Hawaii Yacht Club - Fleet Captain
Cruising and Voyaging Society - April, 2012

Greetings Cruisers,

Last month's planned trip to Molokai was blown away literally. We were really looking forward to going back to Molokai, but again the weather stopped us. To make it worse, the added bonus of planning to meet up with the Kaneohe Yacht Club made this past trip even more desirable. We really hated to cancel it. We had so many people signed up it would have been a blast. Hopefully we can reschedule with them again.

We are looking forward to the next trip and we are currently getting ready for a trip to Makua, which we are planning on the next long weekend, Good Friday April 6-8 weekend. It should be a great time in this 25 ft deep anchorage with its crystal clear water, leaping dolphins and wonderful 360 degree views.

At the March meeting, we were to hear about the stainless steel failures endured by many members presented by former Fleet Captain, Captain Steve Dixon, (a local boating author). We were all entertained by the adventure of former Fleet Captain, Bill Beadle who endured rough water and high winds 60 miles off-shore working on weather buoys He also invited everyone to sign up for his CPR /First-Aid Class here at HYC on March 31st, hosted by Bill, a certified Red Cross instructor.

Jeff Naus is preparing for his 2400 mile crossing to Tahiti with his crew aboard MoonShadow departing Ala Wai Harbor in the middle of this month. And Glen Pang brought along some items, including a beautiful custom made cockpit table he built for Eric Gold's boat.
Our former-Commodore, Howie Mednick has organized another swap meet at the club for March 24th and will likely do it again. He also passed along the word on the "new lower drink prices" at our club to improve the club's profits, all this should lead to more consumption at lower prices, two things I personally endorse. Well done.

The Cruising Society gathers twice a month to talk, plan trips and have fun. Every first Sunday of the month we have a brunch at 9 am and it usually runs a couple hours at the upper galley. Then, later in the month, we meet again on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for our regular meeting often followed by a great presentation.

All boaters are invited to come out and meet our fine group of avid boaters and plan to join our over-night trips or cruises to places far and near.

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching May 26-28th is our favorite trip around Oahu with possible stops at Kaneohe Bay, Waimea Bay, Haleiwa, Makua Bay or Pokai Bay, Electric Beach. With others heading off from the north shore to Kauai

Happy sails 'til we meet again.
Tom Gebhardt , Fleet Captain

March, 2012

Greetings HYC Members,

I want to personally thank all of those members who've been actively joining and participating in the Cruising and Voyaging events and activities. It is always a fun time, month after month, and you guys are the reason this group just keeps growing and getting better.

At the last brunch we all enjoyed a great gathering of boaters of every type and as a collective group, we are a pretty impressive force to be reckoned with… especially at meal times. In February, we literally filled the upper galley for brunch what a great job to all. We later this past month had a small gathering for "Skippers Pupus on a Sunday afternoon", and soon followed again when we assembled a group of the Cruising Society fleet for the Super Bowl party. Again that was a pleasure spending time with these hard partying folks.

In February, as of this writing, we are setting sail to Hale O Lono Harbor, on the island of Molokai, where we hope to join up with a dozen or so other boats from Kaneohe Yacht Club. We expect nearly 20 boats to get to 'Lono for the Presidents Day weekend, this despite a foul weather report that should make getting there a little bouncy indeed. The Hawaii Yacht Club yachtsmen are determined, set, and ready for the challenge of a nearly 35 mile rough channel crossing amid pods of jumping whales and white capped, wind torn seas. (Please pass the Dramamine.)

These yachtsmen have plans to explore and settle into the small harbor setting and its surroundings for a weekend of fun and adventure. We anticipate an exceptional weekend as both yacht clubs join for the first time in recent memory on this "Cruising Fleet Weekend". Of course there will be some mutual admiration, great sea stories, and lots of adult beverages. We're planning to BBQ under a tent along the quay at Hale O Lono Harbor. Some plan to hike, swim, snorkel and others will compete in a fishing tournament. However, I plan to attend to my personal favorite sport, of which I seldom tire, which is, "lounging about smartly, while consuming copious amounts of food and drink." Ah here I go again, "ah yes", I say, "Please be kind enough to pass the fancy, insanely expensive, pretentious mustard my good man." Ah, but I digress. I hope to see you all around the old watering hole soon. Come down to the club and get a sandwich and an ice cold drink and bring your friends.

Let's gather and have a great time at the "World's Best Known Yacht Club" the Hawaii Yacht Club. As a group we all try to support the club. We welcome you to come out and join our humble group. Meetings are every third Wednesday of the month at 6pm and brunch is on the first Sunday every month at 9am. Cheers!

Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain,
HYC Cruising & Voyaging Society

February, 2012

Greetiongs Cruisers,

I have to say well done for all the cruisers and others involved with the Holiday Boat Parade. Through the foul weather,
skippers and their crews made the Holiday Parade. Rain and wind was in the forecast, however, the well designed, and
beautifully-lit vessels made their rounds. The boats came in “passing in review” in festive Holiday style.
The Fleet captain had a holiday party and a dinner gathering on Dec 21, 2011 for the Cruisers. We danced the night away at
the club to our DJ’s sounds. We had a nice meal even the Fleet Captain was singing a tune. We even had a solo performance
of holiday tunes on the trumpet by Shawn. What a blast that night was.
We had our first cruise of the year to Hawai i Kai harbor roadstead anchorage. A gathering of 6 boats including : Leon and Rick on
Alchemy, Jeff and Patti Nause, and Skip and on Moon shadow, Dave and Nancy Cooper on Swan Song, Howie and Barbara
Mednik on Kula Kai Momi, Eric,Vicki, Glenn, and Naomi aboard Kilo’Ia, and Bill and Lil on Tanya. It all started easy enough,
a fine pot-luck dinner served aboard Swan Song hosted by Nancy Terrell was wonderful. It was served with many bottles of
assorted wines provided by Howie and Barbara Mednik but as the night wore on, the swell started to increase, and by morning
the sickening drill really started. Bill Taylor broke his anchor chain while trying to break out his anchor. Rick Tuteur seriously
cut his finger in the windlass while raising anchor on Alchemy which required a hospital visit upon arrival. Howie’s windlass
acted up as well. Nearly all the boats faced some type of drama getting underway from the anchorage. But all made it safely
back to the harbor.

Two days later all the “survivors” gathered at the January meeting excited to be back safely among friends. January’s speaker was cruiser: Paul Soucek and his presentation of the largely singlehanded interisland cruise of his Ranger 26, Kipikai II, to all the major Hawaiian islands, Well done to Paul and mahalo to his wife Chris for letting him follow his dream..

Hope you all come out and join us for our next sea-venture.

February is a planned trip to Molokai on President’s Day weekend Feb 17-20th.

Come join us for Sunday Brunch on the first Sunday every month at 9am upper galley HYC, following the Fuel Dock swap meet.
You’re all welcome to join us at the regular meetings/presentations. Our great speakers happen every third Wednesday of the month. The next meeting is Feb15th on the lower level at 6pm. To join our email list send your email to me at: ableappliance@yahoo.com .

Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain
HYC Cruising and Voyaging

January, 2012

Dear Cruisers,

I just wanted to wish all Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day, and A happy New Years Day. I still remain as the Fleet Captain another year as many have requested.

As Fleet Captain I am just the organizer for the group. You guys and gals are what keeps this fantastic group together.

We currenly have about ninety members, according to my count, and growing every month. Great job to all.

It seems I finally got everyone's email into my e-mail system so this may make it easier to contact you folks in one step.

This will save Lury having to relay every email to you. Thanks Lury for doing that all these past months.

We just noticed that New Years Day is the 1st Sunday of the month, so we will need to plan a change for the brunch and move it to January 8, 2012 at 9am. Hope to see you all there.

Best Wishes Tom & Eder

Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain
(new email: abletraining@yahoo.com)
HYC Cruising and Voyaging Society
Able Training Services
(808)238-7348

December, 2011

Aloha Cruisers,

Well it is the end of another year and we still continue to make headway. There's always the "iron sail" if all else fails.
Our Sunday brunch again was a big hit. The new restaurant staff had worked hard to handle the brunch rush last month, but as expected, things were a bit hectic last month. Please bear with them as they try to serve our large group. Next month should be better I am assured. We will immediately resume our regular "9am" brunch on the first Sunday next month 4 December 2011.

Our regular C & V Meeting (3rd Wednesday of month) was well attended and we started by congratulating Brian Hoot with his s/v "Hula Girl" for becoming a new member of the club. That's great - well done.

Cruising boater Howie Mednick gets a special "hat's off" for winning a seat on the Board of Governors, I am sure he will continue to work hard for us all. Thanks to all those members who ran, and are willing to serve the club. Let's support all those members who volunteer for the club. Let us all support our club as solid members as well.

Our presentation on Wednesday, November 16th, 2011, was an outstanding hit! What a great job Gary Brookings (presenter) and his (producer) John Harrison, did putting together a "fantastic" PowerPoint presentation. We had a whopping 72 folks attend and all seemed to be excited and entertained by the story of the 147 foot sloop "Lady B" and her story. What a splendid vessel she is. Incidentally, Gary Brookings is also the incoming "Rear Commodore for Power" and he is planning to join the Cruising and Voyaging Society and we welcome him as an active boater who does a lot of Channel crossings per year and will make a great addition to our group. Welcome aboard Gary!

Our next trip is planned to Molokai for the Thanksgiving weekend where we will try to visit ILio Pt, Hale'o'Lono, and Kanakakai, alternatively go up to Makua anchorage if the weather deteriorates. We have had another interesting year and expect another New Year of sailing boating and sea stories see you 'round the club. Happy Holidays!

Respectfully, Tom Gebhardt

Fleet Captain, Cruising & Voyaging Society

November, 2011

Greetings to the fleet,

Well another month appears to have flown by and with the winter season upon us. We have managed to get another sailing trip on the books. October's trip was to Pokai Bay anchorage. When on the Columbus Day weekend of 7-10, October 2011 we had five boats make the passage to Pokai Bay.

First to arrive was "Alchemy" with Capt Leon, crew Alice Wood, and myself. We arrived on Friday with good wind coming over the whole way. We settled down with both stern and bow anchors just past the entrance in 19 feet of water. Sadly we did not see any dolphins this time out. However we did have turtles off the stern all day long. We got the kayak into the water and got some snorkeling in before the rest of the boats arrived the next day.

As Saturday wore we were settled into a deep rest mode, when Jeff Naus on "Moonshadow" stood into the bay and rafted alongside us with cruisers Leslie Moore, Tom Perkins and Holly aboard. The rafting up went without a hitch. Soon all aboard were in the correct relax mode posture.

Sailing Vessel "Tanya" came in soon after with Bill Taylor and Lillian and the anchored easier further into the bay snuggly behind the seawall. Steve Dixon soon arrived aboard "Lanakila" and entertained the fleet by fouling his stern anchor line.

We watched for quite some time as he and Lila drove to free the line from propeller. We wanted to thank Steve for the show. Before Steve could don his scuba gear Lila had the issue resolved. Way to go Lila!

Finally Don Farley and his crew "Sheila" arrived on "Principessa" and soon all were busy inflating boats and making preparations for the potluck aboard "Moonshadow" later in the evening. Once aboard the party began and steaks were grilling and wine was chilling, we all had a great meal and a lot of fun conversation dragged on into the evening as is the tradition.

In the morning, I had to get back to town so we un-rafted and got underway into a strong wind all the way back to town we sailed all the way only pausing to motor-sail around the waypoints at the Tesoro fuel farm. We were greeted on arrival to the club by my wife Eder, Luchie and C.J. who brought out a small feast of oriental food and Leon being down the beer. C.J. was awaiting our cruising vessel "Bad Habit" Captain, Jim Bixby whom was participating in supporting the Molokai for the Canoe race. A great weekend was had by all as I was assured by Steve Dixon after all had arrived back to port Monday.

Next month's cruise is a tentative plan to go to "Molokai" for the weekend. Please join us for the next Breakfast on the first Sunday Nov 6th and our next meeting on Wednesday Nov 16th. Hope to see you there.

Respecfully yours,

Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain

October, 2011

Greetings to all,

I am happy to report we have been active getting to various ports in Hawaii. I must apologize for not making the deadline and missing the last issue of the Bulletin. Since TRANS-PAC has past, things are getting back to normal again with the Sunday brunches on the first Sunday of every month being well attended.

Statehood day weekend was an opportunity for me to get away and we took a trip to Hanalei, Kauai with Captain Leon and Gail Pickens. We did a nine-day trip, Aug 13-21, to Kauai aboard the SV "Alchemy" a Catalina 42 and we were rewarded with an excellent adventure enjoying the sights and sounds of Hanalei Bay. We were joined by Paul Soucek and Eric Barnes on the Ranger 26 "Kipikai II", who made the trip from Ala Wai to Hanalei in about 23 hours which was just an hour behind us. Paul continued his trip single-handed to all the main Hawaiian Islands and returned Sept 9th ……what a trip he had!

When we returned from Kauai we met up with Jeff Naus, Patti, Leslie, Nicole and Roger aboard Moonshadow at Pokai Bay and were treated to a great dinner with some fun folks. During that same Statehood Day weekend other cruisers made the trip into Ko'Olina for some R & R . Steve Dixon and crew Layla, Alika and Lori aboard "Lanakila" Jim Bixby and CJ aboard "Bad Habit". Peter Knutson and crew made the trip aboard "Mary B" along with Tim Pearia on "ScallyWag" a Bristle 28, it sounds like they all had a great time at the clubs and bars in the area.

At our August 24th meeting (third Wednesday of the month) we had a recap of the trips to Kauai and planned a trip to Maui. The meeting was followed by a class on "Rules of the Road" section of the safe boating class "About Boating Safely" presented by the Fleet Captain, yours truely.

On Labor Day several cruisers made the trip to Lahaina this year to join the racers in Maui. Jim Bixby and CJ along with their crew aboard "Bad Habit" made the trip and they were later joined by our shipmate Lenny Cantor on the return trip. The power vessel "Holo Holo" also made the trip. Our congratulations to the racers who got to have a great sail over and back.

Another boat from our group later went to Kauai with Captain Sam Holland and his son aboard his Alden 32, which unfortunately was dismasted on his return trip to Oahu, and had to head back to Hanalei. He was later towed to Lihue Harbor before a high surf was to arrive in Hanalei. Eventually he was towed back to Oahu and was found a spot at the HYC where his is planning to get repairs done. We were all relieved to hear he made it back safely. Now he is looking for a new mast and boom to replace his rig that was cutaway at sea.

The club was a buzzing on the 18 of September when the Fleet Captain (me) and My Lovely Wife Ederlinda, hosted the Fleet Captain's Potluck-Fiesta at the club with food, music, dancing and some varied cruiser entertainment.

What's next for the Cruising and Voyaging fleet? An "Around the Island cruise" is being planned as an Oktoberfest trip and a possible trip to Molokai. There is always something to do and places to see come join us for fun and travel…. See you there.

Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain
Cruising and Voyaging Society

September, 2011

Greetings to the Fleet,

It's once again time to review what's been happening in the Cruising and Voyaging Society during the past month and take a brief look at what's ahead.

At the July Meeting we were given a presentation by our former Fleet Captain, Steve Dixon and he told us of his trip to Kauai and gave a wonderful slide show presentation. This was an excellent way of watching another sailor take the trip from our dry barstools at the club. It was also an opportunity to follow in his wake and go the distance as well.

During August, two boats went to the island of Kauai. We enjoyed a great 22 hour trip to the "Garden Isle" aboard the Catalina 42 "Alchemey" with Capt Leon Fedenczuk, and his crew of Gail Pickens and yours truly. We really enjoyed a 9 day round trip to Kauai, joined by Paul Soucek, who departed with us Saturday morning, with his crew Erick Barnes aboard Glenn Pang's former Ranger 26 "Kipikai II."

We all got to enjoy the beautiful anchorage of Hanalei Bay with its waterfalls, cliffs, mountains and dolphins. Amazingly Paul made the trip to Kauai just an hour after we arrived, aboard a Catalina 42. A very well done to Paul and his crew.

With Paul as our guide, we all spent a day on the road, driving through the quiet little old-style towns along the shores of Kauai. We visited the "little" Grand Canyon, Port Allen and Nawiliwili Harbor. We got to look across to the island of Niihau from the southwest shore. Paul was sizing up going there along the Na Pali coast.

What a nice, peaceful, and quiet place they have on Kauai. The channel between there and Oahu proved to be a bit of a challenge on the return, as expected for us, but for Paul Soucek on the smaller Ranger 26 "Kipikai II" who had to single hand, it proved to be a 48+ hour ordeal. The winds held him off to sea at a tougher angle from the west-side of Niihau. He had to heave to and rest till the winds got more agreeable. He called me a few hours after we rested on Sunday from our stop at Pokai Bay. He told me that all went well despite the winds and he was looking forward to pushing on to Lanai .(Paul's current plan is to sail to or around all the inhabited islands in Hawaii on this visit and he needs crew …hint… before he goes home.) We wish him fair winds and following seas.

On our return trip, we stopped at Pokai Bay. "Alchemy" met up with Jeff and Patty Naus, Leslie Moore, and their friends Natalie, and Roger aboard the SV "Moon Shadow." They took us in and gave us a great dinner party with salmon and steak among the main course……it was awesome!! Thanks guys.

Several of our members headed toward Ko'Olina Harbor for the Statehood Day weekend, including Capt. Steve Dixon and crew on "Lanakila," Peter Knutson on "Mary B", Tim Pearia on "Scallywag" and Jim and CJ on the Power Boat "Bad Habit." They all spent the weekend afloat at the marina and neighboring watering holes.

The August meeting was well-attended with a presentation on safe boating provided by yours truly courtesy of the USCG Auxiliary. Part of the discussion involved the upcoming Lahaina Return Race and a possible group sail into Lahaina or Mala Wharf over the Labor Day weekend. Dave and Nancy Cooper are planning a trip to Makua Bay departing Thursday, September 1st, 2011. An alternate cruise might include nearer trip to Keehi Lagoon anchorage and a meal at La Mariana Harbor; an optional shorter trip TBA at the C&V brunch on Sunday Sept 4th 2011.

With the hurricane season approaching, the Cruising and Voyaging Society donated a severe weather flag set to the club; paid by the C & V Fleet Captain in support of safe boating.

I hope everyone enjoys a long and safe Labor Day weekend.

Thomas Gebhardt
Fleet Captain,
Cruising and Voyaging Society

August, 2011

Aloha to All,

This past month has been a slow one for trips, as many of our cruisers are deep into repair projects and life is happening. It seems only Captain Leon got away this past month to Haleolono, Molokai for the 4th of July Holiday. We tip our hat to this hearty seafarer and hope he will try to keep us in the loop next time. Some of us would have liked to have gone on that trip, but I am sorry to say, that ship has sailed. However, we will try to get another Molokai trip later this year, perhaps it will be a part of the Labor Day trip to Lahaina, Maui in September.

Well, our July brunch was again well attended and all had a delightful gathering at the Galley by the Sea. I was especially happy as I scored nicely at the Fuel Dock Swap Meet and had found the matching solar panel I needed. I got so excited in fact, while exclaiming what a great luck I had in finding the solar to Bill Beadle that I spilled my coffee all over him. Sorry Bill!

As the month flew by there was the lead up to TransPac and mixed plans about whom to sponsor flying to and fro but as our first two boats did not work out I think that was a sign that we needed to help the club in other ways. So we pushed for the C & V to help out, being the great members they are, by volunteering at the club. I am typing this the TransPac party is tomorrow and we will be holding down the club and working on our dance moves.

Our July 27th C&V meeting will feature Hawaiian island sailing author, Steve Dixon in cooperation with his partner Lyla. They have been busy assembling a short PowerPoint presentation and will feature their most recent trip to Kauai, and the big fish they caught, as an introduction to "Crossing over to Kauai" where they again enjoyed one of the prettiest harbors in the Pacific. Oddly enough, the next planned ruise in September is to Hanalei Bay, Kauai. There are several members showing interest in joining us there. Capt Leon and I will go aboard Alchemy and I hope there will be at least some other boats to come along. The tentative scheduled dates are 12-21 August, a short trip for Hanalei I've been told. Remember, you don't have to belong to the club or the Cruising and Voyaging Society to join us but, we would love some more boats to join in. Just drop us an email or come to the meeting.

Well that's a wrap for now. Please be sure to stop by the next Cruising and Voyaging Society meeting at the 6 pm on Wednesday, July 27th and see what's up. We hope to see you there.

Respectfully,
Tom Gebhardt

July, 2011

Greetings to all,

The end of May is usually a good time as we look forward to our annual "Round the Island" Memorial Day cruise. This year, Friday, May 28th, continued the rough seas and high winds (20-25 knots) of the past week, causing some plans to be changed. While trying to round Koko Head in the rough seas one crew member aboard Moonshadow suffered an injury which would require stitches, and the boat returned to Ala Wai.

Aboard Alchemy we decided to skip the windward side of the island for this weekend and instead make for Pokai Bay. Other boats also fell out, put off by weather and/or illness. For these persistent boaters the weekend went off without further incident; S/V Moonshadow with Jeff Naus, Bill Beadle, Leslie Moore, & Tom; and S/V Alchemy, with Leon Fedenzcuk, Tom Gebhardt, Rick Tutuer, Dottie Bates and Gale Pichens. The nine Society members aboard were treated to a fast sail up to Pokai Bay and a nice couple of days at anchor.We were also joined by Richard White with a friend on his tri-maran, and other friends Dennis & Holly aboard S/V Tango stopped by to say hi.

We spent the majority of the days in and on the water, swimming and watching and playing with the dolphins and turtles.There were hot breakfasts, potlucks aboard every evening, all in the company of other like-minded free spirits, sitting around the cockpits of the rafted boats, spinning yarns, making memories and drinking a few adult beverages… That's what we do.

Monday morning saw the boats weighing anchors and setting sails for a wonderful sail back to Honolulu. The weather was near perfect with blue skies and fair seas, puffy white clouds and gentle steady trades. It's now another weekend in the books.

On June 1st we bid farewell to Patti and Mike Salomon, on their way to California and their new home ashore, with a nice gathering in the lower bar and pot luck food. We will miss them and wish them all the best for their support of the group and the club all these years.

We are pleased to report Saito-San's departure for Japan and his continuing "round the world cruising", after several false starts, mechanical failures and countless hours of repairs and support from fellow cruisers Dave Cooper and Nancy and Ed Abbott &Kimmie, and many others. Well done to all who helped him. Last we heard he was about 1800 miles from here, having some engine troubles (leaking exhaust water box) but in good spirits. So long Saito-San.

Steve Dixon and his crew are headed toward Kauai aboard Lanakila, and should be bobbing around there for a while. We look forward to his report and hope all is going well.

Our meeting on June 15th featured a speaker from the NOAA office. Thank you to Mr. John Bravender, whose knowledge of NOAA's weather products provided for a nice presentation detailing many interesting aspects of the weather service.

Consider joining us for Brunch on the first Sunday of each month, at 9:30 am at the Galley by the Sea. See you 'round the club.

Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain HYC C&V Society

June, 2011

Well the trip to Makua over Easter weekend April 22-24 was a great hit and the boats and their crews were all rewarded with a peaceful anchorage and a great pot luck dinner. Well done to the vessels and their crews.

Sunday May 1st was the Cruising and Voyaging Society's annual celebration with a brunch at the Galley by the Sea. Thanks to the Barb & Howie and the decoration committee for beautiful May Day flowers.The attending 40 plus members enjoyed fine food thanks to Chef Alfredo and his staff. Special thanks go to Leslie Moore who was able to get generous gift cards donated from POP and West Marine as prizes. The coveted "Cruiser of the Year" award went to Dave Cooper and Nancy Terrell aboard the P/V "Swan Song". This couple is always available for boaters in need. Theyare great hosts, and quick to offer a shuttle boat ride, a warm story and some kind words.Congratulations Dave and Nancy. Well done.

Another award for recognition was given out to our Communication officers Mike & Patti Salomon. Without them we would not have been able to receive e-mail reminders about planned cruises and upcoming meetings, which help hold the group together. They set up and ran the Cruising and Voyaging website; if you haven't seen it you must visit hyccruisingsociety.com and check it out! Unfortunately we are losing them to a move back to the mainland. As I write this they are securing and preparing their high tech replacements. I personally will never be able to say enough nice things about them. They will be sorely missed and we hope they come back to visit often.

Our last meeting ended with a presentation from sailor Erwin "Tik" Spitzer and was primarily a slide show of his voyages of the Pacific aboard the Ketch "Ariel", now on "F" dock. Our thanks to him for taking the time to share his experiences with the Cruising Society and other Hawaii Yacht Club members.

Our next group cruise is set for Memorial Day Weekend; the annual Cruise Around Oahu, with stops planned for Kaneohe and Makua Bay and/or Pokai Bay. We always have a good turnout for this popular annual group cruise, and we look forward to an enjoyable three to four day trip. Some lucky members can even stay longer as their schedules permit.

Any members wanting to buddy boat with Capt. Steve Dixon (author of: "The Hawaiian Voyages of the Ono Jimmy"), he is planning to go to Kauai in mid-June. Please contact him for more details.

That is the summary of the past month and a glimpse of the future. Have a great month and hope you'll join us for Brunchon the first Sunday of each month, or our regular meetings at 6 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Submitted very respectfully,
Thomas Gebhardt, Fleet Captain C & V Society

May, 2011

Greetings Members,

Well this past month has flown past and as always we are trying to stay out on the water. Our April meeting was well attended, with the final touches being set up for the Anniversary Brunchon May 1st at the Galley by the Sea. Joseph Shacat and Phillip Katsman presented an excellent show for our group on the Racing Rules of the road "for cruising sailors".As always my hat goes off to those who go the extra mile and this was just another example.

Our trip to Makua Bay went off on Friday April 22, 2011 with several boats heading to the wide open roadstead with plenty of clear deep water for mooring and a view that is fantastic. Dave Cooper and Nancy aboard "Swan Song" and Bill Taylor and Lillian and crew dog "Buffy" aboard"Tanya" were joined by "Moonshadow" with Jeff & Patty Naus, Leslie Moore and Skip &LinnelKam, and "Bad Habit" with Jim Bixby and CJ, and their crew. "Swan Song" was again the host to potluck dinner for the group, serving up some "yummy" food; a chicken dish by CJ and lasagna, salads, fruit ambrosia, and more. The sun set on a clear horizon but the green flash failed to appear (I quit looking for it already, pass another cold one).

Nancy Terrell & Dave Cooper write:

"Dave and I had the great pleasure of hosting our fleet for the second time. This was our 8th trip to Makua Bay in two years; needless to say, we love it there. The fleet was just great, bringing their own drinks and goodies to eat - CJ made the most delicious chicken with rice with Patty adding a great fresh fruit dessert. Leslie took charge of organizing while I stayed in the galley. Everyone enjoyed visiting on "Swan Song's" bow as the stars were incredible that night. This is what our cruising society is all about - fun, food and friendship. Dave and I stayed an extra day and I hate to say that an entire huge pod of dolphins visited us for about two hours on Monday morning - the longest visit ever - that was fun but I wish they had come visiting a day earlier. A big Thank You to everyone - it was such fun and we really appreciate everyone's enthusiasm and help - a great time was had by all and we truly missed our members who were unable to join in."

Our adopted Sailor Brother "Saito San" is set to get underway in the next week to complete his 7th round the world voyage. We wish him safe passage. Well that's a wrap for this month. Next month we expect to be doing the "Round the Island" Memorial Day cruise from May 28, 29,& 30th. Hope you all come to our next meeting May 18, 6:00 pm and join the cruise, it will be fun I can assure you.

Respectfully yours,

Tom Gebhardt
Fleet Captain, C&V Society.

March 2011

Greetings HYC Members,
 
As the new Fleet Captain for 2011, I am happy to report the Cruising Society has started off the year with plenty of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the first trip of the year, a January trip to Molokai, due to the storms that blew through.  Our January meeting was very well attended and we had a great presentation hosted by Dave and Sherry McCampbell in which they recounted highlights of their 8500 mile voyage aboard their CSY 44, S/V Soggy Paws.

Our breakfast gathering on the First Sunday of the month was made even more enjoyable as we welcomed back Barb Dove and Bill Beadle, who joined us again after returning from their 5 month trip around the world. What stories they have to share.
 
The February group cruise is planned for the weekend of 19, 20, and 21st, with about 7 boats setting out to Pokai Bay for the long Presidents' Day weekend. As the club is blessing the fleet, we will cruise the waters along the Waianae Coast. Snorkeling, lounging and feasting will be the order of the day.
 
Following our regular meeting on Feb 16th and our skippers meeting for the group cruise to Pokai Bay, we all enjoyed a presentation by John Koon of JK Marine. John was energetic and entertaining, and gave a wonderful and informative presentation on the history, design, inspection and maintenance of sailboat rigging systems.
 
As we look forward to the spring, summer and fall we propose the following cruises and schedule. This is subject to change, as is the weather and tides and minds of the seafarers.
 
Proposed 2011 Cruising Schedule:

Of course as a leaderless group I must rely on your input to change our plans accordingly. Hope to see you all at the next anchorage and/or the next meeting on March 15th at 6pm.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Gebhardt

January 2011

Patti Solomon, Reporting

The year has started off in a relaxed way. Cruising opportunities have been dependent on weather. Some days were very nice, affording members favorable conditions for some great whale-watching. Other times the rain, wind, and surf all combined to deter cruising.

A cruise to Molokai over the MLK long weekend had to be scrapped when it was predicted that another heavy rain storm would blow through the state during that time period, disappointing everybody, especially Leon, Tom & Rick on Alchemy, being the intrepid sailors that they are!

On Friday Jan 7th we gathered at the club to help Minoru Saito celebrate his 77th Birthday. Saito-San has been sailing and racing for many years, and is currently circumnavigating the globe singlehanded, an amazing feat at any age, but to do it at 77 for the 8th time is truly note-worthy. He will be starting the final leg of his journey to Japan when conditions permit. In his honor we shared Birthday cake and pupus, and drank to his health with Sake - his favorite we hear - and we wished him many more birthdays. Thanks to Naomi for the delicious cake, to Ed, Kimmie, for organizing, and to everyone else who contributed pupus to share.

Our meeting on Wed. Jan. 19th was brief; we discussed and scheduled our next three cruises.

Having taken care of the business part of the meeting, we then had a presentation by seasoned cruisers Sherry & Dave McCampbell, who have recently sailed their CSY 44 “Soggy Paws” from Ecuador to Hawaii by way of the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, Pitcairn Island and the islands of French Polynesia. The presentation was well attended and everybody enjoyed hearing of their experiences backed up by spectacular pictures.

Next meeting will be held on Wed. Feb. 16th at 6:00. Following that meeting we expect to have well-known surveyor John Koon talk to us about rigging and rigging stresses. Check the website at hyccruisingsociety.com , click the “Bulletin Board” button for all the details, and look for posters around the club.

Fair winds and following seas.

HYC Cruising & Voyaging Society