The fabric of the soul of SDYC.
I have mentioned in this column before that I have failed over nearly 30 years of membership to put my finger on exactly what makes the San Diego Yacht Club such a special, magical place. But there is "something" very special that happens when we pass by the guardhouse on 1011 Anchorage Lane, get that friendly wave and welcoming smile from our Security Team and settle into whatever water oriented activity we are about to enjoy.
Last Saturday, we got a yet another little glimpse into what the "something" is.
A rapidly rising star on the junior racing scene, a friend, fierce competitor, great kid and our Junior Sabot A Fleet Captain Jack Egan, has found himself in hand to hand combat with an illness fighting him from within. The illness has picked on the wrong guy. Jack, with some help from his terrific family, his SDYC family and doctors, is going to kick its butt. Whatever it is, this illness doesn't stand a chance against Jack, but the medical procedures and ongoing therapy helping Jack have sidelined him from sailing his Sabot, Open Bic (and whatever else he could lay his hands on) for the next year.
Junior Program parents Victor and Kimberly McKnight, sent an email three weeks ago, indicating Jack really wants to keep his hand in the sailboat racing game while he is battling his illness. The email asked how Jack might go about getting involved with the SDYC Model Yacht Fleet. It would be perfect. Jack could still be out there swapping tacks and gybes with competitors, keep his tactical skills sharp but not be at risk of getting his doctors crossways with him by exposing the medical apparatus on his body to saltwater spray or risk going for a swim in the bay.
That email, with literally two key strokes, was simply forwarded to model yacht gurus Jean Malthaner and Dr. David Ryan. Holy smokes. These guys, without a word, sprang into action and the magic that makes SDYC such a special place went into hyper drive.
Jean and David quickly corralled Dick Denzler and Model Yacht Fleet Captain Chuck Mellor to help out. Jean pulled down not one but two, "parts boats" from his garage and the fab four went to work with Jean and Dick on point refurbishing the model yachts. Why two? As Jean said, "hey, the kid is going to want to sail with a friend, right? Plus, he can get faster practicing with a second boat. So we need two."
Last Saturday at 1000, the "Fab Four" Model Yacht guys presented the boats to Jack and his family at a small, surprise ceremony in the Members Lounge. Pictures and words cannot capture the pure joy of that moment, but that "something" once again was happening at our great Club.
I could write a book about the countless contributions Jean "Millimeter" Malthaner has made to our great Club over the decades (Jean built the 12 boat Sabot trailer… "a few years ago" and was a founder of the "Luff In" Sabot regatta still popular today) but Jean would be the first to tell you he was just trying to help out like every other member. Dick Denzler and Dr. David Ryan both sailed Sabots as youngsters at SDYC and still do. No one was happier in that room last Saturday than Dick and David.
Junior Director John Fretwell reports the two model yachts have been out daily for hours on end over the past week. Jack and his friend are ear-to-ear grins and getting faster and faster with each upwind / downwind lap.
Junior Advisors Steve and Tama Harris are adding a new wrinkle to the Dutch Shoe Marathon this year, including a Leukemia Society fundraising component to this annual summertime Sabot extravaganza. Keep an eye on the Junior Program website for details and how you might be able to help. More magic!
The bad news for the model yacht guys is come race day, Jack and his buddy are going to be serious contenders with sharp eyes, quick reactions and a raw competitive edge. These kids will be bringing some serious game. Get ready guys! Go get 'em Jack!
If you see any of the Fab Four around the Club, thank them for giving us all one more little glimpse into that "something" that makes SDYC the very special place that she is. McKnights, Jean, David, Dick and Chuck - "Thank you" does not get it done. But once again, that is all we have. Well done all.
Good luck to our high school teams competing this weekend in the Pacific Coast Championships and our racers in the Newport to Ensenada Race.
I can't wait to drive through the gate at 1011 Anchorage Lane! We'll see you around the Club.
Good sailing,
Chuck Sinks
SDYC Commodore