ODE to ROPE

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This is for our Commodore Debbie who has declared this the “Year of the Knot”

As I cast off for that very first time,
The “rope” in my hand has now become “line”.
And hauling the sails to the top of the mast,
That “rope”, now a “halyard” holds strong, taught and fast.
Then sailing in brisk winds full force on a beat.
The sails are trimmed in by that “rope” that’s a “sheet”.
And now at my anchorage with sails safely stowed,
I trust in that “rope” that now serves as a “rode”.
Through all my life I will never lose hope,
Of a reason or time to play with a rope.

February Meeting Highlights

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Most of the discussion at this meeting centered around the calendar.  We have all of our old events and a few new ones this year. The Infinity Regatta (around the islands in a figure of eight) and the Glow Night Regatta are two of our new Regatta’s planned for this year. We are also bringing back the popular Jolly Roger Long distance race. Doug Roberts is doing a super job as Race Chairperson again this year.
The board also discussed capital improvements with the first thing on everyone’s agenda, the pavilion replacement and improvement. The capital improvement committee (Gary Reimer and Bill Miller) will try to make renderings of the completed project, and then break it down into manageable stages. The first stage will be the rebuild of the pavilion roof and supports and will cost approximately $4000. Later stages would include adding an outdoor cooking area and having provision for removable sidewalls etc.
Purser Sanders gave his financial report and we are in a sound place financially. In March or April we will have to pay our annual fee to the  Corps of Engineers. Gary Reimer will speak with them to see if we can get a lower rate, if possible. We have a good rapport with the present folks over there and it is a good time to at least try to get a rebate.
We also discussed the upcoming Sailing school, which will be held at the Lake this year. The fee will be $45 each person and $75 for two people. The classes are planned for April 30th, May 7, May 14, and May 21st. The class portion will be from 9:30-11:30 am with the sailing portion at 12 noon. ( We need boats and skippers ) Classes will be held rain or shine.
We also discussed the need to “buddy up” with new members, so they have a chance to get to know others and feel more welcome. Please take a minute to introduce yourself if you are at the club and see someone new. New members are the lifeblood of a club like ours  and are needed to keep us viable, if you know of anyone who has an interest please invite them to come down and see what we have to offer.
Finally, we discussed updating the USSailing web site. (www.ussailing.net/poyc) I have started doing this and it should be completed this month. Please also be aware of our Facebook presence at Port Oliver Yacht club, as well as the Telltale online at https://portoliveryachtclub.wordpress.com where we have a lot of posts, articles of interest, a swap and for sale board and a number of local and not so local links for your entertainment.
Gary Guss – Scribe

The Commodore Speaks …

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Ahoy Mates,

Welcome to the 2011 sailing season. I foresee fair winds, pleasant weather and a calendar of various activities, something for everyone.

This year I proclaim to be the year of the knot. There was a time when all good sailors worth their salt were proficient in knots and rope work and each knot, bend and hitch had a purpose. With the onset of wire rigging, the art of appropriate knotting diminished. Therefore, each month I will select a knot, bend or hitch (they are not the same) and challenge you to learn how tie it, the history of it and the correct purpose for it. Then you will have the opportunity to share what you know at the Friday night club meetings. The sailor demonstrating the most knowledge and proficiency will receive a prize. So here is your first challenge. In order to explain knotting, one must first know the terms.

Define: Working end-standing end-bight-loop-elbow

Knot for the March meeting is the midshipman’s hitch.

We are never too old to stop learning. Have fun with this and I will see you at the March meeting on the 11th.

Commodore Debbie Champion

Visit From St. Nick

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T’was the night before Christmas, I swung on the hook
With snowflakes a’landing, asleep with my book
When up on the deck I heard footsteps and stuff
“I’ve been boarded!” I thought, and I tried to be tough

Then down the companionway hatch came a dude
He was dressed like a nut and I thought, “I’m so screwed”
But he laughed and he hummed as he surveyed my junk
So I figured he must be the resident drunk

His eyes were lit up like a junkie on speed
But he gave me a whole bunch of stuff that I need
Like rum and cigars and new charts and a dinghy
And some kind of fancy electrical thingy

I knew it was stolen but I wasn’t telling
I just hoped he was giving and wasn’t just selling
And I poured him a grog which he downed with a wink
Then I poured one for me (I needed a drink!)

Then he staggered above to the dark snowy night
As I peeked I beheld an incredible sight
Eight tiny dolphins and a beautiful sleigh
And the dude hopped aboard and prepared to make way

The dolphins were ready to power the sled
But the guy raised a ginny and mains’l instead
With a burp and a chuckle he gathered the breeze
And called to the dolphins, now swimming with ease

“Hey Stalker and FEMA and Cancer and Nixon!
Or Stinky and Pepper Spray, Mason, and Dixon!
Or whatever your names are, you cute little fishes,
Here’s to every last sailor, my best Christmas wishes!”

As he sailed away leaving a wobbly wake
I hoped he had not many stops left to make
He got close to shore and he soon was aground
But the dolphins proceeded to pull him around

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed out of sight
“Killer whales! ….. just kidding, don’t be so uptight!”

— Jerry Ewing TKG, Cruising World Bulletin Board/Cruising Sailor
Bulletin Board, vintage 1999