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Commodore’s Party – Bring the Family!

By on April 12, 2019 in Commodore's Corner, Social Events

Click Here to Sign Up for the Party

We’ll be at the OHasis Pool…the quieter pool at the Valley Ho

This year we’re having a POOL PARTY! We’ve worked with the Hotel Valley Ho to get our party guests pool access prior to the festivities! We’ll also have Yard Games – Cornhole, Giant Jenga, and Washers – for everyone as well.

You will have the Pool and Games available to you as early as 3pm. Our bar opens at 4:30, but there are several places on the property where you can get beverages and snacks before that.

The fun will continue into the evening when we start our traditional Dinner Party and Awards Ceremony. Our program starts with the ASF and other Junior Awards. Once all of those are given out we’ll have a G-rated movie for the kids on the patio if they don’t want to sit around with the adults.

Happy Hour and Reception will start at 4:30 (when the bar opens) and our Dinner will start around 6 and the program will start during dinner.

Dinner menu is:

Southwestern Caesar Salad
Fajita Station – Carne Asada or Grilled + Marinated Chicken Breast
Cheese Enchiladas
Vegetarian Mexican Rice and Vegetarian Refried beans
Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips with Salsa, Guacamole Black Beans, Diced Tomatoes
Dessert – Undecided as of yet…but it will be yummy!

Adults are $50/person
Kids are $15/person

SIGN UP NOW!

Dress for dinner is “It’s Hot But It’s a Nice Party” casual…

The areas we will be using are highlighted here – the OHasis Pool & Palm Court and the Sands Restaurant. We encourage anyone who is planning on have a “really good time” to also book a room for the night.

Another view of the pool area.

Your 2019-2020 AYC Board Nominees – Breaking with Tradition

By on March 23, 2019 in Board of Directors, Commodore's Corner

Commodore Rob Gibbs

Official announcement: Notice of Election, May 14, 2019, at the Grill at Rolling Hills Golf Course at 6pm. Instructions for electronic voting will be emailed to all members of record as of April 1, 2019.

It is already time for AYC Board Elections. I am always amazed at how fast a Board Year goes by. I want to pull back the covers a little bit on the formation of the board and the traditions that have been involved over the past 60+ years.

In the past we’ve seen people make a 5 year commitment to the board by moving through the Commodore ranks from Rear, to Vice, to Commodore, then to Jr. Staff and Sr. Staff Commodore. This was a tradition that served the purpose of creating continuity and stability on the board from year to year. We broke with that tradition in the mid 2000’s, but since then have also had trouble finding a slate of willing board members. I would like to consider a revision to that tradition with the hope of providing that same continuity and stability.

Each Board Position cannot be done single handed. Each should have a committee of supporters. The AYC Fleet Captain already has the “Rules Committee” made up of all the Racing Fleet Captains and generally a new AYC Fleet Captain comes from that group. It was never the intent that each board member do all the work of their position themselves. Your support of these people is imperative to get the work of the club done. When each board member has a support group, continuity is created by “promoting from below.” A person that is “promoted” from the support group has knowledge of what has been going on. The other thing that does is allows a person to make a smaller commitment to the board. Instead of a 5 year commitment, they can choose a period that works for them. Maybe it is one term, maybe 3, but it gives them the choice.

This year, we break with tradition again. Many of the board members, myself included, really feel like we are just starting to get some traction and build momentum with the things we are doing and that if we move on now, some of these efforts will fall flat. Things like the Junior Racing Fleet, the 4th Tuesday “Dog Watch” Social, and even some of the changes being considered to the racing schedule. We feel like we need to follow through on these things and vacating positions or even moving on to another position will jeopardize our efforts.

It is with this in mind that, with your support, I have chosen to run for a second consecutive term as Commodore. Along with me running for a second term in their current position is Marc Danner at Vice Commodore and Heather McClain at Cruising Fleet Captain.

So “who will run the Birthday Regatta” you ask? Well, again, the tradition is that the Jr. Staff Commodore runs the Birthday Regatta. This year Bob Naylor, who was one of the instrumental players in helping pull together what has been called the best Birthday Regatta in recent memory, has agreed to be the Regatta Chairman. He will still work with the Jr. Staff Commodore for guidance and other formal approvals. Former Commodore Bill Hutchinson has agreed to be the Jr. Staff Commodore to provide that guidance.

The full slate of Board Nominees looks like this:

Commodore: Rob Gibbs
Vice Commodore: Marc Danner
Rear Commodore: Deb Heisler
Fleet Captain: Scott Richards
Cruising Fleet Captain: Heather McClain
Jr Membership Director: David Henning
Jr Staff Commodore: Bill Hutchison

Additionally, 2 more members filling 2 year roles are:

Sr Membership Director: Skip Kempff
Sr Staff Commodore: Mike Ferring

Finally, the 2 positions that are elected by the new board are:

Secretary: Paul Wojtczak
Treasurer: Tony Chapman

Thanks to our current board and to our new volunteers for their support. Now I ask that you help us too. There are so many activities that we do that require volunteer support. This year, make it a point to pick something, just one thing, to help with. Whether it is running one of our single day events like the Ruth Beal’s Cup or the Tall Cactus, or helping the Rear Commodore contact and book a speaker for our regular Membership Meetings, or agreeing to host a Dog Watch Happy Hour. Step up and help us make YOUR Club the best it can be this year!

New Membership Director – David Henning

By on March 4, 2019 in Board of Directors, Commodore's Corner

Membership Director Dave Henning.

As you all know, Andy Oliver had a great opportunity to further his career but that required him to move to California and leave us. David Henning has agreed to step up and be the Membership Director in Andy’s absence. Dave sails regularly with Skip Kempff (conveniently our other Membership Director) at Lake Pleasant and he also sails with his wife Amy on their own O’Day 20. They are also active members in the C14.2 Fleet at Tempe Town Lake.

Dave also is active in youth sport and is a Lacrosse coach among other things. We appreciate their commitment to helping us provide the best sailing opportunities in the region and providing the most value per member.

January Meeting – Club Goals Discussion

By on November 1, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

Rob and Kim Gibbs

Happy New Year everyone!

At the General Meeting on 8 January, I would like to invite everyone to come and discuss what YOU want out of YOUR club.

The framework for the discussion is really simple. At the beginning of my tenure as Commodore, we came up with the phrase: “Create the best sailing events in the region and bring the most value to each member as possible.” That has been this Board’s guiding principle. From that we had 4 focus areas:

  • Long-Term Planning
  • Reducing the Barriers to Entry to Sailing
  • Adding to our Social and Cruising Calendars
  • Creating Ways for our Junior Members to Participate

These haven’t changed and they will be the basis for our discussion on Tuesday.

Please come and engage with us! Help us chart the course for YOUR Arizona Yacht Club and help us create the club you want!

Honorary Life Members – Mike and Maryellen Ferring

By on October 10, 2018 in Board of Directors, Commodore's Corner

Mike & Maryellen Ferring

On Tuesday October 2, AYC’s Board, at the recommendation of all of the current Honorary Life Members, voted to make Mike and Maryellen Ferring Honorary Life Members as well.

According to the AYC Bylaws, “Honorary Life Membership may be granted to any Club Member whose services to the Club and the sport of sailing shall have been deemed outstanding over a period of years.” For several decades now Mike and Maryellen have served the AYC and ASF, as Board members, as Sailing Instructors and in general as “Ambassadors” for sailing in Arizona.
Here are some highlights of their outstanding service:

  • In 2010 Maryellen was recognized by the ASF with the “Heavy Lifting Award.”
  • Mike has long been the Webmaster of our website, one of the best in sailing.
  • Mike served as AYC Commodore on an unmatched record of three separate occasions (2006-07, 2012-13, 2017-18), always, as we all know, with a lot of help from Maryellen.
  • They were instrumental in bringing many of our featured speakers to meetings including the likes of Gary Jobson, North U founder Bill Gladstone, J-Boats president Jeff Johnstone, Oracle USA Tactician and Olympian Andrew Campbell, and many more.
  • In the Spring of 2014 Mike was recognized with Ye Blunder Bucket for “inventing a new way of decapitating a C14 mast: driving under rowing shells parked inside the fence and overhanging the drive.”
  • They are ever present in the racing results, at both Tempe Town Lake and Lake Pleasant.
  • They represent the AYC and “sailing in the desert” wherever they go, literally around the country and all over the world.

Their constant presence and service, whether in the foreground or in the background, has been truly outstanding, greatly furthered the sport of sailing in Arizona and made our club a better one.

This list is by no means complete, but please join me in congratulating and thanking them for their service!

AYC Honorary Life Members: David and Hermine Shapiro (deceased), Joyce Seale, Tom and Carol Ohlin, Frank (deceased) and Marylou Bigelow, Al and Sandy Lehman, Mike Yarnell and Tia Renshaw, George Tingom, Mike and Maryellen Ferring

Commodore Ferring and Maryellen Awarding Trophies at the Commodore’s Celebration

Mike and Maryellen’s J70 – Melissa Kay

Maryellen and Mike Ferring at Some Exotic Location

 

What Interesting Sailors do YOU Know?

By on October 4, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

Rear Commodore Josh McClain with his wife and Cruising Captain Heather at Long Beach Race Week 2018

Your AYC has had some pretty amazing speakers on a pretty regular basis. That doesn’t happen on accident! It takes coordination and negotiation, but it all starts with “hey, it’d be great if…” or “I ran into So and So at this event and I think they’d be great…”

We want YOU to keep your ears and eyes open and help us continue to bring great speakers to Your Club. If you have an idea for a speaker or know someone who you think would be fun to have speak to us, send a note to Your Rear Commodore, Joshua McClain, at Rear.Commodore@ArizonaYachtClub.org, in fact, I bet you can think of someone RIGHT NOW!

 

Do You Like to Tweet, Snap, MeetUp, or Facebook?

By on September 25, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

I’ve mentioned a few times now that this year Your Board’s focus areas are

  • Long-Term Planning
  • Reducing the Barriers to Entry to Sailing
  • Adding to our Social and Cruising Calendars
  • Creating Ways for our Junior Members to Participate

To further several of these goals , we are organizing an effort to do more with social media. If you like to take pictures, if you are savvy with social media, even just one of the many different platforms…we need your help! Let this be the one thing you do for your club!

Marc Danner, Your Vice Commodore, will be organizing this effort. To find out more, please contact him at ViceCommodore@ArizonaYachtClub.Org.

Commodore Rob Gibbs and Vice Commodore Marc Danner. Photo by J.Q. Selfie

A Place of Our Own?

By on September 12, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

Commodore Rob and his wife Kim

At the beginning of my tenure as Commodore, the Board outlined 4 focus areas that we want to work on. They are:

  • Long-Term Planning
  • Reducing the Barriers to Entry to Sailing
  • Adding to our Social and Cruising Calendars
  • Creating Ways for our Junior Members to Participate

When it comes to “Long-Term Planning,” your board members have discussed a lot of things, but the one that keeps coming back time and again is “what about a place to call our home?”

There are 2 problems associated with this question:

  • Funding
  • Location

The board would like to discuss the possibility of establishing a building fund. In conjunction with that, we would also like to define a range of things that this physical location might look like. We aren’t designing a building yet, but just defining a range of possibilities and the current estimated costs of those possibilities. Initially this will require some research on financial products, followed by creating a “planning document” that would be used to help define current cost estimates for building a structure.

I’d like to set the timeline for establishing the fund as the end of this Board Year, with another 6-9 months for the first copy of the “planning document” to be drafted and presented to membership.

We need a group of people that are interested in making this happen. I would like to ask anyone that is interested in helping to make this a reality to email me at Commodore@ArizonaYachtClub.org.

 

A Big Ask…

By on September 11, 2018 in Commodore's Corner, Member Interest

YOUR Arizona Yacht Club is a great club with a host of vibrant social and sailing activities. From Racing to Cruising to just hanging out, it is a group that I’ve really enjoyed being a part of for over 13 years now. It didn’t get that way by the work of just one or two people, and it won’t continue to grow through the work of just one or two people (or even 10-15 people).

The BIG ASK of YOUR Club is that you find one thing we do that you are interested in, one thing that you would be willing to help out with and say YES! Give back to your friends and YOUR Club. YOUR Board of Directors has some focus areas we are working on that are important to the longevity of the club. We can’t do all of the work it is going to take to accomplish these goals alone. YOUR Club has events that need organizing and support. Just find one way this year to participate a little more.

YOUR Club is more than a membership card. YOUR Club is built on the relationships between its members. Relationships are what keep us coming back year after year. Relationships are also give and take. In order to continue to succeed and grow as a club, YOUR Arizona Yacht Club needs you to give a little back. The more you give, the more you will receive in return because you have helped sustain us into the future!

Thanks in advance for supporting YOUR Arizona Yacht Club!

Annual Crew Party Sat, 8 September!

By on September 6, 2018 in Commodore's Corner, Racing Updates, Social Events

Cruising on Lake Pleasant

One final reminder that this Saturday, 8 September from about 4 to around 8 (boat time you know…) at Scorpion Bay Marina YOUR Arizona Yacht Club will host its annual Crew Party dubbed “Sail Jam!” In conjunction with that we will be fundraising for the Blind Buccaneers and the Foundation for Blind Children with a 50/50 Raffle.

Quick Reminders:

  • Arizona Yacht Club will serve hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone. Please bring a dish to share and BYOB. Can bring a bag of chips or get fancy. (Please connect with Heather McClain if you want to know more about what to bring, e.g. dessert vs side dish.)
  • We have a few dock-friendly games such as corn hole, horseshoes, board games if you want.
  • Bring your own chairs! We have about eight already out there.
  • Bring your boat! Show it off, brag, socialize, and go for a sail to test out crew/boat opportunities.
  • The rules of Scorpion Bay are to be respected as there are many boat owners out there. Good neighbor rules apply.

We’re looking forward to a great turnout!

Blind Buccaneers Need Your Support!

By on August 20, 2018 in Commodore's Corner, Featured

Blind Buccaneers!The Foundation for Blind Children sponsors many different programs to help blind and visually impaired individuals from birth onward right here in Phoenix, Arizona. One of their key programs is their “Challenge” Program where a group of blind or low vision youth take on a monumental challenge. One year it was swimming from Alcatraz. Another it was hiking the Grand Canyon.

This year’s challenge is to sail around the Spanish Virgin Islands! Nicknamed the “Blind Buccaneers,” 12 youth, 12 guides, and a licensed captain will charter 3 sailboats and circumnavigate the Spanish Virgin Islands – starting and ending in Fajardo, Puerto Rico – over a 6 day period starting November 10th.

This is a Phoenix based charity doing outreach through the sport of sailing and we wanted to give our members some specific ways to help out:

  1. Donate Directly! David Nigro, who spoke at the August Meeting about this event, has set up a donation site on PayPal. These donations are eligible for AZ State Tax Credits as well as are deductible as a charitable donation (see your tax professional for full details.)
  2. Crew Party / Sail Jam 50/50 Raffle! At the Crew Party (AKA Sail Jam 2018) we’ll be holding a 50/50 Raffle you can participate in!
  3. Help Train the Buccaneers! Marc Ashton, the CEO of the Foundation for Blind Children, is looking for help getting the kids some experience. Contact him directly if you would like to help out at 623-680-9988. Boats are already pre-arranged through Tiller and Kites. Proposed dates are: 9/15, 9/22, 10/6, 10/20, 10/27 and 11/3.

This is a great chance to really help change the lives of some fellow Arizonans through the sport that we love. We hope that you will be able to help them achieve their goals!

Leadership Changes on Your Board

By on August 5, 2018 in Board of Directors, Commodore's Corner

Dr Sharon Bell

Dr. Sharon Bell

In a recent email it was mentioned that your Rear Commodore, Sharon Bell, was retiring her post. While we all know her as “Sharon,” Dr. Bell is a clinical psychologist and she decided to dedicate more time to her patients and her philanthropic efforts. I want to take a moment to thank her for all her contributions for the year and a quarter she held the post. Under her tenure as Rear Commodore, the AYC featured speakers like Gary Jobson, North U founder Bill Gladstone, J-Boats president Jeff Johnstone, Oracle USA Tactician Andrew Campbell, Tom White of The Moorings, and John Jourdane the author of “Modern Weather for Sailors.” Of course no one does all this alone. Maryellen Ferring was on Sharon’s team and was also instrumental in all of the planning as well. Sharon will be missed!

Rear Commodore Josh McClain

Our new Rear Commodore is Joshua McClain. He has been around sailing for a long time with his father but started down his personal sailing journey when he and his wife, Heather (your Cruising Fleet Captain,) took the Adult Beginning Sailing Class right here from the ASF. With their daughter Emma, they sail as a family often and just got back from a 10 day BVI trip this summer.

I know Josh will put everything he has into the job and I look forward to working with him for the rest of this Board Year!

AYC Happy Hour – 4 Peaks Brewing in Tempe

By on July 27, 2018 in Commodore's Corner, Sailing News, Social Events

Happy Hour at 4 Peaks Brewing!

In conjunction with our effort to focus more on our members and the relationships that make our club strong, we had an AYC Happy Hour at 4 Peaks Brewing in Tempe last Tuesday. The Club sprung for some appetizers and there were about 25-30 people that showed up!

We’re going to continue this “Off Week Happy Hour” effort moving it to different parts of the Valley so different members can attend. How do you know when and where they are? The Club Calendar will be updated with the events and we are trying to utilize the Facebook Events Page more as well! We’ll also include them in the roughly weekly email update with what’s going on.

We’d love to have your help to organize one! These are the kinds of events that help make our club great, so if you are interested in helping put a Happy Hour together in your part of the Valley, email Cruising@ArizonaYachtClub.org.

Our Club is YOU!

By on July 24, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

What makes a Club?

A club is its membership. It is YOU! It is made strong by the relationships among its members. We want to build on our foundation and create more and new relationships between the members of our club. So here are a few things to look for in the coming months:

August Meeting – New Member Mixer – Come meet the new members! New members, meet each other! The Club will be providing appetizers from 6:30 to 7:30 at Rolling Hills Golf Course and we want as many people to come as possible! Particularly New Members in the past 2 years!

AYC Campout – Get out of the heat with your friends! August 10-12 is our annual AYC Campout. Get more information on our Facebook Page or on the AYC Website.

Crew Party / Sail Jam 2018 – We are working with Scorpion Bay to have a Lake Pleasant Crew Party out on the end of the new docks! Were looking at 8 September for this – Bring you boat! You’ll be allowed to use the empty slips for the evening! We’ll also be having one at Tempe Town Lake as well…with Dates and Times to be announced.

Member Highlight Reel – We’re going to be working on a slide show to run at the beginning of meetings that highlights YOU! Look for an email with a form to fill out for us!

Your 2018 board is really excited about serving YOU. We really hope you are able to participate and that you find these events fun and meaningful.

Post-regatta party on the deck at Scorpion Grill. Photo: Mike Ferring

A New Way to Find Crew!

By on July 20, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

Are you a skipper looking for crew or crew looking for a ride? We’re going to try to create more sailing opportunities by moving the AYC Crew List right onto your phone with the Go Sailing App.

The Go Sailing App is a free one sponsored by ASA (American Sailing Association). Skippers can create a trip that they want crew for and crew can apply for the ride. It’s really easy to do either from your desktop or your Android or iPhone. It’s really easy to use. Create your account profile. Be sure to select the Arizona Yacht Club as your club. Then creating a trip is easy.

Check out this tutorial video:

 

Looking to crew? Check out all the events in this area and around the country!

 

Sail MORE! How to do an “Away Regatta”

By on June 30, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

Heather McClain poses overlooking the 11 Catalina 37 sailboats that LBYC charters for LBRW. AYC teams chartered two of the boats this year.

Team Cactus League—a group of Arizona Yacht Club members—chartered one of 11 Long Beach Yacht Club Catalina 37s for Long Beach Race Week, June 22-24.

We all had a great time and it wasn’t even that expensive to do. We all made more sailing friends and opened up more sailing opportunities around the country for ourselves.

We weren’t the only ones there, either. There was another C37 team from Arizona, headed up by John Riddell. Mike Hester brought his Viper, Joel Hurley and John Mayall from Phoenix and his daughter Sarah from Austin. Mike and Jo Grijalva were there with their boat Shockwave in the Random Leg Racing with an all-AZ crew. Mike and Maryellen Ferring and David Newland were there too, representing Arizona in the J/70 Fleet.

I want to talk a little about what our experience was, do some rough numbers, and maybe lower your anxiety level about traveling with your boat to other regattas.

LOGISTICS

Everybody but the afterguard on the Cactus League C37.

We have 10 people on the C37, and some “shore crew” (people who don’t race), so for our team, coordinating to get everyone to the dock and ready to race—all at the designated time—can be a bit challenging. With a crew of two-to-four people, this is obviously a bit easier. Everyone was responsible for their own travel to Long Beach, but we gave them the opportunity to car pool if they wanted.

We rented a house that (barely) held all of our crew and was pretty close to Long Beach Yacht Club. Depending on your preference, you could get a hotel or even camp, if that’s your thing. The house was nice because everyone came back and hung out in the hot tub and the kitchen. It also made coordinating everyone easier. I posted the regatta schedule in the kitchen with a note every morning about what time everyone had to be on the boat and ready to depart.

Because we were all in the same house, we made breakfast for the team. The regatta coordinated with a local grocery for a sandwich menu that we used for lunches on the boat. And there was food every night at the post-racing parties. We also had some beer, booze, soda and salty snacks at the house.

MONEY

Every year we create a “magic spreadsheet” to track expenses and payments. For the entire weekend the cost per person for a three-day boat charter, the race entry, the three-night stay at the house, and the food was right at $450/person. We personally spent about $120 in gas to get there and back, but that was for two people. Also, shore crew were spared boat expenses and paid just a portion of the house and food.

SAIL MORE!

Hopefully this lays out some of the details on how to have a successful “away” regatta.

I would encourage anyone who wants to get a group together to take boats out to a regatta to put it out there to the club. It was really fun to see our friends at an event and have us known as the “Arizona Yacht Club Group!” Many of our sailors go to the national and regional events for their fleets. Check your fleet’s website for information on those.

More on LBRW, including photos.

Here are some annual and upcoming opportunities in the region:

Colorado Governor’s Cup
Mission Bay One Design Regatta
San Diego NOOD
Marina Del Rey to San Diego (Hosted by Santa Monica Windjammers YC and Southwestern YC)
Newport to Ensanada
Fiesta Regatta (Colorado Sail and Yacht Club)

The crew of AYC’s Cactus League Catalina 37. From left: Dave and Stacey Haggart, Emory Heisler, New Jersey import Dave Rawstrom, Heather McClain, Toby Ambrose, Mike Parker (sitting), Josh McClain, Rob Gibbs, and Cindy Pillote.

 

Welcome to Long Beach.

 

 

 

 

Our Purpose

By on May 18, 2018 in Commodore's Corner

What do we do at the Arizona Yacht Club? If you asked ten people, you’d probably get five people that say “we race” and then you’d probably get five other answers. In undertaking the leadership of the club, I wanted to make sure that our new board was clear about our purpose. And when you read it, it will seem almost over-simplistic. The trouble is that without making a point of putting into words what we do, what our purpose is, we lose it.

I spent several weeks and talked with many different people about how to drill down and clarify what we do. It combines what we are passionate about, what we can be the best at, and what drives our club financially, all into one statement. This is your club, and now I want to share what we’ve worked on with you.

I identified that our purpose is to “Create the best sailing opportunities in the region, providing the highest value per member.”

This is the lens through which all activities and expenditures will be viewed. Our litmus test.

A few days ago, I had all the board members for the 2018-2019 board over to my house and we had a workshop to talk about what was important to us and how to “Create the best sailing opportunities in the region” and “provide the highest value per member.” We took the time to identify some focus areas for the coming year. They were:

  • Long-Term Planning
  • Reducing the Barriers to Entry to Sailing
  • Adding to our Social and Cruising Calendars
  • Creating Ways for our Junior Members to Participate

In order to keep you informed, I’m going to be writing on a regular basis using the “Commodore’s Corner” name plucked from the old Compass Points club magazine. We may also be reaching out for your opinion from time to time via email, survey, or phone call. This is your club and we want you to enjoy it! Please take the time to give us your feedback when you can.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you as Commodore this year. You are always welcome to contact me directly any way you like.

Sail MORE!
Rob Gibbs

Aloha Commodore’s Celebration!

By on May 18, 2014 in Commodore's Corner, Events, Member Interest

Mike Ferring receiving a Superman shirt along with the US Sailing Sportsmanship award.

Mike Ferring receiving a Superman shirt along with the US Sailing Sportsmanship award… and Blunder Bucket

This was a Commodore’s Celebration of a different kind: a Luau with fire dancers, hula dancers, and AYC dancers. Sizzled with some awards, music, and a changing of the guard.

New Commodore Peter Lehrach called for continued high level of excitement for the club heading into the next year and welcomed  his board of directors: Senior Staff Commodore Mike Ferring, Junior Staff Commodore Cindy Pillote, Vice Commodore Christina Campo, Rear Commodore Chris Smith, Fleet Captain Steve Brown, Cruising Captain Tom Errickson, Membership Directors John Riddell and Dianna Andress, and (elected by the board that night), Secretary Lori Reger and Treasurer Tony Chapman.

Outgoing Commodore Cindy Pillote presented the night’s top award to Mike Ferring, the US Sailing Sportsmanship Award, otherwise known as the MVP award. And Mike scored a unique double: winning the coveted Blunder Bucket for creating a new way to break a mast at Tempe Town Lake by driving the boat under overhanging rowing shells.

The ASF Jerry Linderman Most Improved Junior Racer award went to Peter Blake. The Wayne Jason Tucker Most Improved Junior award was given to Ian Altobelli. And the Heavy Lifting Award for contribution to ASF was given to Don Hubele. Who immediately dropped it.

Commodore Peter Lehrach welcomes the new board of directors. From left: Christina Campo, Lori Reger, Chris Smith, Dianna Andress, Tom Errickson, Peter, and Mike Ferring. Off camera: Cindy Pillote. Not present: John Riddell, Tony Chapman, and Steve Brown.

Commodore Peter Lehrach welcomes the new board of directors. From left: Christina Campo, Lori Reger, Chris Smith, Dianna Andress, Tom Errickson, Peter, and Mike Ferring. Off camera: Cindy Pillote. Not present: John Riddell, Tony Chapman, and Steve Brown.

Martin Lorch (right) and Kyle Clark accept the big cup for winning the Club Championship. It's the sixth time for Martin. Photos: Mike Ferring

Martin Lorch (right) and Kyle Clark accept the big cup for winning the Club Championship. It’s the sixth time for Martin. Photos: Mike Ferring

Peter Lehrach, Cedric Lorch, Rick Johnson, and Emory Heisler wiggle on cue to the delight of the crowd.

Peter Lehrach, Cedric Lorch, Rick Johnson, and Emory Heisler wiggle on cue to the delight of the crowd.

The delighted crowd.

The delighted crowd.

And the women showing how the hula dancing is actually done.

And the women showing how the hula dancing is actually done.

Well, okay, THIS is how it's really done.

Well, okay, THIS is how it’s really done.

To the sound of music from the Island of Mesa.

To the sound of music from the Island of Mesa.

And a flash of fire.

And a flash of fire.

Big surprise: George Tingom that day had proposed to Bev Cryer.

Big surprise: George Tingom that day had proposed to Bev Cryer. She accepted.

George presents the Jerry Linderman award to Peter Blake.

George presents the Jerry Linderman award to Peter Blake.

Ian Altobelli (with father Frank) won the Wayne Jason Tucker award.

Ian Altobelli (with father Frank) won the Wayne Jason Tucker award.

Don Hubele receives the ASF Heavy Lifting Award (and immediately drops it).

Don Hubele receives the ASF Heavy Lifting Award (and immediately drops it).

Aloha Alexia Lorch, Maryellen Ferring, Christina Campo, and Cindy Pillote.

Aloha Alexia Lorch, Maryellen Ferring, Christina Campo, and Cindy Pillote.

Christina organized the event at the Mesa HQ of Polynesian Luau.

Christina organized the event at the Mesa HQ of Polynesian Luau.

New Rear Commodore Chris Smith with Cruising Captain Tom Errickson.

New Rear Commodore Chris Smith with Cruising Captain Tom Errickson.

Commodore Peter Lehrach

Commodore Peter Lehrach

Maryellen Ferring with Victor Felice.

Maryellen Ferring with Victor Felice.

Faye Hubele and Dennis Davis.

Faye Hubele and Dennis Davis.

Greg Jackson, Chrisann Tortora, Dave Christensen and Wendy Larsen

Greg Jackson, Chrisann Tortora, Dave Christensen and Wendy Larsen

Chris Smith with Mike Grijalva

Chris Smith with Mike Grijalva

Greg Jackson and Chrisann Tortora

Greg Jackson and Chrisann Tortora

Ian and Isabel Love

Ian and Isabel Love

Honorary Life Member Tia Renshaw

Honorary Life Member Tia Renshaw

Trey Harlow explains mark rounding to Life Member Mike Yarnell. Nina Harlow doubts it.

Trey Harlow explains mark rounding to Honorary Life Member Mike Yarnell. Nina Harlow doubts it.

Outgoing Senior Staff Commodore and hula dancer Emory Heisler

Outgoing Senior Staff Commodore and hula dancer Emory Heisler

Commodore’s Corner – May 2012

By on May 4, 2012 in Commodore's Corner, Sailing News

Wow! What a year! We had our share of “headwinds” and “windshifts” but all in all together we—your Board and all of us volunteers—turned out another fabulous year of desert sailing.

As I write my last “Corner” it’s time to say thank you to recognize a few of our more outstanding successes from AYCs 2011-2012 sailing year:

  1. OUTSTANDING MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS!  Maryellen and Mike Ferring, you turned out an exceptional series of programs with national and international sailing stars and experts together with our own local cruising experts.  Thank you Maryellen and Mike!
  2. CRUISING FLEET CONTINUED RESURGENCE!  Michael Parker, you continued sharing your love of  “non-buoy” racing and cruising with us all, all to OUR benefit with the Governor’s Cup, Tall Cactus, and don’t miss the upcoming Catalina Cruise in July!  Thank you Michael for keeping the cruising fleet activities growing!
  3. RACING, RACING, RACING!  Trey Harlow, you MORE than just delivered on the water, you also delivered in the “Delivery Room!” We all know racing is by far racing what we do the most of in AYC (despite having a new little sailor in the house) Trey and many, many volunteer hands on RC, on boat maintenance and elsewhere made for another excellent year of racing.  Thank you Trey – and Nina too!
  4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY REGATTA!  Joe and Katherine Motil you two together with a host of volunteers including new and long-time members and even non-members provided the entire Southwest with another great celebration of our Club and of “winter” sailing in the desert.  Thank you Joe and Katherine and all involved!
  5. ARIZONA SAILING FOUNDATION-ASF: John Mayall, George Tingom, Lisa Lake, Leo Bauman, Greg Dean and a cast of US Sailing Certified Instructors and other “Just happy to be on the water” volunteers continued this great legacy of the Arizona Yacht Club. Our ASF classes continue to overflow and the ASF team continues to ensure our passion for sailing is passed on to many new sailors every year thanks to their efforts.  Thank you ALL!
  6. “VIRTUAL” VICE-COMMODORE:  Thank you Rob Gibbs and Mike Ferring and “yours truly”  for combining to fill the vacant Vice Commodore role and deliver club communications – i.e. our website and Compass Points.  And, yes, we may have missed a topic or a deadline here and there, but by and large we kept up the great AYC tradition of excellent, frequent and comprehensive coverage of all things happening in and around the AYC and ASF.  Thank you Rob and Mike for all your extra efforts!
  7. “MY” BOARD:   Thank you each and every one of you for your guidance, your engagement, your TOLERANCE of me and my many faults and frailties.  Together, we did a job that we all can and should very proud of.   I am.  Thank you all!

And lastly, let me thank all of you in the AYC that brought me into the club 10 years ago with such joy, passion and commaraderie.  Thank you for your trust to allow me to be your Commodore this past year.  Thank you for your kind words—and your challenging requests :),  and for making this such a great club and great “family” of people who make sailing in the desert so wonderful for all of us!

Fair winds!   Arrr!

Emory Heisler
AYC Commodore

Commodore’s Corner – April 2012

By on April 1, 2012 in Commodore's Corner, Sailing News

Spring Training may be over, but the 2011-2012 AYC season sure isn’t and as always we’re saving some of our best events for last!

Final races at LP and TTL are on tap of course and April means time to kick-back and cruise to Humbug with the gang for Tall Cactus Regatta.

In addition to Tall Cactus we’ll have a busy month for “paperwork” with Election ballot mailing – hopefully the last via snail mail – and two recommended AYC Bylaws changes to vote on. Please give your serious consideration to both these motions from the board:

  1. Expansion of “Junior” membership to sailors 25yrs and younger (currently up to 21) to allow more of our ASU students to join us on the water at “Junior” rates.
  2. Modification of votion procedures to allow members to “Opt” to vote electronically rather than requiring mailing of paper ballots.

Both of these changes look like good improvements and I hope you’ll “bounce around” these ideas with your crew and friends and share your feedback with us online with comments and on the AZYC Yahoo Group.

Have a great April!

April 2012 Calendar of Events

      • Sunday, April 1
        • 9:00am LP Race Day 8
        • 1:00pm Opti 1-2 Sailing Classes (TTL)
      • Tuesday, April 3
        • 4:00pm High School Sailing Program
        • 6:30pm AYC Board Meeting
      • Saturday, April 7
        • 9:30am ASF Start Sailing Right Day 4
        • 1:00pm ASF Sailing Skills Development Day 4
      • Sunday, April 8
        • Easter Sunday
        • ASF Opti 1-2 Day 4 (TTL)
      • Tuesday, April 10
        • 4:00pm High School Sailing Program
        • 7:00pm AYC General Membership Meeting
      • Saturday, April 14
        • 12:30pm LP Race Day 9
      • Sunday, April 15
        • 9:00am LP Race Day 10 – FINAL DAY!
        • 1:00pm ASF Opti 1-2 Day 5 (TTL)
      • Tuesday, April 17
        • 4:00pm High School Sailing Program
      • Sunday,  April 22
        • 3:00pm TTL Race Day 8
      • Tuesday, March 27
        • 4:00pm High School Sailing Program
      • Saturday, April 28
        • 9:00am Tall Cactus Regatta – Skipper’s Meeting
        • 11:00am Tall Cactus Regatta
      • SATURDAY, MAY 5
        • AYC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
      • SATURDAY, MAY 12
        • 6:00pm THE PARTY!  Food!  Music!  Friends!  Fun!!!

Emory Heisler
AYC Commodore