Club News


February 2001 Mainsheet PC News

By | February 01, 2001

February! That’s such a long way away! Santa has not yet arrived, however I am trying to get a start on the article and trying hard to remember all the news that I have learned since I last wrote. First and most important, the Oversmiths again hosted a wonderful PC Christmas party and we had a great turnout. The year just wouldn’t be the same unless we all got together to trash Laura’s house!! After 3 loooooong and devoted years as PC Fleet Captain, Blake (Laura… take care of this, will you?) stepped down. He will now be spending more free time with his family as well as golfing with Al Gore, who also has some free time. Thank you all for three great years of service and dedication to the fleet! Fellow PC skipper Dick Stratton was fool…I mean lucky enough to take over!! Dick is a long time sailor and PC helmsman. He has previously owned hulls 37 and 66. He now sails MINX, #18. So, lead on, Captain Stratton!! We’re behind you all the way (or in my case, several boat lengths in the rear, but following…).

Another exciting report at the meeting was Jack Sutphen announcing the names of recipients of the PC “Caldwell Trophy”. This cup, named for “Mr. PC”, Bud Caldwell, was awarded to those persons who gave “just a little bit more” to help the fleet. This year, after an international team of chad counters was assembled, and after noted yachtsman from all over the world assembled to debate the candidates for months on end (read… “3 or 4 PC guys got together over a beer”…), they decided that the Caldwell cup should be split two ways. First to Blake and Laura Oversmith for their dedication and contribution to the fleet and secondly, to an incredibly handsome and wonderful PC skipper who has so many excellent personal qualities that they are too numerous to list and who…. OK OK…it’s me. I ask you, in what other fleet can a guy get recognition for writing a few articles, buying a few boats and coming in last at every event? Both the O’Smiths and I thank you all for bestowing this kindness and honor unto us!

Readers may remember my announcement of finding Hull # 38 sitting in a barn up in Washington. The fellow who first called me (who also lives in Washington) decided to buy the yacht. He is waiting for the weather to clear before he trailers it down to his home, but is very excited about the project and plans to do a total restoration. He has promise me to keep in touch. I have his address and other information and thus will check up on him as time goes on.

Another bit of mystery is a recent ad in “SPLINTERS”, the newsletter of the Wooden Hull Yacht Club. The ad reads “1936 Kettenburg PC. All Sails and Spinnaker. New Bunk Cushions. Needs TLC. Health Forces Sale.” As you can see, the photo supplied with the yacht looks “somewhat” PC like, but something about it doesn’t fit. I have shown the photo to Paul Kettenburg, SC Gene Trepte, Bud Caldwell, Greg Stewart (SPRIG), CF Koehler and most believe that she is, in fact, not a PC. My understanding is that the owner is seasoned in years (politically correct…eh?) and swears that the vessel is a PC. There was no telephone number offered however I did send him a letter at a listed Post Office box. I received an answer from him a few days later. With the letter, he enclosed two photos of the sail logo and number. Again, I am not convinced. The logo is not what it should be and PC hull #23 is and has been at the club for many years!! To date, those I trust have suggested that the yacht might be one of the following: Owens, Rhodes 33 or PIC. I do not know if the hull number in engraved on the mast step as in all other PCs. Anyone who might have a clue is welcome to call me. In the meantime, my friend, Steve Barber, of the Kettenburgboats web site, is going to try to make it up there to look at her. Those who remember reading my report of the “Stockton Delta Regatta” held in 1939, may remember that at least one PC sailed in that event. The boat I reference above is located in a backwater marina in that delta and may well be a PC’s which has been there since 1939!! I am anxious to get to the bottom of the mystery but have a long way to go. I gave Steve some dimensions and clues as to what to look for, with the hopes that he is successful in finding the yacht. Should he come back with positive information, I will make a trip up north to make a final decision and, if it is a PC, buy the vessel. I hope to receive a second letter from the owner this week.

The PC #8, WINGS, restoration continues to move forward. This month I had continued meetings with some key players in an effort to “fine tune” the project and garner support. With the holidays upon us, progress will slow a bit however I have the next series of calls and meetings on my calendar and hope
that by the time you read this, I will have made great progress.

Until next months report, I wish you good sailing and look forward to seeing you all on the water. For those readers who aren’t fortunate enough to own a PC, I can only say, don’t be despondent, just hold us in high esteem and envy us.

Your humble and sensitive PC Fleet member,
Rish Pavelec

PC #63