From the Commodore
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
I want to thank Dave and Helen Peoples for hosting the cruise.
The Portland Boat Show. Preparations for CRACA’s participation at the Portland Boat Show have gotten started. Thanks to Bill Simon, we already have a 10x10 booth reserved for the association at no cost. We’ll be located along the wall next to the Oregon Women’s Sailing Association.
I need 2-3 volunteers who can pull the CRACA booth together and schedule CRACA members to staff the booth during the nine-day run of the show. Give me a call (360-260-
4196) if you are interested in volunteering.
Cruising Plans. Cruising Chair Jim Elieff has submitted our proposed cruising schedule to CRYA.
A number of changes are planned for the 2005 CRACA cruising schedule. One change involves going to Coon Island in June when the weather is nice, and changing the destination for the Fall cruise from Coon Island, to Government Island, East Dock.
Another idea involves making the September cruise a sailing event. Boats would gather at Daymark "39", just downstream of the mouth of the Willamette River. An anchored committee boat would get the flotilla underway at 11 am. Either by sail or power, everyone would be encouraged to pass Warrior Rock no later than 4 pm.
Catalina Rendezvous. Venues for the rendezvous are in short supply, especially if being able to drive to the event is a requirement. I’m recommending we cancel the September rendezvous and replaced it with a one-day event held earlier in the year focused on actually sailing your boat, and followed by a BBQ on the lawn at Tomahawk Bay Moorage. Tomahawk Bay is my first choice for this event because CRACA can arrange slips for folks before and after the sail, and even possibly for the night for those preferring to go home on Sunday.
The rendezvous would be open to all Catalina owners for a nominal fee. CRACA members would receive a discount. For those unable to participate with their boat, CRACA would assist in finding rides or crew.
The day would look something like this:
- 10 – 12 am: Event Check-in. Pick up event packet, T-shirt, and register for the event if the boat and crew hadn’t pre-registered. CRACA would provide coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts.
- 2 – 4 pm: Sailing. The Columbia River near navigational buoy #14.
- 4 – 8 pm: Post-event Party. Food, music, awards, and door prizes.
With the rendezvous earlier in the season, we are more likely to attract new members to the club, and increase participation on cruises.
VICE COMMODORE'S REPORT
By Jim Himes, C28, R-TimeWe had a very good October meeting. Alison Mazon of A. Mazon & Associates spent over an hour discussing surveying.
Alison’s experiences include six years as district service manager for Porsche USA, US Suzuki Motor Corporation, marine mechanic, new boat service manager, outboard repair and rebuilding, and liveaboard for over ten years.
The November CRACA meeting has been canceled. See you at the Holiday Party in December.
A Farewell to Eugene Wilkinson
By Gail O'Neill, C30, ImagineWhen my mother-in-law died 3 years ago, family and friends sent her messages saying things they didn't get a chance to say to her before she died. My sister-in-law then put them all together in a book as a kind of memorial piece.
This is what inspired me to write a letter to Eugene. If you are so inclined, I am willing to put together whatever letters come in, into a small book which we could give to Eugene's family.
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| Eugene at the helm of his C36, What, Me Worry |
I was saddened to hear of your passing on. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know you as recently as the CRACA Rendezvous, less than two months ago. I am addressing this letter to you because I had such a sense of loss when I heard of your death and an immediate feeling of wanting to let you know how I admired your courage and tenacity in living your dreams of sailing and adventuring.
Eugene, you created such a positive example for all of us sailors who never will accept having our adventurous spirits confined by the aging process.
To spend your final years engaged in your life's passion is a noble pursuit that brings personal satisfaction.......and a twinkle in the eye......which you certainly had.
My husband Bob and I so enjoyed the morning we spent visiting with you on your boat, eating peaches that you prepared for us and sharing boat stories with your favorite KMHD jazz station playing softly in the background (it's my favorite, as well!).
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to your son and family. Along with your many friends in the sailing community, we will miss your smiling face and 'What Me Worry', which always gave us a smile!
Bon Voyage, Gail O'Neill
Cruising
Rear Commodore's Report - Coon Island Cruise
By Dave Peoples, C42, JamminThe people who came made the Coon Island weekend cruise on October 23-24 a huge success. Everyone participated, helped, and supported each others’ efforts to have fun, more fun, and wine.
Prepared for the worse, tarps were hung, canopies were assembled, and then the fun began! Wine connoisseurs brought out their home brews, dock dips and chips in pumpkin bowls appeared, tabletop pumpkin creatures were lit, and the party was on. Rain came, 40 minutes later rain was gone--- for the rest of the weekend!
Our first event, the floating race found 3 entries in the competition. First place went to the styrofoam creation by Nate, Margaret and Cody Hanson, second place went to Terry and Katie with the inflated toy float, and third place went to Dave and Helen Peoples’ hollowed-out pumpkin hull single mast creation. After much laughter, cheering and cheers the last “ship” crossed the finish line. It was determined that next year’s event should include pumpkin hull ships only and designs were drafted in the minds of all…sorry, no hints available if you were- n’t there to see the flaws and advantages.
Next, we cracked opened the wine cellars and tasted every fruit wine available…and one exclusive vintage creation. More pumpkin snacks came forth and were shared with dock neighbors. Dinner time rolled around and our tarp tent area was ours. A roaring fire was lit, Polish sausage dogs prepared, chili and fire-roasted turnover pies were devoured. Prizes for decorations and floating creations were awarded, trick-or-treaters from the other side came and were treated to candy and mysterious howls (coyote calls) in the underbrush. Sunrise, coffee, pumpkin pancakes, and sausage were the main events. Everyone help set the table, cook, eat, and clean up. Then it was time to pack up and head for home. The people, comradely, enthusiasm, combined with the desire to relax and enjoy the moment made this trip one for the record book.
2005 Cruising Schedule
March19, Vancouver Landing (day sail rendezvous)April
23 - 24, Government Island, East DockMay
28 - 30, Martin Island (Saturday – Monday)June
11, Catalina Rendezvous (one day event)July
25, Coon Island, East Dock
16 - 17, Government Island, East DockAugust
18 - 21, Beacon Rock (Thursday – Sunday)Sept.
17 - 18, Sand Island, Upper DockOct.
22 - 23, Government Island, East Dock
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.
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