Commodore
By Michael Lewis
The big event that I am focusing on is the 2nd Annual Columbia River Catalina Rendezvous. We are expecting 35 plus boats, get your registration in soon, if you have not done so. We need to complete the logistics of food, shirts and the myriad of other things that will make this the most successful Rendezvous yet and make everyone smile. We will have not have to raft up all of the boats, Glenn Johnson has arranged to have the empty slips available for us.
The menu is coming together, ribs and chicken. Frank Butler and Sharon Day are committed. Murphy's Law will be there with their Sea Chanties. Reception Friday Night on the Dock. Saturday Coffee and Donuts. Sunday Brunch and Walk. Great Raffle items. What else could you ask for? Be there!
Secretary/Treasurer
By Kathleen Lewis, C42, Wind RavenDon't forget to order your burgee if you don't have yours yet - just $20. Roster updates have been sent to members via e-mail and via "snail mail" to those without e-mail. Remember that complete information, e.g. phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses will not be in the newsletter that is on our web site.
Be sure to let me know of any changes in the roster information so that we can keep it up-to-date.
Please welcome our new members since the July newsletter---
Roy and Beverly Blace of Vancouver, WAThe member list is now at 57. Again, welcome to all the new members.Gary and Kathleen Bruner of Battleground, WA
- Catalina 250 at Tomahawk Bay - E13
Todd Bellamy and Valerie Inforzato of Camas, WA
- Catalina 25 - Encore! - is at Kalama, WA - H21
- Catalina 27 - Sail La Vie - at Steamboat Landing
Sailing Encore!
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore!I started sailing in 1977 on a Snipe I bought, with no prior sailing experience. In 1978 I bought a Windrose 18 with a mini cabin, which I took cruising to the San Juans for five years. In 1983 Kathleen and I bought a swing-keel Catalina 25, 1978 vintage. We sailed under the name Pacifier until we sold her in 1992 to some friends in the Kalama Sailing Club. We cruised her in the San Juans every summer for at least a week, sometimes three.
I eventually bought a Tartan 30 which we cruised up the coast to Princess Louisa and raced two times in the Bridge to Bridge race from Astoria to Newport, getting a first in cruising class the first year and a second in Class C the following year.
After selling the Tartan, and sailing a Rhodes designed Tempest 23 for awhile, we decided we needed a bigger boat again. That very day we saw a for sale sign on our old Catalina 25, so darned if we didn't BUY HER BACK! from our friends who had taken awfully good care of her. We renamed her Encore!, as we were "going around one more time", and maybe because I teach theatre.
We have cruised the San Juans every year since 1998, the year we bought her back, and for that last two years I've participated in the Banks Gold Rush Race down to Sand Island near St. Helens. This year we were second to finish in our class, but two boats behind us placed ahead on PHRF. I have entered a total of eight races in my life as skipper (two on the Tartan) and four of the six others were just recently! I have no sails newer than eleven years old, and my 130 Genoa is original! I made my spinnaker from a kit back in 1984. I have bought a sock for it, so it's easier to fly without an experienced crew. While I have a pole, foreguy, etc. I choose to fly the chute like an asymmetrical, tacked down at the stem of the bow. It's somewhat slower downwind, but I don't have problems like some boats do.
I am self taught (never had a lesson), but I am finally learning how to sail my little boat closer to her potential. I seen speeds to weather over 6.3 knots, and have once touched 7 knots. I've achieved 7.9 knots with the spinnaker up.
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the Rendezvous.
Burgee Wear Report
By Jim HimesThe long wait is over for the people who ordered our fabulous burgee wear items.
We will have the items at the next meeting. If you want to give us a call and make arrangements to pick your items up earlier, that will work also. There are extra caps, as we had to order 12 at a time. They are in the new Catalina blue color.
Sailing is GOOD!!!!
By Kathleen Lewis, C42, Wind RavenOn August 6th, the new Wind Raven and crew did a test sail, maiden voyage, etc.
The Commodore and First Mate, Michael and Kathleen Lewis accompanied by Glenn and Deane Johnson of Sailboats of Oregon untied the dock lines and raised the sails, departing Hayden Bay at 1730 traveling east toward the I-205 bridge. Winds were good from the northwest and the sails were full.
We actually went under the bridge under sail, came about and dropped the sails and then motored back to Hayden Bay. It was important to test all systems, including the “iron jenny”.
We couldn’t measure the wind speed or the exact speed of the boat, but the journey was excellent. Actually being able to go under the bridge under sail without having to tack and jibe many times to get there was a new and pleasant experience.
August General Meeting - Hayden Island
By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind RavenAugust 18th, 3pm. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, August 18th at 3:00 PM at Glenn and Deane Johnson's Recreation Room --- Hayden Island on Tomahawk Island Drive. Watch for the Catalina Banner hanging from the Waterfront Condominiums sign. The fence gate leading to the Recreation Room will be open. This is the same place that the Catalina Rendezvous is held. Just East of Hayden Bay Drive on Tomahawk Island Drive.
Bring hearty hors d’oeuvres and your own beverage. The purpose of meeting is to complete the plans for the Rendezvous, Scheduled Events and Responsibilities at this point. We need lots of help for the Chairpersons. Show up and enjoy the pool, too. Here is the list of chairpersons and activities:
John & Annie Meyers
- Saturday Coffee/Donuts
- Dinghy Races
- Sunday Brunch & Walk
Brian & Kathy Lawrence
- Cleanup
La Donna Bubak
- Donations
- Prizes
- Promotion
Deane & Glenn Johnson
- Entertainment
- Murphy’s Law
- Frank Butler/Sharon Day
Jim & Marlene Himes and Deane & Glenn Johnson
- Facility
- Decorating
- Signage
Jim & Marlene Himes and Deane & Glenn Johnson
- Food & Beverages Purchase
Dave & Helen Peoples
- Dinner Preparation
Craig & Julie Beck
- Rafting
- Wharfinger
- Awards
Walt & Marilyn Wittke and Michael & Kathleen Lewis
- Reception-Friday Night
Bill & Marla Simon
- Registration
- Ticket Sales
Cruising
Up River Progressive Cruise Cancelled
By Michael LewisTHE "UP RIVER PROGRESSIVE CRUISE" IS CANCELLED DUE TO LOW WATER LEVELS.
Sorry maybe next year. This was scheduled for August 11. Reed Island is a sandy beach. Beacon Rock is a rocky beach.
Report from the St. Helens Cruise
By Walt Wittke, C27, Miss Tres IIJune 16-17. There was a nice turn out and as usual all of us had a fun, relaxing weekend. What could be better than to go somewhere in your boat, meet some friends, have eats and drinks on board, and hang out?
Members present were:
- Marla & Bill Simon
- Pam and Don Evans
- Terry & Kathy Annis
- Kathy Lawrence, St. Helens resident and member, joined us on the paper mill tour
- (Brian was under the weather--we missed seeing him)
- Eugene Wilkinson & Gordon Smith (77 & 80 young!)
- Kurt & Nancy Riddle and family including the family dog!
- Walt & Marilyn Wittke
As usual there are always other sailors we know at the docks too. Marilyn brought the hors oeuvres dockside. We told a few lies, tall sailing stories, and tipped a few beers with Dan and Maureen and their friends, Steve and Sheila from Texas. Where? TEXAS? Can you believe, TEXAS? To us it was a beautiful Oregon evening but Sheia was freezing while the rest of us were running around in T-shirts. We reminded Sheila that your head determines your body temperature. She didn't believe us, so being a gentleman that I am--I put my hat on her head! She looked so cute with her blond hair and my new greenish hat---In a weak moment, I lost my... cool and SOLD my new West Marine hat. She was so cute wearing it---how could I resist! Herman Zink, a veteran German sailor with his boat "Jubilee", also helped to add to the fun.
As planned, Saturday afternoon we had a nice turn out for the tour of the Boise Cascade paper mill. The club wants to especially thank Diane Dillard, of Boise Cascade, and Jim Doris, retired BC employee, for a great tour of the mill. Everyone who went on the mill tour was really impressed and all raved about all the effort I did to organize the trip! The credit really goes to Diane and Jim. We also want to thank Boise Cascade for allowing the weekend tour for our group. Jim was the greatest tour guide and such a nice person besides. Our only disappointment was that no one from our group thought to bring a camera. It would have been fun to have a picture with all of us in our green plastic hard hats, safety glasses, chlorine respirators, and earplugs for our web page. It was quite a sight! Believe me when I worked there during my college years--we had none of these.
Saturday evening about ten of us had a nice dinner at the Dockside restaurant. It's so much fun to be with a group, be part of a big table of friends, joke around, and to share a meal together. We had such fun and without a drop to drink too---can you believe it? Sunday before we headed home many of us enjoyed sailing above the west end of Sand Island. The winds are particularly good there. It's worth the trip just to sail this area.
That it for now.....Join us on our next great trip and remember...
Why Worry When You Can SAIL! Walt and Marilyn
Report from the Barkley Sound Cruise
By Michael Lewis, C36, Wind RavenJune 23... After waiting out the storms in Astoria that seemed to be rolling in one after another for several days, the Wind Raven and crew (including Bear, the Newfy) sailed off for the long planned cruise to Barkley Sound. We were the lonely boat; others had crew mutinies, blown up alternators and family plans that got in the way. We harbor hopped to weather into Westport, Quillayute River (La Push) and finally, Bamfield in Barkley Sound. This was a much less taxing run than the midnight express runs we have done before. All daylight runs and about 60-70 miles per day. Weather was great for the whole run north except for some stronger NW winds and choppy wind waves off Destruction Island.
The bar at Westport was smooth and no problem. Westport was very active with Salmon Charters and a fishing derby but still plenty of moorage. Groceries are a good mile hike and limited. Probably a taxi will get you better choices. People were crabbing right off the docks with good success. Fresh Crab, Tuna, and Shrimp are sold on the docks and in a nearby store. England’s Marine has a store if you need to fix something. The best attraction was the fresh donut shop on the waterfront, mmm.
Quillayute River Entrance was much more interesting to enter for your first time. In fact, the second time was even more interesting. But more about that later. The entrance is narrow, large island on your port and surf on your starboard. You just have to believe your chart and follow it in and then a sharp turn to your starboard. Watch your depth and do not enter at low water. Follow the local buoys into the boat basin. Use the first few docks and do not go too far in on the docks. It does get shallow at low tide. They have fuel and a grocery store. The store is about a mile away and contrary to legend does have beer.
We departed for Bamfield at or near banker’s hours, with 0-4 knots of NW wind, mirror-like ocean conditions, and great motoring. We overnighted at Bamfield West Side Government Docks. Spotted several whales and porpoises, too far away for pictures but the thrill was there. The next morning, our favorite Diesel Guy, Hugh Brock, came in on a Grand Banks Trawler and was found wandering the docks. Small world! We explored both sides of Bamfield, walked to the beautiful Brady Beach and took the dinghy to Grappler Inlet.
Cruised around to several great anchorages and enjoyed the time there. Don’t miss the Port Alberni Yacht Club in Robber’s Passage. They are great people and very friendly. No reciprocals but good docks, great trails and even showers. Great protection from all weather. The former Greenpeace Ship is here and now a mussel farm. It still has the kills (sinkings and rammings) on the side of the ship. Most of the shores are rocky and steeper. Access to beaches and islands are limited.
To drop a few names of places we enjoyed include: Poett Nook, Robber’s Passage, Effingham Bay, Joes Bay and Nettle Island. The area is well sheltered with few boats and a lot of kayakers. We only had one exciting weather night in Effingham Bay. Gale force NW winds sailed down the inlet while we were at anchor. We bounced and sailed around while at anchor all night. The First Mate went to bed. Bear and the Captain stood anchor watch for the night.
Too soon, it was time to head south and so we went back to Bamfield to set up to go. After waiting two nights, we finally headed down in the morning fog, afternoon fog and more fog. Visibility was often less than 100 feet and made one very glad to have radar. We had the fog right into Quillayute River, which we would not have not gone into without a clear day first to explore the entrance. The thickest fog was here. The rock face just looms up and we went right in. Almost like magic! We spent the next day exploring the town, touring the Coast Guard Base and viewing the many Bald Eagles. They were everywhere.
Out the next morning on our way to Westport, praying for wind but alas another windless day and mirror-like ocean. The good news was no fog. As it would happen the wind came up to 15 knots, as we entered Westport Harbor and made it challenging to get to the dock. Same thing happened the next day when we arrived back in Astoria. Heading back on the last day from Westport to Astoria was a repeat of the wind and ocean conditions.
By the way, Bear (the Newfy) did very well as Second Mate. Underway he just slept and ate. Every beach we got to was fair game for swimming. Only fell into water once albeit at 4:00 AM in the dark. Missed a step while leaping from the boat to the dock in the dark. He needed assistance in getting back on the dock and was not happy. MOB is serious stuff.
For those that what to visit the area but don’t want the ocean part, you can drive/trailer your boat to Port Alberni, BC, launch and sail up the inlet into Barkley Sound. Great alternative to doing the San Juans.
Next year is approaching, not soon enough for me. Planning already! “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
Report from the Astoria (Delta) Cruise
By Dave Thomas, C30, SunchaserJuly 21-29. Five boats sailed downriver for our annual Astoria (Delta) cruise: Jim & Marlene Himes (R-TIME), Jim & Marlene Redfield (MISCONDUCT), Bill & Marla Simon (WINDSWEPT), Dave & Julie Thomas (SunChaser), Michael McIntyre & P.Y.Pettey (IO). And, joined by Michael Lewis on Wednesday, 7/25. The Simon's and Thomas's departed Thursday, stopping at St Helens -- Sand Island-- for the night. It was a good day. Had a chance to sail, and relax on the Island. It was a windy evening, and both WINDSWEPT & SunChaser, had minds of their own as we docked. The wind continued to blow, and it was a rather rocky night, but we remembered we were having fun.
We departed Sand Island about 0830 Friday, heading on down river to Cathlamet. The Himes & Redfield's sailed from Portland to St. Helens on Friday. We were all meeting at Cathlamet on Saturday. WINDSWEPT & SunChaser arrived at Cathlamet Channel around 1230. Well, the short story goes like this -- WINDSWEPT had a successful passage down the channel. SunChaser, on the other hand, grounded about a third of the way down. Deciding against plowing a new channel, we backtracked and sailed around Puget Island, coming in on the downriver entrance. We docked at Elochoman Marina on C dock, several boats in from WINDSWEPT.
Saturday was a busy day at the marina highlighted by the harbormaster, perched on his balcony, directing a drama of more boats coming than going. Bill & Marla went to town with Julie & I around noon to see the Bald Eagle Days parade. It was great! It captures the essence of rural America. Main street was a mass of booths, food and noise. Later that afternoon R-TIME & MISCONDUCT arrived. By this time little space remained, and they were directed to the other side of the marina and rafted together. The rest of the day was spent walking the docks, meeting people, and looking at boats. That evening a band played, and it all ended with fireworks.
Sunday,0830, WINDSWEPT and SunChaser cast off for Astoria, with MISCONDUCT & R-TIME leaving a little later. We were able to dock together at the West Mooring Basin. IO arrived in the evening with Mike & PY, having come all the way from Portland that day. They were departing the next day for the San Juan's where they plan to keep IO through Labor Day. Monday, true to their plan, hyped and ready to go, they cast off about 12:30. It was a good send-off, horns, cameras, waves and shouts --- they were on their way!
The time in Astoria was spent doing a variety of activities. We all made a number of trips to town for shopping and sightseeing. We made several trips with Bill & Marla, soon discovering that Bill had a magnetic attraction to Englunds Marine Supply, and Marla had an equal attraction to ice cream. Jim & Marlene and Rich & Marlene wanted to sail over to Ilwaco, but the weather suggested otherwise. As it turned out, Rich & Marlene had a friend (Monty) meeting them to go sailing and spend a night. Well, of course, Monty had a car --- Ilwaco & Long Beach here we come! It was a success, the five headed off for fun and food. Rich & Marlene had, several weeks earlier, taken possession of their new Catalina 310. We had a chance to take MISCONDUCT out one afternoon for a day sail. It was windy and gusty that day, but both boat and crew did well. Bill & Marla also sailed that afternoon and measured the wind at 29 knots. Michael Lewis arrived Wed. You couldn't miss him --- he was the guy laying on the finger dock reading a book. We all went to the Portway that evening, had dinner and raised a glass or two.
Thursday, 7/26, SunChaser & WINDSWEPT cast off at 1130, with R-TIME & MISCONDUCT following shortly thereafter. It was a great flood tide ride upriver!
R-TIME & MISCONDUCT stopped at Cathlamet. SunChaser & WINDSWEPT stopped at Walker Island at the Columbia River Yacht Club Dock. We sailed on to Portland the next day, ending the cruise.
On a personal note, Julie & I would like to thank Bill & Marla, Jim & Marlene, Rich & Marlene, Mike & PY, and Michael Lewis for a successful cruise. It was a great opportunity to become better acquainted with other CRACA members and to enjoy the scenic wonders of the Columbia.
Report from the Six-Pac Race/Cruise
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore!July 28 - August 3. Encore!, our 1978 swing-keel Catalina 25 just completed the slow cruising class of the Six-Pac race. We had a ball!, although the weather could have been better. We got a 4th in class on the first leg to St. Helens (went too small on the jib too early, argh...), and 2nd on the leg to Stella (a slow spinnaker run until the wind went west near the finish -- lots of boats behind us withdrew and we barely made the time limit!). The last leg was a spinnaker run from Astoria to Cathlamet.
The first two legs were crewed by my wife, Kathy, and a couple (my wife's teaching partner in primary school), Dan and Anna Brasher. They have only sailed with us a couple of times, the last time over a year ago. Dan helped me deliver the boat to Astoria from Cathlamet.
On Wednesday we raced in the Astoria Cup. We stayed out of the way of the go-fasts, blew our spinnaker set at the weather mark, and only finished 22 out of the 33 that started, BUT we got to see a wonderful "graveyard" of grounded boats on Desdemona Sands, some of whom didn't get off 'til after 10 PM.
On Wednesday, my brother Bary (athlete but non-sailor) and Mike Conley, a professor with me at Warner Pacific College, who's only been out with me once, came down to crew. On Thursday, I crewed on a Cal 20 because, as a "cruising class" boat, I wasn't able to race Encore! For the Friday leg from Astoria to Cathlamet, my crew was Mike Conley, and another professor friend, John Fazio, and my wife.
I would encourage other Catalina owners to consider this race when it comes around again in 2003, because it was a blast!!!!
Technical Tips
Water Tank Vents
By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven"Some days are diamonds and some days are stones.” Your water tanks may be full but the faucet is empty. Maybe you thought the tanks were full but still the faucet is empty. Did you use up all of the water already?
Check the tank vents! The little screens at the end of the water tank vent lines for the water tanks can be full of something that resemble diamonds, stones or filings. But nonetheless, no water will come out of the faucet. Before trying to fill the tanks again, check the vents to make sure they are clear and it may save you some effort. Just a little trick we learned in Barkley Sound, where water is limited.
Local Sailing Associations
- SailPDX (hosted by Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association, OCSA)
- Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon (SYSCO)
- Oregon Women’s Sailing Association (OWSA)
- Portland Yacht Club (PYC)
- Rose City Yacht Club (RCYC)
The Columbia River All Catalina Association newsletter is published online once a month. Articles are the opinions of the authors and don’t necessarily represent the consensus of the Association.
