Hawaii Yacht Club ~ Rear Commodore, Power
April, 2012

Genetically speaking, we all are a little of this or a little of that. I happen to be Hapa Irish! The other half of my hapa is Hungarian ….that would account for my Aquatic-Gypsy disposition. So as March 17th approaches, I get all fired up to do something special on St. Patrick's Day. My Irish seaman's gene is dominant, so this year, nothing could be better than entering the 7th Annual Mitch's Sushi Shootout Tournament …,yeah! …lucky No. 7! Founded by Craig Mitchell of Mitch's Fish Market, and sponsored by him along with Calvin of Steinlager Beer, and Sun Drop soda; with HYC being the proverbial host of record, this is one of "the tournaments" to fish every year. Fish for 12 hours …back at the Aloha Dock for Weigh-In by 7 p.m. Corn Beef & Cabbage, green beer, and peanut shells all over the floor to comfort those wishing to partake …regardless of linage! Me? I'm IN!

24 boats signed up this year, with most of them being the usual suspects …Blue Nun, Wild Bunch, Alele II, and Mahalo to name a few, and new comers like Deuces, a 1971 Uniflite just shipped in from Virginia. With consistent 20-25 knot Trade winds all week, the Kiawi Channel and Leeward coast of Oahu is more than a bit bumpy. But at 5 a.m. Start Fishing, a few boats struck out for the Penguin Banks and a couple actually made it there. Three peel off to catch up to the masses headed for the Waianae coast. If they believe in the Four Leaf Clover like I do, we all got "our petals picked" that Saturday …well most of us did, as only 15 fish were boated and 14 boats got skunked. But "we had fun!" What else can you do while trolling a hundred plus miles …more in some cases! It's a record breaking year in a low down way for sure.

Everyone reports in by O-dark:30, and Weigh-In reveals starling news: Only one each Marlin, Ono, and Ahi are caught …well, two Ahi. The balance are Mahi, most of which will go best with breakfast eggs, but one 27 pounder stands out. The Billboard is virtually naked, and there isn't much cheering going on …at least for Saturday night, short of a few wanna-be-Leprechauns in the upper bar. But all hands rush home to get rested up for Sunday's Awards Banquet and Party. "No One" misses that, and in fact many more show up regardless of the catch.

By 1200 the lower deck is buzzing with Mitch's set up crew, and 5 x 11 foot BBQ is contributing to global warming …80 lbs each of fish, beef, and chicken are on the grill. By 1700, empty green Steiny beer bottles are center-lining dozens of tables and the rumble of no-fish stories by yet-smiling fisherman nearly match the gala music of the 4-piece band Simplicity …you gotta hear these guys! A sushi bar spread put on by Mitch's Fish Market is Criag's standard prescription for everyone, every year, and they all know they will be a winner when Craig parts the seas to feed the masses. Incredible! …and edible! Not to be missed! Then the Buffet Line opens and table by table fish-hooking-deprived teams fill their plates with Craig-cooked "turf" creature-food that is as sought after as much his sushi is. Incredible dish # 2! There are so many green beer bottles by now ….you'd think this was an Irish gang …but it isn't. It's just the annual rendezvous of dedicated fisherman who know they are going to be treated like kings. Thank you Craig! Who cares about what fish was caught?

Well a few do, and after I thank the many sponsors and HYC volunteers who make this event flow seamlessly, I hand the microphone over to MC Al Bento for announcing the winners. To make sure there are no losers in the audience, Al starts by awarding all non-catchers with an Al Bento lure for bolstering their odds of getting their name on the Billboard next year. And three of us, self included "wishful thinkers" are awarded a copy of author Mike Elias' inspiration book Pursuit of the Grander. Mike is present, autographing each volume as he hands them out. Wow! Even the losers are winners! Tired as I was, I went home and browsed my volume for hours!

Al can't resist announcing his Alele II team first …taking home $1,533 for a 25 lb Ono. Next is Art Kamasugi's team Mahalo boating a 27.5 lb Mahi, also worth $1,533. Then there is new-in-town Sgt. Larry Milowski of team Deuces. Larry will never again pass on Side Bets, as it cost him five C-notes for not entering. He still won $1,000 for the biggest Ahi at 50 lbs. And Nick Sonada of team Sumiko S will never again skip weigh-in again regardless of how small his fish is. He didn't weigh-in his 25 lb Ahi, which would have taken Larry's Ahi side bet money. Ooops! And the Jackpot Winner! …none other that Rick Abille team Blue Diamond, taking home $9,733 for a 81 lbs Marlin. That's all folks!

Well not quite! Simplicity had everyone dancing and singing along for hours to follow. HYC's own aged-and-seasoned-just-right Richard Ali joined in with his bongo drums, harmonica, and signing the Blues to mesmerize all of us. Eat, Drink, and be Merry …yet another Mitch-truism! It doesn't get any better, and the bar register posted record number$$ to boot. Big Fish - Little Fish - No fish! …Craig Mitchell has established a tradition that is hard to imagine the fishing-life in Hawaii without. Stop by his Sushi Bar at 524 Ohohia Street in Honlulu, have some mouth watering sushi, and tell him the whole gang says so! See ya next year!

Gary

PS1 Sgt. Larry was so impressed with the event and the club …he applied for membership on Monday. Congratulate him when you see him.

PS2 If you don't believe in fishing with bananas onboard ….load your boat up with women and Go Bananas in our Senorita Fishing Tournament on April 21st & 22nd. Same Jungle Rules as Mitch's on Sat. for 10 hours of fishing, and a very special Awards Banquet & Party on Sunday. $400 Entry Fee ($350 to prizes & $50 to T-shirts & Party). Call or e-mail me for details (808) 216-2972 or hyc-power@hawaii.rr.com

March, 2012

February was as sweet as it comes and Leap Year gave us an extra day to enjoy it. I turned mine into a week long visit to my hometown of Miami, Florida for visiting family and to see the 71st annual Miami International Boat Show. Aside from networking with boating industry associates, old and new, I crossed paths with Hawaii boaters there, and interestingly enough a prominent Miami Boat Chandlery owner, who was just a little boy when I was a baby sat at Dinner Key Marina where we both grew up as live aboard kids back in the 50s/60s ….I was little then….about 11, and Karl was 5. I already had about six years of sailing under my belt, and my father was managing the yacht repair division of a renowned boat yard ….one that had just débuted the revolutionary boat named the Moppie. Moppie, a wooden boat riding on the Ray Hunt Deep-V underbody design, took the Miami to Nassau Cup Race by storm. She became the plug boat for molds that produced the famous Bertram 31. A whole lineup of Bertram Yachts was born. The rest is history! Did you know Ray Hunt also designed the Boston Whaler and revolutionized the Pilot Boat design that rules the commercial waterfront world today? Google Ray Hunt Moppie for more interesting facts on this phenomenal naval architect and his accomplishments.

January flowed by quickly as we prepared for the 29th annual Junior Fishing Tournament on Feb. 12th. Mike Farrell, RC Power WYC, and I, with the help of a host of historical and contemporary mentors, countless volunteers from both clubs, and gracious donations resulted in yet another memorable and successful JFT.

Gear & supplies, food, prizes, and financial donations made it easy for HYC & WYC to host and treat 55 keiki anglers' onboard 16 volunteered vessels to a day of fishing, swimming, and hanging out with buddies old and new. Contributions came from Jim O'Hara, Lee Severs, Howie Mednick, Art Kamasugi, Barbara Silvey, Ted Trimmer, Al Bento, an unlisted host of members from both clubs, and …West Marine, POP, Five Oceans-7 Seas, Hawaii Fishing News, La Mariana Sailing Club, Meadow Gold Dairy, ITC Water Technologies, 7-11, and myself.

The weather and sea state was perfect, making every kid a winner. But topping the list was Reno Young, taking 1st Place to put his name on the Perpetual Trophy. At 15, this was Reno's last year of age eligibility to participate. He has been after that trophy since the age of five. Congratulations Reno! He fished from Cap. Roy Morioka's good ship Renee N.V. with First Mate Ed Watamura (President of Waialua Boat Club) along with fishing angler Joshua Ramelb, whom earned the Most Fish Trophy. All told, there were a dozen trophies and awards, but every kid went home with a prize. No one was a looser ….they all are winners. All of the top winners are listed in the table.

And if you'd like to be a winner too, join us for the Mitch's Sushi Shootout Tournament on March 17th and 18th ….better yet, become a member of the Hawaii Yacht Club for year-round nonstop boating fun …fishing, sailing, dancing, you-name-it!

Because of the early press date for this month's article, the results of the President's Day Tournament will not be posted until next month; they fish as I write. Until then …catch and eat more fish!

Aloha from Miami, Gary B.

	Junior Fishing Tournament, 2012 Photos Click to Enlarge Photos Courtesy Ted Trimmer, HYC Photograher at Large

February, 2012

Hello Honey! The Christmas tree is mulch and its time to treat your Valentine!

Give gifts that last all year long …fishing tournaments! Sign her up for the SENORITAS ….sign him up for our PRESIDENTS DAY Tournament. Sign both up for the JUNIOR FISHING Tournament on Feb. 12th!

There are plenty tournaments that both "him & her" can fish together, or apart, all year long. Remember …catching fish together means eating fish together!

We have nine tournaments scheduled for 2012 …and there are many others throughout the State. When I was running for RC Power I heard we were going to have only 4 or 5 one-day tournaments in 2012. See our Schedule ….we have 9 of them! Sign up to fish. Sign up to volunteer for putting smiles on faces through fishing. If you can, cruise outer islands and fish on the way. But, remember HYC hosts more "open arm" tournaments to anglers …young & old, men & women, power & sail alike, than any other club or organization in the state. And you are a proud member of it! So why not fish in your own backyard from your own dock? HYC boating & fishing is unmatched!

Start Fishing from any harbor at 12:01 a.m. of the tournament day, and Stop Fishing when you want, as long as you are passing the AlaWai Fuel Dock by 5:00 p.m. of the tournament-day-end. Fifty yards later, tie up to your Aloha Dock for Weigh-In, go to the bar to celebrate, and take a hot shower. If our Dining Room is open, chef's Bob & Dave will prepare your fish for a "Fish Cork Fee" (per head dining fee) and will set the table with your fresh catch with garnishing and sides …they will even wash the dishes! …you both will be in love! Thank you Dear! Priceless! Where else can you do that? There is on one card …your HYC membership card. Tip your server with a slab of fish. They will remember your face!

This year, we are planning raffle ticket - door prizes for Anglers like you've never seen before. For Fish Eaters we are planning fish cook-offs like you've never seen before. Make the best of, and support, your club by participating and sharing the experiences.

On Feb. 12th (Sunday) HYC and WYC host the 29th annual JUNIOR FISHING TOURNAMENT. GET involved! It is "the tournament" that touches the hearts and marks the memories of our kids and others …the anglers of the future! …the boaters & club members of the future! They are "the anglers" that will drive grandpa's boat some day, and take him fishing!

Call me …write to me …go to the Bulletin Board and sign up your boat or yourself as a volunteer for one of the many easy-jobs that make the JUNIOR FISHING "the most" important fishing event of the year. You won't regret it. Hurry, as there may be nothing left for you to sign up for …except for Sitting on a Dock in a Bay (our Aloha Dock) …wasting time while the kids have all the fun! We need boats …we need your help. We anticipate 100-150 kids this year.

Last but not least, tournament fishing is not just for Power Boaters. Our Sailboat Division has its own entry fees, prizes, and accommodating rules. No need to smell fumes while fishing …join our "rag benders" fleet of Three Sheets To The Wind ...with Hooks Out! I am elated over the interest and responses I got from our sailors for fishing this year. Now, it is time for their actions (participation) to match their words …the proof is in the fishin! I have special prizes for both Power and Sail Fleet Season's Points winners.

Call, write, or see our website for all tournament information …print it out …I sent it to you by e-mail weeks ago. Post it with your calendar. Fish one tournament this year…bring a friend …you might just "get hooked" on the fishing-habit and the friend on becoming a HYC member for year-round access to "the club" with the best sunsets, great & affordable dining, two bars, great bands, plenty parties, and oh yeah! …the best boating & fishing fun ever!

Go Fish!

Gary

216-2972 or hyc-rcpower@hawaii.rr.com

PS If you can't find me …Al Bento is taking up the slack at 223-8210.

January, 2012

With the holiday celebrations behind us ….the Happy New Year is off & running. What's my New Year resolution? Catch plenty "the big ones," …share 'em with family & friends …all at and from HYC for all fishing aficionados, new & old alike.

As your 2012 Rear Commodore for Power …thank you, it's my duty to optimize opportunities to have fun during the scheduled fishing tournaments hosted by the HYC throughout the coming year. Starting with the 29th annual Junior's Fishing Tournament on Feb. 12th co-hosted with the WYC, and ending with our two-day Do or Die Tournament on November 17th/18th, there are eight tournaments to participate in.

Actually! …make that nine; as we just hosted the 1st annual Wounded Worrier's Tournament on Dec. 7th; a complimentary half-day fishing activity with BBQ to follow; our way to say Thank You to the men and women of the armed forces that keep us (America) free to fish year round. It was a success with 30 anglers participating on several volunteer vessels & crews …thank you volunteers …without you, there are no events! Visit www.moceantherapy.org for more details on the event and the M'Ocean Therapy program. This tournament could/should become a quarterly event, with all manner of fishing clubs participating …and that is exactly the response our event has triggered!

Boats come from far & wide for HYC fishing tournaments, but we need to see more of them. To that end I will be soliciting a broader population via media sources and our membership, with an emphasis on recruiting more HYC members at the same time. Entry fees are modest, the rules are simple (catch fish-eat fish-have fun), and all tournaments end with prizes (cash, gifts, and gift certificates) after weigh in at the Aloha Dock. Limited/Short-stay guest mooring is available.

Because my title is RC Power (Boat) doesn't mean I can't respond to the many requests of HYC sailors who like to fish too. I am in the planning mode of creating three sailboat fishing tournaments for which I need your participation and input; RC Sail, Marty Loo and both RCs WYC are conspirators for more fishing-fun this year. Whatya think about the tournament names: Rag Benders, Capt. Morgan, and Three Sheets to the Wind …all -with Hooks Out! To that end, we will need a minimum of three sailboat entrants per tournament, and I am hopeful of hearing from all of our fishing gang, Rag Benders and Stink Potters alike, at our annual planning meeting on Wed. night, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m. on the lower deck …be there! It's you chance to help schedule "all" 2012 tournaments.

With two beverage bars and a wonderful new gang operating our dining facility, there is no reason to go home hungry or thirsty! And what do you think about ending tournaments with a CYC -Cook Your Catch (Fish Cook Off; Pot-Luck style) on our ping-pong size BBQ? With our fish cleaning station out back and a membership-use galley on the lower deck …good food and fun is the only result possible.

For more information or input about any HYC tournament, call me @ 216-2972, or Al Bento @ 223-8210, or the office @ 949-4622, or visit our web site www.hawaiiyachtclub.org.

Standby for a list of all tournament dates next month.

Meanwhile …sharpen those hooks!

Mr. B

PS Just because Al Bento passed off the RC Power title to me doesn't mean he retired. With 40 years of serving HYC members …I'm calling him RC Wisdom!