St Lucie Sailing Club

The Log - June 2020Incorporated April 4, 1975

From the Acting Commodore: Here we are again… but this time, only in a partiallockdown mode. As I am writing, the weather is helping to keep peopleindoors as this Memorial Day weekend has been very stormy. I am sure our intrepid Race Captain, Mike Brescher, has been keeping theracing fleet active. Hope you have been keeping tabs on his race reports,which have shown tremendous participation on the river if not on the ocean,which has been particularly rough recently with my namesake Arthurwhipping up the water. At our last Bridge meeting, we discussed whether it was feasible to have aZoom Club Meeting, which had been suggested by some of our members. Asthe Bridge is only a small group and we sometimes have a hard time trying tomake sure we are not talking over each other, it was voted down… BUT, ourRear Commodore, Kevin Kerwin, who is also a member of the CoconutGrove Sailing Club, informed me yesterday that CCSC is going to hold theirGeneral Meeting this week. He is going to join it to see how they handle it. Ifhe tells me it goes ok, then we hope to have a Zoom meeting ourselves inJune. So keep your eye out for news on that front. Stay safe continue and follow CDC and local guidelines as we enteranother month with the virus now having taken over 100,000 lives. We don’twish to see any of our members adding to that statistic. And last of all on this Memorial Day, please takea moment to remember those who have given theultimate sacrifice helping to keep us free.James Arthur Photo submitted by Harvey Nation

Racing ScuttlebuttMike Brescher, RaceCaptain

On Saturday May 16, 2020, the St. Lucie Sailing Club had the Blue SkiesRegatta that was supposed to be an Ocean Race and a River Race. The OceanRace was to sail from the St. Lucie Inlet buoy marker # 2 to ocean buoymarker # 14 and return. The River Race was sailing a reverse Beer Cancourse with a Pursuit Start. There was a good response of sailors requestingboth races. The Ocean Race had to be canceled because of sea and weather conditionsthat were caused by a tropical depression forming south of us. The River Race was a set course around river marks and used a PursuitStart, which allowed us to race and still meet the social distancingrecommendations. A Pursuit Start is a recalculation of the boat’s rating sothey start at different times which keeps them spread apart. The way ofknowing how they place by who is ahead and behind at the finish. We had a great turnout of nine boats, but after a week of heavy winds, itseemed as if a pocket of light and variable winds opened up just for the race.Some of the boats were heeled over and driving with wind, while other boatssat in flat calm pockets. Trophies, which were washed and sanitized, were present to the first threeboats as they finished. The rest of us were given a beautiful day to be outsailing on the River.

The finish order is:1st- Whisper Larry Bryant at 2:06:122nd- Max Chad Gilpin at 2:13:053rd- Fresh Wind Art Croxton at 2:14:554th- Last Word Darren Kirkland at 2:15:505th- My Weigh Jack Molinelli at 2:19:02

SLSC Upcoming Events

“On the Radar Screen”

Stuff happens: check your emails

— tentative––Jun 1 Monthly meetingJun 6 Six Pack RaceJun 13 Cruise to Nettles IslandJun 16 Bridge Meeting 630pm onZoomJun 20 Summer Solstice RegattaJun 27 Pool Party at Linda Magda’sJul 6 Monthly meetingJul 9 S&M dinnerJul 11 Six Pack Race The Crossroads, by Jacqui Thurlow LippischJul 18 Ocean Sail-Fish Regatta

Social ScuttlebuttLinda Magda, Social Captain

We’re still on hold for the moment, though I’msure ready to get going.  Hopefully, in July, we’llhave something on the schedule.  It willprobably be an outdoor event - maybe out at theSt Lucie Lock.  (Who cares if it’s hot?  We needto get out!)     Until then, stay safe!

“Ten Commandments of Beercan Racing”Submitted by Mike Brescher

Rob Moore was only 58 years old when he succumbed to lung cancer on Jan. 6, 2012. He was amongthe 20% of lung cancer victims with no history of smoking. During Rob’s short tenure on the planet, hecovered a lot of ground, and was both active in the sport and a popular contributor at the Latitude 38publication.

Rob believed strongly that sailboat racing should be competitive and fun, and to encourage participationat all levels. As a tribute to Rob, we annually share his “Ten Commandments of Beercan Racing” whichhe penned to help tune our focus.

Considering how the format for mid-week racing is among the most popular in the sport, and how competition will need a low-key approach to resume due to health guidelines, Rob’s sage advice could be just what the doctor ordered for all racing…

1. Thou shalt not take anything other than safety too seriously. If you can only remember one commandment, this is theone. Relax, have fun, and keep it light. Late to the start? So what. Over early? Big deal. No instructions? Improvise. Toowindy? Quit. Not enough wind? Break out the beer. The point is to have fun, but stay safe. Like the ad says, “Safe boatingis no accident.”

2. Thou shalt honor the racing rules if thou knowest them. The Racing Rules of Sailing, unless specifically statedelsewhere in the Sailing Instructions, is the current rules bible. Few sailors we know have actually studied it cover to cover:it’s about as interesting as reading tax code or the phone book. For beer can racing, just remember some of the biggies (porttack boats shall avoid starboard ones; windward boats shall avoid leeward ones; and outside boats shall give room at themark). Stay out of the way of bigger boats, pay your insurance premiums, and keep a low profile unless you’re sure youknow what you’re doing. Like most things, it boils down to common sense.

3. Thou shalt not run out of beer. Beer (a.k.a., brewskis, chill pills, thought cylinders) is the beverage that lends its name to‘beer can’ racing; obviously, you don’t want to run out of the frothy nectar. Of course, you can drink whatever you want outthere, but there’s a reason these things aren’t called milk bottle races, Coca-Cola can races, hot chocolate races orsomething else. Just why beer is so closely associated with this kind of racing escapes us at the moment, but it’s a traditionwe’re happy to go along with.

4. Thou shalt not covet thy competitor’s boat, sails, equipment, crew, or PHRF rating. No excuses or whining; if you’relucky enough to have a sailboat, just go use it! You don’t need the latest in zircon-encrusted widgetry or unobtanium sailclothto have a great time out on the water with your friends. Even if your boat’s a heaving pig, make modest goals and worktoward improving on them from week to week. Or don’t – it’s only beer can racing.

5. Thou shalt not amp out. No screaming, swearing, or overly aggressive tactics. Save that stuff for the office or, if youmust, for Saturday’s ‘real’ race. If you lose it in a Friday nighter, you’re going to run out of crew – not to mention friends – in abig hurry. Downing a quick chill pill on the way to the starting line has been medically proven to have a calming influence onthe nerves.

6. Thou shalt not protest thy neighbor. This is extremely tacky at this level of competition and should be avoided at allcosts. Perhaps it’s justifiable if one’s boat is damaged and blame needs to be established, but on the whole, tossing a redflag is the height of bad taste in something as relatively inconsequential as a beer canner. Besides proving that you’reunclear on the concept of beer can racing, it screws up everybody’s evening, including yours. Don’t do it – it’s bad karma.

7. Thou shalt not mess up thy boat. Everybody knows some hardcore weekend warrior who ripped his sails up in aFriday night race and had to sit out the championship race on Saturday. The point is that it’s not worth risking your boatand gear in such casual competition: like the song says, you got to know when to hold ’em, and know when to fold ’em.Avoid other boats at all costs, not to mention buoys and other hard objects. If you have the luxury of two sets of sails, usethe old ones.

8. Thou shalt always go to the yacht club afterwards. Part of the gestalt of beer can races is bellying up to the yachtclub bar after the race. Etiquette demands that you congratulate the winners, as well as buy a round of drinks for yourcrew. Besides, the bar is a logical place to see old friends and make new ones. However, when meeting new sailors,avoid the gung-ho, overly serious types who rehash the evening in such gory detail that the post mortem (yawn) takeslonger than the race. As much as we enjoy a quick romp around the cans, there’s more to life.

9. Thou shalt bring thy spouse, kids, friends and whoever else wants to go. Twilight races are great forums forintroducing new folks to sailing, such as your neighbors, out-of-town visitors, co-workers or maybe even the family dog.Always bring your significant other along, too – coed crews are happy crews. And don’t just make the newcomers watch –give them a job on the boat. Get everyone involved.

10. Thou shalt not worry; thou shalt be happy. Leave the cell phone in the car, bring the ghetto blaster. Lighten up, it’snot the Big Boat Series. Have fun, and we’ll see you out there!

Failure to live by these laws could exclude you from Beercan Heaven!

Transcribed by the monks at Spinnaker Sailing of Redwood City from the  original text by Latitude 38.

Great Beercan Race!Paul Loschiavo, Log Editor

For the first time in a l-o-n-g time, Jill and I got Andiamo away from the dock with the sailsup. It was about 1115 as we pulled away, just south of the Roosevelt Bridge. The Admirallooked at her watch and looked at me. With her command voice, she said “It sure looks likeyou’re trying to make the Beercan. We are NOT racing today and we are NOT coming within ahundred yards of another boat. Aye, aye, sir… er… ma’am.. er… admiral. Very carefully, I set course to sail using the same-day-same-way theory of racing. We purposely got behind the last boat and, you might findthis hard to believe, deftly maintained that position. It was… a gorgeous day and it felt great to be sailing, evenif we were not burying the rails. Of course, by the time wewere done, I had six items on my to-do list. Now, nobody would ever accuse an Island Packet of beinga fast boat. Quite simply, it is not. But… as we came aroundCoconut Point, I spotted a boat that I think we can beat. Does anybody know the owner of Lily? We need this boatin our fleet…

You think you know the Rules of Racing?

The following is a question from the USSailing Center online quiz. The answerappears later in the Log!

Two boats are approaching a leeward mark tobe rounded to starboard. One is on a port tackand the other is on a starboard tack. When theport tack boat is three lengths from the mark,the skipper hails “make room!” The boat onthe starboard tack remains silent.

When at the mark, the port tack boat begins togybe inside the starboard tack boat which is forced to bear away to avoid acollision.

The starboard tack boat protests. You are on the protest committee. How doyou rule?

Two Videos to Assist with ‘SLSC Matchup’Mynders Glover

Our Club’s ‘Matchup’ Google spreadsheet has helped many Crew members connect withSkippers to get a ride on boats for the upcoming weekend.But did you know that Members can also use it to…* Connect with a cruising Captain to go for a leisurely sail during the week.* See which boats are competing this weekend.* Check your competition’s accumulated score on the monthly ‘6 Pack’ race.* Learn the details and boat ride availability for upcoming cruisesIf you don’t use it, you are missing the benefits of this valuable resource. So, here are 2 videos to help you getthe most out of SLSC Matchup…

1. How to Access the Spreadsheet… http://bit.ly/SLSCaccess2. How to Use It … https://www.screencast.com/t/nqXe9QQEXsL

If you have questions, please contact Mynders at SLSCmatchup@gmail.com

Summer Six Pack RacingMike Diamond

The May Six Pack Race (on May 2nd) startedoff as a drifter into an outgoing tide. We had tenparticipants and two other boats sailing with thefleet just for fun. The breeze picked up a little after Mark #6 butnot enough to spread the fleet out. I think allparticipants were on the same leg going from #6Ato #7 before heading back South.

Sloop John B held the lead for most of the race until My Weighblew by them right after Mark #6. After multiple wind shifts andlulls, the fleet was all over the place between #6 and #5. My Weigh, Salty Dogs, Last Word and Wild Rice were all lined upto round #1 followed by Sloop John B and Bound Away. Salty Dogsand Last Word got into a ‘room at the mark’ debate, which allowedMy Weigh and Wild Rice to pull away.

Bound Away tried to hold off Last Word in a drifter to the finishline for a 'too close to call' tie for third.

Order of finish:1st My Weigh Jack Molinelli2nd Wild Rice Richard Rice and Asta Poirier3rd Last Word Darren Kirkland3rd Bound Away Mike Brescher

Six Pack Standings after two months:1st 4 points Last Word Darren Kirkland2nd 6 points Cuzin Chris and Janis Cusimano3rd 7 points My Weigh Jack Molinelli

You think you know the Rules of Racing?

Two boats are approaching a leeward mark to be rounded to starboard. One is on a port tack and the other is on astarboard tack. When the port tack boat is three lengths from the mark, the skipper hails “make room!” The boat onthe starboard tack remains silent.

When at the mark, the port tack boat begins to gybe inside the starboard tack boat which is forced to bear away toavoid a collision.

The starboard tack boat protests. You are on the protest committee. How do you rule?

Answer

The protest is disallowed and neither boat ispenalized. Giving mark-room begins when bothboats are within three boat lengths of the mark.Though on opposite tacks, both are considered“overlapped” because of Rule 18 which applies. Thestarboard boat is required to give the port tack boatmark-room, which includes space to gybe whengybing is necessary to sail the course.

The starboard tack boat complied with Rule 18.2(b) and the port tack boatdoes not take more room than entitled.

Though the port tack boat breaks rule 10, on opposite tacks, she is exoneratedunder a Rule 21, Exoneration, because she is sailing within the mark-room towhich she is entitled.

The answer is based on the Racing Rules of Sailing, 2017-2020 version.

SLSC Sail Mart1977 Pearson Ensign sailboat for sale. $5,900 (reduced!)Boat named Cookie Monster is a great day sailor and racer. Wonmany races with 2 or 3 crew members on the North fork of the StLucie River.Includes: 4 hp Suzuki engine that is serviced every year, two genoasand roller furling for great control when the wind increases, aworking jib and spinnaker, lazy jacks for easy sail redefining andstorage of main sail, and solar panel and electric bilge pump.Includes a new tent sunbrella cover with handles.This is a great sailing boat very good condition. Many extras areincluded.

Call Nancy Laub 772 -834-8870

Editor’s note: Richard Laub was a master sailor. There’s no doubt in my mind that this is a really fast boat! PL

Dacron Mainsail for sale. Made by Fred Breman of Miami.Measures P LUFF 34’4” and E FOOT 13’9”. Was used on a 36’Morgan Out Island. Good condition. $500.

Call Mike Brescher 305-754-8361.

Meet Candy! This sweet, five year year old girl needs ahome. Though she’s not good with cats, she loves otherdogs and kids. Candy weighs about forty pounds and isspayed. Her previous owners both passed away, so it’snot her fault that she’s homeless. She’s currently livingoutside as the dog at her foster home dislikes her! CallMartine Pate of the All For One Pet Rescue at 561-693-8844 if you are interested!

SLSC Bridge 2020Commodore

Vice Commodore James ArthurAssistant Vice Sue Strickland

Rear Commodore Kevin KirwinAssistant Rear Glenn Strickland

Treasurer Debbie ArthurSecretary Dina HollobaughFleet (Cruise) Captain Tom MestritsRace Captain Mike BrescherSocial Captain Linda MagdaDirector Ships Store Katherine NeurohrDirector Web Master Adrienne Jalowsky

Assistant Web Jim HaleyDirector Publicity Lynn Morgan

Assistant Publicity Janis CusimanoDirector Log Paul Loschiavo

Photo Editor Karen TwissPast Commodore Joe Sawyer