Cat Tales

March 2004



View from the Bridge

Rich Miller, Commodore

As I write this on the day before the first day of spring, the snow is coming down and gathering in all of the places that I know I will need to shovel. Given the choice between some out-of-the-way spot at the end of the yard and the front of my driveway, it picks the driveway every time. Claire keeps telling me that the plow throws it there when it comes through - I suspect something more sinister is afoot. Either way it has to get shoveled. Ah, early springtime in Pennsylvania!

The season did get a lot warmer thanks to everyone who attended our last member meeting. We had an amazing turnout of thirty members to share in the great Italian food served up by our hosts at the Italian Garden in Crofton, MD. It was wonderful to stand in front of such a large group and see familiar faces, new faces and faces we don't get to see as often as we would like. (If you want to relive the evening, check out the pictures on the club web site.) Thanks to everyone for making it such a splendid gathering and to our Vice Commodore, Al Lohman, for organizing it all. I hope you enjoyed being there as much as we did.

Thanks also to our speaker, Bob O'Malley of Quantum Sails. We learned a great deal about choosing the appropriate types of sails, handling systems and hardware for different sailing conditions and purposes. You may see Exploring the Blue sporting a new cruising spinnaker or a whisker pole one of these days. If you took an idea away from the talk and you try it on your boat, let us know how you make out. Send us a story about your experiences for the newsletter, or post it on the CCYC Forum on the club's web site. It's great to share your experiences - both good and bad.

We got a tremendous response to the sale of CCYC hats, visors and burgees, and we appreciate your support of and pride in the club. The sale of these items will not only help us demonstrate our membership in the organization and attract new members, but it will also contribute to the budget and allow us to continue operating the club in the best way we can. If you missed your chance at the last meeting, fear not! We will have all of the information about our club memorabilia at the next meeting, or you can contact one of the club officers with your request. You can also place your orders for Lands' End merchandise on the club's web site. Our truly fearless webmaster, Mike Davis, has put together a comprehensive set of instructions and an order page if you'd like to obtain some CCYC logo gear for the season. You can find it by following the Reference link on the home page and clicking on Lands' End at the bottom. (He will give a demonstration at the Brunch.)

Just a last reminder to send us your dues if you have not already done so. Our next event is the Flag Raising Brunch on April 3rd, and we will be putting together a club membership directory for distribution to all members at the meeting. We would love to be able to include your name and boat information in the directory.

That's all for now. I hear there is a snow blower sale going on at the mall. It's never too late - or too early. Smooth sailing!



Flag Raising Brunch
April 3rd
Pirates' Cove Restaurant, Galesville, MD

Al Lohman, Vice Commodore

We have arranged a great deal for our Flag-raising Brunch. We will meet at the Pirates' Cove Restaurant in Galesville, MD on April 3rd at 11:30 AM. The restaurant will provide us with our own room and members will have a choice of three brunch selections:

Each choice includes fresh fruit, coffee, and tea. There will be a separate cash bar. Advance reservations are not required; you can select your meal when you arrive. The restaurant does require one check for the meal so please come prepared to pay with cash or check for your share.

Directions: From Annapolis, head south on Rte 2/ Solomons Island Rd. until you get to Mill Swamp Rd. Turn left and continue to Muddy Creek Rd/Rte 468, where you will turn right. Take Rte 468 to Galesville Rd and turn left. After 1 mile, turn left onto Riverside Dr and look for Pirates' Cove on the right.

From the south, take Rte 2/ Solomons Island Rd. north until you get to Rte 255/Owensville Rd. Turn right and continue until it becomes Galesville Rd and then continue as above.

There are maps on the web site and if you want to use MapQuest, the address is 4817 Riverside Drive, Galesville, MD (phone 410.867.2300)



New CCYC Members

Welcome aboard to the following sailors who have joined CCYC:
Harold and Margie Packman, C400 True Brit II




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