Connecting the Donor Dots

Thanks to supportive donors and generous grants our J/24 fleet has grown to seven.  Because of volunteers like Michael, Nigel and Sam, Delos and Barney headed for Pt. Richmond in yesterday’s fog. They’ll look new after Bay Marine Boatworks finishes.fog and bay bridge frame Clipper Cove

As we drove over the new Bay Bridge back to TISC after delivering two  J/24’s and a trailer to Bay Marine I was struck by the number of people and organizations who made this first step in our fleet renovation possible.  As always the beneficiaries of their generosity are kids in our summer youth classes, year-around outreach program, and just-started SS Learn program.

delos arriving at TISC DockDelos arrived on New Year’s Eve 2009.  I remember the ultra high tide as we motored from Marina Green to TI, arriving to a Bay Bridge still very much under construction.  The motor donated by Adam Slote and the trailer from RIch Jepson at OCSC are still key ingredients to our fleet.  While the bottom growth on Delos was not as populated with marine Delos Keelgrowth as we found on Barney, it did take some serious scraping to remove it.

When I asked Michael Weinman to help with our transit to Richmond, I made sure he knew this was a fun “messing about in boats” job, not the grungy job he signed up for when Barney arrived.  You may recall that clean up job from a previous blog.

Nigel and Mike unstepping the mastNigel Tunecliff showed up early Wednesday to help get boats launched and masts out..  We decided to use the 1-ton crane rather than ginn-poles, and with the tide rather low all proceeded smoothly after coaxing a few turnbuckles clockwise. Michael arrived right on time just as we removed the second mast..

With Delos and Skipper’s Gift motors mounted, Michael and Sam Warner got under way slightly behind schedule after a rudder switch on Delos. While starting to lift, the fog was still very much with us as they headed into a rather gray bay to “Red 6” just outside the Richmond Break wall.Departing for Pt. Richmond

Left at the end of Pier 1Michael took these two pictures after they turned north at Pier 1 and as they ghosted  past Angel Island. Sam ghosts past Angel Island

Bay Marine Boatworks will sand and fix the hulls, apply two coats of epoxy, then polish the hulls above the waterline.  To accomplish this they will use our only road-worthy trailer, retired  earlier this year from Moore 24 duty after Karl Robrock’s gracious donation in support of Matt Harper’s gift of Barney.

My plan to get a nice picture with the sun out and two J/24’s teaming into Richmond Breakwater was foiled by Michael and Sam’s rapid transit. They made it just over 90 minutes !Mike and Sam at Bay Marine

Many connections, donations and volunteer hours lead up to our J/24 Fleet upgrade. The final and most critical was this summer’s donation from Team Luna Rossa via the Americas Cup Event Authority.  Funds from their donation provided the opportunity for the work now being started at Bay Marine, and for the furniture in the new Activity Center now on line to support SS Learn.  Both support our goal of providing launching points for new horizons for kids of all ages.

Regards from On the Cove,

Dave G

 

 

 

 

From On the Rocks to On Clipper Cove in 60 Minutes

initial prep grindingWith 1,000 student-drivers per year, dings, nicks and holes can’t be avoided in Treasure Island Sailing Center’s fleet. Dave Collignon, TISC Melges24 sailor and Revchem technical applications expert, shared his fix-it expertise with 26 students using fast-setting UV-cure polyester resin.

Dave’s approach for the class was clever and effective.  He used an old Laser hull with four (self inflicted) holes on the curved chine. He took them to various states of completion before class started then used each to demonstrate a different step in the repair process after students arrive.  At all times he protected the hull from “drips” with paper, and himself from “the itchies” with long sleeved shirt, glasses, respirator and long sleeves.protect the area around the fixDave Callignon Grinding Away

The secret ingredient used during the clinic was UV Cure Polyester Surfboard Laminating Resin that hardens in 10 minutes when exposed to sunlight. Pot life in the shade is hours to days. Along with a few other products (available at Svendsen’s Boat Works), simple tools and mother nature – repairs can be accomplished rapidly, even over lunch between the last morning race and first afternoon race !tools of the trade

Revchem with Bay BridgeDave completed the steps for a simple repair by working on four similar spots in parallel.He used a grinder to remove material around the ding – being careful to leave as much damaged glass intact as a base for the patch.   The entire repair to a real hole would easilly have been completed in an hour.sanding the puttyA hard block was used for fairing to retain the shape of the hull. fairing prior to gelcoatThe final state, before application of gelcoat, was a “50 grit smooth” surface shaped like the hull slightly recessed to make room for the gelcoat.

ready for puttyThree additives provide the basis for repairs: milled fiber for strength and hardness, Q-Cell quartz microspheres to create a filler that’s easy-to-sand, and fumed silica to act as a thickening agent.  Used in various combinations they form a putty with adjustable properties from super strong to super workable.  Sitting on the shady table they remained workable all afternoon and into the evening.stronger-bigger-thicker

Students arrived at 6pm.   With the four dings at various states Dave took the class through each step of the repair process.glass class on clipper cove more grinding

Even with the sun’s rays weakening, students were able to observe best practices for each step in the process as dave took the repairs to completion.applying first glass cloth

applying puttyThe final step was the addition of the gelcoat layer.  working in gel coatfinal putty smoothingAfter application of the gelcoat he used a freezer bag to cover the patch to ensure an almost-smooth finish.  After curing the gelcoat is sanded with 220-600-800 grit sandpaper then buffed smooth.before the plastic bag applying gelcoatFiberglass cloth is available in a wide range of weights, construction and materials. Dave went through many of them, including a short discussion of carbon fiber cloth. He also touched on the use of epoxy resin (best for structural repair) vs the polyester resin used in class ( best for cosmetic repairs).about glass cloth

The last repair of the day was a J/24 hatch cover damaged on one edge. This was a good segue into the use of thick, unwoven glass fiber cloth.  Dave showed the key to success with this ungainly material: gloves and various sized resin rollers !user rollers for wetting chopped glass matfirst layer of chopped glass on hatch first layer of chopped glass adding mat to hatch for bulk

As the sun was finally setting Dave talked through the repair of an Opti with damage to the bow.  The trick on this one was a combination putty made with both milled fibers and fumed silica.  The deck and hull were then clamped securely but not quite touching.  For both the J/24 hatch cover and Opti bow, the last step would be external finishing using same techniques as with the Laser.  Questions and wrap-up followed at 7:30.

UVA GoneAfter the last pizza box was cleared and tables/chairs put away the UVA from Mother Nature was replaced with moon beams over the new Bay Bridge.  While not great for UV Cure resin it made a nice bookend for the first annual TISC “Glass Class”.

Thanks again to Dave Collignon for an entertaining, fact-filled, hands-on fiberglass boat repair clinic.  And thanks in advance to those attendees who will be using their new-found-skills to help maintain the Treasure Island Sailing Center fleet as they set sail heading out for new horizons.

From On the Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Here is a link to the reference materials from Wednesday’s clinic: TISC-glass-class-aug-2013

Phone number for  Matt Ford, the manager at Svendson’s Chandlery: 510-521-8454 ext# 34.  These guys sponsor the Thursday night Laser/V15 races and are great TISC supporters. If you need supplies they are willing to drop off at TISC.

And by the way, if you have a skill you’d like to share with other tenants or a suggestion for upcoming clinic let me know: daveg@onclippercove.com

 

Think Fast ! (gasp, gasp)

Tetons Frame Wedding VenueThe Tetons were breathtakingly beautiful and Yellowstone NP showcased Mother Nature in live-action color for a recent family wedding in Wyoming.  Saturday we watched Emirates Team New Zealand race Luna Rosa from Skipper’s Gift.  Also colorful and action packed.

The time seemed to fly by quickly between setting up chairs at 7:30 Saturday morning at Heart 6 Ranch and the first music from the string quartet at 10:30.  I can’t say our hearts were racing but I will admit to working up a deadline-driven sweat before the wedding.  The Tetons delivered a view unlike any other wedding we’ve attended.

A week later we were watching the pre-start action between Aotearoa and Prada  – the most strategically significant part of Saturday’s match race.  Seeing two foiling AC72’s was the most exciting part of the day.

Maneuvers were a highlight. Synchronizing the efforts of all eleven crew has to be one of the most demanding aspects of racing these boats. Watching the Emirates Team New Zealand boat round the leeward gate put a new perspective on dropping the chute on our J/24. Thanks to my friend Youssef Ismail for this shot taken as we passed south of Alcatraz.ETNZ at Leeward Gate

training to win leaderBack home I watched  “Training to Win”, the second episode in the Red Bull series “Inside the Americas Cup: No Second Place” and was impressed by the focus on decision making under great stress and elevated heart rate. Especially the scene where crew members were stopped in the middle of their grinding and running exercises to solve mind puzzles.

The America’s Cup presence here in the Bay provides exciting, even heart-throbbing, action whether you race sailboats, enjoy sailing, or have spent little time on the water.  We’re fortunate to be able to watch live from the bay, on land, via TV and over the internet.

TISC doesn’t claim to train our kids for sailing in the Americas Cup (well, not yet anyway!).  We do use sailing as a platform to teach goal setting, communications, teamwork and self-confidence to help them be successful now and later in life. We hope to peak kids’ interest in racing and we provide opportunities for racing individually and teamed with others.

Regards from On the Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Manufacturing and repair technology has progressed rapidly over the last decade, even few years.  We’ll be hosting a hands-on materials technology clinic here at TISC mid-August on a week night to be announced.  If you’re interested in learning more about the current state of technology of epoxy resin, gelcoat and carbon fiber materials used to manufacture and repair sailboats and sailing gear let me know via email (daveg@onclippercove.com).  We will send additional details when available.  Registration will be limited, with TISC tenants receiving first priority with advanced registration.  A great opportunity to learn current best practices for working with epoxy-based materials.

Where is Everyone?

docks emptyThursday was hoppin’ at TISC with seven summer classes, two bus loads of GLIDE kids in watercraft of all types and the Etchells we donated to Stockton Sailing Club being readied for transport.  When I arrived Friday it was empty, quiet.

No kids on the docks and no boats in Clipper Cove. This is the first summer I’ve been at TISC during the week, and  am not yet fully “with the program”. The empty J/24 trailers should have been the tip-off.  Sure enough – Fun Friday meant instructors and students were out for an adventure sail to Angel Island.beach emptyJs gone  By noon the noise level was back up, kids all over, water toys being readied for beach time and all seemed as it should be on a gorgeous blue-sky day in Clipper Cove.

 

 

The kids, and their instructors, work hard during the week.  Fridays provide an opportunity to switch gears. relax a little and further cement the confidence students have built up during the week.  Many come to Clipper Cove tentative and apprehensive about water and boats.  After developing a comfort level during the week Friday’s play time is used to give them added confidence.

Below are a few pictures from last two fun Fridays.  Skits on the dock provide a chance for students to communicate with each other as they plan out their time in front of other students.  Pirate themes seem to be “in”. planning the skit

Pirates of Clipper CoveDelivery may go smoothly or not, however kids benefit from a captive audience while self-confidence is reinforced.

singing skit

friday audience

Time on the beach is another activity where students communicate with each other, take turns on water toys and further build confidence on and around the water. 

the beach

water toysbeach fun

confidence

S’mores are alway a hit of course.smores

Returning to the dock represents last ride of the week.  Time to enjoy last views of Clipper Cove from the deck of a trusty J/24.  returning from the beach

back on the dock

Safety around the water is always first priority at Treasure Island Sailing Center. This poster was provided by Cal Boating during Safe Boating Week earlier this year.

life jackets

Regards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:We teach TISC students life lesson to help them set goals, build self-confidence, communicate, and work with others as leaders and team-mates. There are many other reasons to sail. A fellow TISC BOD member recently passed along this blog: 5 Reasons Your Kids Should Sail. While it may be a bit dated, its “right on the mark” in my opinion. I can’t resist sharing reason 5 – Shipshape habits.

 

Bay Safety and Always Being Prepared

Safety and preparedness are key components of TISC programs. Our kids learn importance of teamwork, and sailing safe. Tuesday night’s return sail reminded us how fast San Francisco Bay can turn dangerous from gorgeous and to always be prepared.

safety logisticsTISC summer programs are now under full sail on Clipper Cove.  Our instructors work with small groups of students to provide safety orientation first thing as part of each class.  Lifejackets are of course required at all times on and off the water.  Students are never without a partner or close-by safety boat.

single handed sailingDepending on the level of sailing skills and lessons being taught students may sail solo or in teams of two.  Solo sailing stresses independence and goal setting.  Sailing with a partner requires communications and teamwork.  double handed sailing

 

Safety boats on the water keep a watchful eye over students as they head out to the cove where they work on sailing skills.fleet prep

 

Whether its folding sails on a J/24 or putting Optis and Bugs back on the racks, kids learn the importance of team work (have you ever tried to roll up a sail by yourself ?).teamwork

Just back from a week on Nantucket Sound with family last week, we took friends sailing for the day leaving TI just before noon.   The Louis Vuitton series opens July 4th with racing scheduled to start July 7th and the AC72s were out as we sailed past Alcatraz toward Tiburon. Seeing these 13,000 pound boats up on foil is always a thrill.Oracle Foiling 130611After late lunch and walk about Tiburon, we headed back to TI around 5pm.  As we crossed through “windy alley” between Angel Island and Treasure Island around six thirty the wind was its typical 15-20 with higher gusts.  The tide was ebbing which created a moderate chop.  Fun sailing down the waves.

As we were capturing pictures of a gorgeous day on the bay we saw a lone wave-rider bite the dust followed by a huge splash. While not an unusual occurrence, it was late with waves building and the Bay empty so we watched carefully.

jet ski hits wave

At first the rider started to slowly catch up to his now-drifting craft.  Then the distance settled and started to increase.  With one set of eyes on the person in the water we came about and headed over to investigate.  As the distance between driver and wave-rider continued to increase, we deployed our life ring on a line and dropped the jib.

After circling around, we snagged the driver and with him hanging on the back of Skippers’ Gift ran downwind to the wave-rider, now four boat lengths to leeward.  He climbed aboard his craft and continued on his way to Emeryville.

Continuing on our way to Clipper Cove we discussed several “what ifs” and pondered the drivers fate if we had not been there.  A rather sobering experience and another reminder of the importance of life vests, sailing in pairs, staying aware and always being prepared.

From On the Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

I’ve heard a number of “50/50/50 rules”, including “An average adult has a 50% chance of surviving a 50 yd swim in 50o water”, “a person in 50o water for 50 minutes has a 50% better chance of survival if wearing a life jacket”, and “a person in 50o water for 50 minutes has a 50% chance of survival”.

Without our help this hapless driver would have been in a tough, perhaps fatal, situation.

 

Barney Joins TISC J/24 Fleet

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

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.

Volunteers Launch TISC Opening Day

TISC Opening Day - Low tide in the morning

Low tide on a quiet Clipper Cove Saturday, April 27

TISC Opening Day 2013 was smooth sailing from first launch at low tide to 6pm high fives thanks to the massive volunteer effort coordinated by our team.  I spent the day driving Skipper’s Gift, secretly envious of the lucky RS Venture drivers.

Based on the iPhone activity from the sixty six Skipper’s Gift “crew” yesterday there will be plenty of images on social media of smiling faces, happy families and passionate volunteers.  This blog is about the volunteers who helped enable our 850+ visitors to have enjoyable day On Clipper Cove.

Tide low during drop in

Low ( -1.4 ft) tides on Clipper Cove make launching and retrieving boats more difficult.

Tide high for hauling out

When the tides on Clipper Cove are higher launching is easier because the vertical distance from water to yard is less.

Mother Nature delivered up a nearly astronomically low tide of -1.4 just as we were launching the J/24s, RS Ventures and safety boats.  Made for a long drop, although we were rewarded later in the day with a convenient high tide for hauled out. 

Two USF Service-Learning teams working with our staff played a huge part in the planning and preparation of the day’s events.  I’m still not sure if they’ve all had a chance to get out for a sail, and will try to make sure that happens as they wrap up their work on the volunteer-enabling software for us and make their recommendations for any opening day “tune ups” we should consider for next year.

USF Team Ready to Register

USF Service-Learning team ready for registration. Notice the huge pile of life jackets in the background – they were ALL in used during busy times!

USF Team Managing Goods and Services

USF Service-Learning teams also sold TISC gear during the event.

As they have done for all major events over last few years, the Cal Berkeley Sailing team turned out in force.  They were there from first launch until last evening shadows began to settle over TISC launching boats, keeping our drivers on time, and helping visitors – many who had never sailed or even been on boats – on/off the J/24’s, RS Ventures and smaller water craft.  Their team sails out of TISC and are a model tenant in terms of sail hard, enjoy the bay and give back to enable others to benefit from the sport of sailing.

Cal Sailing Rigging J24s

Cal Berkely Sailing Team readies the J/24 fleet for a busy day on Clipper Cove.

Crowded day on the pier

Notice the huge crowds in the background ready for their turn at rides. Cal Sailing team helped visitors on/off the J/24’s during the day.

Tenants from TISC turned out in force to support opening day.  21 skippers and crew from our J/24, Melges 24, Thistle and V15 fleets showed up to help with driving and managing a small armada of watercraft.  A great showing of support from the “locals”.

Kevin and Chris lead skippers meeting

Kevin and Chris briefed the TISC Tenant Volunteers on plans for the day, stressing safety and timeliness during hand-off at the dock.

chris with radios and answers

Chris answered questions and passed out TISC-provided hand-helds to drivers for the J/24’s and safety boats.

RS Ventures and Kayaks ready

Volunteers setting up the RS Ventures, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks in preparation for the many free rides of the day.

The real stars of the day were the kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, Optis, RS Ventures and J/24s.  People came to enjoy the water and it doesn’t get better than an exciting eco-friendly day On Clipper Cove.

New RS Venture framed by HMB1

During low tide entrance to Clipper Cove must be made near the large pier temporarily occupied by the Hughes Mining Barge recently renovated for use in off-shore barge refurbishing by Bay Ship and Yacht.

RS Venture framed by Alameda Battle Bots

RS Ventures provided lively rides as the winds cooperated with 15-20 knot gusts. Notice huge “battle bots” in the background.

Opti and RS Venture

TISC’s fleet was augmented this year by the just-arrived RS Ventures. They will offer ability to have instructor-lead “on-the-water” classes for several students at the same time. The Opti on left sails with one or two students only.

RS Venture and J24 framed by Bay Bridge

J/24s, RS Ventures and kayaks were big hit with hundreds of visitors to TISC during Opening Day 2013

Safety Boat and RS Venture Framed by new bridge

Most common questions from guests on Skipper’s Gift were about TISC, our mission and sailing lessons.  Other popular ones: “How do boats sail upwind”, “where can I rent a boat like this”, and “what’s inside that large gray barge on the big pier”.

What started out for many as a Facebook link, email from a friend or outdoor pick on funCheapSF turned into an opportunity to share background on our mission of delivering life-lessons to kids through sailing.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, or enabling our team to kick off another year as a “Launching Point for New Horizons” for bay area kids, and a fun place to sail and race for adults.

Regards from on The Cove, Dave G

 In the wake: As I was preparing to swap out five smiling faces for a new crew just after lunch I was taken aback by a sleek PROTECTOR ribby parked under our two-ton hoist.  With a PIZZA sign on top?  I later found out Waypoint Pizza (history here, founded in 1997 same year as TISC) made a high speed run from Tiburon to provide hot pizza for many of our volunteers.  More in a later blog on the many “gifts in kind” that added to the cost-effective success of TISC Opening Day 2013.

Moore 24 Trailer Donation Supports New J/24

Karl's Trailer at TI

Karl’s Trailer at TI

Karl Robrock graciously donated a like-new Moore 24 trailer for use by our J/24 fleet.  Since recent smiles, docks, crashes and more smiles  blogs were posted, these interesting story lines have floated to the surface (I’m sure there are many Moore):

  • Moore 24’s were one of the first planing keel boats.  Even though many are 30 years old they’ve stayed competitive with progressive “in the spirit of the rules” one-design modifications such as open transoms and cleaner rigging.
  • Fleet founders started the “Roadmasters” series back in the 80’s.  Many races up and down the west coast. Trailers needed.  
  • Karl’s trailer was adapted for Moore 24 use in Seattle; it towed Moores up and down I-5 dutifully for many years.  Unique construction using upside-down trailer jacks for quick adjustment. 
  • Webb Chiles, a 70-year old who circumnavigated the globe five times, was getting ready for a 6th – in a Moore 24!  He was heading to Hawaii from San Diego then ‘round the world in his recently acquired “Gannet”. Trailer no longer needed. 
  • Karl jumped at the chance to upgrade when he saw Webb’s trailer for sale. Now Karl has a new travel-mate for his #121, “Snafu” and TISC has a sorely needed trailer for our J/24 fleet.

 

Karl and Webb
Karl and Webb in San Diego

 

Snafu, # 121

Karl’s Moore 24 Snafu, #121

Karl (and Webb), THANK YOU for your support.  TISC students will benefit from a recently-donated J/24 thanks to your generous donation – and we’ll keep you posted on our Moore 24-to-J/24 trailer conversion.

Regards from On The Cove, Dave G

In the Wake:

Here are a few links to Webb Chiles’ recent and past adventures and the 2013 Roadmaster Series.  If you have more send them along and I’ll post them for others to enjoy.

One of Web Chiles many books: Return to the Sea  (includes another story-line; Webb’s Boston history)

‘Lectronic Latitude – Webb Chiles Sneak Peak

Sailing World Blogs – The Webb Chiles Way

 Schedule for this year’s Moore 24 2013 Roadmaster series.

Trailer, Docks and Richmond SMILES – then crash !

Blue sky and diamond sparkles highlighted Clipper Cove as I drove over the Bay Bridge to TISC Thursday morning.  What a great day for the Richmond Parks and Recreation sail plus dock installation for the BAYS Golden Bear Regatta.

Early start with a 7:30 appointment in Alameda to pick up a donated Moore 24 trailer.  Stay tuned for the international background behind this gracious donation in a later blog. Ditto for the excellent dock work supplied by volunteers from Encinal, Richmond, San Francisco and St. Francis Yacht Clubs and Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation.

Philip and Ivan, two of our TISC  instructors, treated ten kids + two advisers from Richmond Parks and Recreation to a breezy sail on the bay.  They were all smiles when their J/24’s returned to the docks around 1pm:

Richmond Sail at TISC-1 Richmond Sail at TISC-2

Answers to my question “What was your favorite part of the day?” included “I sailed the boat”, “being on the water”, and “what makes the sky blue? ( elementary students often answer a question with a question, you know)”.  All answers delivered with big smiles and inquisitive minds.

Side Bar: Thursday was quite windy; the kids had an exciting ride.  A few upset stomachs enused.  After the sail, however, they were ALL SMILES, and everyone wanted to come back for another sail at Treasure Island Sailing Center.  Troopers every one !

About  “The Crash”.

If you look closely at this group shot taken before the sail at 10:50am, you will see two cranes removing portions of the under-works used to assemble the eastern section of the new Bay Bridge.

Before the Crash

In this picture of their return to the docks just after 1pm, notice the large pile of broken steel and the broken crane on the construction barge:

Titanic Moment

Here is another picture I shot seconds after hearing the rumbling and crashing from tons of steel dropping on the barge below at 12:07 pm.  You can see the yellow lifting frame used to lower the sections as it it dropped to the barge on top of the under-works, taking the remaining crane down with it:last section dropping

 

Regards from (not your normal day) On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake: As I finish this blog, 250 kids from 50 schools in 35 towns are finishing up the first day of the BAYS Golden Bears Regatta on Clipper Cove.  Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at Thursday’s preparation for this PCISA event.