I began writing this article on December 2nd, but I continue to edit on December 12th. It’s just mazing how many new things come to mind in just a few days. It is hard to believe that I am writing the first article of 2005, and it seems like just last week I was writing the January article for 2004! I know you all feel the same way. I guess the proof is that I already have our Christmas lights up and the heat is turned on so it MUST be December again! I am sure you all have enjoyed the rain as we have. Though it cramps our style a bit, California needs it and I am grateful. Cissy and I have spent many an evening watching the waves of rain roll in from the south and west and finally reach our home. Sitting in our living room and seeing the rain while listening to it hitting our roof and windows is one of those “natural treasures” that we really enjoy. I hope you all do too.
Today I was downtown on business and stopped by our SD Maritime Museum to see #8 WINGS sitting on the hard in front of the BERKLEY. The museum had Koehler Kraft hall her and “clean her up” for display. She has the rig in and is sitting in a sturdy aluminum cradle. She is a joy to see and I encourage you all to make a trip down to our wonderful museum and see this lovely member of our fleet on display. Softy that I am, I still have a warm spot in my heart for WINGS. I still remember the first time I saw her bare and falling apart at the yard on Hancock Street crying out to be saved. How thrilling that she is now on display for all to see. I commend Koehler Kraft for doing a fine job and the Maritime Museum for making this lovely yacht available to the public for years to come. I stood in the background and had to smile as I watched people come up the boat, read the plaque and gently touch the graceful lines of the hull. How many times have you done that with your own boat? Think about it! What is it about a PC?
It came to my attention our friend Sco Bonnet, original owner of #16 DAWN, has been under the weather a bit. I spoke with him the other day and am relieved to say he is doing much better. He promises me we will meet for breakfast soon so I am going to hold him to that! We wish you the best, Sco!
For those non-fleet members reading this article, Saturday, Dec. 11th brought our annual PC Party. This year (as they have soooooo many times in the past) Pete and Nancy Peckham hosted the party. You would think that, after all these years, they would learn NEVER to invite the PC fleet into their lovely home... but we fooled them again! Pete and Nancy supplied WONDERFUL horsd’ovars while Vance Gustafson (2004 Fleet Captain) and Lois supplied the beverages. It was a terrific event and we thank them for their generosity and hospitality. We had the usual terrific turnout and, as always, had a great PC get together. Thanks to Captain Dave Grundies and spouse Dr. D (# 72) for handing out new 2005 PC Calendars again. These calendars have proven to be HUGE hits in the past and are very much appreciated. The new fleet officers for 2005 are as follows:
Fleet Captain Pete Lawrence (#66)
Secretary Bennet Greenwald (#18)
Treasurer/ Race Committee Liaison Jack Sutphen (#62)
Fleet Historian SC Gene Trepte
We thank Vance Gustafson (#9 JADE) for carrying the load this pat year. Now that he and the other officers have stepped down, we can stop being nice to them! Thanks for all your efforts on behalf of our fleet.
We thank SDYC Commodore Mike Fink and 2005 Commodore Jim Jessop (and their respective spouses) for attending. The PC is again, honored, that you both attended. We also enjoyed seeing members of the race committee. Our thanks to John Folting for being crazy enough to devote so much of his time and effort into acting as chairman of the SDYC Race Committee. We also thank Mike and Marilyn Foster for their fine efforts. If it were not for these great folks and their generosity, we would not have such terrific events. The next time you are out on the course and identify your boat by sailing bye the Race Committee boat, remember the effort these folks are putting in and yell a “THANKS!” I know they will appreciate it.
I am pleased to announce that Dave and Diane have entered into a partnership with some new folks. While long time old, old, old (I love saying that when it’s someone else!) friends Bruce and Shirley Gresham still remain partners, new comers Chris and Kristina Ball were also foolish... I mean lucky
enough to join in the insanity. YANKEE will have a full house with everyone aboard! Sounds like a party to me. Welcome to all of you. We look forward to seeing you on E dock and in the water!
On Dec. 4th, the SD Ancient Mariners sponsored the ½ Pint ‘O Rum Regatta. There were 7 PCs boats representing the PC Fleet. Frank Taliferro (#63 PUFF) was the only PC participating in the “Swim from the beach” class and was successful in beating the whole fleet! Congratulations, Frank! Seven other PC’s raced as a fleet in the “non swim” group and the results were as follows:
1st Bruce Sutphen and Carl Hancock & crew #62
2nd Bennet Greenwald & crew #18
3rd Bud Caldwell & crew #21
The SDYC Hot Rum #3 Regatta was held on Dec. 5th. Congratulations to Barry Worthington, and crew, (#54, TWILIGHT) for pulling a 4th in class and 28th over all for the series! The winds for #3 were 20 + knots and there were several casualties to say nothing of DNF’s. In fact, Barry was forced to settle for a DNF as he feared losing his rig! We are proud of your efforts, Barry! January 2005 will bring the popular first SDYC race of the year on January 1st. I will report the results in the February Mainsheet PC article.
Our new fleet Secretary, Bennet Greenwald (#18 ) has worked hard to put the minimum number of boats together (5) to make a “Class Entry” for the March, 2005 NOOD Regatta. Bennet has expended a lot of time and energy into this effort. The NOOD is the largest One Design regatta in the nation and it is fitting that our fleet plays a part. The three day regatta (March 18, 19 & 20 will sport a total of 5 races (2 , 2 and 1). Bennet SWEARS that they have the BEST parties of all the regattas he has participated in, thus that should be impetus enough for joining in! Those of you who are interested, please contact Bennet directly.
I will continue to write our monthly PC article, but again will be happy to turn my pen over to anyone who wants to take the job. Don’t be shy! Anyone wishing to take the job or a month or submit information for use in an article can be famous in literary circles in no time at all! The rewards are numerous! Riches, fame, respect, popularity can all be yours with NO SCHOOL! Just by working in the privacy of your home, you can increase your income (read hallucinate) in ways you never believed were possible. Look for details on the back of match book covers and call me when you’re ready!
With the beginning of a new year, Cissy and I will wish you all the best in health and happiness in 2005! My personal wish is for our PC fleet to increase by a few more boats. Just a few…
Rish Pavelec
#16 DAWN