Commodore's Notes: How
Our New Commodore Got Here
I came to Corpus Christi on vacation
eight years ago. While looking for a place to park, I found a space next
to a local sailor. He was pulling stuff out of a trailer and then disappeared
into a really nice Rec vehicle. So, I did what all sailors do, I rigged
and proceeded to have a great day on the bay. Later, that guy was back
in front of his camper sitting in a lawn chair seated next to his girl
and reviewing his day of sailing. We spoke briefly about the day's sailing
session. He mentioned a "fun race", the Navy Regatta, to be held the next
day. The weather was going to cooperate with one heck of a windy day so
he invited me to show up and sail some more with the local crowd. On a
whim, I decided to test the security of the Naval Air Station, by showing
up dragging a trailer. I suspected that the guards at the gate would want
to search every cavity; the trailers', not mine. But on hearing that I
was going to participate in the days events, they waved me through. Fate
parked me next to the guy with the mobile home. We chatted and he encouraged
me to go ahead and enter the Novice/Sport fleet. It was kind of intimidating;
there were all these sailors with real, race gear, as opposed to the fun
boards that I had. I raced and had a blast. Later, at the event party,
I sat with the locals and was treated as one of the gang. They really made
me feel a part of their group. It was such a treat that I found it hard
to leave the windy bay and head back home to Florida. A few weeks later,
a couple of photo's arrived of me sailing in that race. They were shot
from the end of a pier and were composed as only a fellow sailor could.
They really made me look great. I've still got the photo! I'm sure
you've discovered from all the references that that guy in the trailer
was Chester Hulme. Little did I know that he would go on to become one
of the most popular "commodores" that this club has produced. He has become
such a good friend; but I'm not foolish enough to think that I was the
only one he treated with such generosity. He's the kind of guy every "secret
spot" needs. In a sport where the camaraderie has as much to do with our
enjoyment as the day's sailing, Chester is the Master of Ceremonies, the
Ambassador of Great Sailing, and the guy with enough spare gear to satisfy
any need. His tenure as commodore has seen a successful string of events,
parties, and fund raisers. We've all enjoyed the hospitality that he and
Pam have extended to any and all members of the club. From the participants
of the US Open ,the campers at Bird Island, and the Cole Park sailors,
we have all benefited greatly from having sailed with Chester and Pam.
The hand of fate next touched me when my wife, Diane was offered a job
in Corpus Christi. After living in San Francisco, and then Vero Beach,
Florida, we welcomed a chance to return to Texas. Sailing is such a part
of our life, that the chance to live by the bay and be near to our families
was one we couldn't pass up. So, needing some info about the area, we called
Chester. That phone call has paid dividends. We're part of
one of the best sailing communities in the world. Sure, San Francisco has
it's scenery, Florida has it's surf, but Corpus Christi has Chester and
Pam Hulme. It's that combination of people and sailing that make our bay
one of the best places to sail. So, Let me say "thank you" to Chester and
Pam on behalf of all the club members, past and present. We sincerely thank
you for your years as the head of our club. You've left your mark on us
all. As much as the two of you have always welcomed the sailors into your
home , I hope you know that there will always be a couple of lawn chairs
waiting for you by the bay.
Chip Biery
2001 Whataburger Series
by Craig Greenslit
PROGRAM
Sailors of all abilities are welcome to improve
their skills by participating in the 2001 Whataburger Windsurfing Series.
This year 4 days of the 6 race series will be held at Cole Park on Corpus
Christi Bay. The remaining 2 days will be held at Bird Island Basin.
In 2001, there will be 1 fleet that may be separated into divisions such
as Techno, Formula, Sport, etc., if a quorum of participants so elect on
the first day of competition. The quorum must establish the qualifications
of their division and communicate them to the Race Series Director.
Each division will be split by gender and have the following age groups:
Open - any age, Masters - 35 to 44, Grand Masters 45 +. The wind
minimum for racing to commence is a steady 8 knots measured on the committee
boat. Each days conditions and available resources will dictate racing
format; however, the plan is to conduct reaching out-n-back races in 8
- 12 knots, upwind/downwind course races in 12-21 knots, and slalom when
sustained winds are greater than 21 knots. The skippers meeting for each
day will be held promptly @1pm. Sailors should be prepared to begin immediately
following the skippers meeting
SCHEDULE
Race #1 - March 24 @ Cole Park
Race #5 - June 9 @ Cole Park
Race #2 - April 28 @ Cole Park
Race #6 - June 10 @ Bird Island
Race #3 - April 29 @ Bird Island
Backup day #2 - June 16 @ Bird
Race #4 - May 19 @ Cole Park
Whataburger Awards Party - June 23
Backup day #1 - May 20 @ Cole
RULES
The 2001-2004 International Sailing Federation Racing
Rules of Sailing will govern this series.
SCORING
Each race day will consist of a number of
heats. At least 3 heats must be run to have a race day count for
the overall series scoring. Fleet scoring will be used. Scoring
for each heat will be as follows: the winner will receive .7 of a
point, the second finisher will receive 2 points, 3rd gets 3 points, etc…
A participant that starts a heat but does not finish (DNF) will receive
points equal to the total number of entrants for the day + 1. A participant
that does not start (DNS) a heat will receive points equal to the total
number of entrants + 2. A participant that is disqualified (DSQ)
will receive points equal to the total number of entrants + 3. A
racer must start at least 1 heat to be considered an entrant and be scored
for the day. Sailors will get 1 discard for each 4 heats run in a
day (1 after 4 heats, 2 after 8, 3 after 12, etc..). DSQ’s can not
be discarded. Scoring for each race day will be based upon the sum
of the points scored in each heat less discards. The racer with the
least points for the race day will be awarded .7 point for the day, the
racer with the next lowest will be awarded 2 points for the day, and so
on. Ties will be decided in favor of the sailor with the most 1st
places; if a tie still remains, the tie will be decided in favor of the
sailor with the most 2nd places, etc… If a tie still remains, the
tie will be decided in favor of the sailor with the best position in the
last heat in which both individuals participated. Sailors must wear
a numbered bib or have readable sail numbers (at least 6” high) on each
sail.
The overall placing for each division in the
2001 Whataburger Series will be based upon the lowest sum of the points
for any 4 of the 6 days of racing. In order to be eligible for the
overall placing a racer must be considered an entrant for at least 4 of
the 2001 Whataburger Series race days.
AWARDS
Awards will go to approximately the top 60% of the racers in each age
group for overall series placing.
FEES
Season Pass (CCWA member) = $ 100 Season Pass
(non CCWA member) = $ 125
One Race (CCWA member) = $ 20
One Race (non CCWA member) = $ 25
First Timer (CCWA member) = $ 5
First Timer (non CCWA member) = $ 10
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are paramount for a successful windsurfing race. For
each event we need a Race Director and someone to provide Race Support.
The Race Director is responsible for setting the course, conducting the
skippers meeting promptly @ 1 pm, starting the races, recording the places
of finishers, pulling the course, and making sure that all entrants are
accounted for at the end of the day. Race support is responsible
for setting up the flags & banners at the race site by noon each day,
registration, maintaining communication with the boat via on shore radio,
and removal of flags & banners at the end of the day. If you
are interested in giving back to your sport please contact the Whataburger
Series Director listed below.
CONTACT: Whataburger Series Director Craig Greenslit: e-mail:
Hoffslit@AOL.com
Editor's Puffs: by
Roy Tansill
Your absolute last chance to get your mug
shot for the CCWA’s first ever members photo album will be at the January
meeting January 16th. If you wish to be included but have not as
yet been photographed by Don Gentry and can’t make the meeting, send a
photo of yourself to Don at 15373 Isabella Court, Corpus Christi, TX. 78418.
If you want the photo back, include a self addressed stamped envelope.
This notice appeared on rec.windsurfing
a few weeks before Christmas: In 2001, Andy Brandt will return to
his old stomping grounds at ABK Sports as full-time head instructor. He
will also act as the ABK road manager and continue to offer Freestyle Clinics
at select ABK Camps. For more information contact ABK Sports at (415)
927 8835 or info@abksports.com. I contacted ABK to ask about
what happened to their head instructor of the past two years (former CCWA
member Derrick Rijft) and was told ‘we’re still negotiating’.
January’s meeting will be at the
Paradise Pool & Billiards. If you haven’t been there yet, don’t
think its the proto-typical smoky pool hall- its not. Harrison Todd,
a long time CCWA member, is the creator of the new establishment.
From the design of the building to the stocking of the bar, Harrison’s
tastes and vision are reflected. There will be no pot luck this month
but the food will be 50% off the menu price for club members. The menu
offers a variety of unique burgers as well as several shrimp dishes ranging
from just fried to bacon wrapped pineapple & coconut shrimp.
At half price you shouldn’t pass this one up! Paradise is just behind
the Outback Restaurant West of the SPID between Weber and Everhart.
CCWA Meeting
The First CCWA Meeting of the NEW YEAR WILL BE HELD AT CCWA MEMBER
Harrison Todd’s Paradise Pool & Billiards at 7:30 Tuesday Night January
16th. See you in Paradise!
Paradise Pool & Billiards
5141 Oakhurst Dr.
Corpus Christi, TX
(361)-852-9252
Between Weber & Everhardt, West of S.P.I.D, out back
behind The Outback
50% off food for all members
(does NOT include drinks)!
CCWA 2001 Event Schedule
Janurary
9th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
16th- Monthly meeting- Contact Chip Biery
February
8th-Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
20th- Monthly meeting- Contact Chip Biery
March
9th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
10th- Screaming Reach- Contact Chester Hulme
20th- Monthly meeting- Contact Chip Biery
23-25 ABK clinic w/ Andy Brandt at Worldwinds, Bird Island Basin
Call (800) 793-7471
24th- Wataburger Race #1, Oleander Point, Contact Craig
Greenslit
April
7th-8th- Gulf Coast Championships, Lake Texana, Contact
Cliff Tudor 888-WHY-SAIL
8th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
17th- Monthly meeting- Contact Chip Biery
TBD- Texas State Championships, Lake Whitney, Contact
Aris Tsamis 800-536-9463
28th- Wataburger Race #2, Oleander Point, Contact
Craig Greenslit
29th- Wataburger Race #3, Bird Island Basin, Contact
Craig Greenslit
May
4-6th- 2001 Blowout, South Padre Island, Contact
7th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
15th- Monthly meeting- Contact Chip Biery
19th- Wataburger Race #4, Oleander Point, Contact
Craig Greenslit
20th- Wataburger Backup date for first 4 races
24th-28th- US OPEN Windsurfing regatta, Oleander Point, Contact EM
Marketing 985-1555
June
6th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
9th- Wataburger Race #5, Oleander Point,
Contact Craig Greenslit
10th- Wataburger Race #6, Bird Island Basin, Contact
Craig Greenslit
16th- Wataburger Backup date for races five and six
19th- Monthly meeting- Contact Chip Ducrest
23rd- One Hour Classic, Contact Craig Greenslit
July
5th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
14th- Bird to Causeway
17th- Monthly meeting, Contact Chip Ducrest
August
4th- Navy Regatta, Contact Craig Greenslit
4th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
September
2nd- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
18th- Monthly meeting, Contact Chip Ducrest
October
2nd- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
16th- Monthly meeting, Contact Chip Ducrest
27th- Aransas Triangle, Contact John Williams 758-2421
November
1st- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
20th- Monthly meeting, Contact Chip Ducrest
30th- Full moon bonfire, Blue moon, Mustang Island
December
8th- Holiday Party, Contact Chip Ducrest
30th- Full moon bonfire, Mustang Island
Pawel’s Painful Experience
by Pawel Kostulak
Thanksgiving week was truly a remarkable one
in the lives of my wife and I; on November 20 our son Bruno Eugene was
born weighing 9 pounds and 4 ounces. As other parents know, words can do
little to express the joy of such an event. Our happy family returned
home two days later with the intent to do nothing but care for our newborn
for the next few days. However, on sunny Thanksgiving day when I
heard the sound of wind swinging the trees behind the window, the temptation
was just to hard to resist. "What can be a better way to celebrate my son's
birth than a great session of windsurfing" I thought. Besides, my wife
Iwona was doing well and I would be out for only a couple of hours.
I arrived at Oleander first and shared good
news with people contemplating where to sail. The wind, they said, was
strong but gusty. After a while I decided to head for Ropes. There was
only one other guy sailing there, a Bulgarian professor living in New York.
I started on 4.5 and I was quickly forced to switch to my 4.0 sail. Sailing
was difficult since it was very gusty indeed. It must have been one
of these gusts that twisted my whole gear while airborne. I recall thinking
that I was approaching landing on leeward rail but it was too late to do
anything. The force of the fall forced me in the straps deeper. I don't
even know in which other direction I fell. Excruciating pain in my right
lower leg and my own screaming told me that something was wrong. After
floating for a few seconds trying to cope with this new experience I was
able to roughly inspect my leg, finding my foot in position far from anatomically
normal, twisted to the outside and down at the ankle joint.
I started to swim with my gear towards the
shore with horrible thoughts of dumping my rig to accelerate the process
and perhaps windsurfing altogether. Luckily I kept the rig and thanks
to shallow water near Ropes I was able to start moving more efficiently
by hopping on my good leg. Swells were pushing me towards a nearby condominium
complex and I knew it was a good thing- I could already see some windsurfers
there and I knew I got their attention floating for so long. When close
enough for them to get ready for action, I waved for help. They helped
me to get out of the water, over sharp and slippery concrete blocks and
pulled my gear ashore. They gave me a chair, blanket and called for the
ambulance. Many thanks to you guys: Chip Ducrest, Matt Kreft, Kirk
and Diane Vogelman and Devlin. Forgive me if I omitted anyone.
At the ER, after cutting my brand new Neil Pryde
wetsuit off of me, my ankle was repositioned by Dr. Clark and next day
he operated on me reuniting the broken fibula with a plate with seven screws.
Some of the ligaments were torn and these will probably need more time
to heal than the broken bone. I came back home on crutches and all
I can do is to hold the baby, otherwise I am pretty much useless. That
gives Iwona two to care for, instead of just one little one. But there
is always an upside: I get to spend my days on the sofa bonding with my
son for a few weeks.
Naturally, after the harm was done, I started
to think about the product I had read about before, the break-away straps.
I visited their web page, www.foot-saver.com and read stories strikingly
similar to mine. Talking to other windsurfers I learned that nearly anyone
who windsurfed for a few years either sustained similar injury or at least
came close to it. I recall positive comments about this product on
the internet discussion group rec.windsurfing and that Roy also wrote about
these straps in one of the previous newsletters. I will surely put them
on my boards before returning to windsurfing and I recommend the same to
anybody.
Sail safe Pawel Kostulak
Holiday Party 2000 Perhaps
the last Hurrah at the Hulme’s?
If there is only one CCWA meeting you can
attend all year, The annual Holiday Party is the one not to miss.
Outgoing Commodore Chester Hulme and his wife Pam had their home invaded
by yet another herd of partying boardheads for the 2000 CCWA Holiday party.
It may well be the final get together at Pam & Chester’s since Chester’s
job is taking him off to San Antonio and the house we’ve all enjoyed meeting
at for several years will be sold. That realization didn’t interfere
with my enjoyment of the gathering of many, some of whom I hadn’t seen
since last Christmas. Later, it was a sad after thought; I’m really
going to miss Chester. I know he’ll be around, like the many friends
who descend on Corpus on the weekends, but it just won’t be the same.
Enter our new Commodore, with a slightly twisted
arm, Chip Biery. I first met Chip the same way I met Chester-
rigging up. Chip has promised to put new importance into the
Vice Commodore’s role and to further obfuscate the issue the Vice Commodore
is also a Chip. Vice Commodore Chip Ducrest will get the job done
right and quickly. I’ve spent entire days watching Chip work- and
just watching wore me out. Other new executive members include Arleen
Ward the Secretary Treasurer and Phil Keyserlingk the Public Relations
officer. Craig Greenslit will be recycled into the Race Director,
and the newsletter editor will also again be ‘some guy named Roy.’
With new faces comes new energy and also new
ideas and goals. All of us on the 2001 Executive Committee hope you’ll
help us do the best job we can. From my perspective that means more
articles and letters from the members. While I’m at it I’d like to
wish Paul a rapid and full recovery as well as thanking him for his recent
article. It hurts to read some of it but his afterthoughts are something
we all should give some thought.
If your New Year’s resolution list is overloaded
with impossible goals, try adding an easy one- attend the next club meeting.
Welcome the new execs and enjoy the Paradise. If there is something
you want the club to do, now is the time to tell us. Well actually,
anytime is a good time but why wait?
The 2001 schedule looks like another busy
year. The return to Bird Island for some of the Whataburger Race
Series should be an interesting experiment. Perhaps some of the local
‘Lagunatics’ will join in those events- it would be nice to see large turnouts
for the series which has seen a decline in entrants for most events the
past several years. The Event Schedule looks full but there are gaps
when you could slip in one you’d like to promote.
The Survey
One lesson we've learned in this Bird Island
Plan episode is that no one seems to have a handle on what Windsurfing
means to the tourism business and the local economy. There was a
study done several years ago when the mayor of Corpus was a supporter of
the sport. It was conducted through the local A&M economics department
but no one seems to know where the data is- the lead instructor on the
project has moved on. One of our local boardheads is a retired demographer
and he proposed a survey so that we could produce figures should we need
to enlist the support of the local business associations at some point
in the future. A one page survey with less than a dozen questions
was designed and now we have to figure a way to get it diseminated and
collected.
We'll twist Don and Randy's arms (Worldwinds
owners) so they will collect them from Bird Island sailors. I'll
defer to fellow co-conspiritors for the Bay sailors and the 'Lagunatics'
who sail the mainland side of the Laguna Madre. Economic impact
extends beyond Bird Island but we'll keep track of where the completed
forms are collected (which launch site) so that we can also get user profiles
for specific launches. Getting folks to fill them out is another can of
worms but we'll get the word out that if you come to sail in Corpus you
ought to fill out the survey one time- it'll be good for the sport and
will help with present and future access issues. Click here for the
survey
form.
Bonaire Trip
The Bonaire trip below came to me from Cliff Tudor on a very cold December
day.... sure made Bonaire sound good. Cliff is in charge of this
expedition which means it’ll be done well. He can be reached at:
WINDSURFING SPORTS
800-WHY-SAIL Many of you know Cliff, he was the Bic rep for our
area for many years before going to work at Windsurfing Sports as well;
He’s also been involved in just about every facet of our sport over the
years. Add to all that experience his always friendly smile and you
couldn’t have a better organizer for a week long trip to one of the Caribbean’s
best sailing sites.
Bonaire Windsurfing Adventure
Sand Dollar Condo Resort - This oceanfront Caribbean resort paradise
with world-class diving, has 84 spacious studios, one, two and three bedroom
oceanview apartments including private balconies, fully equipped kitchens,
air conditioned bedrooms and living areas with cable TV. This resort also
offers a pool, tennis, and onsite grocery store. The Sand Dollar Dive and
Photo features state-of-the art photo and video facilities and a complete
line of scuba equipment. Instruction, and special activities and programs
are available for the whole family.
Windsurfing Conditions
February 3-10
Average temperature of 82 degrees year-round provides Bonaire with
one of the gentlest climates in the Caribbean. An easy 7 to 15-minute drive
across the island from most resort locations will bring windsurfers to
unspoiled and secluded Lac Bay at Sorobon Beach.
Lac Bay is protected by a reef and has 3 square miles of shallow, flat,
waist deep water, and sandy bottom providing ideal conditions for beginner
to advanced sailors. Constant side onshore trade winds averaging
15-20 knots, assure a safe sail inside this perfect bay rimmed with magnificent
white sand beach. There is a break in the reef at one side of the
bay that has a deeper channel with 1 to 3 foot rolling swells for advanced
sailors to try.
Water temperature averages 80 degrees year around in Bonaire, so you
will not need a wet suit, but we strongly recommend sun protection.
Many sailors will wear lightweight lycra tops.
Packages from $1200 (6 people in 3 bedroom) to $1400 (dbl occupancy)
per person. W/O ABK clinic minus $425
non sailor package minus $625
7 nights - Sand Dollar Condo resort, ocean view
6 days - windsurfing equipment rental arranged through Jibe City at
Lac Bay
5 days - ABK Clinic or 5 days Andy Brandt Freestyle Clinic, Monday
- Friday
All Condo packages
includes rent car (1 per unit) and hotel tax.
Airfare Houston to Bonaire approximately $700 per person (travel
Saturday to Saturday)
(Must receive
deposits to hold reservations to guarantee price)
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