August 2020

July Full Moon Risingphoto courtesy of Mike Hendry and Tina Sentovich

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2020 Flag OfficersCommodoreCathy Talisman

Vice CommodoreRoger Gilmore

Rear CommodoreJenn Buckley

SecretaryLisa Glaser

TreasurerLezlee Kramer

Assistant TreasurerMarty Southard

Fleet CaptainJames Masson

Board of DirectorsBoard Members 2019-2020

Beth BerkobeinDoug FullerRuth PetersonPatty Tishuk

Board Members 2020-2021Frank DamicoHarold SmallGary RhoadsBarb Meyer

Immediate Past CommodoreNick Southard

Windword Newsletter published monthly.Submissions deadline Wednesday following the Monthly General Meeting. Email submissions to Jen Rogers:windword@sailbcyc.org

Commodore’s CornerSubmitted by Cathy Talisman, 2020 BCYC Commodore

View this newsletter in full color online at www.sailbcyc.org

Flag Officer, Board and other BCYC member phone numbers and email addresses available to club members at www.sailbcyc.org

Boca Ciega Yacht Club & Anchorage4600 Tifton Drive South • Gulfport, FL 33711727-321-7295Mailing address for ALL payments by check:Boca Ciega Yacht ClubPO Box 530848 | St. Petersburg FL 33747

Hello Everyone,

The Pandemic is all around us and is not going away. Florida is particularly bad with an increase in number, this past week. We need to be cautious and vigilant.

Wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing is some-thing we all can and should do. This is a reminder to all club members and Sea Scouts to practice cautiousness around the club and around each other. Young people might not be affected, but they can be carriers and affect the people around them. Remain Vigilant.

BCYC has a phased re-opening plan which is available on the front page of our website (click the link). It is also included in this issue of the Windword on page 11.

We are in Phase 2. The club is open. Sailing, racing, cruising is open too.

The new by-laws regarding the various memberships were presented and voted at the last General Meeting. This was done to mirror the Articles of Incorporation (AOI). These new membership by-laws can be found on our website.

A big thank you goes to the membership committee for a long and tedious work to get it done

Respectfully submitted,

Cathy T

August Birthdays

BCYC Merchandise for SaleSupport BCYC and Look Good Too!

Our display case at the club gives you a sampling of items from our ever-changing inventory. They are available for purchase at monthly club meetings and at some work days and club events.

Please email Beth Berkobein at merchandising@sailbcyc.org, and she will try to accommodate your schedule within reason.

We accept cash or checks only. Checks to be made payable to BCYC. Thank you and smooth sailing!

Are we missing your birthday? Please edit your member information in Wild Apricot.

BCYC gear goes everywhere! Send us a photo of you wearing BCYC gear on your travels and we will feature it here.

View this newsletter in full color online at www.sailbcyc.org

Sheldon Gladstein ............................................. August 1

Amanda Maull .................................................... August 2

James Maloy ......................................................... August 5

Malcolm Oliver .................................................... August 6

Lynn Hyslop ........................................................August 15

Lewis Brier ...........................................................August 18

Joel Heyne ...........................................................August 21

Joan Flynn ...........................................................August 23

Becky Gilmore ....................................................August 25

Kathy Rhoads .....................................................August 27

E.J. Dochoda .......................................................August 28

Peter Kvasnicka .................................................August 28

George Anderson .............................................August 29

Mike Collins ........................................................August 30

Okay, so no one's going anywhere. How about some staycation photos with BCYC gear?

New members Bob & Sue Bendinghaus enjoying the new St Pete Pier

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Advertising RatesBusiness Card Ad

One Month ................$15

Three Months ...........$30

Six Months ...............$50

One Year .....................$75

Quarter Page Ad

One Month ................$30

Three Months ...........$60

Six Months ............ $100

One Year .................. $150

Half Page Ad

One Month ................$45

Three Months ........ $100

Six Months ............ $150

One Year .................. $250

Full Page Ad

One Month ................$60

Three Months ........ $120

Six Months ............. $200

One Year .................. $300

Thanks to Our Photographers!The most popular part of the Windword each month is the club photos, candid and otherwise. We want to thank all of you shutterbugs out there who send us such great material. This newsletter wouldn’t be the same without you.

This month’s contributors are: Susan McQuillan, Debby Smith, Lori Russo, Mike Hendry and Tina Sentovich, Picot Floyd, Ellen Alexander and the new members' self portraits.

Thanks to you all!

BCYC Web Site Be sure to check our web site regularly to sign up for events; for What's Trending Now and calendar updates, weather and tide links, full-color Windword online, Wild Apricot membership features and more.

Free Marine Classifieds Do you have any marine related items you want to purchase, trade or sell? Take a step up from the club bulletin board. Email windword@sailbcyc.org

Submit payment to: BCYC Treasurer, PO Box 530848, St Petersburg, FL 33747 Checks made payable to: BCYC

Questions or ad specs: Call Lee Nell at 215-518-7671 or email advertising@sailbcyc.orgSubmit artwork (PDF preferred) to: Jennifer Rogers, windword@sailbcyc.org

www.sailbcyc.org

FOR SALE: Mystic; 1971 Morgan 27’. Boat is in great shape for its age! Electric start outboard (Mercury 9.9). Many Sails and lots of extras included. Asking 3600.00 OBO. Will consider all reasonable offers! See Mystic in the BCYC basin, slip B22. Contact: Denis Sousa at denis.m.sousa@outlook.com or 305-900-8524 Greg Sousa at gregkeywest@gmail.com or 305-923-9183FOR SALE: Irwin 33; Built 1975; I have owned since 1980; can sleep 4 comfortably; berths for 7 very friendly people! Complete boat, dink, TV, antennae, DVD, galley with 2 burner alcohol stove (pots, pans, plates, tow-els, even tooth brushes!). Rebuilt Atomic Four engine, life jackets, wet suit, VHF and hand-held radio, hand-held GPS, whisker pole, stainless steel charcoal grill. Asking $8,500.00. Michael Collins, cell: 813-230-0578; michaelpcollins44@gmail.com

FREE TO GOOD HOME: 9.9 ft inflatable Avon dinghy with floorboards, foot pump and oars. Contact Don Rogers at 727-688-3946FOR SALE: 96 Proline 20' DC - Merc 150. Runs great. Alum TRLR, SS disc brakes. Lots of extras, Turnkey- have fun tomorrow. Rock solid boat. No wood floors, stringers or transom. All composite - will never rot. Bimini, Cushions, Swim ladder, Kicker Bracket. $7900 Steve Honour at Shrewd199@ProtonMail.comFOR SALE: Cal 34 1970. DSL runs fine. Custom stern drop-door swim ladder. Recent interior. One owner 21 years -well cared for. Lots of upgrades, Beautiful boat, very nice, $14K Steve Honour at Shrewd199@ProtonMail.com. Slip avail BCYC.

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To avoid scheduling conflicts, please contact Secretary Lisa Glaser for calendar updates. Email: secretary@sailbcyc.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

September 2020

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6 7 8 9 10 11 12

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20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

Windword Deadline

Board Meeting 7:30 pm

General Membership Meeting 8 pm

Cruise TBD

Cruise TBD

2020 Rhumb Runners Fall Race Series9 am

2020 PHRF Racing SeriesTBA

Workday 8:30 amRhumb Runner Meeting 12 pmFish & Grab 12:30Potluck Dinner 6 pm

6:30 PMAdult Fall Sail School (to Oct 14)

6:30 PMSeptember Sunset/Full Moon Sail Out

Note: for the safety of everyone, non-waterfront scheduled activities and club functions will be cancelled until further notice. Some meetings will be held virtually and registration will be required . Please check web site calendar for updates and conditions.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

August 2020

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2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

22/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29

Sea Scouts(every Wed 5pm)

Windword Deadline

Virtual Board Meeting 7:00 pm

Virtual General Membership Meeting 7:00 pm

Cruise TBD

Cruise TBD

2020 Spring/Summer PHRF Racing Series11 am (22nd)

Workday 8:30 amRhumb Runner Meeting 12 pmFish & Grab 12:30Potluck Dinner 6 pm

Every Tuesday night: racing 5pm-sunset

6:30 PMAugust Sun-set/Full Moon Sail Out

2020 Rhumb Runners Fall Race Series9 am

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July New MembersWelcome!Bob & Sue BedinghausSt Petersburg, FLBoat: None

David & Kristina BowlesTampa, FLBoat: Pearson 31’ Name: Salena

Bill & Karen DunlapLong Boat Key, FLBoat: Hunter 46’ Gulfport Boat: 460 Hunter in Europe

Fred & Cindy FitzgeraldTampa, FLBoat: Landau 20’ Name: Tuefel Hunden

James & Marilib MaloyTampa, FLBoat: None

Dairo NegriniGulfport, FLBoat: Morgan 34’ Name: Mirage

Justin & Kristin RuzinokSt Petersburg, FLBoat: None

Stephen & Chena WattayGulfport, FL Boat: Grady White 24’

John & Cindy WeberSt Petersburg, FL Boat: Corsair 24’

Marl & Eva WestSt Petersburg, FLBoat: None

We need your photo! Please send to

windword@sailbcyc.org and we will print it in the September issue.

Thanks!

We need your photo! Please send to

windword@sailbcyc.org and we will print it in the September issue.

Thanks!

We need your photo! Please send to

windword@sailbcyc.org and we will print it in the September issue.

Thanks!

We need your photo! Please send to

windword@sailbcyc.org and we will print it in the September issue.

Thanks!

We need your photo! Please send to

windword@sailbcyc.org and we will print it in the September issue.

Thanks!

We need your photo! Please send to

windword@sailbcyc.org and we will print it in the September issue.

Thanks!

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Paddlesports ReportSubmitted by Ann New, Paddlesports Chair

Hi all, just a few items. Heads up on the lock on the storage shed. You all know that the lock combination on the storage area as well as kayak cable locks will always be the same as the front gate combination. So the new lock works great! But you do need to line the combination up at the BLACK HASHMARKS which are NOT IN THE MIDDLE of the face on the combination lock. The black hashmarks are towards the TOP of the combination face. And please please please replace the rubber cover on the lock to help keep moisture out. I keep finding it laying on the ground under the lock.

I found a kayak lock laying on the green utility box cover next to the kayak rack last week. Somebody ob-viously couldn’t remember where they put the kayak lock when they took the kayak out. I get it… my memory is a challenge some days as well! Best practice is to put the lock back on the cable so it is eas-ily located when you return the kayak. I love seeing all the people who have checked out the paddle boards and kayaks listed on the paddleboard bulletin board! Please sign this list…bulletin board to the right of the computer desk in clubhouse.

Just a nice easy paddle in Clam Bayou can make a world of difference in my soul! May see some critters and definitely get some quiet nature time. It is so easy with the club boats so accessible.

The Rhumb Runners had a great kayak trip back into Clam Bayou on Saturday July 11. One of the best parts was going through mangrove tunnels, nice and shady, that are to the left as you go into the Clam Bayou wa-terways. Go behind the condos, down past the private residences, and keep going. Nice areas back there. We saw a mom and baby manatee over near the kayak launch area in Clam Bayou! Always love seeing them! Meg and Ellen took the double kayak out… they said the kayak was wonderful! Another donation from a generous BCYC member! Thank you thank you again!

So folks get out and enjoy early morning or late afternoon, great times to be on the water. Remember the how to videos and lots of other info on the BCYC website under Activities/Paddlesports.

Rhumb Runners Ellen Alexander, Meg Banitch, Lisa Glaser, Ann New, Lezlee Kramer and Dianne Benedetti kayaking on Clam Bayou

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Paddleboarding 101Submitted and Illustrated by Debby Smith

Rick and Debby Smith, SV Anchored Faith IX, have tried the club’s pad-dle boarding option three times so far. Their first attempt a while back resulted in a lot of falling and splashing, plus a lot of groaning on the part of Debby as she tried to remount the board out of deep waters —somehow the orange life PFDs (for those not in the know of the abbreviation, that’s Personal Flo-tation Devices) aren't designed for easily hoisting yourself back on the board…that's Debby’s story anyway to explain her comedic attempts to climb on board after a fall. It finally required Rick holding her board in place while she did the maneuver-ing. (She must admit, despite blaming the orange life jackets, she started lifting light 3 lbs. weights this sum-mer anticipating the need for stronger arms.)

Their 2nd & 3rd attempts, now in July, were much easier. With round two, they didn’t lose their balance until more than halfway down the first pier from their launch. They both lost balance near SV Bob's Buoy & SV Mystic. Climbing back on was easier with stronger arms—and a better designed vest. Deb only fell in once and Rick twice on this second effort. You’ll note the word “effort” here. It is indeed a workout to main-tain the necessary balance. Rick attributed their quasi-success to muscle memory and looking ahead rather than down at the water.

Take 3 they still remained in the quiet waters of the basin, but the adventurous couple did put their paddle board noses into the channel. Someday!—maybe? They also practiced changing positions from stand to sit to kneel and back to stand with NO falls. Hurray! Although Debby did say she somewhat regretted not having at least one spill to cool off on that HOT day. The only groaning and moaning took place when encountering the challenge of climbing back onto the dock at the end—it was low tide. Thankfully Rick was able to secure her safely as she grabbed a cleat and pulled herself back on land.

If you’re considering trying out the paddle boards, the Smiths have some recommendations:

1) If you’re newbies to paddle boarding, and using the basin dock to board and off board, we recommend going on a Monday or Tuesday when it's quiet.

2) Practicing at high tide from the same location is a good idea, since there's no ladder by the dock at the ramp for on-boarding and off-boarding.

3) Grab the life vests with the netting or minimal flotation at the shoulders to ease the remounting process out of deep water.

4) Look ahead to maintain balance.5) Watch a few videos with expert tips in advance of

giving it a try!6) Be aware, paddle boards are heavy and awkward

to carry. The trip from the locker to the water can be a work out in itself. Some may have the strength to simply carry a paddle board, but for most it will take team work… or wheels of some sort.

Note: Since they didn’t have a waterproof camera, and no one was around to capture the moment, Debby did a color pencil drawing, with a little photoshopping in terms of saturation and contrast, to capture the two of them coming in for a “safe landing” from their paddling boarding experience. She says, “Apologies for the artistic renditions of the realities! The channel between the piers is not really that narrow—nor are we!"

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Greetings from Boot Key Submitted by Phong Long and Asa Folsom

Adding roles in an ever-changing world.

We’re still hoping to set sail to the Bahamas in early 2021. We’ll have to have a backup plan or three, just in case travel restrictions increase or change. Best case situation, we’ll be allowed to enter a foreign port after completing a 14 day quarantine. With that in mind, how can we prepare ourselves and Petrichor to be completely self-contained for at least two weeks? Hav-ing a way to make water remains our largest limiting factor for long-distance cruising.

We’ve both taken side jobs to continue topping off the cruising kitty, as well as affording planned upgrades to Petrichor. Lately we’ve focused on clearing some of the backlog of boat projects. Phong recently wired a censor to automatically turn on the anchor light at night. It’s simple to use and works great! Asa is cur-rently sewing an awning to cover the main cabin. She had originally purchased 10 yards of 60” Captain’s Navy Sunbrella fabric with the intention of sewing a new

mainsail cover to match the dodger. A few months of intense sunny days in the Keys has a way of changing one’s priorities of sewing projects. As of July 21st, Asa is the Tuesday morning net controller for the daily Boot Key Harbor Cruisers’ Net. It’s entertaining, informative and a surefire way to get to know our community.

On July 14th, we enjoyed a brief, but fun-filled visit with Susan and John. We were introduced to their friends Jen and Steve, and toured the favorite attractions of Marathon. Over baskets of fries at Burdines, we sug-gested a possible subcommittee of the Cruising arm of BCYC: extended/international cruising. We’re well aware that we wouldn’t be living aboard our boat in a great community of cruisers without the help of the mem-bers of BCYC. Sharing the success story of beginning our journey as sail school students and gradually devel-oping the skills required of full-time cruisers would be a wonderful promotion of the endless possibilities with membership to BCYC.

We hope everyone is staying safe and in good health. Until next time, take care of each other!

Enjoy Authentic Greek Food, Seafood &More!Indoor seating and

Outdoor Patio with a Great ViewHappy Hour 1-6pm • Early Bird 3-5:30

Full BarDaily Lunch and Dinner Specials

Open 7 Days a week5501 Shore Blvd. South, Gulfport

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www.neptunegrillgulfport.com

Support our advertisers. Tell them you saw them in the Windword!9

Support our advertisers. Tell them you saw them in the Windword!

And The Dinghy BobbedSubmitted by Matt Maloy: Sailing HideAway

The commercial satellite image proved our anchorage, in what is now Shell Key Preserve, was impossible to reach. Viewed from our paper chart it didn’t exist.

The Intra-Coastal Waterway turns towards the Gulf of Mexico between St Pete Beach FL and Shell Key. A band of water, too insignificant to be named a channel, snakes through, around and behind Shell Key on the south side of Pass-a-Grille channel.

Shallow draft vessels could, in the last millennium, continue around the southern edge of Shell Key and work their way around a mix of shallows and sand bars weaving behind boats not drawn far enough ashore behind Shell Key. The reward was an anchorage with 8 foot depth in sight of a mile long deserted beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

Not To Run Aground Means You Gave Up Before You Tried

HideAway has a 28” draft and a kick up rudder. The primary advantage of the shallow draft is chest deep water when I run aground. Usually, the boat can be pushed off and under way quickly, sometimes without the crew fully aboard. Sections of the shallow channel required PPP navigation skills: Pushing, Poling and Pull-ing. Most days these difficulties prevented overcrowd-ing. Only crazy sailors stayed the night willing to risk the channel closing on the low morning tide.

A foot trail on the East side of Shell Key, leading to the Gulf of Mexico, ends too far north from Ft Desoto Park and too far south of Pass-a-Grille channel to interest the casual beach party enthusiast. The other access involves anchoring in the Gulf. A risky business on a calm day. The East side of the anchorage is dotted with Mangrove islands and small channels suitable only for kayaks and the adventuresome Sea Pearl.

The HideAway is a Com Pac 23 foot classic, old time, sailing vessel with round ports on her house and along with her wooden pram, looks like she were from a dif-ferent century. The sight of her anchored often attracts attention from the nautically inclined. Visitors, both power and sail, wave or slowly cruise around HideAway, then, perhaps, more waves and pleasing comments are exchanged before they continue on.

Paradise vs the Personal Watercraft Vehicle

We arrived late afternoon, secured our favorite anchor-

age, and broke out preparations for cooking supper. A jet ski departed a large power boat anchored in Pass-a-Grille channel and roared towards our slice of nirvana. Arriving, he slowed and circled the HideAway.

We waved—He waved.

The jet ski continued circling, his wake interrupting our plans for steaks on the grille.

The dinghy bobbed.

The wakes got taller. The speed higher. The circles larger.

We rolled. The dinghy bobbed. Pans clattered.

I waved again. He gunned it.

The intentional pest, in the gathering dusk, did not see the partially submerged sand bar off our East side.

“One more lap” I surmised. “Linda, Come on up and watch the show!”

The impact was quiet as far as crashes go, nonetheless, the sight of the offending captain somersaulting over the handle bars then rolling down the sand bar like a large beach ball in a 20kn wind was worth the wait. He was slow to get up. When he did, he walked gently back to his broken jet ski, found a beer in the wreckage, sat down on the overturned craft, and popped it open.

The sun and the horizon were getting closer together and we were past hungry.

“You gonna call it in?” Linda asked as I reached for the marine radio. “Not yet” I replied “let’s let him contem-plate his place in the universe awhile.”

The dinghy bobbed.

We waved.

He displayed the Florida State Bird.

I shut off the radio.

His situation was uncomfortable. Had his state of af-fairs been serious we would have attempted rescue.

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Although he had few provisions for a night at this singles bar, he was in no immediate peril. Without a radio to hail the mother ship a half mile away he would have to wait.

The jet ski, abandoned by the low tide, was too far inland for a single hand rescue. The captain turned away, taking an interest in something moving in the shadows.

Steaks Sizzled On the Grill

The steaks were deli-cious, and in the fading sea breeze, the aroma surely carried ashore to the Florida Birdman, sparking a sat-isfying, mouth-watering hunger response. We hoped.

We tuned in “A Prairie Home Companion” on the FM to be informed and entertained by the folks of Lake Woebegon MN. In those days this involved wine, much laughter and cigars.

As darkness walked ashore, the captain sat on his Personal Water-craft Vehicle, sipping on the last of his beer, awaiting rescue.

The dinghy bobbed.

Well after dark, a search light on a small skiff found us.

We pointed.

The rescue boat closed in on the shore accompanied by loud discussion, which at times did not speak kindly concerning the ship wrecked captain’s cognitive skills. The rescuers attached lines on the jet ski and dragged it off the bar by boat and hand. Picking up jet ski parts as he stumbled along, the defrocked captain, head down, followed.

As they motored off into the night we waved a toast.

They waved back.

The Florida State Bird did not fly.

And the dinghy bobbed.

It was a quiet week in Lake Woebegon.

SMALL BOATS ROCK!

Phase Details

Phase 1

Start: March 17

• All club‐sponsored events are canceled. Groups or gatherings are strongly discouraged.• All meetings will be held either via telephone or virtual meeting.• Visitor/Guests not permitted.• Members may still access/use the club while following key practices: strict social distancing practices, mask wearing, cleaning and disinfecting after every 

interaction/meeting (cleaning supplies available).• Re‐evaluate the needs for cleaning, social distancing, mask wearing, and restrictions on common use areas.

Phase 2

Start: June 1

• All club‐sponsored events are canceled. Groups or gatherings are strongly discouraged.• Waterfront activities are permitted (racing, cruises, sailing) but no in‐person gatherings (captain’s meetings, after‐parties).• All meetings will be held either via telephone or virtual meeting.• Visitor/Guests not permitted.• Members may still access/use the club while following key practices: strict social distancing practices, mask wearing, cleaning and disinfecting after every 

interaction/meeting (cleaning supplies available).• Re‐evaluate the needs for cleaning, social distancing, mask wearing, and restrictions on common use areas.

Phase 3

Start: TBD

• Club‐sponsored, in‐person events of 10 or less allowed with prior Board approval and with risk mitigation plan in place and designed to maximize distance between members, and with signed Covid‐Waiver.

• Cleaning and disinfecting after each meeting/event (cleaning supplies available).• Visitor/Guests permitted with prior Board approval required and with signed Covid‐Waiver.• Meetings of groups larger than 10 must be via telephone or virtual.• Members may still access/use the club while following key practices: strict social distancing practices, mask wearing, cleaning and disinfecting after every 

interaction/meeting (cleaning supplies available).• Re‐evaluate the needs for cleaning, social distancing, mask wearing, and restrictions on common use areas.

Phase 4

Start: TBD

• Restrictions on in‐person meetings are lifted. Large gatherings (greater than 100) require Board approval, and with signed Covid‐Waiver.• Visitor/Guest restrictions are lifted with signed Covid‐Waiver• Re‐evaluate need for cleaning, social distancing, mask wearing, and restrictions on common use areas.• Cleaning and disinfecting after each meeting/event (cleaning supplies available).

BCYC Phased Re-Opening Plan

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Cruising July 2020Submitted by ‘Cruisin’ Susan McQuillan

Saturday, July 4th, was the ‘Buck’ Full Moon. 4 boats, with stowaways, left their slips and set out to watch the sun set and full moon rise. There was pretty good cloud cover so we did not get an awesome show but our boats were out of their slips and doing what they were built to do. We all still had a good time with great food and awesome company.

Saturday, July 11th, was the monthly club cruise over to Twin Dolphin in Bradenton. This is one of our favor-ite marinas. 4 boats left their slips while only 3 made it. Unfortunately, Don Rogers injured his shoulder again and they had to turn back. Twin Dolphin has a great pool and grills, which we used to grill burgers, compli-ments of BCYC. Everyone brought their drink of choice and side dish or appetizer to share. Mark & Eva West, new members in waiting, joined in the festivities. The weather was awesome and a great time was had by all. First time cruisers, John & Lori Russo, on First Draft, loved it so much they stayed another night.

As we were getting ready for our departure, two Sea Scout boats made their way into the marina. We hung with them a bit and took photos before heading out.

Another great cruise! If you have not been on one of these cruises, you are missing out. We have lots of fun and get to know each other better!

Saturday, August 1st, will be the next Club Cruise…destination TBD.

Sunday, August 2nd, will be the Sturgeon Full Moon with the moon rising at 7:58pm and sun setting shortly afterward at 8:19pm.

After returning from Twin Dolphin, John and I drove down to Key Largo with friends of ours for 4 nights. We met up with Phong and Asa in Marathon one of the days. They are doing great and said ‘Hello’ and they miss everyone. If you make it to Marathon, either by boat or land, be sure to look them up at Boot Key.

If you have not met Braden & Alyssa yet, they are a great addition to the BCYC family!

As always, keep checking the Club Calendar, white board in the clubhouse and Trending Now for updates on Cruising.

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More cruise photos online at www.sailbcyc.org/gallery

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July Full Moon Cruise

Elsewhere on the 4th - Picot and Suzy at Seafood Shack

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A Grenadine Honeymoon, in 5 ActsStarring Kathy Rhoads, Gary Rhoads, and Pirate Mike

Act I = ASA 106 (May 2020 Windword)Act II = Bequia Beach Resort (May 2020 Windword)Act III = 3 Pirates of AndatoAct IV = Bequia / Land BasedAct V = Ice Bear

Act V - Ice Bear (Continued from last month)

While our time in the Grenadines was beyond surreal, we knew the time had come to make the trek back home. But, how? There was a sum total of zero flights heading back to the US and we certainly could not swim that far!

Then the thought hit us… we are sailors After all… we will sail home! If only we had our Seafari with us. Since we did not have our beloved sailboat, I hit the Face-book groups in search of someone else heading that way.

We had some very interesting offers, but none that re-ally were what we needed. We had 2 people contact us asking to sail their boat back to US territory but decid-ing we did not want that responsibility (or liability), we respectfully declined.

Finally, an interesting email came through from an organization that sails boats all over the world and are somewhat of an internet / YouTube sensation, called 59 North. They had a boat, a 59-foot Swan of all things, that was new to their fleet based in Grenada, the next country 50 miles South of us. They were looking for crew to sail with their captain from Grenada to USVI. For us, that would be perfect… we can take the boat to USVI, fly to Puerto Rico, then on the US.

There were several hurdles that we had to overcome for captain Sean of Ice Bear to pick us up. The Grenadines would not just let them drop anchor and we hop on board and sail away… No, of course not! We would have to meet them in St. Vincent, have them check into the country, then we could all check out.

After saying our goodbyes to all on Bequia, we took the ferry back to St. Vincent where we called our local taxi driver Striker, whom we have used multiple times. He drove us to Blue Lagoon marina, where immigration is stationed. The issue this time is that Striker was definite-ly feeling good… rum, ganga, something else? We were not sure, but he fleeced us down for $70 EC for a $35 EC cab ride. Then he proceeded to help the local fishermen clean their catch for the day and head off with dinner for himself as well.

As we sat on the dock at Blue Lagoon, we watched Ice Bear anchor by about 4PM. Sean dinghies on land and checks in to immigration, where they proceed to fleece us for $168 just to leave the country. Since we were not aware we would need that much cash, Gary ran to the closest ATM (a mile away) only to find the ATM had no money. Fortunately, Sean had some extra cash. But, by that time Gary got back from the empty cash machine, the staff was on overtime. So, they proceeded to charge us even more to pay for their “extra service”. The Carib-bean is great, but you have to “play their game”.

By the time we were done been fleeced for the day, it was too late to get started on our sail Northward. So, we dinghied out to Ice Bear to meet the rest of the crew… Peter Pappas, a retired dentist from NC and a free-spir-ited girl from FL, Anastasia Lucignani. We quickly made some dinner and hit the berth as we planned to set sail bright and early the next morning.

Honeymoon, continued page 16 >>

Photo from 59 North website

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Honeymoon, continued from page 15

We awoke at 5AM and pulled up anchor by 6. The winds to start the day were very light and it did not help that we were caught in the Lee of St. Vincent. It seemed like we were sailing along the coast for a very long time. But, once we finally cleared past the gigantic volcano island, we were in 18-22 knot winds and 5 – 6 foot seas that lasted all night long. Ice Bear is a dream to sail… at 59 feet in length and a 12 foot keel, she is very stable. Many times, we were cruising over 10 knots.

Since there were 5 of us, we did 3 hour shifts with Kathy and I on a team, Peter and Anastasia on a team and the captain by himself. When we were not on watch, there were other duties to do, like cook and clean.

We quickly learned that making dinner on a boat in those type of conditions is not easy. Kathy was a little seasick, so Gary attempted to make dinner with ev-erything getting thrown about the galley. Pots, pans, plates, silverware, steak, salad… all getting tossed about the cabin. There were many curse words flying

from below deck that night. But, in the end it was all good and we ate and settled into a routine of 3 hours

on and 9 hours off.

The midnight to 3AM shift for Kathy and Gary was particularly rough. Peter stayed over from his watch to help as we had a hard time manually steering the boat in rough seas. We only stayed on the helm for 30 minutes at a time so we could stay fresh. Kathy took Sturgeon, a seasickness medica-tion that made her feel human again, so she never missed a beat when it came to her turn at the wheel.

On Tuesday, the winds had finally started to calm down. So much so that we had to motor sail for awhile as we did not want to get to St. Thomas after dark. We pulled into Red Hook at 6PM and anchored, but it was too late to head to immi-gration. The next morning though, we took the 20-minute RIB ride over to St John’s to check in. To

celebrate our successful journey, the entire crew went out for pizza and beer at a local pizza place, with face masks in tow of course.

The next day we made our way very early to the air-port, where we caught that flight to Puerto Rico and then the one to FL, just like we had planned. It was bittersweet for sure. It meant the end of our 3-month honeymoon in the Caribbean, but at least we could go see some of our family and friends. Some would ask, “Do you really still want to sail the Caribbean after all that you experienced”? With that, we can say without a doubt… YES! It solidified our desire to return more than ever!!

Many thanks to Gary and Kathy Rhoads for sharing their Honeymoon adventure with us over five issues of the Windword. You've entertained us in a time we needed entertainment and inspired us in a time we needed inspiration. Thank you both!

And it all started at BCYC:

Gary and Kathy's wedding aboard Seafari at the BCYC hoist in March

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Race Report for the 2020 Spring SeriesSubmitted by James Masson

Here are the overall results for our Spring Series. 12 boats competed with 7 boats showing up regularly. We lost only 1 weekend of racing to Covid closure. Dave Roberts continues to dominate, can someone come out and challenge the man?!! Newer members Fauss Hall and Stanilsav Yefimov placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. They both competed in our Capri 16.5’s. If we can get a few more skippers to sail the Capris we can start their own class! The best part of these races are the after race debriefings moderated by Mark Rother and Captain Morgan. Thank you very much to everyone who participated and looking forward to the start of the Fall series on August 22.

BCYC 2020 Spring Series

Class: PHRF. PHRF (Time on time)

Overall Score: Last Race Date:06/21/20 Sail Boat Skipper PHRF Total 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 115 Legacy Roberts,Dave 257 13 1 1 3 2 1 3 2

2 3 Capri Hull,Fauss 261 35 13 DNC 13 DNC 1 1 2 2 3

3 6 Capri Yefimov,Stanislav 261 39 13 DNC 13 DNC 4 3 4 1 1

4 889 Godzilla Rother,Mark 180 39 2 2 2 4 3 13 DNC 13 DNC

5 58 Claudia Gail Hendricks,Elizabeth 270 57 5 6 13 DNC 9 7 4 13 DNC

6 135 Fantasea Cavillo,Robert 243 58 3 5 13 DNC 6 5 13 DNC 13 DNC

7 206 Koinonia Reynolds,Garth 210 66 6 3 5 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC

8 102 Galene Gaudry,Gerard 222 67 4 4 13 DNS 7 13 DNS 13 DNC 13 DNC

9 72 Pilgram II Kreutzer,Bruce 286 79 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC 8 6 13 DNC 13 DNC

10 h27 Bob a Bouy Yvonne 260 83 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC 5 13 DNC

11 5 Capri Richardson,Mike 261 83 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNF 5 13 DNS 13 DNC 13 DNC

12 6780 Celebration Ogorek,Sheri 206 84 13 DNC 13 DNC 6 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC 13 DNC

Rhumb Runners Fall ScheduleSubmitted by Barb Meyer, Rhumb Runners Captain

Fall Race SeriesSept 13 Race one

Sept 15 Windlasses host the FWSA meeting and luncheon at Bon Appetit (Tuesday)

Sept 19 Monthly meeting 12n

Sept 27 2nd race

Oct 11 3rd race No Capri racing/conflict with sail school. Sunfish/pram only

Oct 17 Monthly meeting 12n

Oct 25 4th race

Nov 8 Cats Point Regatta Sea Scouts

Nov 14/15 BCYC One Design Regatta

Nov 21 Advisory Board Meeting 11am

Monthly meeting 12n

Nov 22 Last race day

Dec 10 Annual Holiday party

Dec 12 Christmas Boat Parade

Please note all dates are subject to change due to COVID 19 or BCYC events.

Stay tuned for 2021 Race schedule.

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