For whatever reason, my September 2, 2001 Mainsheet article never made it to press. I have asked that an edited version of the column be mailed out to the fleet, a week late. Sorry about the mix up. I understand that Stu Hartley took some great photos and I had hoped that one of them would accompany the Nationals article. Anyway, it’s my fault and here it is a bit late:
Today is July 30th, the first day after the 69th Kettenburg PC Nationals. I hurt in places I didn’t even know I had! There were 13 beautiful PC’s at the line with 11-14 knots of wind. The seas were flat and I am sure that everyone involved had a terrific weekend. What with the recent resurgence of PC interest, it does my heart good to know that each year the number of boats entered in any given regatta goes up, and up and up! I can’t remember seeing 13 PC’s at the line EVER, and this is WITHOUT any of the LA boats coming down! Sandy Horowitz of the Marina Del Ray fleet did join us and sail with us. We welcome our friends from other fleets and appreciate Sandy’s taking time to be with us! I hope that next year we will see 3-4 plus boats from the LA fleet and that many of the 7 boats presently under restoration in San Diego, will be with us at the line as well. By my calculations….we could see 25 (or more) boats at the line next year!
Congratulations to Fleet Captain Dick Stratton, partner Randy Richmond and their crew for taking the 1st Place trophy. Troy Sears, again, took 2nd place and Jack Sutphen took 3rd. The usual amount of excitement included Captain Dave Grundies (#72) getting his nose (or at least YANKEE’S nose) into Jack’s (#62) business. Dave, I believe the Commodore gave you your first trophy! Congratulations!
The fleet had a great BBQ party on Saturday, with a terrific awards ceremony on Sunday, after the last race. Special thanks to Bruce Greene, Mike and Marilyn Foster, and their crew for doing a great job as Race Committee. We also want to thank SC Paul Kettenburg for honoring us with his presence and talk and, of course, to our Commodore, GT Frost, for joining us and helping us with awards and good words! With support like this, it is no wonder that the PC Fleet has been a forceful presence since 1929!
Our friend Deb Dominici (PCC #22) from SWYC and the Ancient Mariners wrote a great article in the AMSS ALBATROSS, regarding the Kettenburg Regatta and gave race results and good words to the PC Fleet.
Until next month, I hope you are all enjoying the beautiful winds and weather and look forward to seeing you all on the water.
Rish Pavelec
PC #63