I suspect that, like me, you are all still trying to thaw out after spending yet another day, between rainstorms, trying to tend to your boat. This has, indeed, been quite a year so far. If you can believe the news, we have had double the amount of rain expected within the last year and the supposed “5 year
drought” issues are a thing of the past. I am awaiting my next water bill from the city telling me they need to raise water rates because there is too much water. Billing increases due to “a shortage of water” are easier to understand, nevertheless, I continue to make the mistake of trying to make sense of the
many reasons that our elected bureaucrats and big businesses tell us that their fees must go up no matter what the circumstances are. This being said, I am grateful to live in the desert area we call San Diego and have the rain at the same time.
My latest trips down to PC Row are somewhat lonely. The beautiful site of sails moving up and down our sheltered bay has been, for the most part, a thing of the past. It is indeed, somewhat strange to look out and see no boats on the water, knowing that the bay is usually full of lovely vessels heading out for a days enjoyment. After sponging the last bucket of fresh water out of DAWN yesterday, I covered her up again and knew I would be back in a couple of days to do the same thing all over again. I am reminded of two storms that hit San Diego in the 1930’s. In 1937 a storm blew up from Mexico bringing 50-knot winds. This storm brought considerable damage to the SDYC clubhouse, docks and several yachts. Two years later, in 1939, a Chubasco blew into the bay from the southwest. This storm treated the club to 75-knot winds. It should not come as a surprise that, again, the existing facility and docks suffered serious damage, as did many beautiful yachts. Our club History Committee, I suspect, has some details about these horrific events and might have interesting articles to read. Speaking of the History Committee…you should all tip your skipper’s hats to PC Fleet Member Bob Kyle (#54), who recently was elected as Chairman of our club’s History Committee! I have chatted with Bob about his new exalted position and we both agree that with some continued hard work, more and more PC
history may well come to light! Congratulations Bob!
The first race of 2005 brought 4 PC’s to the line and all did very well in their class, garnering the first 4 places! Congratulations go to #14 (La Cucharacha), #18 (Minx), #21 (Onion Truck) and #54 (Twilight), in that order. This is a terrific way to start a New Year and we hope the results are an
indication of continued racing success for our fleet throughout the year. I hope all you racing buffs will remember the One Design races to be held on February 5th. Please remember to check your PC sailing schedule each month because your officers have gone to great lengths to schedule both races and social sailing to bring the fleet together, to say nothing of Capt. Dave Grundies and Dr. D going through the trouble and expense of making those lovely schedule calendars available to us all.
This month, I am sharing three photos with you. The first is a photo of a lovely painting, which can be seen at the Newport Harbor YC. This painting was called to my attention by Dave Grundies. It shows a small number of PC’s being towed out to a race. This photo does not do the painting justice, as the colors are wonderful!
Another photo shows PC numbers 37, 64, 61, 15 and 36 in a race during the 1950’s. Note that none of the boats have travelers!
Lastly, you will see a lovely shot taken in 1948 of hull #77. WHITECAP (also TRIO in the 50’s and 60’s) is one of the boats I have not been able to account for. I am also missing the data for #15 (TEMPE V, HIGH SEAS II in 1946, TEMPTRESS 1946, RELAX II in 1955, PATRICIA IN 1964 and SPRAY in 1977). As I have many times before, I would ask anyone with knowledge of these vessels to contact me.
Well… that’s all I have for this month. I see another blow coming in from the southwest. Think I’d better go ‘n tar me trousers so’s ta be ready fer the days ahead…
Until next month…
Rish Pavelec
PC #16, DAWN
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