Bilge Pump: May 2008
1. Commodore's Report
Opening Day
Opening Day this year will be a great party and a chance for QCYC to show the boating public the kind of hospitality we are known for. The preparation activity around the Club noticeably ramps up this time of year, culminating with our Pride of Queen City day the weekend before the festivities begin. Our Club is built on the proud tradition of Member involvement in the care and improvement of our facilities and the meaning of that concept is never more evident than at this time of year. Way to go team! What a great Club we have!
Special Thanks
And a sigh of relief--thanks to the fast thinking and response by Captain Walt Mauldin, supported by Captain Art Mauldin and PC Scott Grimm to the fire on Captain Orin Phillips boat Sunday evening April 13. Orin's boat, a recent model Tiara, burst into smoke and flames at the Club's Dock 2 instation covered moorage. Walt, who moors across the fairway, spotted the flames and immediately dinghyed over to fight the fire. Something tells me he has special training. Art and Scott soon joined him, and they were able to keep the wood structures wet and bought time for the Fire Department to respond. Scott reports that the firefighters were on scene within 5 minutes of the 911 call. By the time I got there 20 minutes later, the fire was out and there was no damage to the docks. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Orin's boat, which sustained significant fire damage. Preliminary investigation by the SFD was conducted at the scene and then the boat was towed to the SPD docks as a precaution in case the fire re-flared. Thanks again for your fast thinking and your prompt action.
Thank You
To Tarette President Misti Allison, Millie Grayson and Dulci Sahlberg and crew for a great time at the Tarette's Friday night social held April 11. A super meal and congenial company made it a great night. Also Happy Birthday Chef Willie Williamson (April 11) organized by Linda Dishneau.
Thanks also to the many attendees at Daffodil. We had a lot of fun, especially bribing judges at the trivia contest. Tacoma Yacht Club always puts on a whale of a party and welcomes yachties from all over. If you missed this year's put it on your agenda for next season. You will be glad you did.
Speaking of Opening Day, a huge thank you to P/C David Krows who does not crave praise, for Chairing Opening Day. For Dave, Opening Day began in October right after Change-of-Watch. Our thanks also to Butch Scherrer, Dick Geving, Gerry Dishneau, Andrea Schock, Jess Hill, the Tarettes, and Chef Willie Williamson for chairing the daily events and all of the many volunteers who amazed us with their tireless work organizing our Opening Day celebration.
Upcoming Events
Memorial Day weekend looks like a grand event with activities for adults, kids and everyone in between. Peter and Kathleen Anderson and their crew have worked hard to make this event the hit of spring. I look forward to seeing you there.
Our Club hosts the Grand XIV Junior Officers Ball May 31. This event is open to all Club members. Please turn out in support of our Club, Dale and Susie, Ed and Elaine. The Rainier/Poulsbo IPBA race is May 10th.
The Tarette Dock Party comes up on June 7th and I mention it this month because I want to be sure it gets early press. Bring your best stuff to sell and your cash to buy. Rain or shine there is fun to be had.
On June 21, Kyle and Traci Bixby are producing Taco and Tequila night. Kyle and Traci developed this smash hit last year and it is back for another run.
We don't yet have details on the Big Brother's Cruise at the end of June. For new members of our Club, we are referred to as the Big Brother to Bremerton Yacht Club. We have an annual combined cruise to one of the two club's outstations. This is always a fun event. Look for further details here and on the website.
Sign up early for the Summer Fleet Captain's Cruise to the Gulf Islands in August. It sounds like a fun event and even though Fleet Captain Paul Grimm is a very laid back, soft-spoken promoter, he has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi (or something) ability? knack? talent? luck? at putting on a great party. The distances to be cruised are compact so that fuel can be conserved.
I am looking forward to seeing you at our summer cruise events. Make plans now and come have a whole bunch of fun.
Bill McGillin
Commodore
2. Vice Commodore's Report
As you read this edition of the Bilge Pump, you are either in the midst of Opening Day, or it has recently ended. If it is happening now, I hope you are have a grand time, and as Queen City’s premier event, it’s a great way to show off our wonderful facilities and hard working membership. If Opening Day is over, I would like to thank all of you who volunteered on the various committees. In particular, our Opening Day Chair, P/C Dave Krows and Margaret, need to be recognized for their hard work and top notch organizational skills. Even though they make it look easy, we all know how much effort they have put into it for the last couple of months.
Outstation: Final decisions regarding the “transverse dock” replacement are being made now. Kelly Stocklin provided us with valuable information regarding the current condition of the dock structures along with price estimates for various types of dock materials. Bill Conley has handled the three permit applications and provided pricing on concrete docks. The information they provided has helped us to make an informed decision and we thank you both for your efforts. Eric and Barb Wood skillfully organized and oversaw the spring Outstation work party in which over 40 members participated! That really shows how much our members love our Outstation! Thank you, Barb and Eric.
Docks: Rod Hilden and Art Mauldin have completed the “Fire Protection for Covered Moorage” plan and have recently submitted it to the Seattle Fire Department. The document lays out a nine year long schedule to bring our covered moorage into compliance with new fire codes and allows current and future Bridge Officers to effectively schedule the necessary construction in an orderly fashion. Also, during the third week of May, the second application of this year’s “spider eradication program” will happen. As we get closer to the actual date, I’ll have it posted on the web site. I’d like feedback on this program and your input would be appreciated. Contact me at vicecommodore@queencity.org.
Moorage: By now you have your Department of Licensing renewal form, and for our mooring members, please make a copy of the registration certificate and submit it to Jonelle in the office.
House: Jim Damery with the assistance of P/C Jeff Ewell and others spend countless hours making sure our clubhouse stays in tip-top shape. When you see them, let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.
Junior Officer’s Ball: Mark your calendar for the upcoming ball on May 31st. This is Queen City Yacht Club’s chance to show the Grand 14 what a terrific club we have, and your attendance will help us accomplish that. All Queen City members are encouraged to attend. The cost will be $30 per person, and make your reservation with Jonelle in the office. Further details can be found in the JO Ball announcement in this Bilge Pump.
Dale Roberts
Vice Commodore
3. Rear Commodore's Report
All of you astute readers of the Bilge Pump will have noticed that my March report was re-printed in the April edition and my April report omitted. As fascinating as my April report was (you can read it online), I won’t repeat it in its entirety here. Rather, let me hit the highlights of April and then turn to May.
Opening Day Moorage. The committee is busily planning for an enjoyable, fun-filled celebration. We expect many visitors and guests at the Club during the five-day festivities. An event of this magnitude requires a great deal of coordination and the cooperation of every member. With that in mind, I’d like to ask for your help with the following:
• Please let Dick Geving know if you’re going to be away from your slip so we can assign visiting boats to your slip. We always have more requests than we can handle so every available slip really helps.
• Because of the heavy demand, the reciprocal list is suspended during Opening Day Week. We will only be able to accommodate boats from the Grand 14 and Kingston Cove Yacht Club. Each year we have greater demands on our available moorage and it’s a difficult task but we try our best to safely accommodate as many boats as possible.
• Non-mooring members are welcome to dock at the “U”.
Opening Day and Summer Parking -- Club Rule 7.01 states “Only one vehicle per member shall be parked on the Clubhouse property from June 15 through September 15 and at times of scheduled Club activities.” Due to numerous complaints from members about violations to this parking rule, we’ll be issuing and mailing new summer-use parking passes. These hang from your rear-view mirror and will be in force during Opening Day week and throughout the summer. Only 1 (one) pass will be given to each member. During Opening Day week the gate will be monitored and only those with the summer use parking pass will be allowed access to the lot. We have only printed enough passes for each member so please be careful with them as there are no replacements: we don’t want to have to turn people away. Also, given the recent spate of boat fires (Winslow, Tacoma, Pt. Roberts), please obey the fire lanes and park only in the striped spaces in order to provide access for emergency vehicles should they be needed. Please be fair to your fellow Club members and follow the Rules. Your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated.
Grounds -- You will notice that the dumpster enclosures have been completed. I’d like to express my sincere thanks to V/C Dale Roberts for all of his help and technical expertise. I’d also like to thank Bob Lindal for contributing the cedar. Just a quick word about the dumpsters by Cummings Hall: the large garbage dumpster has sliding doors on the side of the dumpster to facilitate access. We’re also looking into ways to safely provide access on those few occasions when the trash is above the side doors.
Junior Officers Ball – Don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 31. The theme is “Margaritaville”. This will be a fun party and is open to all club members. The food, music and atmosphere will be great! Hope to see you there!
All of us take justifiable pride in our facilities and the Winslow outstation is no exception. We also take pride in the commitment of our members to pitch in and work to keep all of our facilities in good repair. Thus, it’s especially gratifying to see new members become infused with the Queen City spirit. In an effort to recognize new members contributions, this month I’d like recognize Jim Van Wagenen for his outstanding contributions at the outstation work party. Thanks, Jim!
Fair Winds,
Ed Jennerich
Rear Commodore
Docks Reprt
Dock 3 is all but back together thanks to all that helped. We need help to replace dock planks on all three docks! There is a work party every Saturday at 8 AM. I would like to start a Wednesday work party on the 2 and 4 Wednesday of the month at 10 AM. If you have time any day of the week just E-Mail me or phone me at 206-979-9002.
Thanks
Randy Garvie
Free Vessel Inspections at the Winslow Outstation
A team is being formed of certified vessel safety examiners from the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the US Power Squadrons to offer Vessel Safety Checks to Queen City members. These checks, which used to be called Courtesy Marine Examinations, survey the safety equipment aboard your boat to determine whether it is working and up to date.
The check is free and entirely voluntary, will give you either a “pass” or a list of things which need to be corrected. After any deficiencies are corrected, you can get a reinspection to obtain a sticker to put on a window of your boat. If you are subsequently stopped by the Coast Guard, you should pass.
Plans are incomplete, but the first time we hope to offer these checks is the Memorial Day cruise at the outstation. When you make your reservation for the cruise, please indicate that you would like to have this half-hour exam. A sheet will be available for you to do your own pre-exam so that you can check your own safety equipment.
Wouldn’t you rather have an exam with no ramifications, and time to correct any shortcomings, than get a citation from the Coast Guard?
Laughlin Gathering
62 members and guests from Washington, Arizona and California gathered in Laughlin, NV for our 6th Annual Winter Getaway. While up north Seattle was being blasted by snow and cold temperatures the group was enjoying sunny weather and calm winds. The attendees raised $1000.00 for the Boyer Children's Clinic.
Memorial Day at Winslow 2008
Well here we are again at the beginning of a fun summer of boating and other activities that we all liked to do during the summer. As in the past we are going to have some great meals prepared for all to enjoy. Pancake Breakfasts, BBQ dinners and of course hamburgers and Hot Dogs. I know that all of us growing up had a lot of fond memories of things we liked to do during the summer months. Some liked to go camping, boating, road trips in the back seat of the family car, hitting our brother or sister. Then having dad say “he didn’t want to have to pull the car over”. Oh, the fun times. Well we are going to try and have a little fun this weekend. On Saturday, Mark LaFontaine is having the first day of the World Renowned Semi Annual Horse Shoe Contest. During Dinner you with be entertained by the QCYC Dancers with Guest appearances of the Big Kahuna Dancers. Around 8 PM Beach Blanket Bingo will start with lots of prizes. So dig out some old beach blankets. Sunday morning starts with, what else, Ron Rolstad’s World Famous Omelets. At 1:00 The Beach fashion contest starts. There will be prizes for the Best and Ugliest Aloha shirts and or beach wear. Now these may be one in the same depending the judges. Also Sunday will be day 2 of the horse shoe contest, so start practicing. Sunday night is a little up in the air depending on the weather. We have received permission to have fire on the beach to have a sing along. If it is raining, It will be “SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES” Popcorn and soft drinks for all.
Monday, Memorial Day, we will take time out to observe and reflect on the many who have given there lives so that we may enjoy a wonderful weekend like this. We will also note the passing of dear friends, husbands and wives that we have all met along the way. Capt. Klett will again do us the honor of presiding over these ceremonies.
Then it is time to say goodbye for a short time or until our paths cross. Have a safe and fun boating season at least till “Closing Day”
Peter Anderson
and a Crew of Thousands
Memorial Day Weekend
New QCYC Website
The Web Team is proud to present the new QCYC Website to the membership at www.queencity.org. The site fully rolled out on April 8th and has already accumulated many new users. If you haven’t signed up for your personal account simply click the “Create new account” link on the right side of the homepage and follow the steps. Once the Web Team has verified your membership you will receive an email with further setup instructions.
The new website enhances security by having unique logins/passwords for every member instead of one shared login. This means if a member leaves the club their account can be deactivated so that privileged club & member information can no longer be accessed.
Our goal is to not only provide the membership with the most accurate and timely information but to also expand their relation with the club via blogs, forums, polls and an improved photo gallery. Group permissions can be assigned to users (Bridge, Moorage Committee, Webteam Editor, etc.) to allow them to add/change/remove content on the site without the need for separate sub-systems and logins.
If you have any questions, concerns or enhancements that you’d like to see please post them in the Website Help & Suggestions forum or send an email to webteam@queencity.org.
Thanks;
Kyle Bixby
QCYC Webmaster
Outstation Report
Every year, Eric and I are amazed at the turnout and support we get for the annual Outstation Work Party. This year was no exception – 45 people arrived with their sleeves rolled up ready to work!
In past years, we’ve had some big projects planned. One year we rebuilt the fence on the west side of the property; another year, we leveled the lawn with 10 yards of dirt and re-seeded it. This year, the folks doing the dock repairs, led by Bob Lindal, needed the ibuprophen the most. There were many bad sections that needed repair.
The gardens and lawns were trimmed, raked, and mowed – all in all, it seems to get easier every year. Of course, a new crop of weeds will appear as soon as we turn our backs, so help with the gardens is always appreciated during the rest of the year.
The power washer got a good workout on the decks, patio furniture, bricks surrounding the back side of the building (thanks, Al!), and was even used to remove the mussels and growth from the power and water lines underneath the ramp to the docks.
“Detail” work included waxing the new-in-’07 flagpole. The cedar on the west side of the building received a fresh coat of stain. The sliding glass doors were cleaned and new QCYC decals affixed (to keep someone from walking into the glass).
The stainless steel refrigerator and icemaker got a good polish. (Talk about detail – Eric used 600 grit wet sandpaper to remove the scratches from the stainless on the refrigerator…) Even the propane tank out on the street was cleaned. I could keep going, but you get the idea.
So much was accomplished that someone said “it was like that TV program where a new home is built in two or three days.” Most of the projects were completed on Saturday.
On Sunday, about a dozen of us finished cleaning the galley and floors, and then sat back and admired how great it all looks!
Thanks to the following people for their great help:
John Alving, P/C Terry Baker, Brian and Carolyn Barton, Alan Bender, Paul and Shauna Bennett, Bill and Michelle Bressler, Glen Bowser, Mike Cochran, Pete Collins, Larry and Dorothy Dubia, Chuck Gould, R/C Ed and Elaine Jennerich, Bob and Liz Knowles, Mark LaFountaine, Bob Lindal, Amy and Bob Lundquist, Joanne Martenson, Doug and Jill Princehouse, Jeff Quinn, Larry and Lynette Richards, Al Reiche and Jody Russell, Scott and BJ Smith, Gary and Barbara Stone, P/C Dick Timmerman, Jim Van Wagenen, Steve and Jackie Weiss, Dan and Marilyn Wilshin, Don Wilson, P/C Bob and Crystal Yates, and Tom Youngs.
Barb Wood
