Where's the Burgee? - Encinal Yacht Club

From the President and 

From the Bridge 

End of term for Tony 

and Victor. 

Pages 3 & 4 

Photo by Rod Kidd 

SOUNDINGS 

ENCINAL YACHT CLUB 

House News 

Commodore’s Ball, 

Halloween and a Very 

busy November and 

December 

Pages 5-9 

Cruising News... 

Presidio Yacht Club 

cruise out and Jack 

Frost 2012-13 sched- 

ule. 

Pages 10-11 & 19 

ENCINAL YACHT CLUB · 1251 PACIFIC MARINA · ALAMEDA · CA · 94501 · 510.522.3272 

From the Juniors... 

The Tuleburg Regatta 

results. 

NOVEMBER 2012 

Pages 16-17 

Former EYC Commodores attend Commodore’s Ball, 2012 

Former Commodore’s participating in this year’s Commodore’s Ball included (from left to 

right): Tony Shaffer, Charles Hodgkins, Chuck Wetteroth, Al Burrow, Hal Wondolleck, 

Tom Wondolleck, Larry Duke, Klaus Kutz, Richard Pipkin, Rodney Pimentel. (Photo by 

Fred Fago.)

2 NOVEMBER 2012 

2011 Board of Directors 

President Tony Shaffer 

Sr. Vice President Kevin Clark 

Vice President Sam Benson 

Treasurer Thom Kay 

Commodore Victor Early 

Vice Commodore Michael Andrews 

Rear Commodore Susan Jacquelin 

Director Peter Aschwanden 

Director Niels Glaser 

Director Dan Hayes 

Director Anita Mahoney 

Committee Chairpersons 

Membership Peggy Kidd & Ray Thomas 

Finance Charley Eddy 

Boat Yard Holger Grygiel 

Building & Grounds Dan Hayes 

House Anita Mahoney 

Youth Niels Glaser 

Cruise Captains Jim & Jen Vickers 

Informa;on Technology Darrell Powell-Ford 

Long Range Planning Carol Blackburn 

Nomina;ng Michael Scheck 

Appointed Officers 

Port Captain Michael Byroads 

Small Boat Captain Chris Golian 

Power Boat Fleet Captain Christopher Hanson 

Commi=ee Boat Chuck We=eroth 

Member Liaison Vern Bendsen 

Club Counsel Christopher Hanson 

Soundings Editor Tom Sheehan 

Web Master Don Ahrens 

Club Historians Debra Early 

Heidi Benson 

NCPCA Delegate Marguerite Lawry 

PICYA Delegates Linda Bendsen 

Fred Rutledge 

Tony Shaffer 

Staff Commodore Charles Hodgkins 

Junior Staff Commodore Tom Wondolleck 

Secretary John Becket 

Staff 

General Manager Tony Shaffer (ac;ng) 

Office Administrator Jessica Matamoros 

Bar and Dining Room Manager Lisa Ayala 

Assistant Administrator Angelica Watson 

Bookkeeper Virginia Hamilton 

Caterer Manny Rodriquez 

Junior Sailing Director Andrew Nelson 

SOUNDINGS 

Policies 

SOUNDINGS will be published monthly. Submissions 

will be handled with reasonable care, but no liability is 

assumed for them. All articles are subject to editing for 

content and space consideration. 

PERMISSIONS: Material in this publication may not be 

reproduced in any form without written permission di- 

rected to the Editor. 

DEADLINE: Articles and photographs are due by the 

20th of the month prior to publication. Late submissions 

cannot be assured of publication. Articles may be 

dropped off or faxed to the Club, or emailed to 

the Editor (Tom Sheehan) at 

tpsheehan@aol.com 

Encinal Yacht Club 

Established 1890 

1251 Pacific Marina 

Alameda, CA 94501 

Office (510) 522-3272 

Bar (510) 865-1303 

Fax (510) 865-8630 

www.encinal.org 

Office Hours 

Tuesday—Sunday .................................................................. 9:00am – 5:00 pm 

Dining Room 

Thursday - Sunday ..................................... Lunch Service 11:30am – 2:00pm 

Thursday - Sunday ..................................................Dinner 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm 

First Thursday (Buffet) ..........................................Dinner 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm 

Bar Hours 

Monday (Monday Night Football) …….……………………….5:30pm — 9:00pm 

Thursday – Saturday ......................................................... 11:30am – 10:00 pm 

Sunday ................................................................................ 11:30 am – 9:00 pm 

ENCINAL YACHT CLUB · 1251 PACIFIC MARINA · ALAMEDA · CA · 94501 · 510.522.3272


FROM THE 

To the EYC community: 

PRESIDENT... 

SOUNDINGS 

Tony Shaffer . 

As we wind down the year, I have to think about how much the board was able to accomplish 

this year. Our accomplishments have included finishing many carryover projects; 

like installing the new gangway to the docks, and finishing up the BCDC Pathway, a project 

started in 1987. It does take an army to finish many of these projects. Members like 

Rodney Pimentel, Niels Glaser, Mark Bernhard, Kevin Clark and many, many other 

EYC volunteers help keep our club in good running condition. And always, on and off the 

scene is Dan Hayes, making sure that every one of these projects is integrated into the 

club smoothly. 

The EYC Flag has done a great job and this year on the water has been very smooth and 

seamless. 

Financially, we have made gains this year. You may remember that the first quarter of 

this year was very tight financially. There was concern that we could go cash negative; 

but with Rene de Vos watching the spending, coupled with the cost cutting restructuring 

that took place last year, we were able to stay cash flow positive. As the year progressed 

we have been able to pull away from that cash strapped cliff. If we stay on the current 

course, we are looking good for the first Quarter 2013. This should give our incoming 

management team a good start on pursuing value added projects for the club next year. 

It has been an honor sitting in the President’s seat for the club this year. 

Sincerely, 

Tony 

P. S. I remember one of my first Soundings articles in 2007 where I highlighted the differences 

of being Commodore and being President. I remember stating that Commodore is 

the fun job. After serving in both positions……….I was right!!! I am going to have a glass 

of wine and celebrate finishing my last Soundings Article, ever! See you on the water, 

and at the Bar! 



Hello to All, 

FROM THE BRIDGE... 

SOUNDINGS 

Victor Early 

As I write this I am concluding my official term of leadership at Encinal Yacht Club. It has 

been an amazing four-year voyage for me, starting as your Port Captain and ending as 

your Commodore. I learned tremendously along the way; from the experiences with fellow 

members and from fellow Commodores. 

I feel we have a strong club that will continue well into the future, as long as we continue 

the traditions developed over the past 120 years. Change in the club has occurred in the 

past when conditions warranted, but somehow our traditions have endured to make us 

what we are. 

I would like to extend my thank you to the EYC Board of 2012 for making this a smooth 

and pleasurable year, and to the Flag Officers; Michael Andrews and Susan Jacquelin, 

the Small Boat Fleet Captain; Chris Golian, the Cruising Fleet Captains; Jim and Jen 

Vickers, and the Port Captain; Mike Byroads for managing and successfully conducting 

the on-the-water events that make us want to be at the club so often. 

Victor 


See you on the water, 

Photo by Fred Fago


Photo by Fred Fago 

SOUNDINGS 

Commodore’s Ball, 2012 


Photo by Fred Fago


SOUNDINGS 



Photo by Darrell Powell-Ford 

Past EYC presidents (from left to right): Mark Bernhard, Carol Blackburn, Niels Glaser, Al Burrow, Mike 

Scheck, Lance Bateman and Klaus Kutz. (All photos compliments of Fred Fago.) 

Woody Minor with EYC Historian Debra Early. EYC Staff at the Commodore’s Ball.


SOUNDINGS 


Commodore Victor Early presenting Rodney Pimentel the 2012 

Arnold W. Silsby Memorial Trophy; “Yachtsman of the Year”. 

Vice Commodore Michael Andrews and Rear Commodore 

Susan Jacquelin presenting Chris Golian the Dan E. Fleming 

Memorial Trophy; “Race Committee Member of the Year”. 


Photo by Darrell Powell-Ford


FROM THE 

HOUSE DIRECTOR... 

Anita Mahoney 

The year is winding down but the holidays are winding up. 

SOUNDINGS 

The Commodore’s Ball was a gala event. The evening began with live music in the lounge 

along with passed appetizers and continued to a wonderful full course dinner prepared by 

our Chef Manny and served by our staff that did an outstanding job. This was followed 

with dancing to a five piece band. A lot of time and effort was put in by both Victor and 

Deborah Early to make it a very special evening. I know all those that attended could feel 

a very genuine touch that they brought. Many walked away with more knowledge about 

Encinal Yacht Club and its beginnings and history. I believe we all learned a great deal 

about our club and how special it is. I hope that the traditions can continue for many 

years ahead. 

There has been a lot going on around the house. Thanks to Dan Hayes and his crew of 

volunteers who have been busy painting, installing and repairing. The projects never 

stop. Please tell Dan thank you when you see him for all his work. The club has never 

looked so good. 

I especially want to thank all of our staff for the great job they are doing in helping making 

our events a success. I could not do it without them. 

We still have a few more events before the year is up. Change of Watch, November 10 th, 

Cruising Awards Dinner, November 30 th, Holiday Wine Tasting, December 6 th, Lighted 

Boat Parade, December 1 st, Children’s Christmas Party December 9 th and New 

Years Eve, December 31 st. 

Our Monday Night Football is getting closer to purchasing and installing the new big 

screen TV in the lounge. All the funds are being raised by donations from our members. 

I know many of you are looking forward to this. 


Anita 

Anita


SOUNDINGS 

2012 Halloween Party 


Photos by Ray Thomas


CRUISING NEWS... 

SOUNDINGS 

Presidio Yacht Club Cruise, by Bill Blackburn 

The Presidio Yacht Club is located in Horseshoe Cove right next to the Golden Gate 

Bridge. It is arguably the most beautiful site and the funkiest set of docks you can imagine. 

Funkiest is being kind. The marina is under the jurisdiction of the US Air 

Force, run from an office at Travis AFB, and a state- of- the -art maritime facility is not 

a priority. 

Despite the patched up, lashed together, decaying wood docks, the improvised gangways, 

the salvaged gate doors and quasi-deserted vessels left to rot, the place does 

have a lot of charm, is fun to sail to, alive with water fowl and the views are impressive. 

Even the late night and early morning groan of the foghorns is a change of experience. 

So it was into this setting that the EYC Cruise fleet set out, under the guidance of the 

Dury’s aboard Paramour. She, Nova and Jolly Mon arrived under cloudy skies on 

Friday, October 13 th. 

After appropriate libations, David, Anneke, Mike, Ina, Roland and Galen strolled up to 

the very toney Caballa Cove restaurant for dinner in the bar, enjoying the beautiful 

view across the great lawn, over the harbor and the Golden Gate Bridge. The view 

made up for the $ 17.00 hamburgers. 

Finally we got a break in the weather pattern over the previous weeks and on Saturday 

the sun shone early, the air was warm-perfect for sailing. The racing sloop Bastante 

waited until noon to catch the rather impressive ebb tide. The bay was flat, the light 

breeze was warm but too light to sail so it was a motor all the way. How many times 

have you seen a glass sea in the slot? The City waterfront was busy and beautiful, 

this is how boating should be. As we approached the rather obscure entrance to 

Horseshoe Cove the ebb tide was quite strong and I had visions of going under the 

bridge backwards, but a little eddy just before the rocks calmed everything down and 

we followed a large harbor seal into the harbor. 

We found our appointed slip near the breakwater, so did a school of nice sized fish 

and so did the large harbor seal. It dove and swam around, even slapping the side of 

our boat with its tail as it pursued lunch. Marine World event right in our slip and I 

had visions of the seal climbing aboard Bastante during the night like they do on Pier 

39. Never happened! 



While we were enjoying an arrival toddy 

with Mike Pernitzke, Joyride came racing 

in, found a slip, but had to move as 

the owner came in, found another vacant 

slip and settled in. Communications 

with the powers to be were a little 

loose. Louie is the harbormaster, Steve 

is another, Bob runs the restaurant 

and they all seem to be in charge without 

any idea what’s going on, but they 

will take the $20.00 slip fee and maybe 

give out a key. 

SOUNDINGS 

None of this mattered as we gathered 

for the evening cocktail hour on the 

guest dock. Last time we were here 

they were remodeling the Yacht Clubs main room so we went upstairs to the little restaurant. 

This time we did the same and moved chairs around so we had a great view 

out the bay window, ordered hamburgers and wine and got ready for a great evening. 

OOPS! We didn’t know that two tables were waiting for us downstairs in the clubroom. 

Down we went and there they were just beginning their Saturday night function. The 

commodore came over and apologized for the miss communication, introduced Encinal 

to the applause of their members and we enjoyed the buffet and wine. We supported 

their club by participating in the raffle as we should, and had a nice time while the 

music boomed and laughter filled the upstairs restaurant. Last time we partied and 

danced upstairs to the late hours, this time we all walked back to the boats after dinner 

– are we just getting old? 

Sunday morning was a little foggy and a really strong flood tide was pouring through 

the gate- maxing out at 10:00AM. Nova chose to take advantage of the flood and left 

first, Bastante followed a little later. Meanwhile breakfast was being served, thanks to 

the Vickers’ signature Spanish egg dish, on Jolly Mon, so they all enjoyed the morning 

until it was time to leave. 

The cruise home for us was very invigorating. There was very little wind, so another 

flat, glassy sea. The water and sky were about the same gray with the thin sun making 

diamonds on the water. With the gray monotone, the black fins and arches of the 

dozens of porpoises working the tide line were easily seen and entertained most of the 

way back. By the time we pulled into the slip the sun was full and getting hot, Jolly 

Mon had passed us close to the Estuary, Nova was buttoned up in the slip, Joyride 

and Paramour were taking their time – it was a weekend on the bay that makes boating 

and our cruises worthwhile. Commodore’s Cruise coming up to close the season, 

try and make it. 



MEMBERSHIP NEWS... 

Please welcome new members: 

SOUNDINGS 

Peggy Kidd & Ray Thomas 

Please welcome Paul Cayard. If you’ve been sailing the Bay for a number of years, then 

Paul really needs no introduction. He’s our local boy in the America’s Cup venue and 

holds the prestigious title of CEO & Tactician for the Artemis Racing Team at Alameda 

Point. A professional sailor, Paul has an extensive and impressive resume. 

Chris Mitchell is also a member of the Artemis Racing Team and holds the prestigious 

position of Wing Engineer for the team. He is also a member of Point Chevalier Sailing 

Club in New Zealand. 

Eduardo Sanchez & wife Maria Silvana Dieto and their son Tomas, age 11 and daughter 

Serena, age 8. Both of their children will be joining the EYC Jr. Sailing Program. Eduardo 

is another Artemis Racing Team member. He is the Machinist-Engineer for the Artemis 

Racing Team and has a duel membership with the 400 Yacht Club in Argentina. 

Jack and Kari Boeger have two children, Simon age 11 and Henry age 8. Both boys 

want to get more involved with year-round youth sailing. Jack serves on Alameda’s 

America’s Cup committee and runs the website for OYC and Alameda Waterfront.com 

Maya and Eran Raber live in Orinda and their son Guy, age 16, participates in our high 

school racing team. Maya and Eran are looking forward to participating more in our junior 

sailing program. 

Theo and Lisa Rohr and their son Ben, age 15. Ben is also participating in our high 

school Jr. Sailing Program. Both Theo and Lisa have spent a life time sailing and racing 

Star boats and Theo has a 1600 ton tug license. 

Thomas & Katy Burns are recently retired (he as an airline maintenance instructor) and 

recently moved to Alameda. They sail KEKUMU, a Colgate 26. They have an extensive 

sailing resume including offshore passages and are interested in joining our cruising program. 



SOUNDINGS 

Merle & Bonnie Hall live in Lafayette. Between 1991 – 1998 they circumnavigated the 

globe in their Pedrick 55. Currently they own Hana Hou, a Jeanneau 49 which they 

keep in Marina Village Yacht Harbor. 

Steve Meckfessel & Kim Busch have joined the yacht club. Most Marina Village tenants 

know Steve and have seen him frequently walking the docks. Steve is the property manager 

and part owner of the marina that most of EYC members patronize and enjoy. 

Thank you, Steve, for taking care of our marina that we love so much. 

We welcome these members and thank them for choosing Encinal Yacht Club as 

their yacht club of choice. 

Members: Our Board has elected to continue to offer a 50% reduction off our initiation 

fee of $1,000 for any new member who joins our club between now and March 

31, 2013 If you know of anyone thinking of joining a yacht club, encourage them 

to give Encinal Yacht Club a visit. Aside from the obvious, we offer our members 

numerous social activities for all ages, fabulous cruise outs, a wide variety of interesting 

members, plus an award winning Jr. Sailing Program. 

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEMBERSHIP: If you’re thinking of casting 

off the dock lines in the very near future to go cruising and still want to fly the 

Encinal Y.C. burgee, according to our By-Laws, you must be a Regular member for 

12 consecutive months to qualify for a discounted Cruising Membership. If you’re 

talking to your dock neighbors, help us spread this piece of knowledge and encourage 

them to join our club well before their departure date. The use of reciprocal 

privileges while sailing down the coast is a huge benefit for joining any yacht club. 

Our burgee and club reputation is well known and respected throughout Mexico and 

beyond. 



OUT OF THE ARCHIVES 

Compiled by Debra Early 

1940s: Growth, War, Growth, Retraction 

Photo by Tony Shaffer 

SOUNDINGS 

We were so lucky to have Woody Minor at the Commodore’s Ball! This summary continues 

the chronological decade reporting and covers the 1940s of the club’s history, 

which is summarized to a large extent on his book “On the Bay”. I’m also looking for 

good ideas to supplement, stories and more pictures, so just let me know! 

The revival of small boats and boat building continued into the early 1940s. 

The club was getting ready to celebrate its 50 year anniversary, and a huge storm blew 

through in 1941, the largest since 1892. The clubhouse and bathhouses came 

through the storm well, but the walkway and workshop were severely damaged. The 

damages were estimated at $4,000 and were covered primarily by insurance. Due to 

the 50 year celebration, the repairs were quickly completed in time for the opening day 

weekend in May. 

The season prior to the war in 1941 was busy for regattas. The Snipe regattas on the 

bay attracted over 40 boats, and an Alameda around the island regatta attracted 25. 

Then the Second World War began in 1942, lasting to 1945. The war years, due to industry, 

increased population in the bay area by ½ million and had a huge impact on 

Alameda due to our proximity to the water, airports and rail. 

The club lost older membership, yet attracted new family members during this period. 

There were many bowling, handball, and bingo parties. There were also special Halloween 

and Christmas parties. 

Yachting was extremely limited and most regattas were discontinued, including the 

Snipe around the Island, the last being pre-war in 1941. 



SOUNDINGS 

However, yachting resurged after the war, to an extent, although Alameda was in a period 

of economic transition. Post-war resulted in many retractions in shipping, the 

presence of the Navy and Coast Guard decreased. The population waned, yet the club 

survived just fine for a while on low fees topping with a high membership of 225 right 

after the war. However, the club could not survive on these low fees that had not 

changed from the 1920s. As expected, as fees increased, membership decreased ending 

the decade on a somewhat lower note. 



Debra


FROM 

JUNIOR SAILING DIRECTOR... 

SOUNDINGS 

Andrew Nelson 

Alameda, Athenian, Miramonte, and Oakland Tech high schools traveled to Stockton for 

our first high school regatta of the season, where they competed against 50 other high 

school teams in the annual Tuleburg Regatta. Travelling to Stockton is always a fun way 

to kick off the season. The volunteers put on a great meal for all the sailors, which included 

pulled pork for dinner, pancakes for breakfast both mornings, and grilled burgers 

for lunch. Friendships were made between sailors that will last the whole season, as 

many teams opted to camp overnight along the river. 

Despite all the work done by an amazing group of volunteers, Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. 

Light wind and high temperatures made for very challenging conditions both 

Saturday and Sunday. Haley and Abby Kardek made the most of it and placed second 

overall in Saturday’s contest, narrowly missing first place in gold fleet which went to 

Summit Prep. On Sunday Theo Quinn took the helm in his first high school regatta as a 

skipper and won silver fleet with Gabby Rigby as his crew, edging out Santa Cruz High 

School and The Bay School of San Francisco for the top podium spot. Some might attribute 

it to beginner’s luck, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Theo atop silver fleet again 

soon. Freshman Lucy Wilmot teamed up with Caroline Colwell to put some impressive 

finishes on the board, including a couple of top five finishes, but consistency was something 

they struggled with. Max and Ben Rohr competed in their first ever high school regatta. 

Senior Olivia Godfrey is leading the Alameda team. Although it wasn't their best 

weekend they are looking very strong with a lot of new talent including Drake Hayes, 

Miles Orozco, and Natalie Corkhill. 

Photo by Tony Shaffer 

Our next stop of the season was to Long Beach, where Haley Kardek, Nick Gardner, and 

Miles Orozco competed in the Cressy Qualifier Regatta. The top four finishers at Cressy 

Quals earn a berth at the High School Sailing Single-Handed National Championships, 

known as the Cressy Cup. Sailors competed in either the Laser Standard or Laser Radial. 

The Laser Standard has a bigger sail area and is the Men’s Olympic Singlehanded 

Dinghy. The Laser Radial is meant for smaller body sizes (130-155lbs.), and is currently 

the Women’s Olympic Singlehanded Dinghy. The Laser is a very tough class, and not only 

does it take keen tactics and expert boat handling, it also takes a high level of 

strength and physical fitness. It can also be very hard mentally, especially since you’re 

the only person in the boat and there’s no one else to offer help or advice. Haley and 

Miles competed in the Radial Class, against 50 other boats all competing for four spots, 

while Nick sailed the full rig against 16 other sailors. Conditions were great, with good 

wind both days and lots of competition. The event drew sailors from all over California, 



SOUNDINGS 

including some of the country’s top high school sailors. While we didn't qualify, this was 

the first time we've sent so many sailors to an away Cressy Qualifier. I think we're going 

to have even more Laser sailors next year. 

I also have a list of “thank you(s)” to deliver. First off, big thanks to Doug Perry for being 

our charter captain aboard the Carol Louise for our America's Cup auction outing. He 

did a great job weaving through traffic and giving all aboard a front row seat to the action. 

Clare Waterloo not only helped run our junior auction, but she also donated her 

time to put on a Benefits Beauty Bash. Thank you Clare for all that you do! Another 


auction item that took some hard work to pull off was the Italian Dinner that the Groves 

hosted. Big thanks to Barb and Steve for offering up their house to over 50 guests, and 

an equally big thank you to Flor Delle Cese and Grace Glenn cooking up a real authentic 

Italian meal! Janis Glaser and Grace Glenn also should be thanked for their work in 

putting together the Bunco Party auction item. Thanks also to Andrea Quinn for volunteering 

her time to put on a "Sweet and Savory" pie making class. If you've never tried 

her quiche then you're missing out! And lastly, a big thanks to Lorenzo Puertas for allowing 

junior sailing to take over Croll's Pizza earlier this month. Not only was it tons of 

fun it was also a great fundraiser! 



Tom Scheck posing in 

Vina Del Mar, Chile 

SOUNDINGS 

Where’s the 

Burgee? 


Darrell Powell-Ford at the 

Morrow Bay YC.


SOUNDINGS 

Attention Racers 

Email Susan Jacquelin at: 

susanjacquelin@yahoo.com 



SOUNDINGS 




SOUNDINGS 

Monday Monday Night Night Football, Football, Canadian Canadian Canadian Style 

Style 

On Monday, October 8th, Penny McCullagh (on the right) (and her friends), prepared no less than 

four (4) turkeys along with the traditional side dishes, in celebration of the Canadian version of 

Thanksgiving. Needless to say, the Monday Night Football crowd was delighted and sated. 




SOUNDINGS 



SOUNDINGS 



In Memory of Jon Simpson Clendenin 

SOUNDINGS

Where's the Burgee? - Encinal Yacht Club

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