The PC Fleet has been having a lot of fun and excitement lately! The Feb. 10th One Design race had a turn out of 6 PC’s. All boats were well matched and fleet Captain Dave Grundies did well, with YANKEE #72 scoring Dave’s 1st! As Fleet Captain, he pulled rank and FORCED me into inclosing the photo showing how far the other boats were behind YANKEE in the first race.
By now you have all seen that #14 is back in the water. As expected, she looks beautiful and, I’m sure, will be back to her winning form at the line soon. The owners are arranging for the finishing rigging and assembling as I write. I was good to see her back home and looking fine after a long hiatus. Welcome home LA CUCHARACHA!
I am sure that many of you are aware of the passing of Admiral R. McKnight. The Admiral sailed and loved #65, SEVERN, for several years. He and wife Margaret were fleet historians and both attended our PC functions for many years, even after they stopped sailing. I express the fleet condolences to his son, John, and to the family.
A few weeks ago, I visited friend and PC sailor Toby Olss’en, who is restoring #31. She is still about 3 months from completion, but looks great! Toby elected to remove the doghouse from SKYLARK and also extended the size of the cockpit by cutting down the size of the cabin (moving the bulkheads forward). I must say that he is doing a beautiful job and she is sure to be a “head turner” when she is back in the water. Toby’s intention is to sell the boat once finished and continue restoring another. I will keep you posted so potential buyers will be able to reach Toby.
The San Diego PC Fleet now numbers 27 boats!! While I have committed to the purchase of both #25 and #59, the boats have not yet been delivered. Perhaps they will be in town by the time you read these words, but as I write, I am still working on shaving delivery costs. #25 was first owned by yacht broker, Glen Waterhaus, who was instrumental in introducing the class to Washington and Oregon. #59 was one of the Vancouver built boats. It has been said, that these hulls (56, 57 58 & 59) were stripped planked, however the owner assures me that 59 is not. I have already been contacted by interested buyers and will give full report when the boats arrive. Presently, I am working hot and heavy to locate #38 and bring her home. This vessel has proven very difficult to locate, despite having the name and telephone number of the supposed owner. I will be thrilled to find this yacht! Don’t forget that I have a list of 7 PC’s for sale. Two of them (#35 and #68) are up in the Seattle area and sailing regularly. All the others (except for #16) are new to San Diego.
On February 27th, Chris Snow, of North Sails One Design, spoke at a racing clinic for PC fleet. The house was packed and all present enjoyed the evening and appreciate Chris taking time out of his busy schedule to be with us. Thanks to Captain Dave for arranging talk. March 3rd was a “social” sail down to the Coronado YC for burgers ‘n beers. This event is always a lot of fun and this year we had 5 boats join us. Thanks to the CYC for having us!
Don’t forget that April 7th will be the One Design Races and April 20th will bring our club’s Opening Day celebration!! Cissy and I will be in France, and will miss Opening Day, however I trust the rest of the fleet will be represent our fleet with pride!
As always, readers who are interested becoming involved with our fleet are invited to drop by PC row and chat with any of the owners. We love these boats and after a few minutes spent seeing how many of these boats have been brought “back to life”, I am sure you will feel the same way. An afternoon on the water on a PC will do your heart good, so come and join us!
Until next month, the PC Fleet wishes you all a great sailing season!
Rish Pavelec
PC #63