~ 2020 event Details ~

Location: 

     Mozambique

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Location: 

    El Adobe

    31891 Camino Capistrano

    San Juan Capistrano

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Cruise Captains:  The Vandenbergs 

Co-Captains: The McNamaras

BY STEVE VANDENBERG

It was a Sunday afternoon a bit after 1:15 pm; I was a skinny “Toe-Head” kid living in San Diego in between kindergarten and first grade (literally the middle of summer, July 20th, 1969). We had been to church; there seemed to have been a bit more impatience than normal for the sermon to end. I think I was kicking a ball against the garage door when my Dad told me I’d better get inside to watch, because, “The World was about to change”. I really didn’t understand what he meant; to me every day brought quite a bit of uncertainty. A few hours later I watched (in black and white) and heard a man in a space suit say (in a staticy voice), “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind! 

At five years old, in the sixties, the “World” was a giant mystery. Only months prior, my Uncle Bill had visited us between his two tours in Vietnam. My Dad had prefaced his visit by saying; “I can’t really explain to you where Uncle Bill has been or what he’s had to do there, but when he gets here you need to give him plenty of room and not bother him”. The next morning my Uncle Bill exited the bathroom with a small billow of strange sweet smoke following and asked me if I wanted to go catch lizards in the canyon. I shared three days with him; hiking, shooting BB guns, and playing catch. He was on his own escape from a very uncertain and scary reality but he never revealed any of his inner struggle to me. To this day, I remember him as one of the kindest humans I’ve ever known.

So on a Thursday afternoon; June 25, 2020 a bit after 2:45 pm why do I have butterflies in my stomach and a feeling of trepidation as I embark on a short crossing that I have completed dozens of times??? The crossing was a breeze (even if there wasn’t one). After visiting with a small Minke Whale mid-channel, Pantera landed in a “Sea of Tranquility” at Moonstone Cove a bit after 8:00pm.

The Harbor Patrolman (Brett) efficiently assigned us Salty Dog’s Mooring and Brenda and I settled in for a relaxed evening prior to the rest of the landing party arriving throughout the day on Friday.

Team Pantera made a quick run into Avalon Friday morning (20 minutes in, 20 minutes on Island, 20 minutes back to “The Moon”). While I concentrated on steering our little outboard, Brenda pointed out over 20 Flying fish taking flight in and around our wake. 

Upon our return, the first boat in was Genty Lee (Tom and Karen Rasulo) assigned to a mooring snuggled up to Hen Rock. They were followed by Box Office (John and Crezlun Kossa), Whole Life (Jim and Maggie McNamara), Big Wally (Drew Von Gremp and Natalie Brown), Liberty Belle (Ron and Cindy Latin), and Panacea (Chip and Christie Threlkheld). Although we were spread across Moonstone, White’s, and Hen Rock, all boats were within a short dinghy ride. Whenever I stay in this area (only 3.5 nm from Avalon) I feel like I’m at the Isthmus but with the convenience of Avalon only a short dinghy ride away.

Friday afternoon was “free” with folks visiting each other’s boats. We had handed out the cruise schedule along with some very brief cruise guidance: 

COVID 19 Cruise Etiquette

• We all have different views on the degree to which we should follow the evolving pandemic guidelines. Please be sensitive to your cruise-mates requests particularly when visiting their vessel. 
• Now more than ever, it is poor form to request to use someone else’s head. We will all be moored within minutes of each other; so best to return to your own boat. 
• When attending Happy Hours or Progressive Dinners, have your own trash bag in your tender. In remote harbors, it is especially important to contain and dispose of your own refuse. 
• Cruisers Pro Tip. Although paper plates and plasticware will be available for meals, seasoned cruisers often bring their own dishes and silverware. Better for the environment, less waste.  

The 5 O’Clock Bell rang on Pantera and soon after the Lunar Landers were touching down. As usual, the appetizers overtook the appetites and no one went home hungry. Special mention to Karen’s rocket skewers, Natalie’s Italian Sausage Bread and Maggie’s Prosciutto and Mango on FKNBREAD.COM . Actually, everyone outdid themselves (everything was amazing) and we all enjoyed an incredible feed. 

This same evening saw the debut of a now famous cocktail specially created for our cruise. The “Buzzed Aldrin” (Shoutout to www.merrymakerscocktails.com, @merry.makers)

Saturday morning was particularly special with Lunar Landers delivering Bloody Mary’s to Whole Life for immediate cruise captain consumption (to use an Irish term “Brilliant” cruise planning). John and Crezlun went “all-in” with Lobster Tails braised with Bacon grease. This taste and presentation was not to be matched. However, Christie and Chip did not waiver and brought their own concoction including fresh grated horseradish. This taste was also not to be matched. A draw was determined and both teams won incredible floatie toys enjoyed throughout the day. As the day slowly unfolded (Graciously not marked by a repeated 15 minute toll of a bell), we all settled into a relaxed feeling of true social distance .

On Island Time, the snorkeling tour and treasure hunt drifted into our day about an hour late. The following direction was provided:

      It was a Saturday in June

      We all took a trip to the Moon

      A few drinks were served

      Before everything blurred

      It was decided we should look for treasure…

      …So Mask on my Face, Fins on my feet, I planted Doubloons for their pleasure

      A small cove right in sight

      Red, Blue, Yellow (No White) shall ye find something worth your trouble

      If you encounter a cork; “yep”, “nope”, “winner” or dork

      Ye may just have Red Women for Dinner.

The “winner” was found and a nice bottle of Navigator Cabernet was rewarded which was shared that evening at the progressive dinner. Appetizers were provided by Panacea, Salad and Veggies by Box Office, and the Main course of Chicken and Tri Tip by Whole Life and Pantera respectively. 

As the evening and cruise weekend wound down, each team progressed to their Lunar Orbit Rendezvous (LOR). Preparations were made for the next day’s Earth Atmosphere Re-entry (EAR). By 1700 on June 28th, all landing teams had arrived safely at their next destination. 

As Pantera glided back to Earth (Parachute deployed) I reflected on the apprehension felt on the previous Thursday afternoon; certainly the pending short crossing not the cause. I realized my anxiety like so many others feeling the same way, now, had to be the result of the overwhelming uncertainty we face today. My uncertainty brought me back to the days of a 5 year-old living in the Sixties and to a memory I have from then. As difficult and divisive as things seem today, I’m going to do my best to follow my Uncle’s example and choose to be kind.

God Bless.

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Cruise Captains: NO HOST DUE TO CONFLICTS

Unfortunately, the timing of this month’s cruise presented several obstacles for our members ranging from family obligations and boat issues, to just bad timing.     

However, Cindy & Ron Latin stepped in as cruise captains to lead a very quaint contingent of three boats: The Liberty Belle(Latins), Panecea(Threlkelds), & Siren Song(Hepners)….

BY RON LATIN

A fun time was had by all on Ron and Cindy’s Liberty Belle for Saturday nights dinner.  We enjoyed shared cocktails and appetizers and BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw.   This was the view from Ron and Cindy’s Liberty Belle enjoying a celebratory shot of tequila to another beautiful day on the island with our WCYC family!

BY THE HEPNERS

Kudos to Ron and Cindy Latin for acting as the de facto cruise captains; hosting a breakfast and dinner on Liberty Belle,  and convincing the cautious Hepners that it was possible and okay to social distance aboard her.

Chip and Christie Threlkeld get the Adventurer Award for the cruise owing to their SCUBA adventure around Lion's Head.

Unfortunately we had a bit of unplanned drama after losing the engine 10 miles out of Cherry Cove on the return trip.  It was a long, slow tow to Alamitos Bay in rising seas.  Fuel system is currently the suspected culprit.  I will know when I pull the fuel filter. All things considered, it was great to get out and enjoy a few nights off the island.

BY THE THRELKELDS

We really did have a lovely time - lots of laughs and great conversations.  I have been on big and small cruises - the small ones you do get to know people that you would not normally.  We are still closer to Del and Barbie from a small cruise years ago.

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Cruise Captains: The Monks

Attending boats and Members:
David and Monique on Reel Nauti Too; Christie and Chip Threlkeld on Panacea; Tom Rasulo and multiple guests on Genty Lee; Dell and Barb on Patina; Mike and Sherry on Sandbar along with Future  Members Rod and Tammi on (a fabulous Cat) and Kevin and Linda on Hail Yeah!

Given the Covid restrictions our raft-up permit was revoked (very nicely).  In further conversations with the Harbor Master, he said we could anchor up with two boats on one anchor (“its allowed  but not encouraged”).  As cruise captains, Genty Lee and Reel Nauti Too created the smallest raft-up in WCYC Newport Beach Raft-Up history – two boats!

Onto the cruise – Barb and Dell where our scouts arriving at the anchorage on Thursday and reporting it was “wide open”! Genty Lee was at anchor when Reel Nauti Too arrived and was piloted by  the young, aspiring Captain RJ. The rest of our fleet arrived Friday afternoon and evening.  Some anchored nearby, others a little ways off but within hailing distance!

Friday Evening:
Friday evening’s “pot-luck” consisted of delicious appetizers served on Reel Nauti Too and accompanied by beverages of choice. The music was played at a very circumspect level (NOT) – it was  a good time for everyone to get together and catch up without catching anything!

Saturday:
On Saturday morning we noshed on bagels with a range of cream cheese schmears, various muffins and freshly cut fruit – all serviced with champagne and mimosa’s on the host boats. Chip made a great galley chef by managing the multiple toasters.  Full relaxation  commenced with all of the toys in the water (a Yoga Board -  4X6 floating dock – the floating Relaxation Station but the big hit of the cruise was the new BOTE Aero Chairs and if I had brought with me 10 more they would have all been sold – everyone wanted one! They fit on the swim deck or on the floating  docks!

In the afternoon, the troops rallied for a very enjoyable dinghy cruise down the backwaters of Newport Island with only a few minor nautical infractions. (Kevin spinning out the Commodores dinghy into the bridge!).
Saturday night was “Movie Night” on Reel Nauti Too with excellent Pizza from “Gina’s, popcorn and retro-candy complete with a newly commission movie screen on the swim deck! It worked really well with standing room only for the “Pirates of the Caribbean”! Definitely  an event for future cruises as everyone really enjoyed it!

Sunday:
Sunday morning all (14) went over to the Lighthouse Café for Brunch.  Despite being told there was a 2 to 3 hour wait,  our guest Kevin pulled some magic and we were sat immediately (definitely improving Kevin’s chances of becoming a new member!).
I provided the Commodore’s cruise report for the breakfast group with call outs to our guest’s attending the cruise; Kevin and Linda (first event), Rod and Tammi (second event), Cami and Martin – Monique’s sister and boyfriend and Lauren, Zack and Joseph from  the Sandler’s clan. We celebrated the August birthdays including George, Gina, Crezlun, Suzanne and Maggie. There were no past commodores in attendance this time.

Sawhorses:
We had a couple of Sawhorse nominations with one being awarded to Chip for being towed home on his dinghy because his electric motor battery was dead.  However, it transpired in the morning that the reason for the power failure was the key to the motor was  not engaged!!

We added two other categories for awards.  First, MOB – failure to negotiate swim decks and floating docks plus staying in dinghy’s – we had multiple winners who ended up with unplanned swimming with wallets, keys and phones.  The second was Floating Dock Dancing  – again an unintentional event caused by the unexpected lack of stability on the floating dock – Rod was a clear winner with multiple other “worthy mentions”! (Improving his chances of becoming a new member!)

We did have a major nautical event.  A 100ft yacht Argonaut (Eggplant purple) in the anchorage decided on a cruise around the harbor. On re-entering the anchorage, they lost their bow thrusters and decided to kiss Sandbar’s bow – frantic work on Argonaut’s  and Sandbar’s crew using their huge fenders to avoid damaging both boats. We definitely witnessed questionable seamanship by their captain (a huge sawhorse contender) as he could not maneuver his yacht either to miss the collision but then disengage himself!   Damage we believe was limited to the WCYC Flag Pennant Rail Mount which was bent!  Mike Sandler left his hand prints on the bow of Argonaut to remind them of their error!    
A second event was with Kevin and Linda on Hail Yeah (which they have owned a matter of weeks).  Their Fire suppression unit was deployed after their gas-powered generator caught fire in their engine compartment! The fire suppression system did its job however  their steering and transmission had issues, so they were towed home!  

Many of the cruisers stayed late enjoying the Sunday afternoon and all had a safe and enjoyable cruise home.

Thanks to all for the participation, great food and great company!

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Cruise Captains: The Fiorillos

Co-Captains: The Stones

BY STEVE FIORILLO

Ahoy All!

For September’s Cruise we did a “Around the World” theme featuring food and music from several places around the world including South Africa, France, Italy, Ireland, and Mexico!

Attending our cruise were cruise captains Cindy, Steve & guest(Liquid Therapy); co-captains Milton & Wanda and guests; Mike & Donna Groves & guests(Moist Obsession), David & Monique (Reel NautiToo); Chip & Christie (Panacea); Dell & Barb(Patina); Mike Sandler & guest(Sandbar); George, Sheri, & Staci(Three Sheets); Ron & Cindy(Liberty Bell); Drew, Natalie & guests(Big Wally); along with future members Rod and Tammi(50+’ Cat); 10 boats in all!

Once again, given the Covidrestrictions all our public gatherings were conducted via dinghy and social distancing was honored by all!

Friday Evening

The cruise kicked off Friday evening with a traditional South African Beef Curry provided by Wanda & Milton, which was excellent with just the right amount of spice,  served in traditional style with bananas and a sweet chutney.  Awesome stuff!

Saturday

Saturday morning started with a visit to France & Ireland.  Cindy & Steve, along with niece Lindsey, Carmen, & Grace severed homemade Éclairs, Ham & Cheese Croissants and Chocolate Croissants accompanied by  Mimosas, Bloody Marys, and the crowd favorite, Irish Pancakes (Jameson, Butterscotch Schnapps, Orange Juice and Bacon

The meal was then followed by a South African favorite, Springbokkies, a sweet shot comprised of Crème de Menthe and Amarula(creamy South African Liquor served by Wanda’s niece Carman and friend Grace. Of course a cocktail from Milton wouldn’t be complete without a traditional South African toast and the always familiar shout of “Cocktails!”

Saturday afternoon was lunch in Italy, where everyone enjoyed meatball subs, homemade pasta salad and cannolis.  Just after breakfast Cindy sent out a “Get to know your membership” trivia game, so during lunch we all got to learn something about each other we didn’t before. It was enlightening and little scary!  After lunch the group split up to enjoy some relaxation time……

A few others however, Milton, Carmen, Grace, Christie, and Tammi, joined me on a little snorkeling safari in a area I scoped out a few days before, just off a diving buoy somewhere between Willow Cove and Gallagher Beach, I think just SE of ToyonBay.  

The water was 71° and visibility seemed endless as you could see about 80’ in any direction and down to 60+’.  The area next to the rocks was about 15’-20’ which made it quite accessible to swim down and check out the critters.  It was a stellar day, we encountered lobster, schools of bait fish, garibaldi, a green turtle, and even a harbor seal!  If you’re ever in that area I highly recommend it.

Check out the video at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlCta62RUQM&t=17s

Later Saturday afternoon after snorkeling, Chip & Christie kicked off happy hour by hosting an impromptu trip to Mexico with a Tequila tasting…good stuff!!!! 

Given the restrictions of LA county we found it very difficult to make reservations for a large group, so we thought it would be best if we gave everyone an opportunity to do theirown thing for Saturday dinner.  If you haven’t been lately, most all the beach front restaurants have gone native and are now serving dinner on the beach, which honestly they should have done before, it’s very ”islandy”.

Sunday

Sunday morning rolled around early, as it always seems to do.  Everyone made their rounds saying their goodbyes and most headed home safely, though we stayed till Monday and the Latins headed west up the coast to the Isthmus.  

Sawhorses

We awarded one Sawhorse this cruise, and it went to Del.  As Del will tell the story, he got into his dinghy and started to drift away until he realized he forgot Barbie, and more importantly, his cocktail.  What he probably won’t tell you is that he got back to Patina by paddling with his flip flop!  Hmmm???  Did he just want a little exercise or did someone forget the dinghy keys?  The group decided it was the latter and awarded him with him his very own Sawhorse.  

Special thanks to Milton & Wanda for helping us plan the cruise and providing a great dinner.  An additional shout out to the Threlkeldsfor their Tequila Tasting as well!  And last but not least, a big thank you to Lindsey, Carmen, & Grace for all their help and providing service with a smile!

All in all it was a great turn out and we had a lot fun.  Thanks to everyone for participating and making it such a great cruise! 

- Cruise Hosts Steve & Cindy Fiorillo and Milton & Wanda Stone

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Cruise Captains: The Threlkelds

Co-Captains: The Latins

Hello all,

Due to the devastating oil spill in our beloved ocean, we need to move the October cruise to an "in harbor" cruise.  Meet at Dana West Yacht Club at noon for lunch.

We will head to our 90th Year as a club decorated dinghies to cruise the harbor.  Dress up and have fun!  Please be ready to get at least a little wet at the raft up after - we have some fun games planned.  

Bring extra clothes to stay behind Sadie Mae from 7:00 till ???? as the disco ball just may have to come out after the light music.

Looking forward to seeing you all Saturday!!

BY THE Threlkelds

With the no-reciprocal order from Long Beach Yacht Club we had to scurry to find a new place to meet.  We got a lovely place behind the Ralphs shopping center but again had to move as half of the group could not make it under the 2nd street bridge - that nautical blunder cost Christie her very first sawhorse!
 

With a group text, we all maneuvered our way to Alamitos Bay marina where Del And Barbie had already made arrangements for.  

We met for more of a potluck than the normal appetizers as we knew there were only 8 of us - delicious as usual, man our club knows how to cook!

We met on the co-captains boat - Ron and Cindy on Liberty Bell for the evening.  This put us on the other side of the water from Naples Island so we decided to walk across the street to the new 2nd and PCH mall for what we all considered the best ice cream ever!

Saturday morning started as normal with bloody marys and belinis, but Cindy made everyone breakfast sandwiches too.  

We went for a lovely dingy ride around the island mid day with lovely weather and cocktails then came back and got our Pirate gear on for dinner at Jade.  Winners of the costume contest (chosen by the waitress) was Ron and Cindy Latin.

Much to Del and Barbieschagrin we met for breakfast at 8:00 am at Schooner or Later, (the photo of Del with the sad face).

I think each of us had a boat issue, but we all helped each other out as a true yacht club member and friend!  Great way to end the season with a small group gathering of like minded people!

BY THE LATINS

There is a difference between convenience and conviction.  For mariners, it is the call of the sea and seafaring adventure.  The element of the unknown.  What lies out there in the blue deep when land is nowhere in sight?  How vast is that ocean!  When we embark on the adventure it's not the same as getting in the car and taking a road trip.  While we may be in control behind the wheel of the car, there is likely to be a predictability to reaching our destination. 

The risk is not present to the same degree as casting off the lines and immersing oneself in a container surrounded by a hostile and unforgiving sea.  Even boarding an aircraft does not carry the same degree of concern for most because the assurance of reaching the destination safely is astronomically high.  The lure of the sea and the challenge it presents rouses one from the complacency of home and causes the pulse to quicken as our craft escapes the safety of the harbor.  It is understandable that many would prefer the quiet comfort of home in the harbor.
 

Not so with those intrepid cadre of West Coast Yacht Club mariners who set sail for the attractions of the Alamitos Bay marina.  So what if there were but 4 boats!  Who cared that the bridge under which we sailors would have to pass was a mere 35 feet high at its apex?  When we realized that the concrete and steel buttress of the bridge would prevail over our aluminum or wood mast, we simply sought shelter in the city marina.  And our motoring brethren, piloting those vessels with powerful engines, had the grace to alter their plan and join us in the crowded marina.  

To their credit, our Commodore and Cruise Captain and their beloved spouses ensured that our little cruise community would be within hailing distance of each other.  What we lacked in numbers was compensated by a hearty enthusiasm as we resolved to hoist the WCYC banner high and proud.  Mind you that our enthusiasm was tempered as you will note that the local police gazette contained no mention of a rowdy group from Dana Point in their marina.

Let the annals of the WCYC history show that the annual cruise to Long Beach was successfully accomplished in 2020 and that we seafarers comported ourselves in such a way as to reflect great credit on our revered yacht club. 

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Location: 

    El Adobe

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