Venture/MacGregor Yacht Club

Venturing

January 1996 - Volume 26 Number 1

Last updated: February 1, 1996 @ 21:30 CST


Contents

COMMODORE DUET - Larry Featherston
VICE COMMODORE'S REPORT - Steve Hanes
TREASURER'S REPORT - Jennie Taylor
26 FLEET - Dave Taylor
25' JIVE - John Vaughan
24 FLEET - Ray Pryor
22 FLEET - Mike Kmita
ASSOCIATE FLEET - Sandi Cook
CRUISING - Sam and Donna Blake
RACING - Alfred Barboza
PROGRAMS - Jim Wallace
GLORIA ROE - In Memory
1996 DALLAS WINTER BOAT SHOW - January 26 - February 4
1996 OFFICERS and BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1996 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1995 CHRISTMAS BANQUET - Steve Hanes
DOOR PRIZE!
THE SALE MAKER (Classified Ads)


COMMODORE DUET


Larry Featherston
(214) 247-8869

Hang on, boys and girls, we are in for a ride that we hope will take you from the boredom of your television to the open air and the clear blue waters of Texas. Yeah, I know that all of the waters are not blue, but we can always hope for the best. This is the year of 1996, and we hope to match our family of boats to that magical number of 96 members this year.

I am being told the race dates have been changed around a little so that they match schedules a little better. We have plans for more night activities, and the cruises are being planned by a committee of experts also along with participative programs. What else can you ask for in the way of frolick and controlled havoc? Also, it is time to plan for the Winter Boat Show in an effort to show off our club and invite those who are willing to learn a new sport that involves all of our club, that being of teaching sailing lessons.

Believe it or not, we gain a lot of new members through the Boat Show. Not only are some of these people new to sailing, but some people have owned boats for years and did not know about us. Hard to believe we have been around for about 30 years and people are just finding out about us.

Come one, come all, and let the party begin. It’s time to shake off the old barnacles from the bottom side and enjoy being around others who have a "great" common interest .

Catch a wave, and let the good times splash high.

P.S. - DALE, IT’S A BAD IDEA!

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VICE COMMODORE'S REPORT


Steve Hanes
(214) 517-5104
vmycdallas@bigplanet.com

Well, it's a New Year and I guess I have a New Job! (Not my "day job," but the one you see above!). That's right, my tour of duty as your Newsletter Editor is over, and I want to begin this year by first thanking everyone who contributed articles and other materials in 1995 and helped make our Venturing so successful!

I really enjoyed working with you all and am now looking forward to my new responsibilities in helping our club continue its growth and to be a fun organization that will continue to provide us further enjoyment of our sailing interests. I appreciate the vote of confidence from you, our members, in electing me to this office and will do my best to fulfill the associated responsibilities that go with this honor and help make 1996 the best year ever for the Venture MacGregor Yacht Club. So... lets get on with the fun!...

1996 Dallas Boat Show
It seems my first duty is to coordinate the club activities associated with the 1996 Dallas Winter Boat Show. That's right! It's time for this year's annual extraveganza which runs at Dallas Market Hall from Friday, January 26th, through Sunday, February 4th. Once again, The Rigg Shop will be providing us space to promote our club as well as promoting the annual Basic Sailing classes that we co-sponsor with The Rigg Shop. We will need a lot of volunteers to "man" (or"woman"?) our booth throughout the 10-day show. Volunteers will be discussing our club and the sailing lessons with visitors, handing out literature, signing up new members, and registering students for the classes. There has been some misconception in the past that volunteers are there to sell boats for The Rigg Shop. While interested buyers may have questions of how much we enjoy our boats and how well they sail, prospective buyers should be referred to The Rigg Shop's sales staff for details to avoid conflicting information.

We need volunteers to work 2-hour shifts throughout the show, with full coverage on weekends and each evening. During peek times, we will want to have several volunteers present. Please contact me by phone at 517-5104 to reserve your time slots. If no answer, please leave your name, phone number, and the time(s) you want to volunteer for on my answering machine. Call early for the best times. Volunteers will have FREE access to the show on the days you volunteer, so you may want to schedule your time slots when you will have time to also "cruise" the show!

1996 Membership Renewals
My next order of business is to get all members to renew their membership for another exciting year of activities and benefits in what is certainly the BEST Yacht Club for Venture and MacGregor owners anywhere! Please fill out the enclosed membership form today and mail it with your check to me at the address indicated. Renew early to assure your inclusion in the 1996 Venture/MacGregor Yacht Club Roster that will be provided to all members. Please make sure to include your interests on the form so the information can be shared with all board members to help assure that this year's activities meet your needs.

New Internet Web Site!
You read right! The Venture/MacGregor Yacht Club now has our own Web Site on the "Information SuperHighway"! I created our first "home page" in November, and since then have continually added information about our club and activities. In fact, the Christmas Banquet article elsewhere in this Venturing was extracted from an article first published World-Wide on the Web the day after the banquet for anyone to read! The same was true with our election results and other recent events. So, while my official "Editor" duties are behind me, I've sort of taken on the unofficial role of Webmaster for our club to promote ourselves to the world. If you have access to the Web, please visit our site frequently at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/vmyc to find out about all club activities. Our site is set up with links to other sailing sites of interest with indexes to most any sailling related sites in the world. Included are hot links to hourly local weather forecasts and the growing number of local sailing activities being added to the Web. With the number of our members that are active on the Internet, I welcome assistance from any members wanting to create pages to be linked into our site.

Just send me an eMail at
vmycdallas@bigplanet.com.

As an added feature to our Web Site, I am also the unofficial Webmaster for the MacVenture On-Line Yacht Club which now has over 170 Venture and MacGregor owners throughout the US and Canada who exchange sailing tips and adventures regularly via eMail on the Internet. This site is also available via a hot link on our own home page and if you haven't already added your eMail address to the MVOLYC list, you can do so from this site and begin sharing in the multitude of tips mailed out daily!

I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy these new features of our club, as well as the many activities that our club offers throughout the year. I look forward to seeing you all at the Boat Show and to working together with each of you to make 1996 the best ever for the V/MYC!

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TREASURER'S REPORT


Jennie Taylor
(214) 317-6570

We are ready to start a new sailing year in the club. I am your new Treasurer for 1996. We have been in the club since 1994 and were Cruising Directors last year.

If you have upcoming expenses, let me know in advance, if possible, and I will arrange to get you the funds. I plan to bring the checkbook to board meetings and regular monthly meetings. Please keep your receipts for me. Call me.

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26 FLEET


Dave Taylor
(214) 317-6570

Another sailing year is here. I understand it is even sailing weather for some. Whether you race, cruise, camp, explore, or all of the above, this club has something --lots of things-- for everyone. If you own, crew on, (or want to hang around with) a Mac 26, this is the place to get the technical tips and help by the handfuls. For those of you in the fleet who have always been active participants, let me know how I can help, or give me ideas for activities, either for our fleet or for the club.

For those who have not had or taken the opportunity to join some of our many activities, we'll try to make it easy for you. If you are new to the club or have been around for awhile but haven't participated, we hope this is the year you can become more active. How, you ask?

* Stay informed: Attend monthly meetings. You'll hear details of upcoming and past events (often in hilarious detail), benefit from the monthly programs, and meet and talk with other members.

* Read the monthly Venturing: It contains schedules and other helpful information, particularly if you couldn't make the meeting.

* Get involved: The best way to gain something from the club is to get involved in some way. Help with a function, race, cruise, or other.

If you ever have a question, call me (317-6570), or another member of the fleet. We'll do our best to help you get the answers, advice, motivation - there is power in numbers.

We hope to have some local lake adventures. These can sometimes be spontaneous, so keep your ears open. I plan to call you periodically about upcoming events. The answering machine is my allie.

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25' JIVE


John Vaughan
(214) 235-2934
Adds29a@Prodigy.com

Welcome to 1996! I'm your new (old) Fleet Captain for the fantastic 25 Fleet of Macs and Ventures. Les Liggett (103042.3406@compuserve.com) has kindly volunteered (without duress) to be our Fleet Lieutenant. Thanks, Les. We've also been seeing a lot of MacGregor articles from Les on the Internet. "A wheel on a 25'? - No way!...Ha"

At last count we had 17 fleet members in our merry band of cast iron bottom bumpers (try that in a 26'..Ha!), and I know there are many more 25's in our area who will line up to join the fun once they know about us. We also consider all the Associate Fleet Members who are former 25' owners as alumni of our group. (No voting rights, but a lot of good sea stories.)

The easily trailerable 25 is competitive on the race course and a perfect cruising boat for exploring our area lakes and gulf waters. As Jimmy Buffet says, "Fast enough to get there" and "Slow enough to see", and I add, "with just enough creature comforts to make it interesting."

As the year cranks up, we'll keep you informed about all the exciting meetings and events for our fleet.

Happy Sailing!

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24 FLEET


Ray Pryor
(817) 488-7937

The 24 Fleet has a new member, compliments of Jeff and Ann Tucker. Paula Lynn Tucker made landfall on 12/26/95 with a displacement of 7 pounds 8 ounces. Congratulations! The fleet was well represented (4 of 6) at the club banquet in December. I hope everyone had a good time.

It seems that several people have been doing some major work on their boats this last year. The Tuckers have added roller furling and had some fiberglass work done on their keel. Jeff was pleased with the advice, work, and support of The Rigg Shop in his efforts. However, Jeff about had a heart attack when Robert at The Rigg Shop said, "I'm sure you ordered this," and pointed to a new cast iron keel laying on the workshop floor. Eventually it was established that just coincidentally another Venture 24 (mine) was getting the new keel. (It was probably funnier to see the look on Jeff's face).

By the way, I'm really happy with my new keel that The Rigg Shop expertly installed in less than a week. They also saved me a big freight bill by picking the keel up with one of their new boats. Thanks! My boat got a new keel to replace the delaminating old one, West system epoxy for gel coat/barrier coat, and VC offshore bottom paint, new sails, and an economy instrument package. Thanks to Dick and Beth Hardin for the use of their backyard as a boat yard and their assistance with tools and advice. It made the bottom job much easier. Dick had the springs on his boat's motor mount replaced, making raising the motor out of the water much easier. I wonder if my springs need replacing, hmm?

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22 FLEET


Mike Kmita
(214) 422-1105

Hi, I'm Mike Kmita, this year's 22 Fleet Captain. I know that most of you newer club members and many of the old members haven't seen much of us lately. I don't understand why, at this stage of our life, the one where you should have plenty of time to play, it seems that all there is to do is work on one thing or the other. And that one thing or the other has not been the boat. If it were not for being crew on "Tina Turner" (the fast Olson 30 that is in a slip and ready to go), we would not have gotten wet more than a couple of times this past year.

Anyway, my wife Shirley and I have been members of the V/MYC for about 9 years now. Like most people, the involvement comes and goes, and we have been on and off the board every few years. Shirley has been on most of the years, and I'm known as "Shirley's husband." Now, I guess Shirley's husband did such a bang-up job the last time I was on the board that you all wanted me back again. Hope I write more than one of these darn articles. You know that the most important function of a board member is keeping up on these articles. Just read some of Larry's, and you will see what I mean. Seriously, I hope to be in contact with everyone more often, and I look forward to this year.

P.S. - Much thanks to Mike and "John de J-Boater"! I heard that they were disappointed that they were unable to be the Fleet Captain, so they volunteered to help me out this year.

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ASSOCIATE FLEET


Sandi Cook
(214) 231-3757

Happy New Year to the Associate Fleet and all other V/MYC members. Hope your Christmas was a good one and you received many neat, new toys for your sailboat. Now is the time to start those projects you have been wanting to do, so that you don't mess up the Spring with a lot of stressful activities, like work.

In case you do not know me, my name is Sandi Cook, and I am the Associate Fleet Captain this year. My husband Doug and I have three beautiful daughters (Chelsea, Megan, and Mary) and have been V/MYC members for six years. We sailed a MacGregor 25 until March 1995, when we lost our minds and bought a Catalina 250 (Eureka). I thought you all might throw me out of the club for such mutinous behavior, but was told I would have to work a lot harder than that to get out of going to board meetings.

Stay tuned to this column for interesting Fleet news, gossip, etc., and I'll see you out on the water!

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CRUISING


Sam and Donna Blake
(214) 276-0682

Are you ready for the cruises in l996? Well, Donna and I have been going on cruises since l972 with the club, and we still think this is probably one of the most important and enjoyable parts of being a member of the Venture/MacGregor Yacht Club. This is where you get to meet and really get to know people with the same interest. Most all of our best friends came out of participating in the club events such as cruising and racing. Our daughter is now 24 but was only 3 when we joined the club, and we have always gone as a family to the cruises. Some of our best memories are with the club, and we are still making new memories. It is practically impossible to estimate the value of and positive things that come out of camping and doing things on the water with family and friends.

NOW IT IS 1996, AND YOU NEED TO GO CRUISING ! There will be three major cruises this year, as usual, and you need to start marking your calendars now before making any other plans:
(1) Memorial Day Cruise - Lake Texoma May 25, 26, 27
(2) Fourth of July Cruise - Lake Texoma July 4, 5, 6, 7
(3) Labor Day Cruise - Lake Texoma August 31, September 1, 2
Details about these cruises will be given in your future Venturing newsletters.

Donna and I look forward to seeing you all out there having fun on the water!

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RACING


Alfred Barboza
(214) 270-1048

Welcome to the 1996 Racing Season! I hope everyone is ready for a full year of fun and some good, solid competition. Listed elsewhere in the Venturing is the tentative racing schedule for the season. The committee boat duties were selected by drawing numbers from a hat by my granddaughter. She was very impartial and had no regards towards what I wanted.

The first race (informal) will be at the Bachelors' Cruise on March 9th and 10th. Maybe this year we will have nice weather. It seems these OLD BONES are getting sensitive to cold weather and damp air. Now would be a good time for the newer skippers to pick their crew or ask some of the more seasoned skippers. This would be a good time to learn a few tricks to good sail trim.

On March 16th, our yearly New Skippers' Race will be held on Lake Lavon. There will be a classroom study on March 15th. We will take you through the major Right-of-Way rules that govern us all, so please take advantage of the experience of some of the long-time racers of the club.

On January 26th through February 4th, the Dallas Boat Show will need volunteers to help promote our club to the general public. Also at this time, we promote our yearly sailing classes that sustain the club for the year. The Vice-Commodore will be asking for your help, so please do if you have the time. It will be a great benefit to the club.

One point I would like to make: If you have any suggestions for changes in the way the race schedules or the races themselves were handled in the past, please let your thoughts be known. Now is the time to bring it up.

Hope to see you all real soon, ya hear?

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PROGRAMS


Jim Wallace
(214) 243-0212

JANUARY PROGRAM
January 16 - 7:30 p.m.
Swap Meet & Bull Session

Bring your spare sailing equipment or any other items, including non-sail items, to the January meeting and trade or sell to your fellow members.

It you don't have anything to sell or trade, just come and spend the evening with your friends.

Remember--If it doesn't move, you must take it back. Please keep your area neat. We are guests in this facility.

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GLORIA ROE


In Memory

It's so hard to say goodbye to someone we know and love.
It all seems so unfair, and probably we will never understand why things have to happen like they do.
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Gloria Roe,
who was taken by cancer on Tuesday, January 9.
Now all we have are the many memories of a truly beautiful person who meant so much to so many people.
For us personally, our memories of Glenn and Gloria began over 23 years ago, and we are so thankful to have gotten to see her again one last time at the Christmas banquet.
We will truly miss her.
- Editors -

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1996 DALLAS WINTER BOAT SHOW


January 26 - February 4

Come out and visit us at The Rigg Shop exhibit while you are attending the show. Admission is FREE to members who volunteer to help the Venture/MacGregor Yacht Club promote our club and our annual Basic Sailing Classes.
See details in the Vice Commodore's article to volunteer.

Show Hours:
Friday, January 26 - 6:00 - 10:00
Saturday, January 27 - 10:00 - 10:00
Sunday, January 28 - 10:00 - 6:00
Monday - Friday, Jan. 29-Feb. 2 - 3:00-10:00
Saturday, February 3 - 10:00 - 10:00
Sunday, February 4 - 10:00 - 6:00

Call Steve Hanes at (214) 517-5104 for more information.

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1996 OFFICERS and BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers


COMMODORE:         Larry Featherston         (214) 247-8869
VICE COMMODORE:    Steve Hanes               (214) 517-5104
SECRETARY:         Debbie Miller             (214) 492-3254
TREASURER:         Jennie Taylor             (214) 317-6570

Fleet Captains


26 FLEET:          Dave Taylor               (214) 317-6570
25 FLEET:          John Vaughan              (214) 235-2934
23/24 FLEET:       Ray Pryor                 (817) 488-7937
22 FLEET:          Mike Kmita                (214) 422-1105
ASSOCIATE FLEET:   Sandi Cook                (214) 231-3757

Committee Chairpersons


CRUISING:          Sam and Donna Blake       (214) 276-0682
RACING:            Al Barboza                (214) 270-1048
SOCIAL:            Lora Featherston          (214) 247-8869
PROGRAMS:          Jim Wallace               (214) 243-0212
VENTURING EDITORS: Marshall & Carol McKenzie (214) 271-5073
PARLIAMENTARIAN:   Kathy Peele               (214) 423-4603

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1996 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

2nd     Board Meeting, 7:30pm
16th    Membership Meeting, 7:30pm
        Program: Swap Meet
26-4    Boat Show, Dallas Market Hall

FEBRUARY

6th     Board Meeting, 7:30pm
16-18   Midwinters, Houston
20th    Membership Meeting, 7:30pm
        Program: Mardi Gras Potluck

MARCH

5th     Board Meeting, 7:30pm
9-10    Bachelor’s Cruise
15th    New Skippers, Class
16th    New Skippers, Race
19th    Membership Meeting, 7:30pm
        Program: Sailing the Internet
30th	Spring Series: Races 1 & 2

APRIL

2nd     Board Meeting, 7:30pm
12th    Basic Sailing, Class
13th    Spring Series: Races 3 & 4
14th    Basic Sailing, On The Water #1
16th    Membership Meeting, 7:30pm 
        Program: TBA
20th    Basic Sailing, On The Water #2
27th    Spring Series: Races 5 & 6

MAY

4th     Spring Series: Races 7 & 8
7th     Board Meeting, 7:30pm
18-19   Venture/MacGregor Regionals
21st    Membership Meeting, 7:30pm 
        Program: TBA
24-27   Memorial Day Cruise, Texoma

This page under construction -- Please come back soon as the VMYC site continues to grow.

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1995 CHRISTMAS BANQUET

1995 Christmas Banquet

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DOOR PRIZE!!!

$10.00

How would you like to have an extra

$10.00 or MORE???!!!

At each membership meeting,
all members' names will be placed in a hat,
and one will be selected to win the prize.
But, You must be present to win!!!
If the member drawn is not present, $10.00 will be added to
the pot and left to accumulate meeting after meeting
until we have a winner!!!

Kathy Peele of Plano

was the lucky name drawn at the November meeting,
and was present to collect her $20.00 prize!

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THE SALE MAKER

Classified Ads are free to members. To place an ad, call the Venturing Editor.

ADS WANTED: Do you have sailing related products for sale or trade? How about any sailing or club related notices? This space is available for your ad!!!

DO YOU NEED CREW? DO YOU WANT TO CREW? This space is for you!

FOR SALE: Do you have a sail to sell? Are you a member? If so, you can advertise that sail right here for free!

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© Copyright 1996 Steven J. Hanes, All Rights Reserved