Mar - Portland Yacht Club

March 2009
Vol. 59 No. 3
Crab Feed
Photos by Skip Nitchie

COMMODORE’S COMMENTS
A
s I look out of
my window I
think that I can
see a Crocus or two trying
to break through the
barkdust. This is a sure
sign that spring is just
around the corner. Time is fast approaching
for us to start thinking about dewinterizing
our boats in anticipation of
our first Club cruise or our first sailing
event. Although, I suspect that Mother
Nature still has another blast or two of
winter weather for us.
Sue and I would like to thank all those
Members and guests who attended the
Commodore’s Ball. It was great to have
Fourteen Past Commodore’s and Past
First Ladies’ in attendance. A special
thank you goes to our Master of Ceremonies
for the evening, Mike Stansell. We
would also like to thank our Officer in
Charge Harry Braunstein and Executive
Officer in Charge Walter Witschard for
the PORTLIGHT
published monthly by the
PORTLAND YACHT CLUB
1241 NE Marine Drive
Portland, Oregon 97211
P: 503.285.1922 | Fax: 503.283.4960
Email: office@portlandyc.com
EDITOR
Dale Mack
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Commodore
Jerry Miller (power)
Vice Commodore Nick Johnson (sail)
Secretary/Treasurer Rod Wells (power)
Rear Commodore Berkeley Smith (sail)
Trustee Year 2
Larry Snyder (power)
Trustee Year 2
Gary Eckert (power)
Trustee Year 1
Charlie Bishop (sail)
Trustee Year 1
Michael Lewis (sail)
Trustee 1 Year Term Craig Schambaugh (sail)
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bernie Bills / Stan Borys / Bob Knauer
Skip Nitchie / Frank Tillman
conducting the Change of Command
Ceremonies. The Monarch Hotel again
catered dinner and we dance the evening
away to the sounds of Sandpoint.
The PYC Winter Members Meeting is
March 12. All Members are encouraged
to attend. The primary purpose of this
meeting is to provide the Membership a
report by the Finance Committee of the
Auditors findings of the Reviewed Financial
Statement for 2008. There will also be
an update by our various committees on
their activities for the year.
As I write this article, the Annual Crab
Feed, again co-chaired by Jimmy and
Sandi Hansen and Mike and Tammy
House, is just days away. The Hansen’s
and the House’s always come through
with an outstanding event. Hope to see
you all there!
Our first cruise of the year is our annual
St Patrick’s Day Cruise to the
Outstation. Past Commodore Doug Foster
will be conducting the Fourth Annual
Ceremonial “Burning of the Socks” celebrating
the end of winter and the beginning
of spring. We will make arrangements
for VSC Inspections to be conducted
on Saturday March 14 at the Outstation.
On the subject of VSC Inspections, all
Boat Owning Members are reminded that
a copy of your VSC Inspection Report
must be submitted to the PYC Office annually.
Starting April 1, our weekly Wednesday
lunch will resume. We will use the same
format as last year. This is an excellent
opportunity for you to bring your friends,
business associates and potential members
to our club.
A special thanks goes out to Bob Bishop,
our Membership Chairman, and those
Members who help man the PYC Booth
at the Portland Boat Show. We had
thirty-four parties sign membership interest
cards. These individuals will be invited
to a special open-house on March 8 followed
by a special one-day cruise to the
Outstation aboard Member boats on
March 22. If you signed anyone up at the
Boat Show it would be great if you could
participate in the open-house/cruise
events. Check with Julie to see if the folks
you signed up will be attending. This special
open-house and day cruise is not just
limited to those who signed up at the Boat
Show. If you know of other potential
new members, this would be a great opportunity
to show them our wonderful
facilities.
Speaking of the Outstation, Gary Erdahl
has scheduled our annual Outstation
Spring Clean-up for Saturday March 7. A
sign-up sheet will be posted on the bulletin
board. Remember, Confucius says,
“Many hands make for short work”.
Cookouts are scheduled for March 6 and
March 20, an Educational Session is
scheduled for March 21 and Happy Hour
is scheduled every Friday starting at 3:00.
CRYA Opening Day is scheduled for Saturday
May 2. The theme for this year is
“Building Bridges”. Michael and Denise
Hahn have again volunteered to host our
Opening Day Brunch. As you may recall,
last year we had 116 PYC boats participate
in the Opening Day Parade, a feat
not likely to be accomplished again.
However, our Past Commodore and 2009
Fleet Captain Heather Adams and I are
encouraging our Membership to again rise
to the cause and turn-out and participate
in the CRYA Opening Day Parade. Let’s
show the other CRYA Member Clubs that
PYC is just not a one-time “flash in the
pan”! A sign-up sheet will be posted in the
near future.
Remember, it’s never too late to volunteer
to help out. Also, we are all reminded to
make our event reservations early.
Join us for “Fun Times in ‘09”
Jerry Miller
Commodore
M/V Marisol
2 PortlandYC.com March 2009

GOVERNMENT ISLAND, WEST—SANDY BEACH
S
andy Beach Marine Park is under
construction. The new transient
docks will be located on the north
shore of Government Island just downstream
of Government Island Landing.
The facility is scheduled to be open by
mid-April. The NW Outboard Trailer
MANAGER’S REPORT
T
he water will be
turned on in the
moorage and at the
outstation by March 6th.
This should give you time
to wash and refill your water
tanks before the St.
Patty’s cruise to the outstation. We have
had quite the winter weather and hope for
a good boating season this year.
We will begin Wednesday lunches on
April 1st. Service will be from 11:30 until
1:30. The staff looks forward to another
successful season. See you there.
Sailors will be the first Columbia River
Yachting Association member to use the
park on April 18-19.
The Government Island Landing ramp to
shore is down.
For those members with a rule book,
please refer to Article IV, Section 1, Q, R,
and S of the Moorage Rules. This refers
to VSC, Registration and Insurance requirements.
These rules are the issues that
the office deals with on a daily basis. I
have heard through the grapevine that the
Sherriff‘s River Patrol officers will be going
through the moorages along the river
checking for proper registration and safety
violations. For those in the open moorage,
only 12-3 extension cords or 30 amp
marine cords are legal.
Fred Carter
Manager
3rd Thursday, 10 am—2:30 pm
Everyone Welcome. Bring a Lunch.
ADVERTISE IN THE PORTLIGHT!
For information about commercial advertising in the Portlight,
please contact the PYC office
at 503.285.1922 or email: office@portlandyc.com
Portlight
Deadline
March 10
You can email articles and photos to:
Dale Mack
celtic-myst@comcast.net
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 3

EDUCATION DOCK
Training Session
March 21, 2009
Rodger's Marine, our local electronics and
navigation equipment specialists will make
a presentation to the Club on the latest
developments in marine electronics, and
where the industry is headed. The session
will put emphasis on the Automatic Identification
System, AIS, and will have an
open forum for questions and answers.
Tom Winslow
M/V Tranquility
CRUISING
Signup Early for the St. Patrick’s Day Cruise
A
s
soon at the water is turned back on in the marina, after being off for the winter,
you’ll hear the buzz of power washers preparing the vessels for another fun
boating season. Get those Spring projects done…..we’ve got “boating” to do!!!
PYC’s Cruising Committees have some fun cruises on the calendar! Remember to reserve
the cruise dates on your personal calendars when planning your 2009 vacations.
The St. Patrick’s Cruise Committee has been busy working on a fun filled weekend to
kick off the 2009 Cruising Season!!! We’re hoping everyone will join in on the fun and
activities. Please don’t forget to make your reservations early! When you reserve your
spot, please include your vessel type (sail or power) and over-all length and width. This
information will help Mike Stansell, our Dock Master, when he plans the placement of
the boats at the outstation. Doug Foster has agreed to do the traditional Sock Burning
Ceremony again this year. This ceremony celebrates the passing of winter and the coming
of spring. So, bring your socks to burn! We have also arranged for Mark Hall and
his band to entertain us on Saturday night…..bring your dancing shoes!!
We hope to see you at the Outstation on March 13th!!!
Brian and Donna Moore
Cruising Committee
M/V Talisman
MEMBERSHIP
Membership Committee Report
T
he
Portland Yacht Club booth at the 2009 Portland Boat
Show resulted in an even greater response from the boating
public than last year. As of this writing, 39 prospects
have shown an interest in the advantages and benefits of yacht
club membership. The Committee extends many thanks to the
thirty volunteer couples who have “sold” our Club to prospective
members.
An Open House for the prospects and their respective sponsors
will be held at the Club on March 8th. Sponsors and prospects
will be contacted by mail. As a follow-up to the Open House,
there will be a hosted flotilla to the Outstation on March 22nd.
Again, many thanks to those members who had taken the time
to introduce the Club to many boaters. Our Commodore and
First Lady, along with the Vice-Commodore and his Lady
worked the booth multiple times. Through their combined efforts,
our Second Century is off to a great start.
Bob Bishop
M/V Three Hour Tour
New Member
J
eff Robertson joined the
ranks of PYC in January.
He pilots a Meridian 39
named Cocktails. This suits
Jeff, as he owns the Rose City
Liquor Store.
He grew up fishing with his
father. Later he bought a boat
to continue fishing, pushed on to a ski boat and finally ended
with something he could sleep on.
His boating in the Portland area includes membership in the
TYEE YC where he is an active member of their Board of Directors.
At this writing he has been to two cookouts. The first
he was introduced and the second he supplied special prizes
from his business for the movie trivia contest. I think we are
going to like this man a lot.
Skip Nitchie
M/V Gilligan
4 PortlandYC.com March 2009

CRUISING
St. Patrick’s Day Cruise
Join us for the first Cruise of 2009!
Come To the Outstation at Willow Bar ~
March 13 th , 14 th & 15 th
Friday ~
Saturday ~
Sunday ~
Dock Greeting at Arrival
Appetizer Potluck with Green Beer
Sock Burning Ceremony at Dusk ~ Bring your old socks!
Early Morning Juice & Coffee
Potluck Brunch ~ Prize for following the holiday theme
Lunch on your own
Afternoon Dock Activities
Vessel Safety Checks
Happy Hour
Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie Dinner & Dessert
Evening Entertainment- Live music by Mark Hall’s Band
Early Morning Juice & Coffee
Continental Breakfast
There will be coffee and whipping cream available for
Irish Coffee during happy hours……
Bring Your Own Irish Whiskey!
Adults: $17.00 Children: $8.50
PLEASE - RSVP Early to reserve your spot! Please include your boat information:
Sail or Power, Overall Length & Width
PYC Reservation Line ~ (503) 735-0632
Or Email to ~ office@portlandyc.com
Questions Call your Cruise Committee!! ~
The “O’Moore’s”, “MacStuckey’s” or
”O’Bishop’s”
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 5

PALM SPRINGS RAMBLINGS—COTHRELL POTLUCK
T
he weather in Palm Springs during the
month of January was just perfect. Our
weekdays started out with a 9:00 AM
walk to Jack In The Box for coffee and opinions.
There are two of these establishments
approximately the same distance (1.5 miles), so
a major decision had to be made each morning.
As you know, decisions take time!
The golf in the wintertime here is unbelievable. The sky is a deep blue, the sun is shinning,
the temperature is in the 70's, and golf ball bounces on the fairway. It is the perfect
place for winter golf. After a round of golf, your golf balls, irons, and shoes are
clean! In addition, you can still play golf at a reasonable price.
The pool (88 degrees) is a great place to relax in the afternoon. Imagine being surrounded
by lush lawn, beautiful flowers, and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze.
It is such a dramatic change from the weather back home. On a Thursday evening,
you can have a milk shake & burger at Ruby's, and enjoy the surroundings of a restaurant
from the 50's. Then you can walk the downtown Palm Springs Street-fair, where
various vendors are selling unique items.
Byron & Diane Hanke hosted a heavy hors d' oeuvres party in their new digs at Mission
Hills. All awed at the remodeling of their residence. The view of the golf course
from their patio is just beautiful. Diane provided all of the delicacies, and they were
delicious. An enjoyed the party!
LeRoy & Janice Cothrell hosted a pot luck get-together at their beautiful home in Bermuda
Dunes, which over looks a golf course. The assortment of foods (especially
Janice's ham) satisfied everyone's taste. Afterwards, Bridge, Pinochle, & Mexican Train
games rounded out the rest of the evening.
The following people were in attendance in Palm Springs (Jan. - Mar.): Vic & Jody
Alfonso, Norm & Marion Benke, Stan & Ros Borys, Mal & Peggy Brewer, Stan &
Corki Christiansen, LeRoy & Janice Cothrell, Glen & Lois Elliott, Byron & Diane
Hanke, Ken & Norene Kudrna, Bob Lyon, Ron & Linda Nurss, Karen Owings & Bill
Yoder, Dennis & Lynne Patera, Bill & Kitty Paxson, Dick & Geri Peyran, Art & Adabell
Phillips, Howard & Donna Shaw, Sam & Judy Sloan, Jim & Gail Smith, Bob &
Elaine Sudlow, Michael & Beverly Walker.
Stan Borys (Roving Palm Springs Reporter)
PALM SPRINGS RAMBLINGS—HANKE APPETIZER PARTY
6 PortlandYC.com March 2009

COMING EVENTS
Winter Meeting
Thursday March 12
Complimentary beer & hot dogs 1800 hrs
Meeting starts at 1900 hours
Yearly Financial Review
Committee Reports
To prepare for the food and seating
please make your reservations
to the Office by March 10
Dress Casual
March Cookouts
March 6th Movie Night
“WIND”
Story set around the
1987 America’s Cup
yachting competition in
Perth, Australia.
Rated PG13
March 20th Regular Cookout
Outstation Annual
Spring Clean-up
Saturday, March 7th
Starting at 0900 hr —
Done by 1300 hr
Lunch provided
Bring your
Gas Powered
Power Washer
Sign-up sheet on the club bulletin board
Children’s
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 11
9:30—12:00
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Face Painting
• Balloon Art
• Coffee, Juice, &
Snacks for Kids and
Adults
• BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket)
Cost: $4 per person
Reservations by April 8
503-735-0632 or www.portlandyc.com
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 7

COMMODORE’S BALL—JANUARY 17
Photos by Bob Knauer
8 PortlandYC.com March 2009

COMMODORE’S BALL—JANUARY 17
Photos by Sonjia Smethers & Bernie Bills
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 9

VESSEL SAFETY CHECK
S
tart the new boating year with your vessel safety check.
It is important to your boat, your crew and to your moorage.
A biennial VSC is required for every vessel in the club, whether berthed at the club or elsewhere.
One of the Opening Day criteria for scoring is the club’s percentage of inspected vessels.
This year, there will be inspectors at the St. Patrick’s Day cruise as well as the Stag Cruise.
Look for an inspector and let’s get inspected before the last minute rush of Opening Day.
PYC Members and Staff who are Certified Vessel Inspectors are:
Larry Snyder 503-737-1509 / John McCoy 503-657-5253 / Terry Truan-at the Club
If you need information on the inspection requirements, go to: http://www.safetyseal.net
PYC CENTENNIAL BOOK
Centennial Book Reminder
PYC’s Centennial Book is available for pickup at the club office for all categories of members.
One copy of the 100-page book, which traces our history from 1908 to 2008, will be given to each
member at no charge, with additional copies available at $15.00 each.
Members may pick up their copy throughout March at the club. After April 1, unclaimed books
will be mailed to members, who will be charged for postage (about $5.00).
Bill Chevalier
M/V Gerri-L
A REMINDER OF PYC RULES
Don’t Forget
1. Dog must be on a leash at all times while on PYC property.
2. Return carts after use.
3. No dogs allowed in clubhouse, patio at any time, or the outstation pavilion while food is served.
4. Your boat and boathouse (if applicable) must be insured and documentation provided to PYC annually.
5. A VSC decal must be displayed on your vessel.
6. Three night consecutive stays are allowed, but no liveaboards are allowed at PYC facilities.
7. Members are responsible to assure their guests are in compliance with PYC rules.
8. Alcohol consumed at the PYC clubhouse must be purchased at the PYC clubhouse.
9. Moorage at the outstation is limited to seven (7) consecutive nights unless approved by the club manager.
10. With club manager permission boat trailers may be left in the parking lot for up to two (2) weeks.
11. Members, guests, and others using the PYC facilities are expected to behave at all times in a manner reflecting favorably
upon the club.
12. No smoking is allowed inside of the clubhouse. There are no exceptions.
10 PortlandYC.com March 2009

CRAB FEED—FEBRUARY 14
Photos by Skip Nitchie
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 11

MAINTENANCE
Please use the PYC maintenance request form when bring a problem to the attention of
the Club. While the PYC staff appreciates members alerting the staff to problems, less
urgent needs are not likely to be forgotten when submitted in writing instead of delivered
verbally. Forms are available on the Club’s bulletin board.
Requested by:
PYC Maintenance Request Form
Phone:
Problem Description:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
SAILOR’S DINNER
Portland Yacht Club
2009 Sailors’ Dinner
Friday
April 17th
Awards &
Special
Presenters
Problem Location:
Solution:
For PYC use only
Date received by PYC: Completion Date: Completed by:
Time to complete: Dockmaster signoff: Date:
Cost: $20
1800 Social ~ 1900 Dinner
Fred’s Famous Prime Rib
Ladies Spring Dinner
Hosted by
Portland Yacht Club
Mark your calendars for April 23
Join the Fun
“Cruising the Northwest”
Details to following the April Portlight
12 PortlandYC.com March 2009

EDUCATION DOCK—JANUARY 31
Photos by Bob Knauer
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 13

COOKOUT—FEBRUARY 6
Photos by Bob Knauer & Skip Nitchie
14 PortlandYC.com March 2009

COMING EVENTS
MON TUE WED THURS FRI SAT SUN
23 24 25
26 27
28
1 MARCH
Golf
Happy Hour
Lunch
Private Party
2 3 4
5 6
7
8
Golf
Cookout
Happy Hour
Outstation Clean Up
Lunch
9 10
11
12
13
14
15 Daylight Savings
Portlight Deadline
Golf
Winter Meeting
St. Patrick’s Day
Cruise, Outstation
Happy Hour
St. Patrick’s Day
Cruise, Outstation
Lunch
St. Patrick’s Day
Cruise, Outstation
16 17
18
19
20
21
22
St. Patrick’s Day
Board Meeting
Golf
Bridge Club
Cookout
Happy Hour
Education Session
Lunch
23 24 25
26 27
28
29
Golf
Happy Hour
Lunch
30 31 1 APRIL
2 3
4
5
Lunch
Golf
Cookout
Happy Hour
Education Session
Lunch
6 7 8
9 10
11
12
Lunch
Golf
Portlight Deadline
Happy Hour
Children’s Easter Egg
Hunt
No Lunch
Easter
13 14 15
16
17
18
19
Board Meeting
Lunch
Golf
Bridge Club
Sailor’s Dinner
Happy Hour
Opening Day Regatta
Lunch
Opening Day Regatta
Dinner &
Awards
20 21 22
23
24
25
26
Lunch
Golf
Ladies’ Spring Dinner
Stag Cruise, Outstation
Happy Hour
Stage Cruise, Outstation
Lunch
Stag Cruise, Outstation
Sales - Installation - Service
Please consider us for your next boat equipment or electronics project
Visit our website for details on services we provide www.rodgersmarine.com
3445 N.E. Marine Drive Portland, OR 97211
Phone 503-287-1101 FAX 503-288-3745 sales@rodgersmarine.com
March 2009 PortlandYC.com 15

PYC OFFICER FLAGS
Photo by Bob Knauer
Portland Yacht Club
1241 NE Marine Drive
Portland, OR 97211
16 PortlandYC.com March 2009