Hawaii Yacht Club - Recent Events

Flotsam & Jetsam - February, 2012

On the weekend of MLK Day, the Cruising and Voyaging Society planned a weekend cruise to Maui. For a multitude of reasons, the weather NOT being one of them, the trip was whittled down to overnight at Maunalua Bay off Hawaii Kai. The weather and seas were very nice, but that all changed by evening on Saturday. Swan Song was already there. The cruisers later joining were Tanya, Alchemy, Moon Shadow, Eric and Vickie Gold (I don't know the name of their boat), and us, Kula Kai Momi. That evening we had a pot luck dinner aboard Dave and Nancy's Swan Song and we celebrated Nancy's birthday. I wouldn't say we were a bunch of winos, but we went through 14 bottles of wine and champagne. By the time the party was over, the winds and seas kicked up from the south, and we got pounded. Dave got us all safely back to our boats.

I don't know how we survived the night, or who's idea this was! Morning finally came, and we had a very hard time getting the anchor up. Bill and Lillian on Tanya didn't get theirs up - the chain broke. Lillian thought she was Wonder Woman because she was able to haul up the anchor with her bare hands, but the chain broke leaving the anchor on the bottom, and all she was pulling was chain. Fortunately, the chain did not break during the night. Everyone returned worn out and beaten up, but safe.

Those who know Ed and Sue Zehr, and their yacht Casa Chica, you will be sad to know that they have sailed on. They sailed off to Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, where Sue has a new job. They have been with us for a long time, volunteering and adding to our great HYC ohana. We are sad to see them go, and hope they will return again soon.

Katie Melon has gone to Michigan to spend time with her family. Her mother and sister live there. She will be gone 21 days, just long enough to miss us.

Long time former HYC member, Larry Muttick passed away during the holidays after a long illness. Larry had not been a member for the last few years, but he and his wife, Patty Deacon, who predeceased him, both left their mark at HYC, as well as many friends. His sister, Leny, also a member, is here getting his affairs in order. There will be a celebration of life at HYC in the future.

If you haven't seen an old HYC fixture around lately, Mark Olsen, it's because has been in the hospital. I'm not privey to his illness, however, we wish him a speedy recovery, and hope to see him back soon.

Do you believe in a strong countercurrent around Diamond Head? If not, talk to Bob Hinman. Somewhere during the course while racing on Ikaika in the Friday Night Races, his wallet jumped out of his pocket. Upon realizing it had gone to Davy Jones' locker, he would begin on Tuesday (Monday was a holiday) the unpleasant task of replacing the credit cards and ID's. Then on Sunday, he got an anonymous call asking if he had lost a credit card. Of course, the answer was yes, and that was not all he lost. The caller said he had found the wallet washed up on a beach in Portlock where he was sunning himself next to Dog the Bounty Hunter. - cards and cash (some) in tact! Fortunately, Bob didn't have to pay a bounty to get it back.
Don't forget about the wine tasting at HYC every month. It is fun, tasty and informative. The event is held every third Thursday of the month and for $20 per person you will taste six wines - three reds and three whites. February tasting will be Thursday, February 16 at 6:00 pm, upstairs.

Let me know if you have any news you would like to spread.
Barbara Mednick
kmasda@aol.com

January, 2012

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and will have a prosperous New Year. We could all use a little prosperity. It's a new year at HYC, and as always, we want volunteers to get behind the new Commodore, Ron Pestel, and Vice Commodore, Diana Cummings, to help make a fantastic year at HYC. If you haven't volunteered in a long time, now is the time for you to do so. We welcome any muscle or expertise you can contribute.

Last month we saw quite a few birthdays, many of which were celebrated right at HYC. Among those celebrating was Craig Wicke's significant other, Connie Gomez, who celebrated her birthday at the HYC Monday night BBQ. Many of her friends came by to help her celebrate. Craig cooked his famous chicken (his sauce recipe is a very closely guarded secret) while Connie did most of the other cooking. She made two haupia and sweet potato pies that were very tasty, and her beef with onions, and egg rolls were equally as yummy. I knew she could sing and dance, but I didn't know she could cook too.

Marienne McClure threw a 50th party for her partner, Linda Powell. It was quite a celebration, with lots of good food, drinks, Bob Frost's Frosty and the Fat Cats Band, dancing, and party, party, party! Among the guests was our very own webmaster, Mike Philips, who, during the band's break, picked up the guitar and sang a duet with Marienne. It sounded pretty good, but I had trouble hearing over the cheers from the band, who were sitting in front of me. Tons of family and friends were there to wish Linda a fabulous 50. After dinner, she served cheese cake AND birthday carrot cake. I thought I was in heaven. Thanks, Linda, for turning 50.

December 4th was the Wounded Warriors Fishing Tournament. Several HYC skippers volunteered their boats to take wounded warriors out for a half day of fishing. Unfortunately, as we all know, fishing is not always so great. Many returned with no fish, but they had a great time, which was what it was all about. Upon return of the boats, the warriors were treated to Howie Burgers, and lots of other side dishes. When all was said and done, the winning fish was caught by 8-Ball, skippered by Gary Brookins, with first mate, Mark Olsen. That fish got barbequed and eaten right away. Thanks Gary.

Many of you may already know, but if not, Staff Commodore Bud Thompson passed away on October 15, 2011. He was a long time member of HYC, and contributed much of his time and expertise to the sailing community. His ashes will be spread on January 22, 2012, after which, a celebration of life will be held at HYC. Everyone is invited to pay their respects.

On a lighter note, I will be getting back into the groove of Flotsam and Jetsam, so if you have anything you find "club newsworthy" let me know, otherwise, I will have to make up stuff.

Barbara Mednick
kmasda@aol.com