Today is September 15, 2001. Cissy and I just returned from taking part in Sailfest 2001! As in the past, I want to thank, our Troy Sears for making it happen and doing a great job. What with the recent events, Troy had to spend HOURS on the computer and phone, clearing the event with local officials so that his project would not interfere with security in the bay. Special thanks to Troy, the SDYC , First American Trust, the San Diego Harbor Patrol, the San Diego Fire Dept. and all the other people who made the event its usual success.
There were two PC’s participating. Bud Caldwell in #21 was on the water as was PUFF. Cissy and I had a great family of a Mom and three young ones, one of which was undergoing treatment. They all won our hearts and we had a terrific day with them. The day started with our pushing off out of E dock and getting turned around, thus (shall I say…) kissing the dock! Thanks to SC Fred Fry, Bud and a few others for helping get us turned around. My only concern, at the time, was Fred’s back as he gallantly set his weight in an effort to keep PUFF from going “up and over” the dock! As I remember, SC Fry was on the “membership committee” when I applied for SDYC membership and was “assigned” to my case. Thank goodness he didn’t ask me to display my sailing skills BEFORE writing his report! At any rate, our “family” thought that our “unusual start” was the greatest thing that could have happened and we laughed (I assure you… WE does not include ME…) about it all the way out. I had the kids ring the bell to “signal” approaching vessels. That, of course, was a big hit. Having never been on a boat, they were astounded to see the “lazy seals” on the buoys, to say nothing of the other boats, submarines, sea gulls and all the other things we all take for granted. We had beautiful sunny skies and flat water in the bay with 10 knots of breeze. Hannagers, haadogs and snowcombs brought the afternoon to a wonderful close AFTER “we” all got our face and arms painted by Miss Pickles and the pirate! Cissy and I will miss them tonight and still have their smiles, screams and laughter etched on our minds.
Tonight we will begin packing for our trip to Belgium and France. We will, hopefully, have returned by the time you read this and I will finish this piece at that time.
Today is October 6, 2001. Our trip was, as usual, a total success. We so love traveling to France, and sharing in the culture. The highlight of this particular trip was a bike trip throughout Normandy, visiting many of the beaches and towns that our WWII soldiers fought and died for. For those of you who have not been to “Bloody Omaha Beach” or “Pointe du Hoc”, I can promise that this hallowed ground can bring a tear to your eye and reminds you that so many gave so much and that many of these young brave men never returned home.
PUFF is on the hard for bottom work and beautification, thus we will not be sailing for a bit. Dick Stratton and Randy Richman tried to put a race together for tomorrow, however it was canceled, in that only 2 boats could participate. HELLO?! We all need to get better about showing up for these events! A “fleet” is not a “fleet” unless we aren’t, occasionally, on the water for races and “fun” sailing as a group. Please think about that!
Now let me skip to Oct. 10th. I just returned from the club Yachtsman’s Luncheon. I spoke to a full house and really enjoyed the group, many of which were seasoned PC sailors! News about the WINGS restoration project seemed to be well received. My thanks to you all for coming. The most recent copy of the Maritime Museum’s Full & By newsletter, has an informational article about the project, as well.
In closing, Jack Sutphen informed me that #78, up in Marina del Ray is available for purchase. Anyone interested should give Jack or me a call.
As always, I wish you all fair winds and following seas.
Rish Pavelec
PC #63