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April’s Meeting – Full of Questions!

By on April 12, 2019 in Meetings, Membership, Social Events

We hosted what seems to be an Annual Trivia Challenge for the April meeting – complete with cash prizes for the winners! Teams were grouped by table and the trivia was put together by your Rear Commodore Joshua McClain with the help of his wife and Cruising Fleet Captain Heather McClain. Questions ranged from questions about the Olympics to questions about our own club. For the full PDF of the questions, Click Here.

The Ultimate Winners of the Competition, dubbed “Tom’s Table”

The “Little Table” of New Member Nelson Passos and Bob LaBine

“The Bar Team” – Runners up…

The “Big Table” had some heavy hitters but couldn’t quite eek out “Team Bar”

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.

Sign Up for Tall Cactus Fun Regatta

By on April 9, 2019 in Cruising News, Member Interest, Sailing News, Social Events

Start with a social gathering at Spinnaker Point from 10-noon, launch your boat, start at 2pm, dash around a couple islands and various marks and finish.

That’s this year’s Tall Cactus Regatta, our fun pretty-much-end-of-the-season regatta, Saturday, April 27. Register now on the Racing page, where you’ll also find the chart and the documents.

Principal Race Officer Rob Gibbs has answered one important question before you ask: Yes, you do have to sail around Horse and Balance Rock islands in addition to the drop marks at those locations.

A chunk of the Tall Cactus race chart showing the route around the northern islands of Lake Pleasant.

“Dog Watch” Happy Hour – Four Peaks in Tempe!

By on February 25, 2019 in Events, Social Events

Hey everyone!

This week we’re bringing it back to Tempe. Tomorrow 26 March – Four Peaks Brewery 1340 E. 8th Street, #104 Tempe, AZ 85281. Come hang out with your sailing friends, relive your best (and worst) moments on the water and plan your next moments on the water! 5:30ish to whenever they throw us out.

4th Tuesday Dog Watch – CB LIVE at Desert Ridge – 26 Feb

By on February 12, 2019 in Events, Social Events


Come out for Happy Hour with the AYC at a new venue in North Phoenix!

CB Live will have acoustic guitarist Mike Maleckar (Mal) covering bands from his nearly 800 song list, which varies from Frank Sinatra to Taylor Swift, 2Pac to Hank Williams. As always the club will spring for some munchies.

Starts around 5:30 and goes until you go home (or they kick us out!)

21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix AZ 85050

 

February Meeting: John Jourdane

By on February 4, 2019 in Events, Meetings, Social Events

Whitbread Round the World Race On “Fisher & Paykel, New Zealand” 

With John Jourdane  

John Jourdane – Photo Sailing World

Experience one of the most grueling yacht races on earth. 33,000 miles and nine months of sailing through storms, blizzards and icebergs.  Climb aboard 82-foot “Fisher & Paykel, New Zealand” with author and world-famous sailor-navigator, John Jourdane, who will recount his around the world race through a video of his experience.

The meeting is Tuesday, February 12, beginning at 7pm (but arrive early for dinner). Monthly meetings are held at The Grill @ Rolling Hills Golf Course, 1415 North Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281-1205 (map) and both members and non-members are welcome to attend.

 

4th Tuesday “Dog Watch” – O.H.S.O Paradise Valley – 22 January

By on January 17, 2019 in Events, Social Events

 

OHSO continues to be a great location for our monthly “Dog Watch” events.  This month we will be at the OHSO Paradise Valley. Address: 10810 N Tatum Blvd #126, Phoenix, AZ 85028. Day: Tuesday, January 22. Time: 5:30 to… whenever…

What is this? A casual gathering of members and nonmembers just for the fun of it. It gathers maybe a dozen or so sailors who would just like to hang out, chat, and enjoy an adult beverage.

4th Tuesday “Dog Watch” – O.H.S.O Arcadia – 27 Nov

By on November 16, 2018 in Sailing News, Social Events

We got such good feedback from the folks that went to the O.H.S.O. in North Scottsdale, we decided to give the one in Arcadia a call…turns out everyone was well behaved before and they’d be glad to host us!

27 November
O.H.S.O Arcadia
4900 East Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85018

5:30 until whenever…

All are invited!

Also…why a ” Dog Watch?” Traditionally it is the watch on a ship from 1600-1800 then again from 1800-2000. Since that’s when our gathering is…that’s what we’re going to call it! (It was split, so that seamen didn’t have the same watch at the same time every day.)

 

Rogue Tomato – October Happy Hour!

By on October 15, 2018 in Meetings, Social Events

We’re going WEST with this month’s 4th Tuesday Happy Hour on Tuesday October 23rd. This month we’ll be at Rogue Tomato! 18561 N 59th Ave #122, Glendale, AZ 85308. Starts at 5:30(ish) and goes until 8:00(ish). As always AYC will spring for some appetizers and you are welcome to wash it down with whatever you like!

AYC 4th Tuesday Happy Hour – Fibber Magees in Chandler

By on September 17, 2018 in Meetings, Sailing News, Social Events

This month we’re digging deep… deep into the East Valley that is! Come join us for libations and camaraderie at Fibber Magees in Chandler: 1989 West Elliot Road, Chandler, AZ 85224 on Tuesday Sept 25th at about 5:30 to about whenever. As usual, the club will spring for some appetizers and we’ll all enjoy the fellowship! Click the link below to add it to your Google Calendar!

October San Carlos Cruise with the Tucson Sailing Club

By on September 13, 2018 in Cruising News, Sailing News, Social Events

Photo courtesy of the TSC

Our sister club in Tucson is hosting its annual San Carlos Cruise beginning October 22nd.

Ports of call will include San Pedro Bay, Las Cocinas anchorage, and of course San Carlos. For more information visit their website page about the cruise or contact Richard Sebastian, at iwmfg@comcast.net or phone 520-404-8370.

Crew Party with a Cause!!

By on September 10, 2018 in Meetings, Sailing News, Social Events

The first crew party held at the lake was a really great gathering! Lots of people, both members and potential members got together, shared their sailing experiences and a great meal.

The event also had a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Blind Buccaneers. We raised a little over $160 towards their trip. They are fundraising through the end of October. If you would like to support them but were not at the event, donations are eligible for an Arizona Tax Credit (see your tax adviser for more details!)

Much thanks goes to Sharon Bell, and Heather and Josh McClain for organizing the event!

 

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!

Next AYC Happy Hour – O.H.S.O. North Scottsdale!

By on August 16, 2018 in Events, Member Interest, Social Events

Our Happy Hour events are generally scheduled on the 4th Tuesday of the month and move around the valley! This one is going to be in North Scottsdale at O.H.S.O Brewery and Distillery 28 Aug!

This is another Local First location that not only has their own brews, but distills their own spirits (and the Rum is SMOOTH!) The club will spring for some appetizers and you are welcome to pay for your own drinks and dinner if you would like. Hope to see you there!

Click here is more information on the venue!

AYC Campout Was Cool!

By on August 13, 2018 in Events, Member Interest, Social Events

AYC Cool Camp Out!

As monsoon storms hit the valley over the weekend, making the 100 degree temps wet and muggy, many of our members gathered in the cool pines outside of Mormon Lake and above 7000 feet where the high temp was about 79 degrees!

There was a little bit of everything as far as accommodations goes; everything from Class A motor homes to tents and hammocks! There was some rain on Friday evening after everyone was in bed, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

Saturday night Steve Nahkala brought the fire for the Saturday night cookout, and that was welcome after a hard day of hiking, biking, horseshoes, and cornhole!

Club Member Wendy Larsen

After dinner as the sun set there was more fire as we enjoyed evening bonfire (with the monsoon storms the fire hazards had been lowered to allow it.) Next year we’re going to try and coordinate with LPSC who had a camp out here at the same campground two weeks earlier! We hope to see everyone then!

Organizer Steve Nahkala brings the FIRE.

Crew Party at Scorpion September 8

By on August 7, 2018 in Racing Updates, Sailing News, Social Events

By Heather McClain

This is the unofficial start of the sailing season in Phoenix! Need Crew? Want to crew on a boat?

Scorpion Bay Marina, Lake Pleasant

On Saturday, September 8, from 4-8 pm, we’ll toss a crew party at the end of E dock at Scorpion Bay Marina. The purpose of the event is to be a matchmaker between captains who need crew and crew who want to sail… and to just have a fun time with other sailors or those who are contemplating sailing.

  • Bring your boat! Show it off, brag, socialize, and go for a sail to test out crew/boat opportunities.
  • 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.
  • 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 will have one electric grill and one electric smoker. No fires on the dock…oh my! You can have whatever grill/stove you want on your boat to add to cooking opportunities or not. Up to you.
  • Join the “Dockside Chat” with AYC Commodore Rob Gibbs.
  • There are a limited number of slips available for day use and/or overnight rental, please contact Sharon Bell if you are interested in that.
  • One boat owner has room on a boat for up to six people to sleep overnight.  And there may be other boat owners with available bunks. Just ask if you don’t want to (or can’t) drive home safely.
  • The rules of Scorpion Bay are to be respected as there are many boat owners out there. Good neighbor rules apply.

Here’s to a great (and safe) sailing season in Arizona!

Warm? How About a Weekend in the Pines?

By on August 5, 2018 in Events, Social Events

Steve Nahkala works the barbeque.

As I write this, the temperature in Phoenix is flirting with 115 degrees and a weekend in the cool country of Northern Arizona sounds pretty nice.

The annual AYC Summer Campout (formerly the Kinnikinick campout) is Friday-Sunday, August 10-12 this year. No need to register; just show up in the cool pines.

Once again Steve Nahkala will be heading up the trip, which will be held at Dairy Springs Campground by Mormon Lake. Steve moved the gathering to this new spot a couple years ago and it’s more civilized than the traditional unimproved Kinnikinick site. People will begin to filter into the campsite Friday, ready to enjoy the beauty of the location and the fun gathering of AYCers and friends. The activities are as rustic as the surroundings, with “pasture golf” and horse shoes and Liar’s Dice.

Here’s much more information on the event, including map directions.

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.

First Annual Officially Unofficial Catalina Flotilla!

By on July 26, 2018 in Cruising News, Social Events

Avalon from Mooring #38

Last weekend AYC Sponsored a Flotilla to Catalina Island, and what a great time it was! The sailing between Long Beach and Catalina was some of the best wind I’ve ever had both ways. On our way out the we had the sails up as we rounded the Carnival Cruise Ship Terminal and sailed out of the Long Beach Harbor entrance. On our boat we had 5 kids and 3 adults. We sailed until we dropped to 4kts and saw that mooring balls were becoming scarce. We motor-sailed the rest of the way.

We spent the first night (Friday) in Descanto Bay, just north of Avalon and open to the ocean. We caught up with our flotilla members Jim and Marilyn Nelson on their Hylas 46 Liberte. We had dinner ashore at Charlie’s Steak and Seafood which was amazing fresh caught fish! Being in Descanto Bay, the dinghy ride was about 10+ minutes one way and it was moderately rough night out in the open ocean, but being outside in the sun all day, sleep was found pretty easily by all!

Jim and Marilyn Nelson’s Hylas 46 – Liberte at Descanto Bay

The next day (Saturday) we cooked breakfast on the boat and planned our day ashore at the beach. Liberte chose to head up to Isthmus Cove at Two Harbors so we bed them a fond farewell. We dinghied into Avalon and got set up on the beach. The kids swam and played in the water and on this massive inflatable fun platform Avalon has set up there. At about 10am we got invited by the Avalon Harbor department to move into Avalon Harbor so My daughter and went over and moved the boat to its new mooring. Later, we had dinner at the Catalina Cantina. Now that we were in Avalon Harbor, the water was much calmer and we had a better evening’s rest.

Our Ship’s Compliment – 3 Gibbs’ and 5 Moreno’s!

The next morning, we cooked breakfast on the boat and made one last trip to shore for ice. We left Avalon, right at 9am, which is checkout time, and motored out of Avalon for about an hour. The wind came up early and we set sail. The USCG was broadcasting a Small Craft Advisory for 3pm with winds 20-30 MPH. We reefed when we started to see 7kts of Speed over Ground and then saw 7kts again under reef within about a half mile of LA Light (AKA Angle’s Gate).

Next year we are planning to arrange this in conjunction with the Tuscon Sailing Club who’s trip was the week before! Maybe even expand it by a day to catch a night in Two Harbors!

Catalina Flotilla July 20th!

By on July 13, 2018 in Cruising News, Social Events

Catalina Flotilla

Kim OlsonGibbs sailing to Catalina!

We’ve got a great group ready to go to Catalina next weekend!

The general plan is:

  • Arrive Thursday the 19th late in the afternoon. Provision the boats.
  • Depart Friday the 20th at a respectable, yet, not early time and head for the port that has room for us! (We’ll be checking the Live Avalon Mooring Updates!)
  • Enjoy Dinner Ashore on Friday Night!
  • Saturday the 21st…open! Move harbors? Go for a day-sail? Explore the island? Visit other AZ Boats in the harbor? Dinner Ashore!
  • Sunday the 22nd we’ll leave our mooring by the required time (usually about 9am). Depending on the forecast, we may find a cove and anchor for a while or head back.
  • Depart the morning of Monday the 23rd for home.

There is still time! Get yourself a charter (or trailer your boat over) and join us! If you do, let me know you’re going to be in the area by emailing Commodore@ArizonaYachtClub.org or hailing our boat “Avalon” (Yes, that is the boat’s name) on 16 when you are underway!