Warmer weather is upon us and, I am pleased to report that more boats have been out on the water. The past month has been a busy one for the fleet and without further adieu, I will attach a brief report from our Fleet Captain, regarding just one of our activities:
The SDYC PC Fleet celebrated its first (annual?) Open House on Memorial Day, Sunday, on SDYC's Guest Dock and the PC (E) Dock. We gave countless folks information and a close inspection of these Kettenburg beauties and 25 lucky sailors got to enjoy a short sail. Thanks to Doug Holthaus, Rish Pavelec and Blake Oversmith for displaying their PC's and a special thanks to Lee Estep, Vance Gustafson, and Bud Caldwell for sailing their boats on this interesting, puffy day. One of the most interesting things to note was how crews who had never sailed together, matched right up. Thanks to crew members Laura Kyle, Toby Olssen and Rocky Hatch.
- Capt. Dave
I will add a loud fleet “THANK YOU!” addressed to Dave and Diane. They put on a great show while at the same time giving “welcomes, smiles, organization and their own brands of fun to our event. At the end of the PC Open house, Cis and I couldn’t resist heading out for a last afternoon sail. As Capt. Dave noted, it was “frisky” out there... but we had a great PC sail and it was a perfect ending to a perfect day. The following weekend, though the winds were light, we headed out to see the harbor quite empty. We were surprised, yet pleased to have so much space to ourselves. I still can’t figure out why the water wasn’t wall-to-wall boats, as it was such a beautiful San Diego day.
Yesterday was the Kettenburg Regatta, sponsored by the San Diego Ancient Mariners. Our thanks to the Southwestern YC and the AMSS for all their efforts. This is always a popular event and, before the race, I saw several people out cleaning up their vessels for a good showing. What started out to be a cloud, cool and wet morning, ended up being beautiful. We had 8 PC’s out. Most were in a tight pack and it was a terrific regatta. Word has it that Captain Dave is considering changing #72’s name from YANKEE to BOXER, because she keeps getting her nose broken. Ohhhhhhhh… Cissy and I thank Greg Stewart for sailing with us and yelling at me for two hours straight while heading out to and during the regatta. On the other hand, PUFF didn’t come in last. Might be some connection here. Hmmmm…
The WINGS restoration continues on full bore. Special thanks to the SD Maritime Museum staff for donating time and energy, and their help publicizing the restoration. I have taken hardware to the staff and they are having it cleaned up and refurbished by their volunteers. I have also collected some paint samples so as to get the hull, deck and spar colors correct. Thanks to Doug Giddings (who sailed #10 WINDY to many victories) for sharing his scrapbook of photos and articles. All the skippers who sailed during the 30’s and 40’s need to remember just how important and helpful your photos and scrapbooks are to the fleet. We are actively trying to compile a “history” of the PC Fleet and I ask you to think about cleaning our that box in back of the closet that has photos and clippings that might be of interest. You may leave anything at the front desk to my attention. If you want items returned, you can be sure that I will be responsible for the safe return of any and all materials. As time slips away, items and photos that might not appear to have value to you, will probably be just what we need to cement the PC History together. Please don’t let this information be lost forever.
June 30th will be our “Lady Skipper” regatta and I will give full report as to the excitement. Remember that July 27-28th will be the PC Nationals. By the time you read this, I suspect E Dock will see a lot of activity with the fleet getting ready for the event. I hope that club members will come down to see us
and be out on the water to cheer the fleet on!
I hope #48 will have her repaired mast in soon and be out on the water. #37, at Koehler’s, is nearing completion and we hope to see her in the water soon. I have lost track of #14, but am HOPING we see her by the time the PC Nationals rolls around.
As a reminder of which boats are under restoration or available for sale, I offer the following:
Under full restoration and soon? sailing:
#14, 36, 37 and 70
In need of restoration and/or available for sale:
#16, 25, 31, 35, 44, 59 and 68
The boats listed in the above group are in varied stages of condition. Those readers interested in one of these boats should feel free to call me. I will give you the information needed to reach the owners and tell you what I know. Let’s make it a goal to keep the PC Fleet growing!
That’s the news from PC row. Until next month, keep the fleet alive with your participation at our events and keep your grog blossom to the wind. Enjoy your club.
Rish Pavelec
#63 PUFF