SDYC’s signature regatta of the year is kicking off today in epic San Diego conditions. 75+ boats are entered in the 42nd Yachting Cup. That is a HUGE number of participants! The action gets underway at 1500 this afternoon with a fun new wrinkle; a "random leg" race around scenic San Diego Bay… while the course is very similar to the very popular summer "beer can" race (hey, only 26 days until beer can racing starts!), the pressure is on the competitors as this race counts toward the overall Yachting Cup scores. Saturday and Sunday’s Windward / Leeward racing will feature steady breeze and open water and be held on the ocean courses off Point Loma. Eight races are scheduled for the weekend, with a full slate of after race parties and fun.
Regatta Chairwoman Julie Servais is literally days and hours away from becoming Regatta "Chairmother" Julie Servais, but Julie has postponed even childbirth to run a first class event. Fantastic job Julie and thank you – no bumpy car rides and don’t sneeze! SDYC's Race Committee will once again be on point to shine running multiple courses in the ocean. Remember guys, Resolute (the boat we’ll be on), "all clear!" Come down to the Club and check it out. It is going to be a blast!
Treasures:
We are blessed at SDYC. Our membership, our traditions and our history run deep. Among us are competitors, champions, legends and treasurers.
I was reminded of this again last weekend when, coming up the Bay on S/C La Dow’s Glory we saw Bud Caldwell and friends sailing down San Diego Bay on his beloved PC 21 Onion Truck. Bud is on in years but was at the helm on a beautiful day waving and smiling to fellow members who had swung by to say "hi." Bud has forgotten more about sailing, boat building and Corinthian yachting than most of us will know in three lifetimes. You can't keep him out of that #21. A treasure.
The other evening we had the opportunity to have dinner with 90 something years young Chuck Cheyney in the SDYC Lounge. As Chuck says, he has "been around this joint for a long time." I had the opportunity to sail against Chuck when he owned Vixen and I sailed with S/C Collins on Briana as a teenager in the 70's. We had spirited battles on the old 'circle course' off Coronado. The stories, quick wit, humor and jokes flowed the other evening – my cheeks hurt from laughing after a wonderful night. A treasure.
Today, it is my sad duty to report to you that last month we lost a treasure from among our membership, SDYC member #1, Morton J. Carlile. Mort joined SDYC in 1938 when the Club's address was simply "at the foot of Talbot Street." He was SDYC's #1 member, the longest tenured member in the Club, for over 5 years. Mort was an Army veteran and raced a variety of sailboats. Mort was a champion skippering and crewing. "Remember who you are and what you represent" were words of wisdom he shared often with his beloved family. A memorial will be hosted by the Carlile Family for Mort at SDYC on June 6, at 1600, on the Sail Drying Lawn. Contact Danielle Carreon in the Membership Office for details and wishes of the Carlile family. Mort was 89. A treasure.
We are so lucky at SDYC to have so many passionate, amazing people among our membership and friends. Above are just a couple. As a Club we have experienced too many "goodbyes" lately. Our world spins at mach 5 these days, but take a few minutes introduce yourself and say "hello" to a fellow member and make a friend. I guarantee, you will be much richer for the experience.
We'll see you around the Club. Good luck Yachting Cup racers… go Resolute!
Good Sailing,
Chuck Sinks
SDYC Commodore