200705

From the Commodore

By Eric Rouzee, C36, Legacy

I just got back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest late last night, having spent the last two-and-a-half weeks in Munich, Germany on business, and one of the real treats while I was there were the constant television updates and coverage on the America’s Cup down in Valencia. It’s big news in Europe, and as a sailing addict, I loved being able to turn on Cup news virtually every day. I’ve never thought of Germany as a big sailing location, yet when I took a day trip to Salzburg, the train passed two separate boatyards filled with sailboats, plus a beautiful alpine lake where the locals were racing what appeared to be Melges 24’s. You can only imagine that beautiful setting, with blue skies overhead, snow-covered Alps in the background, and a fleet of boats racing in this incredible environment. It was truly amazing.

Our club is doing well these days, with new members signing up, and the prospect of more on the way. The new Catalina dealer, River City Sailing, is getting very involved with CRACA, which will ultimately help our membership. River City will be holding a boat show this summer, and CRACA will be involved, meeting future Catalina owners.

Plans for our September Rendezvous are progressing. We’re working on a potential new location, which will be conducive to speakers and programs. Stand by for more information shortly.

Lastly, get out there and enjoy some Spring sailing! We’re moving Legacy down to Astoria this weekend in preparation for the Oregon Offshore race next week, and long range weather reports are looking favorable. Here’s hoping for good winds up the coast, and great sailing for everyone in the Columbia River!

Vice Commodore

By Alden Andre', C38, Fly Bye

Well, April is over the Tax man has come and gone. I missed April's meeting but heard rave reviews from it.

I have been sailing a lot and we have started the racing season. I raced in the PYC/SYSCO Opening Day Regatta (April 14-15) and had a great time. The SYSCO Spring Series has started off with a bang.  The Cruising Class (no flying sails), that I sail in, started with eleven boats headed at the line altogether.  I was on the inside and the closer we got to the line the more I got squeezed closer to the committee boat.  Well, we decided to continue (my daughter’s words, go for it or go home).  Having a big 7ft keel and an anchor rode on the committee boat being at a 7:1 scope and us healed at 15 degrees fast math in my little head said we would clear. Well we didn’t and down went the anchor rode on the committee boat. Thank goodness my keel is shaped like a shark fin because the rode just slipped off and missed the prop and rudder. With that incident behind us we were off to the races.

There is such a big turn out this year in the Cruising Cass that they split the class into two groups. I encourage everybody to join SYSCO and come out and race on Thursdays.  I started last year in my Catalina 30 and had a blast.  I didn’t know what I was doing last year and still don’t this year but I am having a great time and so is my crew.  Speaking of crew, everybody on my boat is brand new to sailing.  I found a couple people off the Portland Crew List, a couple of ladies from the Oregon Women's Sailing Association (OWSA), and even a couple of motor boaters. I am trying to convert the motor boaters.  My goal is to get more people involved in the sport. The Cruising Class can be what you make of it, competitive or laid back, either way it’s a great excuse to go sailing and have a good time.  We are laid back on my boat.  If we all come back safe and don’t hit anything, then it has been a good day.  Onboard Fly Bye, everybody switches jobs for every race.  I have yet to drive or do anything but be an adviser on the boat. I have room for 2 or 3 more people a week if you would like to come out to see what it is like. Then you can bring your own boat out and join the fun.

Alden Andre'

503-661-2893

alden642@comcast.net

A word about boat maintenance. I had a diver dive on my boat to clean the bottom and to check for damage done from the anchor rode incident. No damage but I got my bottom cleaned and zincs changed for around $ 125.00 which I thought was a very reasonable price. This month we have Alison Mazon speaking at our monthly CRACA meeting. Allison is one of the best Marine Surveyors in the area and she will be talking about boat maintenance,  regulations, and interesting things she has been finding on boats that she has surveyed. She is a wealth of information and does a great presentation. I encourage all to attend.

Have a great month and I hope to see you all on the water.

General Membership Meeting

When

May 23rd, Wednesday, 6:30 pm

Where

Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay
100 Columbia Street
Vancouver, WA 98660

Program

Marine Surveyor Alison Mazon will discuss boat maintenance

Secretary/Treasurer

By Kathleen Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

The CRACA meeting at the Quay on April 25 had nineteen attendees representing nine boats plus the River City Sailing group (our local Catalina Dealer).

Shane St. Clair spoke about his “sailing adventure” from California to Hawaii in a Catalina Capri 18. This trip took place in 1987 after he had “circumnavigated” much of the US. Part of the inspiration for such a venture came after he read “Island to Myself”.

Prior to his trip he visited Catalina Yachts and talked to Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas.  Both told him the Capri 18 was not meant to go off the coast. He purchased the boat anyway and began to prepare for the trip.

Supplies included 20 gallons of water and two laundry baskets of food. The boat was equipped with a cruising spinnaker and tiller pilot. He used a plastic sextant to determine his position during the trip.

His trip took 28days from the West coast to Maui. He described winds up to 60 knots and then calm seas and winds. At one point an accidental jibe with preventer in place was enough force to break the boom where the preventer was attached. Sailing after that was with genoa and spinnaker.

In discussing safety issues—he wore a safety harness and tether since he did not want to see the boat sail away without him. He says problems usually occur because of human error – not the boat’s fault. Failure to do regular maintenance is often the issue when boaters have problems.

To read more of Shane’s adventures, check out:

www.marine-concepts.com/stories/shane.html

Other announcements and comments from the members at the meeting:

• June 22 - 23 will be an on the water boat show at Columbia Crossing. CRACA will have an informational table in conjunction with the Catalina dealer- River City Sailing. This is also the date for the Coon Island cruise so boaters will have a choice.
• July 19 - 29 the Schefstroms and the Wards will be coordinating the CRACA Downriver Cruise.

It was suggested that our first cruise next season be at Vancouver Landing at the Quay instead of Hadley’s Landing. The Columbia Queen is scheduled to be at the dock every Saturday, so this may be a problem for us.

Historian

By Alex Andre', C38, Fly Bye

Spring is here and so is the rain! This is a busy time of the year for some people, but I would appreciate any photos you have. Even if it’s just a single photo, send it in with an explanation, and I’ll use it. If you have photographs that aren’t digital, just bring them to a CRACA meeting or event, and I can scan them to a PDF file and give them back. I’ve yet to leave the ground with this project, and in order to do so, I need input from you; the members of CRACA.

Alex Andre'
503-819-9998
alex@teamimpact.org

Safety Focal

By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

Oregon State Marine Board cautions for Hypothermia

Oregon's waters are born of snow melt and therefore tend to be cold throughout the year.  In early spring boaters should be aware of the effects of hypothermia - especially in the event of an accident.  Here is what the Oregon State Marine Board has to say…

Hypothermia - Even in Summer!

Oregon's waters are born of snow melt and, therefore, tend to be cold throughout the year. Even in summer on a hot day, boaters and bathers should be aware of the effects of hypothermia - especially in the event of an accident.

Hypothermia is the lowering of the body core temperature. While skin and tissues cool rapidly in cold water, it generally takes 15-20 minutes for the temperature of internal organs to begin to drop. Once your body’s core temperature begins to fall, it does so steadily. Unconsciousness can occur when your core temperature drops below 90° F and death usually occurs at approximately 80° F.

What To Do

Every effort should be made to slow your cooling rate. Techniques that will increase your survival time take into account the following:

• Your body cools faster in cold water than in cold air
• Heat loss is increased through movement
• Most heat is lost through the head and neck area
• Other major areas of heat loss are sides of the chest and groin region

If you fall into cold water do not panic. Air trapped in clothing can provide buoyancy as long as you remain still in the water. Do not remove your clothes or shoes unless it is necessary for flotation, as they provide added thermal protection. If you are boating and capsize, try to right your boat and climb back in. If this is not possible climb on top of your boat, getting as far out of the water as possible.

Effects of Emersion

Cold water immersion can cause immediate problems including disorientation, unconsciousness and occasionally heart attack. If your plunge is sudden, cold water shock can trigger hyperventilation or a gasp reflex. Either reaction can be fatal if your face is under water.

Self-rescue becomes more difficult as your extremities are quickly numbed by the cold. Your hands will have trouble holding on to a life jacket, rescue line or overturned boat. Within 20 minutes, hypothermia sets in.

Swimming

Swimming in cold water will not keep you warm. Even though you feel warmer because blood rushes to the skin, you actually lose more heat by swimming than by remaining still. Swimming to safety is only recommended if you are absolutely sure of making it.

By choosing to swim you reduce your survival time. A good swimmer is incapacitated by hypothermia after swimming less than 1 mile in 50° F water. Also, shore may be farther than it appears. The best advice is to stay with a boat if possible as it is easier for rescuers to spot than a person alone in the water.

Survival Time

The temperature of the water, body size, body fat, the type of clothing you are wearing and your activity in the water all determine survival time. Generally, survival time increases with extra body fat and decreases with smaller body size. Children cool faster than adults because of their smaller body size and lower fat content. As illustrated, an average size individual wearing a standard life jacket and light clothing will have a predicted survival time in 50° F water of 2 1/2-3 hours.

“HELP” AND “Huddle”

The “Heat Escape Lessening Posture” (HELP) is only possible when wearing a flotation device. Hold the inner side of your arms tightly against the sides of your chest, press your thighs together, cross your feet and raise your knees to your chest. Life jackets with their buoyancy high on the body are best for this technique. Life jackets with evenly distributed buoyancy will cause some instability. If that happens, lower your legs a little but keep them together.

Another strategy that works when several people are in cold water is the “huddle”. Heat is preserved by huddling close, chests side by side. Placing children in the center of your huddle will extend their survival time. Both of these techniques will reduce your heat loss and increase your survival time by approximately 50 percent.

Be Prepared

Being prepared for cold water means wearing a life jacket when boating. Trying to put your jacket on while in cold water is very difficult. Equip your life jacket with items that will attract attention. Reflective tape and a flashing light, secured high on your jacket, will make you more visible. Carrying small aerial flares, smoke canisters and a plastic whistle can also be effective in drawing the attention of passing boats or rescue personnel.

Drugs or alcoholic beverages should not be consumed while boating. Intoxicants impair critical life-saving decisions and contrary to popular belief alcohol will not warm a person.In fact, alcohol dilates blood vessels and may increase heat loss.

Having knowledge of survival techniques will give you the confidence that you will need to survive. Maintaining a positive attitude and remaining calm can be the difference between life and death.

Without A Life Jacket

If you do not have on a life jacket then you have two alternatives: treading water and drownproofing. Treading water, the continuous movement of arms and legs to keep your head out of water, has a 34 percent higher cooling rate than holding still in a life jacket. However, treading water is recommended over drownproofing.

Of the various survival techniques drownproofing is the least effective way to combat hypothermia. Although an excellent warm water survival behavior, drownproofing will cool the body about 80 percent faster than holding still in 50° F water. This is primarily because drownproofing requires alternating your head, a high heat loss area, in and out of the water.

Treatment

Great care should be taken to ensure that the victim avoids physical exertion, trauma and going from a horizontal to vertical position quickly. Jarring the victim might adversely affect the victim’s heart.

Mild Hypothermia

Symptoms:

• Shivering vigorously
• Lips may be blue
• Talking clearly and sensibly
• Numbness, clumsiness and loss of dexterity
• Pain from cold

First Aid:

• Get victim to a dry, sheltered area and remove wet clothing
• Put on dry clothing and apply warm objects
• Give warm, sweet drinks- no alcohol
• Do not rub the surface of the body

Severe Hypothermia

Symptoms:

• Shivering reduced or absent
• Lips appear blue
• Slurred speech, muscular rigidity, appears drunk
• Semiconscious to unconscious
• Loss of reasoning and recall, may resist help

First Aid:

• Obtain medical assistance
• Get victim into sleeping bag or blankets, apply warm objects
• Monitor breathing and pulse
• Start artificial respiration or CPR as needed

If a victim is found floating face down or under water, assume the individual is a victim of cold water near-drowning. Blue skin coloration, no detectable breathing, no apparent heartbeat or pulse and fully dilated pupils are typical symptoms.

This does not mean the victim is dead. Immediate and continuous CPR may save an individual in this situation. Obtain medical assistance immediately. If you have trouble differentiating between mild and severe hypothermia, a good rule of thumb is less than 30 minutes in the water, mild hypothermia and more than 30, severe hypothermia.

Predicted Survival Time (Hours) in 50° F Water With Flotation

Swimming Slowly ........2.0
Holding Still ................2.7
HELP...........................4.0
Huddle........................4.0
Flotation Jacket..........7.0

Predicted Survival Time (Hours) in 50° F Water Without Flotation

Drownproofing............5.1
Treading Water ...........2.0
Clothing worn was cotton shirt, pants, socks and running shoes.

Communications

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

As Sean prepares to head off to the University of Washington in the Fall, the crew of Celtic Myst have found themselves in Seattle several times this year.  On one of those trips I had the opportunity to get away for half a day and kick around Anacortes.  For the trailer sailor, Anacortes commonly serves as the jumping-off point for a cruise into the San Juan Islands or the Canadian Gulf Islands.  I've always launched at Cap Sante Boat Haven because the marina is well maintained, is always being upgraded, within walking distance of shopping (both grocery and West Marine), and it has a marine monorail for launching and retrieving boats.

While I'd enjoy once again sailing the islands in my Catalina 22, Laura tells me she's done her last overnighter on a C22.  I can't blame her, cruising aboard Celtic Myst is like RVing while my yellow-hulled C22 Crocus, which I co-own with Don Bateson, is more like pup tent camping because you can't stand up.  Hard to believe that Laura, Sean and I sailed the islands twice for ten days aboard our previous C22 Harmony.  Today I mostly use the C22 for racing and day sailing, although every once in a while I'll grab my gear and spend a night aboard.

22nd Annual Columbia River Ladies Cruise

Although not a CRACA event, the Ladies Cruise has traditionally attracted a couple of Catalina crews.  Running from May 18th through 20th, this year's event is taking place at Coon Island on Multnomah Channel.  It's a weekend of camaraderie, with prizes for Best Dressed Crew and Best Dressed Boat to theme.  Visit www.ladiescruise.com for more information.

OWSA Wednesday Night Sails Begins, May 16

The Oregon Women's Sailing Association is always looking for boats to participate in the OWSA Wednesday Night Sails (WNS).  Celtic Myst hosted several WNS's in 2006, and we are signing up again.  If you are looking for an excuse to get the boat out at least once a week and want a ready made crew then the OWSA WNS is the way to go.  Visit www.owsa.net for more information.

Swap Meet at Tomahawk Bay Moorage, May 19

Tomahawk Bay Yacht Club (TBYC) will be holding its annual swap meet in the parking lot of Tomahawk Bay Moorage, 515 NE Tomahawk Island Drive, Portland, OR 97217.  The selling is slated to begin at 7 am.   If you have items to sell, you can purchase a space for $5 by contacting Stan @ 541-764-3967 or Bev @ 503-452-0071.

Antique and Classic Boat Show, June 23

Tomahawk Bay Moorage will once again play host to the CWC-ACBS's Antique and Classic Boat Show.  In the water you'll find everything from runabouts to cruisers.  Ashore an eclectic mix of classic outboard motors, classic cars, runabouts, and boat models will have been assembled for your viewing.

I can highly recommend this show.  The quality and content seems to improve each year.  The last couple of years have featured the restored PT 658 based in Portland.  The boat has been open for tours, and at the top of every hour they fire up one of the boat's three Packard engines.

---

Cruising

---

Cruising Chairman

By Jim Elieff, C30, Fortune

Hello Members,

The season is off to a wonderful start. We've had two great cruises and two very interesting speakers at our meetings, thanks to our Vice Commodore Alden for the speakers.

We have a cruise planned to Martin Island over Memorial Day that several of us are looking forward to.  Those signed up so far include:

• C30 Fortune, Jim Elieff (Cruise Host)
• C320 Mystique,  John & Sharon Fulton
• C36 Cheryl Lynn, Ric & Cheryl Ward
• C42 Kira Lynn, Jess & Mary Schefstrom
• C50 Catherine, Joel & Ann Just

Please contact me if you plan you attend the cruise so I make sure to include you in any information I pass along regarding the cruise.

Jim Elieff

503-706-3081

elieffmaan@yahoo.com

Friday Rendezvous

I've been waiting for a sunny weekend to kickoff our Friday Rendezvous series for the season.  The idea is to sail to the dock below Shenanigans Restaurant (Red Lion Hotel on the River - Jantzen Beach) on a Friday to enjoy Happy Hour together in the company of fellow Catalina enthusiasts, and then go out sailing between the bridges on Saturday for those that want to make it an overnight affair.  We aren't allowed to stay overnight at the Red Lion dock, but other options exist.  I've arranged with Columbia Crossings to allow CRACA boats to spend the night at Tomahawk Bay Moorage for just $10/night (call 503-203-2444 and ask for Dale).  You can stay for free at Vancouver Landing right next to Red Lion Hotel - Vancouver, or you can anchor in Grandma's Cove (aka Canoe Bay) where Schooner Creek Boat Works is located.

Announcing Our First Friday Rendezvous

Friday, May 11th

Docks at Shenanigans

Happy Hour:  4 pm - 8 pm

Saturday, May 12th

Day sail between the bridges

Rendezvous outside of Tomahawk Bay Moorage at 11 am

Cruising Plans

The Catalina Rendezvous in September is shaping up, thanks to Kathleen Lewis, who is doing a lot of work and making it happen.

Rick Ward and Jess Schefstrom are working on the Downriver Cruise in July that looks like there will be something for everyone.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon.

James M.Elieff C. D.

CRACA Cruising Schedule

• May 26 - 28, Martin Island
• June 9 - 10, McCuddy's Landing
• June 23 - 24, Coon Island - East
• July 14 - 15, Government Island - East
• July 21 - 29, Downriver Cruise
• August 4 - 5, McCuddy's Landing
• August 16 - 19, Beacon Rock
• Sept. 15 - 16, Catalina Rendezvous
• Sept. 22 - 23, Hadley's Landing
• Sept. 23, Sail for the Cure
• October 20 - 21, Government Island - East

Cruising Report
Rain Doesn't Dampen Spirits on the Bartlett Landing Cruise

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

The CRACA April 21-22 cruise to Government Island's East dock was predicted to have a chance of showers on Saturday, decreasing on Sunday.  Laura and I had already decided to go rain or shine so it was really only a question of how much wind and how cold.

We left Tomahawk Bay Moorage in the late morning Saturday and found ourselves nearly alone on the water.  There wasn't enough wind to sail in so we motored.  The rain held off until we approached the I-205 bridge.

Upon arriving at Bartlett Landing we discovered that the following boats had already arrived:

• C30 Fortune, Jim Elieff (Cruise Host)
• C320 Mystique,  John & Sharon Fulton
• C42 Kira Lynn, Jess & Mary Schefstrom

The number of Sherman's walks was the only real downside to the rain on Saturday.  Rain or no rain, appetizers were shared, stories told, and acquaintances made.  What normally would have taken place on the dock simply moved indoors to the salon and hospitality of Jess & Mary Schefstrom.  The conversation and food were wonderful.  John Fulton and I had only exchanged emails before after a picture of his boat under sail had appeared on the CRACA website, so it was nice meeting John in person.

We awoke to sunny skies on Sunday.  As Laura slept in and Sherman and I explored the island, the other three CRACA boats departed for home.  Celtic Myst didn't get underway until after 3 pm and once again we were greeted with calm conditions.

Between the naps, books, and the socializing with others, Laura and I pretty much accomplished everything we went on the cruise to do.  While I know rain can turn many off, I've come to not plan too much around it boating-wise.  I usually use the forecasted temperature and wind velocity to influence my go/don't go decision.  This extraordinary picture sent to me by Jess Schefstrom reminds us that sometimes even a predicted so-so weekend can turn out pretty amazing.

Thanks again to everyone that was on the cruise.  It was great sharing some laughs.

CRYA Update

By Michael Lewis, C42, Wind Raven

Editor's Note:  CRACA is a member of the Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA) and Michael Lewis and Jim Elieff typically attend CRYA's monthly meetings on behave of CRACA.

Doggy Lifejacket Loaner Program

Nancy Dale, CRYA Delegate from Riverside Yacht Club and Four Paws Only shared the need for pet safety on the water. She is starting a program called “Operation Safe Dog” where pet life jackets can be obtained at major gas docks on the Willamette or the Columbia River.

The pet jackets can borrowed for up to 48 hours and must be returned within 48 hours or the borrower will be charged for the jacket, but the proceeds of the pet jacket would go toward replacing the jacket.

The program is being sponsored by Paws Aboard and Four Paws Only. www.fourpawsonly.org  She explained that the need has arisen because over 200 dogs have been lost or drowned in the last two seasons and many owners do not realize that some dogs with large chests or short necks do not swim well.

Oregon State Marine Board

Janine Belleque, Grants/Contracts Coordinator of the Oregon State Marine Board gave an update on the projects that have recently received approval or are in the process of getting approval.

Coon Island -- The transient dock at Coon Island will be replaced and made longer, she estimated 390 to 400 feet with both internal and external access. They plan to be on site June 25; which will impact one scheduled cruise. OSMB will not be replacing restrooms at this time due to lack of funds, however she is hoping the county will put in another application.

Sandy Beach at Government Island -- Along with the new docks, Sandy Beach at Government Island will receive a new pump out and floating bathroom if the core permit is approved; construction is tentatively scheduled to September 2008.

Gleason (42nd Street) Ramp Transient Dock -- Several projects scheduled: modifying the wall to improve the inside and outside ties, improve the ramp, and trash racks (debris deflection wall).

Lake Oswego Foothills Park Transient Dock -- The proposed project has been redesigned to allow access to the shore-side by boats up to about 30’ with no more than 4 ½’ draft. There will be approximately 100’ of dock accessible at low summer water levels and more when the water level is higher.

North Sand Island Wave Attenuator -- At this time no federal funds have been approved to install the wave attenuator at North Sand Island. The City of St Helens is looking for partnerships from local businesses to help with funding.

Down River Transient Dock -- The OSMB will be looking at other locations for a transient dock somewhere between St Helens and Astoria. The problem is that the local governments don’t have the funds to support this sort of facility. There may need to be a push to get the State Parks Dept to establish a new island state park somewhere down river.

Mooring Buoys -- The OSMB is looking at mooring buoys as a way to increase transient tie-up facilities, but are looking for someone to take on the responsibility of monitoring the buoys.

2007 Down River Cruise

By Jess Schefstrom, C42, Kira Lynn

The 2007 Down River Cruise will be hosted by “Cheryl Lynn” C36, Rick and Cheryl Ward, and “Kira Lynn” C42, Jess and Mary Schefstrom.

We hope all will consider attending this cruise down the beautiful Columbia River to its mouth. It is a great trip and there is nothing better than coming out of Ilwaco with a fresh NW wind and heading back up river at 7 to 8 knots under full sail for 103 miles.

The ports of St Helens, Cathlamet, Ilwaco, and Astoria are great full service facilities with power, showers, shopping, restaurants, and lots of history.

If you can’t make the time commitment to attend the whole cruise, consider maybe going half way down to Cathlamet or meeting up with us in Cathlamet or Martin Slough on our way back up river.

The cruise float plan is shown below. We hope all will consider attending and if we can answer any questions please feel free to contact us.

Rick and Cheryl Ward

503-657-4892

rcward95@msn.com

 Jess and Mary Schefstrom

503-410-0604

jhse27@hotmail.com

If you will be attending this cruise please call or send a note to Jim Elieff, Cruising Chairman.

Jim Elieff
503-706-3081
elieffmaan@yahoo.com

2007 Down River Cruise Float Plan

Downriver
Thur	July 19th	Leave Portland
		St Helens Concert on the River	20 miles
Fri	July 20th	Cathlamet	44 miles	5.5 hrs (at 8mph)
Sun	July 22nd	Ilwaco	39 miles	4.9 hrs
Upriver
Mon	July 23rd	Astoria	11 miles	1.8 hrs (at 6 mph)
Wed	July 25th	Cathlamet	28 miles	4.6 hrs
Fri	July 27th	Walker Island	19 miles	3.1 hrs
Sat	July 28th	Martin Slough	12 miles	2.0 hrs
Sun	July 29th	St Helens	13 miles	2.1 hrs
		Portland	20 miles	3.3 hrs
		Trip	206 miles	27.3 hrs

Opening Day

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

Each year on the first Saturday in May the Columbia River Yachting Association (CRYA), of which CRACA is a member, celebrates Opening Day with a parade of boats on the Columbia River.   CRYA member clubs and associations motor passed a review boat on which a group of judges evaluates everything from "Best Seamanship" to "Best Decorated Boat".

For those that stayed home, here's a glimpse at the parade:

---

Racing

---

Catalina Racing Alive and Well

By Dale Mack, C30, Celtic Myst

With the C22's and C25's racing one-design, and everyone else racing in the Cruising Class (no flying sails), 2007 is witnessing a resurgence amongst Catalina owners in the joys of racing.  While some may be attracted to the competition, the reality is that most are into it for the built-in excuse to get out on the water with a group of others once a week and see if you can get the boat around the course.  That last part, "getting the boat around the course", has been challenging for the first two races of the SYSCO Spring Series which started in mid-April.  Light air, and a dying breeze have been the norm so far.  Despite the conditions it has been a lot of fun.  For those who think no one races Catalina's, here's a list of folks who are racing:

Tuesday Evenings

• C25, Encore!, Gary Bruner
• C25, Lematike, Terry Annis
• C25, Detour, Gail Taylor & Doug Pihlaja
• C25, Dogs Allowed, Kevin Machenzie
• C25, Plan "B", Steve Eldred

Thursday Evenings

• C22, Crocus, Dale Mack
• C22, Harmony, Dan Dugan
• C22, Togarty, Don Woodhouse
• C22, Promise Land, Scott Ferre
• C28, KA-SL, Gary Whitney
• C30, Zonkers, Kelly Martin
• C38, Fly Bye, Alden Andre'

Curious about racing either as a skipper or as crew?  If so, I highly recommend you take our Vice Commodore, Alden Andre', up on his offer and go racing with him.  Seeing how it is done will help demystify the whole process so you can concentrate on the fun.

Opportunities to Race

The SYSCO Summer Series starts June 5 & 7 and runs through July 10 & 12.  The Friday evening Beer Can Races start June 8th and run all the way through August 24th.  See www.sailpdx.org for more information.

The OWSA Women's Race Series runs on Monday evenings from June 4 - June 25.  This series provides women an opportunity to explore the exciting world of racing with an all women crew.  See www.owsa.net for more information.

---

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.