies. It was
a great year on the water. The most
significant achievement was the enhanced
participation in our Juniors’ fishing
program under the leadership of Rod
Neighbors.
2009 TROPHIES / FLAGS / AWARDS TROPHIES
Ted Naftzger Perpetual Trophy – Angler of the Year ....................................................................................Rod Neighbors
Dave Denholm Perpetual Trophy – Jr. Angler of the Year .........................................................................Kellen Neighbors
Tim Jessup Perpetual Trophy – Interclub Top Boat .........................................................................Kevin Klemm – Job Site
Dr. Lester Lowe Perpetual Trophy – First Marlin........................................................................................Pete Binaski 7/28
Hugh Wright Perpetual Trophy – First Tuna ....................................................................................................John M. Curci
Oscar Clevidence Perpetual Trophy – First Albacore ................................................................................Bob Winters 6/12
Ray Gould Perpetual Trophy – Marlin Released by a boat..............................................................Mike Manclark – Vertigo
Ed Groendyke Perpetual – Largest Marlin, Light Tackle.......................................................................Pete Binaski #12 Dac
NHYC Perpetual – Largest Tuna...........................................................................................................Mike Manclark 19.79#
NHYC Off Soundings Award – Billfish Conservation....................................................................Paxson Offield–Kelsey Lee
Interclub Challenge 2nd High Woman Angler..................................................................................................Fran Bennett
Interclub Challenge 3rd High Junior Angler .................................................................................................Robert P. Bents
Some of our All-Star Junior Anglers. Back Row:
Instructor Nathan Dunham, Trevor Neighbors,
Wills Johnson, Briggs D’Eliscu. Front & Middle:
Bobby Briggs, Hunter Vandertoll, Parker Pittman,
Judson Vandertoll, Paisley Pittman, Robert Bents,
and Nick Ramming.
2010 Fish Rules
for
Flags/Trophies/
Awards
and
Fleet Pennants
will be mailed to
all members
in February
Pete Binaski
14
ANDIAMO DELIVERY
by Burleigh Brewer
After considerable discussion and a
requested weather delay by the weather
routing service, on December 8, 2009
Andiamo was once again ready to head
south for the winter. This beautiful
Fleming 65 is owned by members John L.
Curci, Bob and Steve Briggs, and Phil
Belling and is more than adequately set
up for offshore fishing. On board for this
trip were crew of Captain Bobby Hall,
Jesse Charidez, and Burleigh Brewer
along with one of the owners, John L.
Curci, and his guest, Jim Harrington.
John and Jim were looking forward to a
leisure escape and we were able to
depart Newport Harbor around 0600 on
Tuesday, December 8 with calm winds
and confused seas. Monday night was
spent on board in the slip with 50+ knot
gusts in the harbor so we were very
happy to see calm winds early Tuesday
morning. We stopped for fuel in Turtle
Bay around 2200 on Wednesday night
but with the fuel service available at
mooring from the tanker we had an easy
two hour rest before heading out for
fishing the next day and then into Santa
Maria Bay. Unfortunately, the fish didn’t
get the word so we strained the ocean
through the Thetis Bank and arrived at
Santa Maria Bay after dark on Thursday.
We spent the night at anchor to be able
to fish some of the upper banks below
the Mag Bay entrada on Friday during
daylight with the plan to arrive off Cabo
Falso just before dawn on Saturday. We
were met early Friday morning by Marcos,
Jim Harrington, John L. Curci, Burleigh
Brewer, and Yellowfin
the panganero from Puerto Lopez
Mateos, and acquired some lobster but
abalone were still in the water due to 12'
surf along the coast.
With jigs in the water we headed out
toward the Lusitania Bank with the wind
and swells at our back and John picked
up a nice Dorado around noon that was
lost at the gaff due to a broken wire
leader. Early in the afternoon we spotted
some birds working an area off our stern
and outside. We turned back to
investigate and the porpoise surfaced in
feeding frenzy and as we pulled
alongside them our four trolling rods
sounded the alarm as we were attacked
by schoolie Yellowfin. While we had no
live bait, we managed to stay with the
school for a couple of hours and kept the
trolling rods busy with 10-20 pound
Yellowfin. This was the first time I had
experienced multiple Tuna following
hooked fish to the swim step but we had
several hooked fish followed to the boat
by four or more friends trying to get at
the flashing jigs. We kept hoping for one
of the cows that John M. Curci managed
to find earlier in November, but it was
great fun with football sized Yellowfin and
we were able to stock Andiamo’s freezer
with plenty of nice Tuna. Once the
porpoise sounded the fishing stopped
and, while we continued to troll and look
for signs, we had no further action. There
were reports during the day of wide open
fishing on Tuna, Dorado, and Stripers at
the Finger Bank but our schedule didn’t
get us there until well after dark. We
arrived off Cabo Falso around 0500 and
made our way into our slip at the Puerto
Los Cabos Marina at San Jose Del Cabo
around 0800 on Saturday morning.
Another safe voyage and we all left
looking forward to the next trip.
Junior Angler Events
Contact: Rod Neighbors
rneighbors@knrbuilders.com
Join The Fleet
Contact: Joe Winkelmann
gsm@greenstripemedia.com
Interclub Challenge 2010
Offshore Classic
BYC – BCYC – NHYC
Lines In 12:01am Saturday, 8/7
Lines Out 3:30pm Sunday, 8/8
with Awards Barbeque at 4pm
Awards categories include
High Boat, Top Club Team, Women,
Juniors, and numerous others.
Excellent fishing conditions this year…
Two days prior to a new moon!
Co Chairs: Rod Neighbors/Mike Manclark
Mark Your Calendar – hosted by NHYC
Bill Bennett with Atlantic Sail in the
Florida Keys, one of the three outside
flags he claimed in ‘09.
Gregg Kelley on Evening Star –
1st White Sea Bass.
15
John Garrison and Bob Winters with
1st Albacore in Ensenada.
CRUISING
visited the local fair and had a tour of the beautiful island, 22
miles around. They are very friendly people but suffering from
the world economic slow down. As in Tahiti they eat taro root.
It is supposed to be like sweet potato but ugh! The history of
the tribes and kings and later the advent of Christianity is
interesting. As in other parts of this world cannibalism has
been given up with the advent of Christianity. The Cook
Islands are connected to New Zealand and they use the NZ
currency. We had lunch with the crew at Trader Jacks and
pulled out at dusk.
S O L A I A V O YA G E 2 0 0 9
Sandy & David Stone
After returning from Alaska in 2008 we travelled to The St.
Francis Yacht Club’s Tinsley Island Stag Cruise. After a brief stop
in Newport Beach, we finished the year in The Marine Group
shipyard in Chula Vista, CA.
July 18
S 19 19.73. W 70 52.06 Wind 40 to 50kn gusting to 60kn!
18hrs to Tonga. Seas confused, Solaia handling the seas well.
July 19
We crossed the International Date Line and entered
Tonga. The people are very ebullient and warm. We saw
many humpback whales and our First Mate from Solaia joined
us as we crewed on a local sailboat Aguj in their Friday night
series. We weren’t last!
July 25
10:00 am up anchor and off to Nadi, Fiji arriving three days
later. So far we have traveled 1950nm from Tahiti to Fiji. 8
1/2 days at sea. The new Denerau Marina is very nice, about
18 months old. Several deluxe hotels and shopping!
August 1
We were anchored off Vomo in the Yasawa Island chain.
The only local hotel that protects turtles until they are old
enough to survive in the sea. Otherwise 98% don’t survive.
March 28
Solaia was in La Paz and vicinity traveling to Cabo San
Lucas, Mexico with a stop at the Giggling Marlin for a fun
evening. Cabo is unbelievably built up since our last visit in
2007.
April 15
Solaia headed out from Mexico to Tahiti. 3550 nautical
miles, 15 days, and 8,730 gallons of fuel later the boat was in
Papeete. The city is down and dirty but a must for provisioning
including Tahitian pearls!
June 30
We were in Moorea and saw Don (Muk) whom I went to
Newport Harbor High School with in the 50’s. He is one of the
three founders of the Bali Hai Hotel. Muk also had a chicken
ranch on the island. When I asked about the ranch he said, “if
someone offers you a chicken ranch or a box of pencils, take the
pencils!” Our favorite dinner house was the famous “Bloody
Mary’s” that lived up to its reputation. On Moorea we swam with
the Tahitian Rays. They are very friendly and actually nuzzle you
hoping for food. It was a great experience. In this part of the
world, we visited Bora Bora, Tahiti, Raiatea, and the Huahine
Islands.
August 14
We left Nanau for the 2,200 acre private island, Wakaya,
owned by Jillian and David Gilmour, the founders of Fiji Water
which is the #1 imported bottled water in the US. He devised
the square bottle for boaters so it wouldn’t roll! The Gilmours
were very friendly and we had lunch at their beautiful 20,000
sq. ft. plus home. This is one of the most spectacular
residences we have ever seen. The exclusive island has eight
July 15
After fueling 12,000 gallons we headed out from Papeete
for a 665nm trip to the Cook Islands. Two and one half days
later we docked at the Harbor Wharf in Rarotonga. There were
a few sail boats around but we were the only power cruiser. We
16
September 5
We went to Namoutu Island & Resort known for
spectacular surfing. The resort has leased one of the best
breaks. Next came the Yasawa Islands in Fiji.
Sept 10
We were back on Wakaya Island and enjoyed massages,
fishing, golf, tennis, and croquet.
Fiji has been a wonderful experience with very friendly
people. They never cease to greet us with a “Bula, Bula!”
which is “hello” and “welcome” in their native tongue.
However, the navigation has been challenging. Many outlying
islands have uncharted areas with many reefs. We moved in
daylight and made full use of both our GPS systems, paper
charts, and sonar. Navigational marks were scarce which made
passes through the reefs tedious.
After returning to California for a month we flew to Quito,
Ecuador and on to the Galapagos Islands for a week on the
Beluga, a 95ft boat chartered by friends. It was interesting
seeing all the tame life and visiting the Darwin Center.
Following the Galapagos we headed to Santiago, Chile to take
in the famous wineries and the historical sites that we had
heard so much about.
homes and 14 bures (a.k.a bungalows). Most of the guests at
the private resort have returned many times and we see why.
Kevin Jaffe and Theresa Rosara, fellow members of NHYC, were
on their beautiful Delta Yacht Marama and helped us get
permission to go on the island. Kevin and Theresa have been
involved with Wakaya for a number of years helping many of
the local people by building them a beautiful community center
as well as providing scholarships for many of the local children.
There is beautiful diving, snorkeling, and fishing. There are also
many deer, pigs, goats, and wild horses running free in the lush
landscape. We were also treated to a native Fijian celebration
which included drinking the infamous “Kava” which is touted to
boost your immune system as well as include aphrodisiac
qualities. We thought it tasted like mud – cheers!
August 18
Up anchor at Wakaya for the 60nm trip to Savusavu Island
in the Fijian Island chain.
August 26
We arrived back in Denerau. Fiji has turned out to be one
of our favorite spots. Besides being beautiful, with very friendly
people, there is much to do – swimming, snorkeling, kayaking,
fishing, there is hot air ballooning, white water rafting and
spectacular skydiving. You take off from the local airport and go
to 14,000 ft and jump out landing on the beach in front of the
Hilton Hotel. Our stewardesses have jumped the last two days.
Sandy and I are tempted to try it!!! Maybe when our next
guests arrive in Musket Cove. The only thing stopping us is
fear itself.
In November we returned to Solaia in Auckland, New
Zealand. Travels included the Royal New Zealand Yacht
Squadron, the beautiful Bay of Islands, “The Mudbrick Winery”
(considered the best in NZ), and much of Auckland. Fifty-nine
years ago I lived and worked there for one year and I am lucky
enough to say that I still have treasured friends in this city.
November 24
We flew back to Newport Beach for the holidays. It has been
an adventurous year with many miles covered in the southern
hemisphere. We look forward to 2010 in New Zealand and
Australia.
Signing off for now…
17
CATALINA CONSERVANCY
The NHYC fleet is headed to Avalon and
famous Casino Ballroom for a great evening of
dining and dancing in support of the Catalina Conservancy.
Call or e-mail Pam Bacich, Tod White, John Cotton, or Brad Avery
to find out about the event, registration and moorings.
IN MEMORIAM
MR. ROBERT E. GRICE, JR.,
MRS. KEVIN M. “MADELEINE MARIN” FINN
MR. GEORGE BISSELL
December 6, 2009
Member since 2003
December 27, 2009
Member since 2000
January 2, 2010
Member since 1984
MR. ROY E. DISNEY,
MR. GORDON W. “BILL” GRUNDY
CAPTAIN JAMES “JIM” MARTIN SINK USNR RET,
December 16, 2009
Member since 2007
January 1, 2010
Member since 1949
January 3, 2010
Non-resident member since 1998
MR. EARLE IKE
MRS. JOHN J. “KATHERINE” SWIGART
MRS. JACK “MARIANNE” GARNER
December 21, 2009
Member since 1996
January 1, 2010
Member since 1936
January 7, 2010
Member since 1944
MRS. DAN “SHIRLEY” MCGURK
MR. BARTON BEEK
MRS. EARL G. “MARGARET” CORKETT
December 22, 2009
Member since 1987
January 2, 2010
Member since 1956
18
January 20, 2010
Member since 1947
FROM THE MANAGER
HOTW
W
ith this greeting we
officially welcome
2010! The year 2009
behind us for all its challenges
became a year of learning for
many of us. We learned to
value our friends and family
more, and learned the club
was indeed a safe haven from
some of the real world issues.
A brief report before we
talk about 2010. The value oriented
initiatives the club instituted last year paid
dividends. Frugal Fridays, $9.95 dinner
specials, “kids eat free” and no corkage
Thursdays ALL succeeded in providing the
membership inexpensive opportunities to
enjoy the club. In fact a most revealing
statistic is the $9.95 dinner specials which
in 2009 accounted for 15% of dinner
revenues! Rest assured all of these
programs will remain in place for 2010.
We thank you all for your outstanding
support and look forward to seeing a
great deal of you this year as well.
As many of you know we experienced
the passing of 12 of our members in
December and January. The loss to the
club of their friendship and presence is
one for which we collectively pass on our
condolences to the families. They will be
missed.
On behalf of our staff I would like to
express our gratitude to everyone who
generously supported the Christmas
Bonus Fund. We recognize the kindness
you shared and appreciate your
contribution. Thank you.
One additional bit of housekeeping is
to recognize the Club Employee of the
year. Each quarter an individual
is selected for their
performance both within the
staff and to the membership as
well. From that candidate pool
is selected the annual winner.
This year we congratulate Tony
Barrera. For those who have for
the past three summers
frequented the snack bar you
will recognize the friendly smile
Tony offers you. He has been working
Tony Barrera, Employee of the Year
in our kitchen as well, while attending
college, and produces many of the
desserts from Chef Polly’s recipes.
While our A/P person was on maternity
leave last year Tony stepped in to
practice his skills for which he is
studying at school. All in all we are
proud to have his service on our staff,
Well done Tony!
Thomas Gilbertson, CCM,
General Manager
SAVE THE DATE
Monday March 22, 2010
INAUGURAL
SKIPPER DICK
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Newport Beach Country Club
Make up your own foursome.
Benefitting the Newport Harbor Sailing Foundation
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
Bill and Margie von KleinSmid
Chris Welsh
George West
Tod White
Robert Yates
Contributors
Commodore W. Bradley Avery,
Thomas Gilbertson, CCM,
Susan Gordon, Wills Johnson,
Burleigh Brewer, Allison Hanscom,
Chris Segerblom, Carolyn Smith,
Phil Stemler, Sandy & David Stone,
Joe Winkelmann
Layout and Design
Vince Mattera Design
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 Pickney
Keith J. Yonkers
General Manager
Thomas Gilbertson, CCM
19
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 come backs 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.
Housing needed!
Thursday April 8—Sunday April 11
The hospitality NHYC members offer is well known across the country.
Please be a part of club tradition and host a visiting adult sailor at your home.
Host families will not be responsible for any meals or transportation
during the event.
Contact George and Phyllis Drayton, Baldwin Cup Housing Co-Chairmen
(949) 548-6675