Fleet Captain's Report

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CRUISE

The weather leading up to this scheduled Fleet Captain event was as usual wet and windy. It seems that weather is always the variable when it comes time for a party involving boats. For a change the St. Patrick’s Gods were smiling down on us. The initial plan was for members and their boats to arrive early to save space on UofW dock and avoid stray boaters nesting on my planned party dock. The reciprocal section in the QCYC annual listed the dock at 200’, but upon arrival there was at least 300’ of dock, which left plenty of room to accommodate the beer boat, the grilled sandwich boat, and even space for Seastorey. Everybody was very happy.

Friday afternoon and most of the evening the rains came. I don’t think anyone cared because most of the early arrivals were in front of TV’s watching the UofW basketball team win their first round game in the NCAA tournament. Saturday morning after a very restful night the sun was up and the day turned out to be glorious! The docks were busy with folks setting up tables and canopies, tapping the keg, and warming the grill. As all this was going on more boats were arriving. I lost count of boats and people, but figured there had to be 18-20 boats with 35-40 members and guests. A very nice turnout. With the first of the grilled reubens coming off the grill at around 1:00 PM and about ½ of the keg and wine consumed, the sun and warm temps made for a perfect day. By late afternoon I even noticed a few sunburned faces! Now doesn’t that beat all!

Sunday we awoke to more sunshine, but the temps didn’t hold. The wind was brisk out of the north, but the planned pot luck breakfast still took place. Many great items were served along with eye openers from the Fleet Captain. Most everyone loaded up on treats and retired to a TV to watch UofW lose their second round game. Bummer!! The fleet departed shortly after the game and the UofW dock once again was quiet.

While I can’t take full credit for this great cruise, talking with a number of participants, they were very happy with the way people could gather around and socialize without having to traverse many boats, cross swim steps, climb over aft cabins, etc., to access the activities of a St. Pat’s cruise. Also, I am happy to announce that we lost no one overboard this year! (Future Fleet Captains please take note). Special thanks to a few special people: Mitch and Lynne Garton for being the beer boat, Jess Hill and Jimmy Hess for grilling the reubens to perfection, Carol Hess for another terrific job with the raffle sales, Scott and Tracy McPhee for agreeing to be the goose poop patrol leaders, P/C David Krows for being the “Dock B_____,” and Assistant Fleet Captain Jacquie for just being her.

Thanks also to the people and companies who donated prizes: Doc’s Marina Grill, Murphy’s Diversified Services, Blanchard Auto Electric, David Kutz, Russell Fastening, Gary Halverson, Carolyn Barton, and Jacquie Weiss.

SUMMER CRUISE

Please find in this issue the itinerary for the summer cruise. The flyer will be posted around the club and on-line on our web site. Follow instructions to make reservations at designated destinations. If you have questions or need further information please call or e-mail me and I will try to help you.

Steve Weiss
Fleet Captain
206-285-5775