Venture/MacGregor Yacht Club
Venturing

February 1997 - Volume 27 Number 2

Last updated: February 14, 1997 @ 22:17 CST

1997 Bachelor's Cruise

Lake Texoma, March 1 & 2

Details in Cruising Report

February 18, 1997 - 7:30 p.m.
Membership Meeting
First Christian Church
1835 Walnut - Carrolton, TX
(See Programs)

Contents

COMMODORE'S REPORT - Dave Taylor
VICE COMMODORE'S REPORT - Ray Pryor
PROGRAMS - Jim & Margie Hutchison
SOCIAL NEWS - Lora Featherston
CRUISING REPORT - Don and Martha O'Grady
TWENTY-FIVE JIVE - Wilma Liggett
26 FLEET NEWS - Steve Hanes
RACING - Al Barboza
1997 - 2000 YACHT RACING RULES
1997 OFFICERS and BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1997 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DOOR PRIZE!
THE SALE MAKER (Classified Ads)

COMMODORE'S LOG
Dave Taylor
(972) 317-6570

Signs of the approaching sailing season are increasing. More temperatures in the 70's than at sub freezing. Boat shows. Talk of frantically finishing the projects we had all winter to work on. Greasing wheel bearings. These are good signs. They mean the Venture/MacGregor families are coming out of hibernation and will be spending more time on the water.

The Dallas Boat Show is in full swing as I write, and reports indicate that it will be a success for our club's sailing lessons and, we hope, for our sponsors at the Rigg Shop.

The program for the February meeting is a swap meet, where one sailor's ...... well, you know the saying. Bring your unwanted and excess boat stuff, and prepare to buy, sell, and trade. Remember, someone needs what you have.

Bring a friend to the meeting! Some people are sailors who just don't realize it yet. I have three people from work signed up for sailing lessons, though they didn't go to the boat show. They thought sailing would be fun after they saw some of my pictures and heard about what we do. It's another way to attract more members, crew, and boat owners to our club.

Speaking of boat shows, Jennie and I celebrated our 30th anniversary by going to the Strictly Sail show in Chicago in January. Imagine, only masts, canvas and lines throughout the building. Not a bass boat, power cruiser, fishing outrigger, or *#@&! personal watercraft in sight. We were there all day Friday, and I went back for most of the day Saturday. We were particularly surprised at all the seminars offered and went to as many as we could, often splitting up to cover two going on at the same time. We learned about provisioning, cruising galley, rigging, the Bahamas, beyond the BVI, sewing sails and canvas, racing tactics, and the new racing rules. There was even time for some shopping on State Street.

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VICE COMMODORE'S REPORT
Ray Pryor
Metro (817) 481-6896
r-pryor@ti.com

We now have two family club members in Oklahoma. Ron and Marilynne Robertson have renewed their membership even though their new residence is in Shawnee, Oklahoma. It's nice to know that they are still with us.

1997 Boat Show

As I write this, the Dallas Boat Show is in full swing. The Rigg Shop booth location was changed towards the entrance and landed on a corner with lots of visibility. There is a lot of interest being shown in the sailing class. I met some very interesting people at the boat show; many of them with dreams of sailing away.

1997 Membership

I received 21 memberships up to and including the January meeting, and 6 more since then. That is 27 down and 43 to go. Don't procrastinate, tear the membership form off this Venturing issue and fill it out right now! I'll be waiting right here.

January Activities

January blessed DFW with a couple of unannounced gorgeous weekend sailing opportunities; well at least sunny skies, moderate wind, and temperatures in the 50's and 60's. I took a quick tour of Grapevine Lake on one of those Saturday afternoons. I tried out my hand held GPS, and if I can believe it, my boat is seriously faster than my knotmeter indicates. The GPS did get the distance as the crow flies to the rock crusher buoy correct (4 nautical miles). My knotmeter log recorded only 6.8 nautical miles for the entire trip; it should have been well over 8 nm. (the GPS log was 10.2 nm) m.) to account for all the tacking (both to and from the buoy); although part of the time the knotmeter was out of the water. What!!; you don't think I can get my Venture 224 heeled over 30 degrees in 5 knots of wind? I think I need to calibrate my knotmeter. The manual says it has a +/- 20% correction adjustment, the logs indicate I need a little less than +33% aaarrgghh! The GPS gives a speed continuously, but I haven't found out how much error is inherent in the GPS system speed. I read in the West Marine catalog that adding a differential receiver gives 0.1 knot accuracy, but it didn't say how much of an improvement that is. It might be worth just motoring along and setting the knotmeter to match GPS reading, and comparing the results for a few trips.

If you haven't mailed me your membership yet; NOW is the perfect time.

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PROGRAMS
Jim & Margie Hutchison
(972) 492-0405

The program for the February 18th
Membership Meeting will be a
SWAP MEET.

Here is your chance to clear the
garage of all the sailing gear
you can't or won't use anymore.
Remember -Your cast-offs may be
somebody else's treasures.
Be sure to make the meeting -
February 18th - at 7:30 PM.

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SOCIAL NEWS
Lora Featherston
(972) 247-8869

A special Thank You to Juanelle Barboza, Dale Howard, Carol McKenzie and Martha O'Grady for bringing refreshments to the January meeting.

Our first Pot Luck Dinner this year will be April 15th. Come celebrate the IRS deadline being behind us.

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CRUISING REPORT
Don and Martha O'Grady
Metro (972) 724-1409
ogrady@ti.com

Float races, watermelon decorating, seed spitting, egg toss, sand castles, campfires, marshmallows, fireworks and more.... well, not just yet. But it is time for the annual Bachelor's Cruise. This year's trek will be held the weekend of March 1-2. So mark your calendar, run your boat through the nearest car wash, grab your extension cords, your heaters, and your electric blankets and join your friends at Grandpappy's Point Marina on Lake Texoma. (And don't forget to check your closets and garages for any sails, rudders, or whatever that might be lying around or you could end up wandering around a deserted dock for 40 hours -- it's happened before!)

So just what does one do on a Bachelor's Cruise? Well, speaking from second-hand knowledge, last year's participants reported:

To reach the marina, head north on Highway 75. Proceed through Sherman and Denison. Exit west on FM 84 and watch out for the water. (The phone numbers for Grandpappy's Park are 903-465-6330 and metro 326-9829.)

As for the ladies, there has been talk of an alternative cruise up I-35 to the Gainesville Outlet Mall. Martha is very disappointed that a schedule conflict will prevent her from participating; but any of the ladies that are interested in going can organize at this month's general meeting.

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TWENTY-FIVE JIVE
Wilma Liggett
(972) 734-3240
les1@worldnet.att.net

I am so excited. The Rigg Shop moved into a better marketing area of Market Hall for the Boat Show and exposure for the club. We are the first display of sailboats, by the front main entrance. For those of you that signed up to work the sailing school and club booth, THANKS. Within three days, we have filled 5 pages of names who want to be called for the sailing class.

Thanks to Marshall and Brad for helping with our signs and rigging the sails on our boats. Also to Lacey Featherston for making our boats sparkle.

We had a great response from our fleet attending the meeting and paying their dues last month, so hope if you didn't make it to the meeting, you will mail your dues and application that was attached to our Venturing. I will be calling you before the 18th of this month.

Our fleet is becoming active early, with Marshall McKenzie racing the DCYC Regattta. Brad Chilcote is having work done on Kris Nic at The Rigg Shop, and other members are busy getting their boats ready for the Bachelor's Cruise.

Report on Lake Lavon: The lake level, ramps, and wind are good and waiting for you to go sailing.

Jive and keep the 25's alive.

Contents

26 FLEET NEWS
Steve Hanes
(972) 517-5104
vmycdallas@bigplanet.com

I'll begin my first report of the year by first thanking the fleet members for your confidence in electing me to lead the 26 Fleet. I'll strive to live up to your expectations and do my best to help our fleet continue as the premier and largest fleet in our club. (Sorry, couldn't resist that!) Please help me out by sharing with me your suggestions, concerns, complaints and any other input that will help keep us strong. I also welcome any adventure stories and maintenance ideas that you would like shared with the rest of the fleet and club.

We are starting the year with a diverse fleet of new, not so new, and old (?) members of the club who like to cruise, race, crew and/or socialize. We are currently 32 boats strong including 8 26X's in our fleet, and are scattered throughout the Metroplex and beyond with members in Texarkana, Waco, and Oklahoma City! While we may not be able to meet everyone's needs 100%, I'm interested in maximizing everyone's participation and the rewards you receive for being a member.

As an example, I have suggested and discussed with a few members the possibility of welcoming our two new members in the Waco area by gathering as many club members as are interested for a weekend of racing and cruising at Lake Waco in April. Please let me know of your interest.

From information obtained by phoning most all of you last month, it appears only a few are doing much sailing during our winter months. Jerry Lindbloom has been active, sailing his 26 "classic" out of his new slip at Walnut Creek Marina on Lake Texoma since August. Ask him about the special deal he got on slip rental if you're interested. Terry and Sandy Smith of Quitman have been enjoying their new 26X, although work and their farm has been keeping them from getting out as frequently as they would like. New members Doug and Linda Totten are enjoying their new 26X as well, getting to sail it frequently from their slip at Lake Waco. Long time members, Lee and Ruth White are also frequently enjoying their 26X at Lake Lavon. Lee claims it feels about 3 times the size of his old boat!

The "worst luck" award so far this winter goes to Arnold Jansen who is getting his 26X back together after damaging the centerboard and trunk while launching at Joe Pool Lake. Al Grikis got some new toys from Santa Claus, and according to Gina was down at the marina installing his new GPS and radio the evening I called. Anyone else get some new toys? New fleet member Sam Blake wasn't playing with new toys, but was out trying to get his "old" tow truck back in running condition before the race season begins, according to Donna.

Speaking of racing, at least 4 fleet members, Sam Blake, George Gabert, J. B. Jordan, and Mike Jones, are all taking their boats to Mid-Winters down in Houston in late February, so our fleet will be well represented. Hope y'all bring back some hardware! (If not, at least have fun and sail safe!)

And last but not least, Lee Howard has much more time to sail now after taking early retirement from TI on January 1st. Lee, our best wishes (and envy) go out to you and Dale!

On a closing note, our fleet was again well represented in helping out at this year's boat show. Thank you members for volunteering your time to man our exhibit and sign-up students for our Spring sailing classes. Your efforts will not only add funds to our treasury, but more importantly help expand the growth of our sport and expose potential new members to the fun and camaraderie that we share in V/MYC.

Until next month...

Sail Fast... But Sail Safe!

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RACING
Alfred Barboza
(972) 270-1048

Welcome all racers to the 1997 season. As always, we have a full season of events scheduled. Listed are a few of these events coming in the near future.

March 1st and 2nd will be the Bachelors' Cruise on Lake Texoma. Try to be there by 12:00 noon. A race is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The skippers' meeting will be held on the dock area around 12:00 noon, and the race will be a long distance race. The rules are relaxed, so you will be able to fly anything you want.

Friday night, March 14th, is the classroom session for new skippers, and Saturday, March 15th, is the New Skippers' Class on-the-water. As always, we will need the help of all of you seasoned skippers to volunteer your services.

March 22 will be the beginning of the Spring Race Season. Skippers' meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. at East Fork Park ramp, unless the water is too low or too high. The new 1997 racing rules will take effect on April 1st. Due to the extreme changes, our club will race under the old rules (1992-1996) until the spring races are over.

Contents

1997 - 2000
YACHT RACING RULES

The following portion of the rules are those which will apply while on the water:

Part 2 - When Boats Meet
The rules of Part 2 apply between boats that are sailing in or near the racing area and intend to race, are racing, or have been racing. However, a boat not racing shall not be penalized for breaking one of these rules, except rule 22.1. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea or government right- of-way rules apply between a boat sailing under these rules and a vessel that is not, and they replace these rules if the sailing instructions so state.

Section A - Right of Way
A boat has right of way when another boat is required to keep clear of her. However, some rules in Sections B and C limit the actions of a right-of-way boat.

10 On Opposite Tacks
When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.

11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped
When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.

12 On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped
When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.

13 While Tacking
After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time rules 10, 11 and 12 do not apply. If two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the one on the other's port side shall keep clear.

Section B - General Limitations
14 Avoiding Contact
A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible. However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room
(a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and
(b) shall not be penalized unless there is contact that causes damage.

15 Acquiring Right of Way
When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear, unless she acquires right of way because of the other boat's actions.

16 Changing Course
When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.

17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course
17.1 A boat that establishes a leeward overlap from clear astern within two of her hull lengths of a windward boat shall not sail above her proper course during that overlap while the boats are less than that distance apart, unless as a result she becomes clear astern.

17.2 Except on a beat to windward, while a boat is less than two of her hull lengths from a leeward boat or a boat clear astern steering a course to leeward of her, she shall not sail below her proper course unless she gybes.

Section C - At Marks and Obstructions
When a Section C rule applies, the rules in Sections A and B continue to apply unless the Section C rule modifies them or states that they do not apply.

18 Passing Marks and Obstructions
18.1 When This Rule Applies
Rule 18 applies at a mark or obstruction to be left on the same side when boats are about to pass it until they have passed it. However, it does not apply
(a) at a starting mark or its anchor line surrounded by navigable water from the time the boats are approaching them to start until they have passed them, or
(b) between boats on opposite tacks when they are on a beat to windward or when the proper course for one of them to pass the mark or obstruction is to tack.

18.2 Giving Room; Keeping Clear
(a) When boats are overlapped before one of them reaches the two-length zone, if the outside boat has right of way she shall give the inside boat room to pass the mark or obstruction, or if the inside boat has right of way the outside boat shall keep clear. If they are still overlapped when one of them reaches the two-length zone, the outside boat's obligation continues even if the overlap is broken later. This rule does not apply if the outside boat is unable to give room when the overlap begins.
(b) If a boat is clear ahead when she reaches the two-length zone, the boat clear astern shall keep clear even if an overlap is established later. Rule 10 does not apply. If the boat clear ahead tacks, rule 13 applies and this rule no longer does.
(c) If there is reasonable doubt that a boat established or broke an overlap in time, it shall be presumed that she did not.

18.3 Tacking
If two boats were on opposite tacks and one of them tacked within the two-length zone to pass a mark or obstruction, rule 18.2 does not apply. The boat that tacked
(a) shall not cause the other boat to sail above close-hauled to avoid her or prevent the other boat from passing the mark or obstruction, and
(b) shall keep clear if the other boat becomes overlapped inside her, in which case rule 15 does not apply.

18.4 Gybing
When rule 18.2(a) applies and an inside overlapped right-of-way boat must gybe at the mark or obstruction to sail her proper course, she shall pass no farther from the mark or obstruction than needed to sail that course.

18.5 Passing A Continuing Obstruction
At a continuing obstruction, rule 18.2 is modified so that while boats are passing the obstruction an outside boat's obligation ends if the overlap is broken, and a boat clear astern may establish an inside overlap provided there is room at that time to pass between the other boat and the obstruction. If she does so, her obligation under rule 18.2(b) ends.

19 Room to Tack at an Obstruction
19.1 When safety requires a close-hauled boat to make a substantial course change to avoid an obstruction and she intends to tack, but cannot tack and avoid another boat on the same tack, she shall hail for room to do so. Before tacking she shall give the hailed boat time to respond. The hailed boat shall either
(a) tack as soon as possible, in which case the hailing boat shall also tack as soon as possible, or
(b) immediately reply You tack, in which case the hailing boat shall immediately tack and the hailed boat shall give room, and rules 10 and 13 do not apply.

19.2 Rule 19.1 does not apply at a starting mark or its anchor line surrounded by navigable water from the time boats are approaching them to start until they have passed them or at a mark that the hailed boat can fetch. When rule 19.1 applies, rule 18 does not.

Section D - Other Rules
When rule 20 or 21 applies between two boats, Section A rules do not.

20 Starting Errors; Penalty Turns; Moving Astern
A boat sailing towards the pre-start side of the starting line or its extensions to comply with rule 29.1 or rule 30.1 shall keep clear of a boat not doing so until she is completely on the pre-start side. A boat making penalty turns shall keep clear of one that is not. A boat moving astern by backing a sail shall keep clear of one that is not.

21 Capsized, Anchored or Aground; Rescuing
If possible, a boat shall avoid a boat that is capsized or has not regained control after capsizing, is anchored or aground, or is trying to help a person or vessel in danger. A boat is capsized when her masthead is in the water.

22 Interfering with Another Boat
22.1 If reasonably possible, a boat not racing shall not interfere with a boat that is racing.
22.2 A boat shall not deliberately interfere with a boat making penalty turns to delay her.

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DOOR PRIZE!!!

$20.00

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!!!
Woody & Patsy Mills
were the Lucky (?) Couple drawn at the January meeting
and WERE NOT present to collect their $10.00 prize!

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THE SALE MAKER

Classified Ads are FREE to members. To place an ad, call the Venturing Editors. (972) 271-5073

FOR SALE: 1976 Venture 222
Loaded! Price Negotiable
Call Mike Jones
(972) 271-6110

FOR SALE: 1972 Venture 222
New Topside Paint, 6 HP Motor,
Trailer, New Sails, Compass, Knot Meter,
AM/FM Radio, and More
Call Mike Kmita
H: (972) 422-1105, W: (972) 424-9731

ADS WANTED: Do you have sailing related products for sale or trade? Do you have a sail to sell? Do you need crew? Do you want to crew? Are you a member? If so, you can advertise right here for free!

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© Copyright 1997 Steven J. Hanes, All Rights Reserved