News

By: Jacob Posner, CYC Junior and club member

For all of us who live in the northwest, one of the first significant regattas of the year are the midwinters events.  To start off 2022, I sailed the 50^th Anniversary Thistle Midwinters West in the Pacific Ocean of Mission Beach in San Diego, CA. I have been sailing for the last seven years starting in Optis and moving to C420 double handed sailing in the last year. In the summer of 2020, I started skippering the thistle in local evening races, with my dad crewing middle and different people doing bow.

Rigging and sailing at mission bay is always a pleasure. The club is relaxed and there is plenty of room for everything. It is also warm and sunny in California with steady 7-15 knots of sea breeze, and plenty of wildlife, including dolphins, pelicans, seals, and whales. The Thistle fleet is a good choice if you are looking to meet and learn from high level sailors. I learned a lot about Thistle rig tuning and how to sail the boat from various Thistle fleet regulars. One of the highlights for me was getting to talk with Greg Fisher who has won 25 National, North American, and World Championships in 7 different one design classes, including the Thistle. If that isn’t enough to take his advice, our Thistle #3677 mainsail’s cut is called the “Fisher mainsail.”  Another great aspect was the very competitive racing, everyone was a good sailor and had been sailing the boat for a long time, so no matter how we were doing I knew everybody there had much more experience. I felt grateful that I could on the same line as all those great sailors.  

Sailing with adults is a different vibe than junior sailing. I think they have more respect for the sport in some ways, and they have so much experience to offer. Off the water everyone was extremely supportive of me and I felt  welcomed. I had a great time and learned a lot on and off the water. We had an excellent showing from Seattle sailors.  Two made the Championship Division: Jacob Posner 5^th, Graham Vaughn 9^th and in five in Presidential Division: Patrick Schirmer 2^nd, Wayne Balsiger 5^th, Louis Philips 7^th, Les Hillebrand 12^th, Frank Moore 14^th.  Thanks to all the competitors, my off the water coach Jamie Malm (former thistle national champion 1995). The biggest thanks goes to my team: my dad, Jonathan Posner (middle), and Danny Juan (forward), for making it a great event and contributing to our top 5 finish. No matter your skills and goals in sailing I would highly recommend the Thistle class to anyone.

Work continues on the support boats for the Race and Juniors Programs. Two of the Juniors boats recently have returned from the boatyard following hull repairs and bottom paint. Two whalers that have been out of service for several years now have completely refurbished hulls and are ready to move to the next step toward getting them into service this year. Meanwhile, as shown in the accompanying photos, the interior of YC VI is receiving a complete makeover. Many thanks to Pat Dore and Bob Combie, in particular, for their efforts! A work party was held last Saturday on YC VI and more will follow. There’s still plenty of work to be done, so if you’d like to help out please contact Mark Bradner (markbradner@comcast.net) to volunteer. We especially could use help with some electrical work.

   

Port Townsend, WA — Six women mariners will take the stage this year at She Tells Sea Tales, a beloved evening of storytelling put on by the Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC). The event—which has sold out every year—will be held virtually in 2022, allowing the heartfelt and often emotional sea stories to reach a greater audience.

A fundraiser for women-forward programming at the NMWC, She Tells Sea Tales aims to inspire the next generation of women mariners and raise awareness of the systemic gender inequalities that still exist in the maritime industry by amplifying these seldom heard voices of the sea. Some stories are funny, some are heartbreaking, some are hard—all are real and offer an intimate glimpse into the lives of the women mariners who have lived them.

As a first in the history of She Tells Sea Tales: two generous donors have stepped up with a matching gift challenge. Every gift to She Tells Sea Tales made through March 14, 2022 will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000! This has never happened before, and is a testament to how powerful and inspiring this event is.

Speakers this year will include: Ginny Wilson, shipwright and custom woodworker; Lara Edgeland, artist, scientist, and tall ship sailor; Susan Brittain, transgender sailor and captain; Meegan Corcocan, marine biologist; and Savannah Smith and Ebony Welborn, co-founders of the non-profit Sea Potential.

The online event takes place March 5, 2022, at 6PM (PST). Tickets can be purchased at nwmaritime.org/shetells for $22, which allows everyone in your household to enjoy the show. Gifts can be made on the She Tells Sea Tales website or when you purchase your ticket.

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ABOUT THE NORTHWEST MARITIME CENTER The Northwest Maritime Center is a regional non-profit based in Port Townsend, WA, that engages and educates people of all generations in traditional and contemporary maritime life, in the spirit of adventure and discovery. https://nwmaritime.org/

For Information about the Media Release, contact: Hallie Glynn

hallie@nwmaritime.org | 360.385.3628 x 115

NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Lab has deployed an uncrewed underwater glider to advance ocean observing capabilities in the area between Golden Gardens and Carkeek Park, Seattle, WA. It will remain in this area for the duration of its mission ending around March 15, 2022. 

The glider will be on the surface for 5-10 minute periods every hour to transmit system information via satellite to our office. The remainder of the time will be spent diving to 400 feet or more. The system is being observed by a remote pilot who can send commands to the glider during its surface interval. 

Request: We would like to request mariners to please not touch the glider if observed on the surface. There is a phone number on the glider to contact our office with questions or concerns. Questions can also be directed to Nick Delich at (206) 552-6065. We would appreciate it if you would distribute this information to your members or groups that frequent the waters in this area. 

Glider Information:

·  Size | 9ft long, 4ft wing span

·  Color | Neon yellow with a 4ft long bronze antenna sticking out of the stern of the glider. It has no light signals.

Attached are pictures of what the glider looks like.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your help.

Respectfully,

LTJG Zucker

—————————————

LTJG Cabot Zucker  

he/him/his (why)

By: Chris McMulroch:  Crews from 5 boats made a 2 hour cruise of the Woodland Park Zoo on Tuesday evening to see the Wild Lanterns exhibit.  This was our second annual trip to see the colorful animated exhibit. Boats represented were: Altair, Lolo, Outlaw, Solstice and Wind Dancer.  New this year was a huge walk-through shark lantern, a fully animated gigantic transformer man, and an amazing array of colorful insects and flowers.  Special thanks to Paul Baker for his surprise treat of cookies to us all as we toured the lanterns!

Our next CYC cruise is an actual sail to Blake Island Marina the weekend of February 26-27.  Bundle up and bring your electric cabin heater!  This is an opportunity to check out your winter cruising gear on a short overnight across the sound, with an opportunity to meet up with fellow CYC cruisers out in the fresh air.

On December 10^th of this year, Ballard High School travelled to St. Petersburg, Florida to compete against 9 other high school teams in J70s. CYC’s team was selected by NWISA (the governing body of high school sailing) based on their cumulative keelboat and racing experience to represent the Northwest at this national level invitational. Catie Vandervort, skipper, Arden Rathkopf, main and spinnaker trimmer, Coleman Barnes, jib trimmer, and Meimei Peterson, bow and tactician, practiced on a J80 on two different occasions, thanks to Bob Ross, Steve Summers, and Seattle Sailing Club. They also practiced with SSP instructors and staff on a keelboat similar to a J70, and went up to Orcas Island for an intensive weekend of training with the J-Pod fleet of J70s. Ron Rosenberg and Boris Luchtwrhand provided additional coaching and accommodation for the team, and many members of the community came out to help the team tune up.

In Florida, the team had several hours to warm up in the local waters of St Pete. The breeze was light and shifty, but was enough to fly the spinnaker and practice sets and douses. Those were not the conditions they raced in on Saturday. 15+ knots of consistent pressure were sent down the race course, which was more than double anything the team had practiced in. Class rules allow for two crew to be properly keelboat hiking with legs outside the lifelines, and for the majority of the day, we had those legs out. Sunday came in with light and shifty conditions again, and the team had their best finish of 4^th out of ten- they dug in to the right hard and got a huge shift that carried them on the layline to the weather mark. After only being on the boat together for less then 15 hours, the team pulled out a 9^th overall. They learned a lot and have sparked a love for keelboat racing that will carry on the rest of their lives.

Pictured from left to right: Coleman Barnes, Arden Rathkopf, Catie Vandervort, Meimei Peterson, and Annie Sorensen.

We are looking forward to our upcoming Annual Member Meeting, and the  election results on November 17th.  The ballots were emailed to your address on file on October 22nd.

For a copy of the proposed bylaws, click [HERE]

For a copy of the explanation of changes to the bylaws, click [HERE]

For the biographies and a paper ballot (if you choose to vote that way, instead of electronically, click [HERE]

Thank you!

Dear CYC member, Like many residents of Ballard and the City of Seattle, the CYC Community and those around Shilshole Bay Marina have noticed a sharp increase in crime giving many a feeling of less security. Discussions have been initiated with the Port of Seattle, Port Police, and Shilshole Bay Marina to learn more about what’s happening and being done to address the increase in transient encampments, property damage, theft, and personal safety issues. CYC is committed to pressing this conversation with the appropriate governing bodies in hopes of restoring the safe environment in and around Shilshole. The Club is taking legal action in every way we can, up to and including applying for a King County Court Order of Protection as the situation warrants.  The priority of the Club is to keep our members, employees, guests, and assets safe and secure. As part of this, effective immediately, the doors to the CYC will remain locked 24/7. Appropriate security measures are being reviewed as they pertain to larger gatherings i.e. regatta parties. Please remember, as a member you can get an electronic key fob from the office for secure building access. We encourage you to do this and the office team is happy to help. If you ever lose your fob, please ensure it is reported to the office for deactivation.   We appreciate your understanding. A locked door policy is not how we would like things to be but unfortunately it is what is necessary at this time. Should you have further questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.   Sincerely,

Shelagh Hansen Commodore, CYC Seattle

“McKees win fifth Tasar Nationals”

The Tasar Nationals was first contested in 1979 (won by Dave Perry and Nell Taylor). This year’s championship was incredibly close, decided at the end of the final beat of the last race! With a recent record of 24 boats, and the most competitive fleet in years (including 3 World Champion teams), this event served notice that the Tasars are thriving like never before, with a mix of young teams and veterans. The Tasar tradition of sharing tips, community, and fun racing was on full display. This bodes well for the 2022 Tasar World Championship, which will be sailed on these same waters in one year.

Saturday was productive, but no races were held for lack of wind. Class President Anthony Boscolo chaired the class meeting, and former World Champion Jay Renehan held a very informative go-fast clinic. The keg was tapped. Boats were fine tuned. Finally a light northerly filled in, and PRO Carl Buchan sent the fleet out onto Puget Sound. Alas, the wind did not cooperate, and after 2 practice starts we returned to shore.

Sunday dawned cold and windy. 4 races were scheduled in the 15-18 knot southerly. Racing throughout the fleet was intense, especially so at the top. Chris and Molly Lanzinger won the first race with excellent speed and solid tactics, with Jonathan and Libby McKee and Mike and Molly Karas close behind. The McKees then took the next race, with Jay and Lisa Renehan hot on their heels. The Renehans furthered their claim to the title with a come from behind win in the third race, passing Dalton and Lindsey Bergan on the final run. With Karas third and McKee fourth, it was all on for the fourth and final race. Renehan and McKee were tied for the lead, with Karas, Bergan and Lanzinger all still in contention.

By now the wind had died to 6-8 knots and gotten quite unstable. After 2 general recalls, the deciding race was off. The right side paid early, favoring Jonathan and Libby, who rounded the top mark third, with Mike and Molly hot on their transom, and Renehan lurking dangerously close. With superior reaching speed, Jay and Lisa made their move low on the second reach. But a big right shift before the leeward mark nixed their comeback. But it was still all on for the last shifty beat to the finish. The race was won by juniors Dieter Creitz and Sam Bush, who led at every mark. Dalton and Lindsey sailed a great last leg to finish third. For the McKees, fourth was good enough to seal the title, their fifth Tasar Nationals win. As an interesting aside, the top 5 teams are married couples!

Thank you to regatta host Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle, sponsors West Coast Sailing, Fisheries Supply, Lagunitas Brewing, West Marine, and Samson Cordage. Thanks also to all the volunteers that made this a great event, both on the water and off. The Tasars are planning an active year as we prepare to host the 2022 Tasar World Championships in Seattle. Come join us!

Final Top 5:

Jonathan McKee / Libby Johnson McKee              11 pts.

Dalton Bergan / Lindsey Bergan                             14 pts.

Jay Renehan / Lisa Renehan                                   18 pts.

Chris Lanzinger / Molly Lanzinger                          19 pts.

Michael Karas / Molly Karas                                   19 pts.

Full results at racing.cycseattle.org

For more info on Tasars and the 2022 World Championship, go to NATA.org or facebook.com/groups/natasar/?ref=share

The 2021 racing season is coming to an end, and it is time to consider the 2021 CYC outstanding performers. The Board will select the Award winners who will be announced at the Awards Party to be held in January 2022. 

If you have a suggestion for a 2021 CYC Award, please provide it (with a brief bit of background explaining the basis for the nomination) to Ken Johnson, by email (kenneth.johnson4@comcast.net) or by mail:  

3706 So. Ridgeway Place
Seattle, WA  98144

Or you can drop them off at the CYC Shilshole office.   Ken assembles the nominations and presents them to the Board for its decisions.

The Awards are:

• Honor Roll of Champions - CYC sailors who have won national or international championships or have achieved honors of an equivalent level.
• Hans Otto Giese Inspirational – one who has consistently provided leadership and inspiration to CYC and the amateur sailing community. Recent winners include Wayne Balsiger, Shauna Walgren, Catherine Weatbrook, Suzette Connolly, and Jen Hobden.
• Sailor of the Year – consistently races and places in the top tier of dinghy or keelboat races, including juniors; this award includes sailors who are outstanding crew and/or who sail on different boats throughout the season.  Recent winners include Dalton Bergan, Keith Whittemore (along with Brian Thomas, Kevin Downey, Shelby Milne and Mark Rodgers),  Talia Toland, and Carl Buchan.
• Boat of the Year – for an outstanding season in CYC and other NW races.  Recent winners include Here & Now, (Pat Denney), Jubilee (Erik Kristen), Last Tango (Jim Geros) and Tremendous Slouch (Scott Milne).
• Boating Family – an active family in racing, cruising, CYC activities, other sailing efforts.  Recent winners include David Barnes & Karen Foster, Al &Jane Johnson, Mike & Julie Cains, Erik & Karrie Sandersons, and the Buchans.
• Greig Memorial Cruising – cruising leadership and accomplishments, whether in local or blue waters.  Recent winners include Paul Benson & Erica Johnson, Chris Young, Scott and Kristen Meilicke, and Jon and Michelle Henderson.
• Gary Horder Memorial – CYC Junior with active and successful racing program.  Recent winners include Erik Anderson, Dieter Creitz, Abbie Carlson, and Talia Toland.
• George Spalding Inspirational – most inspirational Junior sailor. Recent winners include Ella Reed, Alyosha Strum-Palerm, Owen Timms, and Jack Holbrook.
• Dog House – a sailor who handicaps him/her self by unseamanlike activity – usually some bad luck and hopefully with a bit of humor in it.  Recent awardees include Robert Hodge (agrond on Marrowstone as all the CYC crusing boats sailed by), David Gallimore (stepping off YC6 and taking 2 steps, with only 1 step worth of dock), and Mike McGuane (purposely going aground in Fisherman’s Bay followed by denial).