CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT: 37˚ 46’ 47.5” NORTH - 122˚ 23’ 16.2” WEST
WAV E L E N G T H OF FICIAL NEWSLETT ER O F THE SO UTH B EAC H YAC H T C LU B
VO LU M E X X I I I I SS U E 37 AU G U ST 201 3
vivete lente, navigate celeriter
PHOTO: Kellie Taylor
SOUT H BE AC H YAC H T C LUB
H O W T O A M E R I C A’ S C U P R AY
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H A L L
nd now, another in the ever popular series of “How To” articles designed to make you a more informed member of South Beach Yacht Club and a nicer person to be around. This article will deal with your role in the one hundred sixty-two year old competition for the America’s Cup. Yes, you. Think about it: With the World Series - Super Bowl - Kentucky Derby - Indianapolis 500 of sailboat racing being held in our backyard for the very first time who do you think your friends, acquaintances and relatives are going to approach with their queries, questions and comments about the event? You can bet your sweet burgee –tips up - it’ll be you.
Ray Hall – Dancing Bear
Why? Because you are a Yachter or Yachtie as the case may be, and possible the only certifiable one they know.
But not to worry my little chorizo, I will mentor you to a fair-thee-well and fill you in on the big picture, the jargon and… you know, stuff. Let’s get started. First of all, the boats competing are technically know as “Big boats” or in the case of Testa Rossa, “Big-a boats,” (“Norga-Norga” in Sweden and “No worries, mate” in New Zealand). The American boat is simply known as “Mr. Big” I think. All of these boats are capable of sailing on two very long things or on one long thing or, by lowering a piece of equipment called a “foil thingy,” they can sail on no long things except these “thingies!” OK? You with me so far? Good, because now we will get to the really out of the ordinary part: the sail. If BOEING built a 747 glider and you took off one of the wings and
stood it up on these very long boat things, then that would be the sail. I don’t know for sure how it works but it takes a football team, helmets and all, to make it go lickity-split That brings us to the racecourse. The races will be held on the traditional trapezoidal quadrilateral that is kind of L shaped, where it goes around Pier 39, composed of five legs with gates. Well, I think that covers the America’s Cup agenda, but naturally you’ll want to sprinkle on some nautical jargon around here and there, like “What comes aground goes aground” or do something typically nautical like write a check. There you go. Now you’re all set to impress you friends, neighbors, family and relatives. You don’t have to thank me for illuminating and simplifying the complex AC34 event. That’s what I do; It’s a gift.
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COMMODORE’S REPORT
’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood” The other Mr. Rogers opened his show with this song every day. This Mr. Rogers thinks about that song just about every time he visits SBYC. It’s pretty tough to beat the beauty of our facility, located in the most protected harbor in San Francisco, with views of the Bay, our Marina, the Bay Bridge, AT&T Park, and sunsets glowing on the East Bay Hills. The neighborhood has become vibrant with new housing, shops, and a number of outstanding restaurants. However, along with this urban neighborhood vibrancy comes some unwanted “benefits” such as our homeless contingent. While most just want to be left alone, they do not belong inside the Harbor Building, especially in the locked boater’s bathrooms. A second “benefit” is the up-tick in petty crime. While robberies and other violence is still extremely rare, vehicle break-ins, bike thefts, graffiti, etc. happen with some regularity. So, what can be done about these “benefits”? What is the Port/Harbor doing? They are actively working on a project to install lighting, and security cameras throughout the Harbor, and to beef up the security team. They want us to enjoy the Harbor as much as we do. Therefore, it’s important that we call the Harbor Office at 415-495-4911 to inform them of gate, door, light problems, etc., so that they can address them. Don’t assume that they know about them. Plus Harbor Security has generously
offered to escort anyone uncomfortable about leaving the Club alone late at night. Just call the Harbor Security After Hours number 415-608-1951 What can we do? It’s a combination of common sense, along with timely reporting of any crime, or suspicious activity. The common sense part is something we’ve all heard, so I won’t dwell on it - you know - Lock your car; Don’t leave anything visible in your car; Don’t flash your smart phone; etc. Reporting, however, has become extremely important. In today’s data driven world, Police asset allocation is largely determined by where they spot the negative activity. If we don’t tell them, they won’t know about these incidents - and therefore have no data to act upon. To make it easier for us to get the right info to the right place, member John DeCastro provided the following reporting protocol: If you see a crime in progress, call 911 from a landline or 415-553-8090 from a cell phone to reach the SFPD Dispatch Center directly. For Non-Emergency situations, Suspicious Activity, etc. call 415-553-0123 You don’t have to give your name; just report what you see or hear. An officer may not be dispatched, but the call goes into the Police database, which is regularly analyzed for trends. If there are no stats the police think everything in our area is okay. Your calls are important! They are not a waste of yours or the Police’s time! Quality of Life issues (graffiti,
vandalism of city property, potholes, broken lights etc). Call 311 if located in San Francisco, or 415-701-2311 if you are outside San Francisco. These issues may also be reported online by going to sfgov.org/311, select the “request services” tab, and fill out the proper form. Reports by phone or web can be anonymous, and will be added to the police database. If the suspicious activity, vandalism, etc. is within the immediate Harbor area, it’s also a good idea to call the Harbor Office at 415-495-2295 and let them know. Putting it all into perspective, there have been, and will continue to be, a lot more “beautiful day(s) in this neighborhood” than there will be problems. So, let’s enjoy those days, and do our part to keep them coming.
Tom Roger ~ Marara
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Photo: © Tommy Bonbon
VICE COMMODORE’S REPORT
T
he SF Summer of Sailing continues with a focus on the America’s Cup 34 races. On August 18th, join the Stanford Alumni Association and John Vandemoer, the Stanford sailing coach. John will be offering his thoughts on the AC34 Challenge. Bring your young sailors and hear about the successes of the team as well. Register here. On August 29th, join us for a screening of the film “The America’s Cup: 150 Years in the Making”, narrated and chronicled by Walter Cronkite. The film spotlights the teams, technological and design advancements and some of the most powerful men in the world leading the evolution and obsession over this premium sport. Member, Phil Macafee, will be dishing out his secret ceviche recipe and salad to accompany a Shellback Rum Tasting. Don’t skip this tasty evening.
Saturday, September 7th, the Napa Valley Vintners return on the first day of the AC34 Finals. Member Tim Gaughn has invited three of Napa’s finest boutique wineries to present along with tasty paired appetizers!
B IL L
ADAM S Saturday, September 14th is the Aloha to Summer Dance Party! Ken Ludlum hosts the final farewell to summer with the Riptides Rock & Roll band. Mark your calendars and join in on the dinner and dancing.
The last weekend of the month calls for the Jazz Cup Pre-Race Party! Tap your toes to the Bill Canada Jazz trio while dining cajun style prepared by Chef “Dallas.” Our Special guests: Officers of the Benecia Yacht Club who we hope will arrive in uniform along with “Madame Jazz,” a long forgotten tradition.
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SPLICE THE MAINBRACE
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ateline: Paris (your Hospitality Committee never rests, now scouring the world for new wines!) Are you happy with the beers, wines and liquors that we carry at the SBYC bar? We’re always looking to upgrade from one brand that’s not selling too well to another that we anticpate is going to sell well. Some recent examples: • We replaced Knob Creek bourbon with Makers Mark which, in its first year, is now far and away out selling bourbon. • We replaced Baron de Seillac champagne with Mumm Napa Brut and in the first 6 months of 2013, we’ve sold more champagne than in the whole of 2012. • Champagne splits are the same story – even though Mumm Napa is a more expensive split, we’re selling close to double last year. • And how about Anchor Junipero, our new ‘gold’ gin? In its first two months, it’s been one of our fastest selling liquors – meanwhile, for ‘Geoff Daw’ cocktail lovers, Bombay Sapphire is still going strong! So here’s what your Hospitality Committee is looking at next: • Replacing two premium red wines that have started to slip in popularity • Adding four by-the-bottle-only ‘gold’ red wines so that we can offer our members expanded wine options.
• Bringing in a second single-malt Scotch for added variety for Scotch aficionados. • Continuing to bring you interesting and enjoyable draft beers on our ‘guest tap’ like the 12 we have offered in the past 18 months. If you know of a great draft that you think our members would like, Marcia Bever and the beer committee need to hear from you! We welcome all your suggestions for brands you think we should carry. But please remember that we have limited shelf space on our bar which means that, for every new brand we bring in, we have to ditch one that’s now there – which we’re always ready to do for slow movers. So for every request we get for specialty brands like ginger liqueur or
H UG H
CO P P E N
cinnamon whiskey, don’t be surprised when the committee members reply “OK, in place of what?!!” Splice the mainbrace, y’all!
SOUT H BE AC H YAC H T C LUB
REAR COMMODORE REPORT
B
y the Numbers. Did you know? ...this year is the 25th Jazz Cup, meaning, since its inception in 1988, more than 2,500 boats and upwards of 4,500 people have participated in the race! ...this year’s Friday Night Beer Can Series includes 47 registered boats with an average of 35 boats per race and upwards of 200 total crew per race night. That’s 2,400 racers for the 12 race series, nearly 2,600 racing miles sailed, 120 shotgun rounds fired and about 1,400 all you can eat racer meals served. ...this year’s Jr. Sailing included more than 110 students per week for the five weeks… and the six new RS Tera sail boats, purchase approved by the members, were a huge hit giving the kids more time sailing time and less time “righting!” ... ..the Louis Vittuon and the America’s Cup Races are being supported by 18 of our SBYC members as trained Course Marshals! ..SBYC has sponsored two ocean races! The Duxship Race and the OYRA SF Approach. ...our season cruise outs have included more than 300 people and over 30 boats! All this and it is only August! Supporting these activities requires nearly 3,000 hours spread amongst 35-40 on-the-water volunteers. What a club! Give me a call or shoot me an email if you’d like to get involved!
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
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S M I T H
GET the America’s Cup App! Keep up to date with the latest news, results, videos and event schedules pre or post racing. Take your race viewing experience to the next level with live audio from your favourite team and follow race updates from on-the-water officials.
Reviving the Glen Cove tradition ... for the Club’s first 20 years members cruised to Glen Cove for Labor Day weekend. Some raced in the Jazz Cup on Saturday and others just cruised. But everyone got together for memorable potluck dinners on Sunday. The entire harbor has been dredged to 10 feet. We have booked 7 slips and 60 feet of guest dock. Saturday dinner will be on your own. Benicia Yacht Club will be serving dinner with the Jazz Cup Ceremonies. Several interesting restaurants are a short cab ride away in Benicia, Crockett, Martinez, and Port Costa.
> 25th Annual Jazz Cup ~ Saturday, August 31st Get your shirts and gear and get on in this race action! Sail from Berkeley Circle to the Benicia Yacht Club and then party thru Brunch on Monday morning!
25 years
Jazz CUP
Downwind sailing at it’s best South Beach Yacht Club • Benicia Yacht Club
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PICYA is hosting its 17th Annual Wheelchair Regatta on Saturday, September 28th. This event will provide 200+ veterans, many confined to wheelchairs, with the rare opportunity to experience a powerboat cruise on the Oakland Estuary and San Francisco Bay along the San Francisco City front.
Around 30 - 40 volunteer boats particpate each year and Anabel is the first of many rsvp’d out of SBYC. She will be skippered by Dan Courter and crewed by Milt Smith. To be successful, a few more powerboat skippers/owners are needed to donate their time and boat to host one or more guests aboard their vessel. Those who sign up to support the event early will be reognized in the days program. Count on a full day of activities from 6 am - 5 pm.
There will be a Skippers Dinner at Encinal Friday evening, the 27th, before the event for instructions, preparations and socializing On their return from the Bay cruise, the guests will be treated to a picnic luncheon, sea shanties and jazz entertainment on the grounds of Encinal Yacht Club. The veterans wil recieve a skippers bag which inlcudes home baked cookies and more. Over 2,400 cookies will be baked by members from all the PICYA clubs. Most of the honored guests are U.S. Veterans residing in Northern California Veterans’ Homes and Hospitals. Many will be attended by family, friends and companion dogs. These men and women have stories to share. Volunteers from the Almadea Coast Guard and the local Firefighters Association will be on shore to help haul the wheelchairs on board. Many more volunteers are needed ashore to assist in welcoming, boarding, preparing and serving lunch, and entertainment. Donations needed: condiments, water & sodas, disposable cameras and of course cash helpful. If you can assist with this rewarding project, please link here and complete and return the form provided. If you need additional information, please call or email Linda Blue at (510) 851-4387.
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JUNIOR SAILING CAMP South Beach Junior Sailing was a huge success once again this summer. We had around 90 kids age 9 to 16 for five weeks of summer sailing camp all of which were filled beyond capacity. Everyone involved felt that this was the best summer ever for Junior Sailing Camp. We had great support again from lots of volunteers in all areas of the program and it wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous volunteer help and enthusiasm. We’d like to thank our Skippers and first mates on Anabel - Bruce Wickland, Tom Green, Bob Semple, Dave Trollop, Brett Dewire, Kellie Ann Taylor, Dan Courter, Mark Gibson and Paul Janofsky.
Our Jr. Sailing Instructors are the solid foundation of this program. Due to the very large capacity of our camps this summer, we hired four US Sailing certified small boat instructors. Natalie Davidson returned again as the head instructor and working with her was Emma Shaw, Tom Forst and Caroline Gurdal. We also had several volunteer junior instructors, who are past graduates from SBYC sailing camp: Orlando Diaz and Carol Ballare These young adults are super role models for the kids. They teach the kids sailing skills but they and also offer the kids guidance and mentoring. To be exact, they simply are THE BEST and we are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented staff.
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We especially want to thank You, the members of SBYC for your support and contributions to the program. Your support allowed us to buy six new RS Tera sailboats which turned out to be a perfect fit for the kids. The rugged but lightweight roto-molded plastic hull and simple cat rigged sail plan made for easy learning and effortless maintenance. The new boats are stable but fast and loads of fun to sail. Your support also allowed the club to buy a new Zodiac Rib which proved to be a wonderful teaching platform for the instructors. We want to also make a special thanks to the members of BAADs for letting us use their Boston Whaler throughout the Jr. Sailing Camp. We needed three instructor boats throughout the program and without the offer of the BAADS boat we would have been limited in our ability to safely and effectively teach so many kids. Once again, thank you South Beach Yacht Club members for your continued support to this phenomenal youth sailing program. Please know that your contributions have been greatly appreciated. Remember that our Junior Sailors are the future members and officers of SBYC!
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pho t o s
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kellie
t aylor
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C OA S TA L C R U I S E O U T
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Pete & BONNIE SORENSON
n offshore cruise is always full of adventure and this cruise was no exception. Mel/Joan Edwards and Milt/Carolyn Smith on Angelina left South Beach early to enjoy Half Moon Bay, then joined Pete/Bonnie Sorenson and Bruce Wicklund on Pacific High, Nancy DeMauro, Mike and Lorianna Kastrop, plus Nancy’s regular crew on Cat’s Meow, Richard Forst and Roger Ladwig on Udjat and Tad/Libbie Sheldon on While I Can Saturday June 29th on a long, sometimes lively, 75 NM day from South Beach to Santa Cruz. We enjoyed whale and dolphin sightings and wing-on-wing sailing (jib poled out on opposite side of main) the last half. Beyond Ano Nuevo it was surfing for those who didn’t reef. Julie Wicklund joined Pacific High and Pat Forst joined Udjat in Santa Cruz. Members Don and Nancy Stephens, who have a seaside home in Santa Cruz, just happened to recognize Pacific High sailing into town through their telescope and rushed to the harbor to assist docking. Next was the big surprise. We all knew that berthing in Santa Cruz harbor is tricky during their remodeling of docks in the aftermath of the tsunami, but to our amazement they greeted us with a new, unpublished rule of one night and you are out.
Well, thanks to a tolerant harbor patrol, we enjoyed two more days of fun in the sun watching the Laser National Championships, kayaking, loafing on boats and beach, a happy hour potluck with hearty appetizers on Pacific High, a lovely dinner at the Stephens’ home, and of course eating breakfast at Aldo’s. SCYC extended us all a gracious welcome and were apologetic for harbor office actions which seemed to cater to personal bias. Following our feedback, the harbor posted their new one-night rule on their web site in bold red. Once the extensive repair is completed the harbor will hopefully once again be a friendly port of call for visiting boaters. However, feeling a little harassed and uncertain of the future, While I Can, Udjat and Cat’s Meow left for Half Moon Bay to enjoy HMBYC festivities, a parade, fireworks and a steak dinner hosted by Nancy DeMauro. Angelina, as planned, returned to Berkeley for the 4th of July. celebrations. Coopers and Adornatos, who had not yet arrived, decided to abort the cruise. Pacific High gratefully stayed in a Santa Cruz slip generously donated by a SCYC member who was going to Monterey. We saw vacancy for twenty visiting boats the rest of the week.
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Saturday found Cat’s Meow and Udjat heading home from Half Moon Bay while Pacific High sailed to HMB encountering the same rolling seas that were encountered by the others on Tuesday. Libbie and Julie went dinghy fishing, catching one undersized Ling Cod and two keeper Rock Cod that were confiscated by the gulls as soon as Tad finished cleaning them. After a lengthy
happy hour on Pacific High, everyone headed one last time to Barbara’s Fish Trap for fried fish. Sunday’s trip home was under sunny skies with a rare 15 knot wind from the south, affording another wing-on-wing sail while watching lots of frolicking porpoises. All are now contemplating where else to go on the next offshore cruise-in.
SOUT H BE AC H YAC H T C LUB
ISLAND CRUISE OUT Roger Ladwig carefuuly curated another action-packed weekend on Treasure Island for the SBYC members! They came by boat, a few by bus, and some drove over just to get in on the fun! So much to do! Treasure Island flea, bocce ball, wine tasting, vodka tastings, potlucks and segway rides! This annual event is a winner!
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SOU T H BE AC H YAC H T C LUB
PURCHASE Louis Vuitton Finals - Race Course Bleacher Seats at Marina Green here. The club has garnered 4 great seats for SBYC members at a discount to public pricing
Volunteers are the lifeblood at South Beach! Ken Ludlum is clearly long overdue for recognition for his great volunteer efforts at SBYC. Who knows how long Ken was the Wavelength editor, but, he was always on top of it. And this is no easy task…just ask Patti now! Wrangling the info is crazy hard. And beyond the former editor, Ken is a party animal! This year he has offered to take on all the theme events for us…St. Patty’s Day and Life’s a Beach/Clambake to name a couple. He plans the appropriate food, hires the bands, does the decorating, and all the communications. AND makes sure the club is shipshape by early the next morning. He is an “over the top” volunteer AND still pulls his OOD shifts. For ALL he does for SBYC, when you see him around, please thank Ken Ludlum.
AC34 GEAR HERE
Contact Lisa Gidley to purchase gear with a 25% member discount! Windbreakers, snugglers, hats, t-shirts -you name it - the club got it!
SBYC ON FLICKR There are great photos being shot at ourevents year round. Great place to host them is on the South Beach YC page on FLICKR! Easy to load!
Nautical SLANG “walty” inclined to tip over or lean —courtesy of Evian Ketchem
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SOUTH BEACH YACHT CLUB FLAG OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS Commodore Vice Commodore Rear Commodore Secretary Treasurer Membership Chair HOOD Port Captain Junior Sailing Cruise Out Directors
Tom Rogers 415-235-5185 Bill Adams 415-425-5099 Milt Smith 925-285-2897 Janelle Van Rensselaer 650-303-8236 Pete Hamm 650-854-1887 Jack McDermott 415-314-4218 Hugh Coppen 415-644-5774 Barrie Wheeler 707-938-9442 Kevin Wilkinson 650-333-7873 Kathleen Dunn 925-947 2325 Diane Thompson 925-765 8805
Chairman Wavelength Editor Web Masters BAADS Commodore South Beach Steward SB Harbor Master Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member
Eleanor Harrison 415.751.1521 Patti Mangan 415-272-2053 Marilyn/Brian Smith 415-225-4850 Cristina Rubke 415 533 0276 Curtis Lew 415-495-2295 Jim Walter 415-495-4911 Mark Miner 415-290-1347 Debrah Phairas 415-518-9245 Gerard N. Sheridan 415-810-2004 Tim Weir 916-393-4245 Toni Heyneker 415-695-1594
South Beach Yacht Club Events Calendar Thursday August 1 Board Meeting 1700 - 1815 Friday August 2 Friday Night Race 1700 - 2100 Saturday August 3 Surfin’ Safari Dance Party 1900 - 2300 Sunday August 4 AC34 Race Viewing At the Club 1200 - 1400 Monday August 5-9 Junior Sailing Camp 0900 - 1800 Tuesday August 6 Club Rental ~ Association of Pacific Ports Friday August 9 Member Meeting 1800 - 2100 Saturday August 10 Sea Scavenger + ACHOP Beach Cleanup @ McCovey Cove 1000 - 1200 Saturday August 10 Fashion Charity Trunk Show 1400 - 1700 Sunday August 11 AC34 Race Viewing At the Club 1200 - 1400 Friday August 16 Friday Night Race 1700 - 2100 Saturday Augsut 17 Book Club ~ “Lords of Finance” by Liaquat Ahamed 1500 - 1700 Sunday August 18 Member Rental 1800 - 2200 Tuesday August 20 SBYC Membership Committee Meeting 1830 - 2000 Thursday August 22 AC Team ‘92 Reunion With John Bertrand Friday August 23 Friday Night Race 1700 - 2100 Thursday August 29 Americas’s Cup Film Screening & Shellback Rum Tasting 1900 - 2100 Friday August 30 Jazz Cup Pre Start Party 1800 - 2200 Saturday August 31 Jazz Cup 0800 - 1700
visit www.southbeachyachtclub.org for details and reservations Newsletter Design: Imagine That Design Studio Cover Image: Kellie Taylor
South Beach Yacht Club
Pier 40 on the Embarcadero San Francisco CA 94107
Our Mission ...to form a sociable community of persons having common interests to promote yachting on San Francisco Bay, to provide a common bond for recreational boaters and their families, to sponsor and encourage yacht racing, to encourage family participation in boating, and to enjoy the beauty of San Francisco Bay and its environs.