The Mainsheet - August 2021

COMMODORE’S COMMENTS
Fellow Members, we closed out the month of July with another fantastic dinner by John and Susie Koesterer.  Their Low Country Boil was a hit and we thank all who attended. 

The month of August marks the finale of AYC hosting the reception for the youth sailing program. Known as Thundering Thursdays, it has been great to once again be able to host these young racers and their parents at our clubhouse for dinner. Special thanks to Dominic Cortese, Joleen Darland, and new member Diane Wilkinson for volunteering weekly for this event. 

Our Open House has been pushed to the second Friday this month (August 13th). As always we encourage members to show up and talk to our guests about the benefits of joining our club! We also look forward to our Club Day-Cruise August 21st to Frenchy’s Cove at Anacapa Island. Make sure to contact Cruising Chair Mike Gram for more info, and view his comments below.  

Lastly, the end of the month (August 28th) is the Wes Goleman Memorial Race. Make sure to read our Race Committee Chair Todd Turner's comments below regarding AYC's classic island race and breakfast reception.

Eric Swartz, Commodore, AYC

CLUB DINNERS AND SOCIAL EVENTS:

 Here's what's happening at our clubhouse in August: 

AUG 7 SATURDAY Dinner Marshall & Dina Murphy

AUG 13 FRIDAY Open House Eric Swartz

AUG 14 SATURDAY Dinner Ted Wright

AUG 21 SATURDAY Dinner Daniel & Mona DeCesare

AUG 27 FRIDAY General Meeting Joleen Darland

AUG 28 SATURDAY AYC DARK Wes Goleman Race

AUG 29 SUNDAY Wes Goleman Race Breakfast and Awards

Volunteers are really needed to help with some of our upcoming events!

Wet Wednesday

RACE COMMITTEE REPORT

July had a fantastic four weeks of Wet Wednesdays, the weather allowed for longer courses on two of our four races this past month. We sent the A and B fleets on some wild rides, Wes mark to port, Hueneme to port and finish in 18 + KTS of wind. That got some good reviews. Then we sent the A fleet to Wes Mark to port, Gina to port, finish and at the same time we sent the B fleet to Wes Mark to starboard, Mandalay to port, finish. Another almost 20 KTS day and most of the boats came back in very close. For our C fleet we saw some new boats out for their first time ever, they had a blast and I'm pretty sure they will be back. Our course selection for the C fleet is designed around smaller, slower, under-maned or entry level boats so anyone can enjoy. That said, there is no reason not to give it a try. If you or someone you know has a boat let's get it out and see what you can do. Fanatic, No Compromise, Predator, Lickety Split,Chronic, Wai Lani, Aya Sofia, Main Squeeze, Wild Horses, Bandaloop, Camp David, Critter, Angelsea, Runaway, Kira, Fusee, Jedi, So Long, Mad Dog, Rubber Ducky, Chubasco, Majic Dragon, and Spit Dog it was good seeing you out there!

Lastly, I can’t forget to report on the future race, Wes Goleman Memorial, the third race in our Island series. It will be on 8/28/2021 with the Awards Ceremony Breakfast on 8/29/2021 . We need volunteers to help with food. Please let me know it you want to help your club.

Race Committee out,

Todd Turner, Jr Staff Commodore, Racing Chair, AYC

SMUGGLERS WEEKEND CRUISE/RACE

It appears that our traditional Santa Barbara Race will be on hold again this year, so we are going change things up a bit. Our family cruise trip in July to Frenchy’s Cove on Anacapa was such a success that we are going to expand the event to include an overnighter. So Saturday, September 4th, we will have a race from CIH to Smugglers Cove on Santa Cruz, approximately 18 NM, anchor overnight, party that night and race back Sunday.

AII TYPES OF BOATS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND! Wether you have a fast J boat or a heavy cruiser with a dirty bottom you are invited to participate. If you don’t have a current rating you will be assigned one. Please contact Todd Turner, Race Committee chair for this.

We all know any two boats going in the same direction are racing, but this is intended to be a family event with the emphasis on fun so bring the kids.

Start time will be 9 AM on a line parallel to the south end of the detached breakwater (CM1). YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO RUN YOUR ENGINES FOR EXACTLY 5  MINUTES AT 5 KTS MAXIMUM SPEED after the start to ensure you clear any dredge equipment and ensure proper separation.

Finish will be a line running East 0.25 nautical mile off the the white coast guard buoy. Sundays start line is same as finish engines must be off at that point. Start time will be at your discretion. If you're not sure make a friend and follow them. Finish line will be the same as the Saturday start line, take your own finish times and email/text them to Todd. An award will be given to the first and last boat to finish. Awards will be given out at the following Wet Wednesday awards dinner at AYC. Remember all this is all for fun (unless you think you have the lead then sail like ####)!

Please send your plan to attend to Todd, check in with AYC race committee Ch: 68 after your start and fly your AYC burgee.

Please text Michael Gram, AYC Cruising Chair, at 805 218-4929 for questions. Feel free to invite another boater (the more the merrier).  Hope to see you there.

Todd Turner, Jr Staff Commodore, Racing Chair, AYC / Michael Gram, Cruising Chair AYC

CRUISING COMMENTS

DAY CRUISE TO ANACAPA

On Saturday, July 17 we went on a very enjoyable day trip to Frenchy’s on Anacapa Island. The trip over was motor sailing, lite wind with lots of sun for about 2.5 hrs. We all had lots of fun kayaking, snorkeling and swimming. The sail back was a blast, with a beam reach 12 to 18 kts. Along with several invited boats was “Abide” with Jeff and family,” Piper”with Todd and family, “Compass Rose” with Angie and Mike along with Dominic and Gary’s group on “Alcyone“. Sorry to the others I may have forgotten to mention. We all had a great time and plan to do another family day run to Frenchy’s (similar to 7/17) on Saturday August 21, 2021. We will be leaving the CIH breakwater at 9:30 AM monitoring ch.68 and meeting at Frenchy’s Cove on Anacapa Island. Anchoring is best east of the large rock off the beach in about 25 feet. We hope to raft up,(weather permitting) bigger boats in the middle. Rafting is optional but a fun way to get to know your fellow boaters. Fly your burgee and bring your toys. Any questions text me at 805-218-4920. As always invite a guest boater/boat and introduce them to the group.

Michael Gram, AYC Cruising Chair, SV Compass Rose

EXTENDED CRUISE, LAST OF THE SEASON

We on SV Compass Rose are planning on an extended trip circumnavigating Santa Cruz Island stopping at all the fun spots (there about 10) it will take about a week. Up the back side then sailing down the front side. As Santa Wind events historically begin in October this is the safest time. We are letting our fellow cruisers know far in advance as you may need to take vacation time. Planned dates are September 20th to October 3rd. Please contact me if you have an interest or questions. Icnugram@aol.com

PERSEIDS METEOR SHOWER

Rear Commodore, Angie and Cruising Chair, Michael will be hosting a stargazing raft-up at 8:00 pm behind the breakwater at Channel Islands Harbor on August 12 to watch the Perseids (said to be the best meteor shower of the year). We will be taking our 23’ sailboat “Chubasco” and anchoring inviting all to join us in their dinghies/inflatables for a group raft-up. Bring some Snacks and drinks to pass around. This outing has been approved by CI Harbor Patrol and will obviously depend on sky visibility, more to come.

Michael Gram, AYC Cruising Chair

DID YOU KNOW?

Anchoring Legal Responsibilities 

The first boat has the right to anchor as she pleases, this includes amount of scope, number of anchors and placement. It is common courtesy to use a bow and stern in small anchorages and or a shifting tide but not mandatory. Arriving boats must make every effort to stay out of its (swing) circle. 

If you begin to drag you are not considered anchored and you give up all rights. A vessel shall be found at fault if it fails to reset in a safe position when dragging into a dangerous position with another vessel.

If you increase your scope by letting out more rode/chain you have changed the geometry of your boat swing. If this places another vessel in danger of contact you may be considered re-anchored, giving up your prior rights.

If there is imminent risk of damage due to a collision, both parties have the responsibility to act to reduce damage ie: taking up or letting out anchor rode, using fenders or abandoning ground tackle and getting underway.

The above citations are from a case Juniata 124 F. 861 US Admiralty Court, E.D. Virgina, 1903. Other rulings generally agree.

Reference: Drew Frye, Practical Sailor, Published May 23, 2019 Updated January 29, 2020

Submitted by Michael Gram, AYC Cruising Chair

We at the Main Sheet would welcome any “Did You Know?” articles you would like to share.

IN SEARCH OF:

If you are looking for a piece of marine gear, send in your request with contact information to icnugram@aol.com and it will appear in the next AYC Mainsheet and you will be contacted by anyone who can connect it with you.

SELF TAILING WINCH: I need a self tailing winch ( 2 if possible) but one will do with an approximately 4 3/8 inch mounting base. Please text 805 218-4929. 

Thanks

Michael Gram

PIPER UPDATE

Piper has new ground tackle donated by Mike Taylor. Maintenance on Piper continues to keep her use as the AYC Race Committee boat. She may also be used by members for outings once the Competency Checklist has been completed. Competency for use of Piper means that the ability to operate Piper has been assessed and documented for safety. Thanks to all that work to keep her seaworthy.

Angie Frausto Gram, Rear Commodore, AYC