Monthly Archives: May 2013

Barney Joins TISC J/24 Fleet

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The last time I attacked bronze anti-fouling paint was putting a new bottom on Skipper’s Gift in September, 2001. Thanks to 2,000 psi from Dahls and elbow grease from V15 sailor Mike Weinman, Barney joined our TISC J/24 fleet.

Last year a J/24 berthed in Alameda was donated to TISC.  In good condition, but no trailer.  While we scrambled to find a suitable trailer Treasure Island Marina graciously provided temporary dock space.  With the donation of a Moore 24 trailer in March and timely help from a neighbor we finally had a place for our newest J.
 
By the time I arrived on Friday with the rented power washer Mike and Chris had alreadyGreen Growth moved US1234 from the marina to TISC and were adjusting the new lifting strap.  It was clear even before lifting her up we were in for some serious bottom cleaning.
 
First PassAfter a quick test of the power washer, we used the hoist to move from the waterline toward the keel.
 
A year of living in San Francisco Bay delivered up a variety of algae, sea weed, barnacles and a few small critters who seemed right at home.
port side growth
Marine Biology and Critter
 
After several passes with the power washer and long push broom the we found the rudder, and then bottom was slowly revealed. 
rudder in process  ready to attack port side
 Progress on Stb sideNot the prettiest (you should have seen Skipper’s Gift her first season in Marblehead) however relatively smooth and ready for her new home at Treasure Island Sailing Center on Clipper Cove.Barney on Trailer Barney Trailer and Bay Bridge

Our J/24 fleet is one of TISC’s key assets.  They are used by adults for keelboat lessons and community sailing days, by youth in the 25-plus groups that benefit from TISC orientation sails and by visually impaired sailors who enjoy our J/24s on a regular basis.

This year we’re starting an “adopt a J” program at TISC and asking our tenants and friends to help clean up our J/24 fleet, and their trailers, by spending a few hours over the next couple months on “clean it ” and “fix it” projects.  We’re hoping the keel boat owners especially at TISC will each donate a small amount of time to help out.
 
These small projects are ideal for those who would rather spend a few hours at times convenient for them rather than scheduled workdays. You can find more information on these tasks and others on our volunteer page HERE.
 
Regards from On the Cove, Dave G
 
In the wake:  A couple of our J’s, Fortunata and Delos, came with names.  Others, Great White, Blue Stripe, and Old Yeller,  were named by appearance.  Barney seemed like a kid-friendly name for our newest acquisition.  After all, we removed plenty of barnacles from the hull and keel on Friday.  If you have other suggestions or are interested in naming rights for one of our boats let us know.  The price is much less than the $123M spent to name  the new Levi Stadium in Santa Clara!
 

 

Helpful Neighbors, Buena Vista Horrace Mann Smiles

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Shortening four Moore24 braces took minutes not hours thanks to a helpful neighbor. Eating a P&J on the dock with Buena Vista Horrace Mann students wasn’t exactly quiet however creating kids’ smiles on Clipper Cove is what its all about.

trailer braceThanks to Karl Robrock’s generosity we’re converting a Moore24 trailer to a J/24 trailer.  Wednesday we realized the existing upside-down trailer jack inserts were too long.  Hacking through four 2″ steel pipes by hand is not impossible, just a real time-killer.  With the help of a friendly helpful neighbor with the right tools the job was completed in 15 minutes!trailer braces modified

Earlier, sixteen kids and three advisers from Buena Vista Horace Mann School had arrived just in time to greet the mild mid-morning breeze.  Off they went on three J/24s to experience Alameda views from under the new Bay Bridge and a short sail out on the bay.

BVHM - framed by bridge and cranes_resize

They were just returning to the dock for lunch as the newly shortened braces dropped into their posts.

BVHM-smiles_resize BVHM-Arriving BVHM- ahoy

Buena Vista Horace Mann School is a K–8th grade elementary school near the location many believe to be the cultural, commercial and transit heart of the Mission District. It’s a recently formed two-way Immersion school, the product of two schools with rich histories.

Buena Vista has the proud distinction of being San Francisco Unified School District’s first Two-Way Spanish Immersion School and the second oldest one in California. Horace Mann is the oldest middle school in San Francisco, named after the educational reformer, who is remembered for arguing that children from all social classes should share a common education. Parent involvement is high at BVHM.

BVHM-back at the dock

After lunch the kids shoved off for a short sail in Clipper Cove.  BVHM-On Clipper Cove

Then back for a picture before returning to BVHM.

Buena Vista-Horrace Mann Sailors

Like Treasure Island Sailing Center, Buena Vista Horace Mann aims to prepare kids for what lies ahead.  Their focus is on a strong education in both Spanish and English in preparation for high school.  Ours is to use sailing as a platform to teach the importance of goal setting, communications, teamwork and leadership as a launching point for new horizons.

Regards from on The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

We live near Horrace Mann School in San Jose.  Jane and I have volunteered there and we attend Sunday services in the cafetorium as our Church construction wraps up.  Horrace was from Massachusetts, an early educator and key driver behind “normal schools” for teaching teachers.  His brother-in-law was Nathaniel Hawthorne, another connection to our roots in Massachusetts.