Bilge Pump: December 2010


1. Commodore's Report

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

Commodore George Austin

Congratulations to our new Fleet Captain, Steve Weiss, and his first mate Jacquie. The “Mac and Cheese Cook-off” at Winslow was a success with Elin Storey winning with a really cheesy dish. Fourteen entrants competed and there were a few bruised egos among the other contestants (losers, I think Elin called us) but all the dishes were pretty much all gone by the end of dinner. I won’t be having mac & cheese for dinner for a while. Steve, thanks again, I’m looking forward to the other Fleet Captain’s events. Get them onto your calendar.

We’re in the midst of a Docks Inspection. We have a two man crew in a dinghy and others that move the boats around and record the data going under the docks to inspect the components of our docks. It is moving along very well and we’re over ½ done. We have had a great member turnout to help in the inspection. You get free breakfast at 8:00 AM if you work. We have found some areas that need attention. Waterfront Construction will repair the affected areas. We look like we’ll be within budget for these corrections. Thanks to all who helped with this and especially the dinghy crew that taps the wood with hammers, while lying on their backs, to check the soundness of the beams, knocking all the spiders down onto their heads.

I keep mentioning The Bilge Pump. This is one of the key ways we communicate with all of you and the last couple of issues were packed with upcoming events. Pick one and let’s have some fun.

For December we have “Breakfast with the Bridge” on the 4th, where you can come and have breakfast, we tell you about some of our projects and where you can ask questions, bring ideas to us and other members in a casual environment. New members, make it a point to come and meet your other club members and get a feel how your club works, also watch your Bilge Pump for news of the “New Member Orientation” after the first of the year.

I’m writing this article on Veterans’ Day and apologize to the veterans that I didn’t thank you for your service to our country at our club meeting last night. I shouldn’t need to be reminded of these things.

Hopefully you get this article in time for the Special People’s Holiday Cruise on the 5th, Captains’ Dinner on the 9th, Lighted Boat Parade on the 10th and 11th, Children’s Christmas Party on the 11th , Christmas on the 25th and all the other Holiday events. I can hear the music now (I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas is a favorite). Last but not least we have our New Year’s Eve Party with a twist (look for the announcement in this issue of The Bilge Pump).

Merry Christmas to all,
George Austin
Commodore


2. Vice Commodore's Report

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

The Holidays are upon us! Plan to attend all of the great activities that you can. They all promise to be terrific events.

Annual Pictures:

We are going to have members’ pictures in the annual this year. I don’t know how many of you will be in there but we will get as many as possible and will be doing pictures all year so that next year our goal is to get everyone in the annual.
2011 License stickers: There are a number of orange 2010 stickers on boats that should by now be sporting those pretty green 2011 stickers. If this is your boat please get them on!

Clean Marine Practices:

As you all know we are attempting to be designated a clean marina. To date we have had a template made (Thanks to Mike Cochran who fabricated it at no charge to the club) to mark the parking lot drains. All of our parking lot drains empty directly into the lake. We are in the process of getting filters for those drains also. Please be aware that nothing should be dumped into those drains. Our rules are very specific in that regard.

* 2.04. Discharges. No materials or liquids, including specifically petroleum products, shall be discharged or dumped into the water contrary to governmental regulation. Petroleum products and hazardous materials shall be disposed of in conformity with all applicable governmental regulations. Engine oil may be disposed of in the disposal tank at the side of the parking lot. (The oil tank had to be removed as it was leaking and needed to be replaced). By the time you read this it should be replaced with a new one. Other refuse shall be deposited in the dumpsters provided.

Docks:

The QCYC Dock Survey and Inspection team is currently conducting an inspection of our docks and support pilings at the main station. We have completed approximately ¾ of the docks and have had a really good turnout of members to help. I would like to personally thank all of you for your help.

During the survey, they have discovered a substantial number of assigned slips that still have fire hose cushioning fastened along the rub rail of the slip, as well as other items such as carpeting and rubber mats without holes or perforations in the mat. We realize that these items may have been there when you were assigned the slip but they still need to be removed now. Commercially made bumpers, rubber guides, wheels etc are ok as long as they don’t hold the water on the dock. The best thing to remember is that less is better as far as the docks are concerned. These items cause and promote the acceleration of rot due to the entrapment of moisture under or in back of the item, which prevents the affected areas from drying out.

Please remove the items noted above that are fastened or located in the boarding area of your assigned slip at your earliest possible convenience, but not later than Sat. Dec. 4. If you are without the proper tools or are physically handicapped and it is not possible for you to perform the removal of these items, please let the QCYC Bridge know and we will make arrangements for someone to assist you in their removal.

The maintenance and repair to our docks is costly and requires our continual oversight to keep them in an acceptable condition.

We on the Bridge appreciate your cooperation on this request, and regret any inconvenience that it may cause. The crew has also noticed miscellaneous items stored on the docks and finger piers. If they belong to you please clean them up, as it is a dangerous situation.

* 2.09. Docks and Walkways. Docks, wing walks and overhead areas shall be kept clean, shall be kept free of equipment, materials, debris and other accumulations and shall not be used for storage, including storage of dinghies. No bicycles or motorcycles shall be stored or ridden on docks.

Report unsafe issues on the docks or grounds to the Bridge or on clipboards on the end of each dock.
It has been reported that there has been some sewage in the marina that appears to have come from someone’s boat. Please be reminded that this violates not only our club rules but “The Marina Best Management Practices” as well. Upon trying to investigate this we discovered that we did not have on file a number of contracts and receipts on extended stay boats as required by Marina Best Management Practices. Please review the requirements below and if you are not in compliance please get it taken care of.

Discharges:

Discharge of sewage from vessel toilets or holding tanks at any QCYC facility is prohibited.

All Extended stay members shall use a marine sanitation pump-out to remove sewage from their vessel and shall post a copy of monthly proof of pump-out receipt immediately adjacent to the emergency contact information for the vessel.
No liquid or solid waste of any kind shall be dumped in storm drains, in the water, or on the ground at any club facility.

February’s speaker will be Richard Warren, who grew up at Dockton on Vashon Island. Later he became interested in the origin of the many remnants of Dockton’s past industrial activity. After several years of research he wrote a history of Dockton for the Seachest, the journal of the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society. From this work he developed a slide show outlining Dockton’s interesting history, which he will narrate.

Mr. Warren recently assisted the residents of Dockton in the planning and design of the “Dockton Historic Interpretive Trail” that begins at the King County Park, a popular cruising destination. Mr. Warren is a Life member of the Quartermaster Yacht Club.

House:

Yes, I failed to have the clocks changed as daylight saving ended.

Outstation:

Barb & Eric have ably taken care of the out station once again. Edie (the German Sheppard) may be bigger than Guido, the Italian Water dog of the Vice Commodore, but Guido is still faster and fast friends with Edie. They are 10 days apart in age.

Don Wilson
Vice Commodore 


3. Rear Commodore's Report

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

Greetings. Thanksgiving celebrations will be over by the time you get your December Bilge Pump, however, Lois and I still want to extend our best wishes to you for that special day. Thanksgiving is such a great time to gather with friends, family and loved ones.

It’s December, and time for members to check out the QCYC calendar of events. We have a lot of activities planned for December and are looking forward to your company. One QCYC event you will want to be sure to attend is the Captain’s dinner on Dec. 9. Also, the Special People’s Cruise on Dec. 5 is a winner, as well as participation in the Lighted Boat Parade on Dec. 10. Don’t miss the opportunity for the grandchildren to meet and see Santa at the Annual Queen City’s Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 11. And, of course what better way is there to end Dec. than attending our fantastic New Year’s party on Friday, Dec. 31?

As I noted above, the Special People’s Holiday Cruise is coming up on Sunday, December 5. This wonderful boating activity is sponsored by Seattle Seafair each year. QCYC members have always participated in this special event which has become so important to these folks. Please consider joining us and volunteer a few hours of time on Sunday, Dec. 5.

REPORTS:

GROUNDS: My recent inspection of the clubhouse grounds including the west hill bank area shows all areas to be stable and handling the early surface water runoff we have been having this year. Our parking lot drainage and catch basins are fully functioning, and are not in need of any special attention at this time.

SECURITY: Capt. Rod Hilden confirms there are no security issues on our facilities to report and that all facilities are safe and secure at this writing.

MEMBERSHIP: Kudos to Capt. Chris Benson for adding three new members at the November general meeting. Welcome aboard to our new members. QCYC has many activities to offer and I encourage our new members to become actively involved in the club.

Our membership at the end of Nov. was 358 active members. Our 2011 goal is to add 45 new memberships; we are currently at 22 % of our goal.

REMINDER: December is a time when we meet lots of new people during the holiday season. Please don’t forget to mention our club and all the benefits offered through a membership at Queen City. Actually, Lois and I became members of Queen City when a couple from our church invited us to visit the club.

In closing, we wish you a wonderful and joyous Holiday Season and a Happy NEW YEAR.

Bob Stettner
Rear Commodore


Bowling At The Garage

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

 BOWLING WITH THE COMMODORE - January 9th


Chet Gibson Memorial Christmas Cruise

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

  

THE CHET GIBSON MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS CRUISE

Parade of Lighted Boats – Coordinated and Led by

Queen City Yacht Club

Approximate Parade Schedule

Friday, December 10, 2008                                                                Saturday, December 11, 2008

Lake Union                  6:00 PM (Start)                                   Lake Union (Start)      6:00 PM

Webster Point             7:00 PM                                               Webster Point             7:00 PM

Leschi Park                 7:25 PM                                               Cozy Cove                  7:40 PM

Meydenbauer  Bay     8:20 PM                                               Kirkland                       8:10 PM

Webster Point             9:00 PM (End)                                     Mathews Beach          8:40 PM

                                                                                                Sand Point                   9:00 PM

                                                                                                Webster Point-End      9:30 PM

Communications: Monitor VHF Channel 9. Communications boat will provide parade information concerning safety and navigation.  If you wish to contact communications just request Queen City Parade Communications.

Entry Requirements:  There are none. ALL BOATERS ARE WELCOME.  Just decorate your boat, put on a happy face and join the parade.  Each and every boat lends its own unique flavor to the spirit of Christmas.

Comment:  The event was begun in 1941 by Captain Chet Gibson and is being carried on under the sponsor ship of Queen City Yacht Club.  It is an opportunity for the area boaters to share their pastime with the community and is an event the shoreline viewers eagerly anticipate.

Note:  The Montlake Bridge opens on request after 6:30 PM, so the sailboats should line up together for a common opening.

Parade Start:  On both nights, boats will form up at the North end of Lake Union behind the lead boat, TBD, near buoy C”13” by Gasworks Park.  At 6:00 PM the flashing light will appear on the lead boat and the parade will begin.  We will proceed counter clockwise around Lake Union, through Portage Bay, the Mountlake Cut and out into Lake Washington.

Decorations:  Both sides of the boat should be decorated; lights should dominate the display.  The audience is the people in the surrounding communities who enjoy the spectacular sight of the floating Christmas lights from shore.


Club Manger's Report

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

For you whiskey drinkers, we have replaced Chivas Regal with Makers Mark Whiskey. Makers Mark will be priced at $3.00 per 1.5 ounce shot.

Makers is great on the rocks or as an upgrade to your favorite Manhattan.

Andy Gerde
Club Manager


Commodore's Ball 2010

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

On October 2nd, QCYC was transformed into a tropical paradise in honor of Commodore and First Lady Nancy Austin. George and Nancy first met on Oahu, thus the Hawaiian-themed Ball. The second deck was transformed into an elegant cocktail lounge--aptly named the Salmon Lounge in honor of the Sassy Salmon--replete with surfboard serving table. The third deck became a sophisticated dinner venue with great food and dancing. From all reports from the sell-out crowd, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

It takes lots of creative and physical labor to put on such an event and we had such help in abundance. I'd like to thank the following for all their help before, during and after the event: Vivian and Gary Johnson; John and Louise Alving; Carolyn and Brian Barton; Michelle Bedner; our Office Manager, Deborah Cobain; Rosemary Collins; Gayle Frisch; Renee Kimes; Margaret Krows; Steffie Marcelynas; Bill McGillin and Cammy Mowery; Dick and Teri McGrew; Tracy and Scott McPhee; Bob and Laurean Myers; Bob and Diane Prestebak; Susie Roberts; John and Lynn Sipkins; Lois Stettner; Stephanie Weiss; Crystal Yates; Willie and Peg and their staff for the wonderful food; Andy Gerde and his bartending crew for keeping everyone in a festive mood; and, Kim Cooper for the beautiful vocal solo for George and Nancy's special song. It would be more than fair to say that the ball would not have been nearly as creative or successful without the help of my wife, Elaine. A BIG thank you to each and every one of you!

The Commodore's Ball is a wonderful event. Mark your calendars now for the 2011 Commodore's Ball, October 1, 2011.

Fair Winds,
P/C Ed Jennerich 


Docks Committee

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010
The under docks inspection is proving its worth as a planning and budgeting tool, and in providing the facts upon which to base the work schedule for this year’s maintenance and repair of our docks. Working proactively with these wooden structures is the only way to preserve them for the future and to make belonging here a reasonable financial decision. These docks have many years’ more life in them, if they are adequately maintained. You should be proud of your club for making that commitment on your behalf. At the midpoint of the inspection, we’ve found some significant problems, but nothing far outside of expectations. A preliminary look at the findings indicates that we’ve made good progress in getting ahead of the deterioration that is a feature of these docks.  A very large, QCYC style, thanks goes to: Rick Sweezy, Pete Clarke, P/C Carl Weiss, Richard Thymian, Marv Elbon, Mitch Garton, Ron Stevenson, Dustin Bago, Dick Dow, Tim Dies, Dave Tregoning, Richard Larsen, Chuck Gould, Rick Ashleman, Pete Collins, Dave Armstrong, Mark Nance, Kent Soffel, Dave Svendsen, Larry Keeler, Art Mauldin, Dick McGrew, Bob Myers, and your flag officers, George Austin, Don Wilson, and Bob Stettner. That’s 26 of your fellow members, so far.
 
It’s coming on “the gray season” in Seattle and that means it’s time for cold weather preparations. Please remember that we need to protect our water pipes from freezing and all hoses must be left de-coupled from the water taps. We’re all aware of our limited power situation that makes it imperative that we all limit our electrical usage at the time of the year when nature asks us to use more power. Please save a watt for the rest of us. The watt you save might be the one that keeps the lights on. The docks need to have the planking nails hammered down in advance of snowfall. Grab a hammer and beat on the docks if you will. We have a drop-bar that does make the effort easier on the back (worse on the toes for some).J That effort will save a terrible amount of bad language when it comes time to shovel the docks. We will try to provide de-icer at two locations on each pier. Feel free to sprinkle a little around when needed and be very cautious on icy docks. The electrical connections and temperatures inspection will happen soon.
 
I’m mindful of the bow pulpits that are protruding over the main docks. Some present a real safety concern and you are asked to properly spring your boats back in your slips before someone is hurt. During our inspection, we have been renewing our efforts to remove carpet and canvas hose from our docks. This time we uncovered some serious rot in our structures hastened by the water trapped under some fire hose. Fendering can be done with thermoplastic bumpers and trim, as well as dock wheels. Whatever is installed needs to be such that the wood can ventilate and dry. Door mats are acceptable if they are of the open rubber type, but cannot be carpet, or closed sheets of rubber or plastic. Even unattached mats can’t be left on the dock if they block air flow. Interior columns that are protected by carpeting are marginally acceptable, if the carpet is kept 1-1/2” from the pier surfaces themselves, but can’t be left in place at firebreaks or exposed locations at all.
 
Dock work parties will again be happening on the second Saturday of the month. Dec. 11, Jan. 8, and Feb. 12 are the next ones. 9:00 AM start, if you want breakfast arrive 8:00 to 8:30. Lunch is provided by the club and we do try to end things by around 3:00 PM. Our committee meetings are the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Upcoming meetings are scheduled: Dec. 28, Jan. 25, and Feb. 22.
 
Arthur Mauldin
Docks Chairman

Fleet Captain's Report

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010

Halloween cruise to Winslow

For my first official Fleet Captain’s Cruise I learned a good lesson. I became aware that after my passionate plea at the general meeting on October 13th for sign-ups for those who would be attending and for those who would enter the mac & cheese contest I would have to wait until October 27th for the flood gates to open. On the 13th I only had one confirmed entrant for the bake-off and a few maybes. By the 27th after the week-end weather report was in, the entries soared to 14 confirmed and the party was on! Also confirmed were many boats and kids that would be attending. Lesson learned. Be patient and good things will happen.

Friday’s hosted Fleet Captain cocktail party was very well attended and some very good Puu Puu’s were shared. As a side note, Carol Voegeli mentioned to me that it was a nice tie in using Puu Puu because of George and Nancy’s Hawaiian theme for their Commodore year. I had to admit to Carol I used this term because I couldn’t spell the other word referring to shared snacks. But in retrospect I plan on using Puu Puu for the rest of the year!

While Friday’s weather was perfect and when waking up to bright sunshine on Saturday morning I thought the Halloween gods were looking down on us. Alas, the clouds moved in and by 10:00 AM the rain started and never stopped. However, the show went on and Jim and Karen VanWagenen did a super job with all the kids and the activities they had planned. The only downfall was that we had to cancel trick or treating on the docks. I don’t think the kids hardly noticed. To Jim and Karen I want to thank you for all your hard work.

Around 4:00 PM the cooks were getting ready. Ovens were fired. Baking dishes were heating up and it looked like this was actually going to happen! It came off almost like it was planned! By 5:30 the fantastic 14 (grand 14?) dishes were on display and tasting and voting began. Dan and Marilyn Wilshin were counting votes, people were stuffing themselves with carbs and all had plenty to eat. After all the votes were counted the winners were announced. 1st place Elin Storey, 2nd place (after heavy lobbying of the voters) Jim Hess, 3rd place Vice Commodore Don Wilson. Special thanks to Dan and Marilyn for all their help.

Two other thank you’s. Barbara and Eric Wood for the help with decorations and to Carol Hess and Carolyn Barton for a really terrific job with the raffle sales.

Thanks to the following sponsors for their donations: Dave Kutz, Doc’s Marina Grill, Blanchard Auto Electric, Ballard Oil, Carolyn Barton, Yacht Performance Center, Commodore George Austin, Morrison’s, Russell Fastening, Tim DeCook.

Steve Weiss
Fleet Captain

P.S. I’ll Close this first chapter of my year as Fleet Captain with these observations: Eric Wood’s one year undefeated streak ended and Jess Hill (self professed as one of Americas top chefs) has not won in the last two competitions. I will also try to remember to turn off the ovens before locking up for the night. 


In Memoriam

Bilge Pump Issue: 
December 2010


Bookter, Jack                     1927 – 2010

Captain Jack Bookter crossed the bar on Jan 7, 2010, at the age of 83 following an extended illness.  Jack was born in Gentry, Arkansas, and spent his childhood in Arkansas, Kansas and Texas.  After high school he joined the Merchant Marines and later served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the minesweeper USS Prime.

After the war, Jack attended college in Kansas and then transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Following graduation, Jack joined Boeing in Wichita, Kansas, and transferred to Boeing Seattle in 1952.  Jack’s career with Boeing was spent mostly in Seattle, but he did have some extended field assignments.  He retired in 1987 as an Aerospace Salary Administration Workforce Manager. 

Jack was an avid observer of politics and was an articulate defender of the conservative view and policies.  He loved football with a dual allegiance to the Oklahoma Sooners and the UW Huskies and was a Husky season ticket holder for forty years!  Fortunately, the two teams did not often meet on the field, sparing Jack the anguish of having to pick a favorite. 

Jack also continued to pursue his love of the sea and joined Queen City in 1972 and was a very active member and contributor.  In 1975 & 1976 he was our Bilge Pump Editor, and was 4th of July Cruise Chairman in 1978. In both 1980 and 1982 he served as Opening Day Chairman. In 1979 he was Fleet Captain, Labor Day Cruise Chairman & Christmas Lighted Boat Chairman!  Not slowing down, Jack was our Annual Chairman in both 1990 & 1992!  P/C Al Smith, Commodore one of the years that Jack was Opening Day Chair, remembers that he took his activities seriously and did them well.  Al Teel, Jack’s neighbor for many years, remembers him as an active club contributor and great neighbor.

While a member, Jack owned two boats; the Sing Ton, a Perkins powered 35’ American Marine and the Fia Fia, a 42’ Grand Banks.

Jack is survived by his wife Gloria.

 


Stich, Shawn Michael                     1951 - 2010

Captain Shawn Stich crossed the bar Friday, September 24, 2010, at the age of 58. Shawn was born December 10, 1951, in Seattle and grew up in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle. He attended St Joseph’s Grade School and graduated from Seattle Prep high school.

Shawn was a big jovial guy who could throw a football like no other. He was an affable soul whose passions included boats and boat racing, the challenge of fixing anything broken and finding solutions for mechanical conundrums. The only thing Shawn couldn't fix was his broken heart, when his beloved wife of 17 years, Alice, passed away in 2004. He now joins his fishing buddy on Lake Paradise.  Shawn will always be remembered for his wicked barbeque, his gregarious nature with his many friends at Queen City Yacht Club and his passion for making a hemi engine sing. His recreation passions were golf, water skiing, water sports of all kinds and of course his racing boats.

Shawn spent his entire career in the vending and entertainment industry and worked his way up the ladder from delivery to sales management. He worked for many years for the Nelson and Michael Company and later went to work for Sodexho Marriott. He was a member of Teamsters Local 117.

Shawn joined Queen City in 2004 under the sponsorship of Jerry Zuvich.  He immediately and smoothly fit into the club as he had many friends from racing and boating and made new friends easily. For the last three years Shawn served on the Moorage Committee, was Locker Assignment Chairman this year and served two years on the Bartender Committee.  Shawn had volunteered to be this year’s 4th of July Cruise Chair and had completed all the planning, but was hospitalized just prior to the 4th and wasn’t able to attend.

While a member, Shawn owned two boats; the Big Al, a 28’ Delta and the Italian made  Veloc,e a 46’ Riva powered by twin Cummins Diesels.  Shawn was very proud of the Riva, an unusual boat for the Puget Sound area and was in the process of renovating and refurbishing the boat and had just had it painted at Delta Marine.

Shawn played his last round of golf just a week before his death with his family at their annual golf tournament, which is remembered as a great day for everyone in the family. May he now enjoy endless summers, the perfect golf swing and his little red-haired girl's raucous laughter.  Shawn is survived by his four siblings and their spouses; Kevin (Liz), Brian (Pam), Darrin (Nancy) and Maurine "Mo"(Mike); his uncles and aunts, Dick and Cathie and BilI and Sharon; his fifteen first cousins, three nieces and one nephew. 


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