Wednesday, May 1, 2002

200205




Commodore

By Ralph Ahseln, C27, Oblio

More than Two years.

It took, more than two years from a glimmer of an idea to the active association you now see and enjoy; CRACA, the Columbia River All Catalina Association.

Michael and Kathleen Lewis have done a lot of thinking and put in a great deal of effort getting the Columbia River All Catalina Association to this place at this time. With over 70 members it’s an association that brings friends and strangers together to share the art, skills and joy of sailing. A bunch of good folks who own and operate or just enjoy being around a boat that is arguably one of the best darned “ Volkboote “ made.

How did Michael and Kathleen make it work? Maybe it was finding and convincing talented volunteers to dig in. Volunteers like Dale Mack building and maintaining a fantastic Web Site and Newsletter. It might have been getting other folks like Jim Himes, Julie Beck, LaDonna Buback to give so much time with helping hands.. Maybe it was all the rest of the members Michael asked to give their time to boat shows and rendezvous.  How ever they did it, Michael, Kathleen and all the people who pitched in over the last two-years. It Worked! Thanks!

At the start of the third year of the association, new sailing season; there are a few changes.  I must tell you, the changes are only a couple new names you will see in some officer positions.  After all, how could any change be made in a well-devised and operational association such as this one we have now?

I am honored to have been nominated and elected to the office of Commodore for the next year. I hope I can do a fraction of what Michael has done setting CRACA in motion. With the advice and council of our Past Commodore Michael, I will make every effort to keep our association interesting, informative and fun.

I want to especially thank Kathleen Lewis for remaining as Secretary/Treasurer. Without Kathleen’s touch keeping the records and dollars straight we might just founder. Thanks Kathleen for keeping that hand on the wheel.

And a big hand of applause goes to Dale Mack. Continuing as Communications Officer he, like Kathleen, will maintain continuity in that very important position. An organization can only survive IF its membership knows what’s happening. Dale’s timely contributions to the Web Page and Newsletters will keep us all in the know. Thanks Dale!

And this comment, our organization is as strong as WE wish it to be.. And while Michael, Kathleen, Dale and all the others have given CRACA life They and we who follow as officers won’t be able to keep it alive without your help.

I appeal to you for that help. Tell us about you. Tell us about your boat. Write an article ( If you don’t feel like you have the skill to write.. Just tell us the story we’ll write it ) .. Send pictures, Give us Tricks and How-to-Do-it’s , Questions,

Suggestions for meetings, Cute stuff from the kids and grandkids.  Heck, even great recipes.  I know there is a LOT of information out there. We need it.

Also, Don’t forget your friends as well. While they may NOT be Catalina owners let’s welcome them as friends of us all. Invite strangers who may be interested in Catalina's. Get others involved.  Let’s make the Columbia River All Catalina Association a name to recognize and be proud of.

And these finishing words.  I made this comment at our last meeting. “ Michael, you are going to be a tough act to follow….”  I think I should have said… It may be a tough act to follow.. But with the leadership you have given to us these past two years, How can we go wrong? ..

Thanks Michael!



Past Commodore

By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

I am convinced that I am nearly legally insane after two years as your Commodore and slip slowly away as the Past Commodore. Try it out to see about you! It will make you smile.

Now I can lie back in my new hammock on the foredeck.

You have helped to make CRACA successful with many milestones achieved. I want to thank the past officers for their support.

Thanks for your support for the last two years and please give Ralph Ahseln and the other new officers your participation and support.



Secretary/Treasurer

By Kathleen Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

Membership dues for 2002-2003 are coming in. I appreciate that the updates are also being sent. The roster is in the works and I hope to have it ready by the middle of the month.

We need to welcome our newest members:
David Conrad and Yetta Exton of Oregon City
  • Incommunicado, C22, 1996
The May issue of “Mainsheet” should be arriving about the 15th. Again, if you expect it and it does not arrive you need to let me know.

Our burgee will be flying on a Catalina out of Chicago. Hazel Luther of IACA (International All Catalina Alliance) purchased one to fly on their boat. Look for her name in “Mainsheet”.



New CRACA Officers for 2002/2003

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

The April CRACA meeting elected a new slate of officers.

  • Commodore Ralph Ahseln C27, Oblio
  • Vice Commodore Dave Peoples C42, Jammin
  • Secretary/Treasurer Kathleen Lewis C42, Wind Raven
  • Cruise Director Jim Elieff C30, Fortune
  • Communications Dale Mack C30, Celtic Myst
  • Historian Marlene Redfield C310, Misconduct
  • Safety Dave Thomas C30, Sunchaser
  • Hospitality Officer Michael Lewis C42, Wind Raven
  • CRYA delegate #1 Ralph Ahseln C27, Oblio
  • CRYA delegate #2 Jim Elieff C30, Fortune



Pacific Sail Expo Trip

By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

Wind Raven’s Owner and I trekked down to Oakland by Amtrak last month for Sail Expo. It was a tough trip but someone had to do it. Amtrak Coast Starlight late both ways but they said two hours is much better than they usually do.


We met Glenn and Deane Johnson of Sailboats of Oregon while down there and joined many other Catalina Owners, Frank Butler and Sharon Day of Catalina Yachts in the christening of the Hull # 1 of the new Catalina 350. If anyone is considering an upgrade, that is quite a boat. Many new features added inside and outside. Nearly every model of the Catalina’s were there.


Garhauer, Inc. displayed several new products including a Traveler Conversion Kit and an Adjustable Genoa Car System. The Traveler Conversion Kit moves the controls for the traveler back to the cockpit and not in front of the Dodger. The Adjustable Genoa Car System allows movement of the cars from the cockpit. Both safer products make the operation of your boat safer too.  The Garhauer website is at garhauermarine.com

Every conceivable product for Sailors was there…sorry you missed it.



Sightings

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

Sometimes you look up to see something you just couldn't have posed.  I'm crewing aboard a Catalina 22 racing in the Thursday night race on April 25th when I look over and see these two sailboats heading upriver.  What got me rushing below to grab my camera was the names on the boats.  The lead boat is CRACA members Richard and Jenny Freeman's C36, Raven's Dream, being followed by, now get this, Dream Chaser.




Safety Focal
Lifesling Seminar

By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

LAST CHANCE

June 8, 2002.  Beginning at 9:00 a.m. at North Sails, concluding on the river by dark.

Learn to use the Lifesling Rescue System!

Each and every sailor must know how to react quickly and effectively in the event of a crew overboard situation.

The Oregon Women’s Sailing Association and the Columbia River All Catalina Association have teamed up to offer a special seminar to teach this valuable skill on all-day seminar Saturday, June 8, 2002.

The Lifesling system is designed so even the smallest person on your boat will be able to rescue and retrieve the largest person. Every participant in the class will receive classroom training and then practice an actual rescue in the water.

We are limited in the number of instructors. First come, first serve, space is limited. So mail your check now for $25 per person (no discount for providing a boat) including a Free Lunch for everyone to:

Columbia River All Catalina Association (CRACA)
Attention: Secretary/Treasurer
17535 Monnier Road NE
Hubbard, OR 97032



Shore Power Failure

By Stu McNaugton, C36, Tranquility

We had an interesting experience that I think should be passed on to others, not just Catalina owners.  Lois and I were enjoying a pleasant afternoon on our boat in the marina, and I was to prepare dinner. I had the electric cabin heater on along with the hot water heater, and had just plunked the TV dinners into the microwave (Ah, the comforts in these Catalina's).  I suddenly heard a thump, as though someone had slapped their hand on the hull, and the microwave went off. So did the heater.

The culprit was found to be the shore power receptacle. One of the wires had loosened over the eleven years that it had been serving our boat.  The result was that most of the power headed for the boat was being dissipated as heat in the receptacle.  This problem would have continued to lay unknown if it hadn't been for my nearly maximum current draw through the shore power cord.

A quick trip to our local marine store netted a new receptacle and while I was at it, a new power cord. The old one looked a little discolored, and I felt it had done its service.

Incidentally, that discoloration should have been the indicator to me that something needed attention. Check this on your boats as it apparently is a very common failure, and it is better to catch this one early to prevent a possible fire or at the least, missing dinner.



May Meeting

By Ralph Ahseln, C27, Oblio

May 22, 7 pm.  The May meeting is set for Damon’s restaurant located at Jantzen Beach.  This is the last meeting until August. Let’s make it a full membership session.  Please note: There are NO scheduled business meetings in June and July.

Why Attend?

  • Make arrangements for cruises and activities
  • A good time to look over the annual budget
  • Suggest or volunteer for Summer events.
  • Welcome new members.
  • Drink and Dine
  • Listen to a short “ Tech Talk “
  • And a post meeting session of interest to all boaters

And, OH YAH, Maybe win some money in the 1st Annual “Scratch OFF“.



Cruising



CANPASS Reinstated and Changes in Clearing Customs

By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

The short version is CANPASS is back, but fewer Ports of Entry with none on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The U.S. Customs Decal for $25 each is still required. To come back to the U.S. bring passport or birth certificate for everyone on the board and expect more inspections and boardings.

This site tells the whole story with additional references and other good information.




Martin Island Cruise

By Walt Wittke, C27, Miss Tres II

May 25-27.  The cruise takes approximately 4 hours depending on the tide. Since this is a tide sensitive trip one should enter the area on a rising tide. For those who want to join us as a group we will be leaving Hayden Bay at 9:00 am Saturday morning.  Follow Kathy Lawrence's fabulous description, pictures, and instructions she provided last year on our web site.   Be sure to click the map for a great enlargement that you can print and take with you. (Someone suggested that at Buoy "60", it's not a bad idea to go way past the buoy and align up with the shore before entering--it is deepest along the highway shore. The shallowest is the neck entering the lake. Watch your depth finders.)

We will be using VHF 16 as a calling channel. Just say "Calling All Catalina Martin Slough Cruisers" three times then "this is ....., please switch to 68". As always you will need 4 fenders and enough line to tie together. There is no dock tie ups. Some anchors will be needed. We will have two tie ups, if there are smokers in your group. A open bonfire, hot dog potluck dinner should be fun on shore--so bring your dinghies. If you intend to join this fun filled cruise (or "maybe" attend) please email www.wwittke@pcez.com or call 503.684.4409 ASAP so we will have a count for food arrangements. Also we need your further fun filled ideas to customize your BEST TRIP EVER. Walt



Technical Tips



Filtering Water before it goes into the Tank

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

It's a fact of life that water quality and clarity levels vary from marina to marina.  Here's a simple project designed to keep sediment out of your water tanks.


Using parts easily obtainable from any Home Depot, the system provides a water hose attachment point on the input side of the filter, and has a three foot section of clear hose on the output side.  A GE cartridge canister (model GXWH01C) holds a non-carbon filter capable of removing sand, sediment, and rust.



Kool Idea

By John Meyer, C34, Shekenah

In an effort to pass on sailing trivia and ideas that work to my fellow CRACAs, here’s a small step for mankind but a big one for Meyer. My local sailing jaunts usually require some cooling for the favorite boat beverages and any other foods. For a while, we kept the boat refrigeration running full time during the summer to solve this dilemma. However, we were finding that the 12V Adler Barbour refrigeration kept the battery charger going all the time and the extra work on the batteries seemed excessive. One solution would have been to rewire the refrigeration to run off of shore power at the docks and in fact, A/B does offer a step down transformer for this purpose. But, then I said, “ok, that will solve the ‘at the dock refrigeration’ situation but is it really worth it to keep the unit running full time for two bottles of beer and a jar of salsa?”

Sitting way up high on a shelf in my garage was a Koolatron thermoelectric cooler that came with the purchase of a previous boat some years ago. Since we usually use some kind of portable cooler to transfer foods down to the boat for even our local voyages I said, “why not try the Koolatron?” These thermoelectric coolers are some space age invention that can either cool or warm the internal space by a change from ambient temperature of 43° F. In the Northwest, that means some ice-cold beer! The other good news is that these units run off of 12V or with an accessory, 120V. Even more good news, they only use 3 amps of juice.

Long story short, I plugged the unit into my boat’s shore power and the next day when I returned to the boat I had the coldest beer I’ve ever had and the ice cubes were still cubes. I strapped the unit vertically (like a real refrigerator), under my navigation table. For local sailing it’s all the storage we need and the big unit is kept for dry storage. We can still fire it up for some heavy-duty work. So, where I’m going with all of this is you might want to consider small thermoelectric coolers to make your boating even more enjoyable. The units are made by Coleman and Koolatron among others and are pretty cheap. Costco has a small one for about $50 and Wal-Mart’s has a larger one for around $80. Now that I’ve got your beer cold, remember, ‘have the beers AFTER you’ve finished sailing and have the anchor dropped’!



Local Sailing Associations



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.
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