July 2013 - California Yacht Club

Summer 2013 Junior Program Events
By CARRIE BLUNT, CYC Junior Program Director
The CYC summer program is in full swing. This year we
welcome back these summer coaches: Allie Blecher, Jill
Calbi, Gregory Dair, Barrett Sprout, Johney Rey Ahedo,
David Kirby, Toni Festa and Sterling Root. New to CYC ‘s
staff this summer are Erica Parker, Jackie Dair, Celena Staff
and J.T.Mellecker. Whether sailing or rowing, racing or
cruising, beginning or advanced, the guidance and coaching
provided by this crew to our young athletes encourages full
participation and learning. The rowing program’s two-week
summer camps provide the perfect opportunity to discover
sculling and possibly prepare to join the CYC Rowing Team in
the fall. The sailing program is designed to meet the needs of
those who are just beginning to learn the sport and those
perfecting their skills on the race course.
Join our Juniors and their families for the Annual Junior
Luau on July 19 for an evening of fun, food and music. CYC’s
Family Cruise to Catalina Island is scheduled for August 3 and
4. This year’s venue, the Isthmus, ensures room for all to
attend. Contact Cruise Chairman Mike Shocklee
(atomicmonkey@me.com) for additional information. The
summer season’s main highlight is the Junior Awards Banquet.
All program families are encouraged to attend in celebration of
our Junior Racers and to acknowledge their sporting
accomplishments.
U.S. Optimist Dinghy Association
(USODA) Team Trials
By GAVIN MCJONES
This year, I was
California Yacht Club
privileged with
summer program in
the chance to go
2012. I did a countless
to the USODA Team
number of starts, which
Trials regatta. The
all paid off at this
regatta was held at
regatta. I was in 80-boat
Pewaukee Yacht Club,
starts and those can be
which is a short drive
very intimidating.
outside of Milwaukee,
I have to admit that
Wisconsin. The Harken
the venue was relatively
factory is there and we
unfair because of the
all got a tour one
unpredictable shifts that
evening. That was neat
happen every five
to see where my
seconds. I eventually
mainsheet block came
figured out that the left
from. This was my first
side of the course was
time in that state and
favored and I got some
Pewaukee Lake is a
great scores like a 2, a
much different sailing
3, and a 5. These scores
venue than our local
helped me recover from
ocean. I got to wear a
my not-so-good scores
one piece dry-suit for
from the first two days
the first time ever
which had me in 115. I
because it was very
ended up with the
cold.
overall final score of
We raced over
33/165 and that
several days for a total
qualified me for Team
of 12 races. The Gavin McJones qualified for Team USA in the Optimist dinghy class
USA!
weather changed all over
I want to thank the
the place and lots of kids had trouble reading the shifts each Club for helping me become a much better sailor. And you
day. I would never have done as well if I had not taken the know what? Racing here is really fun too. Thanks again!
24/BREEZE JULY 2013
- Madeleine McJones photo