From the Commodore
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
I had the opportunity to attend the Tomahawk Bay Yacht Club Swap Meet and Pancake Breakfast on May 15th at Tomahawk Bay Moorage. It was great seeing several of you there. I picked up a couple of bargains, but the big winner of the day had to be Terry Annis who picked up a spinnaker pole for this C25 for $30! The pancake breakfast was delicious, and I appreciated the sun/rain shelters they erected over the tables.
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| Kelly Martin (C30, Zonkers) crewing aboard Gary Whitney's C28, KA-SL during one of the SYSCO Spring Series Thursday evening races. |
Several CRACA members are racing their boats this year and several more are crewing aboard other boats. Here is a list of folks I know that have been racing their boat this season:
- Terry Annis, C25, Lematike
- Gary Bruner, C25, Encore!
- Bob Gales, C30, Imagine
- Nate Hanson, C25, Leucothea
- Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
- Gary Whitney, C28, KA-SL
Catalina 25 Owners Hold a BBQ
Several of our local Catalina 25 owners got together for a fun sail on Sunday, May 30th, followed by a barbeque. Six boats came out for a fun race from buoy "14" downstream to the mid-channel marker just upstream of the I-5 bridge (known locally as race mark "2"), and back to buoy "14". I'll have to let you read the instructions for the event to help you understand what I mean by fun. Here are Catalina 25 Fleet 94 Captain Gary Bruner's (C25, Encore!) instructions:
We'll meet out at buoy "14" at 3 pm and have an informal "fun" race down to buoy 2 and back. The rules, made up by Terry Annis (C25, Lematike), are:Terry reported that six boats came out for the event and that everyone had a great time.
Around 5 pm, we'll meet at Tomahawk Marina for a little potluck barbeque. Encore! is on D35 and will have a barbie fired up if you bring something to slap on it. Terry, and, we hope, Nate Hanson (C25, Leucothea) and their admirals will be there with barbies as well. Let's make a fun time of it. Bring something to munch and guzzle. I will have something if you are short.
- If you are in the lead, you cannot fly a spinnaker; you have 2 minutes to take it down.
- If you are in last place, you can use the iron genny for 2 minutes after you pass the next to last boat! That ought to keep us close!
Rendezvous Volunteers Step Forward
Since its inception in 2000, the Columbia River Catalina Rendezvous has always been a reflection of those who volunteered to help organize it. Each organizing committee picks the location, plans out the activities, and works within the constraints of a budget. The committee also does this knowing that the execution of the event is mostly going to fall on their shoulders.
Past rendezvous locations have included:
- 2000, Hayden Bay
- 2001, Hayden Bay
- 2002, Sand Island, St. Helens
- 2003, McCuddy's Landing, Multnomah Channel
- Tomahawk Bay: Many probably wouldn't cruise their boat to the event and there would be the added cost of renting the WYC clubhouse.
- Coon Island: Not convenient for those who might attend if they could drive and the CRACA Halloween cruise the following month is at the same destination.
- Dave & Julie Thomas, Rendezvous Chairman (C30, Sunchaser)
- Michael & Kathleen Lewis (C42, Wind Raven)
- Michael Moen & Olga Ginez (C30, Born Free)
- Jim & Marlene Himes (C28, R-Time)
- Jim Elieff (C30, Fortune)
- Jerry Sampson & Karen Clouse (C27, Sydera)
Catalina 25 Fleet Serves as Race Committee
On May 24, I and Celtic Myst had another opportunity to help out local racing as we hosted the members of the local Catalina 25 fleet complete one of their two race committee duties this season.
We had much calmer conditions than the 25-30 knot winds the Catalina 22 group saw during their race committee duty on April 27.
What started as light winds at 6:30 pm, ended up filling in beautifully about fifteen minutes into the race. As is typical of the local pattern, the winds started to die off as we neared 8 pm, which fortunately was about when the last of the racers were approaching the finish line.
Those that volunteered to come out and serve race committee duty included:
- Gary Bruner (C25, Encore!, Fleet Captain)
- Terry Annis (C25, Lematike)
- Bob & Kay Waldron (C25, Courtship)
- Doug Dillon (C25, Island Sailing Club)
- Dr. ??? (C25, ???)
Vice Commodore's Report
By Jim Himes, C28, R-TimeThe May meeting was very informative. Dave Peoples (C42, Jammin) gave an excellent presentation on the weather class he had attended in Seattle. If you are planning on going offshore or into any open water, this class was for you. Dave had several handouts and web site addresses to help you get the weather information you need.
The meeting also touched on some of the activities being planned for this year's Columbia River Catalina Rendezvous.
As is our practice, there will be no meeting in July, September and December. Our next meeting will be held June 23rd at RCYC from 6:30 - 8:30 pm (see below for more details).
June's meeting will be a social (there will be no guest speaker). We'll be one month into summer, so the meeting will be a great time to chat with other CRACA members about their plans for the rest of the summer and see if any of us can hook up and enjoy the company of another club member.
Secretary/Treasurer
By Debbie Martin, C30, ZonkersOur membership currently stands at 52 boats.
The 2004-2005 roster has been printed and is being mailed to those who weren't able to attend the last general membership meeting in May. An Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the roster will be emailed to all currently paid members. If you don't receive the PDF version, it may indicate that our records don't reflect you as a renewed member for 2004-2005. Contact me if you wish to renew or think the CRACA records are in error.
Distribution of Catalina Models in CRACA
Planning for the 2004 Catalina Rendezvous
By Dave Thomas, C30, Sunchaser
Here is the basic itinerary for the rendezvous:
Friday, September 17
No planned activities, but early arrivals to McCuddy's Landing are welcome. Everyone is on their own for meals. Some folks will probably eat at Mark's on the Channel located in the marina.Saturday, September 18
6 am – 10 am, Breakfast on your ownSunday, September 19
8 am – 9 am, Morning Stretch
9:30 am – noon, Registration/Check-in at the committee boat
- Walks, runs, and kayak paddling tours for those interested in tagging along and who have the equipment as in the case of the kayaks
Noon – 1 pm, Lunch on your own
- During registration you'll receive Name Tags, gift exchange raffle ticket, an itinerary, and various other rendezvous related items.
1 pm – 2 pm, Activity Session #1, activities include:
2 pm – 3 pm, Activity Session #2
- A guest speaker from Catalina Yachts
- Life Sling demonstration and dockside practice
- Kayaking Safety demonstration
- Rigger
- Wheel Cover Braiding by Kathy Lewis
- Facials by a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
- Knot Tying
- Marlinspike Seamanship: Knot Tying, Line Splicing
3 pm – 4 pm, Fun Competitions and Social, ideas being considers include:
5 pm – 7 pm, Dinner (this is where we need to know your preference)
- Knot Tying
- Ring buoy toss
- Blindfold dinghy race
- Kayak tour
- Napping on boat
- Unorganized dockside socializing
7 pm – 8 pm, Dessert, gift exchange and awards
8 pm – ??? pm, Slide show by Dee Turner's of Baja Voyage or another speaker
8 am – 10 am, Morning Stretch
10 am – 11 am, Breakfast (this is where we need to know your preference)
- Walks, runs, and kayak paddling tours for those interested in tagging along and who have the equipment as in the case of the kayaks
1 pm, Depart for home
Plans for the June Meeting
What- General Membership Meeting Social
- This is a bring your own beverage and dinner event. The grills at RCYC will be hot and ready for your use, or you can bring something ready to eat.
- A guest speaker is not scheduled for this meeting. Instead, bring your photos, charts and guide books, and plan to hangout with your fellow CRACA members and share your cruising plans for the coming season.
Rose City Yacht ClubWhen
www.RoseCityYachtClub.org
3737 NE Marine Drive
Portland, OR 97211
503-282-2049
- Wednesday, June 23rd
- 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Dinner & Social
- 7:15 - 7:30 pm, Short Business Meeting
Cruising
Cruising Chairman
By By Jim Elieff, C30, Fortune (Cruising Chairman)It seems that everybody did what they wanted to on Memorial Day weekend , which for most meant not going to Martin Slough. I was one of them, the weather didn't clear up like Marilyn and I expected it to. We stayed on the boat, ready to go at a moments notice. We had all the food, desert, etc., already from Friday night on. Gave up late Sunday and headed home.
The one's that I know went were John and Ann Meyer (C34, Shekinah) and Michael & Olga Moen (C30, Born Free). The Teeters (C42, Camelot) and the Wigens (C42, Ursa Minor) stayed at the dock until Sunday afternoon and decided to sail up to Bartlett Landing (Government Island - East Dock) and back. Marilyn and I went sailing Monday afternoon and come home. We were all suppose to do what we wanted to do on that cruise and I guess that's kind of what happened. Sorry the weather wasn't better things might have been different. I want to thank the two boats that went up sorry the turnout wasn't better.
Here are some highlights from the May 18th Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA) meeting is attend monthly for CRACA.
- The river patrols are looking for DUI, wrong anchoring, and no wake offenders
- On June 26th at 1pm the new Sheriffs boat will dedicated at the 42nd St. ramp
- Freshwater News will print club events free given enough time before print time
- Five boats or more equals a no wake zone. I hope the power boaters know this?
- May 22nd to July 14th the Sheriffs patrols will be doing a lot of safety checks
- The dock at Rooster Rock is suppose to need new floatation. I guess when four or more people are on it , it sinks and the spiders come up to the surface. I don't think that dock is used buy or club, but the power boaters seem to like it.
Still Looking for Cruise Hosts. I want to thank Dave and Helen Peoples (C42, Jammin) for stepping forward to serve as the cruise hosts to Coon Island in October.
Editor's Note: The July 17-18 cruise to Sand Island, St. Helens, Upper Dock is looking for a host. For those not involved in the Catalina 25/250 National Regatta ending that weekend, the sail to St. Helens can be one of the best on the river.We need a host for Beacon Rock cruise in August, think about it and let me know. Last year's participants just hung out, swam, kayaked, hiked Beacon Rock, played cards, napped, waxed their boats, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the company of their fellow Catalina owners.
Savoring the Past and Anticipating the Future. I hope this summer is as nice as it was last summer. Marilyn and I went to every cruise and had the best time with everybody. I want to thank everybody who attended the cruises last year. Marilyn and I are looking forward to seeing all of you again this summer and having more fun. I hope people will turn out this year and enjoy the memorable times with us. See you all soon.
Martin Island Cruise Report
By John Meyer, C34, ShekinahThe key players in CRACA were absent from the Martin Island Cruise so I figured I better get some kind of report in.Annie and I sailed down Saturday mid-day with spinnaker alone. It was very light wind on the stern but we only required one gybe from the RR Bridge to Warrior Rock. At that point we fired up the engine and rushed on to the party.
The weekend did provide a good opportunity to do a leak check on the boats as a few showers (hurricanes?) blew through. Sunday afternoon Bill and Marla showed up by kayaks having put in at an I-5 turn off. They spent several enjoyable hours visiting. They are incredible troopers, risking their lives in those unstable little boats.
One of the highlights for us was showing off our modified head. I raised the toilet (can I say that in this newsletter?) 5 inches for comfort and Annie wanted everyone to try it.
Overall, the odyssey was one more of those relaxed, enjoyable times that CRACA is known for. We really enjoyed getting to know Mike and Olga (great couple!) and exploring their recently acquired boat. Monday morning we broke the raft and they headed off for another night of cruising while we pointed Shekinah towards the stables.
Geocache / Texas Hold'em Cruise
By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven
June 19-20, 2004
Government Island, East Dock
Chris Moneymaker, World Champion of ESPN World Series of Poker Fame, won’t be there, so at least you will have a chance to win the CRACA Texas Hold’em Poker Championship!
Mark your calendars now; this might be a once in a lifetime cruise to the new docks and facilities at Government Island–East Dock. We will combine skill, luck, friendship, food and fun with a Geocache, Texas Hold’em Poker Game, Blindman Dinghy Race and Bowline Tying Contest.
Bring a $10 donation per boat to cover costs. Remember to bring your handheld GPS so you can do the Geocache and find your invitation. The donation covers your food and the prizes for the poker, knot tying and dinghy races.
Friday Night
- Secure the shelter and get the 1st waypoint to start your geocache search. Early arrivers should go up and set up camp in and around the shelter. Bring wood for the bonfire too, in case there is no wood left.
- Begin your quest for your Invitation to the CRACA Texas Hold’em Poker Championship to be found at the end of the rainbow. Make as many iterations around the island and take as much time as you need as long as you are done by 1500 hours (aka 3 p.m.), Saturday.
- Go to the Dinghy Race Station and the Knot Tying Station to enter those contests. They will be going on every day until the award ceremony.
- Dinghy Race is for fastest time on the designated course.
- Bowline Tying is for best combined time for “freestyle,” “behind your back,” and “blind-folded.”
- Shared appetizers at 1700 hours (aka 5 p.m.) at the picnic shelter with a bonfire. Dinner is on your own.
- Early birds get the worms or in this case your Invitation to the big game. So get Geocaching!
- At 1500 hours (aka 3 p.m.), Texas Hold'em starts. So bring your Invitation that you found during the Geocache. Click here for rules. We play to the bitter end and we reserve the right to change the rules at any time.
- Shared appetizers at 1800 hours (aka 6 p.m.) at the picnic shelter with a bonfire
- Dinner is provided: Hot Dogs with various condiments, Rolls, Chips and Dessert at 1900 hours (aka 7 p.m.).
- Bring wood for the bonfire too, in case there is no wood left.
- Potluck Breakfast at 0800 hours (aka 8 a.m.). Award Ceremony (with Prizes) at Breakfast.
- Depart at your leisure.
Your hosts,
Michael & Kathleen Lewis, S/V Wind Raven
503-981-7467
svwindraven@msn.com
July Cruise to Sand Island Cruise
CRACA is listed in the 2004 CRYA Cruise Schedule as having a cruise planned to Sand Island, so you shouldn't find the docks overwhelmed with the boats from another CRYA member club that weekend.
The sail from Portland to St. Helens is among the best on the Columbia River, but we already know that several CRACA members will have to miss this cruise because the last day of racing for the Catalina 25/250 Nationals is Saturday the 17th.
If you'll planning to attend the cruise or are interested in serving as the host for the cruise please contact Jim Elieff at elieffmaan@yahoo.com.
Catalina Summer Cruise - Gunkholing to Cathlamet
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
Club boats will mosey downriver, keeping to no particular schedule. As always, boats might start the cruise anywhere from a week before July 31st to sometime past August 8th.
The crew of Celtic Myst plan to get underway on Saturday, July 31, and return to Portland on Friday, August 6. Depending on our downriver itinerary we'll reach Cathlamet either Sunday 8/1, or Monday 8/2.
Sean and I have a kayak exploration of Elochoman Slough and adjoining waterways planned for Tuesday. On Wednesday 8/4, Celtic Myst will catch the rising tide in the morning and start the upriver phase of the cruise.
Some of the destinations in addition to Cathlamet we are considering include: Rainier, Martin Island, Walker Island, St. Helens, and Sand Island.
Cruising Schedule
- June 19 - 20, Government Island - East Dock (Michael & Kathleen Lewis)
- July 17 - 18, Sand Island, St. Helens, Upper Dock (host needed)
- July 31 - Aug 6, Cathlamet (Dale & Laura Mack)
- August 20 - 24, Beacon Rock (host needed)
- September 17 - 19, Catalina Rendezvous (Dave & Julie Thomas)
- September 25, Sail for the Cure
- October 23 - 24, Coon Island - East Dock (Dave and Helen Peoples)
Safety
Oregon Boater Education
The Oregon Boater Education Card exam is a short quiz touching on seamanship, navigation and operation of a vessel, with several questions concerning operating Personal Water Craft.The Oregon Marine Board has information about the program posted at:
Here are some sample questions:
Boats less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) in length are required to carry onboard _____.
- A whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal
- A bell
- A loudspeaker
- All of the above
- 6
- 8
- 10
- 12
- If you turn off power, you will no longer be able to turn to avoid a fixed object, person or another boat or PWC
- You might not turn as fast as you want after you turn off power
- It is not as much fun to drift on a PWC as to operate under power
- It takes power and steering control to properly jump wakes of other boats
- True
- False
Technical Tips
Bottom Cleaning - The Secret of My Success
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystThe idea for writing this article grew out of my Spring Regatta racing experience, where I went out and raced with other Catalina 30s. One thing you learn from sailboat racing is that it frequently is the little things all working together that can lead to success or failure. Take for instance boat speed. Even a 0.05 knot difference in speed between two boats can translate into 33 yards of separation after just twenty minutes of sailing. Now consider the drag caused by algae on the boat's bottom, and you start to understand why so many club racers are seen scrubbing the bottom of their boats before a race. Terry Annis (C25, Lematike) and I see this all the time with the J/24s berthed near him before we go out and race on Thursday nights.
My boat's last bottom painting was in February 2002, just after I trucked it up from San Diego. At the time Pettit Trinidad SR was applied, which produces a hard finish (it's not an ablative paint). This was my first experience with a slime resistant ("SR") paint, and based on the brochure my expectations around its performance were set pretty high. One comment from the paint's data sheet I've always followed stated:
Maintenance
Lightly scrub the bottom with a soft brush to remove anything from the antifouling paint surface. Scrubbing is particularly important with boats that are idle for extended periods of time. The coating is most effective when the boat is used periodically.
The data sheet never defined "extended", and my experience with the paint is that "slime resistant" doesn't mean slime free, but it does seem to slow the growth.
For my Catalina 30, I've adapted a tool originally created to clean the bottom of the Catalina 22 I race. The pole is an eight foot long piece of 1" OD aluminum tubing that has been bent. A one end of the tubing, a hole has been drilled through both sides to accommodate the locking pin of a standard boat scrub brush attachment. The aluminum tube near the end has also be flatten a little to better fit the diameter of the scrub brush attachment point so the two pieces lock securely together.
The process of cleaning the bottom takes a lot less effort if the brush holds itself against the hull instead of me trying to stand at the end of an eight foot pole and force it up against the hull. While the scrub brush has some buoyancy, adding some closed cell foam near the brush does a great job. I cut up an old camping pad I had, but you could also use pipe insulation foam sold at the hardware store.
I found that being able to increase and decrease the amount of foam was an added benefit. For the hull, lots of buoyancy was desirable in order to minimize the effort expended. When it came to cleaning the rudder and keel, a little less buoyancy seemed about right.
Although the photos show a pretty aggressive brush, what I did was cover it with a synthetic lambs wool sleeve. What this did was soften everything so that cleaning the bottom was a lot like going over it with something just slightly more aggressive than a terry cloth towel.
For those whose paint manufacturer recommends an occasional light scrubbing, this project might be just the thing you're looking for.
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.
