Tomahawk Bay Yacht Club

This page contains the current copy of the newsletter as well as links to archived copies.  If there are any corrections or additions to the newsletter, they will appear here.
 
 

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR COMMODORE

I attended the CRYA meeting this month because the usual delegates were not available. We have a wrong date for the Halloween cruise. It is Oct.21-23. Please mark your calendar appropriately!

We got a great response at the CRYA meeting on TBYC's proposal to have a the spring swap meet be a, "metro area yachts clubs joint swap meet."  That should boost the success of the spring swap meet even more.

The Grandma's Cove development issue is still unresolved but will probably be a moot point. It looks like the powers that be will probably decide in favor of Schooner Creek being able to develop their planned site there. This will eliminate public use of Grandma's Cove as an anchorage. So ... take the opportunity to go there March 18 - 19 with the Sauvie Island Yacht Club group.

The subject of Martin Slough being filled in with dredge tailings is an issue that is still not getting enough opposition. Write or call the Corps of Engineers, State Marine Board - whomever you can - and say no!  It is one of my favorite cruising destinations, and that of many others, we do not need to lose it!

The INTERSTATE BRIDGE CLOSURE IS JULY 15-SEPT.15 so plan for that if you require a lift.

Get the jump on the class soon to be requirement for boat opportunity by taking the "Oregon Boating Basics" self test from a booklet, which is currently available through the State Marine Board. Hurry, they are fazing it out!

I want to give a special thanks to the hard work your officers are doing this season, you should be seeing some great stuff soon!

See you on the water,
Rick
 

SECRETARY'S REPORT

Facts and Fiction from the March TBYC Meeting

The second meeting of the 2000 officers had a good turn out and some good business handling. Membership continues to grow with some 30 membership applications and dues received. We will pay the annual dues to CRYA based upon mid-month numbers to assure cruise schedules are distributed.

A change in destination for next weekend's cruise was required due to the closure of the Columbia River Railroad Bridge. As the bridge will not be operating by the end of the weekend, sail boaters would either be unable to attend the Sand Island cruise or stranded in St Helen's unable to return up river. It was decided to go to the Government Island east dock as it provides greater socializing opportunities-- especially if the weather is less than a 5.0 on the weather meter. (Don't forget to bring draw firewood to help us start and maintain the bonfire we all like so much.) And Roger, please bring the fire starter!

A new club clothing catalog is being prepared and work is proceeding to assure the TBYC burgee is available on clothing items at member's request. Stitching boat names is a minimal expense (except, possibly for boat names such as "10-Speed Bar, Grill & Tug"). David and I working to get a couple of actual items prepared by next weekends cruise and a more complete catalog containing polo shirts, burber fleece, sweat shirts, baseball hats and wind jackets. You'll want to check these out!

Rick Brady, El Commodore, is working on that point schedule he introduced at the January annual meeting.  Remember points are available for coming to meetings, coming to cruises, helping with various activities-such as cooking breakfast and cleaning up-and bringing the best dish to Saturday night's potluck. Next weekend's cruise theme is "Chili." (I wonder which way the wind will blow on Sunday?)

See you on the water,
Lorraine  Creek
 

UP COMING ACTIVITES

April 6th      TBYC Board Meeting
                    7PM     (Spaldings)
                    602 N. Tomahawk Island Dr.
                    283-4276
                    All members welcome

April 8/9th   Government Island/ East Dock
                    Dinner Theme---French
                    Bring some dry firewood, for the bonfire

May 1st       Opening Day

May 20th     TBYC Swap Meet
                    Tomahawk Bay Parking Lot

May 27,28,29th  Martin Slough
                           Bring your dinghy as this is an anchor out function
 

0900  11 FEBRUARY 2000 aboard S/V Glaoch Ne Mara

With Commodore Rick Brady at the helm, we set sail for Coon Island for a Tomahawk Bay Yacht Club weekend cruise. Of course, we were not under sail, but under power with the vessel's main engine. It is important at this juncture to note, that after many years as a sail-boater, I am now a staunch power boater, so I tend to know the difference between sailing and power boating. But what the 'hey... we are in the pilothouse with the red dot heater on high and that equates to a nice toasty ride at about 8.4 knots. We did encounter a number of other powerboats heading in both directions on the river, and I am sure I heard a number of typical sail-boater's comments about their existence, their family heritage and other unprintable comments. (This was later denied, of course.) At 1155, we tied up at Coon Island - proud to be the very first on the island.

You will read elsewhere in this issue all of the vitals regarding this cruise, and it was a fun time for all of us. At this time, though, I feel the necessity of reporting some of the oddities that can and do occur aboard an Irish boat. In fairness to all that participated, I am omitting true identities for fear that the truth might compromise many.  The food prepared by Chef Rick was excellent. He used nearly every pot and pan he owns in preparing our food, knowing that I was delegated for galley cleanup - a real chef. And now the weird things begin to happen.

 From all over the boat came this totally confusing sound. I was sure it was the start of an Irish wake but those are happy events and the music is spirited.  This was not the case. I finally gave up and asked Rick to explain and when I asked, "what is it? he smiled and said, "it's in 'ya." I still am not sure what's in 'ya. Must be something uttered by the resident leprechaun. Of course, I was shamed for not appreciating and understanding true Irish song. (I would much prefer a wake.) And of course, I heard from time to time Erin go Bragh. I didn't know that Erin was aboard so why would I worry about her bra. I tell you, this pigeon Irish can really boggle the mind.

Happy hour occurred each night and the little green bottles dispensed true Irish whiskey. The stories were many and the laughter was loud.  Some of those present, after a tip or two of the green bottles, were able to understand "it's in 'ya." Just like getting a tattoo - if you drink enough it's okay.

Some time Saturday, the boat's water supply gave out - a bad pump I believe. No problem except when it came time to brush one's teeth.  Did you ever substitute beer when you brushed your teeth? Oh, well, that's life at sea. The rest of my time aboard was fun and on Sunday, going home, we took the pontoon boat under tow and they pushed us up Multnomah Channel at the end of a stiff line. Jon Bake came to the rescue at Terminal 6, and took them along side for the balance of their trip home.  All's well that ends well.

Just to put things into proper perspective, my weekend aboard was just great and I would do it again. And when the time is right, Glaoch Ne Mara will help my friend find the true lure of the sea.

Carl Taylor
 

FEBRUARY  CRUISE          COON  ISLAND

The February Valentine cruise was a combined effort with Sauvie Island Yacht Club. There was a good turnout for a winter cruise. Boats present, from both clubs, were: Aquarius, Bliss, Cantata, Dock Holiday, Drummer, Glaoch Ne Mara, Hokuloa, Illusion, Lazy B II, MurSea, Mystique, She'll Boogie, Summer Rose, and Ten Speed Bar, Grill, and Tug.

For those who arrived early, there was an impromptu dinner potluck on Friday. It was in the true spirit of bring-whatever-you-have-on-board to share. The men had done some serious - really, really, serious - firewood gathering earlier in the day. Combined with the wood that folks brought with them from home, we had enough for a fire both nights.

Friday evening the weather was brisk and, in spite of the fire, a lot of people retired early to their snuggly bunks (it was Valentines weekend!)

Saturday was a good day to take a walk around the perimeter of the Island and see the improvements the Marine Board has done to the West docks. The Saturday evening bonfire was started in the afternoon and by night we had a rip roaring grand finale of a bonfire. It needed tending until it finally burned itself out in the wee hours of the morning.

The dinner theme was Italian, if you got the TBYC newsletter, or desserts, if you got the SIYC newsletter. The favorite dish of the evening, however, was Grandma's pickled asparagus. Once again, we didn't go hungry. Lots of helpers pitched in Sunday morning and we had a great breakfast too.

If you've never attended one of the winter cruises, next year give it a try. Sometimes they are among the most memorable.

Sarah D.
 

MARCH  CRUISE     GOVERNMENT  ISLAND

Our best-laid plans to cruise to Sand Island were foiled. The Vancouver Railroad Bridge was closed for a week for repairs and hasty alternative plans were made. We had Government Island nearly to ourselves. There were two other boats who happened to tie up and both were given an invitation to join our potluck and to join our club. (Good recruiting, Cheryl.)

It was another pleasant turnout. Boats present were: Abyss, Aquarius, Bliss, Cheers, Four Teaz, Glaoch Ne Mara, Mystique, Ten Speed Bar, Grill, and Tug, and Utopia.

The Marine Board is also working on improvement to Government Island with plans that include replacing the docks and adding a more substantial breakwater. The improvements and clearing of the bank provided us with a lot of firewood for another bodacious bonfire.

Two bonfires actually. It was a bonfire contest. What Gordon's gasoline and Rick's flares failed to achieve, Bev Snow's patient nurturing and persistence - one twig and handful of leaves at a time - achieved.  The slash pile bonfire was still smoldering when we returned for a final camp cleanup Sunday morning.

The Saturday potluck theme was Chili. Yummy. There was also cornbread, salads, fudge, garlic bread, baked potatoes, chips, and more. We never go hungry. That includes the Sunday morning breakfast - just as good as any of the brunches uptown.

Next months cruise, April 8 - 9 is to ... why, it's to Government Island.  See you there!
Sarah
 

"BRIEF " BIOGRAPHIES FOR YOUR YEAR 2000 TBYC OFFICERS

Commodore, Rick Brady
Rick has been a member of TBYC for 10, or so, years. He's held many clubs offices in the past including Commodore. Rick lives aboard his Nauticat 38, which he has had for ten years, named Glaoch Ne Mara - ask him about the correct pronunciation. His boat is moored in Tomahawk Bay.

This fall Rick retired from the Oregon State Police. At the time of his retirement, he was in charge of the homicide investigative system at the general headquarters located in Salem. Prior to that, he spent many years working with the fish and wildlife department.

Rick's plans are to take himself and his boat to Cost Rica to enjoy the rest of his years in a tropical climate. Until that day he fills his time teaching at Clackamas Community College, working at West Marine, and juggling the jobs he takes on through his Private Investigator Service. In Rick's words, "If that doesn't sound retired, I don't know what does."
 

Vice Commodore, Gordon Spalding and Co-publicist, Cheryl Spalding
Cheryl and Gordon just recently relocated to Portland after buying a condo just minutes away from the moorage at Tomahawk Bay of their 45 foot Puget Trawler "Aquila Too." The original Aquila is a 45foot Irwin Ketch rig, moored in Hawaii on the island of Molokai. What's it like to be a two-boat family?????

Gordon and Cheryl have been members of TBYC for several years, and have helped out as necessary with the different functions. The most infamous was when Gordon was on a barge(it held the bar-b-que for the pig)and it was being towed from Chinook Landing to Government Island, and nearly swamped.

Gordon is continually busy as Field Engineer for his and Cheryl's corporation, FNR Communications which provides commercial microwave communications to customers around the world. Additionally, he has branched out into the marine business, and indicated that he can and will do anything? Well, anything short of varnish work that is!!!  He just returned from Hawaii, where he was helping to finish up a project with the Maui Police Department. It sure was tough to be in an atmosphere where shorts and flip-flops are the daily wear.

Having a love of the water since their youth, both Gordon and Cheryl enjoy their boats. They have cruised in the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, sailed their boat to Hawaii (in just 18 days), and cruised 1100 miles South of the Hawaiian Islands to Palmyria Atoll. They must admit that sailing around the Hawaiian Islands has given them a better understanding of the fickle wind. They enjoy dividing their time between the Columbia River and Hawaii.
 

Vice Commodore of Power Allen Bunjer
Allen and his wife Virginia live aboard a Bayliner 45 Pilot House named Dock Holiday. They've had the Bayliner "for 3 or 4 years," and are moored in Tomahawk Bay.

Allen has been a member of TBYC for, "7 or 8 years." This is his first time to accept a position as an officer. A self-described, "man of few words," he pitched right in on the first cruise of the season helping with all of the little details that makes the cruise run smoothly including cooking of the pancakes and drying of the dishes afterward.

Allen's business card reads," Innovative solutions to engineering challenges." He has had many fascinating jobs and a self-described, "inventor of sorts." When he says, "So, see me if you need any sorts," I suspect he is being more than modest.
 

Commodore of Sail, Jim Sulak
Jim, and his wife Karen, are charter TBYC members. They have owned several sailboats over the years. Their current boat is a Catalina 30 named Bliss, which they purchased new in 1991. They currently moor at Hayden Bay after spending several years at Tomahawk Bay.

Jim has held several offices in the past and was persuaded to take yet another stint at officerhood. Jim and Karen have done quite a bit of sailing in the Washington and Canadian waters over the years. Jim loves offshore coastal cruising and it is his retirement dream to do even more extensive and leisurely exploration of the Northerly waters.

Jim retired in 1999 from the Yamhill county surveying and engineering department. He keeps himself plenty busy with building projects around his own home and helping his stepdaughter and son-in-law update their home on Shaw Island.
 

Secretary, Lorraine Creek
Lorraine and her husband Dave joined TBYC about ½ an hour before this year's election of officers. They moved to the Island Cove Floating Homes about a year ago and say,  "it's the only way to live." They have a pontoon boat named Ten Speed, Bar, Grill, and Tug. They have been boat owners for about two years.

Lorraine has a son who lives in Beaverton, and a daughter who is married, has a baby girl with a head full of long dark hair, and lives in England.

Lorraine works for the Human Resources and payroll department of the YMCA of the Columbia and Willamette district. Did you know that the YMCA is the largest single provider of childcare in the state? Ask her about it while you're helping her getting breakfast together for us on one of the cruises.
 

Treasurer, Bill Chapin
Bill lives aboard his 38-foot Finn Sailor, Sisu, at Tomahawk Bay. This is Bill's first boat and he is enjoying learning all about boatsmanship and life aboard on a full-time basis. Bill has generously agreed to fill the office of Treasurer and brings some welcomed experience with finance and record keeping.

Bill has four children, three of whom live in the Portland area. He also has six grandchildren. He says the family all gets together about once a month and thoroughly enjoy each other's company.

Bill is retired from an engineering firm. However, he still does some consultation in the field. He has a lot of fun time interests including skiing and remodeling his mountain cabin.
 

Co-Publicist, Sarah DuVal
Sarah and her husband Roger have a Catalina 30, Mystique, which is moored in Hayden Bay. They weekend onboard year around. They have been members of TBYC for four years.

Sarah and Roger are confirmed river rats and think it will be many years before their exploration of the Columbia and Willamette River systems is complete. They occasionally charter to get a taste of what it's like to sail in those wonderful, "dream waters."

Sarah is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and has an office in Salem.  Sarah and Roger's on-land home is in Salem and within easy driving distance (actually walking if you get right down to it) of their children and grandchildren.
 

Historian and Webmaster
Due to incomplete information and procrastination up to the deadline, the biographies on out Webmaster and Historian are very incomplete. Our Webmaster is John Hoefer (boat name Dawg Pound) and our Historian (for several terms now) is Cindy Olson (boat name Cest La Vie). Lack of diligence on my part to track down the information for the newsletter has NO reflection on just how much we appreciate these two folk's hard work and efforts in accepting these offices and doing some very labor intensive jobs for the club.

Sarah D.
 
 

Newsletter Archives:
TBYC  Newsletter 11/99
TBYC Newsletter 01/00
TBYC Newsletter 02/00