From the Commodore
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
January turned out to be a lot milder than expected. I spent part of the last two Sundays trying to sail aboard the Catalina 25 that won that 2004 Catalina 25 National Regatta in Portland. Try was the operative word as the weather turned out to be too nice.The first attempt was on a beautiful Sunday with sunny skies, warm weather, and the flattest water you could ever hope for as a water skier. The complete lack of wind nixed any hopes of sailing, so I hopped aboard Celtic Myst and worked on some line whipping tasks leftover from switching my traveler over from 4:1 to 5:1.
The second attempt the following Sunday got us on the water and actually under sail. My invitation to sail came from Doug Dillon, 2004 C25 National Champion, and a member of Island Sailing Club (ISC) at Tomahawk Bay Moorage. After the 2004 season crewing for Terry Annis aboard his C25, Lematike, I was looking forward to the sail with Doug, and the opportunity to see how the boat was set up.
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| Doug Dillon |
We were the only sail on the water. We'd motored just upstream of Ryan Point and hoisted the spinnaker. At times we'd hold our own against the current, but mostly we gave up ground in the light conditions. Sailing in the winter is a treat, and I'll take what I can get. When the sails for Celtic Myst are squirreled away at home awaiting the new season, and the Catalina 22 sits on its trailer, it's nice to have the opportunity to go sailing instead of stilling at home reading about it.
Boat Show Survivors Party
In place of our February meeting, CRACA is holding a party for the members of CRACA, C22 Fleet 20, and C25/250 Fleet 94 on Sunday, February 27th. More details can be found later in the newsletter.
CRACA Charter Change
Three changes are proposed along with some minor edits. The first change would shift to the end of the year the handoff of outgoing officers and incoming officers. The second change would provide the Executive Committee some room to plan the frequency of meetings. The third adds sponsorship of Catalina Rendezvous to the charter.
----- #1 Electing Officers in the Fall
The term of our current officers comes to an end on April 30, 2005. What that means is that the CRACA schedule for 2005 is executed by those who may not have had a hand in creating it, particularly in the area of cruising dates, since the dates must be submitted to CRYA no later than December 1st.
The Executive Committee is proposing we elect officers in October and install them in November with their term of office starting December 1st. This approach is used by several local boating clubs, and it allows the incoming officers to plan the coming year's schedule as their first order of business.
----- #2 Annual Awards Banquet
CRACA has struggled trying to create a tradition of handing out annual awards to its membership. From the recognition of service to the Association to accomplishments on the water, the Executive Board would like to weave this into the fabric of CRACA. Although not required, the Annual Awards Banquet could serve as an opportunity to welcome our incoming officers and thank our outgoing officers. As for awards, we might investigate the creation of a number of recognition awards. Here are a few examples just to help you understand what is being envisioned:
- Bent Propeller (funniest mishap with a boat)
- Cruising (minimum point total to qualify)
- Cruising Family of the Year
- Cruising Couple of the Year
- CRACA Member of the Year
----- #3 Catalina Rendezvous
The Annual Catalina Rendezvous has been added to the list of things the Entertainment Committee arranges. This event has become a tradition with CRACA, so it seems appropriate to call it out in the charter.
Please review the charter changes and vote. You may vote using email (approve or disapprove), or wait until the CRACA General Meeting/Party on Sunday, February 27th.
The Seattle Boat Shows
The indoor Seattle Boat Show at the Qwest Field Event Center (near Safeco Field) and the outdoor Lake Union Boats Afloat Show at Chandler's Cove drew me north on the first Saturday of the shows. Unlike others, I managed to stay ahead of the cold front that brought snow and ice to the Portland area, and I saw dry pavement all the way to my Seattle exit.
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| The new CatalinaMorgan 440 Salon Cruiser |
I spent the afternoon at the Boats Afloat Show where I ran into the Annis' and the Hansons on the very slushy docks. After talking about what we had seen, we made dinner plans to get together later that evening.
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| CRACA & C25 Fleet 94 members Nate Hanson (C25, Leucothea), Kathie Annis (C25, Lematike), Terry Annis, and Margaret Hanson viewing the boats at the Lake Union Boats Afloat Show. |
Nominations for CRACA Officers in 2005
Here's where we stand in terms of putting together a slate of officers to vote on at April's meeting:
| Executive Committee Position | Nominee |
| Commodore | Bob Gales |
| Vice Commodore | |
| Secretary/Treasurer | |
| Cruising | |
| Communications | Dale Mack |
Portland Boat Show a Success
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystFrom the planning, design, and setup, to the incredible number of Catalina owners who step forward to staff the booth, pulling together our participation at the Portland Boat Show always amazes me how it all comes together in the end.
Each year brings something new to our display, and this year we had three. For visual splash, we had a laminated banner made that should last for years. Catalina 25/250 Fleet 94 provided a poster board festooned with beautiful action shots from the 2004 C25/250 National Regatta. And our own Walt Wittke (C27, Senior Moments) completed a scrapbook of our activities over the past few years.
Joining the new items were repeat performances by the CRACA and Catalina 22 Fleet 20 photo poster boards hanging on a PVC pipe display stand, a DVD displaying Catalina photos on a television, a C22 Fleet 20 photo album, and CRACA's previous scrapbook. Printed materials included brochures from all three Catalina clubs and information sign-up sheets for those wishing to be added to our email distribution list.
There was a lot of Catalina camaraderie to be enjoyed in staffing the booth. Both Catalina owners and non-owners stopped by to ask questions. Sharing stories of cruising, racing, and shore side events never fails to capture everyone's interest.
What About the Show
While aluminum fishing sleds, PWC, and ski boats abound, the organizers of the show continue to demonstrate a strong interest in the local sailing community. Augmenting the displays by local sailboat brokers and builders is an amazing amount of display space provided free of charge to non-profit sailing organizations like CRACA. In fact, most of the sails visible in the area belonged to various local racing fleets. As I've become more involved in the local sailing scene, I find that half the fun of going to the boat show is just hanging out with other sailors and talking about boats.
Thoughts about Next Year
Next year we are hoping to be closer to the other sailing associations. Since we have several members who also belong to the Oregon Women's Sailing Association, a booth next to OWSA would be our first choice, followed by being next to the Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon (SYSCO).
Thank You, Volunteers
Thank you, the members of CRACA, C22 Fleet 20 and C25 Fleet 94, for volunteering to staff the Catalina Owners booth at the Portland Boat Show. I also want to give special thanks to Bill Simon (C270, Windswept) for handling all the arrangements with the show's organizers and securing us the tickets.
Boat Show Volunteers
| Rick Fletcher & Christie Sleight | C22, Frick & Frack | Fleet 20 |
| Don & Jenny Maywald | C22, Gromit | Fleet 20 |
| Alice Patten | C25, Tybreaker | Fleet 94 |
| Terry Annis | C25, Lematike | CRACA |
| Gary Bruner | C25, Encore! | CRACA |
| David & Sylvia Keller | C27, River Rose | CRACA |
| Carl & Beth Sorensen | C27, Mojito | CRACA |
| Bill Simon | C270, Windswept | CRACA |
| Werner Bittner | C28, Loki | CRACA |
| Jim & Marlene Himes | C28, R-Time | CRACA |
| Jim Elieff | C30, Fortune | CRACA |
| Bob Gales & Gail O’Neill | C30, Imagine | CRACA |
| Dale Mack | C30, Celtic Myst | CRACA |
| Kelly & Debbie Martin | C30, Zonkers | CRACA |
| Dave & Julie Thomas | C30, Sunchaser | CRACA |
| John & Ann Meyer | C34, Shekinah | CRACA |
| Michael & Kathleen Lewis | C42, Wind Raven | CRACA |
| Dave & Helen Peoples | C42, Jammin | CRACA |
| Larry Wintermeyer | C42, Down Wind Drifter | CRACA |
Secretary/Treasurer
By Debbie Martin, C30, ZonkersOur membership currently stands at 54 boats.
Membership renewal notices will be mailed out no later than March 1st.
Report from January's Meeting
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystWe hadn't had a general membership meeting since October, so the question of whether anyone would show up had to be lingering in some minds. Our Vice Commodore, Jim Himes, selected Pizza Mia just off of Marine Drive for January's meeting.
At 6:00 pm folks started trickling in for dinner and socializing before the evening's program, which was scheduled to start at 7:00 pm. In addition to the fine conversation, several Catalina enthusiasts were seen browsing through the back issues of the Mainsheet magazine which were being given away free at the meeting.
Terry Annis and I shared a pizza as we talked about his new role as the Vice Commodore and Race Captain for SYSCO. Before we were done, Terry managed to get me to volunteer to help organized SYSCO's annual Race Clinic which is aimed at new racers. By the way, the race clinic is open to anyone, and it is scheduled for Thursday, March 31st (classroom session) and Friday, April 1 (on the water session). Our March newsletter will have more details like place, time, and training agenda.
The 7:00 pm program for the evening was about the new America's Waterway Watch program. Michael Lewis brought brochures, stickers, and a 20 minute DVD about the program that we watch on the two wall-mounted televisions. Despite some strange audio problems that plagued the viewing of the DVD, we learned some astonishing details about real-life cases of individuals with connections to terrorist organizations who were arrested after they were caught photographing, videotaping, or recording the activities of bridges, ports, and ships.
The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
LOOK FOR AND REPORT:
- Suspicious waterfront loitering
- Forcible access
- Persons photographing, taping or sketching
- Boaters seeming to be forcibly controlled
- Liquids being poured into reservoirs or lakes
- Apparently dangerous loads and/or cargoes
- Items that appear to be weapons or explosives
- Boats loitering under bridges or by locks or dams
- Diving operations near any critical infrastructure
- Boats or divers in naval protection zones
- Note appearance, size, coloring of individuals
- Note type of boat, car, registration, etc.
- If diving is involved, note color of equipment
Boat Show Survivors Party
February 27. In place of February's general membership meeting, CRACA is hosting the Boat Show Survivors Party. You're encouraged to bring your digital photos to share.What
Boat Show Survivors PartyWhere
Open to the families of CRACA, Catalina 22 Fleet 20, and Catalina 25/250 Fleet 94.
RSVP: Dave Peoples dpeoples@canby.com
503-286-7775
Give the number attending so Dave can buy the correct amount of food.
The home of Dave & Helen PeoplesWhen
6921 S. Zimmerman Rd
Aurora, OR 97002
503-286-7775
- Sunday, February 27th
- 3:00 pm, Party Starts
- 4:30 pm, Dinner
Activities
- Activities will be determined later but could include: Speed knot trying, Blindfold knot tying, A GPS course (bring a GPS with you)
- For the younger sailors in the family, a pool table and foosball are available if they don't want to hang with the adults. Also available is a collection of more than 250 DVDs that can be viewed on the big screen TV.
- Make a day of it by visiting the Aurora Colony antique shops and Museum before the party (http://www.auroracolony.com/)
- Smoked Prime Rib
- BBQ Alder Planked Salmon
- Roasted Vegetables
- Green Salad
- Spinach Salad
- Desert
- Soft Drinks
- Napkins, cups, plates, utensils, trash bags, etc.
- NOTE: Guests are welcome to bring beer and wine, but for liability reasons CRACA can't provide these.
Cruising
Cruising Chairman
By Jim Elieff, C30, Fortune (Cruising Chairman)Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA) News
The Oregon Department of Environment Quality proposed that the portion of North Portland Harbor that has been closed temporarily to avoid disturbing the covering of a contaminated site, be closed permanently. CRYA lodge a protest that restricting waterways was not an appropriate solution for dealing with contaminated sites.
A bill has been put forth in the Oregon legislature to outlaw “Teak Surfing”, an activity in which people hang onto the swim platform of moving vessels.
The 2005 CRYA Opening Day Parade plans are in progress. At the March 21st CRYA meeting, all yacht club representatives are to be prepared to respond with a definite “yes” or “no” when asked if their club is planning on participating in the Opening Day Parade. As in past years, CRACA is not planning to participate in the parade.
The Recreational Boaters Association of Washington (www.rbaw.org), which boasts a membership of 58 clubs, three of which are on the Columbia; Longview YC, Dolphin YC in Washougal, and Clover Island YC in Kennewick. Washington Parks has established a $.50/foot/day as the rate for transient tie-up at Washington Park facilities; i.e. Beacon Rock.
2005 Cruising Schedule
| March 19 | Vancouver Landing (day sail rendezvous) |
| April 23 - 24 | Government Island, East Dock |
| May 28 - 30 | Martin Island (Saturday – Monday) |
| June 25 - 26 | Coon Island, East Dock |
| July 16 - 17 | Government Island, East Dock |
| August 18 - 21 | Beacon Rock (Thursday – Sunday) |
| Sept. 17 - 18 | Sand Island, Upper Dock (Catalina Rendezvous) |
| Oct. 22 - 23 | Government Island, East Dock |
Vancouver Landing Cruise Plans
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystMarch 19. Our first cruise of the new season takes us to Vancouver Landing (aka the Vancouver city dock) just below the Red Lion Hotel at the Quay. The dock is just west of the I-5 Bridge. The inside is the preferred moorage location if there is room. There are opportunities to walk the trail along the river or venture into downtown Vancouver.
This is a one day rendezvous, but overnight stays at the dock are permitted. The restaurant at the hotel serves a Sunday Brunch overlooking the river.
The plan is to meet at the dock and share some snacks and conversation. There really isn't a set arrival time, so just plan on dropping in. I figure if the wind is good, some will delay arriving to enjoy a sail, and if the conditions are calm, more are likely to arrive earlier. Don't forget to fly your burgee.
RSVP
Jim Elieff, Cruising Chairman
elieffmaan@yahoo.com
Catalina 25/250 Cruising Plans
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore!, Fleet 94 CaptainPlans are in the works for Plan B, Encore!, and maybe Buzz to trailer up to Powell River (www.discoverpowellriver.com) on or about June 21st to tour the Desolation Sound area. The idea would be to return home in early July, but one could bail at any time.
Additionally, Nate Hanson (Leucothea) and Terry Annis (Lematike) are planning a two-week Desolation Sound trip at the end of July and would welcome company.
Let me know if you are interested (Gary Bruner, molika@teleport.com).
Editor's Note: Several of the Catalina 25 owners are ex-Catalina 22 sailors, so I'm sure if any Catalina 22 families are interested in the cruises, Gary would be happy to hear from you.
Racing
Catalina 30 Racing in the Spring Regatta
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst
The Small Yacht Sailing Club of Oregon (SYSCO) will be hosting the Spring Regatta. They are very supportive of one-design racing, and are particularly interested in providing a venue for new racers to come out and experience the sport. To obtain a one-design start for the Catalina 30's, we need to bring a minimum of three boats to the starting line. If you are interested in racing your boat in the regatta or crewing for someone, please contact me.
I will publish more details regarding the Spring Regatta in the March newsletter. In the meantime, if you'd like more information about local racing, checkout the Catalina 22 Fleet 20 website at
Catalina 25 Racing
By Gary Bruner, C25, Encore!, Fleet 94 Captain
Those folks who don't feel comfortable racing their own boats are encouraged to crew for those of us who will skipper. At a recent Fleet 94 meeting we discussed the idea of switching crew members during the series so we actually can learn from each other, and there was some favorable response to the idea. Interest in skippering boats racing was expressed by the skippers of five boats in attendance at the meeting, and rumor has it that at least two more boats may join us. Although optional, it was highly recommended that folks consider joining SYSCO for the yearly $70 fee, since SYSCO members race in SYSCO events for free.
Terry Annis is SYSCO's Vice Commodore and Race Captain for 2005. Fleet 94 member Ray Clift (with Nate Hanson's help) is our Fleet 94 Race Captain. Expect to hear pleas for help from them a few times this season when our fleet will be the Race Committee for the faster boats on Tuesday nights.
If you are interested in racing your boat or crewing for someone, please contact me at:
Gary Bruner
360-687-2048
molika@teleport.com
Catalina 22 Racing
By Dale Mack, C22, Crocus, Fleet 20 Captain
- Spring Series, Thursday, April 14, 21, 28, and May 5, 26
- Summer Series, Thursday, June 9, 16, 23, 30 and July 7
- One-Design Regatta, Sat. & Sun., August 13-14
One of the changes this season is that the Catalina 22's will be racing with spinnakers. If you don't have a spinnaker, you can still race wing-n-wing to gain experience. A wealth of information on local racing from registration forms, and Race Notices, to how the local race committees operate can be found on the Catalina 22 Fleet 20 website at https://c22pdx.blogspot.com/.
Racing Season Kickoff Party
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystFebruary 26. The Oregon Corinthian Sailing Association (OCSA) is hosting a Racing Season Kickoff Party at the Portland Yacht Club. This is a great opportunity to rub elbows with other racers.
OCSA is providing pizza and soda from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm, and the event is open to everyone; racer and non-racer alike.
For those that haven't done so already, you can pick up your 2005 Race Book and racecourse chart for $15 (an OCSA membership is included in the $15).
Technical Tips
Transmission Fluid Change
By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic MystFrom my teenage years of always maintaining everything about my cars, to my adult years of letting Jiffy Lube handle the fluid changes, I'm finding as I start my fourth year of Catalina 30 ownership that boat stewardship has a lot in common with those older cars. In an era where microprocessors are in everything from cell phones to microwave ovens, my Universal M25XP three-cycle diesel is still microprocessor free, and thus more inviting to DIY'ers like me.
I follow the hours of use and calendar time approach to preventive maintenance on my boat. One of those areas is regularly changing the engine's transmission fluid. While the transmission has a drain, like most things on a boat, it means trying to capture everything in a container or an absorbent material like a disposal diaper (more on disposal diapers in a future article). If you make a mistake it's in the bilge.
Instead of using the drain plug, I remove the old fluid from the top through the fill hole using an inexpensive kitchen baster I modified with a piece of clear vinyl tubing. The process is so easy now, I've begun changing the fluid more frequently than required by the manufacturer.
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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