From the Commodore
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
At the recent CRACA meeting I heard a familiar question that goes something like this: "...how can we get more people to attend..." I tend to worry about this less than perhaps others, although at the beginning of my term I thought it was very important, so much so that I wondered whether it should be the metric by which my stint at Commodore should be judged. The truth is we all have busy lives and when a CRACA activity coincides with both our availability and interest we attend. For Laura and me, CRACA is a social club with a nautical theme. We enjoy the people we meet, and it's them that draws us to CRACA events. So back to the question of how to get more people to attend. Getting folks to attend the first time is easy, and we see that with initial membership signups, but getting them to attend future activities is very dependent on whether they connected with another couple during their initial encounters with CRACA. Laura attends CRACA cruises not because of the sailing (we do enough of that on our boat), but because we've met some really nice people we look forward to seeing the next time. Be it sharing snacks and conversation together as we recline in our chairs on the dock or enjoying the hospitality of another couple as we sit in their boat's cockpit, it's the social aspects of the association that draws people to events.
Flying without a Copilot
A couple of months back our Vice Commodore, Todd Bellamy, reluctantly stepped down, because he felt he couldn't do the position justice as he tended to a special needs child at home. I thank Todd for volunteering to fill the position in the first place, arranging the locations and speakers for the start of this year's meetings, and I respect his need to put family first. I hope Todd and Valerie (C27, Sail La Vie) will have an opportunity to join us for an activity in the future.
Until someone steps forward to serve as Vice Commodore for the remainder of Todd's term (new officers are elected in April 2004), I'll do my best to cover the duties. As stated in our charter, the Vice Commodore shall:
- Schedule programs/speakers for business meetings.
- Perform the duties of the Commodore in the absence of that officer.
- Prepare an article for each newsletter before the third Wednesday of the month that details time, place and other information pertaining to upcoming program/speaker/event; and in the following month, reporting details of completed activity.
- Writes thank you notes to speakers/presenters throughout the year.
- Chair the Entertainment/Activities Committee and communicate activities.
- Be responsible for marketing the virtues and benefits of the Association to new and existing members.
- Be responsible for the preparation and delivery of reader-boards, brochures, etc. for any boat shows and/or other events decided upon by the Executive Committee.
- Succeed the Commodore.
It would be great if someone would volunteer to take on this role - how about you?
The activities we need to address through April 2004 include:
General Membership Meetings (we need to arrange the places and a speakers)Cruising
December Holiday Party (a committee needs to be organized)
- October 22
- November 19
- December (no meeting)
- January 28
- February 25
- March 24
- April 28 (Annual election of new officers, typically held at West Marine)
Portland Boat Show in January (a committee needs to be organized)
- RCYC is the location
- The date is Saturday, December 13th. This is a change from the December 6th date published in the membership roster.
Laura, Sean, and I enjoyed our August cruise to Beacon Rock with several other CRACA boats. As always the moorage and scenery were wonderful, and the new aluminum ramp to the docks is very nice and has good traction. This was our fourth year to Beacon Rock (twice in a Catalina 22, and now twice in a Catalina 30), and its becoming something of a tradition for us. I hope wherever your August cruising plans took you, you had as much fun as the crew of Celtic Myst.
September has two great events planned you ought to consider even if you haven't pre-registered, because both events allow you to register on the day of the event.
Fourth Annual All Catalina Rendezvous (Sept. 12-14).
- Open to Catalina's of all sizes (regardless of whether they are CRACA members or not), this year's event is designed to be a casual weekend of socializing at McCuddy's Landing on Multnomah Channel. Mark McCuddy has graciously offered us free moorage, power, water, ice, and access to the marina's new restroom and shower facilities. The cruise through Multnomah Channel is very pretty, and the sail on the Columbia River and Willamette Rivers to and from the event should make for a well rounded weekend cruise.
- Over twenty boats had registered their intention to attend by the end of August, with many indicating they would arrive on Friday. Several more registrations are likely to arrive in the days leading up to the event, and I'm anticipating some boats may just show up.
- We will have a group of CRACA volunteers serving as the Docking Crew to help boats find a spot to tie up (McCuddy's Landing will be providing us a list of vacant slips we can use for the rendezvous shortly before the event). The Docking Crew will be monitoring channel 16 and then moving to working channel 72. Just ask for the “All Catalina Rendezvous” and they will answer and direct you to a vacant slip and offer help with your lines. Once your boat is secure, please check-in at the committee boat (look for the boat flying the long red pennant), where you can drop off your $15 gift for the gift exchange, and pick up your rendezvous packet.
- For those that don't want to bother with cooking on the boat, you can eat at Mark's on the Channel, located right at the marina. Offering both lunch and dinner, diners will find an eclectic blend of international and Pacific Northwest dishes at reasonable prices.
- Organized by the Oregon Women's Sailing Association, this is a fun daysail on the Columbia River. CRACA rearranged its schedule for 2003 to enable greater participation in the Sail for the Cure. As you'll read later, there is a get together on the lawn at Tomahawk Bay Moorage after the sail, and Jenny Freeman (C36, Raven's Dream) has made arrangements with Columbia Crossings for Catalina owners to spend the night at Tomahawk Bay if anyone is interested.
Plans for the 4th Annual All Catalina Rendezvous are starting to take shape. This year's rendezvous builds on the very positive feedback received after last year's rendezvous at Sand Island, and borrows some concepts that worked well at this year's Ladies Cruise. While the planning committee will continue to fine-tune the plans for the event, the current draft itinerary below gives you a sense of what to expect.
Mark McCuddy, of McCuddy's marinas, has generously offered at no cost to CRACA free moorage, power, ice, restrooms, showers, and the use of the covered area around the moorage office and store. Power for the 50' slips will require a 50A/250V adapter, otherwise, they are standard 30A. CRACA will be provided a map to the marina with available slips CRACA can use marked. A CRACA Docking Crew will direct and assist arriving boats.
The rendezvous is an open invitation to all Catalina owners both CRACA members and non-members to enjoy a wonderful weekend in the company of fellow Catalina Yachts enthusiasts as they open their boats for your personal tours and share hors d'oeuvres in the beautiful surrounds of McCuddy's Landing on the tranquil banks of Multnomah Channel. Participants are welcomed to arrive by car or by boat.
The planning committee has decided this will be a FREE event this year. There will be no charge to attend, although registration is still required so we can plan for how many boats will be coming. For those interested in clothing, hats, or bags embroidered with the CRACA burgee, orders can be placed during the rendezvous.
Registration packets for the rendezvous will be mailed out in August. From everyone on the planning committee, I'd like to invite you to this year's rendezvous.
Dale Mack, Commodore
Draft Itinerary
Friday September 12th
- Afternoon, Registration/Check-in starts on the committee boat (look for the boat flying the long red pennant). Please check-in upon arrival.
- Evening, Dinner on your own
- Continued Registration/Check-in on the committee boat.
- Morning, Breakfast on your own
- 1:30—4:30, Boat sponsored hors d’oeuvres, boat tours and refreshments
- 5:30, Bring your own dinner and visit together on the veranda, or walk over to Mark's on Channel and enjoy a wonderful dinner at a great little restaurant.
- 7:00, Potluck desserts, raffle, and door prizes at the veranda
- 10:00, Potluck Bunch on the veranda
Please bring one (1) gift per boat (value no more than $15.00) and drop it off at the committee boat upon arrival. The gift does not have to be Nautical.
Water and 30 amp power will be available on the docks.
You may want to bring:
- Folding chairs and a small table
- Dessert for potluck
- Hors d’oeuvres to share
- Gift ($15.00 or less)
CRACA PLANS FOR SAIL FOR THE CURE
By Dale MackTomahawk Bay Moorage has offered Catalina owners as many slips as we need to gather together for participating in the 2003 Sail for the Cure. Jenny Freeman has made the arrangements and has to let Tomahawk know one week in advance how many boats will be coming. Since the Saturday evening food and music is on the lawn at Tomahawk, this is a great opportunity for Catalina owners to get together. If you'd like Jenny to arrange a slip for you Saturday evening let her know at least a couple of weeks before the event. Jenny's phone and email address are in the roster.
Time is running out to register at the $20 per person rate, so find your crew and get your registration turned in before September 3rd. Registration after the 9/3 and on the day of the event is $30/person (remember is a donation to a good cause).
Laura has been busy filling the crew positions on Celtic Myst (I think I'm going to be the only male aboard), so start thinking about who you can invite and get your boat out for the day. We're anticipating a great event based on last year's glowing descriptions.
SAIL for the CURE
September 20, 2003
Organized by the Oregon Woman's Sailing Association
About the Event
Our common opponents is breast cancer, so Sail for the Cure® was designed as a fun event for the whole family that emphasizes boat-handling skills and cooperation rather than competition.
Previous year's events included creative games such as Bingo and Q & A. This year's event is sure to be just as fun and exciting!
After the sailing event, join us for the post-event party featuring music by the Second Wind Jazz Ensemble and food by Bugatti's Restaurants. A silent auction (opening at the morning check-in) will be sure to tantalize you with items such as sailing clothing, classes, massages, wine and goodies, and other fun things.
Who can Attend?
Everyone from non-sailors to novices to expert sailors are invited. If you would like to participate but don't have a boat, let us know on the registration form. We'll do our best to match people who need boats with boats that need people. If you have a boat but need crew (or can take crew), let us know on the form. A few rules: each boat does need to have a woman acting as skipper (no necessarily the helmsman), everyone must provide their own lifejacket (boats may have one you can use; check with the skipper) and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration Fees
Early registration, through September 3: $20 per person (children age 12 and under are $12 and allowed by skipper permission only) and includes a T-shirt.
Event Day Registration: $30 per person (children age 12 and under are $22 and allowed by skipper permission only) and includes a shirt if supply allows (there is no guarantee).
Breast cancer survivors will receive a Sail for the Cure baseball cap (additional hats will be for sale) and all net proceeds will be donated to the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Register by Mail
Mail registration form and entry fee (please make checks payable to Oregon Women's Sailing Association) to:
Oregon Women's Sailing Association
Sail for the Cure
PO Box 17615
Portland, OR 97217
Deadline to enter:
September 2, 2003
Be sure to enter by this date to guarantee your T-shirt and avoid the late fee.
For more information, call the Sail for the Cure Hotline at 503-254-CURE, send an e-mail to sailforthecure@creativeabandon.com, or visit our Web page at www.owsa.net.
Event Day Schedule
- 10am - 1pm: Event Check-In. Pick up your Sail for the Cure packet and T-shirt, check out the silent auction items, and register if you haven't already (no on-the-water registrations will be permitted). Day-of-Event registrations are $30.* Tomahawk Bay Moorage Picnic Area, 515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive.
- The skipper's packet will include instructions on how to do this year's event.
- 2 - 4pm: Sail for the Cure. The Columbia River at navigational buoy #14.
- 4 - 7pm: Post-event Party. Food, music, silent auction and fun prizes! Tomahawk Bay Moorage Picnic Area.
Bring your checkbook! Last year's silent auction included items such as sailing and kayaking classes, clothing, sailing equipment, wine and goodies, massages, haircuts and pedicures, framed photographs, a gas barbecue, gift certificates and more! At this year's auction, you can expect and even better selection of goodies.
The auction will open during the morning check-in at 10am. A bidding sheet listing fixed amounts will be beside each item. Write your name beside the amount you want to bid for that item. Note that there will be a "Buy It Now" price, which means that you are guaranteed to get that item. Be sure to take a quick look and start your bidding before you head out on the boat. When you come back for the party, don't forget to check your items!
The tables have a range of closing times, so be sure to look for a sign on each of the tables. When the table closes (a 15-minute warning will be given), go to the cashier who will be set up nearby, and see what you've won. Once you've made your payment, someone will retrieve your item for you. Cash or checks only and items must be purchased and picked up by 7:00pm. Please make arrangements with the cashier if you will be unable to claim your item(s).
Donating to the Silent Auction
Have something you'd like to donate to the cause? Maybe a service, gift certificate or theme basket of items?
Call the Sail for the Cure Hotline 503-254-CURE or send an e-mail to sailforthecure@creativeabandon.com and our donation committee will contact you. Please make arrangements to donate by August 30.
More Information
Sail for the Cure Website
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
CRACA Newsletter Celebrates Birthday
By Dale Mack (Communications Officer), C30, Celtic MystThis issue marks the three year anniversary of the CRACA online newsletter. Begun in September of 2000, its focus has been the promotion of upcoming events and reporting on past events. I've been the newsletter's editor since its inaugural issue, and I'd like to thank everyone who has ever contributed an article.
Cruising
Cruising Chairman
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystThis would be our longest cruise on the boat to date and would by coincidence occur at the same time as the Six-Pac race downriver (July 26 - August 3). Onboard were Laura, our son Sean (14 yrs old), Sherman our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel , and myself. For the next nine days we sampled some of the lower Columbia River's hospitality as we visited various riverfront towns.Saturday, Rainier
Our plan for the day was to head to St. Helens, top off the tank and proceed to the town of Rainier, Oregon about a mile upriver from the Longview bridge. Under bright sunny skies our journey to St. Helens was swift, and during the last couple of miles we started catching the tail end of the Six-Pac racers also heading to St. Helens. After passing Warrior Rock we cut between Sauvie Island and the upstream end of Sand Island and headed down the the waterfront. The staff at the St. Helens Marina were quick and efficient, and we were on our way in no time.
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| CRACA member Gary Bruner racing his C25, Encore! in the weeklong Six-Pac. |
Once we passed Martin Island everything was new for us, at least by boat. A few weeks earlier I had driven the entire route and visited all of our planned destinations, but experiencing it from the water still made it exciting.
Below St. Helens the banks and scenery of the river starts to gradually change from the levees, cottonwoods, and sandy beaches found from Portland to St. Helens into something with more Douglas Fir and rocky outcroppings. There are still lots of sandy beaches and cottonwoods, it just a subtle change as the river moves away from from the population centers of Vancouver and Portland.
Downstream of Martin Island we passed the town of Kalama, WA with its marina, and the decommissioned nuclear power plant with its very prominent cooling tower standing sentinel like on the Oregon side of the river. Those that have driven up or down I-5 getting to Seattle have seen this portion of the river from the road.
Below St. Helens the banks and scenery of the river starts to gradually change from the levees, cottonwoods, and sandy beaches found from Portland to St. Helens into something with more Douglas Fir and rocky outcroppings. There are still lots of sandy beaches and cottonwoods, it just a subtle change as the river moves away from from the population centers of Vancouver and Portland.
Downstream of Martin Island we passed the town of Kalama, WA with its marina, and the decommissioned nuclear power plant with its very prominent cooling tower standing sentinel like on the Oregon side of the river. Those that have driven up or down I-5 getting to Seattle have seen this portion of the river from the road.
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| Celtic Myst with the Longview Bridge in the background. |
The town of Rainier just sought of sneaks up on you. As the Columbia River nears the towns of Longview, WA and Rainier, OR, it begins to shift from its northerly route and curves left as it assumes a westerly direction. What this means it that the Douglas fir covered hills on your left obscure your view of the Longview Bridge and Rainier until you are nearly done transiting this bend in the river. Once you have both towers of the bridge in view, the town of Rainier is easy to make out, and the dock can be found at the east end of town.
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| Laura and Sean Mack in Rainier. |
The new Rainier docks are wonderful. The only downside is that like St. Helens, you're exposed to the wind and any swell. The moorage is within easy walking distance (2-3 blocks) of restaurants, a grocery store, and other services. The availability of restaurants were important to us because we had decided in our planning for the cruise that we would enjoy as many meals ashore as possible so the cook (that's Laura) and the pot and bottle washer (that's me) could really be on vacation. We can highly recommend he Cornerstone Restaurant for good old fashion American diner style food at good prices. The staff was friendly and courteous, and the dinner and breakfast we had was great.
Sunday, Cathlamet
The next morning shortly after returning from breakfast we were underway for Cathlamet. A mile later we were passing under the Longview Bridge, and for awhile we enjoyed 8+ knots on the GPS as the current and ebb tide combined to propel us to our next destination.
Sunday, Cathlamet
The next morning shortly after returning from breakfast we were underway for Cathlamet. A mile later we were passing under the Longview Bridge, and for awhile we enjoyed 8+ knots on the GPS as the current and ebb tide combined to propel us to our next destination.
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| A scene from another time as one nears the turn off for Cathlamet, WA. |
The journey to Cathlamet saw the banks of the Columbia River become more heavily forested, and signs of civilization more sparse. Even the vacation homes situated along the south shore of Puget Island didn't distract from the natural beauty of the area.
Being our first time to Cathlamet, I played it pretty conservative and stayed in the ship channel most of the time. We didn't reach our destination via Cathlamet Channel along the north side of Puget Island even though the chart showed it was doable with my 5'3" draft. Instead we took the longer route an entered the channel from its west end, leaving the Columbia River just short of buoy "G41" and then heading toward buoy "G1" at the south end of Elochoman Slough.
Being our first time to Cathlamet, I played it pretty conservative and stayed in the ship channel most of the time. We didn't reach our destination via Cathlamet Channel along the north side of Puget Island even though the chart showed it was doable with my 5'3" draft. Instead we took the longer route an entered the channel from its west end, leaving the Columbia River just short of buoy "G41" and then heading toward buoy "G1" at the south end of Elochoman Slough.
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| Typically of the camping one sees along the Columbia River. |
All the stories about running aground in Elochoman Slough had me anxious as we prepared for our first transit. Definitely don't cut between buoy "G1" and the southern tip of Hunting Islands because a sand bar extends a considerable distance from the shore toward the buoy and much of it is uncovered at low tide. The other caution is to pass daymark "R2" on your starboard side when entering the marina (cutting between the daymark and the marina's dike may leave you on the rocks).
We planned our arrival to coincide with a rising tide and stayed in the center of the slough as we headed toward the entrance to Elochoman Marina, marked by daymark "R2". Making the right-hand turn into the marina caused some anxious moments because the water gets shallower directly north of the daymark since there is a small hump in the bottom. Once inside the marina things start to deepen again. At two hours prior to high tide (predicted to be +6.5) we saw just shy of ten feet over the hump.
We planned our arrival to coincide with a rising tide and stayed in the center of the slough as we headed toward the entrance to Elochoman Marina, marked by daymark "R2". Making the right-hand turn into the marina caused some anxious moments because the water gets shallower directly north of the daymark since there is a small hump in the bottom. Once inside the marina things start to deepen again. At two hours prior to high tide (predicted to be +6.5) we saw just shy of ten feet over the hump.
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| Elochoman Slough at a minus one-foot tide |
We were joined in the afternoon by Laura's sister, brother-in-law, niece, and dad for lunch at the Riverview Restaurant. After lunch we walked about checking out some of the shops and architecture.
Late in the afternoon, the Six-Pac participants (both cruisers and racers) started to arrive and raft up. They had spent the day racing from St. Helens, so most folks were pretty subdued that evening (actually my experience locally is that Portland sailboat racers aren't a rowdy group anyway). I unfortunately misjudged where to place the boat for a 5:30 am departure for Astoria, and by the time everyone was put away for the night we were pretty hemmed in.
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| Celtic Myst buried amongst the Six-Pac participants at Elochoman Marina. |
Elochoman Marina has an amazing capacity for holding boats. The night we were there, they were hosting the Six-Pac, a yacht club with very large powerboats, lots of commercial fishing boats, and a large number of cruisers like ourselves.
The restroom and shower facilities at the marina are among the finest you'll find on the Columbia River. Additionally you'll find picnic tables, campsites, a pretty nature walk, ice at the Harbormaster's office, and a fuel dock dispensing both gas and diesel.
Monday-Wednesday, Astoria
Our departure was delayed the next morning as we waited for enough tidal height to leave. Having missed the early tide, we chatted the morning away with sailing friends from SYSCO who were headed to Warren Slough that day.
The restroom and shower facilities at the marina are among the finest you'll find on the Columbia River. Additionally you'll find picnic tables, campsites, a pretty nature walk, ice at the Harbormaster's office, and a fuel dock dispensing both gas and diesel.
Monday-Wednesday, Astoria
Our departure was delayed the next morning as we waited for enough tidal height to leave. Having missed the early tide, we chatted the morning away with sailing friends from SYSCO who were headed to Warren Slough that day.
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| Astoria, West Basin. Red Lion Inn in the background. |
Once underway and back into Cathlamet Channel heading west, we cut a beeline to buoy "G41" to reenter the Columbia River and continue our journey to Astoria. This portion of the river starts to take on a very different look. While the Washington shoreline continues with Douglas fir and hills, the Oregon side starts drawing away as the river widens and portions of it starts meandering amongst many low tide islands and marshes. While there is water everywhere, particularly the closer you get to Astoria, the charts show you can easily find yourself in shallow water only a short distance outside the shipping channel in some place. Something to take note of is that the newly purchased charts I was using didn't show any river bottom surveys since Mount Saint Helens erupted, so who knows the true depth in some areas.
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| Laura and Sean Mack in front of the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. |
Ralph was Right. Back in the June newsletter, Ralph Ahseln (C27, Oblio) had written a short piece on cruising downriver. In his article, Ralph recommended transiting the area from Cathlamet to Astoria in the early morning in order to avoid the high winds and sea swell that can sometimes greet unsuspecting boaters unfamiliar with the area. Our late departure from Cathlamet made the journey to Astoria, bumpy, wet, and slow as we pushed against the flood tide and winds reaching the mid-twenties. The whole time we're slugging our way through the chop, I'm thinking "Ralph told me so". Fortunately we didn't encounter the 50 knot winds or the six foot seas Ralph wrote about. In fact, while our speed over the ground (SOG) via the GPS had us down to 4.5 knots a few times, Laura commented that it wasn't any rougher than our approach to St. Helens the previous year, although we'll heed Ralph's advice on any future trips to Astoria.
So what does one do for three days in Astoria? First you get off the boat since the swell coming through the entrance to West Basin was surely going to make Laura sick if we spent three nights bobbing in the guest slips which are located the closest to the opening. With the boat secure, we checked into the Red Lion Inn that overlooks the marina. If your cruising budget has room for it I highly recommend the stay at the inn, it makes for a nice break in the middle of the cruise.
Astoria has lots to see and do and many fine places to eat. Things we did while we were there included: seeing two movies, swimming at the indoor aquatic center (both the theater and the pool are near the maritime museum), touring the Columbia River Maritime Museum, visiting nearly every shop along the riverfront, and walking all over downtown. Even with all of that we could still have killed a couple more days walking about. I highly recommend the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. An all day pass costs $2 and a single ride costs a $1. Traveling between the West and East Mooring Basin, a round trip takes about 45 minutes, so depending which way you are heading and which way the trolley is heading, it is sometimes faster to walk, but when it's going your direction, it's the way to go.
So what does one do for three days in Astoria? First you get off the boat since the swell coming through the entrance to West Basin was surely going to make Laura sick if we spent three nights bobbing in the guest slips which are located the closest to the opening. With the boat secure, we checked into the Red Lion Inn that overlooks the marina. If your cruising budget has room for it I highly recommend the stay at the inn, it makes for a nice break in the middle of the cruise.
Astoria has lots to see and do and many fine places to eat. Things we did while we were there included: seeing two movies, swimming at the indoor aquatic center (both the theater and the pool are near the maritime museum), touring the Columbia River Maritime Museum, visiting nearly every shop along the riverfront, and walking all over downtown. Even with all of that we could still have killed a couple more days walking about. I highly recommend the Astoria Riverfront Trolley. An all day pass costs $2 and a single ride costs a $1. Traveling between the West and East Mooring Basin, a round trip takes about 45 minutes, so depending which way you are heading and which way the trolley is heading, it is sometimes faster to walk, but when it's going your direction, it's the way to go.
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| Sean Mack at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. |
CRACA member Gary Whitney and his C28 KASL arriving at Cathlamet after completing race committee duties for the Six-Pac.
The SIX-PAC. Just a word about the Six-Pac for those unfamiliar with this event that takes place on odd number years. Six-Pac participants are divided into several classes depending on the performance characteristics of their boat and how serious they are. As a result you'll have some boats with more money wrapped up in their sail inventory then many of us have in our boats, and at the other end of the spectrum you'll have the cruiser class with folks who will stop racing on some legs if conditions aren't favorable or they just want to get to the next destination more than they want to sail. Spread over the course of a week, the first leg of the race is from Portland to St. Helens. On Sunday the group races to Cathlamet. Monday is a non-race day as the boats travel to Astoria for the start of the three day Astoria Regatta. On Friday, Six-Pac participants race the final leg from Astoria back to Cathlamet. This year, CRACA had two boats involved in the event. Gary Bruner raced his C25, Encore!, and Gary Whitney's C28, KASL served as the race committee boat for the Six-Pac.
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| CRACA member Gary Whitney and his C28 KASL arriving at Cathlamet after completing race committee duties for the Six-Pac. |
Thursday - Friday, Cathlamet
While the Six-Pac participants raced in their third and final day of the Astoria Regatta, the crew of Celtic Myst got underway for Cathlamet shortly after topping off with fuel and pumping the holding tank at West Basin.
The early morning marine layer slowly burned off as we headed upriver, and unlike the journey downstream, we had smooth water, and what wind there was, was pushing us to our destination. Our arrival was uneventful, and we selected a location that would avoid seeing up hemmed in again when the Six-Pac arrived on Friday.
Laura and I really liked Cathlamet. It's has a very relaxed feeling to it that seems to encourage reading, naps, and walking the dog. I can easily see the town being as far downriver as we get on some future summer cruise just because it's that nice a place.
Saturday, St. Helens
Our decision to stay an extra day at Cathlamet meant we faced a nine hour motor upriver to our next destination at the city docks in St. Helens. You'd think backtracking over the same ground would make for a boring trip, but I found the experience just the opposite. We were underway shortly after 5:30 am, so I got to enjoy some morning sights along the river normally reserved only for early birds. Fortunately the marine layer hadn't moved in as far as Cathlamet, so we had relatively clear skies.
While the Six-Pac participants raced in their third and final day of the Astoria Regatta, the crew of Celtic Myst got underway for Cathlamet shortly after topping off with fuel and pumping the holding tank at West Basin.
The early morning marine layer slowly burned off as we headed upriver, and unlike the journey downstream, we had smooth water, and what wind there was, was pushing us to our destination. Our arrival was uneventful, and we selected a location that would avoid seeing up hemmed in again when the Six-Pac arrived on Friday.
Laura and I really liked Cathlamet. It's has a very relaxed feeling to it that seems to encourage reading, naps, and walking the dog. I can easily see the town being as far downriver as we get on some future summer cruise just because it's that nice a place.
Saturday, St. Helens
Our decision to stay an extra day at Cathlamet meant we faced a nine hour motor upriver to our next destination at the city docks in St. Helens. You'd think backtracking over the same ground would make for a boring trip, but I found the experience just the opposite. We were underway shortly after 5:30 am, so I got to enjoy some morning sights along the river normally reserved only for early birds. Fortunately the marine layer hadn't moved in as far as Cathlamet, so we had relatively clear skies.
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| Dawn just south of Puget Island. |
By the time we reached the upstream end of Puget Island, the light morning breeze had died to nothing and the river's surface was like glass. You could literally see the the Douglas firs along the Washington shore reflected in the water. I also noticed two large sailboats exiting Cathlamet Channel which only reinforced my desired to learn more about navigating this short-cut to Cathlamet for a future voyage.
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| CRACA members Berkeley & Carole Smith's C34, Hotspur seen sailing near St. Helens as we headed for the city docks. |
We arrived about mid-afternoon at the city docks and found space on the inside. The new docks and ramp are wonderful, and they have been reconfigured to accommodate more boats.
Dinner was another shore side affair, this time at the the Dockside Steak & Pasta restaurant. This was our first time to the establishment despite having visited St. Helens several times before. We had a great meal topped off by an enjoyable walk around the town. We though about taking in a movie, but decided instead to just go back and relax on the boat.
Dinner was another shore side affair, this time at the the Dockside Steak & Pasta restaurant. This was our first time to the establishment despite having visited St. Helens several times before. We had a great meal topped off by an enjoyable walk around the town. We though about taking in a movie, but decided instead to just go back and relax on the boat.
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| Sean and Laura Mack mugging for the camera as we prepare to eat dinner at the Dockside Steak & Pasta restaurant in St. Helens, OR. |
Sunday, Portland
Breakfast was at the St. Helens Cafe. The food's not fancy, but there is plenty of it and it's pretty good in a greasy spoon kind of way. You know a place is loved when not a single piece of flatware on the table matches, and yet all the tables are full of customers.
The trip back to Portland seemed quick when compared to the previous day's nine hour voyage. It was hard to believe we had been gone for over a week. Between eating out, and a three nights stay at the Red Lion mid-trip, it was definitely one of our most restful cruises.
Looking back on the week we had seen and done a lot. From meeting sailing friends, to walking the streets and alleys of Astoria, it had been an adventure.
August 15-18. We departed Friday morning and motor-sailed straight through to Beacon Rock. We covered the thirty nautical miles from Tomahawk Bay Moorage to Beacon Rock in six hours and twenty minutes. The trip up was beautiful, and occasionally the wind's direction would support some motorsailing that would another half knot of speed.
On Saturday we were joined by Jim Elieff and his friend Marilyn aboard his C30, Fortune, and by John and Mary Ann Meyer aboard their C34, Shekinah. John gets the award for his demonstration of docking prowess as he backed Shekinah into the docks and Mediterranean-style tied the stern off so he could wax both sides of the boat. I'm still learning to back Celtic Myst, in fact, I had some minor successes and some not so successful attempts on our cruise to Astoria, so it's pretty impressive to me when someone can maneuver thirty-four feet of boat around obstacles as if they were parallel parking.
Beacon Rock from the water is breathtaking as it towers above the trees. Inside the cove, you are typically out of the wind, but surprisingly not out of the current (the current flows from Beacon Rock towards the river). We had no problems with water depth as we approached the docks. You basically stay in the center of the short channel and then start moving to the west (the right side in the photo) where the stream bed is, although this year the stream was absorbed into the gravel before it reached the river. We never saw less than sixteen feet all the way into the docks, which was more then we saw the previous year, although last year we may have strayed a little closer to the shallows in the left portion of the photo.
Sunday morning saw several of us hike to the top of Beacon Rock. The balance of the day was spent reading, napping, walking the dog, paddling the kayak around, or in John's case waxing the sides of his boat from an inflatable.
In the afternoon those boats that had spent Saturday evening anchored at Reed Island arrived. By the time we all pulled out our chairs and appetizers and got together on the docks we had six boats on the cruise:
Monday morning signaled the start of the return trip home for Celtic Myst, while other CRACA boats were just starting their week-long cruise. Laura, Sean, and I had a great time and want to thank everyone who shared the beauty of the Beacon Rock State Park with us for making this such a special cruise.
Docks are available on the west and east sides of the island. The docks on the east side are closer to a gazebo, fire pit, picnic tables, and a self-composting toilet.
October Cruise to Coon Island -
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
October 25-26. Laura and I have volunteered to serve as the cruise leaders for the October cruise to Coon Island. Last year's cruise was quite a hoot and we are expecting more of the same this year. Click here for a story about last year's cruise.
We will be heading to the docks on the east side of the island. In October these docks get less sun, but they are closer to the gazebo and fire pit. If you're looking for a relaxed weekend then please consider joining us.
Details about departure times for those wishing to travel together will be communicated via email and in the October issue of the newsletter. If you are considering coming, please click here and send me an email.
Activity Opportunities
CRACA Members Participate in the
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
While CRACA isn't a racing organization, we do have several members who either race their boats in local events or crew aboard other boats like Cal 20's, Santana 20's, and J/24's, just to name a few.
Over the weekend of August 9-10, SYSCO (Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a two-day regatta. Among the participates were several Catalina 25's:
On Sunday we were greeted by light to no wind conditions. After a long postponement, the race committee managed to get four-race started, we all ended up anchored just downstream of Beaches as the wind disappeared. The race committee eventually abandoned the race and brought the regatta to a close. Once are the boats were put away, several of the C25 crews ended up at BJ's for burgers and pizza.
Even with Sunday's poor conditions, it was still a fun weekend spent with good friends. Thank you Terry and Kathie for inviting me aboard, and thank you Gary Bruner for encouraging the C25's to participate in the regatta.
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.
Breakfast was at the St. Helens Cafe. The food's not fancy, but there is plenty of it and it's pretty good in a greasy spoon kind of way. You know a place is loved when not a single piece of flatware on the table matches, and yet all the tables are full of customers.
The trip back to Portland seemed quick when compared to the previous day's nine hour voyage. It was hard to believe we had been gone for over a week. Between eating out, and a three nights stay at the Red Lion mid-trip, it was definitely one of our most restful cruises.
Looking back on the week we had seen and done a lot. From meeting sailing friends, to walking the streets and alleys of Astoria, it had been an adventure.
Our Little Piece of the Beacon Rock Cruise
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystAugust 15-18. We departed Friday morning and motor-sailed straight through to Beacon Rock. We covered the thirty nautical miles from Tomahawk Bay Moorage to Beacon Rock in six hours and twenty minutes. The trip up was beautiful, and occasionally the wind's direction would support some motorsailing that would another half knot of speed.
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| Celtic Myst moored at Beacon Rock. |
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| The moorage as seen from the trail to the top of Beacon Rock. |
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| Some commented that it was "...like sitting in Yosemite Valley on your boat". |
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| Dockside appetizers and relaxation. |
- Walt & Marilyn Wittke, C27, Senior Moments
- Bill & Marla Simon, C270, Windswept
- Jim Elieff and friend Marilyn, C30, Fortune
- Dale & Laura Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
- John & Mary Ann Meyer, C30, Shekinah
- Jim & Lorraine Pickett, C36, Nepenthe
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| Jim Pickett get a laugh as a CRACA boarding party jokingly arrives for dinner with plates in hand. |
Coon Island
Coon Island is located on Multnomah Channel and hosts the J.J. Collins Marine Park. Starting from the mouth of the Willamette River, the trip to Coon Island via Multnomah Channel is about sixteen miles.
Docks are available on the west and east sides of the island. The docks on the east side are closer to a gazebo, fire pit, picnic tables, and a self-composting toilet.
October Cruise to Coon Island -
You'll have a Ghoulishly Fun Time
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystOctober 25-26. Laura and I have volunteered to serve as the cruise leaders for the October cruise to Coon Island. Last year's cruise was quite a hoot and we are expecting more of the same this year. Click here for a story about last year's cruise.
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| Laura, Sean, and Dale Mack at Coon Island. |
Details about departure times for those wishing to travel together will be communicated via email and in the October issue of the newsletter. If you are considering coming, please click here and send me an email.
Activity Opportunities
- 1.5 mile nature trail hike around the 23-acre island
- Exploring in kayaks and dinghies
- Boat tours
- Reading
- Napping
- Games
- Saturday afternoon potluck appetizers prior to going off and doing your own thing for dinner
- Saturday evening smores and marshmallow roast at the gazebo fire pit
- Sunday morning coffee chat around the fire
- Wood for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning fires
- An appetizer to share Saturday afternoon
- Your dinghy or kayak
- Chairs for the dock and campfire
- A propane heater (it can get chilling in October)
- Spare propane bottles
Racing
CRACA Members Participate in the
SYSCO 25th Anniversary Regatta
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystWhile CRACA isn't a racing organization, we do have several members who either race their boats in local events or crew aboard other boats like Cal 20's, Santana 20's, and J/24's, just to name a few.
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| Gary & Kathleen Bruner's C25, Encore! |
- Lematike, Terry and Kathie Annis
- Encore!, Gary Bruner
- Leucothea, Nate and Margaret Hanson
- Buzz, Ray Clift
- Breezy, ??? Lewis
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| Nate & Margaret Hanson's C25, Leucothea |
Even with Sunday's poor conditions, it was still a fun weekend spent with good friends. Thank you Terry and Kathie for inviting me aboard, and thank you Gary Bruner for encouraging the C25's to participate in the regatta.
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.
