Report on Cruises:
Fathers Day Cruise : Memorial Day Cruise : McMicken Island Cruise : Jarrell Cove Cruise : Hope Island Cruise : Island Home Cruise : New Year’s Eve Cruise : Halloween Cruise : Commodores’ Cruise, Vaughn Bay, September
Saturday June 18th dawned drizzly and foggy in Budd Inlet. Since we were buddy-boating with Debra Glasser and her crew Lisa Heigh aboard Liberte, we decided to put off departure from Swantown until noon. Also we had a new swab on board, Mickie’s nephew Jared. So in the finest Capt. Ron tradition he was relegated to taking out the trash and pushing the dock cart up the steep ramp. Being his first sailboat ride I wanted to impress upon him the hierarchy of sea service. “Hey swab, listen up. Now the way it works shipboard, ya do yer job, ya do it good, ya get a better job. Learned that in re-hab, Boss.”
It meant we’d be bucking a flood tide, but better that than getting separated in poor visibility. So we wandered over to the Oly Farmers’ Market for a hearty send off breakfast of crab cakes benedicts at Dinghy’s. The weather improved as the morning wore on and by noon both boats were underway. By 5 marker we had our canvas up enjoying a beam reach sail in 7 to 11 knots of wind up Budd Inlet. In Dana Passage it turned into a downwind run, we tried a little wing on wing, not my favorite sail configuration, and sure enough thanks to the inattentiveness of the helmsman, me, a couple of accidental jibes occurred.
Past Johnson Point it became another beam reach on starboard tack all the way to Lyle Pt. where the flooding tide eddied around the point making progress almost impossible. At one point we hove to in order to allow Liberte to catch up. We did sail around the point and as soon as the entrance to Oro Bay came into sight, we doused the sails and motored in.
Already there and rafted were Terry and Val VanMeter aboard Passages and Rick and Ann Giles aboard Moment. Anchored solo was Charlie and MaryAnn Erwin aboard Kiwanda. Liberte decided to raft up with Kiwanda so we anchored close by solo.
We’d never been to an Oro Bay Cruise before so without further ado it was time to fire up the dinghy and go up to the head of the bay to check out the spread the Engvalls had laid out. And what a spread! The weather was still kind of iffy, and they had set up portable shelters and picnic tables and chairs for the arriving cruisers, along with a grill with chicken nicely cooking. The tide was in our favor too. If one doesn’t pick a high tide to go ashore there is a formidable mudflat to navigate. This time the tide was rising and we all were able to dinghy to shore.
After much camaraderie and food, the cruisers made their ways back to their respective boats and tucked in for the evening.
The following morning the rafts separated, good-byes passed around and everyone set sail for home.
Once again, I’d like to thank the Engvall clan for hosting our Cruise. You folks really went way beyond the call of duty to make everyone welcome and comfortable. Thank you so much!
And if he wasn’t scared off, nephew Jared might just get promoted to Mate one day.
Boats in attendance: Passages, Moment, Kiwanda, Liberte, and Getaway.
Dave &: Mickie, incoming Cruise Chairs
I had all the good intentions of getting off the dock on Friday and at least get halfway to Penrose Park. I had visions of sitting on the hook and enjoying a Barley Pop or perhaps some other libation containing the nectar of potatoes with a couple of olives. But as life has a way of changing your priorities, I found myself pretty pooped when I going home from work on Friday. I plopped down on my couch after a piece of pizza pie and fell fast asleep. So much for getting off the dock Friday night. To make matters worse, I had not seen much of this very attractive woman that I just happen to live with, and I kind of wanted to spend some time with her. Long story short, I ended up sleeping in of Saturday. I had even planned to get up early be at Penrose by noon. But that didn’t happen either.
I did drag my sorry butt down to the dock around noon and was off the dock by noon thirty. It was just an absolutely a fantastic day. Sun was out and it was actually warm. Running up Budd Inlet I passed the late start racers. Not much wind to contend with. As I rounded Dofflemyer Point I past Relief and Koosah then Power Surge. Because of my late start I had to buck the currents up Dana Passage. I ran the south shoreline to catch the back eddies and did pretty good job of keeping my speed above six knots. Pitt Pass was no problem. The shallowest I saw was 20 feet below the keel. Puelche ran up on me near Wyckoff Shoals. When I arrived in Mayo Cove, where there were several rafts building. Seems I was one of the late arrivals. Pearl was kind enough to let me raft up to them.
The potluck was its normal cornucopia of goodness. Okay I have to admit I made three turns through the line. The sun was shining warmly on us all. As the sun started to set the temperatures started to drop. Most folks made their way back to their boats. The Ripples on Paraiso brought some fire wood so a small contingency of South Sounders made their way to the fire ring and enjoyed the warmth of the fire late into the night.
Sunday was not as nice as Saturday weather wise, but it was relatively warm. Some of the South Sounders made their way to Oro Bay, Jarrell Cove and others back to Olympia. I stayed in Mayo Cove with a half dozen other SSSS boats. I spent the day sailing my little sailing dinghy. Now as this happens every year, there is a raft of boats that drags anchor and drift. This year it just so happen to be our raft that started to drift. Originally the wind was out of the north when the raft formed. Late Saturday evening the wind shifted to the south. Sunday afternoon the winds started to build. The raft swung around 1800. Pearl has a 55 pound CQR anchor out and paid out 200 feet of chain. When the wind shifted the anchor flipped and did not reset.
Will of Lovejoy was visiting. We were all sitting in the cockpit chatting when Will says “Hey you’re drifting.” I look out and see Pax and Argos flying by. I look behind us and see that we are closing on a big raft very fast. I ran up to the bow and tossed out my anchor. I started to pay out line and realized that we would hit the raft before I could set the anchor. At the same time the only person on Pearl, Marci, was reading a book. She jumped up and ran to the bow, got to the windless and stopped. We both realized that we did not know how to operated Pearl’s windless. I ran back to the cockpit and told Annette to toss me the keys to start the motor, she did and I turned over the motor and it just clicked. Now what? Annette quickly crossed connected the house battery bank with the starter battery and the motor came to life. I gunned the motor and halted the imminent collision. We kept the boats in place with the motor until Bob and crew made it back from shore. Then we maneuvered the boats safely away from the other raft and put out two anchors. No harm, no foul. The remainder of the evening was quite. We had dinner on Pearl. Everyone turned in early.
Monday morning the raft broke apart early. We had a quite morning. By 09:00 I ran Annette back to shore and pulled up anchor and headed back to Oly. The trip home was uneventful. It was a nice way to end my tenure as Cruise Chair.
Boats and Crews in attendance in no particular order: Cygnet, Storm Seeker, Getaway, Argos, Puelche, Koosah, Sidetrack, Paraiso, Swirl II, Lovejoy, Passages, Pleiades, Pax, Sassy, Gratitude, Power Serge, Vintage, Pen Oziequah.
See you on the water ...
Mark Welpman, Cygnet
Outgoing Cruise Chair
Well, this is my seconded to the last cruise as Cruise Chair. After two years, you sort of get into a routine getting ready for a cruise. You have a bit of running around to do. Run up to the Club storage, grab the cooler, buy ice and haul it all down to the boat and stow it. Over the past few months its beginning to feel kind of like a chore, you know like when you were a kid. Kind of like when your mom would tell you to clean your room before you go outside and play. That being said, I was dragging me feet getting ready for this Cruise. It finally came down to, you’ve have to leave now if you don’t what to anchor in the dark. I got of the docks by 1600.
After de-rigging Cygnet from winter mode, and cleaning out the boat from using it as a locker room for racing, I pulled her out of her slip. Let’s face it, it’s been a pretty crappy spring. Old Man Winter does not want to let go. Clearing Swantown I had to put on my foulies, and a beanie. What the heck? Once I was in Budd Inlet, I let Auto drive and I went about trying to get some of the green off topside. I did an old fashion salt water scrub down. Pretty effective I must say. Rounding Boston Harbor Argos came out of the harbor just in front of me. She was making roughly the same speed as I was and appeared to be heading the same direction. I wasn’t sure if she was heading to the Cruise as she was flying an OYC burgee. Turns out she was.
The run was kind of nasty. It was not too cold, but misting all the way there. You know the kind of stuff that if you stick your head above the dodger your head gets cold and wet after a minute or two. Makes everything topside wet. I would have sailed, but the wind was on my nose, as usual, and I wanted to get there before dark. Argos and I ran side by side all the way to McMicken Island. When we rounded the north side of the island one Club boat there, Gratitude, leaving two moorings balls open. Perfect! I rounded the ball to leeward and snagged the ball on the first try. I quickly rigged Cygnet for shore and settled in for the night. Slept like a baby.
Saturday morning I woke to the sound of wind howling though the rigging. What was more exciting, was there was sun. It was cool but sunny, wind was out of the south, southwest, blowing 10 to 15kts with gusts up to 20kts. I almost slipped the ball to sail. But my lazy side won out. I opted to stay put and took a nap. Now that is what cruising is all about. Around noon boats started to arrive. They all were bragging about what a great day they had sailing.
Puelche made an at sea rescue. A mom and her two kids capsized their kayaks. Rodrigo and Christina came to their rescue and pulled them from the cold water in Dana Pass. They used their LifeSling to pull them all to safety, warmed them up with blankets, and got them back to shore safely.
The potluck was awesome. The sun was shining bright and warm. The food was great. No one went away hungry. 14 boats were represented at the Cruise. After the dinner folks made their way back to their boats. I was sitting topside enjoying a cigar. I heard laughter and conversation from many of the boats until late into the evening. By 2200 the cove was quiet and the water smooth as glass under a big bright moon. Soon I was snug in my bunk.
McMicken mornings are spectacular. Sunday morning was beautiful. The sky was orange and yellow. The clam water mirrored the sky. Reflections of the anchored boats danced atop water. Where the sky stopped and the water started was at times undistinguishable from one another. The morning clam was broken by Bob Beult of Pearl bring Salty, his dog, back from a morning walk. Of course I invited him aboard for coffee. I was invited for breakfast on Pearl where we were joined by the crew of Gratitude. Fresh scones, chorizo and eggs were on the menu. I even had one of Shari’s famous lattes.
Boats started to leave around 1000. One by one until only Pearl and Cygnet were left. Since the weather was so nice and there was perfect little breeze, I put the rig up on my Gig Harbor sailing dinghy. I sailed for the next few hours. I think I’ll join the dinghy fleet. Bob from Pearl took the sailing dinghy out for a little spin. He brought the dinghy back when a big nasty black cloud threatened rain on him. I stowed the boat and settled in for the afternoon.
The wind was building out of the north and the boat was starting to buck on the mooring ball. I received a call on the radio from Pearl asking if I wanted for follow him over to Hope Island. Bob wanted to take advantage the wind. I obliged him and readied the boat to get under way. I went top side and saw Bob running out to a dinghy drifting. Hey wait that was my dinghy. The building seas broke my poorly tied knot. Luckily his girls saw it drifting by.
Well we pulled stakes and headed out. The wind was blowing hard, bearing into the wind the sails went up. Falling off, I was making 7 kts and building speed! Yeeha! Both boats came all the way round and started to run down wind. Rather than building speed with the wind, the wind started to die. Seven knots tuned into three knots. The front that came through was a very short one. So I fired up the motor and dropped sails. A cloud burst came through and rained very fine drops. A rainbow formed and was the brightest I’ve seen. Then it formed into a double rainbow. It was incredible. It was a short run to Hope Island. Both boats caught mooring balls on the west side of Hope Island. It was a beautiful evening. I had a great dinner on Pearl. Bob and Shari came over to Cygnet for some quite time away from the kids. We relaxed over a bottle of wine until nearly midnight. It was a wonderful ending to a great weekend.
Boats in attendance in no particular order: Pleiades, Clara Mc Dougal, Argos, Gratitude, Passages, Kalakala, Getaway, Wind Swept, Pearl, Cygnet, Puelche, Power Serge and Swirl II. Also a mystery boat tied up to Power Serge that did not come to shore for the potluck … you know who you are.Mark Welpman, Cygnet Your friendly neighborhood Cruise Chair
I had planned on taking Cygnet up to Jarrell Cove on Friday, but was side tracked and did not leave until Saturday. The crew was a little slow getting ready to go due the prior evening activities which included a large amount of adult beverages. We were glad for Darby’s good food and slow services. We all required large amounts of hot coffee and food to make the crew seaworthy again.
The slow start got us off the docks around noon. While the sun was out earlier in the morning, it was now behind clouds with the threat of showers. The wind was spotty. Two boats ahead on us had sails up. One boat was making good headway and the other stood drooped sailed in a swath of no wind. We ran out on the motor until we cleared the channel. Around Olympia Shoal we put up the sails. The wind was out of the north. We made 5 kts by log and gave pursuit to the boat make with full sails.
As we all know it’s not only how fast you go, it also how cool you look. While we were sailing as fast as conditions allowed, we did not look cool. After the first tack the lazy sheet got stuck under the forward hatch combing. So I had to go forward to free the lazy sheet. When I went forward I noticed that the drifter poll was unsecured, the water filling through hull was open and all our bumpers we’re over the side. I usually laugh when I see other boats in this condition. Let’s just say I felt a little sheepish. I’m blaming it on the night before. I stowed the boat for sea and we sailed on with our dignity a bit tarnished. The boat we’re chasing turns out to be Wind Swept. As we moved in for the pass and the glory of the chase, the wind died. Head sail came down and the iron horse fired up and we motored the rest of the way.
When we arrived in Jarrell Cove there were five boats on the dock. Terry, Passages, and Rick, Inati, we’re there to help us land Cygnet. Later three more boats showed up. By 1800 there was a very nice fire going in the fire pit and a very large potluck. All the food was great, but I was already stuffed from Penguin’s galley wench, Kathy, feeding us snot crackers and banana bread, and some very delicious cheesy sausage biscuit thingies. Plus all the other boats were trying to feed snacks to all of us. I forces down a big plate of food. The home made macaroni and cheese was awesome. Folks hung out by the fire late into the night. Other than it being a little cool, the night was great. By 2200 my sorry butt was snug in my bunky.
Sunday morning was sunny and cool. Tom Ripple, Pyxis, and I were up by 0730ish. We sat and had coffee and chatted about things large and small. Folks visited, some join us for coffee and a little something to eat. By 1000 most boats headed home. It was a very pleasant motor home. A couple of boats tried to sail, but the wind was not in our favor. Cygnet was back on the dock by 1430. I was a great weekend. The Cruise was a little short for my liking. As always it was a great trip with great people. These trips are great because you show up.
Boats in attendance in no particular order: Penguin, Passages, Inati, Pyxis, Wind Swept, Sonrisa II, Cygnet, Kalakala, Solace, and Mary Ellen.See you on the water!
Mark Welpman, Cygnet
Your friendly neighborhood Cruise Chair
The weather was clear with a few clouds as I got underway from Martin Marina at 1620 hours. It had been a busy and stressful work week. I decided to make my escape on Friday evening and go to some peaceful location for the night and then make my way to Hope Island in the morning. Several options awaited. Perhaps an evening at anchor near Gull Harbor, or maybe I could make it to the east side of Squaxin Island near the old state park before dark. Heck, as long as I was to travel part way in the dark, why not go to McMicken Island for the night.
I brought my computer with the Nobeltec Navigation system up to the cockpit from the chart table and plotted a course from Boston Harbor to McMicken Island. The sun was just setting as I passed Dofflemyer Point. By the time I made it through Dana Passage, it was pretty dark except for the half moon that peeked through the clouds and lit the water enough for me to pick out any flotsam of concerning size.
Using my Nobeltec plot, I made it into the cove created by McMicken and Hartstene Island. I slowed to 4 knots and motored toward the spit between the islands. My flashlight lit up the reflectors on the three mooring buoys but I chose to anchor in about 30 feet of water some 200 feet from the spit. I wasn’t expecting much wind Friday night so I put out 120 feet of chain and rope. I set the hook and felt secure. Below it was warm and I had my favorite meal, sockeye salmon and asparagus. I checked my position and my anchorage before retiring and had a very restful night.
The morning, 0730, brought a little more wind. By 1000 I was underway and motored out of the cove. I put up just the jib; single handing with 15-20 knots of wind already, I felt a little more secure. At Dana Passage I added the main with two reefs and sailed comfortably until I reached a point just north of Hunter Point and south of the red buoy. I turned into the wind and took in both sails. From there I motored to the mooring buoys on Hope’s south side where Getaway was already tied from the night before. After checking the northwest side of the island for other Club boats, there weren’t any, I took the other mooring buoy on the south side. Since I didn’t have a tender, Dave and Mickie agreed to motor over around 1800 for dinner.
The wind had kicked up quite a bit over the day and about 1600 Tyler and Gina came along side. They had sailed all the way from Martin Marina. We secured WindSwept securely to Passages and adjusted half dozen fenders at various heights and spaced our spreaders by about 4 feet. We knew we might be in for a bumpy night.
At 1730 Tyler and Gina came with snacks of brie, salami, and some great crackers. At about 1750, Dave and Mickie motored up to the ladder and came aboard. There is nothing like a pot luck dinner to offer a real variety of foods and tonight was no exception. We had chicken prepared in three delicious ways: jerked Cajun, spicy Caribbean, and tangy curry. I had just enough lettuce left from the night before to give each of us a little green to accompany our chicken.
We laughed and told stories into the evening and about 2030 we began to consider departures. We were experiencing quite a bit of wind and current and Dave was concerned that his two horse Honda might not be able to push their dingy back to Getaway. So, we laughed and told a few more stories and somehow a break in the wind allowed them to make a safe getaway.
The night was a bumpy and restless one. I wasn’t worried about the buoy holding or my doubled-up lines to it, although I did check my position several times. Perhaps the most difficulty in sleeping came from squeaking fenders and the jerk of the mooring and spring lines between WindSwept and Passages. By 0700 things had settled down a bit and I turned on the heat, made coffee and listened to NPR’s Weekend Edition.
Tyler came over for coffee about 0930. Sometime about then, Getaway got underway. About 1100 WindSwept cast off and I freed Passages from the buoy. Just east of Hunter Point I put up sail, as did WindSwept, but the wind quickly subsided. It was a peaceful motor back in to Martin Marina. It had been an adventurous weekend and as always, I look forward to the next Cruise. I sure hope you’ll be there too and bring a vegetables, starch or dessert.
Boats attending the February cruise were Getaway, WindSwept, and Passages.
Your unofficial assistant Cruise Chair,
Terry Van Meter, Passages
A first a joint SSSS and OYC Cruise,and what a first. On January 22nd, 36 boats came together and created music, literally and figuratively. Members of SSSS and OYC who had power boats and sailboats shared laughs, a couple meals, developed some new friends, and created some lasting memories.
The idea of this event was given life last year when several sailboats, Jack and JoAnne DeMeyer, Bob and Beth Connelly, Dick and Karen Elliott, Gary and Deva Wilson, Terry and Debe Anderson, Rick and Barbara Berkholz, and Joe and Myra Downing, were doing their annual winter cruise to Island Home.
Over the next year, research was done and conversations took place. With strong support from the OYC Fleet Captain Sail Team of Gary and Rose Belchner, Bob and Beth Connelly, my guardian angels, Jack and JoAnne DeMeyer, Rick Berkholz, Frank Mighetto, and many other OYC members, the OYC approved this event.
Once the event was approved, a team was created to make it happen. Beth and Bob and Gary and Rose gave me advice and reviewed the OYC article. Apparently it worked, because in addition to sailboats, 12 powerboats joined us at Island Home. 24 sailboats joined them. It was so cool to see all those masts, or sticks in a sailors world, interspersed with the power boats. Joe and Don found slips for everyone.
Prior to the cruise, Joyce Mercuri, Marti Walker, Don Waterhouse, Rick and Barb, Joe and I met to plan our activities. Don came up with a Bingo game that turned out to be a great hit! The OYC Bridge, led by Commodore Carol Robinson, provided appetizers, beverages, and breakfast meats on Sunday, a treat we will long remember.
Saturday night include games, music, and fireside conversation. We have some very talented people in our club that either play an instrument and/or sing. What a treat. And what a treat to be able to be inside and be warm in January. Thanks for a great weekend.
Those in attendance at the January SSSS/OYC Joint Cruise
BOAT NAME MEMBERSHIP ON BOARD
Clara McDougal SSSS Mary, Nora, Maria
Clarity OYC John and Mary
D'Lavicea Dual Terry and Debe
Dreamer OYC Glen, Jane, and Eric
Easy Life OYC Bill and Harriet
First Lady OYC Braun and Tula
Get Away SSSS Dave and Mickie
Inati Dual Rick and Barb
LaForza Dual Matt and Terri
Maranatha SSSS Joel and Sandy
Maya OYC Mike and Vonnie
Miss Bliss SSSS Paul and Steve
Murrelet Dual Frank
Pandora Dual Bob and Beth
Passages SSSS Terry and Val
Patina OYC Eric
Pax SSSS Rod, Sue, and Matt
Penguin SSSS Tyko and Kathy
Penoziquah SSSS Rich
Sassy SSSS Glen and Irene
Sidetrack Dual Gary and Deva
Skaga SSSS Jim and Diana
Skookum OYC Tom and Laura
Solace SSSS Steve and Andy
Sonrisa II SSSS Mary, Merryanne, Barbara, Susan
Stargazer SSSS Rob and Micki
String Games Dual Jim and Emily
Sugar Pops OYC Matt and Denise
Sunday's Child OYC Mike, Denise, Gary and Rose
Romancing the C's OYC Chuck and Carol
Rob Roy OYC Walt and Catherine
Vintage Dual Joe, Myra, Don, Joyce, Marti
Voyager Dual Rick and Suzie
Voyageur OYC Gary and Judy
Windswept SSSS Tyler and Eric
Myra Downing, Vintage
Cruise photos by Glen Hunter, by Mary FitzgeraldHappy New Year!
New Year’s Eve I made it to the docks by 1500. I loaded up a dock cart and headed down the gangway. I realized there was ice on the water and a lot of it. The ice ran about half way out the channel. I did not look too thick, so I thought it would be alright to attempt to break my way out. After all it’s a long way from H Dock to the Guest Dock in Swantown.
I unpacked my things and started the motor. I let her warm up a while since it had been over a month I last ran the motor. I was bringing Cygnet around to the guest docks by myself, so I untied the boat and disconnected shore power. No worry about the boat drifting it was held in place by the ice. I boarded and started to back from my slip. The ice was not very thick. But I worried backing into it. I did not want to damage my stern post or prop. It was kind of amazing.
Rather than crunching a path through the ice the broke into three or four large sheets. The ice was holding and did not allow me to back to starboard like I normally do when backing out of my slip. As I backed one of the larger sheets drove under one of the other sheets. This caused a rather good size opening in the ice. As I was unable to back out the way I usually do, I could not turn the boat around and head out the channel bow first. So I backed out the channel very slowly. In no time I was though the ice and into clear water.
Luckily going into the guest docks was a bit better. Three boats before me had made their ways into the docks. I just followed their paths. The guest docks were more iced in than the finger docks. I had to break up the ice with my boat a bit so I back my boat into the slip. As usual there were several South Sounders there to aid in docking the boat. Thanks Van Meters and Teri Cole!
Folks visited one another until around 1900. It was pretty cold outside. The beverages really did not need to be iced I just left the lids to the cooler open. The ice I brought was frozen to the bottles in the morning. The potluck ended up being on Passages, the Van Meters new boat. Ten crews somehow packed into the boat. There was plenty of lively conversation and plenty of libations for everyone. Scotty and Jo from Swirl II brought a bottle of single malt and the fireworks. Folks came and went all evening, some passing through to say hi on their way to other parties. In the end we had ten crews show up this year and several visitors. By midnight the party was pretty much over. Three crews were sill remaining to ring in the New Year.
The morning for me was hangover free. At 0900 we had a big breakfast on Cygnet. Folks were slow to depart. Mostly everyone was waiting around for the ice to soften up a bit. A neighboring boat cut a swath out of the ice. Murrelett left first, then Passages followed by Cygnet. Gratitude was last to leave. The ice was pretty thick going back down H dock. Luckily someone just went through, so we had a path cut thought the ice most of the way. We had to punch a hole through the ice only two slips distance. I assisted Gratitude getting in. I walked over to J Dock and took a line with a knot in it and busted up the ice. It was kind of a long run for Gratitude. But she made it just fine with no apparent damage.
Boats and crews in attendance in no particular order: Passages, Murrelett, Gratitude, Swirl II, Cygnet, Pax, Nika Canim, and Moment. Other guests, Larry King and Gordy. Sorry I did not get the name of your boats.
See you on the water!
Mark Welpman, Cygnet
Your Friendly Neighborhood Cruise Chair
This year’s turnout was a bit smaller than in years past. Most likely because it was a local Cruise and most of us like to sail someplace on a Cruise. But for those who showed up they had a great time. Friday night we had 18 boats at the guest docks. Lots of visiting was going on. Boats were decorated and last minute preparations were being finished. Friends huddled with friends and several small parties took place on various boats.
Saturday started off slow for me, I did not get up until noon. I made my way up the dock to see that pumpkins were being carved. Dave Knowlton was serving up hot apple cider and cocoa to on lookers. Donna was putting finishing touches on the Cruise. At 1800 the potluck was in full swing. As usual there was a cornucopia of potluck goodness. I saw ghosts of rockers past. Some pasted on some not. There were a couple of Sonny and Shers, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Tinny Tim, Elvis and Elvis and a host of others. There was a little Yellow Submarine puppy in the mix too. After dinner the kids cruised the docks trick or treating. No kid went away without an overflowing bag of candy. Around 2000 the back stage party started and folks gathered under the shelter to listen to the band and danced the evening away. After the band played their last encore the party moved over to Gypsy Soul. Fun was had by everyone. I’m not sure what time the party ended, I was sung in my bunk before midnight.
Sunday morning the sun was out and it was going to be a beautiful day. Our Past Commodore and current Commodore hosted a big pancake breakfast. Dave Knowlton was back serving up hot coffee and cocoa. Other brought lots of breakfast goodies to share. Breakfast was quite delicious. By 1000 boats stated to depart. Many folks took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and cool breeze for a little Sunday cruise.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Donna Richard for all the hard work and time that she spent on the Halloween Cruise. She started putting together the Halloween Cruise back in August. A big thanks to Donna’s team who volunteered boats time and resources. Thanks to Dan, Donna’s Husband, for supporting Donna and the Cruise. We cannot forget Dave Knowlton who generously supports the Cruise every year. Thanks to all who helped setting up and tearing down. This is a big Cruise and it takes a lot of hands to make it work. We hope that Longbranch dock is repaired next year so we can continue our Halloween Longbranch tradition. Thanks everyone.
Boats in attendance in no particular order: Hiron, Pegasus, Columba Transit, Legacy, Storebjorn, Moonshadow, Arrow, Getaway, Whimsical, Dawn Trader, Mary Ellen, Mis-Be-Heaven (Scary boat), Swirl II, Yankee 3, Pen Oziequah, The Mist, Vintage, Kiwanda, Gypsy Soul, Puelche, Cygnet, Pearl, Gratitude, Koosah, Sassy, Nika Canim, and Maranatha. I know there were many folks that came by land. I apologize that I did not get your names. Please send them to me and I’ll make sure I update your name in the roster. See you on the water!
Mark Welpman
Your friendly neighborhood Cruise Chair
This is the Bander family curse; Every year on all hallows eve a gypsy comes to the Bander Family estate to claim her tithe of one gold coin. As the centuries pass, the family forgot why and one fateful year the Reverend Bander refused to pay. He was a foolish man and never more so than on that day. And the gypsy laid this curse on them. Once a year on Halloween, they were doomed to return from the dead and play music for the world to hear. Their first ever hit was Dem Bones. Beware the Bander Family curse and hear their music but this one night as the bats fly and the moon is high.
These are pictures of the haunted Bander Mansion, a decorating phenom from the minds of Donna and Susie. They use the Bander family as the basis for their theme, dead rock star mansion. The photos are holograms, look one way and they are normal folks, look at another angle and you can see their very dark spooky side. You can see the dark side of the photo in the brown tinted photo. The family photos were in the mansion’s living room (back deck) the tombstones were in the cemetery (upper helm).
These are my photos, taken as they were making the finishing touches. I am sure there will be more to share. We estimate 150 to 200 folks came through the haunted boat. Donna’s grandson, Alex, was hidden in the graveyard and moved just a little to spook the visitors. It was a big success.
Catherine Bander
Photos by Thera Black : by Donna Richard : by Joel RettFriday I was up and running, well kind of sort of. I made several false starts to get out of the house. I wanted to be off the dock by noon, but that deadline came and went. I had lost my crew the night before and now was single handing the trip. The help I was counting on was not there. Loading up the boat with Cruise supplies took me a couple of trips but I got things done in short order. I cast off Cygnet’s lines at 1400.
The skies were partly cloudy with sun breaks and the fall air was cool. Not a bad start to a weekend. I let Auto, Auto helm 3000, drive early. I went to work stowing the boat for sea as I was heading out the channel. Fenders up and lines stowed I went back to the helm to give Auto a break. As I pushed the motor up to cruising speed I heard the motor making a funny noise. I dropped down the hatch and opened the engine compartment and saw my alternator belts were very loose and endanger of coming off. Hmm, that’s not good I thought to myself. As the wind was out of the south I thought that I would clear marker #5 and shut the motor off and drift as I fixed the problem. It took me about 45 minutes to fix the problem.
I was on my way again. I saw a couple of SSSS boats up ahead. As I was running late I knew that I would make better time if I ran on the motor. Near Boston Harbor I passed Vintage and Balder both flying canvas. I ran the south side of Dana Passage as I missed my time window and was now bucking the tide. At Dickerson Point I turned Cygnet north and ran up Cass Inlet. The further up the inlet I went the better the weather was. By the time I passed Herron Island the sun was out and felt warm on my face. I was catching up with another boat from the club, but she made her turn into Vaughn Bay before I did. The tide was high and the shallowest I saw was 12 feet below the keel.
The other boat that came in before me was Maranatha. Gratitude was the first at anchor and had picked a prime spot to drop her hook. Maranatha and I jockeyed for a spot to anchor. Anchors set and boat rigged for port I set out to pick up my wife. As I rowed to the boat ramp at the east side of the bay, Vintage and Balder came in and rafted up. I rowed Annette and our puppy back to the boat and we settled in for a quiet evening. Well at least that’s what we thought. I was up topside putting up the boom tent when Vintage hails us on the radio. We were invited over for cocktails and apps. We accepted the invitation and ended up sitting on Vintage and Balder enjoying great company with our Commodore until late in the evening. All crews in the bay joined the festivities and we all enjoyed the evening together.
Saturday: I was told by those who woke up early that we were fogged in. But I took advantage of the opportunity to sleep in. My head did not appear topside until well after 1030. Wow I felt good! The sun was shining bright, not a cloud in the sky and it was warm. Shorts and tee shirts weather today. Around noon several of us went up to the spit and set up the potluck area. Logs were rolled, fire wood gathered, weeds pulled. Thanks to all who helped. The fleet started to arrive around noon and by 1500 our numbers stood at 19 boats. By 1800 the potluck on the spit was crowded. There was tons of good food to be had. If we walked away hungry it was our own fault. The fire ring was full of happy faces. Folks stayed late into the evening. The stars shone up in the havens, the moon was bright and Jupiter could be seen. It was a wonderful evening.
Sunday: Well be paid for the good weather with rain and lots of it. The pancake breakfast was moved from the beach to the Sidetrack, Vintage, Balder raft. A couple of boats left early, including yours truly. I missed the pancake goodness again. I’m sure it was great. I was heading south by 0900. The rain turned to showers and eventually stopped. The skies were gray the entire way home. It was a great weekend and seemed too short. Thanks to all of you who made it. It’s you who make these trips fun. It was a great group of folks. I can’t wait for the Halloween Cruise. See you on the water.
Boats and crew in attendance in no particular order: Cygnet, Getaway, Gamine, Sir Pending, Pandora, Gratitude, Maranatha, Murrelet, Pleiades, Lovejoy, Sidetrack, Passages, Vintage, Balder, Moment, Inati, Skaga, Windswept, Pax and Nightwind. Stats: 20 boats, 40 skipper and crew and two dogs. Not bad!
Mark Welpman, Cygnet
Cruise photos: by Jim Findley, by Lisa Mighetto, by Joe Downimg