Catalina Fleet 21 - Chicago Region
FleetSheet Newsletter

August 2010

It’s not too late to join the Fleet as we race against each other in the Leukemia Cup on Saturday, August 28. We have our own Catalina start (jib and main only). Get a crew together and enjoy this casual race. There’s a party the night before and again after the race.

The much anticipated Hammond Outing is September 18. Even though the sponsors are (for the most part) no longer moored in Hammond, it’s a great harbor for a party as we can all be together and this group goes all out. Look for the flyer in this newsletter.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed in the things that you didn’t do than the ones you did do, so throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover!” - Mark Twain



A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMODORE
Summer is rushing by as usual. I can’t believe its August already! July was a busy month for both the Thompson’s and the fleet. We had a great turn out at our sister organization’s annual Summer Rendezvous in Holland, Michigan. Mickie and I were unable to sail over so we drove instead, and we are very glad we did. The folks at LMCA provided us with a wonderful weekend of fun, food and sailing. Fleet 21 was well represented with 4 boats sailing over and a number of our members driving to attend. The weather was excellent the entire weekend. Thanks to all the hard working members of LMCA for a great weekend.

Our next outing was not quite so good. We planned on sailing down to Hammond for the Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Indiana on July 23rd. The sail down went well with southwest winds gusting to 35 we didn’t need much sail up. Only one other boat joined us at the marina, Terri Webber and her crew made the trek to mark her first Fleet 21 outing. Weather was our enemy for most of the weekend and the smart sailors stayed home. The weather did hold off long enough for us to enjoy cocktail hour. As soon as we decided to walk over to the shuttle bus the skies opened up and the downpour began. It was so bad that we didn’t even make it to the bus. We ended up going for pizza at one of the local shops. After the pizza we joined Terri and her crew back at the Hammond Yacht Club for a nightcap. The morning was stormy also, so the breakfast Mickie prepared needed to be enjoyed indoors. A window of good weather appeared about 10:30 so we packed up and sailed back to Burnham Harbor just in time to see the start of the Chicago to Mackinac race. An interesting weekend to say the least.

Speaking of the Chicago to Mackinac race, Fleet 21 was also represented there as well. Two of our members participated in the premier yacht race of the season. Ray Kalinsky on Little Miss Magic and Pat Reynolds aboard Karizmaddie did the 300 plus mile race to the island. Congratulations to both on a job well done.

Even though Mickie and I were unable to attend the Shrimp Boil at Northpoint Marina on August 7, I understand that a good time was had by all. I had reports that between 50 and 60 people attended the party. If having a shrimp boil was not enough fun for the group it so happens that the date fell on the date of the marina’s annual Venetian Night. Many thanks to Debbie & Jim Pierson, Joe & Nancy Vilimek and Larry & Pat Meekma for providing Fleet 21 with a fun evening.

On a sad note, one of our long time members, Greg Tanzer passed away last week. I’m sure you will join me in expressing our sympathy to the Tanzer family.

Don’t forget the tall ships are coming to Chicago on Tuesday August 24th. Check our web site for a link to the tall ships web site for more details.
Our next outing will be the Labor Day sail over to Michigan City. See this newsletter for more details. Hope to see all of you in Michigan City.

Bill Thompson, Commodore Fleet 21



BUY/TRADE/SELL
Fleet members may list items they want to sell, trade or buy in this column without any charge. Send listings to Fleet Sheet Editor, 306 Linden Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 or fax to 630-668-8950 or email to deare30@sbcglobal.net. Listings will run for 2 issues unless you notify me otherwise.

FOR SALE: 2003 Catalina 390 LE.
Purchased new in 2003 and used very little, several times a year. Catalina Yacht manufactured several boats in LE, Luxury Elite. Looks new. White leatherette interior, screens and pull out shades, A/C and heat, 2000w Inverter/50amp charger and power monitor, another 40amp charger, roller Main and Jib, main and a spare anchor and rope. Variable pitch feathering prop. VHF w/extra mike in cockpit. Separate shower stall. Integrated instrument/computer system including color GPS, wind, direction, depth, speed and Autohelm 6001. Micro-oven, AM/FM, DVD, flat screen TV, bimini, dodger and side window panels, etc. Stoves little used and oven was never used with original propane. Pump and head are also upgraded. There are 3 staterooms that were used once. Everything on the boat including gas BBQ, pwer cable, safety eqmt and galley items are included since I am leaving boating altogether for now. The boat has a 40 hp diesel (210 hrs), stern seats. Custom winter cover. $139m. Call Shaun 312-259-4492, email skimsail@gmail.com. For more details, www.sailboatlistings.com/view/18926

FOR SALE: Catalina 27' 1977,atomic 4 engine, roller furling, stereo, original teak. $ 8,000.00 or best offer. Boat is in water at Montrose Harbor, B58. Ed Kita 847-226- 5286 or Kathy/cell 847-644-8999 e-mail: ed1837@yahoo.com

FOR SALE: 2004 Catalina 350: Wing keel, furling main, autopilot, radar, 3-blade Max-Prop, full cockpit enclosure. Many extras.
One owner: Call Jen or Dick Bek 847-452-6364


 

MEMBERSHIP
*Doreen (R-Joy) Collins' son-in-law. Mike Pressler was the coach of Team USA in the Lacrosse World Games held in Manchester, UK over the last two weeks. They competed against 30 Nations and last week Mike and Team USA won the Gold! Doreen and many of her family members were on hand to share in the celebrations in Manchester.

*Whitley Klingler (daughter of Deborah Ruxton) is recovering at home from recent nerve surgery.

RACING
See the enclosed flyer about the upcoming Leukemia Cup race and sign up now at: www.leukemia-lymphoma.org. Call Dave DeAre at: 630-842-8544 for more information. The race supports a good cause. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has a three star charity rating (out of four) and spends 75% of funds raised on research and related activities. You can check the details at www.charitynavigator.org.


CYA
Reported by Lori Lauraitis
Meeting July 22, 2010
Highlights:

*Plans are still progressing on the two new harbors. They are hopeful that the construction of the 31st Street Harbor will begin next week by dropping the stone to begin building the break wall. The plan is that it will open in May 2012. The project for Gateway Harbor is progressing however there is a small delay that should be taken care of before the end of the year. The present harbor reconfigurations will be worked on during the winter and next spring.

*According to security there are more parties going on than before. Westrec’s philosophy is that the slips are there to have a good time. However, you should not enjoy yourself to the point of disrupting your neighbors. While they don’t want to establish more stringent rules it may be necessary. Scott Stevenson asked the board if they have any suggestions to be added to the rules and regulation document. People on your boat are the responsibility of you, the boat owner, because they do sign an agreement with Westrec. Security will be going around earlier than before and will be talking the partiers and asking them to keep things respectful and to keep the noise down.

*National Boating Federation: PC Fred Poppe reported on a letter going to the U.S. Senators regarding ethanol in marine gas. The group is urging opposition to any amendment to the proposed energy bill that would allow the sale of gasoline with more than 10 percent ethanol.

*Sea Scouts: Commodore Harrington reports that the scouts are doing great. They are using only two Ships as one is being repaired. Reminder that if anyone has a boat that they would be able to donate it for the scouts please contact him.

*PC Gibby Vartan reported that the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation is holding a silent auction. The Tall Ship Unicorn will be on their docks and the prize is a cruise for six people. Check their web site to make a bid. The ship will be open for tours on August 30th. You are welcome at Chicago Yacht Club. The parking lot will be open.

*Belmont Yacht Club is having an education event on August 21 called “Suddenly in Charge”. This is a good class to take incase you find yourself having to handle a boat on your own.