What a year it has been with our San Diego weather!! The rain, clouds and cold weather we have experienced since December is something we are just not used to! It seems that every time the sun came out and temperatures rose above freezing (read 68 degrees) I had something on the schedule and, thus, could not get out. I am hoping that all that will change soon, however as I write, it is pouring rain outside.
February 5th brought the One Design races. The fleet was represented by 7 boats. Congratulations to Jack Sutphen and crew (#62), #14 and #21 in that order. The impetus for these boats to sail faster were the four boats chasing them, #18, #66, #78 and #9, again in that order. Special thanks to the race committee for doing their usual terrific job for our fleet.
For those of you who don’t know, the next issue of the quarterly San Diego Maritime Museum publication, “Mains’l Haul, will center around local pleasure yachting. I was honored that the museum asked me to submit some material to be considered for publication. It was a treat working with the publication editor, Mark Allen, to learn how a REAL author should pen their words. I must also thank Paul and Tom Kettenburg for proofing and correcting any mistakes I may have made. Having these three “looking over your shoulder” takes the worry and guilt out of writing! I will remind you all as to what a jewel our nautical museum is. The cost is minimal and the rewards great. With each special showing, members are invited to a “members only” night with docents on hand to give details. Each time I attend a showing and decide that “this one is the BEST! I am then fooled when the next show comes around!! Please consider supporting your San Diego Maritime Museum by becoming a member.
It has come to my attention that another local boat is up for sale. Before you start drooling and worrying about how the bright work looks, you should know that the vessel has been on the hard for 3 years and in need of TOTAL restoration. A restoration of this type, done professionally, can reach upwards of $100,000.00 and higher. Even a skilled craftsman who would do much of the work would be looking at thousands of dollars, what with the cost of materials being so high. Is saving a PC worth that much? Many of us think so. I have, many times before, said that a PC, even in sad condition, makes heads turn. When some of the “fleet prizes” are seen sailing side by side or tied up at the front dock… it is easier to understand why some of us are willing to pay the price to save these beauties. Feel free to contact me if you wish to know more about this vessel or any other available PCs that I know about.
Don’t forget that March will bring a non-spinnaker “fun race” to the Coronado YC on Sunday the 6th. Some people choose to just sail down with the fleet and sail back, immediately, without stopping at the CYC. If you are short of time or wish to skip lunch at the CYC, do join us anyway! It is always more fun with a greater number of boats sailing together. Don’t let the word “race” scare you away. This yearly event is more of an excuse to get out on the water without the hassle or worry of a “serious” race. We will also have the club “One Design” races on Sunday the 20th for the serious racers.
In closing, I will offer a bit of a history lesson. Did you know that in 1947, the boat that won the Opening Day Inspection was VICI, PC #71 owned my Herbert Richards? VICI was built in 1946. My records show the following owners:
Captain Ernest Ellsworth from 1953 to 9155. Named SEA LEUR.
Ed Washburn in 1959 Named GOAST
SC Jim Fink in 1964
Present fleet member Peter Barabas (#48) in 1972
Present fleet member Geeves Kenny (#14) in 1974.
My records show that she was sold and made her way to Lake Tahoe!! At that time, she was named SOUBRETTE. This is one of the vessels on my history list that I have yet to account for. Should you have any knowledge as to the fate of this vessel I would appreciate hearing from you. Anyone willing to share photos or ANY information regarding #71 may leave envelopes for me at the SDYC front desk. Remember that this is how we can keep our PC Fleet History alive!
As always, I wish you all the best and hope to see you all out on the water soon!
Rish Pavelec
PC #16
DAWN