They tell me that summer is over, but you could not tell by our wonderful San Diego weather. Cissy and I have been out a number of times over the last few weeks. Both the wind and temperature were PERFECT! I see that a number of PCs have been on and off the trailers for bottom paint or more serious work. Yankee is back home and it is a joy to see all of you making improvements on your vessels.
My thanks to Captain Dave Grundies (#72) for making time to write last month’s article. I hope you all enjoyed reading about the results of the PC Nationals. This was a great respite for me as I have had my hands full with a number of projects and obligations. The good news is that our kitchen remodel is finished (“You want me to wash the what??”) and we are devoting more time to sailing and the new house plans. I do, in fact, see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Fleet Captain, Pete Lawrence (#66, Route 66) was kind to mail out the proposed changes for next years schedule. Thanks to Pete for staying on top of the fleet schedule and make changes in an effort to make our races and events more enjoyable.
Note that October 8th will offer a “PC Bay Race”. This should prove to be one of the “more relaxed” opportunities to join in the race schedule. Please mark your schedule and join in the fun. As I have said so many times before, seeing the fleet out on the water in numbers is always a great sight to see.
My history notes tell me that 1940 was an interesting year for the PC fleet. I learned that the SDYC acquired a liquor license for the first time and dedicated a space to a bar named “The Fo’c’sle”. It is said that several “members of stature” were extremely disgusted with this decision and very vocal about it, but The Fo’c’sle stood strong and obviously had its supporters. I assure you that I, too, would have been among the group of distinguished pure souls angry about this decision. As I have always said, “Lips that touch liquor, shall never…”. 1940 was the first year that the SDYC “PC Inspection Trophy” was offered. The first trophy winner was #22 (Volero), skippered by Mr. Stan Christopher. Volero (also, Endeavor) was sold to Thomas Eckles (1946). Other owners of record include Tom Echoey and Allen Nichols. The last owner was David Faires (1955-1965) when the vessel was lost in 1965 in Elliot Bay, Washington. I would appreciate any information about these skippers or this vessel in an effort to update or correct the records in hand.
Another boat of interest in 1940 was #29, Half Moon, owned by Jimmy Roosevelt. Jimmy was the son of Franklin D. Roosevelt and owned the vessel from 1938 to 1944. At this time, the San Diego Fleet continued to grow. Like his father before him, Roosevelt loved sailing and fell in love with the PC at first sight. Sea Magazine (September, 1940) reported that Jimmy flew in from New York on Saturday in order to sail in the Sunday PC Nationals races, and then flew out immediately after the races. Records show that he placed last, which might explain the quick get-away! Bye the way, some guy by the name of Doug Giddings (sailing #10, Windy) won the series! #29 is one of the boats unaccounted for on my history list. The last skipper on record is Mark Coholan in 1977. She was then named Panic, but also sailed as Paloma and Agnese E over the years. Again, I ask that anyone who has addition knowledge of this vessel (or the skippers) contact me. Photos are welcomed and will be returned after scanning. I hope that readers understand that the fleet is counting on you to keep the PC History alive and growing.
I will close with that bit of PC history. Until next month, I wish you all fair winds and a star (or, like me, at least someone who can see the club…) to guide you bye. Enjoy your club!
Rish Pavelec
#16 Dawn
#54 Twilight, at the PC beauty parlor
