Commodore's Column - February 2007

by Tom Sokoloski
Catalina 36 International Association

Sailing’s Little Pleasures
Have you ever noticed that sailing (and life, for that matter) is made up of a series of little pleasures? The gurgle of water past the boat. Sunny skies and gentle seas. The genoa that furls perfectly around the forestay. Tracking down that loose wire. Finding a buoy in dense fog. Steering with two fingers while the boat tracks straight as an arrow. The clang of a gong and the cries of a gull in the distance. An engine that starts with the touch of a button. Ten degrees of heel and ten knots of wind. Gliding into the dock and stopping exactly where you planned. A completed project that makes you beam with pride. Sun creeping up over the horizon with the promise of a great day. Sun settling down over the horizon at the end of a great day. A perfect mark rounding by a well trained crew. Sitting in the cockpit and simply enjoying the sights, sounds and smells.

For me, and I believe a large number of C36IA members, Dennis Stovall has also been one of sailing’s little pleasures. Last month, January first to be exact, marked the end of Dennis’ two year term as Commodore of C36IA. Dennis has guided the Association to new levels of membership (809 as I write this), new levels of fiscal responsibility, and new levels of creativity. Dennis has handed over the reigns to me, and you can’t believe what huge shoes I feel I have to fill. I find it hard to imagine being as compassionate and creative as Dennis has been. Nevertheless, I will give it a try. At the annual officers’ meeting in November, it was decided to slightly rearrange the responsibilities of the officers. In addition to being Past Commodore, Dennis will also be the Assistant Webmaster and the newly created Publications Officer (who else would it be, considering all the books Dennis has put together for us?!?). Chuck Reed and Bill Harvey will carry on their great work as Membership Chair and Treasurer, respectively. Tom Senator will continue sharing his wisdom as the Tech Editor for the MkII’s. Glenn “Chooch” Jewell brings a huge amount of sailing, engineering, and naval experience to the MkI Tech Editor position. Alex Lynch continues to impress us all with his knowledge and abilities as Webmaster. We have formalized the title and position of Fleet Relations Officer, and Brian Giersch will assume that role, and also handle the Ship’s Store. Linn Bass is our new Mainsheet Editor, and she has some amazing ideas up her sleeve. Phil Rojas quietly, but ever so effectively, rounds out the crew as Factory Liaison. I am truly honored to work with such a talented group of people. If you think of it, drop a note of thanks to one of the officers. I’m sure they would appreciate it.
As some things change, a number of things will remain the same for the Association. We will not increase dues, even though our expenses have increased. We will always try to improve the association. We will continue responding to member needs and desires. If you have an idea, or if you have a gripe, feel free to contact me or one of the other officers. We are here to serve you.
Part of the job of commodore is to act as the point person for the association. As such, I recently received the following note:

Thank you for all the information. We, me and me wife, have been looking for a yacht that could take us on longer trips. Last summer we spent 7 weeks in our former boot, a Compis 28. We have been looking in Spain, Greece, Holland and Germany and Sweden so at last we found just what we needed in the middle of Europe! In Hungary in the lake of Balaton! Now she is in her new berth at last. Next summer we plan to spend several weeks in our Catalina36.
Best Regards
Håkan Bergström, #1166 Athena, Karlskrona, Sweden

Athena, berthed in Sweden

Every day we are becoming more and more an international association, and I’m thrilled at the idea. It boggles my mind to imagine the route that Athena took from Woodland Hills in 1992 to Karlskrona in 2007. If only Athena could talk. Think of the tales she could tell!
While the northern parts of many countries are still frozen, there is hope. The days are slowly getting longer, and before you know it, launch time will be here. Cleaning, waxing, sanding, and painting still lie ahead, but they will be worth the effort. I’m looking forward to the gurgle of water past the boat, sunny skies and gentle seas, the genoa that furls perfectly around the forestay….