LHYC

www.LHYC.org May 2009

Mission Statement:

The objects of the Lloyd Harbor Yacht Club shall be to encourage and promote interest in, as well as to foster the art and enjoyment of, the sport of sailing by providing the opportunity and means for the development of individual skill and knowledge, encouraging excellence in seamanship and navigation, and by providing participative events wherein these qualities can be exercised under the aegis of the LHYC burgee.

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I sometimes wonder about the sanity of boat ownership, especially multiple boats during this time of year. At the time of this writing, I have not yet launched my dory or sailboat, and with the first race only two days away, it is cause for some concern (for me and perhaps others in the same boat, so to speak). But without this pleasure, where would I be? Tending a lawn, painting a room, screwing up the mechanics of a functioning vehicle? So, my fate is sealed and I continue to press on with the chores of boat ownership and do what I have done for the past 30 years of my life, starting with my Rhodes 19. But, as you’ve heard from American Express, membership has its privileges and at Lloyd Harbor that is especially true.

One windy, late Tuesday afternoon, our club’s J-24 fleet convened at CYC, despite squalls and drizzle, with the purpose of raising masts and getting ready for launching. Now I have done this exercise a few times by now (always with much assistance) and regard this process in launching as Sisyphean and dangerous, given the elevation atop the trailer. It certainly puts into perspective the value of the work our friends at the Coney’s and Willis’ Marine Centers do to spare one from these tasks. But before I knew it, the work team bounced from boat to boat and in less time than you would think, four masts, mine included, were raised, well before dusk and all in relative safety. While I don’t expect any breaks on the starting line with this crew, I am truly appreciative of our fleet for this assistance and regard this as one of the Lloyd Harbor YC’s membership benefits. I trust that many others have similar stories to tell in the boat yards and have seen other examples of pitching in to help our members and the club.

One such gesture was by Ron Prior, who once again served as Principal Race Officer (PRO) for our Spring Target Rock Series, ably assisted with son Brandon, Geremy Chelius and Jay Meyer. The first race is invariably cold and this one was windy to boot. Undeterred, this crew put together three great races and started the season off in fine fashion. Serving as PRO is one of the most important ways you can provide a service to the club, learn about race management and in between starts, stop and watch how the fleet operates and what the winners do to get to the top spots. LHYC is always seeking volunteers and interested persons willing to learn. Please help our club continue to operate by volunteering your services and participating in our events. It’s going to start getting busy with commissioning, races, cruises and raft –ups, so I hope at one function or another we see you out there. Until then, I wish everyone all the best for the coming season.

Sincerely,

Rich Rubel Commodore LHYC

The Power of the Mind – As a follow up to March’s article on the mind and a winning attitude I offer the following from BU’s Sailing Coach, Brad Churchill.

Games: Chess is the game choice. There are many similarities between the game of chess and the tactics of sailing, particularly in team racing. Good sailors are usually good chess players. Also, puzzle games are great for developing the analytical mind.

Concentration: Try this drill. Sit down between two stereo speakers on two different systems (could be a stereo and a walkman as long as the volumes are the same). Each speaker has something different playing. The exercise is to effectively shut out one sound and concentrate on the other and alternating between the two. Every 30 seconds try to switch from one to the other. Can you pay attention to one without being distracted by the other? One note on this: Don't use tapes that you know the words; the more foreign to you, the better the exercise.

Relaxation: Breathe deep, full breaths with long exhales. Melt the tension away. It's amazing how cleansing this simple exercise can be. Try it before starts.

Visualization: Starting well and getting to the first shift are what will keep you in the top pack. Visualize this and make it happen. Imagine yourself with a clear air, front row start and then with complete faith and confidence go out and get it.

Attitude: The next race is the first race of the rest of your life. Don't dwell on the past, bad or good. Take what you need from previous experiences and leave the rest "on the cutting room floor."

Board Meeting Bullets: The May Board Meeting held at the Sterflinger residence addressed the following as part of our agenda:

Interviews were conducted for two new applicants, Scott Jacobitti, who crews on Challenge IV, Bon Couers and sails his Catalina 25 Kelpatian. The board also met Rob Polizzo, a member and Treasurer of the Northport YC, who is learning about racing and cruising aboard his Catalina 27. These applicants were approved by the board and will be forwarded to the general membership. Currently the club roster sits at 90 fulltime members.
The Regatta Manager has been expanded to include membership data, such as emails and is starting to go online. Please disregard any notices about dues payment at present, as we have experienced some bugs at the outset; however, we are hoping to facilitate communications and fee payment by credit card with the use of this program.
The Melrose has undergone major surgery with addition of a new internal fuel tank, thanks to the efforts of PC Bob Storck who undertook this project over the winter and had the boat ready well in advance of the spring regatta. The club, once again, is indebted to Bob for his conscientious efforts and quality craftsmanship.
The Little Brown Jug picnic, it was suggested, be held on the club’s Lloyd Harbor mooring. This may encourage boats to come out and sail and then join a raft –up. However, for those not sailing, it may be logistically difficult to shuttle members out to the raft –up. More on this to follow.
The Greater Huntington Council of Yacht & Boating Clubs will be having the 2009 Meet the Commodore's Night on Thursday, June 4 at the Head of the Bay Club. This is a good opportunity to hear from our elected officials on issues pertaining to our waterways and to meet the leadership of our neighbor yacht clubs. Please plan to join us so LHYC will have a large showing at this event.
It was announced that Centerport Yacht Club’s beach permit was not renewed for the coming season due to numerous failing water test samples showing high bacteria levels. The Greater Huntington Council has initiated a review to learn how this happened and what the Town’s plans may be to correct it.

Miscellaneous Illuminations: Congratulations to the proud new parents, Chris and Jill Dara on the birth of their son Garrett Christopher Dara, born on May 13, weighing in at 8 lbs. 11 ozs. and 21 inches tall. Not to worry, sleep is somewhat overrated, but the addition of steady crew is priceless! Best wishes to the Dara family. ~~__/) If you have been wondering how to contact PC Carl Whitehead, we have just come across a new email address for him, unfortunately not in time to make the 2009 roster; please amend your

copy to include the following: vicar1905@aol.com. ~~__/) The Rubel family is proud of and pleased to congratulate our daughter Mia on her graduation from Boston University on May 17. It is wonderful having her back in NY and hopefully continuing on in her crew position aboard the Soul Rebel. ~~__/) Congratulations also go out to both Tim & Tom Storck for graduating from the Univ. of Delaware and SUNY Oswego, respectively. Rumor has it that there is a new boat for the fleet as well? ~~__/) We were saddened to learn of the passing of former member Lud Becker. Lud was a member from the late sixties until 1987. You may send you condolences to his son Craig Becker, 37 W. 21 Street Huntington Station, NY 11746, E mail: Craigindah@verizon.net. ~~__/)

Past Telltales