Spring 2011 Squeegee - Sausalito Yacht Club

Squeegee
SAUSALITO YACHT CLUB
ESTABLISHED 1942
Spring 2011

M.J. RONEY
Member, M.J. “What’s RONEY SYC my home worth today?”
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I would like to publicly thank Rod Bauer,
Communications Chair. Without the
enormous amount of help and advice he
gave me, this magazine would never have
been printed. Thanks, too, to designer,
Dana Beigel, for the bright, fresh look.
And welcome aboard to Jack O’Hurley, a
proposed member who has volunteered to
become Advertising Manager.
Karin Shakery, Squeegee Editor
Home # 415-472-7527
Cell # 415-609-7527
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Lic# 542680
On the Cover: The wheel and binnacle on schooner Martha. See “A Schooner Bargain” on
page 4. Photo by Rod Bauer.

LETTER FROM THE COMMODORE
Outgoing Commodore J Rigler turns over
gavel to incoming Commodore James Gabbert
at gavel exchange ceremony at SYC on
January 8, 2011. Photo by Gary Ferber.
This is my first article as your Commodore. A lot has happened in our first quarter as
we now have the new management structure of the club in place. When the bylaws
were introduced last year, there was some question as to how the club would operate
with two governing bodies: the Executive Board and the Flag Officers and Chairs. As
the first Commodore operating under these new bylaws it has been a real dream. The
Executive Board deals with the business management of the club and the Flag Officers
and Chairs deal with the member-oriented activities. This has made it possible for the
Flag Officers and Chairs to focus on member activities such as sail training, racing and
cruising, social activities, recruiting new members, communications, dock and Club
fleet maintenance, cruise-ins, etc. without being saddled with the business operations
of the Club. Communication and teamwork between the two bodies have worked very
well and, to me, it is obvious that this new structure has benefited the Club. We are
still working our way out of the financial issues that we had last year, but it is going well.
We currently have a superb group on both teams. The Executive Board has done an
extraordinary job of handling the business aspects and the human resources of the Club. The Flag Officers and Chairs have really
stepped up to the plate, working very hard and effectively to make the Sausalito Yacht Club an even better Club!
Our General Manager, Doc Miles, has settled in and is doing a great job. My personal observation is that there is a really positive
ambiance in the bar and dining room making a very enjoyable environment for all of us. I would like to thank all of the Chairs for
doing a great job. Every Chair and Flag Officer is committed to making SYC a better club. We should all be proud of our Junior
Sailing Program, the Cruise Program, the Race Program, the new entertainment events, and all the fine work that the various
Chairs are committed to.
Probably one of the most exciting events coming up is the America’s Cup with races right in our own backyard. We are putting
various committees together to plan for this major event. Also, the City of Sausalito has created an America’s Cup task force to
make sure that all goes well in Sausalito. I have the honor of chairing this task force and John Williams, Chairman of the SYC
Executive Board, has been appointed Facilitator. We will be involved as a Club in the maritime industry, the business community,
and with the citizens of Sausalito - a giant step forward for SYC in the Sausalito community.
Myself, as Commodore, with Ross Blanchard, our Rear Commodore, Michael Campbell, our Sailing Instruction Chair, Mike
Magruder, our Finance Committee Chair, Tammy Blanchard, Stephanie Magruder, and Tim Nousen all flew to the very first
Yacht Club Summit April 2-3 sponsored by US Sailing in Chicago. There were enough of us representing SYC that we were
able to cover all of the concurrent sessions. The meetings were very informative and I truly believe that the Sausalito Yacht Club
will benefit from our participation. I would like to add that each one of us paid our own way and the club did not contribute a
single cent!
I want to urge all of you to check the website frequently and participate in many of the events planned for this year. Also, do not
forget that if you have any questions or issues, go to “Ask the Commodore” and we will address your queries or comments as
expeditiously as possible. Hope to see you around the Club. Remember the Sausalito Yacht Club is only as good as we make it!
Fair winds, smooth sailing,
Jim Gabbert, Commodore
Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Meaning: A precarious position
Derivation: The “devil” was the outboard seam along the hull of old wooden ships.
When a ship was at sea, it was very awkward to get below this line in order to apply pitch.
1

Commodore’s Weather Station
by Rod Bauer
How’s the weather?
The answer to that question is no farther away than SYC’s own
rooftop weather station and an Internet connection. Thanks to
Staff Commodore Tim Prouty, who donated and installed the
station in 2006, SYC members have a dedicated weather station
on the NE corner of the clubhouse roof.
The station consists of a Davis Vantage Pro2 wireless station
with a rain collector, anemometer and temperature and humidity
sensors. The station is solar powered, with a battery backup,
and communicates wirelessly with a control console in the bar
trophy case and a computer in the club office, where the data is
uploaded to our website and published to the Internet.
Screen capture of SYC weather station page
You can view the real-time weather conditions via the console
in the club bar, our SYC website or the websites listed below.
You also can retrieve weather data over the Internet using a
smartphone or other device that can read our published weather
data. Historical weather information collected from our station
can be found at the Weather Underground and Citizen Weather
Observer Program sites, also listed below. For example, you can
discover that during the week of March 13 to 20 of this year,
the wind gusted to 56 knots from the SSE and we received 1.75
inches of rain at the club.
Console
Weather station on
SYC clubhouse roof.
Photo by Rod Bauer
Staff Commodore Prouty named the station “The Commodore’s Weather Station” to recognize the contributions made by
SYC commodores over the years.
Where to find real-time or historical SYC weather station information:
• At the club:
o On the weather station console in the SYC bar trophy case
• On the Web:
o The SYC Web, http://www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/port-captain/weather-station/,
and in the banner at the top of every page
o Weather Underground Web page:
http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=KCASAUSA8&wuSelect=PWS
o Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP) Web page:
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/wxpage.cgi?call=KCASAUSA8&last=24&units=nautical
• Via the Internet:
o Twitter: @sausalitoyc (http://www.twitter.com/sausalitoyc)
o iPhone apps “Home Weather” and “Wunder”
o Other smart devices that can access our weather station at KCASAUSA8
2

Opening Day on
the Bay
Merv Regan, Entertainment Chair
Sunday, May 1, 11:30am to 7:00pm
Planning is underway to celebrate the official opening of the
boating season. Baba and her committee have everything in the
works. The club will be festooned with red, white and blue balloons
and wrapped in bunting. Entertainment for the day will begin with
the sounds of Ashton Craig & Pan Extasy. Chef Leslie will treat
you to her world-famous BBQ; Ern and
his staff will be ready to serve your favorite
cocktails at both bars. Music and dancing
will continue to the big, bold sounds of the
Lynn Asher Band.
Commodore Gabbert is planning
a gathering of the SYC boat
owners to form a contingent
cruising together for the blessing
in Raccoon Strait and, perhaps,
joining the PICYA Celebration
passing along the San Francisco
waterfront.
No boat, no problem. Make your reservation now to be aboard
Defiance for the blessing and parade. Your $85 tax-deductible
donation for the boat parade and fireworks includes, libations, hors
d’oeuvres, entertainment and dancing. Send checks, payable to The
Sausalito-on-the-Waterfront Foundation, to Doc at the Club.
Due to the popularity of the day, remember to make reservations
for yourself, your significant other and up to four guests:
gm@sausalitoyachtclub.org
Photos by Roxanne Fairbairn
RACING
SYC
MIDWINTER
FINALE
Dave Borton,
Race Committee Chair
The final Sausalito Yacht Club Midwinter
race has been sailed. We were able to
get all five races in - but just barely. The
finale started out so well with a nice steady
breeze that carried the faster boats to the
Fort Mason weather mark in just over 30
minutes. It looked like it was going to be
a short day on the water. That was eagerly
anticipated given Sunday’s drizzle.
Alas, it wasn’t to be. The wind died, the ebb
strengthened and many boats withdrew.
The wind did a 180 and then another 180.
A real challenge to say the least.
Q came within inches of crossing the finish line at 2 pm,
but was swept back by the current only to finish an hour
later. Willin’ was within two minutes of finishing when
the time limit expired. At the end, there were ten boats
that were able to finish. Congratulations to them for
being in the right place at the right time.
You can find the results on:
www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/racing/raceresults
Opening Day Notice From PICYA:
On Sunday May 1, the 95th annual Opening Day on the Bay Decorated Boat Parade will start at noon. This year’s
theme is Giants of the Bay, celebrating the many people and things that have made San Francisco so unique.
“Emperor Norton IV” is the Grand Marshal and the parade will feature over 120 historic workboats, fireboats,
towboats, classic and contemporary craft decorated to the theme.
Decorate and sail your own boat and compete for the awards and prizes or take a cruise on the California
Hornblower which will depart Pier 3 at 10 a.m. and return at approximately 3 p.m.
All boats must register by April 24, 2011. Additional information is available at www.PICYA.org
3

A SCHOONER BARGAIN
by Rod Bauer
“A Schooner Bargain – only $19,250” read the headline in the San Francisco Chronicle on
September 28, 1965. The U.S. Marshal auction had taken place on the steps of the Federal
Building in San Francisco and only one person, Lloyd Watson, came to bid on the auxiliary
schooner that the Chronicle valued at $150,000. Lloyd purchased the 86’ staysail-rigged
schooner Martha that day, though he had never sailed. To determine how much to bid, he
had asked the amount of the debt on the boat and added that to the U.S. Marshal’s fee of
$500. While Lloyd talked with the authorities after the auction, a man carrying a briefcase
rushed up out of breath. “I’ve come to bid on the Martha,” the man gasped. “You’re too
late,” he was told. “This man here is her new owner.”
Martha’s new owner likely wondered what he had gotten himself into. Lloyd had owned
boats before—powerboats and ski boats—but never a sailboat. And this was not just any
sailboat; it was a schooner: two masts, 68’ on deck, 84’ with her 16’ bowsprit, 16’ beam, 8’
draft, 84,000 pounds displacement and 3100 square feet of sails. She was built with style
too, including teak decks, fir planking and silver Bali on oak frames. Her interior was rich
Honduran mahogany, graced with beautiful leaded glass cabinetry.
Lloyd put out the call to friends who could sail and together they took the big schooner
out on the Bay and eventually out the Gate. They caught salmon at the Farallon Islands
and cruised the Delta. Sailing came naturally to Lloyd, he says, and within a year he felt
confident enough to call himself her captain.
Martha already had a long history before that auction day in San Francisco. She was built
in 1907 at the W. F. Stone Boat Yard, which then was located at the site of the current St.
Francis Yacht Club on San Francisco’s waterfront. Her owner was lumber baron John R.
Hanify, Commodore of the San Francisco Yacht Club, who named the boat after his wife,
Martha Fitzmaurice Hanify. She was designed by B. B. Crowninshield specifically for racing.
In December 1907, Yachting Magazine wrote of her: “She is a magnificent cruising boat
besides being above average in speed.”
Owned by actor James Cagney from 1934 to 1943, she figured prominently in the many
sailing events of Southern California. Cagney took her on frequent jaunts with pals,
including Spencer Tracy, out to the Isthmus, the movie colony’s port of call on Catalina
Island. He was quoted as saying: “The Martha sailed like a dream, and I certainly didn’t
need or want another.”
Not just owned by a movie actor, Martha once starred in a movie herself. In 1967 her
interior was used in the movie Petulia, starring Julie Christie, George C. Scott, Richard
Chamberlain and Joseph Cotton. The movie was filmed in San Francisco and Sausalito. For
the scene with Martha, the foot of Johnson Street in Sausalito got a Hollywood makeover to
pass as the waterfront of a small town in Mexico. While the exterior scenes were filmed on a
smaller sloop, when Christie and Chamberlain went below decks it is apparent why Martha
was chosen to portray a working but luxurious yacht.
Though her lines and interior are beautiful, Martha never seemed content to merely be a
trophy yacht or the plaything of celebrities. According to the 1967 Yachting Year Book of
Northern California, in that year Martha still held the record for the 70-mile run from San
Francisco to Santa Cruz - 7 hours flat. This book featured her on the cover, sails full, in front
of the San Francisco waterfront. The photo was taken at the finish line of the 1965 Master
Mariners Regatta, first raced in 1867 and still raced annually on San Francisco Bay. The
regatta is second only to the America’s Cup as the oldest sailing event in the United States.
Martha with crew, San Francisco Bay, 1960’s,
photographer unknown
Lloyd Watson at wheel of Martha, Sausalito,
1960’s, photographer unknown
Martha under sail, Lloyd Watson at helm,
San Francisco Bay, 1960’s,
photographer unknown
Julie Christie and Richard Chamberlain
on Martha in the 1967 movie, Petulia
Martha’s wheel , Pt. Townsend Wooden Boat
Festival, 2008, Photo by Rod Bauer
4

Although Lloyd says: “It was a good adventure in my life and I really loved that boat,”
three years after buying Martha at auction Lloyd sold her to aluminum magnate Edgar
Kaiser for $60,000.
Since 1996, Martha has been owned and operated by The Schooner Martha
Foundation in Port Townsend, Washington, whose sole purpose is to maintain and
restore her and to use Martha to operate sail training programs. She’s undoubtedly
happy there, kept shipshape and in Bristol fashion, where she even races, with a
PHRF of 177. The old girl sometimes wins, too, as she did with an 11-man crew in
2009’s “Round the County” race in the San Juan Islands.
Martha underway, Pt. Townsend Wooden Boat
Festival, 2008, Photo by Rod Bauer
If you happen to be in the Port Townsend area, and if you’re lucky, you might see the schooners Martha and Adventuress sailing
together on Puget Sound - both still active; both designed by B. B. Crowninshield; and both former citizens of San Francisco Bay.
You can see more photos of Martha and Lloyd on the SYC Web site, http://www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/photos/martha/ , and on
the photo sharing site Flickr, at http://www.flickr.com/photos/schoonermartha. The Schooner Martha Foundation can be found
at http://www.schoonermartha.org.
SAIL TRAINING
UPDATE
by Michael Campbell, Sailing Instruction Chair
Where to begin? Well first, last year you
heard from me as the Director of Protocol.
I’ve been bumped upstairs, so to speak,
and am now Sailing Instruction Chair. My
committee is made up of Steve Hocking,
Alex Dichiara and Todd Gates. Both Todd
and I also have voting seats on the Board of Directors of
the Sausalito Youth Sail Foundation. The Flag Officers,
Chairs and Executive Board of the SYSF have recognized
the importance of sail training and have dedicated time and
resources to enhance the program.
PICYA: Kay Dunnigan has graciously volunteered to be this
year’s PICYA Delegate. We have done two of the monthly
meetings together and she has gotten a feel for how the
system works. The key was and is the PICYA website. This
site is maintained by Donna Duncan who does a marvelous
job. I recommend that members visit this site at least once
and browse around. Topics range from boating issues
currently before the State Legislature to upcoming events.
RICHARDSON BAY: I have been gently pushing for action
to get rid of the anchored boats in Richardson Bay. So far
there is only slight progress. The current situation will
become a nightmare. With unrestricted anchoring during the
America’s Cup races, anyone with a boat that floats and an
anchor will be in our little Bay. Now is the time to get some
control. Two years from now will be too late. Anchoring in
fragile habitats is illegal all over the world. We need to ban it
here. We can’t even run dinghy or catamaran races in our Bay
because of all the anchored boats. A real tragedy.
CLASSES: Here are some of the highlights. Sail training
is no longer just for kids; we are expanding the program to
include classes for adults and the plan is to start classes for
men and women on April 18. Our instructors think it’s a
good idea to separate the sexes during the beginning stages
of learning to sail. Probably a good idea. Information and
prices are on our website and I encourage all those who are
starting out in our sport to register for the classes.
We have purchased a Cal 20 to use as a platform for our adult
classes and may also use her for the kid’s keel boat classes.
Maybe she will be in a few Club races. We’ve named the boat
Little Zaca after the boat Zaca that was built here in Sausalito
for Templeton Crocker back in the 1930s. One of the
coolest sailing boats ever made, she belonged to Errol Flynn
for a while.
As some may have noticed, there are youngsters running
around the Club all year long. We have started a Varsity and
Junior Varsity high school racing team. Even though it is
our first year, we are in the hunt—our kids did pretty well in
the last Nor Cal race. This summer, we plan to buy two more
420s fully equipped to race competitively and we intend to
expand our jet dock facility to allow room for them.
It’s exciting times for our sailing program. Check us out on
our website and sign up for classes - one can never have too
much training.
5

CRUISING UPDATE
Larry Moraes, Cruise Chair
CRUISING
The Cruise season in California never actually ends. Blessed with great weather we are able to use
our boats year round. Winter cruising actually provides some of the best weather of the year for
being on the bay and coastal waters as the seas are flat and winds are calm, unless a storm is passing
through. While winter storms do inhibit planning, those clear calm days make for great spontaneous
cruising and sailing. Our spring-like weather in January and February was incredible and made for
some great afternoon sails out the Gate and the January Cruise had some attending in shirtsleeves.
The first three Cruises of 2011 are now behind us and were all very successful. The Cruise to Le
Garage was a sellout with the pre-dinner event resembling a frat party. Then, Eric Chipps put together a great weekend
at Tiburon Yacht Club where we celebrated the one-week wedding anniversary of his daughter and the 50-year wedding
anniversary of Dick and Dede Marsh. It was an honor for us to be there and join in the celebration. At the time of this writing,
we are still a few days away from the Cruise to Yoshi’s. Darryl LeDoux has organized one of the best events of the year with
great food and entertainment scheduled. We are expecting 10 boats and more than 20 people with temperatures forecast to
be in the 60s. Nice!
Now that spring is here, the sun will bring out more boaters, more often, and we have a pretty cool season of cruising planned.
Before I detail a few of the upcoming events, let me drop in a few reminders about cruises.
First, cruises are for everyone and every type of boat or land yacht (under 100’). Sailboats and powerboats share equally and
we want more sailing vessels at cruises. As you know, I am a sailor and, given the price of fuel these days, the powerboats are
traveling about the same speed as sailboats.
Second, SYC Cruises vary in destination and cost. Some are close (Angel Island) and some are not (Half Moon Bay). Some
are relatively extravagant (Yoshi’s @ $100 per person) while others are very inexpensive such as the Cruise to Tiburon ($35
per person) or the McCovey Cove Raft-Up (free?)
Third, most of the cruises do not require a boat and can be enjoyed as a social event with your friends from the Club.
Check the SYC website or e-mail the Cruise Chair or Cruise Captain for more information on cruises planned for the year.
Volunteers are still needed and are promised exuberant appreciation.
AUXILARY
AGENDA FOR 2011
Mary Richardson, Auxiliary President
The Sausalito Yacht Club Auxiliary remains a major support group for our club. During the
financial difficulties of the last few months, the SYCA has managed to fully support historic and
major events for the Club. Also, SYCA provides direct funds for purchases such as new furniture,
new carpet, trophies and other projects as well as donating many hours to planning and decorating
for special occasions.
The last event, a Valentine’s Day dinner and dance and silent auction was a great success. It
was very well attended with great auction items to bid on. Our donors were amazingly generous
offering rides in a DC3, wine, cruises, cooking classes, paintings and many other wonderful donations. Visit our website
to see the complete list and the successful bidders.
6

CELEBRATIONS
By Eric Chipps
The first waterborne cruise of the year, to Tiburon YC on
February 19, might have been more aptly described as
waterlogged. In a watery February, this particular Saturday
stood out for really heavy rain, with the result that, of the
boats signed up, only four made it: E Cruz (Larry and Sharon
Moraes), (Dick and Dede Marsh) and, most commendably,
the two sailing vessels, Barca a Vela (Sam Balsey and Randi
Harry) and Plane Fun (Sam and Susie Dearing). Well done,
men (and ladies)!
NEW SYC
SPEAKER
SERIES
We are working on putting together a regular monthly
speaker series. The primary aim of these free, evening
events is to present topics of interest to our members
but, when appropriate - such as information about the
upcoming America’s Cup races on San Francisco Bay—
the meeting might be open to the public.
Watch our website for progress and schedules. Dates will
be posted as soon as we have finalized the program.
Please contact Rod Bauer, Communications Chair, or
Charles Bogue, Speaker Series Coordinator, if you have
any thoughts about topics that should be covered, to
volunteer to speak, or to suggest speakers. Send e-mails
to: communications@sausalitoyachtclub.org.
NEW SYC
RACE SEMINAR
SERIES
The dock party, complete with the return of the Orange
Barrel, moved aboard Amble, where the nourishing, healthy
content quickly dismissed the cold and rain and raised morale.
Ashore, the Tiburon Yacht Club were excellent hosts and
some 33 of us sat down to a first-class meal, prepared by Chef
Peschi for only $35 per person, which shows we don’t have
to be big spenders to enjoy cruising. The surprise dessert was
a magnificent chocolate cake, baked to celebrate Dick and
Dede Marsh’s fiftieth wedding anniversary and the seven-day
anniversary of Nicky Chipps and Igor Kurakov who were
married one week prior to the cruise. Igor should have had his
notebook, in order to record Dick’s views on having a long
and happy marriage (Yes, dear).
The SYC Race Committee has started a series called Third
Thursday Race Seminars, which will present beginning
and advanced topics on racing. See the online SYC
calendar for details.
A happy cruise to a pleasant club, confirming the pleasure of
sailing in the company of friends, as well as making new ones.
7

ASK THE COMMODORE
You can “Ask the Commodore” by addressing an e-mail
to askthecommodore@sausalitoyachtclub.org or visiting
http://www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/member-portal/askthe-commodore/
on the SYC website.
WHAT’S UP WITH THE CUP?
Dear Commodore,
What’s going on with club’s involvement in the America’s
Cup?
CJ Spady
Dear CJ,
First, in our recent annual planning workshop on January
7, the Flag Officers and Chairs (FOC) and Executive Board
(EB) had a brainstorming session regarding the AC34 event.
Several ideas surfaced including the Club supporting the City
of Sausalito potentially becoming a focal point for city events.
Other ideas include our Club’s Race Committee conducting
a series of youth sailing events. Competing in smaller
catamarans for the Sausalito Cup, the races would lead up to
and continue on after the America’s Cup. Invitations would be
extended to challenger teams making them consider Sausalito
as an alternate venue for their participation. These are all
good ideas, which need to be carefully assessed.
Secondly, we all need to recognize that this event is not just
going to involve the yacht club; our entire community will play
important roles including the hotels, restaurants and local
businesses. To that end, in a meeting last weekend, the Mayor
of Sausalito asked the Club to help facilitate and become part
of a Committee to help organize community support and
involvement in AC34.
Thirdly, today the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Sausalito, along
with members of the FOC and EB, will attend a meeting at
the Golden Gate Yacht club where Latitude 38, the leading
boating publication on the west coast, has invited all Bay
Area yacht clubs to participate in a discussion regarding the
opportunities and plans for the event. Following this meeting
the FOC and EB will be having a planning session to map out
what the club is capable of doing in the way of support for the
effort. At that time we will solicit input from the membership.
Finally, members of the Club’s Race Committee headed
by Chair Dave Borton and supported by Staff Commodore
Tim Prouty and our Race Officer Jeff Zarwell are already in
discussions with AC34 Race Management regarding potential
on the water involvement by SYC which is consistent with our
joint efforts over the past several years collaborating with St.
Francis, San Francisco and Corinthian Yacht Clubs.
I encourage you and all members of our club to put on your
thinking caps and see how we can all be a part of this great
event. Stay posted.
Jim Gabbert, Commodore
GETTING INVOLVED
Dear Commodore,
Will we be working with the other Southern Marin yacht clubs
to organize hospitality opportunities around the America
Cup activities--including preliminary and advance planning
for the AC presence in the Bay Area? We are so ideally
located, it would seem to me our club could be of great help,
and we might find a way to benefit financially. If I can be of
assistance let me know--I work for the President of the Board
of Supervisors.
Susannah Clark
Dear Susannah,
If our recent installation dinner two weeks ago is any
indication, there is a ground swell of support within the
membership to be a part of this historic event, which should
present significant opportunities for our club to benefit and
our members to participate.
We have a new section on our Web site dedicated to news and
information about AC34. You can find the link on the front
page of our Web site.
Also, please see my response to CJ Spady regarding this topic.
Jim Gabbert, Commodore
OUT OF TOWNERS
Dear Commodore,
Is the rate of dues increases the same for regular members as
out of town members? I believe several years ago I was paying
around $100/yr. Now it is $300/yr.
Thank you. Regards
J. Thomas Kornrumpf, member since 1984
Dear Thomas,
I am sending you the reply I got from John Lerner our
Membership Chair. We did raise the dues after no increases
for many years. I belong to Waikiki Yacht Club as a nonresident
member and last year my dues went from $220 to
$420. At the Sausalito Yacht club we have not raised dues in
years and yet our utility bills, property taxes and operating
costs have gone up. I fully appreciate your concern but SYC is
8

ASK THE COMMODORE
still one of the most reasonable yacht clubs and a great place
to spend time. We are a totally different club this year
than we have been. Very positive and planning so many
events for the America’s cup that I think we do give you
value for your membership. Spend some more time with us!
Jim Gabbert, Commodore
As of January 1, 2011, non-resident, annual dues are $300
per year, billed in January. This is a $45 increase over the last
four years when annual, non-resident dues were $255 per
year. John Lerner, Membership Chair
IS THIS FOR REAL?
Hello Good day,
My name is James Douglas and i will like to make some
inquiry from your company. I will like to know if your
company still deal in Sqeegee ? if yes kindly advice back
with the price ranges and types for Squeegee as well as the
availability. Please i will like to confirm if you accept credit
card as form of payment. I will be waiting forward to hear from
you.
Thanks.
James.
Dear James,
If you join our club, you can get a free supply of Squeegee
and, although it could be used for the same purpose as its
bilge-cleanser namesake, I hope you read our magazine
before doing so. I particularly direct your attention to the
paragraphs below.
This excerpt is from an article that appeared in the Squeegee
Weegee Gazette, November 1960 and was written by John
Sweeney, Commodore in 1962, and editor of the newsletter
in 1960: “In 1942, the War had just begun in the Pacific. Its
influence was already being felt in Sausalito with Marinship
growing in the marshes and in the old railroad yard north
of town. Liberty ships and tankers would soon be taking
shape. Meanwhile, seven very young men worked diligently
to establish a yacht club in Sausalito, confident that it would
somehow survive as a permanent organization in spite of the
fact that all of its members eventually became a part of the
war effort. These men worked on their small fleet of boats,
cleaning them with Soogee, a bilge cleaning powder, and
wiping them down with a squeegee. These words became so
popular they were applied to practically everything connected
with the club, including the name of the club itself: the
Squeegee Weegee Yacht Club. Luckily this name didn’t
survive but two things did: The name of this paper, first
published in 1942 and the Squeegee Weegee Perpetual
Trophy.”
You might also be interested in the following information
that appears on our website: The founders conceived and
established the new club on New Year’s Eve of 1942. The
time was right. World War II had called many of the older,
local boat owners to Europe or the Pacific. Before heading
off to war, they trusted their boats to the care of the club’s
young founders, the oldest just three months short of his
seventeenth birthday. The club had several names in the
first few days (including the tongue in cheek Ritz Sailing
and Racquet Club) until Sausalito Yacht Club became the
obvious choice. A mood of teenage rebellion was reflected
in a provision of the first bylaws: no one could join the club
who was older than the oldest founding member. Later, the
maximum age limit was raised, although it was not abandoned
until 1953.
I hope this cleans up any confusion.
Karin Shakery, Squeegee Editor
MEMBERSHIP LIST
Dear Commodore,
Where do we find a list of all members? Is it on our website
and I can’t find it? Will we be receiving new membership
inserts for our red binders!
From anonymous
Dear anonymous,
Members can log into the Member Management Area to view
the Jonas roster of all members. You can search by name,
e-mail, etc. to find people.Go to Member Account Login at
http://www.sausalitoyachtclub.org/member-portal/
We do not plan at this time to print and mail new member
rosters for the red club binders. This is expensive to do and
rapidly becomes out of date due to changes in membership
and contact information.
Jim Gabbert, Commodore
9

EXECUTIVE BOARD
Update
by John Williams,
Chairman, Executive Board
With just 90 days under our belt, here is a
brief update on what your Executive Board
has been focusing on.
FINANCES: By now members should
be aware of the new bill-payment procedures and we urge all of you
to participate. The savings alone will help the Club build a stronger
financial footing.
According to the records, our overdue accounts receivables
amounted to as high as $70,000. Over the past several months the
amount has been reduced to approximately $16,000. This is due to
rebilling accounts of several members who are no longer with us
and, in large part, to the great efforts of Doc Miles, David Spaulding
and Jackie.
This first quarter is generally our slowest from a revenue standpoint.
Your participation in events and more visits to the Club to taste
Leslie’s delights contribute to a stronger bottom line.
FACILITIES: Many of you know that we are faced with a
requirement to meet the ever-stringent Health Department and
City building codes. The costs and timing of these improvements
are being carefully assessed and a comprehensive plan is being
developed. The overriding issues are that these improvements would
still see us with an 82-seat restaurant and no room for expansion
on our current footprint compounded by the fact that our lease
with the city has only 15 years left. Within the next 60 days the
Executive Board will make a presentation of findings together with
recommendations for the membership to consider.
MEMBERSHIP INITIATION FEES: With the
increased interest fueled by the America’s Cup races in 2013
and the quality improvements in our bar and galley operations,
we believe the Club has a greater value to offer new members.
The current discount will be discontinued in the next few months
and we envisage an increase in initiation fees. So, if you have any
boating friends, now would be the best time to encourage them
to join our Club. Keep in mind that all initiation fees go directly
into our building fund, which has been fully restored thanks to the
assessment last year. This fund is the key source of money for the
improvements needed over the next 12 to 18 months.
Should any member have questions regarding the activities
of the Executive Board please contact us at executiveboard@
sausalitoyachtclub.org.
NOMINATIONS
TO ALL SYC MEMBERS
We have nearly two years left until the next state and
national elections, but only a few months to submit candidates
for next year’s SYC leadership. Your Nominating
Committee has met and committed to its charge as
defined in Article X of the bylaws.
The 2011 Nominating
Committee consists of:
· Dave Spaulding, Treasurer Assistant,
Former Treasurer, Member of Finance Committee
· Harry Chapman, member
· John Williams, Chairman, Executive Board
· J. Rigler, Junior Staff Commodore
We need your help in identifying interested, qualified
candidates for the positions of Flag Officers and Chairs
and one Executive Board Director.
According to the bylaws, to serve as Flag Officer or
Chair or on the Board of Directors, the nominee must
be a Regular or Senior member in good standing and
have been a member for a minimum of three (3) years.
A minimum of five (5) years membership is required for
election to the Executive Board of Directors.
A little-known provision in the bylaws, Article VI; Section
2a, allows a member to designate his/her spouse
as the Primary Member in order to be eligible for office.
This provision opens the pool to many highly qualified
AND motivated individuals to support our club.
Please contact any of the members of the Nominating
Committee to make your candidates known.
Thanks for your interest,Your Nominating Committee
nominating@sausalitoyachtclub.org
New Club
Rules and Regulations
adopted January 6, 2011
The Executive Board has approved new Club Rules
and Regulations. Members can view the complete
text of these rules in the Member Portal area of the
club Website. Member login is required.
10

CATERING
by Chef Leslie Durkee
Out with the Fall in with the
Spring bringing new items
to the menu, Thursday Night
BBQ’s and the opening of
the outdoor bar. Ern and I
have been working hard to
keep the wine list in the now;
out with Merlot and Pinot
Noir, in with Grenache and
Malbec. Layer Cake is the current favorite Malbec with
its rich black raspberry and chocolate finishes. As for all
those Chardonnay drinkers, try the J Chardonnay. It still
has your buttery start but with a nice clean finish. The J
Pinot is also another favorite with its strawberry and red
raspberry undertones. In an effort to get more members
trying new wine, we will be featuring a “Wine by the
Glass” every week.
Recently, I ate at a friend’s restaurant and noticed carafes
of wine on the tables. I discovered he is using a small
barrel of wine, which he keeps behind the bar. What a
sustainable way of selling wine – fewer bottles, no waste,
everything recycled – plus a very beautiful barrel to
display. The current one behind our bar is a Raymond
Reserve Cabernet. Come down and enjoy the new stylish
way of drinking wine for the very reasonable price of $25
a carafe.
I hope everyone has been enjoying the thin-crust pizzas
currently being served on Sunday. Look for all the new
menu items. Given the increase in the cost of food and
the halt on a lot of Spring items, I will be challenged to
get even more creative.
Thank all of you for your support on the salmon
movement. We will soon find out if there will be a
season, which will be greatly welcomed. Meanwhile,
enjoy the Wild Steel Head, Sea Bass, and Jumbo
Texas Prawns.
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Dash of cayenne
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
5 pound beef chuck roast
¼ cup oil
Half-bottle red wine (preferably a Zinfandel)
3 cups beef stock
2 cups carrots (chopped into large pieces)
1 cup celery (chopped into large pieces)
3 large yellow onions (chopped into large pieces)
1 bunch fresh, flat-leaf parsley (don’t chop)
Pat roast dry with a towel. Sprinkle meat with dry
ingredients and let sit in the refrigerator for at least
one hour or overnight.
Heat a large skillet; add oil and brown roast on all
sides. (It should get a nice, caramel color.)
Remove roast from skillet and place in a deep
casserole. Add wine, stock, veggies and parsley
sprigs.
Cook at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 hours.
LESLIE’S
POT
ROAST
Remove casserole from oven; transfer roast onto
a platter or board and carefully pour liquid into a
blender and puree. Add more salt and pepper, if
required.
Pour pureed liquid over the roast and serve.
Also, with summer coming, keep in mind that I can
prepare a lunch for you to enjoy eating on your boat.
E-mail or give me a call.
11

SYC PHONE LINES AND EXTENSIONS
Reservations: 332.7400 x115
Office: 332.7400 x117
Catering: 332.7400 x112
Bar: 332.7400 x116
BAR HOURS
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Selected
Wednesday: 5 to 9pm
Thursday; 5 to 10pm
Friday: Noon to Midnight
Saturday: Noon to 11pm
Sunday: 10am to 9pm
GALLEY HOURS
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Summer Race BBQs
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Summer Evening BBQs
Friday: Café Menu: Noon to 3pm | Dinner: 6 to 10pm
Saturday: Café Menu: Noon to 3pm | Dinner: 6 to 9pm
Sunday: Brunch: 10am to 3pm | Dinner: 5 to 8pm
Friday Night
Dining
by Doc Miles, General Manager
The weather is great, the club is
getting busy again and Chef Leslie’s
food just keeps getting better and
better. With the increase in Friday
night business at the Sausalito Yacht
Club, we are making every effort to be
organized in order to assure a pleasant
dining experience for everyone.
Reservations are strongly recommended and the best
way to reserve a table and get a confirmation is to send an
e-mail to any one of these three addresses:
reservations@sausalitoyachtclub.org
gm@sausalitoyachtclub.org
doc@docmiles.com
Or, call the SYC at: 415-332-7400 extension 115.
After 5:00pm for reservations on the same night
e-mail: gm@sausalitoyachtclub.org or doc@docmiles.
com. These addresses go straight to my iPhone.N.B. We
do not pick up reservations made on the SYC telephone
number after 5:00pm. If you need to contact the General
Manager after 5:00pm call 415-244-5655.
Some things to consider about dinner reservations:
The Junior Sailing Room holds a maximum of twelve
people. There is simply no room for additional people. It
is booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The period
7:00 to 8:00pm books up very quickly, so it is advisable
to make your reservations for this time slot a day or two in
advance. Tables for parties of eight or more are limited.
We definitely need advance notice for large parties.
While it is understandable that friends meet at the club on
Friday night and want to join others, parties that grow in
size at the last minute will generally have to wait until space
is available. This could mean waiting until after 8:45pm to
be seated.
Friday night outside-dining reservations are only taken
for 6:00 or 6:30 pm After this time, our kitchen is at
maximum capacity and cannot handle additional outside
dining during the peak 7:00 to 9:00 pm rush.
Annie Sutter, who spends her time between Sausalito and Maui,
presents a new burgee to the Lahaina Yacht Club to replace the
one she delivered 17 years ago. Photo by Joni Larson.
It is great to see the dining room full of members enjoying
the Club. With a little organization and planning we can
give everyone a sensational dining experience.
12

Reverse Mortgages
Let’s have as good a time this May Day as we did last year!
Photo by Gary Ferber.
13

Marotta Yachts of Sausalito
Brokers of Fine Sail and Motor Yachts
415/331-6200 • Fax 415/331-6213
Email info@marottayachts.com
MAROTTA
YACHTS
SAUSALITO
YACHT CLUB
Sausalito, Gateway to San Francisco Bay
Why we’re consistently one of the Bay Area’s most successful brokerages:
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• Long experience with power and sail boats, chartering and cruising
• Open seven days a week (M–F 9–5, Sat. 10–4, Sun. by appointment)
• Proactive brokers with contacts up and down the West Coast
• Licensed Coast Guard Captains
• Continuous brokerage at this location since 1946
100 Bay Street • Sausalito • California 94965