The France Mega Cruise final meeting on April 26th before we sail!!

This is fast approaching and I wanted to have one final meeting with all the people going on the cruise and other interested parties.

The planning is just about complete but I know people have questions. I have also been spending a lot of time with Seaways on the final planning for marinas, restaurants and other logistic details.

It is also useful just to get together!

Some questions:

There are questions about food provisioning and linens on board - we have the answers: There are requests for SCUBA gear while in Porquerolles - we have details. Eating out - Latest information on restaurant costs for the three group dinners. Any changes in logistics (much the same but let's make sure everyone is up to date). Navigation tips while sailing - charts are on board but you may want to order them early to plan your trip logistic support. We shall have a qualified skipper available to help with moorings in the marinas and navigation hints, a mechanic ( who will be with us in case things break on the boats), and a logistics expert (Veronick). This is now a big group and we need the support!

The cruise shirts have arrived ( the first 40). They were a great hit when I wore one at last Fridays DID and I shall order another 40. The hats have arrived - also a great hit. We shall have all of these available on April 26th for you.

Yes - there are about 80 excited people joining on 15 boats! This is turning into something very special.

So mark your calendars for Friday April 26th DID. We shall have a France discussion after the DID. This is a MUST attend event for all the cruisers. And of course all are welcome to the DID whether your plans are to go on the mega cruise or not.

Peter - your Commodore

I had the privilege to particpate in this year's PICYA Leadership Conference held this year at the Martinez Yacht Club. It was a packed morning with many speakers from various clubs and boating organizations around the Bay and the Delta. (The club facility was quite nice and the harbor has just been been dredged; might be a good stop off on your way to or from the Delta.)

There was an interesting presentation from CPT Bliven USCG and Principal Coordinator for the 34th America's Cup. Pamphlets were also distributed that provided handy information to boaters regarding regulations and sailing zones that will be in effect during this summer's Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series, Red Bull Youth America's Cup and the America's Cup Match Finals. I picked up a bunch of pamphlets and you can get you own copy at the Club or by downloading the PDF file here. 

One session, by Dave Bloch of Island YC,  was on how Alameda yacht clubs came together with the city of Alameda to take advantage of the America's Cup. They were instrumental in getting Team Artimus to be housed in Alameda and encouraging every restaurant and bar in Alameda to carry coverage of the race. They have created a website called Alamedawaterfront.com to promote their activities.

There was a session on how to communicate with members entitled "Beyond the Newsletter" given by Diana Gentry of Alameda Yacht Club, which covered ideas on ways of using social media.

There was also a great panel with three Port Captains from three different yacht clubs. I brought back some useful information that I will be passing on to our current Port Captain, David Elliott.

We received an update on this year's Opening Day on the Bay which will be happening in the central San Fransico Bay, with this year's theme "The Great Race" on April 28th. Registration and additional information can be found here. 

I participated in the discussion on yacht clubs around California who have and are getting involved in Coastal Cleanup Day and gave a presentation on what Sequoia Yacht Club has done to increase membership and what lessons we learned. I was also able to promote our South Bay Opening Day and encourage other clubs to come and enjoy the festivities.

The leadership conference is held once a year and I would encourage anyone who is stepping into a leadership role at the Club, to take advantage of this event next year. Not only do you learn a great deal, but meet many great club members from the 100 or so yacht clubs in Northern California. Winston - Vice Commodore

It's time for some real wind and those ebb tide waves that make sailing fun in the South Bay!

The Sequoia Yacht Club 2013 Summer Series begins this Saturday, April 6 with Race #1.

This is a five-race series with one throw-out race. The start line for the Summer Series is at 3 - 4 and the start time is 12:30. All skippers should attend the skipper's meeting at 10:30 on the day of the race. Non-Sequoia members, unless you signed up & paid for the entire year, you should get their entry forms and fees to the club before the first race. For those boats coming down from CPYC, you can call me at 650-576-3990 after 10:45 for race instructions and then check-in at the start area. Plan on racing rain or shine.

REMINDER: This Series is governed by the 2013 - 2016 US Sailing racing rules. Although all skippers are responsible for knowing these rules and what has changed from last year, if you have not had time to read the new rules you might want to take the time to review this YouTube video. Please pay particular attention to what has changed in the "Zone" and 'sailing to the mark'.

If you haven't yet filled out a Skipper's Entry Form for 2013, please download it and fill it out before the race. Members of the crew are also required to fill out a 2013 Crew Registration Form. If you or your crew completed these forms for the Winter Series new forms are not required. There are blank forms at the Club if you aren't able to download copies before Saturday.

Come on out for some of the best sailing of the year. I'll look for you at the start line.

Regards,
Richard Butts
Large Sailboat Fleet Captain
Sequoia Yacht Club
http://www.sequoiayc.org/racing

Stay after the race and celebrate the beginning of the summer racing season. Come and join master paella chef Tom Wikman for a meal not to be missed. There will be both a Seafood / Valenciana Paella and a Vegetarian Paella served with salad, and don't forget Sangria to wash it all down. Add in dessert afterwards and you have a Mediterranean feast. - Tom

18:00 Cocktails
19:00 Dinner
$17 Per Person

Our next cruise out will be to Ballena Bay Yacht Club on March 30th and 31st. The Ballena Bay Yacht Club has graciously invited us to their Club for dinner on Saturday evening, preceded with a cocktail party in their beautiful bar. Your hosts Nick and Robin Weber have fun planned for the weekend including an Easter egg hunt with really cool prizes inside each egg.

If you would like to blacktop and come to dinner, you need to contact the Webers at 650 759 3452 by Thursday evening as BBYC needs the count.

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.