Chesapeake Sailing Club

December 2007

SCUTTLEBUTT

Newsletter of the Chesapeake Sailing Club

From the Bridge

In an effort to give new members a chance to become eligible to win the coveted broken spreader award, I ran Taj Muha hard aground a few weeks ago. This was not, as some have speculated, sheer stupidity on the part of your commodore as he was motoring out of his new homeport on Forked Creek. Anybody buying this so far? Suffice it to say that it's important to pay attention to where the high winds are pushing your boat as you're motoring out of the narrow entrance of a creek.

I would like to thank Rich and Leslie Payne for their able assistance in getting us unstuck. They keep New Life at the same marina as our boat, and were ready, willing, and able to help us when we called them for help. As it turned out, getting us off the bar in high winds proved to be more of a challenge that first imagined. After several unsuccessful attempts to tow us, Rich finally tied up to a nearby red day marker and winched us off the bar.

I don't know who was on the fleet of boats waiting to come through the channel as all of this activity was occurring, but I'd like to thank them for their patience while we had the entrance to Forked Creek totally blocked (except the guy who threw the boat hook). Once again your commodore has set a fine example for the entire world to see of the high level of sailing skills required to be the leader of CSC.

But all's well that ends well. The following week I was able to fix the hydraulic steering that had gotten jammed and froze the starboard rudder. That enabled us to make the raft-up that was supposed to be on Pocahontas Creek, but which was actually held across the South River on Harness Creek due to low water. John and Carolyn Smith hosted the club aboard Windsong, and a terrific time was had by Lucianos, Singermans, and Lymans.

CSC on the water events have wound down for the season, and Vice Commodore Liz Cingel is gearing up for our winter meetings. Liz has been great about looking for ways to make our winter events a big draw for those of us who will be staying in the frozen northland for the winter. If you have any suggestions for speakers or other attractions for these meetings, I know she'd love to hear from you.

Tom Muha
Commodore

What's Happin'in In the CSC

CSC has two major land events coming up over the next couple of months. Mark your calendars, call ahead and show up for some serious partying.

Christmas at the Beckers - December 9th

The CSC Christmas party will be held at the home of Joyce and Don Becker on Sunday, December 9, at 4 PM. (note change in date). Please plan to bring a $10 gift to be exchanged, exchanged, and exchanged and a heavy hors d'oeuvre. Call Joyce (phone, e-mail, and address are in the directory) and tell her what you plan to bring.
You can park anywhere that does not say "reserved". Beckers have 2 spots available in front of their townhouse.
Come hungry!

The Caribbean 1500 - A firsthand account by Warren Brown - January 12th

Ann and Warren Brown have been flying the CSC burgee on their beautiful yacht, Aqua Vite, for the past three years. Did you know Warren and a crew of two sailed her to the islands in the 2006 Caribbean 1500? Come to Annapolis and hear Warren tell his tale and get all your island sailing questions answered. Here are the details:

The next CSC party will be held on January 12 at 5 PM at the home of Ann and Warren Brown, 692 Fairview Avenue, Annapolis. Warren will report on his adventures last winter sailing with 74 boats in the Caribbean 1500 Rally from Hampton, Virginia to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. They have graciously offered to supply not only soda and wine but the food for this party. Call Vice Commodore Liz Cingel if you plan to attend and please do this soon so Ann can plan the huge quantities of food and drink needed to satisfy hungry CSC'ers. Let's have a good turnout for Warren's very interesting talk.

Bring a friend to this highlight event of the winter season.

February 9th Party Host Needed!

The February CSC party will be held on February 9th. A host is needed. Bring a friend and your best sailing story to share.

Bring a Friend. . .

Over the years, CSC has benefited by bringing in new members who are friends of current members. Why not invite a good sailing buddy to one of the upcoming land events? Compared to other sailing clubs we're small, have great raft ups and land events and like to sail. We don't have a membership drive but depend on you to bring new blood into the club. Look at the by-laws to see the technical requirements for membership.

Sailing in 2008 -

Look for the 2008 on the water schedule to show up in late winter or early spring. If you have any ideas or suggestions for cruises in the upcoming sailing season contact Fleet Captain Jim Luciano. He plans to have the first draft schedule together in the next month or so. Your input now is welcome.

CSC Log - Early Thanksgiving A Big Success

We had a big turnout of 17 members at the November 3rd Early Thanksgiving feast held at the beautiful condo of Eve-Marie Lacroix and Ken Richmond. Seventeen members gathered in Annapolis to talk sailing, eat, plan sailing adventures, eat, discuss winterizing, eat, then drink, and generally eat and have a great time. Commodore Tom Muha, exercising his perceived authority, ensured nobody got too rowdy. Thanks to all who attended, brought the food and celebrated the holiday. Special thanks go out to Gil and Essie Herman who provided the turkey, as well as Eve-Marie who supplied the drinks and sacrificed her condo. Other attendees included Tom and Gina Muha, John and Judi MacDonald, Debbi Knott, John and Carolyn Smith, Fred and Irene Weinfeld, Skip and Harriet Hardy, Frank and Liz Cingel, and Joe Hutchins. Don't forget to sign up for the next big CSC blast, the Christmas party at the Becker's home on December 9th.

Frank Cingel has a lot of gall

Make that "had". On November 14th Frank had gall bladder surgery but is now well on this way to a full recovery. Frank plans to be in top sailing form by spring and can't wait for the first CSC race. Note: Frank's PHRF rating may change due to his lighter body weight.

That's it from here.

Have a great holiday season!

Jim Luciano
Editor

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