All Catalina Fleet 69  Lake Travis, Austin, Texas  NEWS

December 2011 Holiday Party. Wow, what a great party we had on Dec. 10. Annette and David were outstanding hosts. There was a recent record attendance of 42 people. We had photo albums full of memories old and new, slide show, and tall tales. The food was fantastic. Commodore Dave successfully passed the tiller to new Commodore Todd. Dave was recognized with a signed copy of Chapman's book and was also honored with the Stough Award.  A nice brass hygrometer was auctioned off. We welcomed new members Amy and Glen. The gift exchange was a lot of fun. Gary was stolen from the most times but still got his fish. Michael lost both rum and beer, but went home with a nifty t-shirt. Photos and 2011 Album

November Chili Cook-off Cruise: Many thanks to Carl and Michelle for an outstanding Chili Contest Cruise at the expanding Starnes Island. In attendance were four boats and 13 sailors. We secured our bows to stumps on the island, and tossed out stern anchors with fingers-crossed, hoping that there was enough stern line (sometimes not in the very steep shoreline) and that we'll see our anchors again. "Only" 2 anchors were lost and another was retrieved twice, first with a huge log and later with a lot of winching and boat rocking and rolling.

At lake level 626.4', the Island seemed large. A couple of ospreys were nested at the top of the island and serenaded us with their calls. Along the shoreline, there were treasures to be seen, such as a rusty powerboat (with engine) and an antique gas pump. It was a windy day, with winds from the south and moderating from the 20's to 10's. Temperatures were around 80 and we were mostly comfortable in the lee of the island.

We dined on seven different types of chili, with five entering the contest. Each one was different and delicious. Robert, who was racing that afternoon, won first place with his hearty Chuck Roast Chili. Patti was awarded second place for her Mexican-flavored saucey chili, and Cheryl won third place for her traditional Yankee with Beans chili. Prizes were gift certificates at West Marine (thanks!).

Carl and Michelle entertained us with stories of their day, which included adventures with anchors, kayak painter line, engine controls, fuel supply, stern lines, and more. I think I heard someone volunteer for our shelved Blooper Award!  Photos.

November 2011 Meeting: There was no formal program, but we had plenty to discuss. Atendance was 20. First, the VC's Trivia question: What is the nautical origin of the term "First Rate?" Answer. We talked about donating to a charity. Think about choices. Todd told us about the Central Texas Water Coalition, ourwater_ourfuture.com, and what they are doing to save our lake, which is now in it's third lowest year ever. Level is 626.6'. Gary reported on the CC Cruise. Weather was great and there were "no incidents." Lots of dolphins. Joe has spare C22 parts so contact him if you need anything. Then we roped I mean nominated and elected officers for 2012. They are Commodore Todd, VC Steve P, Secretary Sheila, and Treasurer Robert. Social Chair will be need-an-anchor? Carl. Webmistress  and Historian will be Cheryl. 

October Corpus Christi Cruise: Friday to Sunday, October 21-23. Cruise Report, thanks to Host-Captain Gary: On Friday afternoone, Robert and I first went through a brief check-out on the boat, "Nell Betty II," a Catalina 387 at Harrison's Landing, and got the keys.

All 9 of us, including Gary & Paulette, Robert, Dave, Shirley, Todd & Patti, and Gary's guests, Glen & Amy "rendez-voused" at the Water Street  Restaurant for fine seafood feasts. For the night, some stayed on the boat, some at the Omni, and some at the Super 8. 

We pulled away from the dock a couple minutes after 9 a.m. Saturday morning with clear skies and fair winds of about 12 –15. We wandered away from the “Twin Towers” (the landmark of the entrance to the marina from the Bay), staying west of the channel.  We made way of various courses as almost each one of us took their turn at the wheel and maintained the course.  We learned of a tugging technique to get the roller-furling main out of the mast, and also learned that one tack bound up more than the other.

Eventually we made it to channel marker “7,” which we could not find on the charts. Inevitably no matter what course we took, we ended back at marker “7”, sort of like the movie Groundhog day.

The dolphins were plentiful and playful, rolling up and down beside our boat and blowing their spray at us as we took their photos.  I never have seen so many dolphins as we approached Ingleside and made our way up the channel towards Port Aransas.  We ventured out into the Gulf while the wives made fun of us, as we said “just one more marker and we will turn around”.  We pulled into the City Marina of Port Aransas to park near Polly Anna, close to the Harbor Master’s office.  Those who did not stay on the boat checked into the “Captains’Quarters” Motel. We dined together at Virginia’s, while watching a beautiful sunset, with sailboat masts in the foreground.

Sunday was a beautiful day with about 5mph less winds as we made it back into Corpus Christi Bay. We used the iron spinnaker for about an hour in order to get back to the docks in a timely manner.  It was a leisure lumbering swaying ride that lulled most into a blissful state of mind, where we did not have to tack or jibe even once.

Thanks to everyone to make this a very relaxing pleasant trip and the support of all of you. We all had fun and no harm done, as Todd skippered Nell Betty II safely back into her slip. Photos

Dave added that they were in town for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month events, and a large seaside walk took place just as they departed. The town was covered with pink flags for the event, and they had our own pink flag high on top of the mast as a show of support.

October "Walk Sometimes Island":
On October 15, the lake level was 628.5'. At that level, all of the "Sometimes Islands" are joined together to form a peninsula. Thirteen hardy members of the fleet (John, Patrick D, Salvador, Nina, Steve, Meri, Phyllis, Todd, Patti, Joy, Shirley, Steve, Cheryl) started at Mansfield Dam Park and hiked the entire length of the peninsula. That's 1.6 miles as the crow files, and 2.0 as we hiked. One area was muddy, but it was land all the way. It was rocky, sandy, grassy, muddy, gravely, and flat. It took about 90 minutes to get there. At the tip, we were greeted by 3 boats and 3 sailors (Dave, Robert, Russ) with cold refreshments. We then marveled at the water level, as the water is normally 30 to 40' higher this time of year. We swam, relaxed, and had picnic lunches. We observed the cranes working on the new water intake for the City of Austin. Hosts were Steve and Cheryl. The day was hot, with temperatures over 90 degrees. Light breeze. The walk back was 1 to 2 hours long. On the way, we were greeted by Carl and Cooper on Yellow Moon. Later, Lane and Sue sailed to shore on Escape. Some joined us in the hike. We found a few treasures: rusty anchor, baby unripe watermelon (which we tasted), infinity, water well, cables, blocks, .... nothing of value (or that we know of.) I suspect most of us were rather sore that night and the next day, but it was a lot of fun and well worth the effort. Now let the water rise!  Photos

October 2011 Meeting: About 23 attendees. Lake was continuing to fall to 629 in spite of the 2-5" of rain we received last Sunday. Chuck gave us a "good news" update on The Sailboat Shop. He is offering discounts and gift certificates. Visit the shop to learn more. Todd quizzed us on the nautical origination of the phrase "to buoy up someone's spirits." Dave talked about how to sail from Florida to the BVIs by hopping from island to island. References will be added here. Gary talked about the CC cruise. We all talked about the water level and the upcoming "cruise" on or to Somtimes Peninsula.

September Breakfast Cruise: September 17 and 18. The annual Breakfast Cruise was held on the shores of Lake Travis at Travis Landing Park (park map, fleet lake map, mapquest). At lake level 631', it was an excellent location. Thanks to our terrific hosts Clay, Robert, and Joe (in absentia). Thanks also to Dave for reserving the park and providing lines and shore equipment for all. Attendees included 22 people and 4 sailboats. Three boats and a tent spent the evening. The weather was pleasant, with temperatures "only" in the 90's, mostly cloudy skies, and a light breeze. It was yet another greatly enjoyable Breakfast Cruise! Now, let it rain! . Photos

September Meeting: Lake Travis level is 633’. Attendance: 19 members and one guest speaker.
Know your Nautical Idioms: "The Devil to Pay" and "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea." The "devil" is the seam between the hull boards at the waterline. It is a critical seam and constantly needs to be filled with cotton or rope, caulked and tarred. To maintain this seam, the boat has to be listed to one side and a crew member hangs from the bosun's chair to do the work. It was a very difficult job. Hence, the idioms referred to difficult tasks.
The new “Flagship Towing” (flagshiptowing.net) company owner Chris R. came by with great stories about groundings. Also, he described the advantages of Flagship over other companies (fast reaction time, fast towing, anchor retrieval, discounts at mechanics and restaurants near the lake). Their services include pulling boats off sandbars and raising sunken boats. They also recover stuck anchors, a service that could be worthwhile for many of us. Most sinkings occur because of clogged up scuppers or plugged drains (check yours before it rains again). One boat sank in Cypress Creek after sitting under a waterfall. All Catalina Fleet 69 might qualify for a group discount. Membership includes many discounts and benefits, as described on their website. Contact Dave if you need more information and are interested in the discount.

August Pool Regatta Cruise: The lake was down to 637.7' and the temperatures have been above 100 for 58 days this year, so we opted for a different form of sailing. Thanks to the creativity of our hosts, Todd and Patti, 26 of us met at their home for a Pool Regatta. We each decorated a model sailboat and launched her in the pool. With wind provided from our lungs, it was a test of lung capacity, sea worthiness, skill, and lots of luck. It was a lot of fun and a theme that will need to be repeated, after some boat redesigning! Prizes were won by Meri, Lane, Dave, Steve S, Cheryl, Joy, Clay, and Sue & Keith's grandson.  Photos

August 2011 Meeting: Notes thanks to Sheila: Know your Nautical Idiom: "By and Large" is a nautical term that is used currently to mean, “on the whole; generally speaking; all things considered”. Nautically speaking, in the past “large” referred to the wind as it blew from some compass point behind a ship’s direction of travel.  When the wind was in that favorable direction the largest square sales were set and the ship was able to travel in whatever downwind direction the captain saw fit. “By”, in simplified terms meant, “in the general direction of”.  Sailors would say to be “by the wind” is to face into the wind or within six compass points of it. To sail “by and large” required the ability to sail not only as earlier square-rigged ships could do, i.e. downwind, but also against the wind. Nineteen members and one guest were present. 
Attendance: Nineteen members and one guest were present. 
Martin and Jane recently traveled east and reported that the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must see! Go if you ever have the opportunity.
Presentation:  St. Martin, St. Barts, & Anguilla bareboat charter. Steve and Meri, Steve and Cheryl, and Meri's brother & friend chartered a Sunsail Jeanneau 44i named, L’Equateur based in Oyster Pond, St. Martin. St. Martin is French at the top and Dutch at the bottom.  Anguilla is British and St. Barts is French.  It was a nice mix of cultures. Their boat had bow thrusters!  The charter company had a suggested itinerary that was customized specifically for their cruise. They presented beautiful photos of their cruise.  Steve read a very entertaining short story he wrote about the Kraken they “encountered” at one of their anchorages. It involved an anchor entanglement but thanks to the crew and a kitchen knife, the boat was freed. It's a very pleasant sailing area and a good "next step" after the BVIs.

July Jimmy Buffet Cruise: Many thanks to Gary for hosting the "Jimmy Buffet" cruise. Michael and Becky, we missed you. Many thanks to Dave and Diane for arranging for our anchorage at Travis Landing park and assistance with the mooring. Attendees included Cool Change, Somewhere N Time, Flying Cloud, Afternoon Delight, no-name, and a Capri 14.2. There were about 18 sailors. Weather was a cool 99 degrees. Lake level 643.6'. Winds came from the SE at 10 to 12, with gusts to 17. Winds shifted to the west so we had to reset anchors. Food and drinks were oriented to Jimmy Buffet songs, so Margaritas and Cheeseburgers were consumed, along with other tropical sides. Parrot prizes were awarded to the following: Robert for the most cheeseburgers (cooked), Diane for the most colorful tropical shirt, and John O for the most parrot-y shirt.

The sunset was approaching, so we all pulled up our anchors; and no anchors were left behind. Leaving Travis Landing’s shoreline behind to the south, we all headed in the direction for the sunset and then to our respective marinas and homes with the savoring memories of Cheeseburgers in Paradise, Lost Shaker of Salt, and Son of a Sailor. Photos

July 2011 Meeting: Excellent attendance:  27 members and 2 guests. Congrats to Sue and Jim upon the announcement of their engagement! Congrats to Gary for completing a challening Triathilon at Decker Lake to benefit a charity, and achieving first place in his age category! 
John G, Gary, Paulette, and their crewmates presented and excellent program with videos and photos of their recent bareboat sailing charter trip in the British Virgin Islands. Their presentation evoked fond memories for many of us, and made everyone want to do the same! Todd puzzled us with the origin of the expression "as the crow flies" and the latest Lake Travis Devil's Cove news. Great meeting!

June Flor de Caña Rum Cruise. The lake was down to 649', but that didn't keep 8 boats and 22 Catalina sailors from getting together on a nearly 100-degree Saturday afternoon in June to swim, eat, and have a little rum. The winds were light but mostly adequate for a sail to a brand-new anchorage, now called "The Wall," near LCRA buoy 11. The rock wall appeared about 10' ago. Anchoring was tricky since it was narrow, rocky, and wavy, so we put down 2 anchors and tied up to a stump on the wall. Two of our sailors gave some of us a demonstration of an unintentional man-overboard drill. The first 6 boats received silver Flor de Caña coasters. Hosts Salvador and Nina provided delicious grilled pork tenderloin marinated in lime, achiote and other tropical spices. We also had cole slaw, rice, fresh tortillas, fruit, salads, and pies. In attendance were C25 Summer Song, C27 Escape, C38 Wind Shadow, C30 Somewhere N Time, Capri 22 Lake it or Knot, C250 Flying Cloud and two unnamed boats (Hunter and C25). It was a nice trip back to the marina, with a colorful sunset and pleasant winds. Photos.

June 2011 Program: America’s Cup from 1851 and to the future Cup Race in 2013. Our speaker, Todd, provided an educational multimedia presentation about the America's Cup, from the beginning in 1851 to the future cup in 2013. The America Cup World Series will run August 2011 through 2012, will be conducted in eight 9-day regattas in various locations worldwide, and will be sailed on high-tech rigid-sail (with wing controls like on an airplane wing) catamarans called AC45s.
The final races will be held in September 2013 in San Francisco Bay on AC72s, which are like the AC45s but bigger. Boats can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots. Extreme sports have met the America's Cup. Here are links with plenty of information and entertaining videos: 
americascup.com/
mercurynews.com/other-sports/ci_18265462
mercurynews.com/ci_18265540
Meanwhile, make sure you know how to say "congratulations" in code flags, what is a skyscraper sail, and what words are on Lord Nelson's monument in Trafalger Square in London.
Attendance 22 members.

May Dragon Boat Cruise: Taking advantage of the falling lake level and revelation of new coves, the cruise was held at Longhorn Landing, Lake Travis. Gracious hosts Dave and Diane went to great efforts with truck, golf cart, row boat, kayak, C22, stakes, shelter, not to mention a feast of Chinese foods, to make this a fun and exciting cruise. Well, they can't take too much credit for the excitement, for the 15 to 30 mph winds took care of that. Lake level was 651.9'. Four boats and 13 people were in attendance. Norma and Clay won the Dragon boat/food contest. At least 2 boats ran aground.  photos

May Marine Swap Fest: The Catalina Fleet's Marine Swap Fest, organized by Joe and held at Dodd Street Docks, was a successful event. Joe's official report is pending, but early reports say that bargains were to be found. Carl found an alcohol stove and hard-to-find parts for a seagull motor.

May Turnback Regatta and Cruise: About 4 fleet boats participated, 2 racing and 2 cruising. Sustained winds were in the 20's all weekend. Gusts to 40. Most boats sailed one way and motored the other. At least 3 anchors were lost from 2 boats. Just the same, a good time was had by all (really.)

May 2011 Meeting: Chuck from The Sailboat Shop gave us an update on the Sailboat Shop, and told us all about standing and running Rigging, and parts. Catalina Yachts now builds boats "made to order" and has moved boat construction operations from California to Florida.
Where did the term "With a Bone in Her Teeth" come from? It's a wonderful expression from the sailing days of old where ships underl a full press of canvas would push the seas aside with a great bow wave on either side. If they were coming straight at you, they would look a bit like an exuberant, happy dog with a "bone in her teeth." 
Attendance: 14 members.

April Photo-Op Cruise: The sun was shining and the breeze was light, as fleet sailboats approached Starnes Island for the first ever "Photo-Op Cruise," where fleet boats could sail by with sails full and crew sailors wearing their finest nautical attire, and have their pictures taken. It was a novel idea (thanks to Sheila, I believe) and hosted by Robert. Robert was on a fishing boat with Todd, Patti, and least 3 cameras on board. Afternoon winds were only around 5 knots, so some boats had to use special methods to heel the boats and fill the sails. About 4 boats were photographed. Afterwards, ten sailors, three sailboats and the fishing boat anchored in diminishing Barry's Cove (661') for snacks. We left around 6:30 and enjoyed a very pleasant sail as the sun was setting in the west and the 97% moon was rising in the east. Photos

April 2011 Meeting: Many thanks to Danny and Charles for this month's program, "COPS - Lake Travis." (and thanks to Sheila for finding them (in a outdoors goods store.)) They are both officers with the LCRA Department of Public Safety and among their many jobs, they patrol Lake Travis for safety and law enforcement. What did we learn?  Wear life jackets and save lives. They have 7 boats at various locations on the lake. They only monitor police radio bands, so if you need help, use your cell phone to call 911 or their dispatchers at 482-6332. Travis County also has safety and law patrols on the lake. Sound ordances are a nice idea but impossible to enforce. Other LCRA employees maintain the hazard and mile marker buoys. They also do police work for LCRA property. If something is stolen from your boat, report it to the county authorities. They recommend the Texas Parks and Wildlife Boating Safety Course, which you can take online or in the classroom. If you run aground, call Sea Tow or Lake Tow.
Other things we learned from Fleet Members: the meaning of 9 sheets to the wind (square riggers have 3 masts and 3 sails per mast).
The Google maps of Lake Travis were taken at lake level 652'. That's useful to know, since Travis is currently 661'. 
Attendance: 22.

March Sailing of the Green and Rising of the Moon Cruise: It was the "Sailing of the Green" on Lake Travis. Ten boats and 23 sailors enjoyed a few hours of sailing in winds 14-20, followed by a raft-up in Barry's Cove. 664.83'. We all enjoyed Irish Stew and green'licious food. Then we thoroughly enjoyed "Singing of the Green" by Joy. The grande finale was the greatly anticipated Rising of the Moon, the largest in 18 years. Two boats spent the entire night, another spent part of the night after calling Sea Tow. A memorable evening for all! Many thanks to hosts Joe and Joy! Photos

March 2011 Meeting: Door prize questions of the month: What is the meaning of "larboard?" How much is the North Pole shifting each year? Look it up if you don't know. 
Attendance: 24. 
One Pot Cooking on the Boat: Rona, a local chef and sailor, presented an excellent program on how to cook (and eat) on a sailboat. First, plan and prepare as much as possible on the shoreline. Second, minimize cooking inside the boat. It's hot, rocky at times, and the fuel can be risky. Install and use a grill on the stern or side of your boat (be careful of hot coals or use propane.) Use "seal-a-meal" or zip-lock bags, and boil the meal. This works well for eggs, cheese and sausage. The best lunch is a one-handed sandwich. Don't serve anything that is sticky or sugary. No greasy foods, like bacon, as they splatter and are hard to clean up. Instant oatmeal and muffins are good. Cook eggs in a empty and clean tuna can. Rona then demonstrated one-pot cooking that can easily be done on the boat. HEB has some excellent ingredients. Start with 1 jar Texas Two-Step Tomatillo & Green Chile Stew. Add cut-up HEB pre-cooked fajita chicken. Add black beans, corn, onions, cheese, and optionally, cilantro and sour cream. 
For long trips, pre-cook, seal, freeze, and cook in boiling water. For cruising vacations, fleet members like use use foil-pockets: place good-sized pieces of foil on the counter or table, Add chicken, burgers, or fish. Add spices. Add whatever you like: peppers, onion, garlic, etc. Seal and cook on grill. 
Other discusssions: Women should look at womenandcruising.com.
Lake Level is 665.2'.

March Corpus Christi Bon Voyage Cruise: March 4-6, 2011, eighteen friends and family joined Bob and Karen in Corpus Christi and Rockport, to wish them a Bon Voyage and to go sailing. We started the weekend off with seafood dinners at the Water Street Oyster Bar. On Saturday, a predicted cold front blew in at 9 am sharp, and the winds quickly stepped up to 20-28 knots with gusts over 40. So, our group of sixteen  enjoyed a picnic lunch in the marina pavillion. The sun was shining brightly. We then split up and did a variety of activities: last-minute provisioning, shopping for a yacht, exploring the Art Museum of South Texas and climbing aboard the USS Lexington (and almost getting blown away from the hangar deck.) In the evening, we had a wonderful nautical dinner for fifteen in a private room at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. 
On Sunday morning, we had the Bon Voyage Ceremony. Watercolors was properly decked out with a streamer of code flags, a banner, and ribbons tieing it to the dock. We presented B&K with a hand-crafted windsock, which was signed by attendees. We spoke well-known and newly-created poems. We blessed the boat and the crew, including a champagne toast. Then the ribbons that symbolically bound Watercolors to land were cut, and she was freed to sail the waters.
Then it was time to sail. B&K first sailed with their family, and then set off on their journey. Eleven of us boarded Nell Betty II, a beautiful Catalina 38, and sailed on a gorgeous perfect day on Corpus Christi Bay. Photos

February Valentine's Cruise: It was a perfect day for sailing (finally). Temps were in the 70's, winds S to SE 6-18, and sunshine was a-plenty. At lake level 666.38', Barry's Cove was a good place to be (just don't go swimming in 52 degree water). Eight boats and 20 skippers and crew (or nine boats and 22 if you count the Shepsail sail-by) sailed and anchored for a sweet afternoon of chocolate delights. We had 2 types of brownies with cherries and raspberries, gourmet oreo-encrusted strawberries, chocolate-covered nuts/raisins, peanut butter fudge, chocolate pretzels, chocolate wine, decorated cupcakes (some with lips), and roast beef and turkey sandwiches (for balance.) Carl and Lane got there first, and unfortunately had to leave an anchor behind despite their, Dave, and John's best efforts (updates on this?). The sailing winds were very pleasant...not too much or too little. Well, maybe too much for the chocolate-covered delights that ended up on the floor on John G's boat, but he swears they were not put back in the container. Michael came on his beautiful "new" Catalina 38, now the largest boat in the fleet.  After filling up on sweets, we all raised sails and enjoyed a beautiful sail back to our marinas. Many thanks to hosts John G and Carl for a successful first sailing-cruise of the year! P.S. Carl returned and was able to retrieve his anchor, the bumper, and a tree stump!  Photos

February 2011 Meeting: Patti told us about their running aground on the south side of Beacon Cove by AYC. i.e. Watch out! Michael announced that he is the new owner of a Catalina 38. Congratulations! His C22 is now for sale. There was a drawing for 2 lucky Chinese "fair winds" mini-hangings.
Vice Commodore Todd is in the process of creating a seminar series on America’s significant events and people during the Age of Sail. The major events include America’s whaling expansion, the sinking of the Essex in 1820 (the real Moby Dick story), the US Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842, and ending with Joshua Slocum’s single-handed three year voyage around the world ending in 1898. He explained the true meaning of "splice the mainbrace," which has a literal nautical meaning, but has come to describe a celebration following the completion of a difficult task. We learned what the following popular (in sailing books) phrases mean: “we saw a sail two points off the starboard bow”, “we steered a course of N by E”, or “the lighthouse was six leagues away.”  He also explained how early navigators figured out where on earth they were.
Attendance: 23.

January 2011 Cruise: Boat Show. Since the January weather had no signs of a "thaw" (that's a northern term), we decided to meet near any sailboat we could find at the Austin Boat Show on Sunday 1/23. Seeing how there was only one vendor of boats, it wasn't hard to find each other. Fortunately, Texas Sailing had 3 sailboats, the largest of which was a Beneteau 35 First. We put our heads (or should I say minds) together and decided that if each fleet family contributed $5000 each, we just might be able to afford this boat. What do you think of that? Dave did the best job of getting "free stuff" (sunglasses, posters) and Todd came in second (dry container for money...but too small for a cell phone.)
Afterwards, we walked to the nearby Mongolian Grill Downtown. Twelve of us met there (minus one who was also at the show). We created our own concoctions, watched them get wok'ed and enjoyed the camaraderie.  Photos

January 2011 Meeting: Commodore Dave and his crew led the fleet off to an excellent start in the new year. First, 2010 Commodore Joe was recognized with a gift and applause for his contributions to the fleet in 2010. Vice Commodore Todd continued a new tradition of a "VC's Report." Lake level is 667.5'. Attendance: 23. 
On this day in 1991, it was 710! Then he presented “Know your nautical idioms”. This month's term is "three sheets to the wind," which means very drunk. The sheets are fixed to the lower corners of sails, to hold them in place.  If three sheets are loose and blowing about in the wind then the sails will flap and the boat will lurch about like a drunken sailor.  The original phrase was, “three sheets in the wind”.  One could also be one sheet, two sheets or even four sheets in the wind (dead drunk).  Robert Louis Stevenson gave Long John Silver the line: “Maybe you think we were all a sheet in the wind’s eye.  But I’ll tell you I was sober.” Secretay Sheila reported on how we can order new fleet burgees, and the fleet gave the approval to proceed with the order. Then, Dave led the fleet with paper and pen to outline program and cruising plans for 2011. See our draft (or current) calendar for the outcome. We added many new ideas to our Cruise and Programs list. Dave then showed an educational sailing video. Great start to 2011! Photos

2011 Officers: Commodore Dave Z, Vice Commodore Todd, Past Commodore Joe, Secretary Sheila, Treasurer Robert.
2011 Appointees: Social: John G and Carl, Historian and WebPerson: Cheryl