What a fabulous weekend to be out on the water and the golf course.

It was well over 80F on Saturday when 14 intrepid golfers plus caddies hit the links in their finest attire. Poplar Creek Golf Course will never be the same again. We had several dressed in vintage golf course finery, some modern interpretations and of course, the Jamaican Rasta interpretation.

If you thought watching golf is like watching paint dry, you obviously have not attended one of Sequoia's infamous Tin Cup Tournaments! We had protests on the the links. We had disqualifications. We had dancing. And we made other (non SYC) golfers duck and run for cover. And most importantly, we had lots of laughter. Golf was followed by fabulous docktails and BBQ at the Coyote Point Yacht Club on a real charcoal grill, manned by Tom Keegan. There were grilled oysters on the half shell, kobe beef, Jamaican Jerked chicken, sausages and much much more. We ate well. Mark and Anne Millet treated us to a fabulous breakfast on Slipstream on Sunday to nourish us for the long drive home, while we taught the new mother-to-be about the 5 second rule.

Several boats decided to extend the weekend a bit more by dropping an anchor, south of the San Mateo Bridge, have a spot of lunch and enjoy more hilarity before heading back to the marinas. Made Easy made a lazy lap around the raft up on her way home from the Lightship regatta, followed by Polecat. True Grey Poupon moments.

Winners of the Tin Cup Tournament:

• Best Overall - Men : Kevin Murray
• Best Overall - Women : LuAnne Graves
• Longest Drive - Men 1 : Tom Keegan
• Longest Drive - Men 2 : Shannon Amerman
• Closest to the Flag - Men : Dan Doud (awarded)
• Closest to the Flag - Women : Olivia Sadlowski (awarded)
• Most Trees : Larry Mayne
• Most Sand : John Zolck
• Most Water : Tod Klinger and Dan Doud

Sequoia had a great cruise out last weekend to Coyote Point YC. A big 'Thank you' to Ann McDonough for organizing this. I know everyone had a fantastic time.

It was fun to revisit Coyote Point and the combination of the BBQ at the club and the golf worked out really well.

Despite concerns about the low tide I do not recall the boats heeling over like drunken sailors. The boats stayed upright and so did the members!

The golf was lots of fun. Golf is a bit like fishing or a beercan race - it is all about the one that got away or the one that was hooked. Fortunately we all have one memorable shot that brings us back next time. Mine was the last shot on the last hole so I shall definitely be back! I am not sure Coyote Point GC has recovered from the Sequoia attire. No doubt there are committee meetings as we speak about the Doug Murray golf hair style and pants to match. If you think of a Rastafarian outfit you may be close! Never a dull moment....

The docktails, camaraderie, good food and wine made it all very special.

We are having a tremendous year whether cruising, racing or just socializing.

Sequoia rocks!

Peter - your Commodore

The Beer Can Race (BCR) was course 4 last night. If you missed the action on the water you were able to watch the great replay of the entire race on the big screen TV with footage taken by last week's winner John Graves on Matridium using an awesome GoPro. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the fun piano bar.

First place went to Kathy Conte and Cathy Moyer on Boudicca.Second Place went to John Graves and crew on Metridium. Third place went to the Rick and Petra Gilmore and crew on Mirth.

Don't miss this Friday's DID and South of France Mega Cruise discussion This is a MUST event for those planning to attend as we are rapidly approaching the travel dates. Plus all those still thinking about it please come (we had two additions just last week) and all who just are interested! Obviously the DID is open to all members as I hope you all know.

Also we have 80 fantastic specially designed cruise shirts and hats available so you can pick what you want!

Lina is preparing bit of France for you:

Chicken Marsala
Trio of rice
Green beans Almondine

Salad with homemade French dressing

Stuffed mushroom for vegetarian

Cream puffs with ice cream

Non glutinous version Marsala available!

All for just $13.50 per person

It has been almost 2 years since we completed our beautiful new deck. You may have noticed that it is showing some signs of wear and is in need of some refinishing.

We are looking for some volunteers (and their belt sanders) to come help at the club to prepare it for some new coats of deck finish. We will start this Sunday at 9am and depending on how many folks turn up get as much as we can sanded. We are also looking at May 4th and 5th as additional days for this project with the hope we can do this right and get it done in time for South Bay Opening Day.

If you can help and are available on any of these dates to help, please contact Winston Bumpus at vicecommodore@sequoiayc.org

Racing Crew Class - 2013, starts May 6, 2013.

Includes: 4 classroom sessions, 4 on the water sessions, and course materials.

This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce prospective members to the sport of sailboat racing. Classes will be taught Monday nights by David Elliot,  Stan Phillips, and Micky Alm. As part of the class fee, students will receive a copy of U.S. Sailing Basic Keelboat. Students taking the class will be taught basic racing sailboat knowledge in an effort to turn them in to competent racing crew.

On-the-water sessions will consist of placing students as pick-up crew on regular Wednesday-night race boats. That means class size will be necessarily limited to the number of students we can place on boats.

Skippers should sign up to take crew class students and will be awarded points for Beer Can Races based on the number of students they pick up.

See the crewtraining page http://sequoiayc.org/crewtraining for more information and registration.

Download the flyer to spread the news.

Mark your calendars for this year's South Bay Opening Day. If you are interested in helping or putting your boat in the parade and blessing of the fleet, contact our Rear Commodore Dan Lockwood. For more information please visit www.southbayopeningday.org.

Breaking News!!!

Location for the Memorial Day Cruise out will be to the newly refurbished San Francisco Marina, at the Marina Green. May 24, 25, 26 & 27. Anyone interested should contact Shannon Amerman immediately.

Sequoia's First Race Clinic will be held June 8, 2013.

Our 2013 Race Clinic will feature shoreside instruction and video review with an emphasis on the on-the-water action customized for Sequoia Yacht Club. Taught by North U instructor(s) the clinic format progresses through a series of drills and short course races fine tuned to the moment.

What you will be learning: Mark Rounding, Starts, and Continuing Obstruction (i.e. the Redwood Creek Channel).

For a low $200 per boat fee you (Skipper) and your regular crew (up to 7 including you, Skipper) can fine tune and practice your skills. A $25/crew fee will be charged for each crew over 6 per boat.

Space is limited so don't wait to sign up and reserve your spot.

Interested racers without crew spots are welcome to attend shoreside activities for $25 per person.

SYC also needs volunteers with power boats (or sailboats under motor) to help with mark setting, committee boat, and coach boat to make this event the best that it can be. Power boat volunteers are welcome to attend shoreside activities free-of-charge.

Sign up now. http://tinyurl.com/SYC-2013-RaceClinic

For more information contact Micky Alm at raceclinic@sequoiayc.org