I feel like a complete stranger to San Diego and the club! After our trip to Europe (and two days of work… yes two… I’m a hero!), Cissy and I took a week off so she could attend a work related conference in Baltimore. While she worked, I sipped my morning coffee in our 6th floor room overlooking Inner Harbor and then walked the docks looking at all the boats coming in and out. I was very excited to see that the newly launched replica of the slave ship “AMISTAD”, had docked in the harbor as she was making the rounds of the ports. She is, indeed, a lovely sailing vessel and it was a thrill to see her and to learn about her sad history. A docent was present and explained that the boat sails in an effort to teach history and racial healing. That was a big thrill for me to see the crew scramble about to take her away from the dock and out to sea.
As usual, there is much happening on PC Row. First, let me welcome Pete La Dow to the fleet! Pete sailed on #42 some years back and was recently “bitten” by the PC bug again. I hear that brother, Steve, has one foot on the deck and will hopefully, jump into the mix as well!! We look forward to seeing #45 on the water often. Welcome to you both! While we will miss SC Fred Delaney and Penny, you can be sure that I am now looking for another PC for you, Fred. You’ll be back! Jack Sutphen and Bud Caldwell spent much time and energy to arrange the purchase of #78! She was up in Ventura for many years, but, as I write, is now at Driscoll’s yard while Jack and Bud work feverishly on getting her ready to launch. The new owner, Rick Keach, is an active member of the San Diego Ancient Mariners, has a membership application to one of our sister clubs and is a long time San Diego Sailor. Rick looks forward to sailing the “MAIGA B” with the fleet. Welcome aboard, Rick and Maiga! I was down at the yard this morning and have included a photo of the boat on the hard. Our numbers continue to grow! We now have 25 PCs in San Diego!
Having written the welcome to Rick, I am reminded of the January, 1993 MAINSHEET PC Article that, in part, reads: “Our friends from the other side of the channel, Rish Pavelec and Cissy Fisher, brought a new dimension to the Cruising Fleet, one that will be carried into the new year, no doubt!” and then the September, 1993 issue, which, in part, reads: “Finally, we’d like to welcome long time PC sailors, Rish Pavelec and Cissy Fisher, PC 63, PUFF, as members of our fine club. Welcome aboard Rish and Cissy!” At his time, I just want to say that I forgive the 1993 PC fleet captain, Paul Hartley, for taking advantage of me while in a weak state and tricking and encouraging me into being a PC junkie!
The list that I have of PC’s for sale is now up to 7 boats. While most of them are on the hard and/or in poor shape, the most recent of the group is hull #68. She is up in Seattle. ORION is in the water and has never been epoxied. She would be a good boat for anyone interested in the challenge of getting her
down her and doing a bit of cosmetics. If any of you have an interest, I would ask that you contact me for the particulars. I believe this boat would be a great addition to the fleet, for those of you who aren’t interested in committing to a full restoration. When the time is right, this boat would be perfect for a restoration candidate.
I have been asked to submit an updated roster to Irmgard for next year’s publication. I hope I have not missed any changes. Feel free to call me if you think I have. You will remember that December is the month that officers for the fleet are appointed. While we have not yet selected the date of the annual PC Christmas get together, I suspect that notices will be forthcoming soon. Many thanks from the entire fleet to Dick Stratton, who served as our Fleet Captain this past year. We not only had a great year of sailing, but Dick’s boat (you will remember) won the PC National’s this past year! A job well done, Dick!
The PC Fleet nominating committee met and approved the officers for next year. I am pleased to report that our new Fleet Captain for 2002 will be retired Navy Captain Dave Grundies (PC #72). Dave and wife Dr. Diane Schneider are long time members and have proven to be one of the more active boats in the fleet. We look forward to his leadership and know that he will follow in the footsteps of Dick and all the past Fleet Captains, to lead us all into a great sailing year. Jack Sutphen has volunteered to serve as the “PC Race Committee Liaison”. Who better to make sure that all our “I’s” are dotted and “T’s” are crossed!! Unless one of you is interested in writing the PC Mainsheet articles (and believe me when I say that the job is yours!), I will continue to write and to act as the fleet secretary. SC Trepte, as in the past, will wear the hat as fleet historian. Let me remind you all that the PC Fleet is more “family than foe”. All the officers would greatly appreciate your input, suggestions and assistance. Don’t be shy to call us with ideas and don’t be surprised when Captain Dave calls on you to ask for some assistance!
That being said, I will close. PUFF will be back at her slip tomorrow morning so I caution you all to be at the watch. We just might be out there sailing one of these days!
Cheers and the best of all of you during this Christmas and Hanukah season!
Rish Pavelec
PC #63