april 2013 issue of the windjammer
DESCRIPTION
The April 2013 issue of the WindjammerTRANSCRIPT
Houston Yacht Club April 2013
2012-2013 Flag Officers Commodore: Bob Wright,
Vice Commodore: Nancy Edmonson, [email protected]
Rear Commodore: Robert Williams,
Line Officers Fleet Captain: Gordie Keenan: [email protected] Secretary: Ken Humphries,
Treasurer: Steve Gillett, [email protected] Measurer: Derek Beck, [email protected]
Trustees Gary Banks: [email protected]
Madonna Breen: [email protected]
Farley Fontenot: [email protected] Paul Francis: Pfrancis@ Bakerlaw.com
Lawrence Maher: [email protected]
Andrew McStay: [email protected] Bob Wells: [email protected]
Jack Yoes: [email protected]
Honorary Officers Fleet Historian: Sam Akkerman 713-526-0482
Fleet Surgeon: Dr. Michael Lucas 281-881-0265
Fleet Chaplain: Dr. Linda Christians 713-875-7454
Other Contacts Ensigns: Carol Lee Hollister 281-867-5068 Entertainment: Barbara Matuszak 281-471-1988;
Debbie Cardenas 281-470-6602; Danna Jennings
713-247-9331 Harbor Committee: Bob Wells 281-471-0066
Heritage & Standards: P/C Ginny Garrett 281-471-
6131 House & Grounds: Ed Matuszak 281-471-1988
Ladies Association: Martha Gillett 281-471-4568
Membership: Andrew McStay 713-522-3201 Memorial Fund: Judy Lamkin: 281-471-2130
Mosquito Fleet: John Peter 281-471-8468
Race/Regatta: June Shaw 713-629-7747 Ragnots: Amy Beck, 281-480-0278; Maya Houston,
713-723-0868
WSA: Terry Eukel 281-531-7123 Yachting Committee: Jack Yoes 281-480-1115
Staff General Manager: Ross Tuckwiller Ex. 106
Harbor & Facilities: David Hampp Ex. 107
Food & Beverage: Sandy Tuckwiller Ex. 104 Accounting: Barbara Belansky Ex. 141
Sailing Director: Katrina Williams Ex. 149
Member Services Administrator: Julie Dunlap Ex. 100 Marketing: Jennifer Glass Ex. 150
WINDJAMMER is published monthly by:
Houston Yacht Club
P.O. Box 1276 La Porte, TX 77572-1276.
Telephone 281-471-1255
Fax 281-471-9260
Deadline for the May issue is April 15. e-mail: [email protected]
Please call the HYC Office with your ads
Commodore’s Corner
March started off as a fun-filled and active
month around HYC, and the weather could
not be more cooperative. As we head into
April, the skies are clearing, the plants are
all blooming, and everyone’s thoughts are
turning to getting outside and enjoying the
Club to its fullest.
This year’s Rodeo Cook-off was a prime
example. While the day started odd brisk
for the 9 stouthearted teams who stoked up
their grills in the wee hours of the dawn to
prepare some of the best barbecue that I
have lapped a lip over in a long time. The
event was amazingly well attended, and I
would hazard to guess that there were well
over 150 boot-scooting folks in attendance.
Thanks to the hard work of the Mosquito
Fleet, led by the inventive and talented
John and Becky Peter, HYC was not only
able to host another fine event, but was also
able to make a very healthy donation to the
Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Special thanks
goes out from the Flag not only to the Mos-
quito Fleet, but also to Susan Williams, our
cook-off judges, the HLSR Speaker’s
Committee clowns and the Denim and Dia-
monds dancers who came out to share the
evening with us all. As a side note, I am
very pleased (and relieved) to report that
Stephanie has not, as of yet, taken her fash-
ion lead from Jay Grills. Somehow I am
just not certain she could pull it off with
such panache!
If you have been to the Club in the last
couple of weeks, you will have noticed that
the long-awaited and much-anticipated new
carpet has now been installed everywhere
except in the bar, and that will be com-
pleted shortly. Our thanks to Larry and
Barbara Brownback for their lead in de-
signing the layout of the new HYC carpet
and arranging for its creation, delivery and
installation. We have had the same carpet
at HYC for the last 20 years, and the new
carpet is a vibrant new addition to the ap-
pearance of our Club.
Stephanie and I were recently honored to
be invited the Ensign Fleet 2 In-Town
Party at the home of Balvy Bhogal and Bob
Chapman, and what a party it was! The
appetizers and the company were wonder-
ful, but due to some “short sightedness” on
my part (not sure if it was an eyelash or a
boulder), Stephanie and I were forced to
take our leave very early in the evening. I
really enjoy being “occasional” crew to
such a wonderful group, and it was a real
pleasure to be able to visit with so many of
our Ensign friends and to make some new
acquaintances. Stephanie and I want to
express our thanks for the invitation and
the great hospitality, and our sincere apolo-
gies for needing to leave so early. If it is
any consolation to everyone who was at the
party, all the way home all I heard was
“Dinner sure smelled wonderful . . .”
This event naturally led my thought to vari-
ous sailing organization at HYC, and 2013
is a milestone year for many of our organi-
zations.
One of the prime operative numbers for
2013 is 30. As you probably know through
reading recent WSA Windjammer articles,
2013 is WSA’s 30th anniversary, and the J-
22 fleet is also celebrating 30 years of rac-
ing on Galveston Bay. In addition, Ensign
fleet #2 is celebrating its Golden Anniver-
sary –50 years of sailing and racing out of
HYC and on Galveston Bay. My congratu-
lations go out to all of these organizations,
and as the year progresses, expect to see
some special events honoring each of these
groups.
However, new classes continue to evolve,
with last year being the year of the Viper!!
While the Viper fleet continues to grow
and strengthen, 2013 also welcomes what I
hope is just the beginning of another new
one design fleet at HYC and on Galveston
Bay. I would like to congratulate Dylan
BY BOB WRIGHT Commodore
2 WINDJAMMER April 2013
CONTINUES on page 3
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 3
ON THE COVER The Elissa Regatta will be sailed out of HYC April 6-7. Visit the HYC website for online registration and a schedule of
events.
Cover Photo by
Richard Bricker
FEATURED INSIDE The Mosquito Fleet
Barbecue, Blessing of the Pits and Barn
Dance was a full day of fun for the HYC
Family. Please see photos on pages 5-7.
FEATURED INSIDE HYC is gearing up for the Offshore Regatta which will be sailed
April 26-27. For more information, please
see page 14.
News
Join Us For Opening Day at HYC
The first official day of the spring season
this year was March 20. Not much fanfare
around the date in Houston; the weather is
usually mild and breezy and we are happy
when it stays below 80°F. Sure, there are
no late season snow showers like the ones
our brothers to the North experience, but
we just do not get that excited about this
official date.
A more important date that gets us excited
is Opening Day at the Houston Yacht
Club. As one of the great traditions of our
club since organizing in 1897, Opening
Day is the official start to the sailing sea-
son. This year, Opening Day occurs on
Sunday, April 14, with events scheduled
throughout the weekend.
Schedule of Events: Friday night, April 12: Ensign Fleet 2
Special Tribute Happy Hour. Please join
members of Ensign Fleet 2 as they cele-
brate their 50th anniversary. Ensign Fleet
2 has been located at HYC since 1963.
Saturday, April 13 from 4 to 6 p.m.: Christening Ceremony for boats new to
the Fleet and Dock Party. Please join us
for the Christening Party which includes
the Flag Officers and Fleet Chaplain who
will make the rounds from 4 to 6 p.m. and
formally welcome new boats to the Fleet.
Be sure that you and your family are on
board your boat between those hours in
order to receive the Christening Party.
You will receive a bottle of champagne
and an HYC burgee, and the Fleet Chap-
lain will bless your boat should you desire.
You will also receive a plaque during the
formal ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
New boats to the fleet, no matter how big
or small, please register with the HYC
office by April 3 to ensure your boat is
honored at the Christening Party. You
may also register online through a link
found in the HYC weekly emails. On Fri-
day or Saturday morning of Opening
Weekend, please move your new-to-the-
fleet boat to the Guest Pier (pier 10); port
BY GORDIE KEENAN Fleet Captain
CONTINUES on page 4
and Emma Doss on the arrival of their new
J/70 which is reported to be fast, easy to
sail and easy to trailer with its retractable
keel. I understand that we will have a fleet
of these boats in the HOOD regatta this
fall, and I am really looking forward to
watching them fly around the Bay!
Finally, our thanks to Gary Jobson for an-
other entertaining video presentation at the
Leukemia Cup Regatta Kickoff March 15.
If you weren’t able to attend, you missed a
wonderful evening full of laughter, some
great sailing videos, and a heart-felt and
personal view of how the Leukemia Cup
Regatta benefits the patients and families of
those impacted by all blood cancers. In
case you are not familiar with Gary, he first
became involved with The Leukemia Cup
Regatta in 1994. He is a world-class sailor,
television commentator for CNN, author
and has served as National Chairman of the
Leukemia Cup Regattas since 1994. Nine
years later — in 2003 — he was diagnosed
with lymphoma, which is now in remission.
Since its inception, the Leukemia Cup Re-
gattas around the United States have raised
well over $38 million to help advance the
LLS mission, and of that amount, HYC has
raised approximately $2.5 million. The
15th Annual HYC Leukemia Cup Regatta
will be sailed out of HYC June 21-23, so
please plan to join us for this event either
on land or on water.
There are many exciting and enjoyable
events planned for April, all of which will
be highlighted and detailed in HYC’s
weekly e-mails. Also, now is the time to
sign up for the Women’s Windward Bound
Sailing Camp, various youth summer sail-
ing programs, the HYC Offshore Regatta
and the Ladies Association trip to the
La’Auberge Casino Resort, so make your
plans and sign up early.
CONTINUED from page 2
4 WINDJAMMER April 2013
News
side to and bow toward the harbor entrance. The Fleet Captain
will be on the Guest Pier Saturday morning from 8 to 9 a.m.
with a few hands to help you moor, if needed. Once alongside,
please dress ship with signal flags. On Saturday afternoon and
evening, the custom is for the new boats moored alongside to
entertain fellow members who want to see your new boat. Hors
d'oeuvres and a party atmosphere is encouraged!
If your boat is a dinghy or trailerable boat and new to the Fleet,
there is a designated portion of the front lawn where you can
move your boat and where she will be welcomed. If you can't
move your boat to the Guest Pier or Front Lawn (or don't want
to move it) yet still want to be welcomed and christened, please
let the Office know, and the Christening Party will come to you.
For boats in the harbor that were not being welcomed to the
Fleet on Saturday, please dress ship with signal flags as well.
The harbor looks festive when all members with boats dress
ship.
Saturday Evening, April 13: Hamburger Cook-Out at the Beachcomber starts at 6 p.m.
Drive-in Movie Night, sponsored by the Entertainment Commit-
tee will feature the great summertime film “Dirty Dancing”.
The movie will start at dusk.
Sunday, April 14: Please join us for a Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please call the HYC Office at 281-471-1255 for reservations.
The Opening Day Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. on the lawn
A reception immediately follows the ceremony outside by the
Porthole, weather permitting.
Put away the winter gear, leave the gardening for an-
other time and come on out to Opening Day Weekend. I look
forward to seeing all my HYC friends there!
Do you have a boat in the HYC harbor? If so, you will want to
“dress ship” for our Opening Day. And if your boat is being
christened, that’s also an appropriate time to do so.
The custom of dressing ships for festive occasions dates back to
the early days of sailing ships. When warships returned from
battle, their captains would dress ship to signal their victories.
The more flags, the bigger the victory. Eventually, navies devel-
oped sets of regulations about when and how to dress ship for
ceremonial occasions. Since our Opening Day and boat christen-
ings qualify as a ceremonial occasions, it is proper for us to dress
ship to celebrate.
The naval regulations for dressing ship eventually evolved to
include a recommended sequence of signal flags. The sequence
is based on a harmonious color scheme and has no meaning in
terms of letters or numerals represented by the flags. The recom-
mended sequence is:
AB2, UJ1, KE3, GH6, IV5, FL4, DM7, PO 3rd Repeater, RN 1st
Repeater, ST Zero, CX9, WQ8, ZY 2nd Repeater
Flags are flown beginning with “A” at the forward waterline,
over the stem and the top of the mast, to the stern and finally to
the waterline aft. Properly the ends are weighted with a cham-
pagne bottle at the bow and a shackle at the aft end.
Important: If you don’t have a set of signal flags, sets of decora-
tive pennants are available at very modest cost.
Power boats too! This is not just for sailboats.
So dust off your flags, get your champagne bottle and let’s make
HYC’s Opening Day a colorful, memorable occasion.
BY DAVID MCMILLIN Special to the Windjammer
Dress Ship For Opening Day CONTINUED from page 3
PLEASE JOIN US FOR BRUNCH
SUNDAY, APRIL 14
from 11 AM to 2 PM
Call the HYC Office at 281.471.1255 for
reservations.
The Opening Day Ceremony begins at 2 p.m. on the lawn
PLEASE JOIN US FOR
DRIVE-IN MOVE NIGHT
Saturday, April 13
Drive-in Movie Night, spon-sored by the Entertainment Committee will feature the great summertime film “Dirty Dancing.” The movie will start at dusk.
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 5
News
More than 150 members of the HYC Family turned out for the Mosquito Fleet sponsored Barbecue, Blessing of the Pits and Barn Dance.
Team Smoked on the Water members include Bill Van Raven-swaay as Thurston Howell, III; Bob Hesley as the Howell's butler; Andrea Zaite as Ginger; Jay Grills as the Ooga Booga Man; Joan Van Ravenswaay as Lovey Howell; Rod Powell as the Skipper; V/C Nancy Edmonson as Gilligan; Susan Edmonson as the Chef; Charles Griffey as the Professor; and Lythia Powell as Mary Ann. For a complete list of the winning teams, please visit us online at houstonyachtclub.com on the Mosquito Fleet page.
P/C Ginny Garrett performs the Blessing of the Pits Ceremony.
The Cast Away Cookers
Team Nifty, Shifty Over Fifty Ensigneers
Some of the Kick Ash Cookers include Judie Williams, Al Kin-nard, Danna Jennings and Sandra Baldridge.
Guests enjoy a Barn Dance in the Beachcomber
Don Chisholm and Inna Marek
6 WINDJAMMER April 2013
News
P/C Ed Bluestein
Oa Rose and Amy Beck
Beth and P/C Pat Gibson Cissy Yoes and Becky Peter
Tom Revak and Ann Apel
7 WINDJAMMER April 2013
News
Jack Yoes
Bob Green and By Baldridge
John Mastroianni
Liz Brumbaugh, John Donley, Brian Bobb and his guest.
Rick Goulding and Matt Woodruff John Peter
8 WINDJAMMER April 2013
WSA
In 2013 HYC’s Women’s Sailing Association will celebrate its
30th anniversary. The following is the third of a series of inter-
views with WSA members about the history of this group. In
addition to these articles, WSA will celebrate its 30th birthday
with special events throughout the year. Stay tuned for more
fun.
In 2003 Linda McKee and Patty Ward performed a “Bad Girls”
skit for HYC’s Windward Bound Sailing Camp for Women.
They had everyone in stitches as they roasted the campers, in-
cluding Marie Wise, Carla Banks, Liz Ogletree and Jana Glaze.
Linda and Patty have entertained campers and counselors at camp
every year since, creating characters like Wilhelmina (Patty in a
floppy flamingo costume) and Lulu (Wilhelmina’s fluttery little
friend). They also created the two residents of Happy Harbor
Nursing Home who sit on their porch (drooling a bit now and
then and occasionally dozing off) and remember current campers
from a distant future.
“The entertainment tradition began early, with campers roasting
the instructors at the end-of-camp banquet,” Linda remembers.
“Early campers also liked to play pranks. The Ladies Association
met on Wednesday when we were having camp in 1984. One of
the campers, not me, fixed the toilets in the Women’s Powder
Room so they would talk when you lifted the lids. The ladies
attending the luncheon were really dismayed. It was hysterical.”
Judy Lamkin and Wanda Beaudry preceded Patty and Linda as
camp entertainers with a variety of zany characters. Today, Judy
and Wanda are retired but Linda and Patty continue the tradition,
roasting campers at the final breakfast and interrupting meals and
seminars with sidesplitting skits. At first, new campers are not
sure what to make of the commotion, but soon they begin to an-
ticipate Linda and Patty’s appearances.
Linda and Patty were friends long before they formed their com-
edy team, meeting when Linda started coming to the Club with
Fount McKee. Patty, who grew up at HYC, has been involved in
Windward Bound and the Women’s Sailing Association since
their foundings in 1983.
“At first, only HYC female members and members’ wives were
allowed to attend Windward Bound,” Linda recalls. “Fount tried
to sign me up for camp in 1983, but I was a girlfriend, so I could-
n’t attend.” They got married soon after, and Linda went to camp
the next year. By 1986, she was president of WSA. Linda served
as president again in the 1990s. Patty also was president of WSA
in two disparate years.
Woman’s Hospital Regatta During Linda’s first term as president, WSA began its tradition of
holding a sailing competition for women. Sponsored by the
Woman’s Hospital of Texas, this was the first all-female regatta
in the Galveston Bay-Clear Lake area.
Two classes competed, Ensigns and J22s. The weather was beau-
tiful Saturday, with 10-12 knots of breeze and sunshine. Sunday
was a different story with heavy rain and 20-25 knots of wind. A
squall caused cancellation of the race that day. Patty was on the
winning J-22 team. The following year, Linda McKee skippered
the winning J-22.
“Marilyn Thomas was responsible for getting The Woman’s Hos-
pital of Texas to sponsor this regatta,” Patty notes. “She was an
RN (registered nurse) at the hospital, and convinced the chief
executive officer, Judy Novak, to have the hospital underwrite it.
Judy and some of her administrative staff were on hand to present
the trophies.”
Today, the tradition continues with WSA’s Woman’s Sailing
Weekend featuring competition for the Catherine Spiller Trophy
and the Fairfax Moody Trophy. The Spiller competition allows
mixed crews with a woman at the helm. The Moody competition
is for all-female crews. SeaLake Yachts has sponsored this event
for a number of years.
Ready, Set, Race! Both Linda and Patty have participated in competitive sailing.
Patty learned to sail very early, crewing for her father, P/C Ed
Who’s in That Flamingo Suit, Anyway? BY ANN BORDELON
Special to the Windjammer
CONTINUES on page 9
Linda McKee and Patty Ward
9 WINDJAMMER April 2013
WSA
DeJon, as a child and teenager. “I love to
sail and I love watching others learn to
sail,” Patty admits.
Linda learned to sail at Windward Bound,
but it’s a wonder she did. “We were sail-
ing Sunfish when a storm came up. I took
down my sail and settled down in the boat
to wait for a tow. After awhile I peeked
out from under the sail and everyone was
gone…all the other Sunfish and the power
boat. I drifted out in the bay for quite
some time before someone came to get me.
They didn’t discover I was missing until
they sat down to lunch and realized they
were missing a camper.”
Nevertheless, Linda persevered and over
the years won several sailing honors, in-
cluding Texas Sailing Association’s Ad-
ams Cup in 1990. Her J-22, Miss Priss,
competed for several years at regional and
national regattas. Linda was recognized at
the national level as a nominee for the
USYRU W. Van Clark, Jr. Trophy for
Sportsmanship in 1990.
Meanwhile, on Galveston Bay, Patty was
racing with her husband and a predomi-
nantly female crew. “That’s the most fun I
can remember, sailing with my friends on
our Islander 38, Awesome.” Patty also
took home a few pieces of silver over the
years.
Memories Both Linda and Patty talked about Sail to
High Tea, a party held in late summer or
early fall at a WSA member’s house on
Galveston Bay. Members can travel by
boat or by car to the hostess’s home to
enjoy tea delicacies, wine and Long Island
iced tea. Attendees are encouraged to wear
extravagant hats and gloves with sailing
attire. However, over the years, costuming
has varied.
“Sometimes they wore fancy party dresses
appropriate for tea with the queen,” Patty
remembers. Sometimes, the costuming
was more fanciful. “Once Irma Buckner
came dressed in a shower curtain.”
Then there was the year they lost the recipe
for Long Island Iced Tea. “They served it
anyway, but apparently doubled the
amount of liquor,” Patty says. “The boats
were anchored off El Jardin near my
mom’s house (Betty DeJon), so getting on
and off was a chore. Some of the women
who came by boat had to go home by car
because we were afraid to take them back
to the boats.”
Both Linda and Patty say their husbands
have been very supportive of their sailing
passions. “Thank goodness for a husband
who says, ‘Have a good time. I’ll see you
when you get back’,” Patty says.
“The guys are great. Fount usually just
tells me to let him know if I need any-
thing,” Linda adds.
“They’re blessings for both of us,” agrees
Patty.
Through the Years “WSA filled a gap at HYC,” Patty contin-
ues. “In the 1980s women were becoming
more independent. They were going out of
the home to work, many of them as profes-
sionals. Part of the family income was
invested in the boat, and they wanted to get
more out of it by becoming more profi-
cient.”
Both Linda and Patty continue to serve as
instructors at Windward Bound camp, and
both have taken their turns as camp direc-
tors. “Camp is special,” says Patty. “Most
of the counselors began as campers. It en-
courages a camper to realize that someday
she may be as proficient in sailing as her
counselor. That has to motivate her.”
But, finally, they agree that the reason they
remained attached to Windward Bound,
WSA and the Houston Yacht Club is the
opportunity for friendship. “These women
are my family, and I know they’ll be there
for me no matter what happens in my life,”
says Patty.
“Friends are the family you choose,” Linda
reminds her.
Women’s Sailing Association 30th Anniversary Events
These events will be held during 2013 in
addition to traditional WSA events.
July 20 - Anniversary Moonlight Sail
July 27 - WSA Fashions Then & Now
A humorous look at sailing fashions from
1983 to 2013. All HYC members are in-
vited to attend and bring their friends.
August 10 – Sail to High Tea
This year’s event will focus on the history
of Sail to High Tea. The WSA 30th Anni-
versary DVDs will be distributed at this
event.
October - WSA Month at HYC
WSA members are asked to wear their
30th Anniversary shirts to HYC through-
out the month.
October 4 - WSA Anniversary Happy
Hour & Reunion
Join us for special hors d’oeuvres and a
WSA Birthday Cake. All HYC members
and former WSA members are invited.
FOR LEASE
2 BEDROOM, 1 1/2 BATH, 2 STORY,
Bay Colony Condo, 615 Bay Colony Drive, #8.
Great for full time or
second home. No smoking project
$700/month.
Call Florence Helm at 281-471-5790
for details.
10 WINDJAMMER April 2013
Ragnots
RAGNOT NEWS By Marie Wise
Online Registration Now Available for Youth Summer Sailing Program Registration is now available online for
our Summer Sailing Program. Don't put
this off, as early registration ends April 30
(and a late fee will apply for registration
after that). This allows us to get the right
coaching staff in place and ready for the
summer. We have programs available for
kids aged 5 to 16, beginners to advanced!
Don't miss out on the fun!
http://www.houstonyachtclub.com/
YouthActivities/
If you have any questions at all, contact
Sailing Director Katrina Williams at sail-
[email protected]. She'll be
glad to talk about the different programs,
what your child can expect, and how far a
little sailing experience can take them.
Ragnots On The Water Charlotte Rose traveled to Clearwater,
Florida in February for Laser Midwinters
East. She finished well, learned a ton, and
had a great experience overall. Way to go,
Charlotte!
The Ragnots traveled to Corpus Christi
March 2-3 for the USODA Gulf Coast
Champs and Changes in L'Attitude regattas
at CCYC. Congratulations to all who
sailed especially Ian Beck and Rachel
Walston who won the C420 class, Char-
lotte Rose and Gracie Bulgerin placing 3rd
in the C420 class, Abi Beck placing 5th
female and Paul Houston for 4th in white
fleet in some very challenging conditions!
The US Optimist Dinghy Association held
Nationals Team practice at HYC March
9-11. Top Opti sailors from around the
country, with 7 HYC Ragnots in the ranks,
were able to take advantage of HYC's fa-
cilities, hospitality, and ideal race course
conditions for some seriously fast Opti
sailing.
And in off-the-water news, a dedicated
HYC team ran in the Color Me Rad Fun
Run benefiting Special Olympics at Reli-
ant Park on March 30. Look for pictures
of this crazy fun event on the Ragnot Face-
book page: "HYC Ragnots"
My Big Laser Race By Charlotte Rose Hi. My name is Charlotte. I went to Clear-
water, Florida for Laser Midwinters East,
but I was kind of nervous at first because I
knew I would meet new sailors and would
be coached by two Olympic sailors, Paige
and Zach Railey. Plus, I was sailing in a
radial which I had only sailed in two times.
During the whole regatta I learned a bunch
of new things. Even at the first practice
during rigging, I learned a bunch.
On the first two days of the regatta, I didn't
have the greatest starts. Even though my
races weren't that great, Zack, Paige and
Kaleb talked to me about every race. We
talked about the good things I did and the
not-so-good things, so I kept my spirit up
even in really bad races. On the 3rd day of
the regatta, it was blowing 20 knots and
gusting 25, but that day I didn't even cap-
size! Unfortunately, I did get a hole in my
boat, but I finished the race not even
knowing it was there! One of the most
memorable parts was when Zack pulled
my boat onto his rib, patched up my hole,
and got me right back into the next
race. That was pretty amazing!
Finally, on the last day, the wind was very
light and shifty. We only did one race that
day which I thought was a bit unfair after a
whole series of general recalls and post-
ponements. That race was the best race
out of my whole regatta! I got 9th!!!! I
took everything I learned from the other
races and everything that Zach, Kaleb, and
Paige had taught me and mashed it all to-
gether. On the last downwind leg, the
wind turned 180 degrees so we would be
going upwind to the gates. At the end of
the regatta I ended up top 60 out of 110
boats. I am proud and thankful that I got
the spot I wanted to achieve. I'm thankful
for the great coaching from Zack, Paige,
and Kaleb . Thank you for all the support
and coaching! But most importantly, I
thank Katrina, HYC, and my family for the
support and help. Like my dad always
says, he gives me the opportunity, but I
have to make the motivation and focus on
what I'm doing. Thanks for everything!
HYC 420 Fleet The Ragnots are proud to announce the
new-and-improved HYC 420 fleet. You've
seen them on the lawn, and we'd like to tell
you a bit more about how these boats fit
into the Ragnot future and the HYC mis-
sion.
Yes, we sail a lot of Optis. But young sail-
ors need to learn the skills involved in sail-
ing a two-person dinghy as well. On the
420, we can fly a spinnaker or get out on
the trapeze. Most importantly, we learn
the fine art of communication between
skipper and crew. Plus, sailing with a
Pictured at CCYC back row left to right: Charlotte Rose, Gracie Bulgerin, Rachel Walston, Abi Beck, Ian Beck and Katrina Williams. Front row: Phillipe Zapater, Alex Wise and Paul Houston.
Charlotte Rose
420s at HYC during Skip Whyte clinic
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 11
Ragnots
buddy is just plain
fun!! Kids who are
older or bigger can learn
from the beginning on a
420 without feeling too
big for the boat, and kids
who have learned in
Optis can find new chal-
lenges in the 420.
Our 420 fleet is part of a
big vision for the Ragnot
program as it supports
young sailors with a
variety of goals. This
fits perfectly with the
HYC mission to support and encourage the sport of yachting as
well as to introduce youth to the sport of sailing and boating.
It has taken a bit of hard work to bring the whole fleet up to
snuff. We made the kids do some of the work, and all the parents
learned a bit about 420 rigging as well. A big THANK YOU
goes to the Ragnot Amateur Sailing Association (RASA) for their
generous support as we have worked to refit the older boats in the
fleet with hardware, lines, and sails.
The 420 At 14 feet (or 4.2 meters, thus the name 420) in length and 180
pounds, these boats are sturdy and fun. There are actually two
types of 420 dinghy: the International 420 and the Club 420. The
International sports a spinnaker rig, a trapeze, and a slightly
lighter hull. The 420's seaworthiness and stability at speed are
better than most other two-person centerboard dinghies, and this,
together with its modest sail area, make it fun to sail in heavy
weather and an excellent youth trainer. The 420 is sailed around
the world and in many colleges across the country including our
own Texas A&M, UT, and Texas A&M Galveston. Learn to sail
a 420, and you can go far in the sport!
Not Just for Ragnots! The 420 is an ideal learn-to-sail dinghy for adults as well as
kids. During our Sunday Race Series, we got some new HYC
junior members on board as well. Katrina Williams manages the
fleet to keep the boats in good repair and facilitate use for all
HYC members. Contact Katrina to take a spin with us.
High School Sailing There have been a lot of new young faces in the Ragnot crowd
lately. It seems joining the sailing team is all the rage at Lutheran
South and other area schools since Katrina Williams and Derek
Beck have been working with parents and school leaders to bring
sailing into the high school sports scene. The 420 fleet is a key
part of this effort. Most high school regattas are sailed in the
420, and, again, it is the perfect combination for learning and
going fast. Do say hello to these new sailors and their parents
when you see them here for practice, and let us know if you have
a high school in need of a sailing team.
Newly refurbished 420s on the dock
At the 420 Skip Whyte clinic, sailors are learning a new way to set the spin-naker to weather.
12 WINDJAMMER April 2013
Ladies Association
Our Spring Style Show (With a Twist) was
coordinated by Past President Linda
McKee. Thank you Linda for coordinating
this event and thank you to all the lovely
models!
We are now off to Shangri La Botanical
Gardens in Orange, Texas. This event will
be on Friday, April 12. We will meet at
the club at 8:15 a.m. and head out at 8:30
a.m. As this on such a short drive, we will
be carpooling. The tour will begin at 10
a.m. and then we will have lunch. If we
have at least 26 people, we also have the
option of a boat tour after lunch. The cost
is $5 for garden tour, $8.50 for lunch and
an additional $5 if we do the boat tour.
Come join us and see “A Place of Beauty,
Peace and Enlightenment.” Please RSVP
to me at [email protected] or call me at
281-507-8723.
Games Day in April is Wednesday, the
24th. We also may feature a movie that
day as well. Watch the weekly for more
details on the movie.
In May, we will head to Lauberge Casino
and Resort where you can hit the casino,
shop, dine, swim the lazy river or have a
spa treat.
This trip is scheduled for May 8, 9 return-
ing on the 10th. Group room rates are
$119/night. Contact Danna Jennings if
you are interested 713-247-9331 or
Please check your e-mail, and if the Club,
or Ladies Association, does not have your
correct e-mail address, please send it to us.
If you have not been receiving emails from
me regarding Ladies Association events,
you are not on my distribution list. Also,
let us know of any special events, so our
Sunshine Committee can be sure and send
your family a card or help out if needed.
The weather is getting great so let’s all hit
the water and have fun!!
Make Reservations Now For Casino and Resort Trip BY MARTHA GILLETT
Ladies Association
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 13
News
Moment in Ensign History The First Years of Spun Sugar
By P/C Ginny Garrett
In 1961 when Uncle Bud (Rufus G. Smith,
local yacht broker) told Pearson Yachts he
wanted to purchase one of their new Elec-
tra Day Sailers for his personal use he was
told he’d have to wait for hull #5. The first
four boats were designated to go to na-
tional boat shows around the country. So
it was with great excitement that the family
awaited the arrival of our new boat which
was to be all white with a red waterline.
When Uncle Bud told me to suggest a
name I keyed off that color scheme and
came up with Spun Sugar which I thought
sounded more lyrical than Cotton Candy
and was something light, made of red and
white that was going to fly skimmingly
across the water. (Yes, I had read a lot of
poetry as a child.)
Our family crew raced her every time a
starting gun fired at HYC or GBCA those
first few years. Before the well-known
Ensign insignia came to be, our sails bore
the Electra lightning bolt emblem with E
above and DS below.Our first competition
was boat-for-boat with the Electra Cruising
version, in particular one hot skipper
named Ray Burns. As I recall, we regu-
larly cleaned their clocks and our dining
room began to fill up with silver trophies.
Later we raced as a class as new Ensign
owners began to grow at HYC.
Some of the early strong competitors were
Hank Arnold (#131), Buck Bonner (#138),
Dan Lakenmacher (#376), Bill Kupersmith
(#432) and Lars Wnquist (#212) who
raced with his toddler children in net ham-
mocks slung in the companionway.
We raced Spun Sugar offshore in the
GBCA one-day races (and yes, I got sea-
sick) and we trailered her to Corpus Christi
where we won the regatta under a CCA
rule, but were disallowed on a technicality.
(Uncle Bud could be casual when it came
to paperwork details.) And we raced her in
Miami in the 1963 Yachting Magazine
One-of-a-Kind Regatta on beautiful Bis-
cayne Bay. Although we did well, we
came in third behind two hot new designs
from California – the Cal 20 and the Cal
24.
Watch for some guest columnists in up-
coming issues.
14 WINDJAMMER April 2013
Race and Regatta
Greetings from the Race Committee! The
2013 edition of our offshore regatta is rap-
idly coming together and holds GREAT
PROMISE for high adventure at sea - and
assorted foolishness in Freeport… The
format remains similar to last year’s event
with several important tweaks.
Sequence of Events:
Thursday, April 25: Everyone moves
their boat down to Galveston on their
own (or… set our early Friday a.m.)
LIMITED dockage is available at Har-
bor house and the Galveston Yacht
Basin.
Thursday, April 25 : 7 p.m. Thursday
evening social – Willie G’s Galveston.
The Committee will reserve an area –
show up when you can! This is en-
tirely optional.
Friday, April 26 at 8 a.m.: The Reach
Down the Beach (Gal – Freeport).
Pursuit race with staggered starts at
Galveston marker 11. Spinnaker boats
and non-spin boats start based on
handicap. This is not a required race –
you can move your boat down to Free-
port on your own schedule.
Friday, April 26 at 6 p.m.: Regatta
awards/party/dinner at Scottie’s
Lounge. Most folks arrive between 4
to 5 p.m. Reserve a slip at the Munici-
pal Marina, walk over to Scotties –
we’ll provide directions. It is less than
a quarter-mile.
Saturday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m.: The
HYC Offshore Regatta (Freeport –
Gal). Standard Rule 26 start.
Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m.: Awards
and party at HYC!
Tweaks This year the spin boats will do a leg
which will carry them 28 nautical miles
offshore – total distance will be 79 nm.
The non-spin boats will make a direct dash
for Galveston from Freeport for a total of
43 nm. A major development is that we
have agreed with our sister clubs (GBCA
and Lakewood) to make our spinnaker race
a required circuit stop on the TORC (Texas
Offshore Racing Circuit) to be eligible to
win the Texas Navy Cup. The Texas Navy
Cup is by longstanding tradition a prize
awarded to spinnaker boats. We have
members at HYC who are dedicated spin-
naker racers, however the bulk of our
members are cruising oriented; our HYC
Make Plans to Sail in the HYC Offshore Regatta BY BILL VAN RAVENSWAAY
Special to the Windjammer
CONTINUED on page 11
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 15
Race and Regatta
Offshore Regatta is aimed squarely at this
constituency. We wanted a way a non-spin
boat could participate in the TORC. So, in
agreement with our sister clubs we are
launching a new perpetual trophy for non-
spin boats only. We will circulate the de-
tails of the prize after we meet with the
HYC Board to brief our leadership.
Otherwise, the schedule is similar to last
year. We meet in Galveston Thursday eve-
ning April 25 for a social at Willie G’s
which sets the tone for the weekend. Last
year, with reservations for a dozen people,
48 showed up! Willie G’s did an excellent
job of handling the crush. The food was
superb and the drinks cold. It was a great
evening – we all know there is nothing like
the camaraderie of a room full of like-
minded sailing maniacs – it clears grim
memories of the office from one’s mind…
CONTINUED from page 10
The Annual WorldFest Consular Regatta
will be sailed Sunday, April 21 at the
Houston Yacht Club.
This regatta has always been a great way to
celebrate the wrap up of the 10-day World-
Fest-Houston International Film Festival,
one of the oldest film festivals in the
United States.
Sailors are invited to sign up to race and
power boats are needed to entertain specta-
tors for the April 21 regatta. Your crew
may include an actress, a director or a for-
eign Consul. There is no registration fee
and everyone is invited back to the club for
a Barbecue, music and a fun afternoon at
HYC. Skippers and their boats are asked
to arrive by 11 a.m. at HYC to check in.
Racing action takes place from 1 to 3 p.m.
After the race, boat owners and filmmakers
will participate in a trophy presentation
and barbecue meal complemented by
Shiner Bock beer and other beverages from
4 to 6 p.m. Live music will provide enter-
tainment, and four Longhorn steers will be
available for photo ops.
All skippers who sign up to participate in
the regatta will receive two courtesy VIP
Gold-level passes (worth $800) to attend
film festival events at AMC Studio 30
Theaters at 2949 Dunvale in Houston.
The Annual WorldFest-Houston Interna-
tional Film Festival is April 12-21. Con-
tact the HYC office at 281-471-1255 or
Cheryl Thomas at [email protected]
to register your boat for the regatta.
WorldFest, founded in 1961, is the oldest
independent film festival in the world and
3rd oldest film festival in the United
States. This annual event has evolved into
a competitive Independent International
film festival showcasing the rising stars of
tomorrow! WorldFest gave first honors to
Spielberg, George Lucas, Ang Lee, Francis
Ford Coppola, Randal Kleiser, Oliver
Stone, John Lee Hancock , The Coen Bros
and hundreds of others! WorldFest Hous-
ton is a non-profit 501-(c)-(3) status - edu-
cational and cultural organization. For a
schedule of events for the WorldFest-
Houston International Film Festival, visit
www.worldfest.org
Join Us For the WorldFest Consular Regatta April 21
ENSIGN ENSIGHTS By Carol-Lee Hollister
Thank you to Bob Chapman and Balvy
Bhogal for hosting the In Town Party
March 2. About 30 people enjoyed the
evening at their lovely home in West U.
They presented each guest with a Lands
End tote bag with the 50th Anniversary
embroidered on it.
March 9 was the HYC Barbecue Cook
Off. The Committee of the Garretts, the
Bluesteins, the Hollisters, the Sniders,
the McCullochs and Madonna Breen did
a good job of cooking, and serving and
enjoying the food and the day. Con-
gratulations to Ed Bluestein for taking
first prize for his ribs and to Marsha
Bluestein for first prize for Presentation
in the Other category for her salmon
Kabobs. Well Done! Kudos also to
Tom McCulloch for his great chicken
and Tom Garrett for his venison Jerky.
Great fun and great food!
Mark your calendars for these up coming
events; The Elissa Regatta is scheduled
for the weekend of April 6-7. On April
12 the Ensign Fleet will have Happy
Hour to celebrate 50 years of Fleet 2 at
HYC. April 13 will be the Rechristening
of the Fleet for its 50 year anniversary.
We look forward to seeing everyone
there to participate in these events.
16 WINDJAMMER April 2013
Membership
Well this is a busy month for the member-
ship Committee at HYC what with prepar-
ing for and helping to staff the HYC Booth
at the boat show, reviewing the new appli-
cations and planning various events as part
of our overall Spring recruitment efforts.
We are so busy we sometimes forget to
stop, take a breath, look around and really
appreciate and enjoy all the HYC has to
offer us as members. With Opening Day
just around the corner, I thought it would
be a good time to remind everyone of
some of the many benefits of HYC mem-
bership, so here goes:
Reciprocal Club Privileges: Your
HYC membership also allows you
reciprocal privileges at several Hous-
ton area private clubs. Not only can
you visit our sister yacht clubs, you
could also visit the Petroleum Club,
the Briar Club or even play a round of
golf at River Bend Country Club. All
it takes is to call the HYC Office at
271.471.1255 and request a Letter of
Introduction and the welcome mat will
be rolled out for you. Check the HYC
website for a list of all the local recip-
rocal clubs.
Privileges at yacht clubs all over the
world: HYC members are afforded
reciprocal rights at most United States
yacht clubs and many overseas as
well. Simply consult the Register of
American Yacht Clubs and utilize the
information on the HYC website to
log in for complete access and call the
HYC Office at 271.471.1255 to re-
quest a Letter of Introduction. Addi-
tional information on reciprocal privi-
leges can found on the HYC website
after you log in and click the Members
drop down box.
Third Floor Rooms: Our members
have the ability to rent the third floor
hotel rooms at HYC. These rooms
can provide you, your family or your
guests with a wonderful venue for a
mini vacation right on Galveston Bay.
Coupled with our wonderful dining
room and bar and all the activities
available at HYC and you have great
economical family entertainment.
Speaking of entertainment, HYC is
the perfect venue for that special
occasion in your life. Our facility is
an ideal location for your wedding
reception or that great anniversary or
birthday party you always wanted to
hold. The HYC staff delights in mak-
ing a member’s special event extra
special.
So there are some good things to remem-
ber about the benefits of HYC member-
ship. Check out the HYC website for more
information on all that HYC offers you as
a member. The best time of the year on the
bay is coming up and we hope to see you
at the Club soon. We also hope you will
consider passing on the good word about
HYC to friends and family. Smooth sail-
ing and be safe…
The following applications were approved
for membership at the March Board of
Trustees Meeting:
Nick Wilson, Junior 25-29 Member-
ship, Recruiting Sponsor: David
McMillin
Pieter and Barbara Wybro, Senior
Membership, Recruiting Sponsor: Ron
Gerdes
Maury and Fredrica Rubenstein, Lim-
ited Retiree Membership, Recruiting
Sponsor: Membership Committee
Cyril and Catherine Tawa, Senior
Membership, Recruiting Sponsor:
Membership Committee
Jason and Laura Thomas, Non-
Resident Membership, Recruiting
Sponsor: Ron Gerdes
The following applications have been sub-
mitted for April:
John and Paige Reinhard, Senior
Membership (Former HYC), Recruit-
ing Sponsor: Wise Family
Walter and Gail Kristiansen, Limited
Retiree Membership, Recruiting Spon-
sor: Paul Francis
Five Membership Applications Approved in March BY ANDREW MC STAY Membership Committee
Jason and Laura Thomas
Nick Wilson
SAVE THE DATE Join us at HYC for the Murder Mystery
Dinner Show May 18.
SHOP AT HYC New HYC merchandise is available to purchase in the HYC Wares Room to include Men’s Polo Shirts with pocket.
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 17
News
P/C Cheryl Thomas, Commodore Bob Wright, Gary Jobson and Stephanie Wright
2013 Leukemia Cup Regatta By P/C Cheryl Thomas
Thanks to Gary Jobson, National Regatta Chairman and Past
President of US Sailing, for his hysterical sailing stories and
beautiful videos of sailors and their antics all over the world.
Jobson was at HYC March 15 for the Leukemia Cup Kick-Off
Party. Be sure to look for Gary’s programs on TV during the
America’s Cup in San Francisco.
2013 Leukemia Cup Regatta Schedule of Events:
Monday, May 13: Mike Ogden Golf Tournament with
Commissioner Sebesta
Tuesday, June 11: “Sip & Sail” party at Sullivan’s in
Houston
Friday-Sunday, June 21-23: Leukemia Cup Regatta at
HYC. Visit us online at houstonyachtclub.com for online
regatta registration and the schedule of events.
Friday-Sunday, Dec: 6-8: Fantasy Sail with Gary Jobson
in Captiva, Florida
2013 Elissa Regatta The Elissa Regatta will be sailed out of HYC April 6-7. Registra-
tion is available on our web site on the race schedule page.
2013 Elissa Regatta Schedule
Friday, April 5
5 pm: Silent Auction Opens
5:30-7:30 pm: Check in and T-shirt sales
7 pm: Competitor's Briefing in the ballroom
Saturday, April 6
10:30 am: Warning signal for W/L Race 1; up to 2 additional
races to follow.
10:30 am: Start time for the Pursuit Race. Depending on
weather conditions there could be up to 2 races on Saturday.
2:30 to 6 pm: Live Music provided by Port Arthur Playboys
at the Beachcomber.
6 pm: Dinner in the HYC clubhouse (2 dinner tickets free
with entry fee; 1 per single-handed entry). Additional tickets
available for $20 each.
7 pm: Silent Auction
Sunday, April 7
10:30 am: Warning signal, with up to 2 races scheduled for
all W/L classes for the day.
10:30 am: Start time for the Pursuit Race. One race will be
attempted on Sunday.
*4 pm: Awards presentation in the HYC Ballroom. (*Or
about one hour after last racing boat enters the HYC Harbor)
18 WINDJAMMER April 2013
News
BITTS AND TALES By Vice Commodore Nancy Edmonson
The Barbecue cook-off this past weekend provided great food
and the likely first nominees in next year’s HYC Oscar hunt, but
it also provided more serious food for thought as well. We were
privileged to have the Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF) partici-
pate in our cook-off. HYC Member Matt Woodruff, a Board
member with GBF, brought a team of GBF employees and sup-
porters to HYC for the day to compete and have fun.
Founded in 1987 during one of the many pitched battles over the
future of the Bay (this one involving—surprise!—dredging), “the
mission of the Galveston Bay Foundation is to preserve, protect,
and enhance the natural resources of the Galveston Bay estuarine
system and its tributaries for present users and for posterity”.
The purpose of the Houston Yacht Club is to support and encour-
age the sport of yachting, including sailing, racing, power boating
and cruising…provide proper facilities for the yachts of our
members, and provide a comfortable home on the bay for the
members and families of this fine Club.
Hmmm..sounds like there may be some commonalities in our
missions.
So back to the cook-off—while setting up on Friday evening, a
GBF staffer and I were exchanging stories about how many peo-
ple in the greater Houston area do not even know where Galves-
ton Bay is. HYC often faces this issue when trying to recruit
members, promote boating events, and even raising the visibility
of boating as an amenity for our region. If people don’t know the
Bay, they do not love it and do not feel the need to visit it or pro-
tect it.
GBF supported HYC in its battle against dredge spoil disposal in
Upper Galveston Bay last year, and its support of our position
and the protection of Galveston Bay waters was critical. Incredi-
bly, some of our less charitable opponents tried to portray our
position as anti-environmental and GBF’s steadfast support of
HYC’s position helped dispel that misinformation campaign.
So what’s the point here? There are a few key ones I’d like you to
take away.
(1) Support GBF in its mission to protect Galveston Bay. Many
of GBF’s programs are aimed at increasing awareness of Galves-
ton Bay, which is something that clearly benefits HYC as well.
(2) Protecting Galveston Bay is integral to HYC’s mission as
well. We must have a healthy, attractive, usable bay to serve our
members and reach our goals.
There is a way to do both coming up! For the past few years,
GBF has hosted a great event called Bike Around the Bay to raise
awareness of Galveston Bay and raise money for the foundation’s
other programs. A few members—myself included—have par-
ticipated in years past. We plan to have a team from HYC this
year to show our support of the Bay, complete with HYC jerseys
to show our colors as well. The event is the weekend of October
12 and 13. As is often the case with beautiful Fall weekends,
there are other things going on then as well. HYC will host the
Viper North American Championship the same weekend. I know
some of you will be busy racing, doing race committee, organiz-
ing, socializing, and all of the other critical tasks needed for HYC
to do our usual top-notch job hosting an event of this type. But if
you are not busy bearing the HYC standard on the water or at the
Club that weekend, consider bearing it around the Bay instead. It
will be great fun. More information can be found at
http://galvbay.org/events_bike.html. Lythia Powell has agreed to
be our team captain, so you will be hearing more from her soon.
The above photos by Vivian Griffey capture some of the natural beauty that Galveston Bay has to offer.
April 2013 WINDJAMMER 19
HYC Dining Room Specials
Wednesday Night Specials April 3: Shrimp Flores
April 10: Fish and Chips
April 17: Coconut Chicken
April 24: Yankee Pot Roast
Thursday Night Specials April 4: Crab Meat Imperial
April 11: Beef and Reef
April 18: Texas Country Buffet
April 25: Stuffed Flounder
HYC Dining Room Hours of Operation The HYC Dining Room Hours of Operation are as follows:
* Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch
* Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. for dinner
* Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. for dinner and Friday night buffet
* Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
* Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Come help Ensign Fleet 2 at HYC celebrate their 50th Anni-
versary at a special tribute Happy Hour April 12.
EVERYONE INVITED!
HOUSTON YACHT CLUB
3620 Miramar Drive
Shoreacres, Texas 77571