volume 70, number 5 - portland yacht club...once we reopen, we expect to resume our regular food and...

Memories of Opening Day Ceremony and Boating Parade, 2019. Photos by Terry Johnson and Scott Leeding

May 2020Volume 70, Number 5

Hello! How are you all doing? It is a beautiful spring day, and there is

hardly anybody outside. Could you have imagined “social separation” in your wildest dreams (worst night-mares)? There is no doubt we are in one of the toughest times most of us have experienced, or hopefully ever will experience.

Tom and I live on Bridgeton Road, along with quite a few PYC members. Sometimes, when we go for a walk after dinner, we get to see them (from a distance, of course). We treasure those encounters. Sometimes we walk the docks, entering through the N-row gate, and going up to the Breakwater. Mostly, we are the only ones around. We have been watching local musicians perform through Facebook links, watching the may-oral and city council debates on City Club’s YouTube channel, and we don’t ever miss the evening news.

It is so important to feel connected, isn’t it? I look for-ward to the weekly emails from PYC. Thank you, Kath-leen! Watercrafters has been Zoom meeting. Thank you, Plonneke Thoolen, for organizing, and to all the ladies who are participating.

The sailboats are racing the Bring Your Own Boat Social Separation Series 2020 on Saturdays at noon. The skippers are either sailing single-handed or bringing a spouse or child. Thank you, Dan Petrin and Mike O’Bryant, for the challenge.

Don’t forget that we can communicate on the PYC Facebook page and the Online Forum in the Member Pages on the website.

Even though the club is closed, the business of the club is ongoing. The Board is meeting remotely. We con-tinue to receive new member applications. At the April

board meeting, we approved 9 new members. Daniel and Kathleen and Fonda are working remotely and are available by email and telephone during business hours. Samantha is in the office Tuesday through Saturday. Nick and Paco are keeping our property up to snuff. The club will look great on Opening Day, even though the event is cancelled.

As I am writing this, we still don’t know when the virus will allow the club to reopen. We are canceling events as it becomes clear that it will be impossible to hold them. There is no cancellation penalty, so sign up if you would like to attend an event and stay tuned to your weekly email.

I need to give a shout-out. Next time you’re at the Out-station, notice the improved new A-row sign, thanks to Thomas Braunstein’s craft and Harry Braunstein’s and Bob Martin’s execution. Thanks, guys.

On a personal note, Garret and Angie had their baby, making Tom and I grandparents for the first time. I spend considerable time these days, coming up with ways to be “essential” so that I have an excuse to see them. We have fond memories of bringing our boys to PYC and look forward to making new memories with little Tano.

We miss casual conversations, lunches, cocktails, and social events with you, but just think: when this ends – and it will – the bar and the patio will be packed, every event will sell out, every kid will be glad to be in school, everyone will love their job, the stock market will skyrocket, every other house will get TPd, and we’ll embrace and shake hands. Those will be the GOOD TIMES. And, when we look back, I hope we can say we met this challenge with grace and compassion for our-selves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.

Hang in there, friends.

www.portlandyc.com

Commodore’s CommentsBy Barbara Woodford

The June Portlight Deadline is May 10th

email artiCles & reports to: Mike O’Bryant

[email protected] photos to: Skip Nitchie [email protected]

The Portlight page 2 May 2020

What a strange month April has been. The clubhouse has been

closed and our normal early spring season is certainly not normal. Fortunately, everyone at the club seems to being doing well and is staying healthy. By the time this is published we hope that we are “out of the woods” and are on the path back to normalcy at PYC.

We had to take steps in March to ensure that the club would be able to support our staff during the mandatory closure, which included laying off sixteen of our beloved staff members. This was done on March 20th to allow staff to apply for unemployment benefits until we are able to rehire them back, once the club reopens.

In addition, we kicked off our COVID-19 Staff Fund-raiser to raise money for our laid-off staff to help them pay their bills. I am happy to announce that your gen-erous donations raised nearly $18,000 which went a long way in helping them through these most difficult of times. I wanted to share a couple of notes from the staff:

“Thank you so much! And this is so much appreciated!” -McKinlee

“I just want to let you know that I received the donation from the membership today. I can’t express how grateful I am for their kindness during this time. What a heartfelt act of caring it is! I am really left speechless by their support.”

- linda

While we have missed the Sailor’s Dinner, Spring Ladies Dinner and the Bunny Brunch, all scheduled in April, we have much to look forward to. If we are able to open in May, we will kick off the month with a weekend long Opening Day celebration at PYC, even through the CRYA has cancelled the official Opening Day parade this year. Then we will celebrate the Mom’s in our lives at our extravagant Mother’s Day Brunch, complete with bottomless sparkling wine, omelets, waffles, carved ham, seafood and much more. If you haven’t been to our

Mother’s Day brunch in the past, this is the year to join us. Then, we will cap off the month with a wonderful Memorial Day Cruise and celebration at the Willow Bar Outstation. I hope we can enjoy all of these great events!

Once we reopen, we expect to resume our regular food and beverage operations with expanded hours. We plan on offering lunch Tuesday through Friday, our weekend brunch, and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. And you can count on the patio being open and ready!

While we hope you are all enjoying boating during this crisis, please be mindful about social distancing on the docks and at the outstation during these trying times. In early April we made the decision to close the restroom facilities in both the PYC clubhouse and at the Willow Bar Outstation due to concerns that we may be putting people at risk by leaving these facilities open. We apolo-gize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we want to make sure we are protecting our members and staff from any harm.

Thank you for your support and membership. Cheers to a great spring boating season!

� PORTLIGHTPublisһed montһly by tһe

PORTLAND YACHT CLUB1241 NE Marine Drive, Portland, Oregon 97211

503-285-1922 (ph) • 503-283-4960 (fax)[email protected] • www.portlandyc.com

Committee – Mike O’Bryant, editor; Sandy O’Bryant, graphic design;

Nancy MacGregor and Skip & Mary Ann Nitchie

offiCers and trustees

Commodore Barbara Woodford (sail)

Vice Commodore Floyd Jones (power) Secretary/Treasurer David Gunsul sail Rear Commodore Bob Morgan (power)

Trustee Sandy Akin (power)

Trustee Greg Allison (power)

Trustee Scott Brattebo (sail)

Trustee Mike O’Bryant (sail)

Trustee Steve Spahr (power)

www.portlandyc.com

Club manager reportBy Daniel Wilkins


BRIAN CHENOWETH AND HEATHER EDWARDS

Brian and Heather are boat owning former PYC members returning after an absence. Brian is an attorney at Che-noweth Law Group in Port-land. They have two teenage children. Their boat, M/V Sun-shine Daydream, a Meridian 40, is currently moored in down-town Portland at River Place.

FRANK CALISTROA psychologist born in Port-land, Frank is an avid sailor and racer, both on the Columbia River and off shore. He has sailed in the Oregon Offshore and Swiftsure annu-ally since about 1990. He has two adult boys. Frank has been commodore of both SYSCO and CYC. He moors his boat,

S/V Wy’East, a 36 foot Cascade, which he purchased in 1993, at Tomahawk Marina.

JASON CRONE AND HEIDI WALRATHJason teaches at Battle Ground High School and, in the past, taught automotive technology at Clark College in Vancouver. Jason and Heidi have two sons. Aboard their sailboat, S/V Wave Mistress, a Hunter 28.5, they have cruised the Columbia and have participated in Sailing on Sunday races.

DAVID HAUER AND YVETTE CHEVALIERYvette is a returning PYC member and David is new to the Club. David is president of Truck Equipment and Ship repair. They are boat-owning members with the 32-foot Carver named Island Time, which is currently moored at Columbia Crossings at Jantzen Beach. They have adult children.

CARL AND NICOLE SIROISCarl and Nicole own Paragon Group International, located in Camas. Carl is managing director. They are both long-time sailors of the Portland sailing community and own two boats: Rio, a Merit 25, which they race and hope to moor at PYC, and S/V Siren, a Bene-teau First 36.7. Their sailing resumes include both river and

offshore races, and Nicole has been Commodore at OCSA and is one of the founders of OWSA. They have both lived in Portland for the past 33 years and have two adult children.

HANS (KEN) AND MELODY TENNEFOSS Ken is a freelance writer and editor, delivery captain and yacht broker. They are mem-bers of NOTS Boating Club and the Tacoma Yacht Club and currently own the 53 foot Ocean Alexander M/V Mucho Gusto, currently moored in Scapoose, where they live. They have two adult children.

JAY AND CATHERINE THIELEJay owned a cabinet and mill-work company for 38 years. Today both Jay and Catherine are retired and have three grown children. They own S/V Salient, an Antrim 27 foot Ulti-mate SB. They love racing and cruising.

JASON WHITAKER AND KINDRA KOCHJason with his fiancé Kindra, have a long history of boating. Currently they are members of the Columbia River Yacht Club and he is a past member of Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town, South Africa (he was born in South Africa). He is currently at W.S. Yacht Bro-

(Continued on next page)www.portlandyc.com

new member profilesBy Mike O’Bryant, Editor


MAYBAR & GALLEY SCHEDULE

LUNCHES — 11 am - 2 pm on WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY

HAPPY HOURS — 11 - 8 pm on THURSDAY; 2 - 5 pm on FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

DINNERS — 5 - 8:30 pm on FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY

BRUNCH — SATURDAY & SUNDAY — 10 am - 2 pm

kers, and in the past has been 1st officer on a megayacht (40,000 blue water miles under his belt) and, closer to home, has worked in boat yards and in marine electronics. Jason has two teenagers. They currently own a runabout.

BRYRICK AND CASEY SHILLAMAs non-moored boat owners, Bryrick and Casey are 5-year residents of Oregon, coming to the state from California and Washington. They have always owned motor vessels and currently own the 48 foot Navigator, M/V Our Heaven, moored at Rocky Pointe Marina. Bryrick is affiliated with the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, and is at W.S. Yacht Brokers. The Shillam’s have a 10-year old son.

NEW MEMBERS (Continued from previous page)

Mother’s Day

Brunch Complimentary Champagne

Fine Pastries and much more!!

$30 | Adults Bar Open 9 AM

Under 21 | Pay Your Age! Family Seating 10 AM– 12:30PM

To RSVP Contact the office (503) 735-0632 or use link in Weekly News.

SUNDAY, MAY 10th

PYC Outstation — 2016 (more historical photos on pages 10-11)

www.portlandyc.com


Planning for Club ReopeningBy Barbara Woodford, Commodore, and Daniel Wilkins, PYC Club Manager

PYC closed the clubhouse on March 21 in response to the CDC recommendations on how to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It

recommended that non-essential businesses close and restaurants, bars and clubs cancel large gatherings and practice social distancing in smaller gatherings. On March 23, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown directed us to Stay Home, Save Lives. Her directive resulted in many closed businesses, including social and private clubs, like PYC.

In mid-April, the Governor laid out the steps needed to reopen Oregon’s economy. She gave few specifics and no dates, explaining that the disease controls the timing.

Here at PYC, we have formed a committee of Board officers, trustees, and staff to plan our reopening when the Governor allows. We anticipate that there will likely be some continued social distancing and other protective measures required. We are waiting for the Governor’s directive and will communicate with you through your weekly email from PYC.

New and improved A-Row sign at Willow Bar Outstation: Thanks to Thomas Braunstein’s craft and Harry Braunstein’s and Bob Martin’s (pictured) execution.

www.portlandyc.com


�Willow Bar Outstation I May 22 - 25, 2020

Celebrating All Who Served: Members of the Military, First Responders and

their Families. Friday, May 22

18:00 - Happy Hour Appetizer Potluck

20:00 - Movie - 1917

Saturday, May 23 09:00 - Breakfast Casserole

TBA - RC Races

12:00 - Ridgefield Dinghy Lunch Cruise

18:00 - Spaghetti Dinner

20:00 - PYC's own Andrew Sisters - PVC/USO Dance, come in

Costume from fatigues to TBA

Sunday, May 24 09:00 - Breakfast Potluck- Bring your

favorite Dish - Mimosas

TBA - RC Races/Geo Cache 17:00 - St. Helens HS Jazz Band Ensemble 18:00 - BBQ Ribs 20:00 - Movie - Good Morning Vietnam

Monday, May 25 09:00 - Continental Breakfast 10:00 - Memorial Day Service

$35 per person for the weekend. $20 for Saturday or Sunday dinner only. Reserve at [email protected] or call 503-735-0632

www.portlandyc.com


www.portlandyc.com


Social Separation Race For Fun photos by Frank Bocarde

Saturday Social Separation Series 2020 — Sailors, like most boaters, can’t stay inactive and that’s why PYC member Dan Petrin started the Social Separation Series in March. The initial turnout was five boats, but that has grown to near 20 on following Saturday’s. There’s just one primary rule: crew can only be people who are in a close separation circle. Sailors are single-handing their boat while other boat crews are husband and wife, or child. If you haven’t been quarantining together, don’t show up!

www.portlandyc.com


PYC Outstation – 1993 Cove Marina “before cleanup”

www.portlandyc.com

1995 Outstation construction


PYC Outstation – 1995 Dedication / First Cruise

www.portlandyc.com

2003 Float installation / improvements


25th Anniversary of Opening the Willow Bar OutstationBy Nancy MacGregor, Historian

The development and acquisition of the Willow Bar Outstation was a years-long process before finally resulting in the May 6, 1995 dedication

ceremonies and first official cruise.

In the late 1980’s several members began discussing the need for a cruising destination and possible purchase of an outstation facility. 1992 Commodore Dave Rim-bach appointed a search committee that included Byron Hanke (chair), Bernie Bills, Jim Butler, Bruce Aschim, Hank Schwager, Bob Foster and George Brice. Hanke recalls the many hours spent driving up and down the Columbia looking for suitable locations. The goal was to find an outpost that was no more than 30 miles from the PYC home moorage.

Brice presented the option of a property his father had once owned on Sauvie Island, known as the Cove Marina, located 14 miles downstream from PYC. While the property had potential, it would require extensive improvements. Frankly, the place was a mess with broken down docks, a failing sewage system and live-aboards who had long since given up on taking care of the moorage. The entrance was silted shut and had not been dredged since the 1950s. Onshore garbage and abandoned boats and vehicles gave the appearance of a dump. But, it was an ideal location!

A special membership meeting was held the evening of May 6, 1993 at the clubhouse. Over 100 members were present representing an adequate quorum. The Outstation Committee made a presentation with photos, drawings and a video of the proposed site. Members attending made many comments, pro and con. Concerns about financial commitments were numerous, as well as questions about dredging, maintenance and security. The atmosphere in the special meeting was a bit tense, as many members were hesitant to take on new debt, while many others were critical of the proposal, stating the funds would be better spent on needed maintenance on the current moorage.

Following the discussion, a motion was made to allow further study, including detailed cost information and the development of a timetable for completion of the transaction. An overwhelming majority passed this motion. The Outstation Committee then went back to work on specific details and prepared for a final meeting of the members to formally approve the purchase.

Commodore Bernie Bills and the Board of Trustees called a special meeting June 29, 1993, at which an overwhelming majority of PYC members voted to

acquire the Willow Bar property for an outstation for a cost of $165,000. With over 100 members in attendance and following considerable discussion about making such an important and historical decision, a vote of 85 in favor and 20 against gave the Outstation Committee approval to proceed with the purchase. “We could not have found a better location for the money,” Hanke stated.

By July 1994 the engineering consultant had drafted a submerged lands survey specifications and had also pro-duced three options for closing the seawall. A sub-com-mittee with members, Ron Sattler, Ray Hansen, Brad Howton, Bernie Bills and Frank Warrens were tasked with the oversight of the development and mainte-nance. Many volunteers and countless work parties had removed the vast majority of debris and garbage.

The club’s lawyers worked diligently to secure the property and rid the moorage of the squatters. Several motions were filed in Columbia County court, and the media was not favorable to the “prestigious” yacht club (as The Oregonian reported). Sattler and Warrens spent considerable time on securing dredging permits, dealing with the Army Corps of Engineers and Oregon Depart-ment of Fish and Wildlife.

Finally, the property was vacated and ready for the major redevelopment in early1995. A $10 monthly assessment was levied by the board to retire the loan for the initial purchase. 1995 Commodore Borys sched-uled the work crews with the assistance of Jim Butler and Bob Sudlow. Members worked tireless hours with Butler and Don Eudaly bringing in heavy equipment needed to construct the breakwater and entrance.

Nearly two years and thousands of volunteer work hours from the night of the decisive meeting, the first event took place on opening day, May 6, 1995. The construction of the docks, installation of water and electricity were underway. Those members who had participated in the planning and construction knew PYC had acquired a unique and special place and without the volunteers could not have succeeded in the accomplishing the enormous undertaking of the cleanup and improvements.

In the years following the acquisition continuous improvements to the facility have been made annually, including the installation of the float in 2002. The float, donated to the club in memory of Vern Lawrence, was initially an open dock, with restrooms, galley, roof and walls added in 2003-5, and windows and doors added as recently as 2016.

www.portlandyc.com


The Outstation is Here! (from the June 1995 Portlight)

Portland Yacht Club took a long step forward when it planned, constructed and dedicated an Outstation on Sauvie Island where members can

take their boats for over night or longer siestas in quiet, peaceful surroundings. It is a landmark for PYC and the rest of its kind in the Portland Vancouver area.

The club staged its first cruise to the site at Willow Bar, midway down the Columbia River side of the island May 6, immediately following the CRYA Opening Day parade and ceremonies. Fifty boats and a fleet of cars brought more than 250 people for the dedication festivi-ties which gave club members an opportunity to see the results of work done by more than 50 of their peers in building floats and other works.

Commodore Stan Borys presided over the program. He was introduced by Bob Sudlow, co-chairman of the cruising committee. Stan noted that when he became Commodore in January he and his staff developed a plan to have the Outstation ready for use by Opening Day and here it is.

He gave a brief history of the Outstation project: the committee found and purchased the property, the dredging and construction of the moorage, the docks and protective rock breakwater, all in four months.

He was followed by the raising of Bo Knab’s huge (25’x40’) American flag on the 54-foot cutter Luscious, rendering of Star Spangled Banner, and Borys’ dedica-tion of the property for the enjoyment of all members of the club. Then Bob Sudlow introduced 35 Willow Bar neighbors as special guests of the club. They mingled with 250 club members and other guests. Club Manager Dave Morris and his galley slaves served about 300 por-tions of prime rib dinner in a large tent which had been erected to ward off any rain—but rain failed to happen.

It was a notable occasion for PYC. The Outstation is close to home, only 12.5 nautical miles (14 statute miles) by boat from the home moorings, and 21 miles by auto-mobile.

April 2020: This Spring won’t be easily forgottenBy Mary Stainsby, PYC Race Captain

This is certainly a time that “will live in infamy” for years to come. Who would have thought that the Sailing on Sundays series would be the end Of

Spring Racing?

First PYC had to cancel its Intro to Racing class due to the Corona Virus restrictions imposed by state and federal policies. Then one by one, all other spring racing events were canceled: SYSCO Spring Series, Sailors’ Dinner, PYC Opening Day Regatta, several rules clinics and various classes were canceled as more and more cases of the virus have been reported.

Even the bigger races scheduled for late spring and early summer have been cancelled: Pacific NW Offshore (formerly known as the Oregon Offshore) was the first to fall, followed quickly by Swiftsure and the Cascadia Cup. Since then, the Summer Olympics have been post-poned until July 2021 and Pac-Cup, Southern Straits, Vic-Maui have all been canceled. The high school and collegiate sailing championships have been canceled along with many national championships.

As of this writing (mid-April), we are planning to run PYC’s Rose Festival Regatta on Sunday, June 7th, and the Mauni Elliott Series every Wednesday evening in June. Hopefully by then the restrictions will be lifted and the club will be open again! A reminder: if you reg-ister for the Rose Festival Regatta by May 24th, you will receive a $5.00 gift certificate good for food or beverage purchases at PYC.

If you would like to help with the Race Committee on any of these events, please email me at [email protected] and let me know. For the Rose Festival Regatta, we plan to leave the gas dock at 11:30 am, and for the Mauni Elliott Races, we will leave the gas dock at 5:30 pm. To help with the Race Committee, no experience is needed – we’ll explain anything we need done – and it’s a great way to watch the racing up close while enjoying the (hopefully!) beautiful weather on the water.

That’s all I have for this month. Take care, be safe, and hopefully we’ll all be able to get together at the club soon!

www.portlandyc.com


2020 Mauni Elliott Series

Come join your PYC friends and neighbors for this annual “for fun” series to be held on the four Wednesday evenings in June. The 1st gun at 6:30 pm each evening.

The bar and deck will be open following each night’s race.

Plan to come back to the club and hoist a few with your friends and neighbors!!!

To enter, please fill out one of the entry forms posted on the board just outside the club office and leave it in the office for the Race Committee.

www.portlandyc.com


www.portlandyc.com


MAY1,8,15,22,29 Fri. Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

1 Fri. Opening Day Cookout

7, 14, 21, 28 Sat. Brunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

2 Sat. CRYA Opening Day

3, 10, 17, 24 Sun. Brunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

5 Tue. Cinco de Mayo

6, 13, 20, 27 Wed. Lunch

6, 13, 20, 27 Wed. Golf

7, 14, 21, 28 Thur. Lunch, Happy Hour 11 am-8 pm

3, 17, 24 Sun. Brunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

10 Sun Mother’s Day Brunch

20 Wed. Board Meeting

14, 28 Thur. Watercrafters

22-25 Fri.-Mon. Memorial Day Cruise

JUNE2, 9, 16, 23 Tues. Lunch

3, 10, 17, 24 Wed. Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

3, 10, 17, 24 Wed. Golf

3, 10, 17, 24 Wed. Mauni Elliott Race

4, 11, 18, 25 Thur. Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

5, 12, 19, 26 Fri. Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

6 Sat. Brunch, Happy Hour & Cookout

7 Sun. Rose Festival Regatta

7, 14, 28 Sun. Brunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

11, 25 Thur. Watercrafters

14 Sun. Flag Day

18 Thur. Board Meeting

20 Sat. Brunch, Western Pig Roast

20 Sat. First Day of Summer

21 Sun. Father’s Day Brunch & Dinner

YOU MAKE THE LIST.

WE’LL CHECK IT TWICE.

OR CCB #1663 WA L&I #NEILKCI 18702

Big jobs. Small Jobs. Done Right.HANDYMAN SERVICES

neilkelly.com 503.331.9411

www.portlandyc.com

Closed Moorage Boat Houses Available for Purchase

Location and PricingF-9 $49,950

G-6 $49,500

G-7 $74,820

H-9 $29,950

PYC Rules ApplyContact Byron Hanke 360-904-7544 for details

or check the bulletin board in the clubhouse


The BOATYARD atRocky Pointe503-543-2785

All Services – Boats 20' - 60'

503-735-0569

3255 N. Hayden Island Drive Portland, Oregon 97217

www.schoonercreek.com

Advertise in the Portlight

Contact Portland Yacht Club office at:

[email protected] 503-285-1922

Boaters and members socially distancing at the Outstation recently. photo by Frank Bocarde

1241 NE Marine DrivePortland, Oregon 97211

volume 70, number 5 - portland yacht club...once we reopen, we expect to resume our regular food and...

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