www.MountVernonYachtClub.

com

Vol. 42 No. 11

December 2005

COMMODORES BALL WAS A BALL

by Linda Brown
Judging from the laughter heard during the program, the remarks about the delicious meal, and the number of dancers on the dance floor all night, the 49th annual Commodores Ball appears to have been enjoyed by all who attended. The evening started at 6 with cocktail hour and appetizers. As guests arrived, George Holthaus took photos of all guests that will provide a lovely memento of the evening. Des Wassells invocation was followed by Classic Caesar Salad in Parmesan Crisp, Filet Mignon and Shrimp Scampi dinner, topped off by an Apple Tart with Homemade Cinnamon Ice Cream. Fred Brown warmed up the crowd as this years MC, and Lew Wetzel manned the flags for the Change of Watch ceremony as Commodore Bonnie Breneman

Commodore Breneman thanked members who contributed their efforts to the Club this year. Master of Ceremonies Fred Brown kept us chuckling! (Photos: George Holthaus)

bade farewell to departing board members Jill Baker, Bart Hewitt, and Revae Moran and welcomed aboard Jerry Gray, Brent Pope and Alexi Stavropoulos. The evening concluded with dancing until midnight. Very special thanks to the wonderful ball committee who made my job as chairperson so much easier: Angie and David Miskimens, Susana Gomez and Mario Moreno, Ann & Des Wassell, Evelyn Hewitt, Carol Whited. And a grateful thank you also goes to Diane Wilson and Chris Ruckman for some last minute assistance! Next year were hoping to see you there for the special 50th Ball!

Special TGIF
Friday, December 2nd:

Membership Meeting

Thursday 1 December 8 PM
Next Board Meeting: 19 December 7:30pm Next Membership Meeting: 5 January 2006 8pm

In This Issue:
Bosuns Whistle ........... 3 Halloween ..................... 5 Piano Man ...................... 4 Holiday Parties ............ 6

Matt Wilson: A Piano Man

A special performance just for MVYC See Details: Page 4

- - Published Monthly by the Mount Vernon Yacht Club - -

Bow Lines
Chris Ruckman, Vice Commodore, Beacon Editor
Now that the 2006 Board of Trustees has been elected and duly installed, and Commodore Breneman has appointed all of the committee chairs, I have one request: Talk to us! Im not implying that were lonely, and Im certainly not saying were bored. Quite the opposite is true. Everyone on the Board serves on at least one committee, and all of the committee chairs have plenty of activities and responsibilities to keep themselves busy. What I mean is, talk to us about the Club. When members sit around the Point, lounge at the pool, or relax on somebodys boat, talk often turns to something we all have in common: our day-to-day experiences at MVYC. We talk about parties. We talk about the Clubhouse. We talk about pool lifeguards, people weve met at the Club, boat slips, the big-screen TV, and all of the other things that make up our Club. Usually, the discussions are positive sometimes, not so positive. But youd probably be surprised how rarely people take the time to talk to the Board when they have suggestions, complaints or concerns. Got something on your mind? Bring it up at a Membership Meeting. Call someone on the appropriate committee. Find a Board member at a TGIF, tap him or her on the shoulder, and talk it over. Try sending me email (Beacon@MountVernonYachtClub.com). This sort of communication is especially important if something is bothering you. Please dont just sit with your friends griping and stewing in your own juices! We volunteer our time on the Board because

we like helping people, but we can only help if people talk to us. Heres a fine example: after this summers hurricanes, I heard rumors that folks were upset about prices at MVYCs gas dock. I suppose they thought the Club was unfairly using them as some sort of profit center. After all, nobody likes price gouging. If those folks had talked to the Board or the Marina Committee, they would have learned that the Gas Dock actually operated at a net loss for the year. But nobody ever asked, and I wish they had. They could have saved themselves some heartburn! So, the next time somebody comes up with a great idea for a new party, or you hear someone complaining about their pet peeve, ask them: Have you tried talking to the Board about this?

Knight Passage Odyssey

by Jacque Knight
(Second of 3-Part Series) After surviving the 5 to 7 foot waves for four hours at Smith Point where the Potomac River dumps into the Chesapeake Bay, we called the sail boat captain we had followed into Mill Creek on the Wicomico River on Day 10 of our 37- day voyage from MVYC. Did we hear the weather radio wrong or what? No, we found out. MVYC burgee at Tides Inn. He heard the same forecast for clear skies and calm seas. But thats Smith Point for you. Expect the worst, and youll be prepared for whatever. So, next day as we headed out, we were pleasantly rewarded with smooth-as-glass conditions under sunny skies. Day 11Seeing that we had used 2 gallons of diesel during the Point Lookout to Mill Creek ordeal, we hoped to sail to Tides Inn. We passed a beautiful white cross on a bluff at the Mill Creek turn back into the Wicomico. We passed the 36-foot Windmill Point spider marker/ light on the right and sailed into the Rappahannock River. The Lady Anne, a prim-looking, smaller cousin of the once-presidential yacht Sequoia, was out that
(See KNIGHT PASSAGE on page 4)

Published monthly by

the Mount Vernon Yacht Club

4817 Tarpon Lane, Alexandria, VA 22309

Bonnie Breneman, Commodore

Beacon Staff
Editor: Editors Editor: Photographer: Photographer: Circulation: Chris Ruckman Diane Wilson George Holthaus Russell Poe Mark Thompson

All Club members may submit articles, letters and notices for editorial review and possible publication. Submission by ee-mail or compact disc is encouraged.
Copyright 2005 Mount Vernon Yacht Club, All Rights Reserved.

Cover artwork by

Don Cannavaro

Beacon Editor, 4762 Neptune Drive, Alexandria VA 22309 703-799-4564

Deadline: 15th of month

Beacon@MountVernonYachtClub.com
The Beacon page 2

Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

The Bosuns Whistle

Bonnie Breneman, Commodore
The Commodores Ball was a great party. Sorry so many of you missed it this year. I used my space last month to recognize some of our behind-the-scenes members who provide so much support for our day-today activities. I spoke at the Commodores Ball about these same volunteers, as well as others. I presented a

Commodores Proclamation to several members at the Ball, and I have quite a few more to present at the next membership meeting. I will use my space this month to name names. The proclamation reads as follows: Whereas: The members are the heart and soul of Mount Vernon Yacht Club Whereas: Volunteerism is the lifeblood of Mount Vernon Yacht Club Whereas: No good deed goes unpunished The Commodore recognizes the following members for Excellence In the Embodiment of the Heart, Soul and Lifeblood of Mount Vernon Yacht Club.

Mark BarbaroPaving and painting Linda BrownCommodores Ball David Curry & Russell PoeOur security special

Greg Rehe & Dave MiskimensFleet Captains Claudia ReinselFlagpole burgee Gary Spivak & Juliette ClarkJunior sail Julie ThomasYouth activities Kim ThompsonRules and Bylaws oversight Mark ThompsonWebmaster, development and

ists at all hours & our beer fairy, too Jim Gordon & Alexi StavropoulosForemen and tool men extraordinaire for our marina project Dave LohmanAnother foreman and tool man extraordinaire for the marina project and special kudos for replanting the dock planters and fabricating the dock signs Al GrandeFuel dock Mary Ann HolthausHouse administration Joan JonesTGIF and house rentals Kaye MatthewsNominating Committee Ellen & Mike MacNairSwim team Jim NelsonTree trimmer and then some Zita Pojeta & Susana GomezSocial Committee

maintenance of the site since its inception Don WallerElectrical guru Ed Zebrowski, Ed Knight & Doug BordenOur organization liaisons Board Members Chris Ruckman, Jim Borches, Allison Miller, Jill Baker, Bart Hewitt, Revae Moran, Dave Miskimens, Bill Gard, Gene Diotalevi & Joanna MeletisWhose wisdom and support have been beyond measure for the members as well as the Commodore Jim Hamrick, Immediate Past Commodore My mentor and budget guru

Mount Vernon Yacht Club had a banner year in 2005. I look forward to serving you throughout 2006 as well.

New members of the Board of Trustees at the Commodores Ball. Left: Jerry Gray, with Petra Gray. Above: Brent Pope, with Hiromi Pope. (Photos: George Holthaus)
The Beacon page 3 Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

Special Appearance Friday, December 2nd at MVYC

Member Chuck Fazio, the producer of this show, has arranged for us to enjoy this exclusive one-time performance of his latest endeavor. No charge TGIF Pot-Luck Dinner at 7 PM, show runs from 9-11 PM. Spread the word! Note: Chuck has rented the Clubhouse for rehearsals Nov. 30-Dec. 2. Members welcome.
(KNIGHT PASSAGE from page 2)

morning, hinting of the resort life ahead at Tides Inn in Irvington. After 32.8 miles, we had no trouble docking across a small inlet from Tides Inn at the Tides Lodge. It had about a dozen transient boat slips that sadly will be dismantled before the 2006 season to make way for private condos. But the dock master assured us the Inn will maintain a few transient slips. We will be sure to check before our return trip.
The Beacon

We loved the facilities: best showers yet, a salt water pool just steps away from the boat and all the clean towels we needed. A ferry stopped regularly to take us on a 2minute ride to the Inn, where we had an elegant dinner with a couple from St. Louis we had met at the pool. Each year they take their 45 foot Sea Ray up the Mississippi, out through the St. Lawrence and down the coast, stopping in Annapolis, on to Florida, then across Floridas Okeechobee Canal to the
page 4

Gulf, and back to St. Louis. However, she refuses to make the Gulf crossing again because last year they lost both engines on choppy seas and had to wait two hours for a Coast Guard pickup. Day 12We ferried across to the Inn and bypassed the gift shop to find the tennis courts for some exercise. I noticed the golf course and remarked to Ed that one handsome white-haired guy in the dis(Continued on page 7)

Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

MVYC Does Halloween

Nothing says good times like clown wigs, gigantic sunglasses, and four guys dressed up like the Village People dancing to YMCA. Even the youngsters got into the spirit imagine that! An array of assorted ghosts, goblins, hobgoblins and superheroes assembled at the Point for the annual Pumpkin Carving. Here we have Darth Vader, complete with an authentic Light Saber, rubbing elbows with none other than Batman himself.
Photos: George Holthaus

Visit the MVYC Ships Store Just In Time For Your Holiday Shopping!

MVYC
Ships Store
Wear the MVYC logo, and support the Swim Team!
Sales benefit the MVYC Swim Team. Items available at home Swim Meets and other events.

Ladies tank top................................ top ............................................. ............................................. $15 Sweatshirt: Grey zippered.............................. zippered.............................. $36 Navy/White crewneck ........................ $25 Navy/Grey hooded............................. hooded ............................. $36 Polo shirt: Navy/White ................................ $22 Sleeveless white .................................. ..................................$17 .. $17 Shorts ........................................................ ........................................................ $10 MVYC Burgee ............................................ ............................................ $35 Dolphins Swim Team TT-shirt ...........................$5 ........................... $5 Visor, white ................................................... ...................................................$5 ................... $5 Polartec jackets: Full zipper .......................... $55 Half zipper ....................................... ....................................... $60 Cup holders, each: ......................................... .........................................$3 ......... $3 set of 2 .............................................. ..............................................$ .............. $5 For information, contact:
Suzanne Floyd (floydsd@aol.com or 780-3414)

The Beacon

page 5

Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

A HOLIDAY PARTY AT MOUNT VERNON YACHT CLUB

Saturday, December 10th From 5 to 8 PM
Enjoy a Pot Luck Feast with Your Friends and Guests Bring a Dish for 8 People Last Names starting with A to H: Hors Oeuvres I to P: Entre: Meat or Veggie/Salad O to Z: Dessert Wine, Beer and Sodas to be Provided by the Club Special Door Prizes Call Mary Galloway with questions @ 703-799-3187

The Beacon

page 6

Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

On another important front, one of the goals of the Water-Front Marina Committee this coming year will be to improve the integrity and safety of the electrical distriView bution system on the docks. To help us do that, Jerry Gray, a newly-elected Board member as well as a member of the Marina Committee, will be surveying Bill Gard & the existing power distribution configuration as well David Miskimens, as looking at shore power hook-ups. Jerry will be lookMarina Co-Chairs ing for anything that can compromise the safety of the facility, as well as anything that can induce dangerWe are pleased to announce that Board members ous and destructive stray electrical currents into the Jerry Gray, Brent Pope and Alexi Stavropolous have water. If you have a question about your electrical agreed to serve on the 2006 Marina Committee, along connections, or are concerned about what you think with Jim Borches and Bill Gard serving as co-Chairs. may be any As of this writing, the marina water system will unsafe con- Anyone pulling their boat have been winterized and a lot of boats will have been ditions, for the winter should take pulled for the season. please contheir dock lines with them ... We recommend that anyone pulling their boat for tact Jerry. the winter should take their dock lines with them. Were Theres a good chance that the project to replace A and getting close to action on converting A and B docks to B docks will proceed, and the pilings, decking and supfloating docks. Were zeroing in on the permits necesporting structure will be demolished and disposed of. sary from Fairfax County, and when those issues are If any lines are still attached, theyll probably go as resolved, were on our way. A couple of Club members well. have asked for a special meeting to discuss the proAlso, boats that normally stay in the marina for ject, and Commodore Bonnie Breneman has scheduled the winter on A & B are being reassigned to vacated a meeting for Thursslips elsewhere in the marina. day, December 15, Boaters: These boats will need tie-up 2005 at the Clubspace on piles and cleats on cap YOU are responsible for proper dis- house. If you have a boards. So even if you arent on particular interest in posal of marine batteries and petroA or B docks, you should remove the project, please join your lines if you pull your boat leum products. Do not leave them in us. for the winter. dumpsters or on Club grounds. we see on boats these days! Day 13We enjoyed the resort life, swimming, choosing to eat at Trick Dog again with a charming sailing couple from Pennsylvania who had docked next to us on a beautiful Sabre 36. They keep their boat at Rock Hall, Md., and had many sailing stories to swap. Day 14We left Tides Inn at 8:45 am, headed for Mill Creek again, in keeping with our usual plan to sail in the mornings and anchor or dock before thundershowers are most likely in mid-afternoon. At 12:40, we could hardly believe our luck when we saw and sailed for a few minutes with a school of 12 absolutely delightful, happy dolphins. What a joy. Conditions were so good that Ed de(Continued on page 10)
Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

(KNIGHT PASSAGE from page 4)

tance sure looked like MVYC member Tom Brown. And who should appear that evening as we played croquet before dinnerTom and Barbara Brown! They had motored down on their 42 foot Silverton from Belmont Bay two days before, and wondered if we had any trouble at Smith Point! I remembered their cruiser Paradise had a palm tree decal on the stern and a real live potted fake on the back deck. Yes, I spent the whole four hours trying to rescue that #0x* palm tree, laughed Barbara. That night we walked into town. Irvington is a charming little Americana boutique village with Victorian houses and cute shops. We ate at the Trick Dog caf, a stylish, uptown restaurant. I Sailing through the bridge at must warn you: the doggie cookies are Knapp Narrows. for dogs, not dessert! Ed tried one before I could remind him about the many dogs
The Beacon page 7

Greg Rehe, Sail Fleet Captain

News from the Weather Rail

SEASON FINALE CHILI BOWL 2005 The MVYC Sail Fleet hosted the annual all club Chili Bowl on Sunday November 13. MVYC members including sail fleet, power fleet, swim team, and independent members were present to judge the chili entries. The competition was brutal again this year and the various chili recipes spanned a wide spectrum from spicy to sweet to subtle and complex. Absent from this years field were recent past winners, Gene Diotelevi (2004) and Chuck Manka (2003 and 2002). Trying to decide which recipe to vote for required several trips to the serving table. The voting was close and candidates were separated by the slimmest of margins. Although the election board dismissed rumors of voter fraud, it granted requests for recount. After all the votes were tallied, the Power Fleets own, Zita Pojeta, had carried the day and retained the

Power Fleets firm grip on chili bragging rights. The coveted perpetual Chili Bowl trophy (crock pot) is on display in the club for all to admire. DAINGERFIELD ISLAND SAILING CLUB FROSTBITE PYRC REGATTA MVYC Sailors Doug Borden sailing in Windwatch and Craig Baker sailing Up Side Up competed in this years DISC hosted PYRC Frostbite Regatta on November 4. The winds were almost nonexistent at DISC on Saturday and the competitors struggled thru two races. Craig Baker with crew John Leary skillfully played the light winds and adverse currents to garner a second place in the first race and first place in the second place winning the first place trophy for the regatta in the non-spinnaker division.

MVYC 2005 SAILING RESULTS Spring Series: 1st - Windwatch (2nd Valkyrie; 3rd Na Ka Oi) Craney Island Night Race: Valkyrie Labor Day Ladies Race: Valkyrie Leary Single Handed Race: Windwatch Fall Series: 1st - Na Ka Oi (2nd - Up Side Up; 3rd Valkyrie)

CALL PAT!
The Boaters Choice
REALTOR for 3 former Commodores MVYC member since 1982 Multi-Million Dollar Producer Mount Vernon Specialist

PAT HILL
CRS, GRI Office: 703-960-8900 Res: 703-360-4089 Email: pat.hill@cox.net

The Beacon

page 8

Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

QUANTICO (yes) FROSTBITE (no) REGATTA (yes)

by Doug Borden
On Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, the Quantico Yacht Club, upgraded and reconstructed after Hurricane ISABEL, hosted its 51st annual Frostbite Regatta, which turned out to be unlike any other regatta we have known. The breezy weather forecast, which called for northwest winds in the range of 20 knots or better, was a deterrent to many skippers who would ordinarily have participated. The day was overcast, but the temperature in the high 60s did not convey frostbite to anyone. It would become a weekend to remember, for many different reasons. While boats were preparing to make the 11 oclock starting time on Saturday morning, it was noted that only four boats were ready to race, and none of them were in the spinnaker division. Thats a first! So the four non-spinnaker boats started in the very puffy and brisk winds and the first boat to finish, MVYCs Upside Up, sailed by Craig Baker and John Leary, whipped around the 3.4-nautical mile course in about 50 minutes. MVYCs Windwatch sailed by Doug Borden Jr. and Doug Borden, III, was just behind him

across the line; however, Windwatchs handicap gave the Dougs the first race by a mere five seconds. Thats tight racing! The second race started at 12:15 on a twice-around course totaling 12.2 nautical miles. By this time, the wind was really up to the forecast range with stronger puffs coming frequently. Craig led the entire 12.2 miles and sailed a great race. Doug, on the other hand, decided to change to a larger headsail on the 6th leg and regretted it on the 7th and 8th legs, with the larger sail tending to overpower the boat somewhat in the stronger puffs. Elsewhere these puffs took their toll on the other two competitors: Snow Goose sailed by Jay Scott and Clark Barker, out of Neabsco Creek, and Ten Spot sailed by Wayne Merrill of DISC. The two boats traded places often during this second race, although Snow Goose labored heavily much of the time. Finally it was too much for Ten Spot and Wayne withdrew on the 7th leg. This time, Upside Up prevailed by seventy seconds, earning every bit of it. During pre-race preparations on Sunday, only two boats appeared ready to race Upside Up and Windwatch. Without other competitors, it was agreed by all involved that it would not make sense for Craig and Doug to duke it out downriver and then have to transit
(Continued on page 10)

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The Beacon page 9 Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

Membership News
Bart Hewitt, Membership

WHISTLE A PARTING TOON I'm not your Membership Chair any more. (Long Pause). Hey - I'm celebrating my 69th birthday this month. (Silence). I bought a new power washer for my Toon. (Long Pause. Faint sound of "ZZZZZzzzzzz"). OK then. So, your new Stuckee .. uh .. Membership Chair is the lovely and talented Gene Diotalevi. He is a member of one of those other fleets. And boy, is he in for a couple of interesting years. For one
(REGATTA from page 9)

thing, he gets to write these Beacon columns every month, in which (among other things) we honor our most longevitous members, like Alvaro & Iole Lopez (1975). He also gets to endear himself to y'all by billing you for dues, fees, slips, late fees and stuff. (I will continue to do the cooing. HAR.) You can reach Gene at 703-313-8235 or diotalevi22315@netzero.com. If you have a suggestion, a complaint, a change of phone/address/E-mail, please contact Gene. As for contacting me, try 123-456-7890 or freeblevetzer@arkleschnitz.urp. ----FAREWELL TO CHUCK AND ARLENE DIETZ. Wishes for calm seas and great sailing go to Chuck and Arlene, 28-year members who have moved to Oregon and resigned from MVYC. Their new address is: 3261 Inland Drive South, Salem, OR 97302. Their phone is (503) 371-1210, Email is chuckdtz@aol.com. sails through the confusing and increasing waves at speeds approaching eight knots at times. Each of us is glad to have made the trip safely. In the end, although Windwatch finished the race at buoy 67 nearly 10 minutes behind Upside Up, when the handicap was applied, the Dougs bested Craig and John. Consequently, they placed first in the QYC 51st Frostbite Regatta.

back to MVYC later in the day. It was proposed and agreed that the two would race back to MVYC and have the race count as Sundays scheduled 3rd race in the QYC Frostbite Regatta. Thus, at 10:00, the boats were given an official start for a long-distance race home, and off they went into the teeth of a brisk and variable norwester blowing right down the river.

Although there was not much lee to duck behind along the way, it was fortunate that the race home was on the port tack all the way as the wind followed the bend in the river at Hallowing Point. Both boats were hammered at various times en route, and it was a very challenging race, but each made it back safely, albeit with tired crews having steered their boats and nearly constantly adjusting their

(KNIGHT PASSAGE from page 7)

cided against returning to Mill Creek. We reached Point Lookout at 5:45 pm, having logged 56.2 miles that day and 232 miles since leaving MVYC. By then, we needed 5 gallons of diesel, but instead of docking at the marina, we anchored at 10 feet in a beautiful, quiet cove, with a view of an unusual sailboat rigging from the Netherlands. Ed noticed the engine warning light had come on and was concerned about stinging nettles getting into the raw water intake. He had heard other boaters talking of the problem, and we had not swum in the river since Day #2 because of them. We had a beautiful candlelight dinner of spaghetti, salad, wine and CD music. It was gorgeous. Day 15Up at 5:30, Ed searched out the engine problem, put extra water in the raw water intake, cut the water source, adjusted the fan belt, replaced the water pump belt, and checked out the oil and fan. All were fine, and then as we motored quietly out at 8 am, I noticed a balloon on a string, trailing from the boat. Hmmm.
The Beacon page 10

We headed to the Point Lookout Spider Buoy, then on to Solomons Island, with lots of crab pots port when passing the lighthouse. With only 5-10 mph northerly winds we couldnt sail and arrived after 30 miles at Spring Cove Marina at 2:30 pm. By then, we needed another 5 gallon diesel fix for $12. The $59 slip fee included a free pump out, pool, showers and great help at the dock. We walked 20 minutes to town. Because the Maritime Museum was closed, we toured the piers and talked with the captain of a 90 motor sailer
(Continued on page 11)
Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

In the Spirit
Anna Diefendorf Gail Mlinarchik Social Committee
The 2005 Commodore's Ball was a lively party, as usual. There were 76 members and guests in attendance. The Commodore's Ball was hosted by Linda Brown and her committee. Thank you Linda and to the hard-working committee who helped make this year's Commodore's Ball a success. The next social event will be the Adult Holiday Party. This party will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2005 and is being hosted by Mary and John Galloway and their committee beginning at 5:00 p.m. Please bring a dish to share. The Children's Christmas party will be held Sunday, December 11, 2005 and is being hosted by Julie and Erik Thomas and their committee from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. For the Children's Christmas party, please bring finger foods to share. There is no charge for the Adult Christmas party or the Children's Christmas party.

Santa will make his yearly visit to MVYC by boat (weather permitting). Parents, please drop off gifts at the 3rd floor Crow's Nest the day of the party. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled with your child's first and last name. If you have any questions, please contact Julie and Erik Thomas at 703-780-6308. Get ready for Mount Vernon Yacht Club's New Year's Eve Party! It will be hosted by Joanna and Nick Meletis as well as their committee. An email reservation has been sent to all club members. This year's theme is "Cruise Around the World." The deadline for the Early Bird Special ($30) is December 17, 2005. For those of you whose schedule may change, you can check in at the door or pay by check after December 17, 2005, ($50). For those who reserve prior to December 17, 2005, a VIP experience awaits you! Please check your email for more details, or if you have any questions, please contact Joanna and Nick Meletis at 703-495-9160. We would like to say a very special thank you to Zita Pojeta and Susana Gomez for being their work on the social committee. These women have done an outstanding job for the club! Also, they have even agreed to still be members of the social committee! Thank you, ladies, for helping make the social committee a success. Gail and I look forward to a successful social year.

(KNIGHT PASSAGE from page 10)

with five staterooms and a crew of three. Captain Billy Martin said she was built in 1978 in the Netherlands and had made many ocean crossings. But the Gulf of Mexico and the Chesapeake have choppiest waters of allno wonder boaters feel such camaraderie! Day 16We decided to motor and sail 57 miles to Annapolis instead of anchoring out. We knew we were close when we saw Thomas Point Lighthouse and three naval Academy sailboats with waving, friendly plebes aboard. We headed into Back Creek and the huge Bert Jabins Boat Yard, with about 300 boats. Luckily, we got a quiet dock that looked almost like an anchorageH, which is near a super shower. It also had great parking for our friend Stu, who was coming the next day. Day 17We sailed Annapolis Harbor and to the Bay Bridge but were disappointed there was little
The Beacon

wind to impress Stu. So, after lunch aboard, we headed back to Mount Vernon to mow the lawn, pay bills, water flowers and get our car so we could return to Knight Passage. But, back home at the computer, Ed could not resist looking at boats for sale, and we were soon on our way back to Annapolis to check out a 33-footer with air conditioning and refrigeration. I felt guilty about what we were about to do when we came back three days later to loyal, dear old Knight Passage. Day 18We drove to Rock Hill, Md., and put a contract on a new boat, which is three feet longer and a foot wider than Knight Passage. Small world, it was on the same pier as the Sabre 36 we had met at Tides Inn. They had raced her and knew her well. Day 19After stocking provisions early this time, we headed out from Annapolis at 2:30 pm on 0
page 11

degrees south to the Rhode River and Cadle Creek. We found a beautiful anchor at 5:10 after 13.5 miles, the first stretch of our second leg. A nice breeze from the Chesapeake made 87seem cool. Day 20When we pulled anchor at 7:45 am, the temperature was already 80 degrees. Ed recommends staying in the well-marked center of the West River. It is very shallow off Franklin Bar, and we headed for Tillman Island and a shortcut to Oxford. We sailed towards the Knapps Narrows entrance and radioed the drawbridge at 10:45 am. Arriving at Oxford after 16.5 miles, we were 349 nautical miles more seaworthy than when we left Mount Vernon. Next: Oxford, St. Michaels and Upper Chesapeake

Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005

MVYC Club Calendar - December 2005

November 27 November 28 November 29 November 30 (Private rental rehearsals) 1 (Private rental rehearsals) 8 pm Membership Mtg 6 7 8 2 7 pm - TGIF 3 Boat Parade of Lights Weekend 5:30 pm - Old Town, Alexandria 10

Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 4 Boat Parade of Lights Weekend 5 pm - Washington Harbour in Georgetown 11 5 No Social Cmte Mtg this month Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 12 13

9 PM -- MATT WILSON, A PIANO MAN

9

No TGIF
14 15 16

5 pm - Adult Christmas Party 17

2:30 pm - Childrens Christmas Party 18

Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 19 Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 7:30 pm - Board Mtg 20 21 22

7 pm - TGIF 23 24

7 pm - TGIF 27 28 29 30 31

25

26

Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning CHRISTMAS

No TGIF

9 pm - MVYC New Years Eve Party

MVYC Club Calendar - January 2006

1 2 Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 8 9 Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 15 Noon - Frostbite BBQ 16 17 18 19 10 11 3 4 5 Garden Club Mtg 8 am - 2 pm 8 pm Membership Mtg 12 7 pm - TGIF 13 14 6 7

7 pm - TGIF 20 21

Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 22 23 Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 29 30 Morning Clubhouse closed for cleaning 31 February 1 24 25

7-9 pm - Coast Guard Auxiliary Mtg 26

7 pm - TGIF 27 28

7 pm - TGIF February 2 Garden Club Mtg 8 am - 2 pm 8 pm Membership Mtg 7 pm - TGIF February 3 February 4

The Beacon

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Vol. 42, No. 11 December 2005