We were blessed with beautiful weather during the months of August and September, albeit somewhat short in the breeze department. I use those opportunities to lower my heart rate by 10-15 beats per minute and consider that our sailing at a slower pace allows others more time to admire our PC’s as we pass them. Our fleet schedule reminds us that there is a “Fun Race” in the bay on Sunday, Sept. 9th. We always have a good turnout for these events so I hope you all try to make it!
Several days ago, I received an email from a new friend from the Vista area. He saw my name on the Kettenburg website and was interested in learning more about PIC’s and PC’s. Seems he sailed on PC # 77 up in the LA area. As you might expect, I was thrilled when he offered to send me some colored photos of PC’s at the line during the 1940’s. He also had photos of PC # 77 and another PC. Imagine my surprise when he said, “I have a really nice picture taken during the late 40’s of PC # 63.” So I says to my self, I says… “Hmmmmm… # 63… #63… Hmmmmm. Sounds familiar… Hummm… # 63…”. It was shortly before I picked myself up off the floor that I realized that he was referring to PUFF!! I have since received the photos and one of them can be seen in this article. I suspect that it might be Kenny Watts at the helm. It is a BEAUTIFUL shot!! Mr. Dick Kampf (who sent the photos) owned and sailed PIC #21 in the ‘40s as well as crewing on PC #77 with Bob Chase, the owner. Dick was kind enough to send me a few other photos taken at the Los Angeles Mid Winter Regatta, held in 1948, in San Pedro. I sure appreciate his kindness in sending copies of these beautiful Kettenburg PC’s! It is because of enthusiasts like him that the history lives on and on. Thank you, Dick!
I have learned that PC’s 25 and 38 are for sale. Whereas the asking price is minimal… transportation will be problematic. # 25 is up in Vancouver and # 38 is in Washington State. Both boats are complete, but in serious need of restoration. Both vessels are on the hard and I am presently working on the arrangements and costs of getting them to San Diego. I have already turned up the “complements” to a setting of “8” and am attempting to show improvements in “husbandly” qualities, such as putting the seat down, taking my hankie out of the pocket before I put my pants in the wash and folding my tee shirts before I throw them on the floor of my closet. I know that she is warming up as she hasn’t called me any “bad names” lately, as she did when she overheard me on the phone inquiring about the cost of the delivery. I hate to play dirty, but I am considering buying her a two dozen box of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts soon. A man’s gotta do what he’s gotta do…
The WINGS Restoration project continues to gain momentum. I received a call from the SDMM and am pleased to report that they were able to locate a box of the old WINGS hardware!! Many of the pieces will be used for the restoration. I am in need of the old Merriman bow chocks, which had latches that hinged to allow the placing and removing of dock lines. If anyone has one of these pieces, I would love to have a casting made from it. I have authorized the wooding and sanding of the vessel and hope that the rest of the funding needed comes forth soon, via donations, so that restoration work can begin. Please remember that the restoration of WINGS will be our gift to the San Diego Maritime Museum and to the city of San Diego. The displayed treasure will be a living testament to the SDYC, Kettenburg Boatworks and many known San Diego Family names. I hope you have all noticed the WINGS Restoration Poster in the lobby. My Yachtsman’s Luncheon talk has been moved from the November date up to Oct. 10th. Those who are interested in an update as to the progress of the restoration should plan on joining us at the luncheon. I apologize to George Harris (of the speakers committee) for my asking that the date of my talk be changed. The man has the patience of a saint! The yacht has officially been turned over to the museum and work has begun. The vessel has been wooded and sanded, and several ribs and sisters removed. Soon, I hope we can move the vessel into the shop and put her in the stations. At this point, the new ribs will start to go in. The schedule at the yard is such that we hope to give serious effort to the restoration beginning October 1st. To those of you who have not yet made a contribution to the San Diego Maritime Museum, I remind you that this special San Diego yacht will have a place of pride in our museum and we are still in need of funding to complete the project.
In closing, I just returned from the club, where I took the time to look carefully at our new lounge, trophy room, men’s room, library and Staff Commodore’s Room. I feel compelled to give thanks to our board (past and present) for the wonderful end product! Many of us had trepidations about the ongoing project and, of course, no one likes a dues or slip increase, however the San Diego Yacht Club always has, and remains, one of the very finest yacht clubs in the world. These improvements add to the strong image of our club and are ours to share and enjoy. I know I will!
Until next month, I hope the summer has been good to you and that fall continues to bring us beautiful PC sailing days.
Rish Pavelec
PC #63