I’m not sure, but did we just finish March or January. With the warm spells, rain and the lack of measurable snow (as of this writing), it seems like the tulips should be coming out of the ground; in fact, I think a couple were pop- ping up along the Boardwalk. Eric has not yet used the snow plow and he was contemplating mowing the grass and blowing leaves. However, with the nicer weather and when not raining, Sean Kelley was able to complete the in- stallation of the sanitary and storm sewer lines.
Centennial Bricks for SAIL!Choose your brick, print the form and bring your order to the club!
Download Brick Order FormHopefully, those who attended the Recognition Dinner last month had an enjoyable evening. Thank you to Co-Chairpersons Al and Carol Riznikove and Jim and Bev Syrowski and the committee members for the deco- rations and a good meal. Thanks to Ted, the head bartender, for the generous servings of wine. Of course, the Recognition Dinner is a time to remember the Past Commodores, acknowledge the Club employees, thank all those who volunteered the previous year and to present the PCYC Trophies: George Shade Memorial Junior Sailor of the Year, Shark Trophy, and the Oliver True Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Service.
The George Shade Memorial Junior Sailor of the Year Award went to Amber Waite. Congratulations Amber on a successful 2011 racing season. You definitely deserved the award! The Shark Trophy was presented to Bill and Carolyn Taylor, who has provided the Committee Boat for many Green Island Races. Serving on the Race Committee this past year, I can attest to the abundance of food and drinks, and the pres- ence of good company. Mark Hudak was the re- cipient of the Oliver True Memorial Trophy. Mark has been a Club member since 1981 and he has volunteered to serve on committees whether asked or not. He has volunteered on many Club projects, such as helping to remove the tile from the ballroom floor, removing the old carpet, working on the ceiling project and helping out at the riser parties. Congratulations Mark!
As you invite friends and guests to the Club, consider offering them a membership package, which can be obtained from the bar or by contacting a club officer. This is a good time of the year to consider mem- bership since Club approval can occur before the sum- Friday Night Snacks February 3rd Taco's and Trimmings 5-7:00 pm $3.00 per person Visit the Ship Store for GREAT Valentine’s Day gift ideas mmer season. If you are in the area, please con- sider stopping by the Club. This month’s events in- (4th), a Mardi Gras Bar and the Super Bowl Snacks From the Rear Commodore, Mike Hablitzel The Junior Sail Fundraiser, sponsored by the Sail Fleet, will be held February 17th.
Commodore,
Todd Bickley
I looked into the refrigerator this morning and was surprised to see a mes- sage indicating that the jib sheet deadline was approaching. When I put on my glasses I realized that it actually was the expiration date on the milk container. I don't know how Tammy arranged to have the date on the milk container coincide with the jib sheet deadline. Anyway, it is time for another late night adventure in composition.
Memories continued By this time of year the PCYC hockey team had chewed up the lagoon ice. Along with cracks, water fluctuations (I just love spell checker), and snow it was time to head out onto the lake to look for smooth untouched ice. We always stopped at the "crib", the original Port Clinton water intake. At that time the square concrete structure extended about four feet above the water. There was a small tree and a metal door covering the water intake. We would plan our overnight camping excursion which never happened because none of us had any cold weather camping gear. Also, the thought of a storm or shifting ice prevented us from accomplishing our mission. We did not have the weather channel back then with forecasts and radar.
We could usually find a patch of smooth clear ice. The trouble came when we hit a good slap shot because the puck would glide forever. That problem was partially solved by using dock risers as backstops. After working with the riser committee I now know the problems we caused by not returning the risers to the same stack that we got them from. Sometimes we had to abandon the puck if we hit it toward the mouth of river. We new the ice could be dangerously thin and luckily we knew enough to stay away. My mother always wondered what happened to her bed sheets. They really made for great sails on the long expanses of Lake Erie ice on windy days.
Projects- Is it winter or spring? The rainy weather delayed our storm and sanitary sewer project but Sean was able to complete the installation. Then came some heavy rains which tested the system and everything is working great. If winter continues to fluctuate, we may be able to complete the installation of the concrete dumpster pad. The kid's room improvements have started and we will continue on with that project.
Boaters- The "crib" is still there. You just can't see it most of the time. The ice and storms have severely damaged the structure. It can be seen during a good south wind so come over and make sure you know where it is. The city marks the submerged new water intake which is farther out and deeper. Rod, PC's scuba shop owner, told me he has seen propeller marks on the wood structure around the intake while doing in- spections for the water department. Ask him how he keeps from getting sucked into the intake. The old intake which is closer to shore is marked too, only not accurately.
Last summer I watched two sailboats hit the crib and have seen our members wave runners skim perilously close to and over the top of the old crib. I offered to pull the one boater off. He indicated he sailed through there last year and did not hit it. I declined to tell him it did not move and is marked on the navigation charts which I assume everyone has on board. Even if you know where it is, a momentary lapse of attention can result in a collision. Take a look at the bent propeller trophy in our lounge. I have heard term "Ram On" used in the club and have wondered if it has to do with the "crib", another boat, or both.
Rear Commodore,
Mike Hablitzel